THE WORLD WIDE Fund for Nature and the Zoological Society of London have just released a report stating that by 2020 the world is on track to have lost twothirds of the animal, fish, reptile and bird population it had in 1970. In Africa, signature species (lion, rhino, elephant and cheetah) are disappearing at an alarming rate, while the habitats they once roamed are shrinking rapidly. But there are still islands of biodiversity across the continent, mainly in East and Southern Africa, where national parks and adjacent conservancies combat encroaching human habitation and poaching. Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia all have excellent wildlife parks. But Botswana’s offer the best all-round experience.
HIDE AND SEEK: Conservationists and safari-camp owners the Jouberts at work in Botswana.
THOMAS EISENUTH/AFP/GETTY; VICEROY SUGAR BEACH; GRAHAM BOYNTON; VICKY GROUT
Holding both the Kalahari Desert and the Okavango swamps within its borders, Botswana’s habitat is spectacular and, thanks to the government’s progressive conservation and tourism policy, it’s not overrun by safari-goers. So, unlike in parts of East Africa, you won’t find lion prides surrounded by other vehicles, and you’ll be out in the bush with just the fellow occupants of your camp—in Botswana, these typically host 12 to 14 guests in six tents.