Experience the Beauty of Botswana with Sanlam Go Cover

Botswana is a fascinating country in southern Africa, waiting to be explored by adventurous souls like you. From the stunning landscapes to the diverse wildlife, this gem of a destination has something for everyone.

When I think of Botswana, I’m immediately transported to a world of wonder. I imagine myself standing in awe of the majestic elephants roaming freely in Chobe National Park. The excitement of witnessing lions hunting their prey in the vast Okavango Delta fills me with a sense of awe and respect for the natural world.

But exploring Botswana comes with its fair share of challenges. The rugged terrain and remote locations can make travel unpredictable. That’s why having reliable travel insurance, like Sanlam Go Cover, is essential for a stress-free journey.

With Sanlam Go Cover, you can embark on your Botswana adventure with confidence, knowing that you’re protected against unforeseen circumstances. Whether it’s medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage, Sanlam Go Cover has your back.

As you plan your trip to Botswana, don’t forget to consider the unique experiences this country has to offer. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the San people, one of the oldest indigenous groups in Africa. Witness the mesmerizing dance performances and learn their ancient traditions.

Another not-to-be-missed activity is a mokoro ride in the Okavango Delta. Glide through the tranquil waters of this UNESCO World Heritage site and encounter a wide variety of bird species, hippos, and maybe even a crocodile or two. It’s an experience that will leave you breathless.

Botswana is also home to the incredible Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. These vast salt flats are a sight to behold, especially during the rainy season when they transform into a shallow lake attracting large flocks of flamingos. You won’t believe your eyes.

And let’s not forget the mesmerizing beauty of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. This remote wilderness is teeming with unique wildlife, such as the black-maned lions and rare brown hyenas. It’s a photographer’s dream come true.

So, if you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, consider exploring the wonders of Botswana. And remember, with Sanlam Go Cover by your side, you can have peace of mind knowing that you’re protected every step of the way.

Botswana… What an amazing place! It’s filled with breathtaking landscapes and incredible people. My adventure in Botswana began with Sanlam Go Cover, the world’s first insurance that provides on-demand accidental injury and death coverage. And let me tell you, I almost had to use it.

The moment I crossed the border and set foot on Botswana’s soil, I was filled with excitement. I had heard so many stories about the beauty and wonders of this land. From wild animals roaming freely to creepy crawly creatures, and even the treacherous mud and sand that could make you stuck for weeks. It’s no wonder I felt a bit anxious. But luckily, just the day before, I had taken advantage of the Sanlam Go Cover App and secured R1 million of accidental injury and death coverage.

This insurance is like having a reliable winch in times of trouble. It’s a smart move to have it even if you don’t end up using it. Unlike a winch, which can be quite expensive, 12 days of R1million cover only costs me R246.00. So, it was an easy decision for me to make!

As I calmed down and relaxed, I was ready to go to our first campsite. We headed to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, a place where black and white rhinos thrive in the thick Kalahari sandveld, along with more than 30 other amazing animal species! I knew we were in for an incredible time with the chance to see some breathtaking sights. The area had recently been blessed with heavy rainfall, so we were lucky to witness the pans filled with water, which made the experience even more special. It was a gentle introduction to the wonders that Botswana had in store for us.

As the day went on, I relaxed by the pool and then went for an amazing sunset game drive. It was a truly magical experience that I will never forget. Imagine this: the sun was starting to set behind the Mopani, and I found myself at a golden pan. Suddenly, there appeared a group of almost 10 black and white rhinos. They all started coming towards the pan, slowly but surely. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I sat there, completely mesmerized, taking in every little detail. It was as if time had stood still. The sun was fading away, and I wanted to capture every second of that incredible moment.

As I embarked on my journey to the Central Kalahari, a place famous for its harsh conditions, I couldn’t help but marvel at the scorching 40°C temperature. Finding my campsite for the night, I knew I had to be vigilant. These secluded spots were teeming with wildlife, and being alone meant I had to stay on high alert. Though Sanlam Go Cover had my back, encountering a predator was definitely something I preferred to experience through my camera lens.

Despite the blistering heat, I was fortunate enough to witness a variety of extraordinary creatures. From majestic lions and fearless honey badgers to cunning black-backed jackals, graceful springboks, and elegant oryx, the Central Kalahari never ceased to amaze me.

Being in remote places has its pros and cons. On the one hand, there’s a sense of solitude and closeness with nature that you can’t experience anywhere else. Every game sighting feels personal and special when you’re the only one there to witness it. But on the other hand, it can be risky. If something were to go wrong, like a sudden storm rolling in, being alone could put you in a dangerous situation.

That’s exactly what happened to me one day. I was out in the Central Kalahari Reserve, enjoying the peacefulness of the desert landscape. The sky was clear and the sun was shining, but I could feel a change in the air. The clouds started to darken, and the wind picked up, whipping the sand around me.

Before I knew it, I was caught in the middle of a massive sandstorm. The sand stung my skin and made it hard to see or breathe. It was like being trapped in a whirlwind of chaos. But the worst part was yet to come.

As I was struggling to find my way through the storm, I heard a rumble of thunder in the distance. The sandstorm was transitioning into a thunderstorm, and Mother Nature was unleashing her anger. The rain started pouring down, drenching me to the bone.

In that moment, I knew I had to get out of there. I couldn’t risk being trapped in the reserve with the storm raging around me. So, I made the difficult decision to leave a day early, cutting my trip short.

It was a disappointing end to my time in the Central Kalahari Reserve, but it was also a valuable lesson. Being in remote places means being at the mercy of nature. You never know when a storm will strike or how severe it will be. It’s a reminder of the power and unpredictability of the natural world.

I then headed to Lehlakane, where I found a BnB to stay for the night and meet up with my friend Blaine. After freshening up and enjoying a delicious meal, I could feel the exhaustion from my days of exploring and camping catching up with me. A good night’s sleep was exactly what I needed. The next day held great significance as Blaine and I were embarking on a journey to Kubu Island, a renowned destination for overlanding enthusiasts. It was a place cherished by many avid travelers. With the storm behind us, we excitedly drove through the Mopani forests and gleefully splashed through muddy pools.

Driving my Suzuki Jimny through the vast salt pans was an absolute blast, even though it got a bit messy! I was amazed at how effortlessly my little Jimny tackled every obstacle I threw at it. With a sense of confidence, I ventured into the expansive horizons of the pans, surrounded by swirling dust devils.

As the late afternoon approached, I knew it was time to make my way back to Kubu Island, where I planned to spend the night among the majestic Baobabs. Little did I know that this would bring a sudden change to my adventure.

As I drove onto the salt pans, my tires sank into the crust, getting clogged with slimy mud. The once enjoyable ride quickly turned into a frustrating situation. I stepped out of the vehicle and asked my buddy Blaine for help. Together, we tried everything to get the car unstuck, but no matter how many attempts we made, we couldn’t make any progress.

So, get this. I thought I was being clever and decided not to bring my recovery tracks on this trip because, honestly, what could possibly go wrong, right? Well, naturally, something did go wrong. And it got worse. As I was trying to shake and lift the vehicle, I suddenly felt this sharp click in my lower back. Let me tell you, it was not the best timing for excruciating pain. There was still mud to be shoveled and a vehicle to be pushed, but here I was, down for the count, not knowing what had just happened or how bad the injury really was.

But then, in the distance, I saw two figures gradually making their way toward me. I couldn’t quite believe my eyes, so I grabbed my binoculars to make sure I wasn’t just imagining things.

As Bosta and Billy arrived, my face lit up with excitement. Despite the pain in my back, I couldn’t resist giving them both a warm hug. They had spotted us from their camp and thought we might need a hand since we hadn’t budged for hours. Bosta and Billy, also known as the Pan Rangers, are local guides who live right on the pans and have an unparalleled knowledge of the area. They willingly lent their expertise and dug us out of our predicament. To my surprise, they even offered us shelter for the night. They fashioned a makeshift stretcher so that I could rest and recover from my backache.

This experience was yet another testament to the incredible kindness of the people in Botswana. It was heartwarming to see their willingness to help a stranger in need. That evening, we celebrated our escape from the sand trap by indulging in our finest supplies of food. It truly felt like a triumph and an occasion worth savoring!

Thankfully, if things had been worse and my back injury had been more serious, Sanlam Go Cover would have had me covered. It’s true what they say: it’s better to have something and not need it, than to need it and not have it. I’ll never go on an adventure again without my recovery tracks, but I’ll also never go without Sanlam Go Cover, because I came very close to needing it.

The world is filled with marvelous places and remarkable people. But at the end of the day, we can’t let fear of failure or pain hold us back from living our lives and having incredible experiences. Instead, we should hold onto anything that boosts our confidence, and use it to embrace life and have fun, even when we’re feeling a little bit adventurous!

Download the Sanlam Go Cover app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, or purchase cover online.