Arnoud Quanjer Wildlife Photography

Usually when I go to Africa I but the Lonely Planet guide for the areas that I'm visiting. Unfortunately there isn't a Lonely Planet guide available for Botswana. After some searching with Google I found out that the most used travel guides for Botswana are all written by Veronica Roodt. I purchased the "Shell Tourist Travel and Field Guide of Botswana" and I've been amazed by the detailed and up to date information in that travel guide. This travel guide is without a doubt one of the best, and maybe even the best travel guide that I've ever seen.

The travel guide contains detailed maps, travel information and a photographic check list of the common birds and animals into one publication. The book and map is presented in a plastic envelope for protection while travelling. This publication is aimed at assisting potential visitors with the planning of a safari to Botswana. The book provides travelling tips such as where to stay, road conditions, best season to visit, etc. but also background on the geology, history, fauna and flora of each area. In the back of the book is a directory with contact details of tourist companies, as well as an index for easy reference. There are 57 detailed maps of tourist areas, towns and cities, most of which include GPS co-ordinates. In 2006 the book was re-designed and detailed maps with GPS co-ordinates were included. Contact details of safari companies were also updated and are based on the latest information supplied by the companies. Companies that did not respond to e-mail requests for new details, were not included for fear of supplying the wrong details. A separate, A1-sized map is included in the package: The Shell Tourist Map of Botswana. 

Veronica Roodt has published other travel guides targeted at specific regions in Botswana (eg Chobe). I've seen the Chobe travel guide and I've used the map that is supplied with the Chobe travel guide and it offers the same high quality of information about the specific region. When you go to Botswana do yourself a favor and buy one of these travel guides.

The Shell Tourist Map of Botswana

The map is similar to the previous map of Botswana with a main map on the front and 19 additional enlarged maps of tourist areas. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has changed considerably since the previous map and the area north of the Park - the Kaa Kalahari Concession - has been added as this is also a new tourist destination in Botswana. All the National Park roads have also been updated and some additional routes have been added in the Makgadikgadi Pans area. Over 300 GPS co-ordinates are supplied on these maps to make traveling easier in remote areas. Visitors are urged, however, to use these co-ordinates to stick to the main tracks and not to make shortcuts. The vegetation of Botswana is very fragile and undisciplined driving will cause tremendous damage. Shell Oil and Veronica Roodt are devoted to conservation and they trust the readers will be responsible in this respect.