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Exploring niche corners of the world beyond mainstream destinations may feel out of reach for most travelers. For the avid journeyman though, traversing through rugged terrain, admiring the stature of the tallest mountain peaks, and observing the exotic, native wildlife of distant lands while indulging in distinctive culture is the ideal destination. Places like Botswana in Southern Africa or the wondrous Galápagos Islands of Ecuador are beyond the conventional travel excursion, and yet offer riveting itineraries. For the discerning traveler, Botswana and the Galápagos Islands offer an unparalleled opportunity to experience nature and unique wildlife sightings like no other place on Earth. Tucked away in the heart of Southern Africa, Botswana is the premier destination for those looking for an authentic African safari experience. From the vast savannahs of the Kalahari Desert to the wetlands of the Okavango Delta, travelers can witness some of the most astonishing wildlife on the continent, including the 'Big 5'. It is the crown jewel of all safari destinations by a wide margin. Meanwhile, the Galápagos Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean, are home to unique species that attract wildlife lovers from all over the world. e archipelago, comprising eighteen main islands and several smaller islets, is famous for its one-of-a-kind flora and fauna that have adapted and evolved over millions of years. e remoteness and geographic isolation of the Islands allowed the flora and fauna to evolve in a unique way, enabling the survival of giant tortoises, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, fourteen species of Darwin finches, and an array of endemic plants and animals. Xplorearth.us, a luxury travel agency founded by the passionate Harsh Patil, is no stranger to these destinations and is committed to serving up exclusive and personalized travel itineraries to match both your travel preferences and desired pace of travel. Wondering which destination may intrigue you more? Let's explore them both. BOTSWANA e Okavango Delta in Botswana is one of the most remarkable natural wonders in the world and an essential centerpiece of any Botswana safari. is vast inland delta covers over 6,000 square miles, making it the largest of its kind on the planet. e delta is fed annually by floods that flow from the Angolan Highlands, creating a stunning landscape of lagoons, channels, and islands. Here you can observe some of the world's most endangered wildlife, including white and black rhinos, resurgent African wild dogs, elusive pangolins and of course predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Botswana is also home to the largest elephant population and can be spotted year-round. Finally, few places on Earth can boast about multiple VUE ON | TRAVEL VUENJ.COM 69

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