Botswana is one the top travel destinations in Africa, offering a combination of political stability, high living standards, and stunning locales filled with exciting attractions that draw visitors from around the world.
While Big Game Safaris are a must-do in many African countries, Botswana elevates wildlife adventures to a whole new level. It is home to more elephants than any other country and boasts a rich diversity of species, from rhinos and exotic birds to endangered wild dogs and aquatic antelopes. When you combine this incredible wildlife with the country’s breathtaking landscapes, it becomes clear that Botswana is an extraordinary place to visit. Here are some of the top experiences to enjoy in Botswana.
Chobe National Park Safari (above image)
Chobe National Park is one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife destinations. Spanning 11,000 square kilometers, it is home to an immense elephant population and was the first national park established in Botswana. Chobe is a key hub for wildlife safaris in the country, with three distinct areas for wildlife viewing: the Chobe Riverfront, the Linyanti Marshes, and Savuti. The Chobe Riverfront is known for having the highest concentration of wildlife, while the Linyanti Marshes are famed for their abundance of predators. Savuti, being more remote, offers a quieter, more serene safari experience, perfect for those seeking solitude with nothing but animals, plants, and the stars overhead.
The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency Tour, Gaborone
Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana, served as the backdrop for the beloved TV series The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. As a result, visitors can enjoy a variety of tours that bring the world of Alexander McCall Smith’s books to life. These tours include visits to iconic locations like Precious Ramotswe’s house on Zebra Drive, her office across from Speedy Motors, and her ancestral home in Machudi.
Kubu Island
Kubu Island is a rock-covered in baobab trees, surrounded by an expansive salt pan. The island’s name comes from the large population of hippos that once lived in the area. Despite its remote location, it was once home to human inhabitants. Today, Kubu Island is a protected national monument, renowned for its enigmatic crescent-shaped stone wall, numerous historical artifacts, and stunning natural beauty.
Tsodilo Hills
Tsodilo Hills, the Louvre of the Desert, is considered to be sacred by the local Bushmen. It has been inhabited by humans for more than 100000 years and is decorated with all kinds of rock paintings. The beautiful artworks on display always tend to leave you spellbound and some of the rock paintings found here date back more than 20000 years! There are more than 400 sites here and 4500 different paintings. Most paintings depict traditional dances, hunting scenes and animals and a simple peek at these beautiful artworks can tend to make you forget all about Picasso and Matisse.
Okavango Delta Canoe Ride
Rent a traditional canoe and float along the Okavango Delta to encounter some of the daily drama of Botswana’s wildlife. From the bone-chilling roar of lions to the hysterical laughter of the hyena, this is where you come close to all the crazy action from the jungles of Africa. The presence of all kinds of luxury lodges also makes the delta one of the most exclusive safari destinations on the continent. Bookmundi recommends you to spend a night in the inner delta as this is an experience that you’re sure to cherish throughout for your life.
Moremi Wildlife Reserve
The Moremi Wildlife Reserve, the largest inland delta on the planet, is located in the center of Okavango Delta. The reserve covers an area of 3000 sq. km. and presents a range of habitats such as savannah woodlands, wetlands, floodplains and reed beds. Moremi Wildlife Reserve is full of exotic birds, the big five, wildebeests, giraffes and hippos and a number of lagoons that present perfect wildlife-watching opportunities.
Gcwihaba Caverns
The Gewihaba Caverns are located among the vast sand dunes of the Kalahari Desert and are the perfect destination for adrenaline-junkies visiting Botswana. The caverns may be situated in a remote part of the country and are certainly not easy to get to, but they are certainly worth your while. The site features two storeys of caves that are linked by passageways and are home to breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites.
Lake Ngami
Lake Ngami is famous as one of the most mysterious lakes on the planet due to the fact that it suddenly disappeared soon after it was discovered by Dr. David Livingstone in the year 1849, only to reappear towards the end of the 19th century. This pattern has continued over the years, and the lake reappeared once again in the year 2000. Home to all kinds of exotic birds such as ibises, pelicans, flamingos, terns, gulls, eagles, kingfishers and storks, this lake is perhaps the best destination for bird lovers visiting Botswana. And try to visit it while you still can, for who knows when it decides to disappear again!
Mountain Biking at the Mashatu Game Reserve
The Mashatu Game Reserve is an ideal place to enjoy a mountain biking experience. Take your time exploring the beautiful landscape, stop to watch elephants pass by and treat your camera lenses to some of the most beautiful photographs. You can also visit Serowe, a remote village that presents fascinating insights into the local culture. Bookmundi recommends you to enjoy a helicopter tour of the Mashatu Game Reserve to get a bird’s eye view of the area as well.
Central Kalahari
The Central Kalahari is one of the most romantic landscapes on the planet. Visit the Kalahari and all you can see is vast tracts of sand, but the desert can hardly be termed as empty. Time your journeys right and you get to watch one of the most spectacular phenomenons of Mother Nature – the Zebra Migration. Each year, thousands of zebras move across the rolling plains and offer one of the most unforgettable sights. The ideal time to visit is between the months of December to April, when the migration is in full flow.
Linyanti Wetlands
Large populations of elephants and big cats – two of the main attractions of any game drive. The Linyanti Wetlands are home to some of the very best African wildlife experiences and are famous as the ideal place for travelers wanting to spend a few nights camping in the desert amid exotic wildlife. The best time to visit the wetlands is between the months of July to October, when the weather is drier.
Botswana presents so many things to do that it’s easy to feel lost while planning a trip to this memorable country. Bookmundi recommends you to base your trips around its breathtaking wildlife and spectacular national parks and add a few cities and towns into your itinerary to learn more about its lifestyle and culture. The ideal vacation is something that gives you the best of both worlds, so plan accordingly. And if you’re searching for some exciting tours to enjoy while in Botswana, we’re always here to seal the deal!
Will like to visit Botswana after Christmas but before New year.I don’t any information about Botswana .it will be a couple visit so please assist by giving us places that can enjoy as a couple and have memories of it
We are a family of 10 people ranging in ages 5 to 70. We would like to visit Botswana and perhaps a few other nature and game forests between July 15 and August 15, 2019. We could do some camping and cooking in the open fire, but our old folks would like some comforts as well.
Could you advise with a tour and a guide and cost etc.
Thank you.
Meher Van Groenou
My partner and I are hoping to be over in Botswana sometime in ten months as my partner is South African and has relatives in Botswana he says it will be an experience of a lifetime for me I can’t wait I hope these 10 months fly by