Facet of Botswana diamonds shine brightly. But aside from gemstones every woman in the world dreams about, there are many other treasures in this African nook. Today let us have a look at this country for ourselves...
Almost one fifth of the country’s territory – 17% – is conservation area. Who knows whether it is a lot or little. But the fact that the biggest in terms of area green oasis, Central Kalahari, is bigger than… the whole Switzerland – this really is impressive. Bottom line, Botswana is virtually a reserve country.
No wonder that local citizens are especially proud of their national parks, and there are over a dozen of those. Each one manages to be inimitable and unique as well as extreme in a certain sense. For instance, the oldest reserve Chobe offers visitors a possibility to come as close as possible to wild downhills. There is a tunnel through which one can get to the epicenter of the watering hole. This means that you will find yourself in a protected shelter by the water, near giant animal who come to quench their thirst. It is truly a fabulous sight.
Central Kalahari is one of the oldest Botswana reserves. Aside from its gigantic territory that we’ve already mentioned, this place is famous for its legendary mirages that fascinate almost every tourist. It is their “fault” that this territory is sometimes called Deception Valley. In 2008 the spot suffered from severe fire that destroyed a lot of objects. Reasons of the disaster are still unidentified. However, Central Kalahari has been damaged by local Bushmen tribes who have hewn trees, started fires and hunted rare animals. Therefore Botswana authorities made a decision in 1990s to resettle nomands.Photo adventureandexpeditions.com
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park rightly ranks among the leaders in the rating of natural treasuries from around there. It is situated on the territories of Botswana and RSA. Safari fans from all over the world gather here. Local fauna includes secretary birds, antelopes, hyenas, jackals. Deal with the fact that it is prohibited to move with a speed over 50 km/h and, obviously, discard garbage. Instead you can and even should try popular Botswana dish: worms, either boiled or fried in oil (it is up to you). It sure sounds slightly creepy but the word is it I so lipsmacking it’ll make you long for more.Photo stingynomads.com
Mokolodi Reserve was opened in 1994. Even for Africans it is a rarity let alone for us. White rhinoceroses and many other endangered species are preserved here ready to amaze visitors. The place is located no further than in 5 minutes ride from Botswana capital, Gaborone.Photo worldlist.travel
Estuary of the longest water basins of the world that has no runoff, Okavango river. It is here where a marvelous and exotic nook, Moremi, is situated. Savannas here give place to reeds, reeds are changed by acacia forests, acacias give way to mopane trees. Prime predators such as cheetahs, leopards and lions come to drink from the river. And human beings also have access to this seemingly pristine natural idyll. It is here where avid hunters enjoy a wonderful possibility of having a good sport. Entrance ticket for locals only costs 10 Botswana pulas, this merely exceeds one dollar. Foreigners, on the other hand, will have to go to the expense of 120 pulas. Interestingly, the price remains the same for both adults and children.Photo artwolfe.com
Almost a half of Botswana’s parks are described here. We hope that you’ll be able to form an opinion on the rest of reserves by yourselves. How? Sure enough, by purchasing airplane tickets to the world of African beauty. We suggest that you hurry since tourists grow on the country. They leave here almost one billion dollars annually. And it happens for a reason. Wild and unique nature is on the decrease on our planet. And Botswana, diamond-and-reserve heaven, can teach many others a thing or two.
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Having taken the passport and good mood, go to the so-called "Near Abroad" - Bulgaria - the country where ancient architecture is successfully combined with a relaxing sea breeze. Do not you believe? But OUTLOOK is sure that Pavel Khomenskyi through his photos will be able to convince you! Bright and in its own way majestic Sofia - this is a must see! Let's go with us!
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Beaches, forests, deserts are not enough to say that you have already visited many parts of the earth. Definitely, you wanna something extraordinarily special? Why not! Humanity has flown into space a long time ago! Frankly speaking, the journey to Mars will seem too expensive even for a millionaire. After all, a trip outside the Earth costs the budget of a personal island.
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OUTLOOK keeps introducing you to the most beautiful and unique cities of our planet. Today we will tell you about Stellenbosch located on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa. This town is considered the continent’s premier address for wine production.
Should we have a look at notes of those who plan their trips to Spain, next to the darling of all hearts, Barcelona, Montserrat is bound to rank second. Also, the mountain of the abbey is a must-visit spot for local dwellers, too – they believe it necessary to visit Catalonia’s religious heart at least once a year.
Amazon River – the river that not only South America but our entire planet cannot be imagined without – seems to have been explored length and breadth. But somehow every year scientists find out something about it they’ve never thought of before. We tried to gather most interesting and least-known facts about it in our feature.
Ancient Greece began with Mycenae and Crete, and the country's new history starts its record with Kalamata. It was the city where Turkish shackles were dumped for the first time, thus making way for independence. Kalamata is a place with its own temper. Within less than 200 years, it was rebuilt twice, and both times revival followed.
Sauntering through picturesque nooks of Grand Dame Europe we look around without even suspecting how many interesting things there are beneath our feet. If you are annoyed with standard tours that include marathon race around museums and monuments, we suggest you have a look at good Old World from a different perspective. Or more specifically, look under its feet.
Perhaps, there is no such a person on the planet who did not hear about the unique Italian city on the water. During several centuries Venice with its amazing architecture, fantastic landscape and own atmosphere has been attracting people from all the corners of the world. So as to feel it and see under unexpected corner, one should swim on the legendary gondolas.
Lighthouse - this word evokes beautiful associations: sea adventures, storms, huge ships. And we do not want to dispel these thoughts, but rather to add fuel to the fire. There is a great amount of them in the world, they are striking by their beauty and inimitable. Today we are sharing with you the quintet of amazing lighthouses!
To build a settlement on flatland - is this such a hard trick to pull off? A completely different story is when land is self-willed and rock-ribbed both directly and metaphorically speaking. People have been trying to master land and have own say in in-rock urban development for centuries. But only those who succeded in finding common ground with Earth managed to create true novels in stone.
Here were born composer Mozart and poet Georg Trakl, here Haydn wrote his operas, and many other famous people are connected with Salzburg. But only a small part of local attractions is linked to these geniuses. A city with a fairly small population, thanks to its memorable places was listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Site.
Mexico is a hot and passionate country. At least, legendary Mexican soap operas have contributed to this image. It is time to go there and get your own unforgettable experience that will forever stir your soul! Mexico is a country in the south of North America washed by the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of California and the Gulf of Mexico. Surfers say the waves are amazing there...
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