Botswana

Safari Destinations

“He could tell by the way the animals walked that they were keeping time to some kind of music. Maybe it was the song in their own hearts that they walked to.”

– Laura Adams Armer, American artist and writer

Botswana, a landlocked country in southern Africa, is a Garden of Eden
for the senses

Known for its wildlife and warm-hearted people, Botswana’s vast savannahs, wetlands, and deserts offer visitors contrasting landscapes and incredible close-up wildlife encounters.

Botswana is home to 40% of the world’s elephant population and an African leader in sustainability. This country offers unforgettable experiences including unmatched land and water safaris, making it an amazing destination for your next African safari.

The best times to visit Botswana for a safari holiday typically depend on the specific activities and wildlife encounters you’re interested in experiencing. However, the dry season and the shoulder seasons are generally considered the most favorable periods for a safari.

Dry season (May to October): This period is the most popular time for a Botswana safari, as it offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The lack of rain during these months leads to lower vegetation, making it easier to spot animals. Additionally, wildlife tends to congregate around the remaining water sources, such as rivers and waterholes. The dry season also has cooler temperatures, fewer mosquitoes, and minimal risk of malaria. However, this period also corresponds to higher tourist numbers and potentially higher prices.

Shoulder seasons (April, late October, and early November): These transitional months can offer a good balance between wildlife viewing and fewer tourists. The weather is generally pleasant, with moderate temperatures and occasional rain showers. Wildlife sightings may be more unpredictable, but the changing landscapes and lower tourist numbers can make for a more exclusive experience.

Green season (December to March): This period is characterized by the summer rains, which bring lush vegetation and abundant birdlife. While wildlife sightings can be more challenging due to the thicker foliage, it’s a great time for birdwatching, and some antelope species give birth during this time, attracting predators. The green season typically has lower tourist numbers and reduced accommodation rates, but keep in mind that some lodges and camps may be closed during this time due to weather conditions.

Experiences we love

Discover Botswana

1. The Okavango Delta

With its beautiful lagoons, lush forests, and vast savannahs, the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to an abundance of wildlife including elephants, lions, hippos, and leopards. Some of the most endangered large mammals in the world can be found here, including cheetahs, white rhinoceros, black rhinoceros, and the African wild dog.

The delta is one of the few places in the world where you can witness the spectacle of a river flowing into a desert, and the resulting landscape is both beautiful and ecologically significant. There is no other place in Africa where so many ecosystems seamlessly congregate!

Explore the delta on a mokoro ride (a traditional dugout canoe) or motorboat, by walking safari or take a scenic flight for a bird’s-eye view. The Okavango Delta is a bucket list destination that should not be missed by anyone visiting Botswana.

2. Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park is one of the most popular destinations for an African safari adventure in Botswana. The park is renowned for its high concentration of wildlife, including large herds of elephants and buffaloes, lions, leopards, and African wild dogs. Enjoy a range of activities, including game drives, boat safaris, and walking safaris.

The park offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxury lodges to tented camps and campsites. Many of these are located along the banks of the Chobe River, offering stunning views and a chance to observe wildlife from the comfort of your own room.

Here you can witness breathtaking landscapes, from the vast open plains to the serene wetlands, all while experiencing some of the most magnificent wildlife sightings in Africa. Chobe National Park is a true testament to Botswana’s conservation efforts, and it is a must-visit destination for nature and safari lovers alike.

3. Makgadikgadi Pans

If you are seeking a more off-the-beaten-track experience, the Makgadikgadi Pans offer a unique opportunity to witness the vast and haunting beauty of the Kalahari Desert. 

These ancient salt pans were once a vast lake and now provide a surreal landscape of shimmering white salt flats, dotted with acacia trees and occasional wildlife like meerkats, brown hyenas, and zebras.

4. Cultural Experiences

Botswana also offers experiences that will immerse you in local communities.

The San people, known as the first inhabitants of Southern Africa, still maintain their traditional way of living in remote areas of Botswana. Learn about their ancient culture and participate in activities such as hunting and gathering, traditional dancing, and storytelling.

Explore Botswana

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