​When we were planning our big move from Botswana to Canada, we had no idea that Alberta specifically, was a popular dinosaur stomping ground waaaaay back in the day.  We had even less idea that there was a dinosaur named Albertosaurus and another named Edmontosaurus!  The dinosaur-themed park, known as Jurassic Forest, just north of the city of Edmonton is a great place to go on a day-trip and see some of these giant beasts “out in the wild”!

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!

“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.

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.