Ouest du Botswana

L'essentiel

zone Facts

  • Geographical Location: Arid and semi-arid region in the western part of Botswana, bordering Namibia.
  • Main City/Town: Ghanzi, often referred to as the "Capital of the Kalahari."
  • Approximate Area: N/A (Western Botswana is a broad region without precise administrative boundaries).
  • Key Geographical Features: Kalahari Desert, vast salt pans (e.g., Makgadikgadi Pan), and dry savannahs.
  • Dominant Climate Type: Hot desert climate with extreme temperature variations and low rainfall.
  • La population : Sparse population, primarily concentrated in towns like Ghanzi and surrounding settlements.
  • Main Economic Activities: Cattle ranching, subsistence farming, and emerging tourism (e.g., Kalahari safaris).
  • Common Languages/Dialects Spoken: Setswana (dominant), Sekgalagadi, and English (official).
  • Meilleur moment pour visiter : May to October (cooler, dry season with optimal wildlife viewing).
  • Unique Selling Points:
    • Remote wilderness and pristine Kalahari landscapes, ideal for adventure and solitude.
    • Rich San (Bushman) cultural heritage, offering immersive cultural experiences.

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Ce qu'il faut emporter

What to Pack for Western Botswana

Western Botswana's arid landscapes, extreme temperatures, and remote wilderness demand smart packing. Focus on essentials for desert conditions, wildlife encounters, and rugged terrain.

Clothing & Protection

  • Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts & pants: Protects against scorching sun and biting insects, especially near the Okavango Delta.
  • Wide-brimmed hat & UV-blocking sunglasses: Essential for relentless sun exposure in the Kalahari Desert.
  • Sturdy closed-toe shoes or lightweight hiking boots: For rocky trails and thorny bushwalks.
  • Warm layers (fleece or down jacket): Nights and early mornings can be surprisingly chilly.

Gear & Supplies

  • High-SPF sunscreen & lip balm: The dry climate and intense sun demand constant protection.
  • Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder: Staying hydrated is critical in the desert heat.
  • Dust-proof dry bags or ziplocks: Protects electronics and essentials from fine Kalahari sand.
  • Headlamp or flashlight: Power outages are common in remote lodges and camps.

Wildlife & Adventure

  • Jumelles : For spotting distant wildlife on safaris in the Okavango or Central Kalahari.
  • Neutral-colored clothing (khaki, beige, green): Blends into the bush for better wildlife viewing.
  • Camera with extra batteries & memory cards: Capture stunning landscapes and rare animal sightings.
  • Small first-aid kit with antiseptic: Minor cuts or scrapes are common in rugged areas.

Comment s'y rendre

Par avion

The primary gateway to Western Botswana is Maun International Airport (MUB), which offers domestic and limited international flights. From Maun, travelers can reach Western Botswana by:

  • Rental car: 4x4 vehicles are recommended for remote areas, especially during the wet season. The drive to Western Botswana (e.g., Tsodilo Hills or the Okavango Delta's western fringes) takes 2–5 hours depending on the destination.
  • Charter flights: Small aircraft can be arranged to airstrips near lodges or reserves, ideal for accessing remote areas.
  • Shared taxis or buses: Available but infrequent; advance booking is advised.

Conseil : Book flights to Maun well in advance during peak season (June–October). Direct international flights are rare; most connect via Johannesburg (JNB) or Gaborone (GBE).

By Car (Driving)

Western Botswana is accessible via the A3 highway from Maun or the Trans-Kalahari Highway from Namibia. Key routes include:

  • From Maun: Take the A3 northwest toward Shakawe or Sepupa for the Okavango Panhandle.
  • From Gaborone: Drive via the A1 and A3 (~10–12 hours; fuel stops are sparse).

Conseil : A 4x4 is essential for off-road areas. Carry spare fuel, water, and supplies—distances between towns are vast.

By Bus/Coach

Long-distance buses run from Gaborone or Francistown to Maun, with limited onward connections to Western Botswana towns like Shakawe. Options include:

  • Combis (shared minibuses): Depart when full from Maun; irregular schedules.
  • Private transfers: Lodges often arrange pickups from Maun for guests.

Conseil : Confirm schedules locally; services are infrequent and may not operate daily.

By Train

Botswana has no passenger train network. The nearest rail access is in Namibia (e.g., Windhoek), requiring a bus or car transfer into Western Botswana.

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