Table of Contents
Introduction
With its vast expanses of untouched wilderness, abundant wildlife, and premier game viewing opportunities, Botswana is one of Africa’s top safari destinations. This landlocked country in southern Africa allows visitors to experience dynamic ecosystems and see Africa’s magnificent animals roaming in their natural habitats.
There are many reasons to embark on a safari adventure in Botswana. It has one of the lowest population densities on the continent, meaning there is very little human development infringing on wildlife areas. National parks and reserves protect over 17% of the country’s land. These pristine habitats give visitors a chance to witness wildlife sightings in numbers that hearken back to how Africa used to be.
Botswana also has a variety of safari options to suit different styles and budgets. From luxurious lodges to rustic camping, there are many ways to customize your ideal safari experience.
Planning Your Botswana Safari
To have the best chance of seeing Botswana’s incredible wildlife while avoiding crowds, the prime time to visit is during the May to September dry season. During the rainy season from November to March, wildlife viewing can be harder and safari camps may close due to inaccessibility.
The most popular safari destinations are the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park in the north. The varied ecosystems here—floodplains, wetlands, savanna grasslands—draw diverse wildlife concentrations. In central Botswana, the Makgadikgadi Pans and Central Kalahari Game Reserve offer beautiful stark scenery and desert-adapted creatures.
Accommodation options range from luxury lodges to public campsites. Luxury lodges provide an all-inclusive experience with services like gourmet meals and wildlife viewing activities arranged for you. Budget options like camping allow you to self-drive and be more independent.
You can also choose to book with a tour operator who handles all logistics or do a self-drive safari which is more flexible but requires more preparation.
Experiencing Botswana’s Abundant Wildlife
The diverse ecosystems of Botswana are home to a high density and variety of African wildlife. A safari here provides the chance to see the iconic “Big Five” animals—lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros—along with many other species.
Lions thrive in Botswana and can often be spotted lounging on riverbanks or under trees. Their numbers are especially dense in the Okavango Delta.
African elephants in huge herds can be observed drinking, bathing, and foraging their way across floodplains and near water sources. Many of the largest elephant populations left in Africa are found in Botswana.
The elusive, mostly nocturnal leopard may be glimpsed stalking prey or resting in a tree during the day. More leopards live in Botswana per land area than almost anywhere else.
Seeing the critically endangered black rhinoceros is a prize sighting. The best place to spot these solitary grazers is the Kalahari where they browse leaves and twigs.
Huge herds of aggressive Cape buffalo, with their characteristic curved horns, roam the savannas. These “Black Death” animals are one of the most dangerous of the Big Five.
In addition to the Big Five, Botswana has an abundance of other incredible African fauna. Gangly giraffe nibble on treetops while fast-footed zebra and their striped foals dart across grasslands. Hippopotamuses splash in watering holes while opportunistic hyenas and wild dogs roam the plains.
Safari Activities
While spending hours spotting wildlife from a 4×4 on game drives is the quintessential safari experience, Botswana also offers other ways to view animals in their habitats:
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Walking safaris allow you to experience the bush on foot, accompanied by armed guides. Encounter animals like giraffes and antelope up close while tracking predators like lions.
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On a boat cruise in the Okavango Delta, glide through papyrus swamps spotting hippos, crocodiles, and exotic birds.
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Gain cultural insight by visiting a traditional cattle post village to see how local tribes coexist with wildlife.
Packing Tips and Essentials
Be prepared for Botswana’s varied terrain and fickle weather by packing:
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Light, neutral clothing in layers, and sturdy, closed-toed shoes/boots for walking safaris. Khaki colors blend into the bush.
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Sun hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect from intense sun while on game drives.
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A binocular and camera with zoom lens to spot and photograph wildlife.
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First aid kit, routine medications, and insect repellent. Anti-malaria medication may be required.
Safari Styles
Botswana offers varied safari styles to cater to different budgets and preferences:
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Luxury lodges offer indulgent amenities like 5-star cuisine, plunge pools, and personalized game drives.
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Mobile tented camps provide a comfortable, hosted experience deep in the bush. The tents are moved between sites.
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Overland truck tours are a budget way to tour with a group, camping and cooking meals enroute.
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Self-drive camping gives flexibility and costs less, but requires more preparation and 4×4 experience.
Major National Parks and Game Reserves
Botswana’s prime wildlife habitats offer fabulous safari experiences:
The Okavango Delta has prolific game viewing on floodplains, islands, and oxbow lagoons—best seen on mokoro rides and walking safaris.
Chobe National Park has one of Africa’s largest elephant populations, plus big cats and hippos attracted to the lush Chobe Riverfront.
The harsh beauty of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve provides salt pans, grasslands, and the chance to see unique Kalahari fauna and the elusive black-maned lions.
Flamingos and other birds flock to the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, an iconic salt pan in the dry season with scattered wildlife such as meerkats and brown hyenas.
Safety Tips
While safaris are relatively safe, always listen to your guide and keep these precautions in mind:
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Do not exit your vehicle except where allowed to stretch legs. Stay close to the vehicle.
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View animals from a safe distance—do not approach or crowd them.
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Stand still if charged by an animal. Follow your guide’s directions.
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Do not hike alone. Stay alert and make noise to scare off large wildlife.
Sustainability and Conservation Efforts
Botswana sustainably manages wildlife areas and visitors can help protect the environment by:
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Choosing responsible tour operators who follow ecotourism principles.
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Reducing single-use plastics and disposing of waste properly.
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Supporting conservation organizations like the Botswana Predator Conservation Trust.
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Respecting rules and not approaching or feeding wildlife.
Conclusion
With its pristine wildernesses, exotic wildlife populations, and dedication to ecotourism principles, Botswana offers an unforgettable safari experience. Visitors can choose luxurious lodges or budget camping options to see Africa’s magnificent animals thriving in their natural habitats. Safaris here provide encounters with the Big Five and other iconic species, set against the stark beauty of the Okavango Delta, Kalahari Desert, and national parks brimming with biodiversity. With careful planning and following responsible safari practices, you’re sure to have an incredible adventure exploring Botswana’s majestic wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to go on safari in Botswana?
The prime game viewing season is during the dry winter months from May to September when wildlife concentrates around water sources.
What vaccines and medications do I need for a Botswana safari?
Recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, typhoid, and rabies. Malaria preventative medication may be required depending on the time of year.
Is it safe to self-drive in Botswana?
Self-driving is possible but requires proper preparation and a well-equipped 4×4 vehicle. Driving off-road is illegal in national parks. Many tourists choose to book with a tour operator instead.
What should I wear on safari?
Opt for neutral-colored lightweight, layered clothing. Long pants and closed-toe shoes are a must for walking safaris. Don’t wear bright colors or dangling items that could attract wildlife.
What is the difference between national parks and game reserves in Botswana?
National parks are protected areas managed by the government. Private or community-managed game reserves can allow certain activities like 4×4 driving off-road that are restricted in national parks.