Think of it as the 21st century's 221B Baker Street: Fans of the book series No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency have taken an interest in the country of Botswana, where the book's action takes place, thanks in part to a small-screen adaptation.

The ten-book series by Alexander McCall Smith follows Precious Ramotswe, the first female Botswanan P.I., as she and her assistant Grace solve cases of missing girlfriends and blackmail, among others. Oscar-winning director Anthony Minghella shot a TV adaptation of the books in Botswana starring singer Jill Scott last year before his untimely death after surgery; in a documentary called "In the Footsteps of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective," author Smith visits Minghella on set as well as other locations he used in his books. ]]> egw 2009-11-11T16:19:25-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/4/24/2025/45842

Just in time for Earth Day, Disney’s "Earth" opened in theaters Wednesday. This G-rated documentary traces the journey of three animal families across the globe. One of those families was a herd of elephants captured in their homeland, Botswana. We predict "Earth" will renew interest in this small African country. If you want to beat the crowds, here’s a few tips for visiting Botswana.

What to See:
The elephant sequence in "Earth" was filmed in the world’s second largest game reserve, the 200,000-plus square mile Central Kalahari. The reserve’s terrain ranges from sand dunes to bushy plains and is teeming with wildlife. Several companies offer safaris through Kalahari including Getaway Travel who has a six day safari where you’ll participate in a nature walk led by local Bushmen trackers, visit the game reserve, and camp in the wild. Prices for six nights begin at $1,500. ]]> cmb 2009-04-24T10:54:29-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/3/9/105937/0146

Here, kitty kitty! It takes a lot of patience and a little luck to spot a lion in the wild on safari in Botswana, but all that hardship becomes worth it once a pride rolls into view.

The Chicago Sun-Times sent a writer to Southern Africa where he spotted a lioness, impalas, hippos and African fish eagles, all while staying in tents in the gorgeous Okavango Delta. The company that showed him these wonders? Wilderness Safaris, an ecotourist outfitter practicing minimal-impact camping on their trips through Botswana and other southern African countries.

We couldn't find a current rate for Wilderness Safaris' "Safari for all Seasons," but the company is offering a seventh night free if you pay for 6 nights. Not very recessionary, but if you're going to go on safari, best to do it in a way that when the economy improves, it'll still be there for the rest of us.

Related Stories:
· Delta force: Searching for lions on African safari [Chicago Sun-Times]
· Rhino Travel: Kenya is Back in Black [Jaunted]
· Amazing Race 7 Hotel Report: Botswana Safari Lodge [HC]

[Photo: justin]]]> egw 2009-03-09T11:56:17-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/