Why Travel to Botswana
Southern Africa’s Premier Wildlife Destination
Botswana is not only regarded as one of the most exclusive and widely acclaimed safari destinations in Africa, but one of the most remarkable wilderness areas on earth. Beyond being one of Africa’s most premier and highly sought-after African safari destinations, Botswana offers travellers, tourists, and avid nature and wildlife enthusiasts the very best combination of unapologetic natural beauty, adventure, and exclusivity, paired with phenomenal game viewing, vast unspoiled landscapes, expansive lush green surroundings, wide-open plains domed by starlit skies and teeming with wildlife, sunsets that will leave you swooning, an endless array of exceptional destinations, attractions, game reserves, conservancies, and National Parks to discover and explore, as well as several unforgettable safari experiences and adventures you won’t find anywhere else than right here in the glorious African safari destination that is Botswana. There is absolutely no denying that Botswana is hard to top and should undoubtedly be at the top of everyone’s African safari travel bucket-lists.
Here are 5 reason to travel to Botswana as well as a few important tidbits to keep in mind before you venture into the wild heart of Africa.
#1 Botswana is known for its prolific wildlife sightings & encounters
First and foremost, Botswana is the ultimate wildlife destination. Home to some of the most prolific wildlife species on the African continent, very few countries can compare to the sheer diversity and sensational abundance of wildlife that reside in Botswana.
Botswana covers a total area of +/- 581,730 sq. km. Approximately 40% of this land forms part of a wildlife-protected area which serves as a sanctuary for the world’s largest concentration of elephants (primarily residing in Chobe National Park) as well as acts as a stronghold for other endangered mammals, including the black rhinoceros and African wild dog – which are only two of countless endangered wildlife species in Africa.
As Botswana boasts a plethora of unique and diverse landscapes, eco-systems, and habitats it gives avid wildlife lovers the incredible opportunity to see even the rarest of wildlife species.
Botswana is also unique in the fact that it supports large concentrations of wildlife, as well as several amazing species of birdlife, reptiles, and amphibians on both a seasonal and permanent basis. For avian enthusiasts, there is no better place in the world to see the Slaty Egret and Wattled Crane, not to mention the illusive Pels Fishing Owl, which is extremely rare with many birding enthusiasts having never seen one before. It comes as no surprise that travelling to Botswana and witnessing this incredible bird in its natural habitat for the very first time has been known to bring even the most avid of birdwatchers to tears.
Among its exceptionally diverse, vast, and varied wildlife and birdlife species, a visit to the premium wildlife destination of Botswana will almost guarantee sightings of the most famous of Africa’s mammals, the African Big Five of course (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos).
Here is a quick guide for the best chance of spotting the Big Five in Botswana – each of which should be on your Botswana African safari honeymoon bucket-list:
- Chobe National Park for the highest concentration of elephants.
- Savuti region for lion sightings.
- Northern Okavango to see the large Cape buffalo.
- Moremi Game Reserve will offer excellent rhino sightings.
- Mashatu Game Reserve plays host to the elusive leopard.
As a large portion of its land is dedicated to conservation, with a strict ban on virtually all hunting implemented in 2013, Botswana is a true haven for wildlife. As a result several of its protected areas, including the remarkable Chobe National Park, glorious Okavango Delta, and the incredible Moremi Game Reserve, rank among the best game viewing destinations in both Africa and the world.
That’s not all – Did you know that Botswana is famous for the second-largest zebra migration in the world, after the Serengeti? You can also experience a personal encounter with the Bushman as they take you on guided tours on foot – How fantastic is that?
Botswana’s wild unapologetic natural beauty, vastly diverse landscapes, pristine unfenced surroundings, and prolific wildlife population guarantees a truly authentic African safari experience.
#2 Best time to travel to Botswana
If you’re looking to experience a wild Botswana safari adventure that’ll make your heart sing? Then the best time to visit this extraordinary and exciting African safari destination is during its dry winter season which takes place from June to October.
By far one of the top reasons why the dry season is deemed as the prime time to visit Botswana, including the untouched freshwater wetland of the Okavango Delta, rolling savannah of the Savuti, Africa’s elephant paradise of Chobe National Park, the Makgadikgadi saltpans and the semi-desert grasslands of the Kalahari, is because of the sheer abundance and glorious diversity of birdlife and wildlife present during this period. This is when the animals truly come out to play, putting on a show that will without a doubt leave you wanting more – This is what return visits are for!
In case we haven’t convinced you yet, here are a few more reasons why you should plan a trip to Botswana during its dry winter season and why you should add this pristine African safari destination to your travel bucket-list right away – Trust us, this is one decision you absolutely won’t regret.
- During Botswana’s dry winter season, the grass is considerably lower, and the trees have less foliage than during its wet summer season – This allows for optimal game-viewing visibility, which makes for spectacular wildlife sightings and encounters.
- Due to minimal rainfall during Botswana’s dry season, animals are concentrated in ever increasing numbers around permanent water sources and various watering holes. This gives visitors and wildlife enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy incredible wildlife sightings as animals flood in from far and wide to take advantage of these water sources.
- Although Botswana’s dry season coincides with its winter season, this time of year is characterised by little to no rainfall and sunshine-filled days, with mild and lovely day-time temperatures. This makes it the ideal time to explore and experience everything Botswana and its surrounding wilderness areas have to offer.
- Due to minimal rainfall, it’s the perfect time for visitors to tick some thrilling adventure experiences off their Botswana bucket-list.
- Water levels are at its highest during June – August in the Okavango Delta. This provides visitors, thrill seekers and avid adventurers with the best opportunity to enjoy a thrilling boating and canoe safari, with the most popular and exhilarating being traversing the waterways on a traditional mokoro canoe. The unique mokoro or dugout canoe is a traditional canoe used to negotiate the channels of the Okavango Delta. This is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure everyone visiting Botswana should experience at least once.
- Many animals migrate to the Okavango Delta during the dry winter season. It is estimated that around 260,000 mammals congregate around the delta during this time of year. This gives visitors the incredible opportunity to see a diverse variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. As the Okavango Delta is affected by seasonal flooding with flood water from Angola reaching the Delta between March and June, peaking in July, this coincides with Botswana’s dry season, resulting in great migrations of plains game from the dry hinterland.
- Botswana, especially the Okavango Delta, experiences a largely mosquito-free winter climate during this period.
Botswana’s dry winter season is also the best time to visit the renowned Okavango Delta and see it in full flood – Something everyone should get to experience at least once in their lives.
Located in Botswana the Okavango Delta is not only one of Africa’s most fascinating and captivating regions to discover, it is also one of the most unique ecosystems, as well as one of the world’s premier wilderness areas and largest inland deltas in the world. The delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.
As most local and international travelers to this unique, vast, and virtually untouched freshwater wetland area at the heart of Botswana’s arid Kalahari Desert travel to this bucket-list destination for its incredible wildlife sightings, they will certainly not be disappointed as the dry season is prime wildlife season in the Delta. As the Okavango Delta boast a complex and beautiful ecosystem, it supports an abundance and prolific diversity of remarkable wildlife species within a setting of dazzling natural beauty. In fact, the Delta is widely known as one of the most wildlife-rich areas in Africa.
A myriad of wildlife species can be found within the delta, some of which include: African Bush Elephant, African Buffalo, Hippopotamus, Topi, Blue Wildebeest, Giraffe, Nile crocodile, Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Brown Hyena, Spotted Hyena, Black Rhinoceros, White Rhinoceros, Plains Zebra, Warthog, and Chacma Baboons (to mention merely a few). That’s not all! You will also encounter several unusual antelope species like puku, sitatunga and red lechwe (many of which you may never have encountered before) – Making the Okavango Delta any wildlife lover’s dream come true! Not to mention the Okavango Delta is world-famous for its variety of predators. Which means wildlife enthusiasts are in for quite a thrilling wildlife experience and African wilderness adventure when visiting the Okavango Delta during its dry winter season.
Besides the Okavango Delta’s exceptional wildlife sightings, here are more reasons why visiting the Okavango Delta during the dry winter season is a great idea:
- Water levels are at its highest during June – August in the Okavango Delta. This provides visitors, thrill seekers and avid adventurers with the best opportunities for boating and canoe safaris. Besides authentic wildlife and birdlife sightings, many people travel to the Okavango Delta to enjoy water-based safaris – traversing the waterways on a traditional mokoro canoe. The unique mokoro (also spelt mokoro) or dugout canoe is a traditional canoe used to negotiate the channels of the Okavango Delta. This makes for an authentic and equally unique Okavango Delta experience.
- Many animals migrate to the Okavango Delta during the dry winter season. It is estimated that around 260,000 mammals congregate around the delta during this time of year. This gives visitors the incredible opportunity to see a diverse variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. As the Okavango Delta is affected by seasonal flooding with flood water from Angola reaching the Delta between March and June, peaking in July, this coincides with Botswana’s dry season, resulting in great migrations of plains game from the dry hinterland.
- Although the Okavango Delta’s dry season coincides with its winter season, the average day-time temperatures are mild and lovely enough to explore and experience everything the delta has to offer. Including going on some exciting adventures as well as enjoying a thrilling Okavango Delta safari.
- The Okavango Delta experiences minimal rainfall during this period allowing for tons of adventuring, exploring, and discovering the delta’s unique and breath-taking landscapes and scenery.
- The Okavango Delta experiences a largely mosquito-free winter climate during this period.
- Although weather conditions start to shift and become increasingly dry and hot during the months of September and October, these two months are still considered particularly good months to visit the Okavango Delta as thirsty animals are concentrated in enormous numbers on its fringes (the Moremi Game Reserve is particularly rewarding at this time).
- As April and May mark the beginning of the dry season in the Okavango Delta, the vegetation in the delta is still green and beautiful, perfect for exploring and going on exciting adventures around the delta.
Despite all of Botswana’s dry season highlights, don’t count out its rainy season from January to April. While some wildlife may scatter, certain areas like Chobe’s Savuti region and the Kalahari are perfect for summer game viewing. Plus, you’ll see other iconic animals on their migration path, including our striped zebra friends.
Check out our ‘Best Time to go to Botswana’ and ‘Best Time to go to the Okavango Delta’ blogs to find out everything you need to know.
#3 Botswana is the ultimate destination for safari adventures & bucket-list worthy experiences
Travelers looking to enjoy an African safari holiday filled with endless adventure and once-in-a-lifetime safari experiences, look no further than Botswana! Beyond its lavish luxury and exclusivity, Botswana is brimming with thrilling adventures, exhilarating experiences, and exciting safari activities – All of which are right at your fingertips and yours for the taking!
Depending on what you’re looking to experience – or if you’re eager to experience it ALL (who could possibly blame you?!) – Botswana and its host of immaculate safari lodges boasts an endless variety of safari adventures and experiences to enjoy.
#Day & Night Game Drives / Safaris
Go on a self-drive wildlife safari adventure through the African bushveld or enjoy a thrilling game drive in an open 4×4 vehicle with an experienced and knowledgeable wildlife guide by your side as you encounter sensational up-close wildlife sightings like you never have before.
For those thrill-seekers at heart, why not venture into the Botswana wilderness at night and revel in every exhilarating second of an exciting night game drive? In all honesty, there are very few experiences that can compare or even come close to hearing a lion – the al-mighty king of the bushveld – roar during a night drive or safari excursion. It will absolutely send shivers down your spine in the absolute best and most invigorating way possible – Talk about a once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list worthy experience!
#Guided Walking Safaris / Bush Walks
If you’re eager for something a little more wild and daring, ditch the safari vehicle and proceed on foot on an unforgettable walking safari alongside an exceptional and highly experienced wildlife guide. Exploring the African bushveld on foot encourages you to fully immerse yourself in Botswana’s vast and untamed wilderness and witness magnificent up-close wildlife sightings and encounters you only tend to read about in books and travel magazines.
Guided walking safaris / bush walks further give you the amazing opportunity to explore, and experience the African bushveld and all of its incredible inhabitants from a whole new perspective as you encounter a vast and wonderful array of wildlife, birdlife, and so much more you may not be able to spot while on a 4×4 safari vehicle To kick it up another notch on the thrill and adventure scale, you can even embark on a night-time guided walking safari / bush walk – Talk about an adrenalin rush like no other!
#Canoe & Boat Safaris & Mokoro Canoe Rides
Botswana is known for taking keen travelers on a trip of a lifetime. This means your Botswana African Safari experience and its ample wildlife adventures DON’T just revolve around or end at going on game drives or safaris alone! Oh no!
Many of Botswana’s safari camps, resorts, and lodges are located on or near water. Water levels in Botswana are at its highest during June – August, especially in Botswana’s crown jewel the Okavango Delta. This provides avid thrill-seeking and down-right adventurous guests with the very best opportunity to enjoy a thrilling boating and canoe safari, with the most popular and exhilarating being traversing the waterways on a traditional Mokoro canoe.
The unique Mokoro or dugout canoe is a traditional canoe used to navigate the channels of the Okavango Delta and beyond – To make it even more exciting, it’s a uniquely classic and wildly exciting experience only found in the diverse country of Botswana
Going on an adrenalin-filled canoe safari, particularly a mokoro canoe adventure, is by far one of the most exhilarating bucket-list worthy adventure experiences absolutely everyone visiting Botswana should experience.
#More Safari Experiences & Activities
Wait, there’s MORE! Besides bucket-list worthy open-vehicle day and night drives, adventure-filled walking and canoe safaris, and of course Mokoro Canoe adventures, travelers can look forward to even more fantastic, fun, and exciting safari adventures and experiences. Jump on a mountain bike for a new way to explore Botswana’s diverse terrain and surroundings, embark on an amazing hiking expedition, take to the skies by helicopter or plane and discover and explore the stunning landscapes from a bird’s eye view, or go on a memorable horse-back ride.
Your safari lodge, camp, or resort can also arrange private flights, dining experiences, exclusive game drives, personal walking, canoe, and Mokoro safaris, as well as unique, tailored-made, private safari experiences and adventures exclusively reserved for you.
These are merely a few of the once-in-a-lifetime experiences you can tick off your Botswana African safari bucket-list.
#4 Premium luxury accommodation in Botswana
Boasting ultra-luxurious accommodation, lavish facilities, and superb safari experiences – Botswana is any travelers dream come true. Accommodation in Botswana is set within the heart of the wilderness and positioned to provide true away-from-it-all indulgence. With panoramic views of its pristine wildlife and stunning savannah, the only ‘interruptions’ you’ll encounter are wandering elephants, curious giraffe or, if you’re lucky, a lion basking in the midday sun.
When it comes to its spectacular array of exclusive accommodation options, Botswana offers guests a pristine level of privacy that is simply unparalleled and impossible to find in any other destination. From exclusive villas, luxury Safari Lodges and 5-star Safari Resorts, to uniquely lavish cave suites, eco-friendly, and modern tented suites, and one-of-a-kind treehouse escapes under the stars, Botswana is the pinnacle of exclusivity and lavish luxury.
To take it to the next level, guests can expect luxurious, intimate cabins and lodges nestled amongst sensational scenery, whether it be in the wild Botswana bush or along the stunning Indian Ocean coastline. Most of its exclusivity, privacy, and tranquility is owed to its relatively inaccessible and gloriously remote location.
Guests will almost feel like they’ve escaped to their very own piece of African wilderness paradise – and perhaps they have (that’s one secret we’ll never reveal) – fully immersed in every part of their breathtaking natural surroundings – It truly is a beyond magical and unforgettable experience unlike any other.
Make the most of your trip by enjoying a relaxing massage followed by a refreshing dip in the lodge spa pool, perfectly complimented by magnificent wilderness views. Or how about a cocktail or two overlooking the glorious unspoiled savanna after your exhilarating game drive filed with thrilling wildlife sightings? If you’re a sunset lover, there is nothing more magical than watching the African sun go down over Botswana’s plains and vast landscapes – The possibilities are truly endless!
You can rest assured that your every desire will be catered to as you sit back, relax, and bask in the pure tranquil, and peaceful serenity offered by Botswana’s array of luxury Safari Lodges, and spectacular wilderness surroundings.
Here are some of the top safari lodges in Botswana for an African safari holiday or getaway:
- Selinda Camp
- Mombo Camp
- Jack’s Camp
- Sanctuary Chief’s Camp
- Wilderness Jao Camp
#5 Botswana boasts an endless array of incredible attractions & spectacular National Parks & Game Reserves
The south and east of Botswana consist of the jaw-dropping Kalahari Desert and lunar-like pans at Nxai and Makgadikgadi. The north and west, on the other hand, comprise the dazzling water worlds of the Okavango Delta and Chobe River ecosystem. The sheer diversity of Botswana’s terrain lends itself to an endless array of things to do, see, and explore.
Whether it’s your first trip to Botswana or your 10th, there is always something unique and exciting to experience when visiting one of Africa’s most extraordinary safari destinations.
If you consider yourself to be a head-over-heels nature and wildlife lover, avid explorer, and keen adventurer, here are some of Botswana’s top tourist attractions and best must-visit National parks and Game Reserves that absolutely deserve to be on your African safari bucket-list.
- The Okavango Delta
- Chobe National Park
- Tuli Block
- The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
- Sodilo Hills
- Nxai Pan National Park
- Moremi Game Reserve
- The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
- Central Kalahari Game Reserve
- Khama Rhino Sanctuary
Check out our ‘Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Botswana’ blog to find out more about these incredible attractions, parks, and reserves.
