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For those planning Botswana vacations, the Southern African country offers plenty to discover. From art to wildlife, here's an (almost) A-Z guide of the best to see while on Botswana vacations…
Art
There is a world-renowned tribal art and craft tradition in Botswana, as well as a wealth of ancient rock art. The Tsodilo Hills, west of the Okavango delta, are the richest rock art site in southern Africa with over 4,000 catalogued paintings.
Birdlife
With almost 600 species of birds, including many unique and rare specimens, a Botswana vacations would not be complete without an appreciation of its wonderful bird life. When the Makgadikgadi fills with the annual rains, hundreds of thousands of waterbirds migrate to Botswana, adding to the colourful spectacle.
Chobe
Chobe National Park is a superb wildlife reserve with the largest elephant population in the world.
Culture
Botswana has a rich cultural history, including the stone wall ruins, patterned pottery and Stone Age tools that litter the countryside. Botswana preserves its local traditions and has carefully protected its ancient human culture, such as the Stone Age artefacts of the saltpan areas.
Kalahari
The Kalahari Desert, which covers most of Botswana, is the largest stretch of wind-blown sand on the planet, and hides many remarkably adapted creatures, which can be found in its striking, stark landscapes.
Makgadikgadi
The flat salt-baked expanse of the Makgadikgadi pans that, with the adjacent national park, covers an area as large as Portugal, is the bed of a once massive super-lake that covered much of central and northern Botswana. In the rainy season this unique landscape is filled with water and remarkable bird and wildlife.
Okavango Delta
The most popular area for Botswana safari holidays, the Okavango Delta, has a unique ecology and plenty of wildlife and bird species, which can be viewed at close-range from a mokoro (primitive dugout canoe). The Okavango Delta is a labyrinth of lagoons, lakes and hidden channels covering an area of over 17,000 square kilometres and the world's largest inland delta
Tranquility
Unlike trips to much of Africa, Botswana vacations are safe and secure, with little crime in the area and no political unrest. The people are passive and content, and with a growing number of successful community based tourism initiatives, there is a widespread appreciation of tourists and the revenue Botswana safaris bring to the country.
Tuli Block
A region that is close to the capital but often neglected on Botswana vacations, the Tuli Block is a fascinating study in geology and ecology as well as one of the prime areas for the mineral wealth of the country.
Wilderness
Botswana has one of the lowest population densities in the world, and with it's exclusive tourism policies, the wilderness attractions are largely unspoilt and uncrowded, promising an unparalleled African adventure experience.
Wildlife
Herds of wildlife can be found throughout the country, both in and outside the national parks, with growing concentrations in the northern tourist areas. Botswana has the largest population of elephants in the world and is home to a migrant population of over 120,000 of these massive creatures.
Book accommodation for your Botswana vacations now!
To read the full article visit: http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Z-of-Botswana-Safari-Holidays-(Almost)&id=1113781
Looking for a physical challenge when on your Namibia vacations? Have you got what it takes to run in the mighty Namib Desert? Well, there's only one way to find out..!
One of the ultimate running adventures is this 5 day 250km trail footrace through the Namib Desert, home to some of the tallest sand dunes in the world.
The Namib Desert Challenge is back for the second year and the route will once again take place in areas which are closed off to tourists and the general public.
Be one of the very few to set foot over these highly protected areas. Competitors carry their kit and food in their backpacks during the ultimate African Adventure. It is a self sufficient event so you are on your own when it comes to food and equipment.
Temperatures will reach in excess of 35 degrees Celsius; this challenge is definitely for the experienced ultra runner. Only the toughest will make it to the finish!
The desert race is held in Sossusvlei from 21st to 25th February 2010.
Book your accommodation in Sossusvlei now take part in or be a spectator in this awesome race!
The last thing you might think about before setting off on your safari Botswana vacations is the quality of the photographs you bring home. Do not overlook this all important aspect of your trip as it will be these pictures that capture all those memorable moments. I read an interesting article on wildlife photography by a professional safari photographer.
Here are some great tips…
Know the locations of wonder
Too many of amateur photographers don't typically have enough knowledge on the perfect locations for safari photographs. USually the water holes are a great start!
Bring the proper equipment
You may not have the talent for photography yet with the right equipments and devices, you are sure to bring out the best from even the worst photos you have taken.
Your best buddy for safari photos is the digital camera as it provides you countless advantages that you may never have from other camera units.
Be conscious of the composition
Most safari photos are spoiled because they do not have the right subjects in them or the subjects were not thoroughly and properly positioned in the image. You have more control on the composition using positioning principles. Make the most out of the latter though.
The main focus of the composition is how you frame your subjects.
When you choose the composition of the safari photos, you have to have quick decisions, as wild animals dont normally stay for long in single locations. Be extra careful of your movements as well to avoid distracting their attention.
And never forget…be patient
We have no control over the animals that pass our sights. They move at their own phase and at their own time. They simply behave in manners that they naturally do so you cant obviously expect them to move as you want. Be patient in waiting for subjects to come by. And once they do, use all your advantage to capture them in photos. Remember, the most beautiful safari photos are those that depict unusually beautiful movements.
You may not control luck, and that's for a fact. Luck or opportunity is one thing that determines the beauty if action is to be captured in photos. If you are patient, nature may help you see the marvel in each wildlife scene- a chase of preys and predators, lion clubs at play and solitary trees that reserves excellent elegance.
On the 4th December 2009, the world will find out which teams will face off in the group stages of next year's FIFA World Cup final to be hosted in South Africa. For those who were considering planning South Africa vacations there couldn't be a better time to be in our beautiful country.
World renowned party zone, Long Street in Cape Town, will be set ablaze with spectacular celebrations planned for the Final draw. The entire street has already been closed off to vehicle traffic as bars and clubs anticipate the influx of tourists and revellers. Thousands of fans from around the country will party hard on Long Street, including visitors from neighbouring countries. Many tourists on Botswana vacations and Namibia vacations have planned their trips to include a detour to South Africa to attend this event. All the finest musical acts the country has to offer will be on hand to entertain the large crowds expected to descend on the CBD. 1 500 international journalists and media representatives are currently jetting into the country to document the proceedings.
This will be a historic event for South Africa, one that will bring a much needed economic boost to the country and massive hangovers for days afterwards!
Book your trip for the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa now.
