VA3QY will be active from Botswana, 16 September - 8 October 2023 as A22EW.
He will be active on 20 - 10m and possibly 6m, CW and SSB.
QSL via home call.
Botswana
Botswana is located in the southern part of the African continent, has borders with Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, South Africa. The country is called the real Africa. Having no access to the sea, its territory is covered with sands, savannahs, marshlands, saline basins. Most of it is desert. This is what makes this country interesting. In the Kalahari Desert grow samples of African flora: majestic baobabs, different kinds of acacias, merul tree, which is called beer tree. It is home to a huge number of wild animals, led by elephants, the rightful masters of this place.
Climatic zones
There are two of them: most of them are subtropics, in the north - tropics. Average temperatures in January range from 22°C to 27°C, and in July from 14°C to 16°C. The average maximum in January is +33°C, and the average minimum in July is +5°C. The climate has a sharply pronounced continental character, the amplitude of temperature fluctuations can reach twenty-two degrees. In the winter period frosts are possible. The hottest month is October, the rainy season starts in November and ends in March. At this time there is a greater amount of precipitation. Their average annual figure is negligible and is 460 mm. And the rains are mainly in the north-east.
The relief is not characterised by diversity
The eastern and south-eastern regions are dominated by hilly terrain accompanied by outcrops of crystalline granite and gneiss (granular metamorphic rocks). In the north west stretches the Ganzi Range, which includes the highest point of the country, Mount Otse. Surrounding the plateau is the Kalahari Depression, a significant part of which is occupied by the desert of the same name. It is characterised by numerous barchans and dunes, which have a reddish hue due to the presence of iron in the soil. In the north of Botswana there are two large depressions: the Okavango and the Makg'adikg'adi, in which there are many salt lakes and swamps. The Okavango is the largest river. It forms an inner delta in a depression, then it is lost in numerous channels and swamps. It is called the river that finds no sea. It forms picturesque labyrinths of lagoons, channels, islands. The marshes are covered with reeds, papyrus, elephant grass.
Incredible wealth of wildlife
The Okavango Delta has an impressive wildlife with a diverse animal life - zebras, wild buffalo, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes of various species feel at ease here. Lions, leopards, hyenas, jackals, and zebras are also vivid representatives of the country's fauna. There is an untold number of lizards and snakes (pythons, shield cobras, dwarf vipers), scorpions are often found here. Birds are represented by African ostriches, storks, flamingos, ibis, ducks, and several species of herons. The Okavango Delta is also home to such rare birds as African fish kites, fish owls, and brilliant teal.
Reserves and parks
In order to preserve the pristine vegetation and wildlife, part of the country has been set aside as protected natural areas. These are national parks and reserves. In the central part of Botswana there is the largest in area not only on the continent, but also in the whole world Central Kalahari Reserve. It was created to protect the natural complexes of savannahs and deserts, their unique fauna. It is also home to nomadic tribes of Bushmen. These hunters and gatherers are characterised by their ability to survive in the arid conditions of the Kalahari. The mystical hills of Tsolido have the richest collection of rock paintings showing scenes of life and hunting of this unique tribe. The Bushmen have preserved their traditional way of life with ancient customs and distinctive ways of life.
The greatest biodiversity in the country is characterised by the Chobe National Park. It is famous for being home to the world's largest population of elephants. They congregate in huge herds travelling along the river banks. The herds cause a lot of damage to the area, but at the same time they are considered a trademark of the park.
Makg'adikg'adi Park and Nxai Pan are combined into one large national park. It is a beautiful savannah, fields, and salt flats. During the rainy season, huge herds of ungulates migrate here, presenting a spectacular sight. The southern area of the park is famous for groups of large baobabs.
The next attraction is the Savuti Swamp Park. This is a flat area that is a remnant of a large lake in the Mababe Valley. It too is home to many elephants and a variety of birds.
Attractions can also be found in the capital city called Gaborone. These are the National Museum, the Ethnographic Museum, and the National Gallery of Art. The National Museum exhibits and sells local works of art - handicrafts typical for the African continent, stuffed animals.
The most interesting and noteworthy place is the unique Okavango Delta, which is travelled by mokoro. This is the name of local canoes - boats hollowed out of solid tree trunks. They are the main means of travelling on the water in the area. The area is also famous for its fascinating safaris, which are best done in a powerful jeep. This type of hunting also involves travelling on foot, but it is more comfortable by car. Safari in most cases is an observation of animals. A magnificent sight is their migration, which takes place from April to October. November to December is the breeding season. Newborn animals and their parents can be seen during this period.
Where do campers live?
Accommodation for tourists is organised in lodges - small buildings or detached houses. Also popular are camps - tent camps, the conditions in which are not worse than in a good hotel. Local peculiarity: it is not allowed to leave the accommodation at night without an escort. This is because you can fall prey to local predators who like to hunt at night.
Botswana is a safe tourist destination
Surprisingly, it is. In a country with seemingly wild places teeming with various representatives of the animal world, travellers feel, and in fact are safe. Local residents are distinguished by friendliness, calmness, which surprisingly reflects on the behaviour of animals. They have learnt not to be afraid of people or not to pay attention to them. Still, tourists are recommended to adhere to some rules. When communicating with animals there is a lot of things you can not do: feed them during the safari, stand between the elephant and its cub. In general, elephants must give way. And baboons become aggressive at the sight of a smile or hands hidden in pockets. Special places are set aside for tourists to get out of cars during the safari. Outside of them, it is better to admire the exotics from the car. In the parks it is forbidden to use motorbikes, bicycles, it is forbidden to make noise and litter. For safety, you should suitably equip yourself with clothes that cover your arms and legs. Exotic poisonous insect bites can be dangerous. Careful attention should be paid to water and food. As for crime, it is very low in Botswana. The local population appreciates tourists for the rise of the country's economy. They are characterised by hospitality.