Botswana is renowned for its commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism, making it an ideal destination for eco-conscious travelers.
From vast wetlands to arid deserts, the country's diverse ecosystems provide a backdrop for unforgettable adventures. Knowing the best places in Botswana to visit will help you plan an itinerary that maximizes your experience in this extraordinary country.
1. Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet. This inland delta, known as the "Jewel of the Kalahari," is a lush, water-filled wonderland teeming with wildlife. The Delta's seasonal floods create a vibrant habitat for a multitude of species, including elephants, lions, leopards, and a variety of bird species.
Activities and Experiences
- Mokoro Canoe Excursions: Glide silently through the delta’s tranquil waters in a traditional mokoro canoe, observing hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds.
- Walking Safaris: Venture on foot with expert guides to explore the flora and fauna, gaining a deeper understanding of the delta’s unique ecosystem.
- Scenic Flights: Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the delta’s intricate waterways and diverse wildlife from a small aircraft, offering a breathtaking perspective.
Tourist Spots
Moremi Game Reserve
Located within the Delta, it offers some of the best wildlife viewing.
Xugana Lagoon
Perfect for boating and birdwatching.d impressive artwork.
Chief's Island
Experience the epitome of luxury on a Botswana safari at Sanctuary Chief's Camp in the Okavango Delta
Hotels
- Belmond Eagle Island Lodge: Luxury accommodation with stunning views and excellent safari experiences.
- Sanctuary Chief's Camp: An upscale camp offering elegant suites and personalized service.
- Camp Okavango: Eco-friendly lodging with tented suites that offer an immersive nature experience.
Restaurants
- Delta Deli: Offers a variety of local and international dishes, perfect for a casual meal.
- Chief's Camp Dining: Exquisite dining options featuring local ingredients and gourmet cuisine.
2. Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park, located in northern Botswana, is famous for its abundant wildlife and majestic landscapes. The park is home to one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Africa, along with other iconic species such as buffalo, giraffe, and a variety of antelope.
Activities and Experiences
- Boat Safaris on the Chobe River: Witness large herds of elephants bathing along the riverbanks and spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
- Game Drives: Explore the park’s varied landscapes, where you can encounter lions, buffalo, giraffes, and many other species.
- Fishing Expeditions: Enjoy a relaxing day fishing on the Chobe River, known for its tigerfish and bream.
Tourist Spots
Chobe Riverfront
A prime location for boat safaris and large concentrations of elephants and other wildlife.
Savuti Marsh
Renowned for its predator sightings, particularly lions and hyenas, and the dramatic Savuti Channel.
Linyanti Marshes
Offers a more secluded safari experience with fewer crowds and rich wildlife diversity.
Hotels
- Chobe Game Lodge - The only permanent lodge inside the park, offering river-view rooms and eco-friendly safari experiences.
- Savute Safari Lodge - Provides luxury accommodation and excellent game-viewing opportunities in the Savuti area.
- Ngoma Safari Lodge - A boutique lodge overlooking the Chobe River, known for its intimate setting and exceptional service.
- Muchenje Safari Lodge - Located in a quieter area of Chobe, perfect for personalized safaris and stunning sunsets.
Restaurants
- The Old House Restaurant - Offers a mix of local and international dishes in a cozy, riverside setting.
- Thebe River Lodge Restaurant - A casual dining spot known for its grilled meats and fresh salads.
- Chobe Safari Lodge Restaurant - Features a variety of buffet-style meals with views of the Chobe River.
- The Coffee Buzz - A popular café for light meals, coffee, and homemade cakes, perfect for a quick bite.
- Plateau Restaurant - Known for its creative menu and stylish setting, offering a unique dining experience.
3. Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
The Makgadikgadi Pans are some of the largest salt flats in the world, offering a surreal and otherworldly landscape that changes dramatically with the seasons. This unique environment is home to an array of wildlife, especially during the wet season.
Activities and Experiences
- Quad Biking on the Salt Pans: Experience the thrill of riding across the expansive salt flats, enjoying the vast open spaces and dramatic sunsets.
- Wildlife Viewing Safaris: During the wet season, witness the migration of zebra and wildebeest, along with flamingos and other bird species.
- Cultural Tours: Learn about the traditions and way of life of the local San people, including bushcraft and survival skills.
Tourist Spots
Nxai Pan National Park
Known for its seasonal waterholes and large herds of game, including elephants and giraffes.
Kubu Island
A rocky outcrop in the middle of the salt pans, famous for its ancient baobabs and spiritual significance.
Baines’ Baobabs
A group of seven massive baobabs located on the edge of a salt pan, offering picturesque views and a touch of history.
Hotels
- Camp Kalahari - Offers a classic safari experience with both tents and quad biking excursions.
- Jacks Camp - Known for its luxurious accommodations and unique Makgadikgadi Pans experience.
- Planet Baobab - A quirky lodge with traditional Bakalanga mud huts and a fun, relaxed atmosphere.
- San Camp - Provides a serene and intimate experience with beautiful views over the salt pans.
Restaurants
- Nata Lodge Restaurant - Offers hearty meals and a welcoming atmosphere near the Makgadikgadi Pans.
- Pelican Lodge Restaurant - Known for its fresh, local ingredients and outdoor dining area.
- Planet Baobab Restaurant - Serves up a variety of traditional and international dishes in a quirky setting.
- Botswana Craft Restaurant - Features local cuisine with an emphasis on traditional Botswanan dishes.
- Elephant Sands Restaurant - Offers meals with a view, where you can often see elephants up close.
4. Central Kalahari Game Reserve
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is the largest game reserve in Botswana and one of the most remote and wild places in Africa. Known for its desert landscapes and unique wildlife, it offers a truly off-the-beaten-path safari experience.
Activities and Experiences
- Game Drives: Discover the park’s diverse habitats, home to black-maned Kalahari lions, oryx, and cheetahs.
- Bush Walks with San People: Learn about the flora and fauna from the San people, the original inhabitants of the Kalahari, and their traditional survival skills.
- Star Gazing: With minimal light pollution, the Kalahari offers some of the best stargazing opportunities in Africa.
Tourist Spots
Deception Valley
A popular area for game viewing, especially for predators like lions and cheetahs.
Sunday Pan
Known for its waterholes, attracting a variety of wildlife throughout the year.
Passarge Valley
Offers stunning landscapes and excellent opportunities to see large herds of game.
Hotels
- Kalahari Plains Camp - Offers a mix of comfort and adventure with stunning views of the reserve.
- Tau Pan Camp - Eco-friendly lodge known for its spectacular views and rich wildlife encounters.
- Grassland Safari Lodge - A lodge that combines traditional comfort with opportunities to interact with the San people.
- Edo's Camp - Provides a unique experience with both game drives and cultural experiences.
Restaurants
- Ghanzi Trail Blazers Restaurant - Known for its local dishes and cultural performances by the San people.
- Kalahari Arms Hotel Restaurant - Offers a range of international and local cuisine in a relaxed setting.
- Thakadu Bush Camp Restaurant - Features bush dining experiences with traditional meals under the stars.
- Dqae Qare Restaurant - A community-run lodge and restaurant offering traditional San cuisine.
- Penny Lane Restaurant - A popular stop in Ghanzi for homemade meals and a friendly atmosphere.
5. Tsodilo Hills
Tsodilo Hills is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its ancient rock art, with over 4,500 paintings created by the San people. The hills are considered a spiritual site and are often referred to as the "Louvre of the Desert" due to their rich cultural significance.
Activities and Experiences
- Guided Rock Art Tours: Explore the hills with a knowledgeable guide to learn about the ancient paintings and the cultural stories they depict.
- Hiking Trails: Enjoy various trails that lead through rugged terrain and provide stunning views of the surrounding desert.
- Cultural Engagement: Engage with the local communities to understand the spiritual and historical importance of Tsodilo Hills.
Tourist Spots
Female Hill
he largest hill, rich with dense concentrations of ancient rock paintings and archaeological sites.
Male Hill
Known for its panoramic views and rock art that date back thousands of years.
Child Hill
Offers a smaller but equally significant collection of rock art, often less visited and tranquil.
Hotels
- Drotsky’s Cabins - A riverside lodge offering comfortable accommodations and guided excursions to Tsodilo Hills.
- Nxamaseri Island Lodge - Provides a secluded retreat with easy access to Tsodilo Hills and the Okavango Delta.
- Tsodilo Hills Lodge - A small lodge situated near the hills, perfect for exploring the rock art and cultural sites.
- Maun Lodge - Offers convenient accommodations with modern amenities, suitable for those traveling to the hills.
Restaurants
- Bushman Craft Restaurant - Specializes in traditional dishes and crafts made by local communities.
- The Red Monkey Lodge Restaurant - Features a variety of dishes using organic and locally sourced ingredients.
- The Old Bridge Backpackers Restaurant - Offers a relaxed atmosphere with diverse menu options including vegetarian dishes.
- Island Safari Lodge Restaurant - Known for its riverside setting and hearty meals catering to all tastes.
- Thamalakane River Lodge Restaurant - Offers alfresco dining with a view of the river and a menu featuring both local and international cuisine.