Flora to look out for on a Botswana Safari

Plants play an equally important role in the lives of Botswana locals and animals. Much of the Botswana flora has both religious significance and medicinal properties, having been worshipped and used for centuries.

Trees and plants in Botswana can be used to treat almost every imaginable ailment and assist in day-to-day life. The bark of the Sycamore fig tree is said to cure a sore throat while ashes from Leadwood can be used as toothpaste.

Knowing which plants to look out for in Botswana will also give you a clue as to the patterns of the animals. For instance elephants are attracted to the fan palm fruits when they ripen in August. Locals also use this plant to make a particularly potent palm wine.

Birdwatchers should keep an eye out for the African Mangosteen tree as this is a home to the Flap-necked chameleon and is also used by Green pigeons for nesting. The fruit of this tree also make a strong liqueur while its bark contains gum.

One of the most iconic trees in Botswana is the baobab. This huge tree has an incredibly large trunk and it is believed to have great spiritual significance.

This is just one of many attractive trees that grace the Botswana safari landscape. They include the Mokotshong tree which is one of the biggest in the country so you cannot miss it. Meanwhile the Moporoto tree is known as the Sausage tree because of the huge long fruit that hang from its branches. The tree is the subject of tribal rituals while the Mokoro tribe craft various items from the large fruit which can weigh 3 kg.

Plants are even used for hunting purposes and the poison can be made from the fever-berry in order to kill fish and still eat them safely afterwards.

Fauna to look out for on a Botswana Safari

Botswana has one of the richest environments in the world and is a premier destination for seeing big game. Imagine the world's largest outdoor zoo and you'll have an idea of some of the incredible creatures on display.

As well as lions and elephants and the rhinos, you can also see animals such as zebras, baboons and hyenas. Despite there being many exotic predators such as Leopards, one of the most dangerous animals is actually the bad-tempered Cape buffalo. The hippopotamus is also very territorial and must be treated with care. And of course the waters are teeming with crocodiles, so always be careful around the rivers and watering holes. One of the largest animals on a Botswana safari is actually the most peaceful, the giraffe.

Visitors on Safari are advised not to blink too often otherwise they might miss some of the world's fastest animals such as the Tsessebe, the cheetah and Impala.

While there are many awe-inspiring large animals, also pay attention to the smaller ones. Although you are unlikely to be able to spot them, the bushbaby is a very cute and distinctive small mammal. Slightly smaller but no less beautiful is the Emperor Moth. If you are lucky one might become attracted to your camp lights at night.

Botswana has many beautiful varieties of birds, reptiles and insects. There are also some to watch out for. Botswana has 60 different species of snake and 12 of them are venomous.

The best time of year to go on a Botswana Safari

The best time of year to go on a Botswana safari is during the dry season between May and November. June and August is the coolest period while October is the hottest month.