Where to Go for Botswana Best Safaris | What Are the Best Places to Visit in Botswana?

What are the best game reserves in Botswana?

There are outstanding destinations where you can go for tours in Botswana and enjoy Africa safaris or a romantic getaway. These wild places will offer you amazing sightings of wildlife and memorable activities on your African safari highlight.

These are,

Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is an emerald-green paradise in the middle of the Kalahari Desert, and it forms the centerpiece of most wildlife experiences on the African continent. It is renowned as the mecca of abundant wildlife on a Botswana safari tour and it is yearly watery.

It is a 16,000 km2 wilderness divided into many fenceless private concessions and these surround the publicly accessible Moremi Game Reserve and Khwai Community Concession.

Animals here include herds of Elephants, big cats, Buffaloes, among others, and many bird species. The Moremi Game Reserve is a good place for sighting Wild-dogs.

You can enjoy game drives, scenic helicopter or light aircraft flights, guided walks, and a seasonal boat ride or Mokoro trips to Chief’s Island during your Botswana safari.

Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park is one of the nest wild places situated in northern Botswana and it incorporates 2 separate regions. These are the Chobe River front which is close to the Zimbabwe and Zambia borders and it is well known for its large Elephant herds.

The other region is Savute which is in the west and it is the ultimate raw of the wild and legendary connections between Lion prides and Hyenas. There are rare animal sightings on the Chobe River.

Game drives are very common in this park offering good wildlife viewing and you get to see Elephants, Zebras, Leopards, African Wild Dogs, and bird species during this African safari highlight. It also has comfortable tented camps to cater for tourist’s accommodation.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is Africa’s second-largest reserve covering an area of 52,000 km2. It is a far cry from the popular imagery of a sandy wasteland with amazing wooded golden grasslands and seasonally flooded pans.

Game viewing here during game drives is best after the rains when herds of Oryx and Springbok gather in River valleys. These are preyed on by big cats. Other amazing sightings in Central Kalahari Game Reserve include Bat-eared Foxes and Brown Hyenas with Raptors.

You will enjoy walks with the Kalahari Bushmen with legendary tracking skills and you will learn about their life as you enjoy a guided walk during the best Botswana safari tours.

Linyanti, Kwando and Selinda Reserves

These are recently opened up outstanding private reserves offering unforgettable Botswana safari experiences on the African tour. Linyanti, Kwando, and Selinda Reserves are wild wetlands that give you an Okavango Delta type of experience and they border the Caprivi Strip.

There is superb game viewing as you can enjoy predator tracking of the big cats as well as enjoy several water activities during your best Botswana safari tours.

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

This is a salt pan covering an area of 3,900 km2 located in the middle of the dry savannah of the northeast of Botswana.

It is one of the largest salt flats in the world and it lies in the southwest of the Okavango Delta. Makgadikgadi Pans National Park has many vast salt pans and nutritious grasslands that attract many animals though this area receives low rainfall.

Not only known for having the largest salt flats, but Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is also best known for the Zebra migration.

Meerkats, Aardvarks, and Brown Hyenas are residents on the eastern parts of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park all year. Quad biking is one of the top highlights of visiting the park and also you can encounter Bushmen trackers who can take you on guided walks to historical sites on your Botswana safari tours.

Nxai Pan Game Park

This park is well known for having a remarkable cluster of seven ancient baobabs just over the untouched salt pan. However, there is wildlife too as thousands of Zebras migrate here from Chobe and Linyanti Rivers which forms Africa’s longest Zebra migration.

Lion prides and Cheetahs are rarely spotted though during the drier months, they can be seen hunting the Springbok near the park’s only pumped waterhole.

Northern Tuli Game Reserve

It is located in the northeast of the country and it is the largest privately owned conservation area in southern Africa. It has a spectacular landscape with rolling hills, basalt cliffs, acacia trees, ancient riverbeds, and tall granite kopjes.

Game viewing here is amazing with sightings of Elephant herds, Giraffes, Leopards, Elands, and the Klipspringer with over 350 bird species.

Horse riding, guided walks, and cycling safaris are among a few of the activities to enjoy on the African tour vacation. There are a few tented camps in this reserve.

Okavango Panhandle

While here, do not expect to see the big game, this broad meandering Okavango River in the northwest of Botswana is a birder’s paradise. It has over 350 recorded bird species and it is also a popular destination for anglers.

This area attracts a melee of Catfish, Tigerfish, and bream and you can enjoy a boat trip or walk on foot.

Tsodilo Hills

These are located in the northwest of Botswana near the Namibian Border in the Okavango sub-district. These hills tower the contourless landscapes and climbable summits and give rewarding expansive views in all directions with sightings of the dotted acacia trees.

Tsodilo Hills has over 4,000 rock paintings that are back from 800 A.D and are rich in archaeological and cultural heritage. The local Bushman communities still attach immense spiritual significance to them today.

Recommended Safari Activities in Botswana

The best tours to Botswana offer you amazing activities that you will enjoy on this Africa tour highlight expedition.

Some of the superb activities include;

1.   Game Drives

Game drives are a must-to do if you want to explore Africa’s renowned Big 5 on a Botswana safari. They are experienced in the morning, afternoon, and at night to lock in for nocturnal animals. Game drives are best in savannah areas and give up-close views of wild animals.

2.   Bird watching in Botswana

Birding safaris are amazing here and are best in the Okavango, Linyanti Swamps, and Chobe National Park. Botswana has an exceptional diversity of bird habitats, and it harbors many migrant birds.

3.   Boat Cruise in Chobe National Park

This is another way to enjoy a Botswana safari holiday as you cruise on the Chobe River. The boat cruise sets off from Kasane Town which borders the park and you get to see a wide range of wildlife and birds.

There are morning, afternoon, and sunset departures.

4.   Mokoro Safaris in Botswana

This is the best way of exploring the Okavango Delta’s meandering waterways and hidden lagoons. You sail on the traditional Mokoro (dugout canoes) which are navigated by skilled guides using the stern and this allows guests to sit back and absorb the scenery.

Look out for the Reed Frogs and the giant Elephants.

5.   Flight over the Okavango Delta

Flights give you a better grasp of the region’s remoteness as you can fly in a helicopter or a light aircraft. You get to see serpentine channels cutting through emerald carpets of marsh, leaking into lagoons with Hippo pods.

You get clear sightings of the Impala, Zebra, Elephant, Wildebeest, and Cape buffalo. They are offered by most luxury tented camps.

6.   Walk with Bushmen in Botswana

You can enjoy an amazing grasp of culture and a deep understanding of these native people by taking a guided walk across the Kalahari with a local Bushman. These people have lived here for years and they will introduce their culture to you.

Other activities to enjoy include;

·         Horseback riding

·         Walking safaris with Meerkrats

·         Visiting a Museum at Jack’s camp

·         Flying over the Flamingos in Botswana

·         Quad biking

·         Exploring the rock paintings of Gubatsaa hills

·         The historic baobabs

When Is the Best Time to Visit Botswana? | What Is the Best Time of Year to Go on Safaris in Botswana? | What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Botswana? | What Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Botswana and Why?

Safaris in Botswana are good all year round, though it depends on the type of tour you wish to engage in. If interested in the Okavango, Moremi Reserve, or Chobe National Park, then the best time to visit Botswana is from July to September when the weather conditions are dry making game viewing great.

Also, you can come to Botswana during the wet season from March to May when there are few travelers in the country. If you are a birder, then November to April is the best time to visit as there are lots of migrant birds in the country. Most tented camps are at discounted rates during the wet season.

What Are the Best Months for Safaris in Botswana? | What Is the Best Month to Go to Botswana?

The best months are from July to September ideal for game viewing. Birding is good from November to April.

Why Visit Botswana | Is It Worth Going to Botswana?

Botswana is a real safari destination with abundant wildlife. This country has the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and the Moremi Game Reserve in the north and are among the best places on the continent to view wildlife.

Here you can see Elephants, Lions, Leopards, African Wild Dogs, Hippos, Rhinos, and birds.

There is also the outstanding Kalahari and Makgadikgadi Pans National Park with vast salt pans all offering depth of a real Botswana tour.

How Much Do Safaris Cost in Botswana? | How Much Is a Safari Trip to Botswana? | How Much Does It Cost to Go on Safari in Botswana?

Mostly, the best Botswana safari tours can be expensive though there are budget options as well. Expect to start on an amount of $250 per person per day which can go up to $1200.

The tour costs usually include accommodation, meals, activities, and also air transfers between camps and lodges are sometimes included. Vehicle hires, park fees, and fuel are all inclusive of the trip cost.

How Is the Wildlife Viewing in Botswana?

Viewing Wildlife in Botswana is superb and safari goers can enjoy the enjoy trip in this country. There are many destinations where you can see animals in Africa, but only in Botswana are there no queues of safari vehicles.

You can view Lion prides under acacia trees, Elephants at a waterhole, and watch a mother Leopard playing with its cubs. You can spot Cheetahs and African Wild dogs and all these are within the Moremi Game Reserve to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.

Safari goers can find themselves with Africa’s largest Elephants of Chobe National Park.

How Safe Is Botswana for Tourists? | Is Botswana a Good Place to Go?

Botswana is one of the safest countries in Africa as the crime rate in the cities and towns is low as you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable trip. Also, the population in this country is low compared to other countries and there are rare road accidents.

Threats from wild animals are rare and in case they charge at you, rangers can shoot in the air to scare them away. Always follow the safety briefings and instructions from your guide.

What Can I Expect from a Botswana Safari?

Expect a rewarding tour full of wildlife sightings, the day starts early before sunrise usually with a wake-up call from lodge staff as you can have a cup of coffee or tea.

You then set off for a sunset game drive in an open-sided private vehicle. In the private vehicle there is a driver, guide, and sometimes a tracker.

After, the superb game viewing, you then return to the lodge/tented camp mid-morning for a proper breakfast and there is time to wait for lunch. In the afternoon at around 3 pm, you can go for a game drive as you wait for the sunset where you can see Lions, Elephants, Buffaloes, and Rhinos, etc.

Your guide can choose a better spot as you await a chilled drink. After, dinner awaits and later get ready for an early night in preparation for the next day.

What Do I Wear on a Safari to Botswana? | How Should I Dress for a Safari in Botswana?

Below is what to wear for safaris in Botswana;

Long-sleeved shirts and trousers; keep you protected from bugs, itchy plants, and keep you warm on cold days.

Comfortable shoes; protect your feet from getting damaged.

A cap or hat; protects your head and face from direct sunlight.

Sunglasses; reduce the glaze of the sun to give you clear sightings of wildlife.

Sweaters; keep you warm on chilly or cold days.

A poncho or rain jacket; keeps you dry during the summer rains or wet season.

What to Carry for a Trip in Botswana?

This is what to carry for your Botswana trips.

A camera with extra batteries; is for getting those unforgettable memories of your tour.

Binoculars; zoom in on far sightings which enables you to view wildlife.

A day backpack; is used for keeping your essential items in one place.

Insect repellent; chases away bugs and insects while on your safari.

Sunscreen; protects your skin from the strong sunlight.

Accommodation in Botswana

Accommodation here varies from luxury safari lodges, midrange, and budget lodges. Also, there are tented camps, resorts, and hotels.

Luxury Safari Lodges –Luxury Accommodations in Botswana

Luxury safari lodges/luxury accommodations are ideal for those on a luxury safari and they can be tented camps. These include;

·         Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp

·         Jao Camp

·         Chief’s Camp

·         Mombo Camp

·         Jack’s camp

Midrange Accommodation

These lodges offer amazing comfort and services and they include.

·         Mashatu Tented Camp

·         Camp Linyati

·         Camp Savuti

·         Grasslands Bushman Lodge

Budget Accommodation

These facilities offer accommodation at a low cost and they include.

·         Nata Lodge

·         Xhalajenaa Game Farm

·         Island Lodge

·         Lucky Bush Camp

Can You See the Big 5 In Botswana?

Yes, you can see the big 5 in Botswana though the Rhino is in a small population, and it was reintroduced a few years back. Rhinos are best sighted in Moremi Game Reserve.

Where Can I See African Wild Dog In Botswana?

The African Wild Dog is present in several reserves and some national parks of Botswana including Moremi Game Reserve, Khwai Community Area, and the Linyanti Concession.

Can I Do Canoe Safaris in Botswana?

Canoe safaris in Botswana or Mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) are among the best experiences to enjoy on your tour. You can enjoy a safe and enjoyable trip on the waterways and lagoons of the Okavango Delta as they are good for viewing wildlife and birding.

What Is the Best Thing to Do in Botswana?

There are several things to do in Botswana and the best include exploring the waterways of the Okavango by Mokoro, game drives using safari vehicles, and sport fishing on the Zambezi River, animal viewing in Moremi Game Reserve, and walking safaris with the Bushmen.

What Can I Combine Botswana with?

Tourists can combine a Botswana safari tour with Zimbabwe to visit Victoria Falls, Namibia to see the stunning sand dunes of Namibia, Cape Town of South Africa, and Mozambique for water safaris, and Mauritius for the amazing beach holidays.

Will I See the Great Migration in Botswana?

No, the Great Migration of the Wildebeest only happens in East Africa in Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara. However, there is little migration of Zebras during the rainy season.

What Currency Do I Use When Visiting Botswana?

The national currency of Botswana is the Pula though the US dollar is widely accepted at lodges and camps throughout the country.

Does Botswana Have the Best Safari?

Yes, Botswana has good safaris as it has diverse habitats for wildlife, and these provide extraordinary tour excursions. You will explore wildlife within the Okavango Delta, the biggest inland delta in the world and as well as in Chobe National Park.

Why Are Botswana Safaris So Expensive? | Why Is Botswana Safari So Expensive?

Botswana offers several tour experiences which are tailored to the tourist’s needs. The reason why the best Botswana safari tours are so expensive is that the demand for safaris is high and everything is costly compared to other countries like South Africa.

The lodges are costly, safari vehicles, park entrances, and guides are paid daily. Flights are highly priced and also the safaris are paid in US dollars, not the local currency making it expensive.

Which Is Better Botswana or Tanzania?

We highly recommend that you visit both destinations. They all offer great game viewing as they all have the Big 5 animals.

Botswana has black-maned Lions in the Desert of Kalahari whereas Tanzania is fond of the annual Great Migration of the Wildebeest and Zebras. Botswana has more rich in culture as it has the San Bushman communities within the Kalahari.

Both countries are worth a visit for Africa safaris as they have great internet the world’s largest network.

How Many Days Do You Need for Botswana Safari? | How Many Days Do You Need in Botswana?

Five (5) to ten (10) days are indeed enough for you to explore Botswana as they allow you to visit the many tour regions. You can visit the Elephant hub Chobe National Park, the channels of the Okavango Delta, and the lush golden grasslands of the Linyanti.

Also, you can explore the dry pans of the Makgadikgadi and game viewing choices are endless. You can opt to combine it with South Africa.

Is It Cheap to Visit Botswana? | Is Botswana Cheap or Expensive?

Yes, Botswana caters for all safari goers depending on their budget and travel style. You can explore the country on a small budget and get great experiences in the country.

However, keep in mind that most of the accommodation facilities are costly and the activities are as well.

How Much Is a Trip to Okavango Delta?

Okavango Delta trips start from around $150 per day for an all-inclusive package. These are accommodation, transport, game viewing, and meals. The prices can go higher depending on the class of the Botswana safari you are engaging in.

Is Botswana or South Africa Better for Safari?

Both destinations are purely vacation destinations with great game viewing. However, Botswana is extreme when it comes to safaris as half of the country is covered by the Desert of Kalahari and the Okavango Delta.

The reserves in South Africa are fenced and this limits the migration of animals which is not the case in Botswana though it has great beaches at Cape Town giving you excellent water safaris. South Africa and Botswana have good internet which is the world’s largest network

Also, South Africa safaris are cheaper compared to those in Botswana.

In conclusion, Botswana is a bit better than South Africa in safaris.

Is Kenya or Botswana Better for Safari?

Both Kenya and Botswana are outstanding holiday destinations and offer unforgettable memories as they are home to the Big 5 animals.

Kenya hosts the great migration of the Wildebeest in Masai Mara and is rich with the Maasai culture whereas Botswana is flatter with the Kalahari home to the Bushmen and the famous Okavango Delta.

Both destinations are great for African holidays and you should visit both if possible.

In summary, Botswana safaris are epic as you explore the wonderful wildlife of Southern Africa with memorable experiences. You encounter wildlife within the Okavango Delta, meet with the San Bushmen in the great Kalahari, or explore the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.

Botswana is ideally a great country for an African vacation.

For Memorable Botswana safari tours, Inquire.