A Complete Guide to Safari in Botswana and Why You Should Go
Written by Courtney Drysdale
Are you a thrill seeker looking for a unique and exciting adventure? Look no further than Botswana. Botswana is home to some of the most incredible safaris in the world, and there's something for everyone, from luxury travellers to budget backpackers.
Why visit Botswana?
In a nutshell, Botswana is an exclusive safari destination with unparalleled safari experiences and unique activities. Travellers can explore the UNESCO world heritage site, the Okavango Delta by kayak or mokoro (dugout canoe), ride horses amongst a huge migration of zebra in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, watch out for quirky critters in the Kalahari and witness colossal herds of elephants in the Chobe – with many more hidden gems. All in all, Botswana is a must-see wilderness destination, read on to find out more about why we think it’s certainly a bucket list destination.
Luxury or Budget?
If you're a luxury traveller, Botswana is the perfect destination for a truly unforgettable African safari. From luxury lodges and camps, to game drives in private vehicles, you'll have the chance to experience the best of Botswana's wilderness in style. For a truly unique experience, you can also try a photographic safari – an exclusive tour of Botswana's wildlife that allows you to capture the stunning beauty of the African landscape in your own photos.
If you're on a budget, Botswana still has plenty to offer. However, it is generally considered a more exclusive destination (check out our blog that explains why here). You can explore the country's vast national parks and reserves on a mobile safari. You'll have the chance to stay in more affordable but still authentically African stays — some of our favourites include Bush Ways and Planet Baobab — and go on guided or self-drive game drives to spot lions, elephants, cheetahs, and other African wildlife in great abundance against the backdrop of pristine nature.
One thing is for sure — Botswana offers some of the most unique and exciting safari experiences in the world. So, why not go for it and start planning your Botswana safari adventure today?
Types of safaris
First things first — which safari type is the right fit for you? Well, if you are looking for variety, you’re in luck. Botswana is full of diverse landscapes and thus, loads of different types of safaris. Here are some to choose from and the best places to do them:
Guided Safari
So, this is definitely a classic! Botswana is home to some of the finest guided safaris in the world, allowing visitors to explore the country’s vast open spaces and wild spots, and get up right close to its incredible wildlife. With a variety of game reserves, national parks, and private concessions — not to mention the incredible guides who know them like the back of their hands — you can book a guided safari in pretty much every part of Botswana. Whether you’re looking to view fascinating wildlife like the Big 5, or learn about the abundant biodiversity from an expert guide, Botswana’s guided safaris always deliver an unforgettable experience.
Self-Drive Safari
Take your safari to the next level of adventure with a self-drive safari. With a self-drive mobile safari, you can explore the parks, reserves, and private concessions of Botswana in a fully-equipped, customised vehicle, or even your own 4x4. You’ll have the freedom to go where you want, when you want, and experience the country’s incredible wildlife, landscapes, and cultures at your own pace. This is a great way to explore places off the beaten path, like the Central Kalahari or the Chobe Region. However, it is important to note that you will need some serious 4x4 driving skills in this case. For information on whether this is the right choice for you — check out our blog post on self-drive vs game drive.
Eco-Luxury Safari
If you’re looking for a truly special safari experience, Botswana offers some of the most luxurious safari options in the world. From exclusive tented camps to lavish lodges, you’ll have access to all the amenities and comforts you could want, as well as spectacular game viewing. Whether you’re looking for an intimate escape or a larger group adventure, Botswana’s luxury safaris are sure to provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can find a luxury safari experience pretty much anywhere that your hearts desire, whether it’s the wildlife-rich Chobe Region, a private island in the Okavango Delta or a remote luxury tented camp on the Salt Pans.
Water Safari by mokoro
Now, this is a real treat! As you may have seen, Botswana is home to some of the most spectacular waterways in the world. So, why not take your safari to the next level with a water safari? Take a boat ride down the Okavango Delta and explore the rich aquatic life, or kayak the Chobe River, watching families of elephants take a dip. With so many options to explore, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.
Photographic Safari
Botswana is an incredible destination for photographers of all levels. With stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique cultures, there’s always something new to capture. From game drives and boat tours to walking safaris and specialist workshops, Botswana’s photographic safaris offer an outstanding experience for shutterbugs. You can find photographic safaris at many of the major wildlife hotspots in Botswana like the Okavango Delta and the Makgadikadi Salt Pans.
Walking Safari
Want to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most wonderful wildlife? A walking safari combines a love of hiking (don’t worry – there are plenty of different levels on offer) and the thrill of seeing game on foot. You can go on a walking safari almost anywhere in Botswana, from following a San guide in the Makgadikadi Salt Pans to wandering along the lush plains between glistening waterways in Okavango Delta. Either way, with the help of expert guides you can really learn about the indigenous flora and fauna of the area and how it is often an essential part of traditional cultures, such as the San.
Horseriding Safari
Groups like Natural Selection offer exceptional horseback experiences, including watching the breathtaking zebra migration across the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. This is often one of the best ways to see game and provides a great dose of excitement too as you gallop across large plains or wade through the waters of the Okavango Delta.
So, you now know what safari you might want to choose and are ready to start planning it. Well that’s where we come in. Get in touch and we'll sort out all the admin so you can find he best safari for you’re personalised wants and dreams. 🦓
Top Places to Visit
The Okavango Delta is located in the north of Botswana, and this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. Every year, the delta floods and creates a lush paradise with teeming wildlife and vibrant birdlife. From the air, the delta looks like a patchwork of islands and lily-covered lagoons. Here, you can explore the diverse wildlife on a game drive, take a mokoro (dugout canoe) trip through the papyrus-lined channels, or enjoy a luxury safari experience in the many lodges and camps scattered around the delta.
The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are the largest salt pans in Africa, covering an area of over 30.000 square kilometres. This area is a flat, white desert-like landscape that is home to some of the most amazing wildlife, including migratory flamingos, pelicans, and even secretive creatures like the aardwolf and caracal. The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are also a great place to explore with a San Guide, go birdwatching, and hot-air ballooning.
The Chobe Region is located in the northern section of Botswana and is one of the best places to see wildlife in the world. The Chobe National Park is home to an incredible array of animals, including colossal elephant herds and the rare African wild dog. Here, you can enjoy a game drive, go on a walking safari, or take a luxury river cruise along the Chobe River.
The Central Kalahari is a remote desert region located in the heart of Botswana. Here, you can explore the dramatic landscapes, spot wildlife like oryx and black-maned lion on game drives, and visit the incredibly resilient San people. The Central Kalahari is also a great place for stargazing, as there is very little light pollution in this remote corner of the world.
Wildlife and Where to See Them
Botswana is, without a doubt, known for its incredible abundance of wildlife. From rare cheetahs, wild dogs and rhinos, to enormous elephants and sky high giraffes, to fearsome predators like lions and leopards. Everywhere you look, Botswana is a paradise for animal lovers. Here, visitors can find a variety of wildlife species, each with its own unique characteristics and behaviours.
Lions
Lions are the most iconic of the big cats and Botswana offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities for these majestic predators. The Okavango Delta is one of the best places to find the wildlife of Botswana and it is here that they are known to swim across the various channels. Another great place to see a special kind of this big cat is in the Central Kalahari, which is home to the formidable black-maned lion.
Elephants
You can find elephants in most places in Botswana. Let's be honest – there are loads of them. Botswana is home to the largest population of African elephants. These gentle giants are a symbol of strength and majesty and are often seen roaming between mopane trees or swimming across channels in large herds. A really good place to look for them is Chobe.
Wild Dogs
Wild dogs are some of Botswana’s most special and unique wildlife. The African painted dogs, as they are often called, can be found largely in the Okavango Delta and the Chobe Region. These cunning creatures are known for their wily hunting skills and tight-knit family groups.
Meerkats
Ever seen the Lion King and couldn’t get enough of Timon? Well, we have great news for you! Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are home to a one-of-a-kind habituated colony of meerkats. These cute critters will happily come and sit on your head for a better view, and you can watch others pop in and out of their underground tunnel system.
Cheetahs
If you wander through the ochre sands of the Central Kalahari you might also spot the world's fastest cat, the cheetah. Known for their agility and grace, these magnificent creatures are happiest speeding through the savannah on the hunt for antelope.
Bat-Eared Fox
Feel like experiencing a cuteness overload? Explore the Central Kalahari and Makgadikgadi Salt Pans to catch a glimpse of the adorable bat-eared fox, especially on a night game drive.
Birds
One for the birds? The Salt Pans are home to incredibly large flocks of migrating flamingos, whose pink hue stands starkly against the moon-like surfaces or sea-like waters of the Makgadikgadi. Look out for the 570 species of birds spread all across the country, including the elegant secretary bird and Africa’s largest flying native bird, the kori bustard.
Leopards
If you explore the northern regions of Botswana, you may likely see one of the country's most secretive cats — the gorgeously spotted leopard. These solitary creatures often wander through sections of the Delta or Chobe region and many other places throughout the country.
This list is just a taste of the wonderful wildlife that populate Botswana, however, there are plenty of endemic birdlife, diverse wildlife and everything in between that makes this country a dream come true for any safari enthusiast. So, whether you’re looking for a chance to spot the Big 5 or just to enjoy the unique beauty of Botswana’s wildlife, the country offers an array of experiences for visitors. From the Okavango Delta to the Chobe National Park, Botswana is a haven for nature lovers, and its incredible wildlife is sure to take your breath away.
When to Visit
Thinking of travelling to Botswana to explore the country’s diverse landscapes, plethora of wildlife and unique culture? Before you book your tickets, it’s important to understand the climate of Botswana so that you can plan your trip accordingly. Botswana has a semi-arid climate that is divided into a rainy season, which ranges from November to March, and a dry season, which starts in about April and lasts until October.
The dry season is the best time to view wildlife, as the animals are more active during this time and the vegetation is also thinner, making it easier for you to spot them. However, Botswana can still be a great place to visit in the rainy season. This is when the country experiences its highest rainfall, but it’s also when the country is at its most lush and green. This time of year is when you’ll likely see plenty of predator activity and newborn baby animals. Do note, however, that some camps close during the rainy season, so consider what you want to do and see during this time. No matter when you decide to visit Botswana, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. So, reach our to plan your trip accordingly and make the most of your time in this beautiful country.
FAQs about Botswana
How difficult is it to visit Botswana?
Botswana is seriously easy to visit. There are plenty of flights to main hubs like Maun, Kasane and Gaborone, as well as loads of land border posts. Many countries don’t need a visa to get into Botswana. However, if you are travelling with children without both parents, you will need an affidavit and signed legal documents. To find out more about what you might need, check out our Botswana Pocket Guide for a detailed breakdown.
How many days should I spend in Botswana?
This is totally up to you. Honestly, you may never want to leave! We recommend anywhere between a week and a month, depending on where you want to go and what you want to do. Two weeks split between the main sites like the Delta and the Makgadikgadi will help you see everything you need without rushing. However, if you’re self-driving, remember that Botswana is a very low-populated country and unless you are flying between places, you can expect great distances to travel.
Is Botswana a Safe Country?
Yebo yes! Botswana is a very safe country to travel to. Naturally, it is worthwhile being careful with your belongings and not travelling at night, but it’s a great place for any and all travellers. The roads are also generally good throughout the country, but we advise checking non-tarred roads in the rainy season and avoiding driving at night (not so fun fact – donkeys can really blend into the darkness).
Botswana vs South Africa safari experience — which one should I choose?
This totally depends on what you want! Each experience is very different and customisable depending on the time, experiences and budget. We recommend checking out our different trips to see what tickles your fancy.
How do I get to Botswana?
You can drive from South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe or Zambia to Botswana. There are also plenty of flights into Maun, Gaborone and Kasane, and many of your chosen lodges will arrange airport transfers.
How difficult is it to get from Botswana to Victoria Falls?
This is super easy — you just need to cross the border at Kazungula, which is located next to the town of Kasane in the north of Botswana. You can also hop on a flight, which runs between the 2 towns, as well as from Maun and the Delta.
How do I get from Botswana to Namibia?
Ngoma Bridge is a good accessway from the Chobe and Zambezi Region, while Mamuno is a good entry point for the Central Kalahari.
What Botswana border posts are open?
All of them! For more information on specific border posts check here or view our Botswana Pocket Guide for a full breakdown.
Should I book a safari to Botswana?
Botswana is undoubtedly one of the absolute best places to go on safari, with huge numbers of wildlife, large areas dedicated to protecting them and all the sustainable stays you could wish for at a range of price points.
How do I know if Botswana is a good place for me to visit?
Are you a fan of untouched and wild destinations brimming with plenty of wildlife and adventure activities (while being terrificly sustainable, we might add)? Well, then Botswana will surely not disappoint. Bonus: Botswana is also a fantastic honeymoon destination, with loads of incredible activities and intimate, luxury stays sure to make it a trip of a lifetime.
Hyped up and ready to explore? Check out our other Botswana FAQs for more information and also have a squiz at our website to find out how you can make your dreams come true with a sustainable Botswana adventure.
