The Cheat Sheet: My List of Favorites

You should really refer to locals, guidebooks and travel agents for ideas of where to go in Botswana and environs. However, here is the list of places I visited in August 2004 that I found simply enchanting. They range from thrifty comforts to very luxurious, and do fit my standards. This is a short list based on my limited experience.

Favorites: Botswana

Gaborone

Lodging: The affordable Riverside Lodge on the outskirts of Gabs is near the University of Botswana and Riverwalk Mall, set in Twolkeng. The thatched cottages are clean and charming. The village area is filled with dogs, roosters and cattle, so you have to be prepared for an animal chorus at night. As of August 2004, a room for two people was P290.
Dining: Sanita's Tea Garden is a little oasis in the back of the garden center Sanitas. Awesome food and outdoor setting. Caravella's Portugese restaurant serves very nice food, including seafood imported from Mozambique. The restaurant at Mokolodi Game Reserve was delicious and provided a fantastic view, as of June 2002. To satisfy particular cravings: Pizza: Debonair's Pizza is the Domino's of Gaborone. They deliver pizza to your doorstep. Ice Cream: The regular restaurant at the Gaborone Sun hotel makes a perfect ice cream sundae dessert with hot fudge topping. Coffee: Equatorial Coffee Company in Riverwalk Mall serves a real cup of coffee.
Things to Do: Since I worked in Gaborone, I tend to know useful things about the city, such as where to get office supplies, mail packages, and get on the Internet. As a tourist, I could recommend hiking to the top of Kgale Hill, visiting the National Museum, touring the University of Botswana, and exploring the Mokolodi Game Reserve. For shopping, the Riverwalk Mall and BBS Mall have many useful stores. And one of the best things to do in Gaborone is to walk - great things to see and do. Don't miss the Main Mall area, including Parliament and other government buildings.

Nata

This small village is at the junction out of Francistown towards Kasane or Maun. However, it is also centrally located near some spectacular pans and a bird sanctuary. The Nata Lodge is a great place to stay. Game drives to the Pans are available daily. The excellent campground is just P35 per person, and a variety of other lodging options are available. Decent meals to be had at the poolside restaurant.

Kasane/Chobe

Chobe Safari Lodge is the venerable institution in the area. Be warned: the hotel is just so-so, but the campsites directly on the river (arrive early) are reasonably priced (P45 or so) and have a good view. (I would advise seeking out game drives and river cruises with a different outfitter than the one located at the hotel.) If you have a four-wheel drive, get reservations to camp in the campsites in the parks. The river is fabulous - so riverboat cruises are a great way to see the animals.

Serowe

Lentswe Lodge serves fabulous meals in addition to providing lovely accomodations on the hills at the edge of Serowe. The Royal Cemetary is definitely worth a visit, as is a visit to the Khama Museum and the Khama Rhino Sanctuary.

Molepolole and Thamaga

Learn about the history of the Batswana through a tour by Petersen. They also run a fabulous restaurant. Visit the Thamaga Pottery Factory to get a great set of pottery.

Favorites: South Africa

The only place I have spent a significant amount of time in South Africa is the Madikwe Game Reserve, located in the Northwest Province about an hour out of Gaborone. It is an nifty place. I highly recommend The Bush House at Madikwe to provide you with a spectacularly good visit for a very reasonable price. I don't know if we were just lucky, but our assigned guide - Richard - was top-notch. The Tau Game Lodge is also very comfortable, but quite a bit pricier.

Favorites: Zimbabwe

At the recommendation of many people, we decided to spend two days in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The country is definitely undergoing unimaginable upheavals. Unemployment is a staggering 90%, and the average monthly wage for the employed is US $20. The town of Victoria Falls is designed to service visitors who come to see the Falls, and the people there are welcoming and hospitable.

Restaurants: Mama Africa served good local food. I also enjoyed the food at the Victoria Falls Rest Camp Restaurant.

Lodging: We had a very comfortable stay at the Victoria Falls Backpackers, which was totally enjoyable. Clean, neat, welcoming, and pleasing on the eyes. They also gave great advice on what to do and see in the Victoria Falls area.

Things to do:

If you are up for an all day adrenaline rush, try white water rafting on the Zambezi. Zowee! A fabulous day. Scary as all get out - but if you're ready, don't miss it.
Of course, a trip to the Falls itself is worth the US $20 entrance fee. It's a nice walk resulting in a view of one of nature's most spectacular achievements. When the river is high, prepare to be drenched.
For a throwback to the gentility of the rich and famous colonists, visit the Victoria Falls Hotel - lunch or drinks on the terrace bar is rather enjoyable.

Destinations

Botswana