Botswana offers some of the most exclusive and incredible wildlife experiences in Africa, with a collection of must-see destinations and truly unique landscapes. From the stark, humbling beauty of the desert to the dense thickets of acacia trees, the country presents a stunning variety of natural scenes. The real jewel, however, is the winding waters of the Okavango Delta, which transforms the arid landscape into a lush, thriving wetland teeming with life.
With a strong focus on high-quality, low-impact tourism, Botswana delivers unforgettable wildlife encounters in an intimate, luxurious, and adventurous setting. The country is an ideal playground for any safari seeker. It provides a sense of remoteness and wildness that is hard to find elsewhere. Whether you are looking for a gentle safari suitable for seniors or a lavish, luxury escape, Botswana provides the perfect backdrop for any style of travel.
Okavango Delta
The channels and grasslands of the Okavango Delta are located in northwestern Botswana. This remarkable inland delta is formed as water flows down from Angola and floods the plains, creating a unique wetland that offers water- and land-based safaris. This seasonal flooding results in a variety of exciting and diverse experiences for anyone on an Okavango Delta safari.
Highlights
- Water-based safaris provide a unique pathway through reeds and bushes to see some of the best birdlife and smaller wildlife in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Shifting landscapes will mesmerize you as the terrain transforms from desert-like sand to lush, stony savannas.
- Unparalleled game experiences await as you search for elephants, lions, and other large mammals.
- Abundant birdlife offers a spectacular display for avid bird watchers in this thriving wetland habitat.
- Foraging mongoose and other small creatures add delightful details to your daily game-viewing adventures.
When to Visit
May to September will show you the delta at its absolute best. During these cooler, drier months of the Southern Hemisphere's winter, the grasses are low and game viewing is at its prime, making it the perfect time to explore this stunning region by water or on land.
Discover the magic of this region with our featured Custom Okavango Safari for the Entire Family.
Chobe Game Reserve
Located in the north of Botswana near the Zimbabwe border, Chobe is the country’s third-largest and first national park. Its proximity to neighboring countries makes it easily accessible, with Zambia just a short water taxi ride away, allowing for seamless multi-destination trips.
Highlights
- Elephant herds in massive numbers offer an incredible sight, which you can witness from within the reserve or on a tender boat on the Chobe River.
- Victoria Falls is close enough to experience as a spectacular day trip from the reserve.
- Seamless combination with the Okavango Delta helps create the ultimate Botswana safari adventure.
- River safaris provide a unique vantage point for viewing wildlife as they come to the water’s edge to drink.
- Diverse wildlife beyond elephants includes lions, leopards, buffalo, and a rich array of birdlife.
When to Visit
The best time to visit is during the Southern Hemisphere’s winter, so consider the drier, cooler months from June to the end of September. This period aligns perfectly with a visit to the famous Victoria Falls, which is at its most magnificent from May to the end of July.
Explore how Chobe fits into a larger adventure with our Luxury Complete Okavango Delta Safari.
Kalahari Desert
The vast Kalahari Desert crosses several countries and covers approximately 70% of Botswana, stretching from its southern border with South Africa far up into the country’s interior. While it offers the classic topography and stark beauty you would expect from a desert, the Kalahari is also a place of surprising life and biodiversity.
Highlights
- Diverse Wildlife has adapted to the dramatic variations in temperature, offering surprisingly rich game viewing.
- Renowned bushmen share their ancient culture and deep knowledge of survival in this distinctive and challenging landscape.
- Spectacular stargazing is possible under the clear, unpolluted night skies of the desert.
- Guided nature walks allow you to appreciate the smaller flora and fauna of this unique ecosystem.
- Dramatic scenery of ancient, dry riverbeds and sprawling salt pans creates a photographer's paradise.
When to Visit
Consider the wet season from December through March to embrace all the region’s offerings, most noticeably the prolific birdlife and animal congregations around the pans. However, the cooler and drier months make road travel easier, so it can truly be considered a year-round destination.
Find your perfect desert adventure by exploring our sample Grand Kalahari Safari: An Immersive Journey Through Nature’s Mystique.
Linyanti
In the northwestern corner of Chobe National Park, near the river border with Namibia, lies the remote and rugged safari wonder of Linyanti. This swamp-like region offers exceptional and exclusive off-the-beaten-path safaris for the discerning traveler.
Highlights
- Vast herds of elephants migrate through this region, making for one of the main highlights of any safari here.
- Exclusive concessions mean fewer vehicles and more intimate, private wildlife viewing experiences.
- Still remoteness allows you to completely disconnect and immerse yourself in the African bush.
- Incredible birdlife thrives in the wetlands and riverine forests associated with this area.
- Predator action is common, with healthy populations of lions, leopards, and wild dogs.
When to Visit
September stands out as a peak time to visit for general game viewing. The winter months from June through August are also excellent, as wildlife sightings are easier during these dry months when the grass is low. For the best bird-watching, visit in January and February.
Learn more about this incredible country in our comprehensive Botswana safari guide. For further inspiration, see our Botswana safari tours and vacation packages.