BOTSWANA: Paradise Island

Paradise Island, Botswana is situated in the heart of the Okavango Delta. No where is the delta more beautiful than in this area where its crystal clear, papyrus lined channels meander through ancient wooded islands which are home to a diversity of African wildlife. Nothing is as rewarding as a serene mokoro (dug out canoe ride) through the quiet waterways of the delta or a walking safari which brings you close up to the animals in a quiet and natural environment.

Birding in the area is excellent, with Pels Fishing Owl, Slaty Egret and Wattled Crane amongst the many species of birds regularly sighted.

A unique feature of Paradise Island is the footbridge in front of camp which is the only way predators can cross from island to island without having to swim. A "long-jump pit" has been built with soft sand, which each animal is forced to walk over when they use the bridge. Every evening the sand is raked smooth and each morning guests are able to read the "newspaper" and see what animals have walked through camp. Almost every night lion, hyena and leopard stroll through camp!

THE BEST MONTH TO VISIT PARADISE ISLAND is October, when the days are sunny and not too hot. October is also the end of the winter period where vegetation is thin and the animals are forced to concentrate on perennial water points, which offer fantastic game viewing.

THE HIDDEN GEM is Xigera Camp located within the Moremi Game Reserve. It is perhaps the most beautiful of all Botswana's exclusive small tented camps. Each spacious, tented chalet is built within a shady forest yet provides a wonderful view of the floodplain. Each is luxuriously furnished and equipped with attached bathroom facilities.