What are the top ten things to do in Botswana?
A safari in Botswana is arguably one of the best things to do in Africa. From the black-maned lions in the Kalahari Desert to the rivers, lagoons, swamps and islands of the Okovango Delta and the pachyderms of Chobe, a safari in Botswana is truly an unforgettable experience. And you can do all this while staying in some of the most luxurious bush camps.
Some of the most popular game reserves and National Parks include the Moremi Game Reserve, Chobe and the Okavango Delta among others. Other popular attractions include the salt pans of Makgadikgadi, the stone paintings on Tsodilo Hills
If you are wondering when is the best time to head to Botswana or how to plan your African sojourn, our destination experts are waiting to help. Here is a list of the top ten things to do in Botswana curated by our Enchanting Travels specialists, which should definitely be part of your Botswana travel guide!
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1Embark on a Safari in Okavango Delta
Perhaps the most beautiful safari in Botswana occurs in Okavango Delta. In addition to the many animals – from buffalo and elephant herds and majestic big cats to graceful antelopes – you will also find a mysterious labyrinth of canals, lakes and lagoons in Okavango Delta.
This is a must-see on Africa vacations and one of the top things to do in Botswana. Some of the best ways to explore the wetlands include game drives, walking safaris as well as mokoro rides!
2Go on a Game Drive in the Kalahari Desert
On a game drive in the Kalahari Desert, you can observe antelopes, wildebeest and springboks, and you will find endless expanses and a sense of absolute freedom!
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is both the largest game reserve and the largest sand basin in the world. A truly unique desert, the Kalahari is well vegetated – marvel at the stretches of grasslands in the desert as you embark on your safari in a four-wheel-drive!
3Explore the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
Makgadikgadi Pans belong to the largest salt deserts on the planet. We especially recommend you visit Makgadikgadi during the rainy season. Large lakes form in the otherwise rather sparse salt landscape and attract crowds of waterbirds, including flamingos and pelicans.
4Marvel at the Stone Rock Paintings of Tsodilo
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it consists of four large pieces of rock that rise abruptly from the Kalahari bush. On your tour of the Tsodilo Hills, marvel at the stone rock paintings of Tsodilo that are over one billion years old!
Nowhere else in the world hosts so many rock paintings, which is why the region is dubbed “Le Louvre of the Desert“.
5See Elephants in Chobe National Park
Chobe is Botswana’s first national park. The elephant herds in Chobe National Park are the largest in Africa, and the best way to see them is on an exciting boat safari, where you can also spot hippos and buffaloes. A staggering 50,000 elephants can be found in Chobe, along with several predators such as lions and leopards.
Chobe was once inhabited by the San bushmen. Even today many San paintings can be seen carved into the rocks
6Discover the Wonders of Savuti and Linyanti
In the western part of the Chobe National Park is the original Savuti and Linyanti area. Located off the beaten path, the brittle beauty of this marshy and savannah region will surely enchant you during your Botswana adventure tour.
Witness game all year round in the region, with the best opportunities in the winter months. The region is also home to an annual migration when the animals head south to Savuti in November to make the most of the grazing opportunities in Savuti Marsh.
7Visit the Khama Rhino Sanctuary
In the Khama Rhino Sanctuary in Serowe, you will find Spitzmaul and Breitmaul Rhino species. The reserve offers not only these gentle giants a home but also many other nocturnal animals.
The animal shelter came up in 1992. The idea was to provide a boost to the waning rhino population and at the same time help the local community.
8Explore Mokolodi Wildlife Park
From the lively capital of Gaborone, head to the Mokolodi Wildlife Park. On extensive game drives, you can observe giraffes, cheetahs and many other animals.
In the city, you will find the popular photo site of the Three Chiefs’ statues.
9Discover the Sights and Sounds of Tuli Wildlife Reserve
The Tuli Wildlife Reserve is located in the east of the Kalahari Desert on the Limpopo River. It impresses with a particularly diverse landscape of massive rocks and rushing forests that alternate with species-rich wetlands.
Spot elephants, zebras and big cats.
10Visit the Botswana National Museum
The Botswana National Museum in Gaborone is a charming collection featuring the work f local artists, crafts and paintings that brings the cultural heritage of Southern Africa alive and is well worth a visit during your tour of Botswana.
The multi-disciplinary institution also features an art gallery and botanical garden.
Discover all the best things to do in Botswana by booking your vacation with our experts at Enchanting Travels. Contact us for your tailor-made and obligation-free tour itinerary.
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One of the very best travel experiences I have ever had. We even got updates once at 3 am! He also made one change in one day’s itinerary to accommodate our wishes which was very wonderful. For business, I have traveled to Europe, Russia, all over Asia and South Africa but was blown away by all the beautiful sites in Argentina and Chile.
All the little touches made by our Enchanting Travel consultant, Amelia Edwards, were noticed and recognized by my wife and I. Thank you for making our milestone trip (25th wedding anniversary) such a memorable one! We look forward to engaging Enchanting Travels again for our next South American adventure!!
This was my first adventure as a solo traveler. But while I may have traveled on my own, I was never alone. I was well taken care of by a superb team of planners, trip coordinators, guides and drivers.
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