5 Facts about Mozambique and Botswana

1. Botswana, roughly the size of France or Texas, is land–locked by Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe and is bisected by the Tropic of Capricorn. Eighty–four percent of the country is covered by the Kalahari Desert, but grasses and bushes can still be found within the rolling sand dune plains.



2. The Okavango Delta, Botswana is a wetland area within the Kalahari Desert and is formed by the Okavango River (originating 1000 kms further north) flowing into the sands and forming this large oasis in which you´ll find a mass of wildlife gathering.



3. Chobe, Botswana is the second largest national park in Botswana and has the greatest concentration of animals. This area is broken into four parts that range from lush plains and dense forests to marshes, swamps and arid lands.



4. Mozambique is a South Eastern African Country, rimmed on its Eastern shores by the warm Indian Ocean. In 1505, it was colonised by the Portuguese, who only allowed independence in 1975. Today, it is a country of beaches, islands and sun.



5. Bazaruto, Mozambique is part of a five–island archipelago and each island is known for their dunes and pink flamingo nesting grounds, endemic butterflies, sumi antelope, choral reefs and shipwrecks. Scuba diving, snorkelling and fishing are popular sports here, as is bird watching and relaxing.

”Imagine an unspoilt island within a National Park, deserted beaches of pure white sand, sparkling turquoise seas crisscrossed by local dhows plying their trade, swaying palms, sunny days and star studded nights… and you have Azura Mozambique.”

Azura, situated on Bazaruto Island, is Mozambique´s first luxury ´eco´ boutique retreat and was built by the community. Each of the fifteen villas have a pool, blend modern chic with traditional designs and are only a stones throw away from the beach. This retreat has been built as a sanctuary, a refuge from the pressures of the world. Activities include a Spa, scuba diving, deep sea fishing… and many, many more.

Mozambique Diving Experience: www.actionafrica.info

The Bazaruto Islands offer a host of sights and diving opportunities. Why not take a yacht and explore the archipelago, discovering all that these protected lands and islands holds and hides.

From relaxing on beaches to exploring the massive dunes on Bazaruto Island or snorkelling on Benguerra and witnessing the sheer beauty of the reefs combined with the variety and abundance of marine life – such as banner fish, moorish idols, butterfly fish, blue striped snappers, barred sweetlips, goldies, trigger fish, Turtles, Dugong and hosts of others – you are sure of many splendid and profound experiences.

Situated within the Chobe Reserve and gifted with a backdrop of awesome visas, Chobe Chilwero is an African sanctuary that offers a silver service and gourmet meals, along side optional activities, such as a day trip to the Victoria Falls, a sun–downer cruise on the Chobe River, fishing, a water safari, spa treatment and game drives.

When venturing from your thatched cottages on one of these game drives, you are likely to see hippos, buffalos, puku, antelope, lions and so forth. Chobe also boasts of having the highest concentration of elephants in Africa.

Experience the Ultimate Bush Adventure: www.actionafrica.info

Suggested Botswana Experiences

Sample itinerary

Day One:

• Arrive in Maun
• Transferred by plane and a game drive to camp which overlooks a seasonal flood plain lagoon.
• Evening ride and get to know your horse.
• Candle–lit dinner.

Day Two:

• Breakfast before riding westwards following elephant trails from one palm island to another
• Lunch and a siesta
• Ride out into the plains, later enjoying a refreshing drink while the sun goes down.

Day Three:

• Leave camp early to investigate fresh game tracks
• Champagne breakfast under a large baobab tree.
• The evening ride is spent exploring the lower flood plains where elephants often gather at a pool.

Day Four:

• Ride through grasses
• Pace increases as you ride along flood plains, often disturbing troops of baboons.
• Return to camp for an afternoon spent at leisure and later a night drive by spotlight.

Day Five:

• Ride deeper into the heart of the delta.
• Camp looks out over a favourite elephant watering hole.
• The afternoon may be spent swimming or walking. Fires are lit at night, creating a strong human presence to keep marauding animals away from the horses.

Day Six:

• Splash through water on the vast open plains, home to wildebeeste and zebra.
• After break, ride back to Macatoo along the myriad of waterways lined with large trees.

Day Seven:

• The last full day´s riding takes you cantering through the shallow flood plains, admiring the deeper pools of lilies.
• The evening offers a last quiet ride with memorable smells of sage as the sun goes down with final sundowners in a surprising location.

Day Eight:

• Ride along some of the high palm islands which offer great vistas.
• Return to camp to prepare for your onward journey.