With almost one third of its land set aside for conservation, a low-density tourism policy that leaves it blissfully crowd-free and the largest free-roaming elephant population on the planet, Botswana is touted as the ultimate safari destination by those in the know.

Chief among the country's tourism highlights is the Okavango Delta, which draws attention with its unique watery scenery and abundant big five game.

But Botswana is much more than a one-hit wonder. Its parks and reserves span an impressive range of landscapes, from the surreal stark beauty of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans to the primaeval wilderness of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.

The country’s wildlife is rich and varied, and activities are similarly diverse: adventurous safari-goers can ditch the traditional game-viewer in favour of any mode of transport imaginable: safari by horse-back, boat, mokoro canoe or quad-bike, or simply venture out on foot.

Botswana may not be the cheapest place to go on safari, but it's certainly one of the best. Buckle up and dive in.