Botswana

Memorable and unbelievable Wildlife encounters.

mokoro, botswana © dan ilves

Botswana

Experience a mokoro safari's unique perspective.

Botswana

It is a blessing to experience animals in their own habitat.

Botswana

Okavanga Delta is the apex of a Botswana safari

With its varied experiences the Okavanga Delta is the apex of a Botswana safari. With nearly 40% of Botswana’s land dedicated to national parks and wildlife reserves, this land-locked country is a wildlife seeker’s nirvana — one of Africa’s best safari places year round.

Introduction

The Okavanga Delta, the world’s largest inland delta, an oasis in the Kalahari Desert. In addition to 150 mammal species and 500 bird species, Chobe National Park is home to the largest populations of African elephants. Tame but wild meerkats reside in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. A Botswana safari often combines safari by horseback, by water, and by walking in addition to open-air vehicles.

Weather and Climate

Botswana’s climate is sub-tropical. Botswana generally has higher temperatures than South Africa. Botswana, being landlocked and closer to the equator, only has two seasons. The dry season lasts from April to October; while the wet season lasts from November through March. June to August is peak season for safaris in Botswana; land is mostly dry and the animals congregate around the remaining water sources. Best time to visit for birding is during summer between December and March.

Botswana Cuisine

There’s nothing like eating outdoors in a boma in your safari camp after a day of game viewing. The national dish is called Seswaa, consisting of a meat stew (beef or goat) served with maize meal (polenta). Pap is a staple in Botswana, made from cornmeal and beef broth and serves as a base at most meals. Vetkoek is a deep-fried dough resembling an unsweetened doughnut which is filled with curried mince. If you like to try something different, one of the delicacies of African cuisine are the Mopane worms (or Mopane caterpillars), which are a high source of protein.

Transportation

In Botswana, transportation on the main roads between the population centers is usually accomplished by bus, combi (private mini-bus) or a combination of the two. While there are no train routes in the country, travelers wishing to venture beyond the main cities and roads are encouraged to hire a car and driver.

Language

English is the official language; Setswana is the local language most spoken in Botswana. There are 18 main tribal languages as well.

Suggested viewing

The Gods Must Be Crazy, Cry of the Kalahai, The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, Okavanga – The Wild Frontier. And Taylor Swift’s ‘Wildest Dreams’ music video was shot in Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.

Unique Experiences
In Botswana

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UNESCO region

Experience Ancient Art of San Bushmen

While at Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge, Chobe National Park, explore paintings by the San Bushmen, which are believed to be over 1,500 years old. Afterwards, go...

#Art #Belmond #Botswana #History

Experience A Day on Botswana’s Salt Pans

When planning a trip to Botswana, consider including a helicopter ride over the Okavango Delta and an ATV ride on the salt pans, finishing with an...

#Botswana #Southern Africa

UNESCO site

Experience The Okavango by Horseback

Your safari in Bostwana at Belmond Eagle Island Lodge begins with a 10-minute helicopter ride! Then, begin your guided horseback ride in the Okavanga Delta. You'll...

#Belmond #Botswana #Horseback Riding #Southern Africa

Experience Meerkats Encounter

This is the only place meerkats are habituated enough to not fear humans. There is a person who stays near them every day so they are...

#Botswana #Meerkats #Southern Africa

Hotels & Resorts in Botswana

Gaborone, the capital, is merely a gateway to Botswana’s exquisite safari lodges, especially in the Okavango Delta, and there are many to choose from, and we can arrange the best that meet your needs. Standouts include:

Belmond Eagle Island Lodge

The ultimate water & experience-focused safari lodge.

Mombo

Arguably some of the best big game viewing in all of Africa.

andBeyond Xaranna Okavango Del

On an exclusive wildlife concession with just nine sleek ensuite safari tents.

Did you know?

Botswana is home to the densest elephant population in the world.

Botswana is Africa’s oldest surviving democracy, with an uninterrupted tradition of democratic elections since 1966.

Over 70% of Botswana is semi-arid sandy savanna of the Kalahari Desert. 

Botswana Travel Journals

Aug 08, 2023

Hilton Smith

Southern Africa Calling

Truly unique and adventurous journeys can require longer travel times and more advance planning. Nevertheless they can also be some of the most fulfilling. Family owned Trans Africa Safaris was my partner in a truly spectacular Southern Africa adventure.

#Botswana #Cape Town #Safari #South Africa #Zimbabwe

Jan 02, 2019

TravelStore

Your Ticket to Nature

Do you love wildlife? If you do, you may find a Jane Goodall-approved nature tour just what you’re craving. The...

#Alaska #Botswana #Canada #Jane Goodall

Jun 28, 2018

Nancy Decker Davidson

Four Wilderness Safari Camps in Botswana, Southern Africa

I haven’t been in Botswana, in Southern Africa, for at least 15 years, and was excited to be visiting again...

#Botswana

May 27, 2015

Katie Cadar

Southern Africa Sojourn – Part 1

Africa – Not One Story. That was the theme of the We Are Africa conference I attended in Cape Town,...

#Botswana #Cape Town #South Africa

May 27, 2015

Katie Cadar

Southern Africa Sojourn – Part 2

I traveled on African safari with my safari buddy, Susannah. From Cape Town we flew to Johannesburg, then to Maun,...

#Botswana

Cape Town view, South Africa

Apr 20, 2014

Jonathan Alder

Southern African Safari Vacations into Cape Town, Botswana, and More

I have recently returned from an amazing trip to southern Africa. I began my journey flying the new American Airlines...

#Botswana #Singita #South Africa

More About Travel to Botswana

Botswana’s San people are considered the world’s oldest inhabitants of the world, having lived here over 22,000 years. Since 1966, Botswana has been an independent country and Africa’s longest surviving democracy. Botswana is also the world’s largest diamond producer, and diamond revenues enables every child in Botswana to receive a free education up to the age of 13. In Botswana, most travelers fly into the capital, Gaborone, home to the Lion Park Resort amusement park and the Phakalane Golf Estate and hotel.

Botswana’s Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan national parks are centre stage for the world’s second largest, yet little known zebra migration covering a round trip of about 300 miles. The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are the largest in the world.

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