Most guests visit Botswana for a week or two, opting to stay in three or four camps. We asked the trade what some of the ‘must do’ things are during that stay.

1. A mokoro excursion

An excursion in a mokoro, or dugout canoe, should be included in a visit to Botswana, says Chobe Marina Lodge’s Malcolm Robinson and Gill Maskell, GM of Africa 2000 Tours.

Mokoros are traditionally used as fishing boats and are made by hollowing out the trunk of a large tree, although modern mokoros are made from fibreglass. The boats are typically used to explore the Okavango Delta. Mokoro safaris are popular, given the unique game-viewing experience offered. The excursion also provides excellent photographic opportunities as guests are at a lower level than on a safari vehicle and often get up close to the animals.

The boats can accommodate one or two passengers and an experienced local boat-man, who is tasked with manoeuvring the mokoro and keeping an eye out for hippos, which can overturn the boats with ease.

2. A Chobe River cruise

Another cruising option is a river cruise. “Chobe River cruises are still exceptional and the consistently good game viewing in the park makes it a very good point of departure for any adventure in Botswana,” says Yvette De Vries, President of the US-based Association for Promotion of Tourism to Africa (APTA).

River cruises offer frequent sightings of elephant, hippo, buffalo, crocodile and puku, which in Botswana is only found in the Chobe. Private cruises are offered at many camps and lodges.

3. A visit to Moremi Game Reserve

Nicky Dance, GM at Sense of Africa, suggests a visit to Moremi Game Reserve.

Moremi Game Reserve is situated in the central and eastern areas of the Okavango and boasts picturesque floodplains, waterways, grasslands and the mopane forests. The reserve offers spectacular game viewing and bird watching as it is home to over 400 species of birds, hippo elephant, buffalo and predators including lion and leopard. The recent re-introduction of Black and White rhino have made the Moremi a “Big Five” reserve. Wild Dog sightings are also likely.

According to Botswana Tourism, the reserve also has the unique distinction of being the first reserve in Africa to be established by local residents. It is named after Chief Moremi III’s wife who took the initiative to proclaim the reserve in 1963.

4. Discovering the culture

A trip to Botswana should include learning more about the local inhabitants. Edurne Martinez of African Pride – Botswana, suggests visiting the Bushmen in the Kalahari or the local tribes around the Okavango Delta, where the women weave traditional baskets and the fishermen use traditional fishing methods. A number of the camps in Botswana have close relations with local communities and can arrange excursions into the nearby villages.

5. A scenic flight

Robinson also suggests a scenic flight to take in the magnificent sights in Botswana. A flight over the Okavango Delta offers spectacular expansive views of the world’s largest inland delta. Typically flying at 500 feet above the waters, guests have the chance to view and photograph game with a bird’s eye view. Choose a flight in a helicopter where the doors have been removed for the best photographic opportunities.

Of course there is a good chance guests will be treated to this opportunity as many of Botswana’s luxury camps are accessed by air.