Botswana trip | By private helicopter through Botswana

One of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth, South Africa, affectionately known to locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', has 11 official languages, and its people are influenced by a fascinating mix of cultures. Discover Cape Town's gourmet restaurants, impressive art scene, vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches. Enjoy a local braai (barbecue) in the community of Soweto, browse the bustling Indian markets in Durban, or taste some of the world's best wines at the numerous wine estates scattered across the Cape Winelands. Some historical attractions to explore include the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town. Above all, the untamed wilderness is amazing: wildlife roams freely across huge unfenced game reserves such as the world-famous Kruger National Park.

Despite recent and surprisingly rapid modernisation, Botswana's cities offer few tourist attractions. However, this is more than made up for in the surrounding desert areas of outstanding, natural beauty. The main attraction is undoubtedly the vast red expanse of the Kalahari Desert and its remarkably beautiful Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the world that provides a haven for an abundance of African wildlife. Other highlights include the impressive Makgadikgadi salt pans with massive zebra migrations during the flood season; the Savuti plains where large packs of lions live; and the Tsodilo Hills, where 4,500 petroglyphs form an extraordinary story of human habitation over many millennia.

Situated in the heart of the largest sand plain on Earth, the Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s most astonishing and complex environments, home to a vast variety of wildlife. Unique as one of the world’s few inland deltas, its calm waters and lush native forests provide a safe haven for countless birds and other wildlife. The Okavango Delta offers a range of activities for visitors, including safaris, birdwatching and fishing. You can experience this magical world of islands and waterways from land, from the water or from the air.
Highlights include the elusive sitatunga antelopes that have found refuge in this unspoilt wetland ecosystem, whilst birds such as the African fish eagle, the furred fish owl and many others put on a spectacular display.

One of the biggest attractions in Africa and one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world are the Victoria Falls on Zambezi River. The Victoria Falls is the only waterfall with a length of almost a kilometre and a height of about 100 metres. The waterfall lies as a piece of natural border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and is called Mosi oa tunya, the smoke that thunders. From here, the adventurous among you can also conquer the Zambezi in a splashing white water rafting excursion with water rapids like "the devils washing machine". There is also the opportunity to take a chilling plunge down a bungee jump from the bridge at the falls. But a "Flight of the Angels" by helicopter, ultralight or small plane will also be a lasting memory. This sightseeing flight is called The flight of the Angels because, according to the discoverer of the falls, Dr Livingstone, even angels flew around here to witness this beautiful natural phenomenon.

Zimbabwe is a country in Africa and borders Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa and Botswana. Its area is 390,580 square kilometres, making it 9.4 times the size of the Netherlands. The country is known for its pristine nature and wildlife parks. The landscape is hilly and has some mountainous areas. Major attractions are therefore Lake Kariba, the Zambezi River and the Victoria Falls.

The Makgadikgadi salt flats is the world's largest salt pan, formed on the bed of an ancient lake that began to evaporate centuries ago. A visit is a unique desert experience: in the dry season, this vast expanse glistens in the sun and when the rains come, the salt pan turns into home to an abundance of flamingos and other water birds, as well as one of Africa's largest zebra populations, whose annual migration is a wonder to behold.

Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest city. It is also the economic heart of South Africa, home to all the major financial and industrial companies. Johannesburg was founded following the discovery of gold in the Witwatersrand in 1886. At that time, the Witwatersrand lay within the borders of the South African Republic, of which Paul Kruger was president. The Republic had been established in consultation with the British government, which was administering the Cape Province at the time. Following the discovery of gold, control of the region became a matter of dispute.
Johannesburg’s city centre is colourful, lively and exotic, with its diverse cultural offerings. Of particular interest is the ‘Carlton Centre’ on Commissaris Street. This skyscraper was built in the 1970s, stands 220 metres tall and remains the tallest building in Africa. On the top floor is a viewing platform called ‘The Best of Africa’. From a height of 202 metres, you can enjoy an impressive view over Johannesburg.
Outside the city centre, in the Fourways district, you’ll find the new theme park “Monte Casino”, whilst “Gold Reef City” is situated in the south of the city. Here, you can learn about the history of gold mining in an entertaining way. The new Apartheid Museum is also well worth a visit. And if you’re looking for the best shops in the country, head to Mandela Square in Sandton.

The Kwando-Linyanti river system is home to a series of private game reserves, known for their exotic species and luxury safari accommodations. An abundance of wildlife roam among the ancient river plains and forests that make up the reserves. The number of predators in this area increases during the dry season, when large herds of impala, wildebeest, giraffe and buffalo come to water. The area also harbours the world's highest density of elephants. Several groups of wild dogs live in the area and lions, leopards and cheetahs are also frequently spotted. Night safaris allow for nocturnal animals such as civet cats, genetta, honey badger and spring hares. The vast, untamed wilderness is the perfect location for those seeking a uniquely African adventure in an exclusive and remote habitat.

Situated in northern Botswana, the Selinda Reserve is a 130 000 hectare private wildlife reserve. Sandwiched between the beautiful Savute Channel, the awe-inspiring Chobe National Park, and the sensational Okavango Delta, this sanctuary is well off the beaten track and offers visitors an exclusive wildlife viewing experience. The varied landscape hosts a wide variety of species in diverse habitats, including rare roan and sable antelopes, endangered African wild dogs, lions, cheetah, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and large elephant herds, as well as numerous bird species (including the mighty African Fish Eagle). Take a night drive to see nocturnal species at their best. Visitors can look forward to wonderful canoe safaris, guided bush walks, and 4X4 game drives.

Encompassing the vast majority of Botswana territory, the sprawling wilderness of the semi-arid Kalahari Desert is characterised by endless open plains, shimmering salt pans, picturesque orange sands and relics of ancient riverbeds. In the heart of the country lies the world's second-largest game reserve, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, its magnificent expanse surpassing the size of the entire country of Belgium. The region offers some of the best wildlife views in Africa and is home to abundant roaming wildlife, including rhinos, black-maned lions, and desert-adapted elephants. Keen birdwatchers can spot the secretary bird, pale chanting goshawk, ostrich, black-breasted snake eagle and other species. For the culturally curious, an encounter with the San, the indigenous people who have resided in and around the area for thousands of years, is not to be missed.