Discover the haunting beauty of Botswana

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Botswana has become the latest African nation to offer visa on arrival for tourists from November 24 in a bid to improve tourism and the ease of doing business in the country.

It's time to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city, do things that you usually have no chance to do, and completely hand over yourself to nature. Join CGTN to have a glimpse of this ultimate destination for countless globe-trotters.

Okavango Delta: Enter the world of animals

Situated in the north of Botswana, the Okavango Delta is one of Africa's last remaining wildlife habitats and home to some of the world's most endangered species of large mammals. With lions, rhinos, zebras, cheetahs around, you could easily feel as if you were entering the real world of animals. In particular, the elegant red lechwe and shy sitatunga, which are adapted for a life in and out of the water, could also be found in this wilderness.

Aerial view of Okavango Delta. /VCG Photo

While most river deltas usually lead to an ocean, the Okavango Delta is one of a very few large inland delta systems without an outlet to the sea.

Botswana's Okavango Delta sits like a shining jewel at the heart of the Kalahari Desert and is one of the must-see destinations in Botswana. In 2014, the Okavango Delta has been listed as an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Makgadikgadi Pan: One of the largest salt flats in the world

The Makgadikgadi Pan, also known as Botswana salt flats, is a salt pan situated in the middle of the dry savanna of north-eastern Botswana and is also considered as one of the most extensive salt flats in the world.

Travelers can expect something slightly unusual from this part of Botswana as the Makgadikgadi pan fades the green color of the grasslands and the yellow color of the lands, replaced by the bright blue and shimmering white.

Quad-biking on Makgadikgadi Pan. /VCG Photo

The animals are especially cute here, and maybe you could become good friends with meerkats from the Lion King.

In particular, experienced Bushmen trackers would take you on guided walks to some historical sites where you would learn more about the connection between their unique culture and the great natural environment.

A group of meerkats, Suricata suricatta, standing on their hind legs. /VCG Photo

Kubu Island: The best shooting site for starry sky

Do you fancy a nice hunting trip for the starry sky? Makgadikgadi's Kubu Island, which has been certified as the “Best Star Shooting Site” by Star Alliance would probably be your nice choice.

Nothing is more romantic than driving a car to Kubu Island in the evening, sitting on the roof of the car and looking at the endless starry sky. It's also an excellent experience for shutterbugs to take great photos of a brighter sky.

Wide angle view of Boabab trees below the starlight sky in Kubu Island, Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana. /VCG Photo

Play in Botswana: Try off-road driving!

When you travel to Botswana, how could you miss the off-road driving? Driving a four-wheel off-road vehicle on the vast expanses of grasslands and salt marshes, and encountering a variety of animals might be a good way to get closer to nature. But you must be prepared well before you go to ensure your safety.

Tourists take quad-biking on salt pans, Botswana. /VCG Photo

Travel information

At present, there are no direct flights between China and Botswana; however, you could fly to Gaborone, the capital of Botswana after transiting in South Africa's Johannesburg.

Tips: We suggest travelers to bring the sunglasses and hat to avoid the strong ultraviolet ray during the noon time. In addition, long clothes and pants are recommended as the weather is cold at early morning and late nights.

Aerial view of Okavango Delta in Botswana. /VCG Photo

(Cover: African elephant, Loxodonta africana and zebras at the waterhole, Chobe National Park, Botswana. /VCG Photo)