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Top Botswana Attractions
- Gliding through the reedy channels and past the islands of the Okavango Delta in a dugout canoe, known locally as a mokoro.
- Spotting rare birds in the northwest Panhandle area of the Okavango Delta, which harbors hundreds of exotic species.
- Taking a scenic plane ride or hot air balloon over the Delta to be awed by its vast scope.
- Camping out under the stars on one of the Delta’s thousands of islands.
- Staying at a luxury lodge and being pampered in one of the many private reserves bordering the Delta’s Moremi Game Reserve.
- Joining a 4X4 game drive in search of Africa’s “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, Cape buffalo, rhino) in Moremi Game Reserve.
- Marveling as herds of elephants, the greatest numbers in Africa, parade through Chobe National Park.
- Experiencing the Kalahari Desert wilderness, unspoiled and dramatically beautiful. Enjoying the peace and tranquility of a night in one of the most remote corners of Africa.
- See rock art dating back to 800 AD at Tsodilo Hills.
- Explore the vast network of rivers and deltas aboard a mokoro.
- Learn about the history of the native San people in the Kalahari desert.
Botswana Tours & Travel Guide
Botswana Attractions & Landmarks Guide
Landlocked Botswana, wedged between South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, is the home of one of the latest UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Okavango Delta. The Okavango Delta floods annually from June to October and attracts countless animals - a huge draw for safari goers.
Botswana is located in southern Africa and is home to a variety of protected wildlife. One of the fastest growing economies in the world, Botswana relies heavily on tourism and offers a range of travel experiences from luxury to budget options. Most travelers to Botswana embark on safaris in the country’s national parks and game reserves.
Perhaps taking a cue from the crowded game parks of East Africa, Botswana has made it a national policy to limit mass tourism and, in so doing, caters primarily to upscale travelers. This doesn’t mean that budget travelers are completely locked out, but it does mean that prices are generally higher in Botswana than in many other safari regions.
Politically, the sparsely populated country is stable and safe for travelers, and scenically, it remains mostly unspoiled wilderness; many of the game parks are unfenced, allowing animals to roam free. Conservation and the environment are taken seriously here, and eco-tourism is the watchword at Botswana’s excellent safari lodges.
Botswana is largely a desert country, and lacks a coastline, but it does harbor a remarkable water feature that’s one of Africa’s great natural wonders, the Okavango Delta. Each winter in northern Botswana, primarily in July and August, the Okavango River, swollen from the preceding rainy season, floods the delta, forming an unlikely oasis in the vast Kalahari Desert. The flood waters attract animals who gather in the hundreds of thousands to drink at this huge seasonal watering hole in the otherwise dry winter months.
Read more about the Kalahari Desert and the most beautiful deserts in the world >>
Top Wildlife Sightings in Botswana
Botswana is famous for its “Big 5” wildlife-- lions, leopards, rhinoceros, African elephants, and cape buffalo. The term “Big 5” was initially assigned to these animals as they are the most difficult to hunt on foot, but is now used widely in African safaris and tours.
Botswana has the largest population of elephants of any country in the world, many of them within Chobe National Park. The best time to see elephants is May through July, when herds begin migrating towards more reliable sources of water.
Rhino populations have been on the rise recently due to local and national conservation efforts after being critically endangered for many years. The best place to see these majestic animals is at Khama Rhino Sanctuary, where you can learn about rhino conservation and see them up close.
Botswana is also one of the last remaining homes for the endangered African wild dog. The protected open spaces in Botswana makes it a perfect place for the species to hunt and thrive.
Finally, the annual zebra migration in Botswana is one of the largest mammal migrations in the world. The migration occurs around March to April every year as herds of zebra make their way from the Okavango Delta to the Boteti River, where water and fresh grazing can sustain them until the rainy season.
Delta Wildlife
Delta wildlife includes the Big Five, as well as hippos, giraffes, wildebeest,cheetahs, zebras, crocodiles, hyenas, antelopes, warthogs, baboons and more. In all, the delta harbors more than 120 species of mammals. Prolific bird life is a bonus: the delta harbors as many as 500 species. See Botswana birding tours »
While 4X4 game drives, walking safaris and night safaris are offered here, the ultimate treat is to travel through the delta’s narrow channels by traditional dugout canoe, known as a mokoro.
Poled through the shallow water by experienced oarsmen, the mokoros glide slowly along, coming sometimes perilously close to hippos and crocodiles but providing otherwise unattainable photo ops. Motorized boats are also available for those nervous in a canoe, though you lose some of peace and tranquility.
National Parks in Botswana
Botswana boasts thirteen protected parks and game reserves; four of these are national parks.
1. Chobe National Park is particularly famous for its large concentrations of wild animals such as African elephants and zebras.
2. The Makgadikgadi Pan is a salt pan located in central Botswana and is a beautiful place to take photos and see herds of wildlife migrating across the inhospitable terrain.
3. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is located on the border of Botswana and South Africa and was created to protect wildlife traveling across the border of the two countries. This park is home to many large mammals, including a large population of lions.
4. The scenic views and wildlife at Nxai Pan National Park makes this a great location for a safari, especially if you’re looking to avoid the crowds.
Top cultural activities in Botswana
1. Bushman Museum - The San people, also known as the Bushmen, are indiginous people of Botswana. They have been around for tens of thousands of years.
As tourism expands, tribes and advocacy groups have had to fight for the communities to be protected and allowed to stay on Botswana soil. The Bushman Museum in Ghanzi is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the San people.
2. Tsodilo Hills - Visit the Tsodilo Hills to see the ancient rock art created by the Bushmen. This is one of the most significant archeological sites in the world and gave experts insight into the lives of early humans.
3. Maun - The city of Maun is known as the “gateway to the Okavango Delta” and a popular destination for travelers to Botswana. This city is a great place to try traditional Botswana cuisine, shop at local shops and markets, and attend cultural events such as concerts and festivals.
Food in Botswana
Food in Botswana tends to center around the high-quality meat that is produced in the country, including beef, goat, and chicken. Botswana boats an especially strong cattle industry; steaks and beef stews are common.
Local dishes include soups, stews, meats, and sauces. Seswaa is a traditional meat stew common at important events and celebrations. And if you’re feeling brave, fried mopane worms are a popular delicacy.
Despite the prevalence of meat in local dishes, most restaurants and lodges will have a decent selection of vegetarian and vegan food. Markets also tend to carry an array of locally-grown vegetables.
Botswana Reviews & Ratings
Above all else FUN TIME with guide
Botswana Adventure, August 2019. Loved: the trip, adventure, guide Tshepo, driver Moses. So informative, great culture immersion, great game viewing, fun accommodati...
This was an amazing three week
This was an amazing three week journey across a beautiful part of Southern Africa. An excellent itinerary with lots of included activities. Lots of wildlife, scenery...
Appreciated efforts to be socially and environmentally
Our Botswana adventure was the best guided tour we have taken. It was our first with Intrepid and were impressed by the effort taken by our leader and driver to make...
Appreciated efforts to be socially and environmentally
Our Botswana adventure was the best guided tour we have taken. It was our first with Intrepid and were impressed by the effort taken by our leader and driver to make...
Absolutely most authentic trip
Absolutely most authentic trip,very well informed,always very prompt ,great communication,safety the utmost importance on this Safari,excellent Safari tour guides. U...
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