Over the past few years that we have lived in Botswana, we have travelled to most of the “main” wildlife/camping areas in the country. We’ve visited the Tuli Block in Eastern Botswana, Kasane and the Chobe river and national park in the north, Khutse in the South-West and so we figured it was about time we went to the North-West and visit the town of Maun, the Moremi Game Reserve and of course, the Okavango Delta!

When one mentions the town of Palapye in Botswana's Central District, the association with the now well-frequented Moremi Gorge (read our review here) is often made. If, however, you want something a bit more off the beaten track, then why not explore the Old Palapye ruins and visit the smaller, but still very scenic Motetane Gorge?

The small town of Palapye, located about 270km North East from Gaborone has a population of just over 30,000 and is known for being near the Khama Rhino Sanctuary and en route to the more popular tourist destinations in Botswana like Nata, Kasane and Maun.  Yet this little gem of a town is home to some amazing landscapes and boasts a couple of fascinating gorges with crystal clear waterfalls and bubbling brooks!

For those who have been following us and our travels (through this blog and our social media profiles), you will know that #RBOF started it's adventures around Botswana two years ago in a second-hand 2001 Toyota RAV4 all-wheel drive compact SUV, or soft-roader as this type of vehicle is commonly referred to.  While the RAV4 was capable of taking us to quite a few places around Botswana (and surprised many onlookers as it did so), the more adventurous we got, the less capable the RAV4 became.  We wanted to go further and deeper into the bush but the RAV4 eventually started reaching the edge of it's comfort zone. Enter the Toyota Prado!

“If you go to Khutse alone and unprepared, you will die!”  That was the general consensus from all our research as we planned our first trip to the Khutse Game Reserve in Botswana.  "One life, live it" was our cheesy attitude and off we went on our 3-day/2-night camping trip to Khutse…and we lived to tell the tale!

The African bush is a mecca for the nature and wildlife lover and enthusiast and there aren’t many better ways (if any, in my opinion) to go around seeing this wild haven than in the comfort of a 4x4 vehicle, preferably driven by yourself at your own leisure.  Such vehicles aren’t always cheap to come by, well in that case, how about renting out a self-drive 4x4?  That’s what we did not too long ago and would definitely recommend it to others as well.

In the Lesoma Valley, just off the main road that takes you to Kazangula and then Kasane in northern Botswana, is a gem of place, called Senyati Safari Camp. We went on a long-weekend trip to Kasane at the end of September, wanted to stay in self-catering chalet accommodation and couldn't have been happier with the recommendation to check out this place out.

After our last rain-soaked trip to Kasane in northern Botswana, we decided to give it another go, but this time before the heavy summer rains started.  The Independence Day long weekend (end of September - beginning of October) gave us the ideal opportunity, so we invited my dad along, packed up a few items and made the 940km drive up from Gaborone to Senyati Safari Camp, about 17km before Kasane itself.

Located about 100km south of Gaborone, the Big Valley Game Lodge is a new(ish) lodge near the capitol city which aims to offer visitors a scenic, relaxing bush experience not too far from home (for those who live in Gaborone).

For the outdoor, nature and wildlife lovers out there, camping is a big and enjoyable part of that whole outdoor experience.  And most reserves, national parks and lodges have designated camp sites where travelers and overlanders can pitch their tents, relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of every day life.