I don’t know of a more beautiful country for wildlife observation than Botswana. I love it not only for its abundant wildlife but also for its political and economic stability.
But let’s get back to photo safaris. If you love safaris and nature and are planning a trip to Botswana, I highly recommend hiring a local guide. There is usually no signal in the parks and reserves, and since these areas are so vast, even with a map, navigation might not be that easy. It's not that you'd be at risk of being robbed or attacked, but if something happens—like a car breakdown or a health issue—you could find yourself in trouble. Just to give you an idea, for example, the Chobe National Park covers an area of 11,700 km², which is almost a quarter of the size of the Czech Republic. In such vast wilderness, without an experienced guide, you might easily get lost and miss out on unforgettable experiences.
Another great advantage of local guides is their cooperation. Unlike us Czechs, who sometimes have a tendency towards envy, local guides communicate with each other via radios and share information about where the sought-after wildlife can be found. While they are well-acquainted with the animals' natural territories, it doesn't mean you'll always find them in the same place under the same bush.
I once saw a TV show where it was mentioned that tourists can choose between renting a car or hiring a guide. However, what wasn’t mentioned was that car rental places are often located tens of kilometers away from the parks, and you can’t always count on having a vehicle available. If you're unlucky, renting might be considerably more expensive than expected.
With a local guide, you can be sure that you’ll be well taken care of and that you'll see as much wildlife as possible. So if you're planning a safari in Botswana, I definitely recommend considering this option. If you’re thinking of traveling to Botswana and want to experience it to the fullest, I’d be happy to assist you with the organization and guide you through this amazing corner of the world.
