Botswana is among the world’s most sparsely populated countries, boasting just over 2 million people in a landmass comparable to Texas. A significant portion of its vast territory is dedicated to National Parks or Game Reserves, offering a haven for a rich variety of wildlife, including diverse species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
Botswana stands as one of Africa’s premier safari destinations, with the Okavango Delta reigning as an indisputable highlight. Situated landlocked, the country unfolds with diverse and captivating landscapes, ranging from the intricate waterways of the Delta to the semi-arid expanses of the Makgadikgadi saltpans, and the sandveld of the Kalahari, often referred to as ‘thirstland’ to distinguish it from true deserts.
Beyond its natural treasures, Botswana holds the distinction of being one of the oldest continuous democracies in Africa. The country is renowned for its safety and welcoming atmosphere, making it a preferred destination for those seeking an enriching safari experience.
The Chobe region encompasses a vast area that functions as an interconnected water system, comprising the Zambezi, Linyanti, Chobe, and Cuando rivers. Chobe is an exceptional destination for water-based safaris in Africa, boasting an extensive water expanse home to a remarkable concentration of wildlife, particularly elephants. This makes Chobe a prime location for photography enthusiasts.
Botswana, housing a third of Africa’s elephant population, sees one-third of these majestic creatures residing in the Chobe area. Annually, a spectacular elephant ‘migration’ occurs between July and November, with massive herds crossing the river. Chobe, being one of Botswana’s most accessible destinations, offers a plethora of accommodation options, making it an ideal region to include in travel itineraries or even as a standalone destination.
The Savuti Area contrasts with its distinct ecosystem within the Chobe National Park. Characterised by a harsh, dry, and dramatic landscape, the area is renowned for the Savuti channel, which experiences cycles of flowing and drying based on underlying tectonic plates. This unique environment, coupled with the presence of water, creates exceptional opportunities for observing predators in action.
The Linyanti Wetlands predominantly consist of private concessions, accessible exclusively through private charters. This exclusivity ensures an exceptionally private and intimate luxury experience. The interconnected areas within the wetlands are part of a dynamic water system characterised by constant change and dramatic scenery. The presence of the Linyanti Faultline in this region prevents water inflow from Chobe, creating an environment that attracts a high concentration of wildlife.
Various activities can be enjoyed in this unique setting, both on land and water. Land-based activities include game drives and walking safaris, providing opportunities for up-close wildlife encounters. Additionally, water-based activities such as Mokoro rides and boat excursions offer a different perspective, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the captivating surroundings of the Linyanti Wetlands.
Annually, the Okavango River inundates the Kalahari Desert with a magnificent flood, covering an expansive 7,000 square miles. This breathtaking transformation gives rise to the remarkable landscape of the Okavango Delta, one of Botswana’s most renowned regions. Comprising permanent swampland alongside seasonal and occasional floodplain areas, the Delta becomes a thriving habitat for diverse wildlife.
The floodwaters in the Angolan highlands reach the Delta between April and June, creating a lush green wetland amidst the dry season. Crafting itineraries encompassing dry and wetland areas provides guests varied wildlife experiences and activities. Depending on the season, the Delta’s different regions can be explored via traditional game vehicles, on foot, or, during the annual floods, through the meandering waterways best navigated by traditional Mokoro.
The Okavango Panhandle, a relatively undiscovered region, unfolds as a deep channel featuring numerous side streams, lagoons, and swamps. Accommodations in this area are diverse, catering to every traveller’s preferences, ranging from backpacker lodges to luxurious 5-star options. Many properties are situated along the water’s edge, providing a unique and scenic experience.
Exploring the Okavango Panhandle often involves self-driving, allowing visitors to easily combine their journeys with neighbouring countries. Beyond its natural beauty, the Panhandle offers a historical and cultural perspective with the Tsodilo Hills, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This site encompasses rock art, rock shelters, depressions, and caves, providing a rich and insightful experience of the region’s heritage.
Although relatively undiscovered, this part of Botswana is one of the country’s most captivating and wildlife-rich regions. Bordered by South Africa to the south and Zimbabwe to the east, it is cradled by both the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers. The area showcases a breathtaking and varied landscape featuring iconic baobab trees, rocky outcrops, dry river channels, and lush riverine forests.
Dotted throughout the region are a range of lodges, each offering a unique experience, setting it apart from more familiar destinations. Noteworthy activities include the annual Tour de Tuli, an extraordinary mountain biking adventure that unfolds amidst the scenic beauty of this lesser-known gem.
The Kalahari Desert hosts an extraordinary variety of species, some exclusive to this region. It is also the site of Africa’s second-largest migration – the Zebra migration from April to November. Additionally, the Kalahari is home to the last remaining traditional Bushman (San) communities, which can thrive on land without permanent water sources.
Wildlife enthusiasts are drawn to the Kalahari for its game viewing centred around waterholes, simplifying the tracking of animals. Coupled with its striking desert scenery, the region has gained renown for wildlife photography. As an epitome of remote safari destinations, the Central Kalahari Reserve stands out as one of Botswana’s most remarkable places. Situated in the untamed wilderness in the southern part of the country, the reserve transforms into a haven for large herds of oryx and impala in the months following the rains. This, in turn, attracts predators such as the renowned black-maned lions and robust cheetah populations that thrive in the expansive open pans.
The contrasting landscapes of Botswana become evident when transitioning from the lunar-like expanse of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans to the intricate waterways of the Okavango Delta. The Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans represent the remnants of what was once the world’s largest super lake, covering a substantial portion of Botswana. Today, these pans span approximately 10,000km² within the Kalahari.
When the rains arrive, shallow mineral-rich lakes form on the pans, attracting many animals and stunning birdlife, including thousands of flamingos, pelicans, and cranes. However, during the dry season (May to October), a unique spectacle unfolds as only the rare and intriguing desert-adapted species, exclusive to the Kalahari—such as the brown hyena, meerkat, and springbuck—persevere in this harsh environment.
