Why is Botswana a holiday hotspot for 2015?

It’s that time of year when we’re all planning our travels for 2015 and now has never been a better time to visit Botswana. ABTA, the UK’s largest travel association, has released a list of ‘Destinations to watch’ in 2015 and Botswana is right up there at number two! The list includes a mixture of long and short haul destinations that are sure to excite your wanderlust and get you dreaming about your next holiday. Here are the top 12 destinations on the list. 1. Austria 2. Botswana 3. Cuba 4. Dominican Republic 5. Japan 6. Latvia 7. La Gomera, (Spain) 8. Norway 9. Pacific Coast (USA) 10. Singapore 11. The Netherlands 12. The Peloponnese (Greece) These destinations, and other findings from ABTA, show an ever-growing trend for adventure travel. The popularity of the fly ‘n’ flop holiday is dwindling as we search for more excitement and unique travel experiences. Over a third of us (35%) will be travelling somewhere new in 2015 as we search for exclusivity and luxury boutique accommodation. Holidaymakers want to experience more and go home with more than just a tan and a buffet belly! Botswana is a fantastic destination for 2015 as it offers everything we’re searching for in an exclusive and exciting holiday. Botswana is a leader in eco tourism and an incredible 38% of the land is protected for wildlife and nature conservation. Botswana’s main draw is the chance to take a safari. The beautiful countryside, the wetlands and saltpans are home to an incredibly large and diverse amount of wildlife as well as some of Africa’s most endangered species. The Okavango Delta is one of the best places in the world for year-round game viewing. This is Africa’s biggest oasis and creates a natural theatre to see lions, hippos, hyenas, cheetahs, white rhinoceros, black rhinoceros, African dogs and so much more. Central Kalahari and Nxai is an unforgettable place to be between November and May as you will see huge herds of migrating beasts such as buffalo, elephants and zebra. The Kalahari is also home to the magnificent black-maned lion. Moremi is one of the most beautiful reserves in all of Africa, and is particularly popular with bird watchers as there is an abundance of beautiful species filling the sky. After an incredible day wildlife spotting in Botswana, there’s nothing better than returning to a luxury eco-resort in a stunning setting. Muchenje Lodge in the famous Chobe National Park is an intimate and luxurious lodge with panoramic views overlooking the Chobe River and floodplains. Each room has a private balcony where you can enjoy the magnificent sunsets and spend your evenings gazing up at the stars. Mother Nature is putting on an incredible show and this is the place to watch it. Pom Pom Camp is another fabulous option in one of the most scenic areas in the heart of the Okavango. Traditional safari tents have been given a luxurious upgrade with indoor-outdoor ensuites so you can feel as close to the beautiful nature as possible. One of the best things about a holiday to Botswana is the lack of crowds. It’s a quiet and peaceful place to visit with small, intimate camps. Visitors are made to feel incredibly welcome and more like family members than tourists. If you’re looking for an adventure in 2015, make sure Botswana is on your list. These are just a few of the many, many reasons to visit this beautiful country. Ash Sofat is Chief Executive at Somak Holidays. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.