botswana safari in december

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Best Time to Go to Botswana

Best time to go to botswana for safari.

The best time to visit Botswana is during the dry season, with May to October being the most popular time to visit, seeing clear days, cooler temperatures and the best chance of seeing the big five. October and April are the shoulder seasons and are still likely to have dry, bright days. Lying south of the equator, Botswana’s hot and dry climate is interspersed with unpredictable rainy months throughout the summer and opposite seasons to that in the northern hemisphere.

In contrast, the green season, which spans from December to April, offers its own unique charm. While the occasional afternoon rain shower restores the landscape, it's during this period that the lush, emerald vegetation emerges, attracting migratory birds that fill the air with their melodic calls. If you're a birdwatching enthusiast or wish to witness the magic of baby animals taking their first steps, the green season might be the perfect time for your Botswana adventure.

Talk to a Botswana Destination Specialist

The best time to visit botswana.

The peak of the rainy season with an average rainfall of over 100mm a month, January is one of the least favourable times to visit Botswana. Temperatures are cooler and downpours can be somewhat unpredictable, it is much harder to see wildlife as it is more scattered, hiding in the long grasses.

In the more north easterly parts of the Chobe National Park rainfall is the most extreme and south western parks such as Kgalagadi, on average, receive notably less rainfall. Gemsbok are the emblem of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and are often seen in larger groups during the rainy season. They are forced to search out fresh vegetation and become nomadic so you will see them regularly during game drives here.

If you have a particular interest in birds, the rainy season could be the best time for you to visit. Birds of prey are also famous at Kgalagadi, seeking out their targets and going in for the kill, a spectacular sight for birdwatchers and photographers.

Being off-season, January is a significantly cheaper time to visit, although some lodges and camps may be closed.

April to November - Dry Season

The dry season broadly occurs from April to November when you can expect to see clear and near uninterrupted blue skies. June to August are the coolest months when desert temperatures in the Kalahari are known to drop below freezing. From September onwards the heat gradually builds up and peaks, sometimes unbearably in October. Temperature extremes are much more moderate and pleasant in the Okavango Delta. Here, the height of the dry season coincides with the year's highest water levels, which are the most conducive to wildlife sightings. With less land available, the terrestrial animals of the region like elephant, lion and buffalo, will be found congregating around the remaining watering holes. Outside of the Delta, the dry season is easier to travel as roads and trails become more easily traversable and it is easier to spot wildlife in the short grasses and dry plains.

December to March - Wet Season

The wet season sees cooler temperatures and heavy showers, with January and February being the wettest months. The short, sharp showers are often followed by bright sunshine and are unlikely to last all day, so game drives are still possible. These months coincide with the birthing season for many herbivores, and with lots of young around, the possibility of predator-prey interactions is high. Even in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, high concentrations of game can be found making the most of the lush grasses and flowers that cover the usually dry riverbeds. Photographers can make use of the excellent light conditions to capture the land's vibrant colours from behind their lens.

‘Pulu’ is the Setswana word for rain, and this influences much of the locals’ way of life and is vital to Botswana’s communities, they depend on this to grow their crops and for the animals and people to survive.

Safaris & Planning

Botswana Small Group Classic Camping Safari

Spend 10 days on this small group tour heading through Botswana staying in fully serviced en-suite tented camping, throughout the Moremi Game Reserve and exploring the fringes of the Delta by mokoro, explore the Khwai floodplains during the day and night looking for elephant, lion and leopard. You'll head to Chobe to end this trip, taking a boat safari and potentially heading on to Victoria Falls.Visit Chobe National Park and both wet and dry camps in the Okavango Delta for a classic Botswana experience.

Okavango Delta Botswana Safari

Combining Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta, staying in both a 'wet' camp and 'dry' camp in the Delta to really get a feel for the iconic landscapes of Botswana.

Ultra-luxury Botswana Safari

A luxury Botswana safari taking in a selection of award-winning luxury camps combined with world-class game viewing.

Botswana climate guide

Things to do in botswana, the kalahari desert in bloom.

With the arrival of the rains from December – March the Kalahari Desert bursts into bloom. Dormant seeds in the desert soil sprout, leading to the blossoming of a wide variety of desert-adapted plants and wildflowers. This includes the bright yellow devil's thorn, pink and white star flowers, and the vibrant purple Namibian eye. The increase in vegetation naturally attracts more wildlife and during the Kalahari Desert bloom you can expect to see springbok and oryx grazing on the grasses and flowering plants. The bloom also attracts several bird species including waterfowl and migratory birds.

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls can be seen spectacularly from the northern Botswana town of Kasane, especially from February to August, with peak magnificence around May. Kasane, located on the Chobe River, provides an excellent vantage point for this natural wonder. Visitors can take exhilarating helicopter flights that offer panoramic views of the falls in all their glory. Alternatively, local experts lead guided tours that provide more intimate and informative experiences. These options cater to a wide range of preferences, ensuring a unique and memorable experience with the breath-taking Victoria Falls.

Wildlife Opportunities

If you want to see big cats and wild dogs, travel in the drier months when there is less vegetation for the animals to hide and avoid November to March when there are heavy showers. If you want to see the Zebra Migration, travel to Botswana's salt pans between March and April, for the second largest, yet least known of the great mammal migrations. If you want to see meerkats, travel to the Makgadikgadi Pans between July and September when the migratory herds have left. Read our Botswana wildlife guide for more information on what animals you can observe.

Okavango Delta Mokoro trip

The traditional Mokoro boat ride offers a silent and timeless journey through Botswana's Okavango Delta . As dawn breaks, visitors, led by local custodians, glide effortlessly through labyrinthine channels, immersing themselves in the untamed beauty of this untouched sanctuary. The Mokoro becomes a vessel for exploration, navigating hidden corridors teeming with life. The landscape, a living tapestry of swaying papyrus reeds and water lilies, transforms with each stroke of the canoe paddle, revealing a new chapter in the Delta's story.

What to expect from a trip to Botswana

The best times of year to visit beautiful Botswana

Oct 25, 2023 • 8 min read

A boat tour of Botswana’s rich river delta is a special way to take in the country’s extraordinary natural abundance © Rosanna U / Getty Images

From the watery wilderness of the Okavango Delta to the sweeping semi-arid savanna of the Kalahari Desert and the lunar-like salt pans of Makgadikgadi , Botswana offers superb wildlife-watching year-round.

The best time to visit Botswana depends on what you want to see, which parks you hope to visit and your budget. Do you long to see endangered African wild dogs, lion prides on the hunt or one of the largest migrations in Africa? Perhaps you dream of drifting along reed-fringed waterways on a mokoro (narrow dugout canoe) or bouncing over glittering salt pans on a quad bike? Would you rather avoid the crowds? Do you plan to take your kids? 

Don't underestimate how hot and dusty it can be during the dry season, how easy it is to get stuck in the mud when it rains or how bone-chillingly cold desert nights can get. But whatever the time of year, the wild creatures and epic landscapes here will blow your mind.

The high and dry season (June to October) is the best time for wildlife watching

Spectacular wildlife spotting, bone-dry weather and Northern Hemisphere school vacations combine to make July and August the busiest months in Botswana. In June and July, meanwhile, campsites fill up with safari-loving South Africans. 

The dry winter season runs roughly from April to October, with endless blue skies, warm days and cold nights. June through August are the coolest months (around 25°C/77°F), and temperatures can drop below freezing at night, with stellar stargazing in the Makgadikgadi Pan. This is also when the flood peaks in the Okavango Delta. In July and August, the delta water surface area can swell to three times that of nonflooding periods. At the height of the dry season, wildlife congregates around these seasonally high flood waters and at permanent water sources such as the Kwando River and Chobe River; roads and tracks throughout the country are easier to navigate than in the rainy season. There are no mosquitos, so it's a good time for family adventures.

Try tiger fishing in September and October

From September, the heat gradually builds, reaching its peak in October when the mercury can hit 40°C (104°F).

The barbel run occurs in the Okavango Panhandle at this time of year too, when water levels start to drop after winter's floods. As the river recedes, barbel fish flush out small baitfish from the papyrus, chasing and trapping them against reed beds in a carnivorous fish frenzy, followed by countless hungry birds. The timing varies yearly depending on the flood but typically occurs between September and October. 

Enjoy spotting animals for a fraction of the cost during shoulder season (April, May and November)

The shoulder-season months are a time of transition between the wet and dry seasons, meaning the weather can be unpredictable. Still, Botswana never has shortage of wildlife action, and lodges often reduce their prices, making trips in this period a great value for money.

Low season (December to March) is best for lush landscapes, the zebra migration, birders and budget-conscious travelers

From December to March, the summer rains – known as the green season – bring high temperatures and heavy showers, with January and February usually the wettest months. It's the cheapest time to visit, though with fewer travelers, some lodges and camps shut up shop completely, campsites get muddy and many roads and tracks become impassable.

Abundant vegetation and plentiful water mean animals can forage far and wide, making them harder to spot. But photographers will love the moody skies and lush landscapes of this season. 

The Kalahari bursts to life and rain transforms the arid salt pans into nutritious grasslands, bringing zebra to Nxai Pan National Park. The annual zebra migration is an unmissable spectacle, and with many young herbivores around, the possibility of prey-versus-predator action is high. Birders should flock to Botswana in December or March to see the stunning summer migrants.

Explore Gaborone for a dose of culture in March and April 

Not only is there relief as summer starts to dip, but the annual Maitisong Festival in Botswana's capital is a great excuse to visit for local music, dance and drama.

January's thunderstorms are dramatic

High temperatures, intermittent rains and vibrant birdwatching define this green season, when some lodges slash rates by almost half. Expect high temperatures and frequent short bursts of heavy rain, with dramatic thunderstorms best viewed from under canvas with a drink in hand. Chobe National Park is exceptionally wet, while the Kalahari Desert is suffocatingly hot but green and overflowing with wildflowers, with the opportunity to spot newborn herbivores as well as myriad migratory birds.

The Kalahari comes to life in February

February is usually the rainiest month, with longer, more persistent downpours. Temperatures rise, but the Kalahari bursts into life, with the arid salt pans transformed into nutritious grasslands that entice herbivores. Don't miss the sight of thousands of Burchell's zebras migrating from the Boteti River to Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan National Park.

Watch out for mosquitos in March

As summer ends, showers are usually limited to refreshing afternoon bursts. Elephants forage in the Okavango Delta as they vacuum up fallen fruit. Water levels might be too low for mokoro canoe trips, but large dazzles of zebras remain in Makgadikgadi, which also means good lion sightings. Still hot and humid, March is the mosquitos' favorite month, especially around lakes and rivers.

Key event : Easter (date varies)

The nights get cooler in April 

Dry, sunny weather replaces the showers, although you'll need to layer up for early-morning game drives and evenings around the campfire. Wildlife watching starts to improve as the rains from the highlands of Angola start their long journey to fill the delta. Antelope mating season is underway, so watch out for males strutting their stuff and locking horns to impress the females.

Clear skies arrive in May

Winter brings clear skies and more moderate temperatures, although you should come prepared for some frosty nights, especially in the Kalahari. With wildlife in search of permanent water sources, it’s an ideal time to head to  Moremi Game Reserve , which covers one-third of the Okavango Delta, and Savuti in Chobe National Park. May is also a good time to tie in a trip to nearby  Victoria Falls , which will be at its thunderous best.

Visit in June to see rare African wild dogs

By mid-June, visitor numbers start to climb – and so do prices. Days are generally warm and sunny, followed by cold nights. If you're desperate to see African wild dogs, the denning season runs from June to September, when these endangered predators stay close to home to watch over the pups.

July is the peak of peak season

Wildlife is concentrated around water holes, although you'll share sightings with more vehicles. In private reserves and concessions, it's also a great time to enjoy guided walking safaris to spot smaller flora and fauna. Between July and September is the best time to hang out with gangs of meerkats in Makgadikgadi and turn your eyes to the sky for stellar stargazing.

Key events : President’s Day

The Okavango Delta fills up with wildlife in August

By day, it's all clear skies and rising temperatures, but nights are chilly, often dropping below freezing. Water levels are at their highest in the delta, attracting wildlife in droves and making this the perfect time for gliding on a mokoro past herds of thirsty elephants. Note that peak wildlife viewing also means peak prices. 

Try time your trip to catch the Nkashi Classic , an annual time-trial mokoro race to find the fastest poler in the entire Okavango Delta. The Botswana Wild Bird Trust (a Public Benefit Organization) founded the first competition in Maun in 2018, and polers compete in three categories: female, male, and veteran.

Key event: The Nkashi Classic

September means dry weather and excellent wildlife spotting

September is dry, hot and dusty, but clear skies and sparse vegetation mean excellent visibility as wildlife congregates at the rapidly shrinking waterholes. Evenings start to warm up too, perfect for a sundowner around the campfire.

Key event : Botswana Day, also known as Boipuso

The heat is on in October   

If you can stand the heat of October in Botswana, wildlife is easy to spot, especially in the early mornings and evenings: huge herds of elephants around the Chobe River, hippos squabbling over wallowing space and predators stalking the plentiful prey around water holes. Prices are still high but start to drop toward the end of the month. The barbel run occurs in the Okavango Panhandle at this time year, too, when water levels drop after winter's floods. As the water recedes, barbel fish flush out small baitfish from the papyrus, chasing and trapping them against reed beds in a carnivorous fish frenzy, followed by countless hungry birds. The timing varies yearly depending on the flood but typically occurs between September and October. 

Key event: Barbel Run

The skies open in November  

Rains arrive and the smell of the first drops on dry African soil is one you will never forget. The rainy summer season begins (though it's not always on schedule) with short, heavy showers throughout the day that begin to turn the parched landscape a vibrant green. November is when many herbivores give birth, attracting the attention of the resident big cats. Temperatures dip slightly – but it's still hot, so look out for well-fed lions snoozing in the shade and leopards lounging up trees. Prices also take a dip.

Migrating birds arrive in December

Humid mornings spark afternoon thunderstorms that lower temperatures briefly. With the rains, the desert bursts into bloom, feeding young antelopes and giving them a fighting chance against the lions, leopards and cheetahs that come prowling around. Migratory birds arrive, including jewel-colored kingfishers, vociferous cuckoos and flamboyant bee-eaters.

Key events : Christmas, New Year’s Eve

This article was first published July 2022 and updated October 2023

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The Best Time to Visit Botswana for a Safari

Last updated on June 8th, 2023 at 07:59 pm

Welcome to Botswana, a captivating destination where the magic of an African safari comes to life. In this guide, we’ll explore the importance of choosing the best time to visit Botswana for a safari, allowing you to embark on an unforgettable journey in sync with nature’s rhythms.

Botswana, renowned as one of Africa’s top safari destinations, boasts diverse ecosystems, from the iconic Okavango Delta to the vast expanses of the Kalahari Desert. Understanding the seasonal variations is crucial to truly appreciate the wonders Botswana has to offer.

Whether you seek excellent game viewing or captivating landscapes, understanding the best time to go is crucial for your ideal Botswana safari experience.

Understanding Botswana’s Seasons

Understanding Botswana’s seasonal variations allows you to plan your safari adventure accordingly. Whether you prefer the excellent game viewing of the dry season or the captivating landscapes of the wet season, each period offers unique experiences to make your Botswana safari truly unforgettable.

We invite you to join us on an exciting journey as we explore the ideal times to visit, month by month, offering valuable insider tips for your extraordinary wildlife paradise adventure.

During the dry season witness awe-inspiring wildlife spectacles as animals concentrate around remaining water sources. Explore the Okavango Delta’s intricate waterways during this time for unparalleled game-viewing opportunities.

Duration and Timing Botswana’s dry season ranges from May to October, making it the best time to visit for optimal wildlife experiences.

Benefits for Wildlife Enthusiasts During the dry season, the land becomes parched, and water levels recede, concentrating animals around remaining water sources. This concentration provides excellent game-viewing opportunities.

Exploring the Okavango Delta during the Dry Season The Okavango Delta, with its intricate waterways (mokoros), becomes a focal point for wildlife during the dry season. Traverse the delta on traditional canoes and witness elephants bathing, lions prowling, and a symphony of birdlife.

Highlights of Game Viewing in Botswana Game drives through the Savuti region reveal breathtaking herds of zebras and antelopes, while Chobe National Park’s wildlife-rich floodplains showcase the beauty of nature’s harmony.

Wet Season (Green Season)

In the green season, Botswana reveals vibrant landscapes with lush foliage and blooming flora. Encounter migratory birds and newborn animals amidst occasional showers and the ethereal beauty of thunderstorms.

Duration and Timing The wet season, also known as the green season, occurs from November to April, bringing occasional showers and transforming Botswana into a lush paradise.

Unique Experiences during the Wet Season The wet season welcomes migratory birds and offers thrilling encounters with newborn animals. Embrace the beauty of thunderstorms and witness the wilderness flourishing with vibrant foliage.

Exploring the Lush Landscapes and Diverse Ecosystems Botswana’s wet season reveals lush vegetation and blooming flora across its diverse ecosystems. From the Moremi Game Reserve to the central Kalahari, the landscapes come alive with life and vibrant colors.

Wildlife Encounters and Birdwatching Opportunities The wet season brings ample opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching. Explore the permanent water sources and observe the diverse wildlife thriving in their natural habitats.

Month-by-Month Breakdown

Understanding the month-by-month variations in Botswana allows you to plan your trip according to your preferences and interests. Whether it’s the lush landscapes of the early year, witnessing the migration in April, or the peak season game viewing from July to September, each period offers a rewarding experience. 

January-March

Weather Conditions and Wildlife Activities From January to March, Botswana experiences warm days and occasional showers, marking the end of the rainy season. The lush vegetation and vibrant wildlife create a captivating atmosphere for exploration.

National Parks and Reserves to Visit Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park are popular destinations during this time. They offer abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, from majestic elephants to graceful antelopes, against the backdrop of lush landscapes.

Recommended Activities during this Period Go on morning game drives when animals are most active, and the temperatures are pleasant, or explore the waterways of the Okavango Delta by Mokoro, where you’ll encounter a variety of bird species and enjoy the serenity of the peaceful water channels.

Weather Conditions and Wildlife Activities April to June signals the transition into Botswana’s dry season. The days become cooler, and the vegetation starts to thin out, making wildlife sightings easier. It’s an ideal time for game viewing and experiencing Botswana’s diverse ecosystems.

Best Places to Witness the Annual Migration During April, the famous zebra migration begins in the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, presenting an extraordinary spectacle of thousands of zebras on the move. Witness this remarkable natural event and the predators that follow in their wake.

Exploring the Okavango Delta during the Green Season April and May offer a unique opportunity to explore the Okavango Delta during the early green season. The delta’s waterways are at their highest, allowing for exciting mokoro rides and game viewing along the waterways where antelope herds gather.

July-September

Weather Conditions and Wildlife Activities July to September is the peak season in Botswana, attracting wildlife enthusiasts from around the world. The weather is dry and cool, providing optimal conditions for game drives and wildlife viewing.

Peak Season in Botswana This period is considered the best time to visit Botswana for unparalleled game viewing. The wildlife congregates around permanent water sources, creating thrilling encounters with predators and witnessing large herds of elephants, buffalos, and other iconic African species.

Choosing the Right National Parks for Game Viewing Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park are must-visit destinations during this time, known for their exceptional concentrations of wildlife. Explore the riverfront areas of Chobe or venture into the heart of Moremi for a remarkable safari experience.

October-December

Weather Conditions and Wildlife Activities As October arrives, Botswana transitions from the dry season to the onset of the rainy season. The weather becomes increasingly unpredictable, with occasional showers cooling down the warm days. Wildlife activity remains high as the vegetation starts to regenerate. It’s a time of transition, offering a unique blend of the tail end of the dry season and the beginning of the lush green season.

Explore Lesser-Known Reserves and Private Concessions October to December is an opportune time to explore lesser-known reserves and private concessions in Botswana. These areas offer a more exclusive and intimate safari experience, away from the crowds. As the popular national parks become busier, venturing into these hidden gems allows you to immerse yourself in the untouched wilderness and enjoy sightings of wildlife in a more secluded setting.

End of the Dry Season in Botswana October marks the end of the dry season in Botswana. During this time, water levels in the Okavango Delta are still relatively high, providing excellent opportunities for water-based activities such as mokoro rides. The game viewing along the waterways is still rewarding, especially in the Khwai Community Concession and private concessions adjacent to the Moremi Game Reserve. As the dry season concludes, wildlife congregates around permanent waterholes, offering fantastic wildlife viewing and predator-prey interactions.

Traveling to Botswana from October to December is a wonderful choice for those seeking a unique safari experience. The combination of the tail end of the dry season and the beginning of the green season provides a diverse range of wildlife encounters and scenic landscapes. 

Keep in mind that weather conditions can be unpredictable during this period, with occasional showers and fluctuating temperatures. However, the beauty of Botswana’s wildlife and natural wonders remains unparalleled, making it an ideal time to head off the beaten path and create lasting memories.

Factors to Consider When Planning a Botswana Safari

Personal Preferences and Interests  Are you looking for an up-close wildlife experience, cultural interactions, or a combination of both? Determine whether you prefer a more adventurous or luxurious safari, as this will determine your choice of accommodations and activities.

Budget Considerations   Consider the cost of accommodations, transportation, park fees, and guided tours. Remember that prices can vary depending on the season and the level of luxury you desire. Research different options and choose the ones that best fit your budget without compromising your safari experience.

Availability of Accommodations and Tours  Botswana’s popular safari destinations can get busy, especially during peak seasons. Check the availability of accommodations and tours well in advance to secure your preferred options. Booking early ensures you have a wider selection and you can plan your itinerary accordingly.

Wildlife Migration Patterns  Understanding wildlife migration patterns can greatly enhance your safari experience. Research the movement of animals, such as zebras, elephants, and antelopes, to choose the best time to spot them in different areas of Botswana. For example, during the dry season, you can witness impressive migrations near the Okavango Delta and the Savuti region.

By considering your personal preferences, budget, availability of accommodations, and wildlife migration patterns, you can plan a Botswana safari that meets your expectations and creates unforgettable memories. 

In conclusion, choosing the best time to visit Botswana for a safari is crucial to ensure a remarkable experience. From the dry season’s excellent game viewing opportunities to the lush landscapes of the green season, Botswana offers something unique throughout the year. The dry season from May to October is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, while the wet season from November to April showcases Botswana’s vibrant beauty.

Witness the stunning wildlife migration patterns, explore the waterways of the Okavango Delta, and embark on thrilling game drives through national parks such as Moremi and Chobe. From encountering herds of zebra and antelope to observing the lush vegetation and diverse ecosystems, each season in Botswana presents its own allure.

As you plan your visit remember that Botswana’s magic is not limited to a single time of year. Whether you opt for the dry season’s excellent game viewing or the green season’s captivating landscapes, Botswana promises a safari experience like no other.

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What Is the Best Time of Year to Go on Safari in Botswana?

Discover the best time to safari in botswana.

A wild paradise home to many of the world’s most magnificent creatures, there truly is no bad time to go on a safari in Botswana . No matter the month, you will be treated to glorious scenes of nature at its finest. 

Prepare to discover spectacular landscapes where you will cross paths with the ‘ Big Five ’, otherwise known as lions, leopards, elephants, black rhinos and buffalos. Each month of the year promises a very special wildlife experience, with different creatures and topography to be seen depending on when you visit. 

To help you plan the best safari in Botswana , we have shared advice on the best times of the year to explore this beautiful country, along with information on the seasons and where to visit.

What Are the Seasons in Botswana?

Botswana has only two distinct seasons. The first of which is summer, otherwise known as the green season. This period begins in November and runs through until April. The second season is winter which is also called the dry season. It lasts from May to October. 

Each of these periods has distinct weather conditions that attract different wildlife species and lead to dramatic transformations in the landscapes.

Where to Safari in Botswana

Many people ask “Where are the best places to go on safari in Botswana ?” ahead of their trip. Thankfully, this African paradise is home to a wealth of radiant wildlife parks. The landscapes range from vast inland deltas home to lions, giraffes and elephants, to the largest salt plains in the world where you will find zebras, springboks and wildebeests. We have listed some of our top recommendations below. 

Chobe National Park 

Commonly considered one of the best places to safari in Africa, Chobe National Park is a magnificent place to explore. Here you will find rare species including African wild dogs, cheetahs and a wealth of fascinating bird species . 

Central Kalahari 

Central Kalahari is certainly one of the best places to go on a safari in Botswana. In this vast, arid landscape, you will encounter the magnificent black-maned Kalahari lion, along with packs of brown hyenas and a spectacular wildebeest and zebra migration.

Linyanti Wetlands

For those looking for a unique safari experience in Botswana, look no further than the Linyanti Wetlands . A captivating sight, the pristine wilderness has an open border alongside the Chobe National Park and boasts diverse habitats resided in by everything from lions to hippopotamuses and roan antelopes to wild dogs.

Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is one of the most magical destinations for luxury safari holidays in Botswana. The site marks the spot where the Okavango River splits into several strands, opening to form an oasis home to incredible wildlife species.

Moremi Game Reserve 

The Moremi Game Reserve is a completely unspoilt oasis. It has been carefully protected and preserved by the BaTswana people since 1963. It is here that you will find many of the most highly endangered species of large mammals including white rhinoceros, black rhinoceros and cheetahs. 

Makgadikgadi Pans 

The Makgadikgadi Pans are the largest on the planet, spanning an area of over 30,000 km². An extraordinary landscape, visitors will be greeted with endless expanses of salty terrain home to meerkats, zebras and wildebeest. It is here that you will also find many of the best safari camps in Botswana.

While there is truly no wrong time to go on a safari holiday in Botswana, each month of the year promises a very unique experience. Be sure to select the right period to suit your adventure style.

January to April in Botswana

January to April is considered by many to be the best time of year to go on safari in Botswana. As this period sees fewer tourists, those visiting during this month can experience quieter parks and more affordable prices compared to the peak season.

The landscapes of the parks are also greener as it is the wet season which attracts a wealth of bird species. What’s more, many newborn animals can be seen at this time of year.

However, the smaller crowds and unique wildlife experiences come at the price of unpredictable weather. Rainfall can extend for long periods during the months of January and February, while the heat can be stifling, with average temperatures of around 32.5°C.

February stands out as a particularly exciting time to visit. While this is the country’s rainiest month of the year, it also marks the period when the zebras migrate from the Boteti River to the Makgadikgadi and Nxai pans, which is an extraordinary marvel to behold.

By March, temperatures are beginning to slide, with average highs of 30°C which drops further into the evening. While you are still likely to face some rainfall, the showers tend to be confined to the afternoon, giving you more freedom to explore the parks in comfort.

Entering April, the country moves into its shoulder season which marks the start of its transition from the wet to the dry season. This shift prompts land mammals, particularly rhinos, to emerge as they no longer avoid the showers.

May to July in Botswana

May to July is commonly hailed as the best time to go on safari in Botswana. The dry winter season begins over this period, bringing more comfortable temperatures and excellent game-viewing opportunities. 

In May, expect mild, dry weather and campsites and safari parks to still be on the quieter side as the most popular tourist season has not quite begun. Savute is a particularly excellent region to head to during this time of year as buffalos and zebras can be found in abundance. 

June is another excellent month for safari holidays in Botswana. While parks are likely to be on the busier side, the weather often more than makes up for this. The warm daytime temperatures and minimal rain provide the perfect conditions for walking safaris .

By July, the safari parks in Botswana enter their peak season. As a result, those planning to visit during this month should begin planning their safari holiday well in advance. Waiting until closer to the time is likely to mean all of the best safari lodges in Botswana will be full. 

The Okavango Delta stands out as a particularly exceptional area of the country to visit in July as the wildlife viewing opportunities will be second to none. The scarcity of vegetation makes it easy to spot animals in the open plains. 

Between May and July as a whole, the limited rainfall attracts creatures to watering holes, providing an excellent display of the country’s wildlife. Another reason why many see this period as the best time for safari in Botswana is the lack of mosquitoes. Clear skies and minimal rain reduce these insects’ activity, creating much more comfortable conditions for exploring the parks. 

August to October in Botswana

Temperatures begin to climb again in August. As a popular time of year to go on a safari in Botswana, you will need to make reservations in advance to secure a spot during this period. Those visiting in August will see the water levels of the Okavango Delta at their highest.

Along with being a captivating sight to behold, this offers fantastic game-viewing opportunities Take a canoe safari to leisurely drift along the serene waters, gazing up at the remarkable creatures around you.

September is thought by many to be the best time to go on safari in Botswana as it offers incredible opportunities for spotting the Big Five. While wildlife viewing can prove slightly tricker in general during September, it is one of the easiest times of year to spot these famous animal residents. 

Lions, leopards, African elephants, rhinos and buffalos are often seen gathering around the only available food and water sources in the region. The Lynanti and Chobe Rivers make especially exceptional areas to head to see animals during this month as many creatures gather by these waters for survival. 

You may even be able to spot the magnificent black-maned lions during this period of the year as they stalk large herds of springbok and red hartebeest by the river. October is another wonderful time to go on a safari holiday in Botswana. 

As the country’s hottest month of the year, game viewing is a breeze. The sparse vegetation ensures clearer sightings and you’ll have ample opportunities to observe thirsty herds congregating along the riverbanks.

November to December in Botswana

November and December are also wonderful times of year to go on a safari trip to Botswana. This period marks the start of the rainy summer season, bringing swift, heavy showers throughout the day that rejuvenate the country’s parched landscape. 

The country’s parks undergo a remarkable transformation, donning a lush coat adorned with a stunning variety of flowers, plants, and trees. November offers a particularly enchanting time to visit Botswana as this is when many of its herbivore creatures give birth. 

While this can be an adorable sight in itself, the presence of the young ones also attracts the attention of big cats. Those visiting during this period will be spoiled with an abundance of opportunities to see coveted park inhabitants such as lions, leopards and cheetahs.

December is another wonderful time to take a safari in Botswana. As the country’s deserts burst into bloom, numerous herbivores like antelopes and impalas gather against the flowering plants. This congregation often captures the interest of the big cats, making it another excellent month for seeing lions, leopards and cheetahs.

Migratory birds also arrive in December, lighting up the sky with fluttering kingfishers, vibrant bee-eaters and energetic cuckoos. One thing to bear in mind when visiting during this time is the likelihood of thunderstorms and rainfall.

While this might require some planning around the weather, you will also be able to enjoy the benefits of reduced dust and the breathtaking beauty of dramatic skies and flourishing landscapes. Another wonderful advantage of visiting Botswana in December is that you’ll be able to catch Makgadikgadi, the country’s second migration, when herds of majestic zebra and wildebeest thunder across the terrain.

While each of the months in Botswana provide a different safari experience, each promises a glorious experience of discovering dazzling landscapes and incredible creatures. Whether you’re travelling solo or with family , friends or your partner, prepare to embark on a safari adventure like no other in this magnificent corner of the world. 

Planning a luxury safari in Botswana? Take a look at our fantastic range of itineraries and luxury accommodations that are available all over the country, from the Okavango Delta to the Kalahari Desert. Get in touch now to start planning your dream safari trip.

Some images used in this blog are the property of our partners . Please contact us for more details.

Author: Charlie

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Safari in Botswana

An expert guide to botswana's best safari reserves, camps and experiences.

Anthony Ham

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Okavango Delta

Chobe national park, central kalahari game reserve, makgadikgadi pans national park.

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Of all the places I’ve been on safari in Africa, I think Botswana tops the list. There is so much to enjoy and, unlike in bigger safari destinations, in Botswana you’ll see a lot more wildlife than other travellers.

Botswana is where I went on my first self-drive safari, and, to this day, it remains my pick as the best place to drive yourself out into the wild in Africa. All but the inner reaches of the Okavango Delta are accessible in your own 4WD, and the experience of driving out into, and sleeping overnight in, lion country, or the amazing world of elephants, or miles from the nearest human being, remains my favourite way of going on safari.

At the heart of Botswana’s appeal are its signature wildlife destinations whose names – the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Central Kalahari Game Reserve – read like a roll-call of storied wildlife kingdoms. And it’s not just the wildlife. From the deep greens and blues of the Delta in flood to the yellows and reds of the Kalahari, or the blinding whites of the salt pans, there is something elemental about Botswana’s call to the wild. In the following pages I’ll explain some of my Botswana safari highlights, and how you can see them for yourself.

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Botswana's hidden gems.

Unlike Africa’s safari giants like Kenya , Tanzania , and South Africa , Botswana remains blissfully under the radar. Yet, it too faces the travel industry's irritating habit of focusing on the popular easy sellers at the expense of everywhere else. There's much more to Botswana than the Okavango Delta. In this guide I'll show you some of my favourite lesser-known Botswana safari spots.

Aerial view of the vast Okavango Delta, one of the best safari destinations in Africa

The best safaris in Botswana

Popular highlights & hidden gems, kgalagadi transfrontier park, tsodilo hills, northern tuli game reserve, okavango panhandle, nxai pan national park, kwando reserve.

Okavango kayaking expedition

Pretty much every Okavango tour itinerary will include a paddle on a traditional mokoro canoe. For something very different, set out on a multi-day, camp-to-camp kayaking expedition through the Delta. Paddle the gentle water spotting the planet's greatest wildlife and camp each night under the stars. Truly unique.

See elephants and more in Chobe National Park

Chobe incorporates two distinct regions: Chobe River (close to the Zimbabwe and Zambia borders), famous for its large elephant herds; and Savute (in the west), where a juxtaposition of contrasting habitats and handful of pumped water holes sustain a melting pot of species.

Chobe in general, but especially the riverfront, has one of the highest elephant densities in Africa and close-up sightings are almost guaranteed. Lions and leopards are also possible here, with giraffe, zebra, buffalo, hippo and crocodiles all commonly seen.

Game drives are the order of the day in Savute where wildlife-viewing is good year-round. Savute is known for its predators – I’ve always had luck with lion, leopard and cheetah here, and on my last trip I spent an afternoon watching a highly active den of African wild dogs. As with the rest of Chobe, elephants are everywhere in Savute.

Explore water world in the Okavango Delta

This is a world without fences and, because of the water levels, human settlements are mostly restricted to the Delta’s perimeter, leaving the rest to wildlife.

In the southern part of the Delta, including in Moremi Game Reserve and Khwai Community Concession, expect a mix of luxury tented camps and budget campsites catering mostly to those on self-drive safaris. The deeper you go into the Delta, the more the crowds thin, with entire concessions given over to the exclusive lodges and tented camps that are such a feature of a safari in Botswana. For most of the tourist season, many of these camps and lodges can only be reached by small plane. Out here, I’ve had the wildlife entirely to myself.

Taste true wilderness in the Central Kalahari

Measuring 52,000 square kilometres, I think this vast wilderness is a signature Botswana safari experience. Known for its golden grasslands, salt pans, sand dunes covered in vegetation and wide former river valleys, it’s a soulful experience that’s custom-made for a self-drive safari.

The mammal density and diversity are not quite a match for the northern parks making it less well-suited to first-time safari travellers but for the feel of a true African wilderness, CKGR is tough to beat.

Hugging the park’s northern boundary, the Hainaveld consists of a handful of compact, segregated, privately-owned reserves. The denser habitat means the landscape is less scenic than inside the park, but pumped waterholes concentrate the game in the dry season. Several of the lodges employ local Kalahari bushmen with legendary tracking skills, who will also teach you about their way of life on a guided walk.

Off the beaten path in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

In the far south of Botswana, this transfrontier park spills over into South Africa. The Botswana side of the park receives far fewer visitors than the South African sections across the border.

The scenery here consists of a dense scrubland and some of the loveliest salt-pan scenery anywhere in Botswana. With a number of hills overlooking these pans, they’re spectacular places, especially at sunset, and many of the self-drive campsites take full advantage of these hilltop positions.

Kgalagadi is known for its classic Kalahari wildlife, and aside from the usual oryx (gemsbok), giraffe and wide range of antelope species, I’ve always had luck with the extravagantly horned greater kudu, lion, cheetah and even a fleeting glimpse of meerkats.

The park provides habitat for nearly 300 different bird species, and I was particularly thrilled when the elusive Kalahari scrub robin and the vivid violet-eared waxbill visited my campsite one evening.

Ancient history in the Tsodilo Hills

Rising from the barren, sandy plains of the Kalahari in a remote corner of north-western Botswana, these four hills project a certain kind of magic. Sacred to the indigenous San people and reputed to possess mystical powers (as Laurens van der Post found in the 1950s on a visit that formed the centrepiece of his classic The Lost World of the Kalahari), the Tsodilo Hills are best known as one of the world’s finest galleries of ancient rock art. More than 4,500 artworks – mostly paintings, but engravings, too – adorn the rock walls of the range, and some date back thousands of years.

Walking trails lead past the artworks that range in subject matter from whales and penguins (despite Tsodilo Hills being more than 1000 km from the ocean) to lions and human figures. I highly recommend you visit with a local guide to greatly enhance your visit.

Unless you’re self-driving and staying at one of the campsites in the shadow of the Tsodilo Hills, there is no accommodation nearby.

Explore Northern Tuli Game Reserve

In the far southeastern corner of the country and formerly divided into a number of segregated farms alongside the Limpopo River, NTGR is now one of the largest privately-owned conservation areas in southern Africa. The spectacular landscape, featuring rolling hills, basalt cliffs, ancient riverbeds and towering granite kopjes , is unlike anywhere else in Botswana. In fact, when combined with its impressive portfolio of wildlife, it remains a mystery to me why more people don’t visit this remarkable place.

Expect regular sightings of elephant, giraffe, lion, leopard and cheetah as well as less common species like eland and klipspringer, and over 350 bird species. Ground-level photographic hides, ancient archaeological ruins and a choice of horse-riding, walking or even cycling safaris complete a chocolate box-assortment of activities.

Spot the flamingoes of Makgadikgadi Pans

Makgadikgadi Pans is famous for hosting one of the largest zebra migrations in Africa. Every year, tens of thousands of zebra migrate east-west through the park, between the pans in the east and the Boteti River out west. From high on the riverbank at the latter, I’ve watched zebras swarm down to the water’s edge in a haze of raised dust, dizzying stripes and distinctive zebra barks.

I’ve also seen flamingos away on the eastern pans in flocks so vast that they seem to move as a single entity. And I’ve drawn near to habituated meerkats just outside the park, and seen brown hyenas and aardvarks close to sunset.

Birding in the Okavango Panhandle

Although not a big game destination, the broad and meandering Okavango River in the northwest of the country is a birder’s paradise, with over 350 recorded species including several iconic Okavango specialties. It is also popular among anglers, particularly around September, when the receding flood waters concentrate huge shoals of baitfish, attracting a melee of catfish, tiger fish, bream and birds. Activities are mostly by boat or on foot.

Other wildlife is far less common, and you’d be lucky to see much more than a crocodile or hippo in the river’s waters.

Zebra migration in Nxai Pan National Park

I’ve always loved Nxai Pan – it’s never busy, my sightings of lion, elephant and cheetah seem perfectly framed by these big horizons, and the baobabs by the salt pans here are a striking presence. With a handful of campsites (including at remote Baines’ Baobabs, a remarkable cluster of seven ancient baobabs (named after explorer and painter, Thomas Baines) and just one upmarket lodge, there’s rarely more than a couple of other vehicles at any sighting.

As well as plenty of elephant, and a good chance of seeing lion and cheetah, Nxai Pan has a couple of other wildlife highlights to draw you here. After the rains, thousands of zebra migrate here from the Chobe and Linyanti rivers after the rains forming part of Africa’s longest zebra migration. And for reasons unknown, Nxai Pan is the only place in Botswana where you can see springbok and impala in the same place.

Linyanti, Kwando and Selinda Reserves

Scattered along the northern waterways of the perennial Linyanti and Kwando rivers, and the seasonal Selinda spillway, the camps in these three neighbouring private concessions operate in a similar manner to those inside the Okavango Delta.

Game-viewing is as good as in the Okavango, with predator-tracking a particular specialty of the Kwando camps. Most camps offer game or wildlife drives, mokoro boat trips, and sunset boat excursions.

What you see in these parts depends very much on the time of year you visit. In Linyanti, for example, from May to October, expect to see lots of elephants, while zebras migrate through the area, usually from February to April. At other times, wildlife can be very scarce, although the November-to-April wet season is excellent for birding in all three concessions, with migrants from Europe and North Africa here en masse.

Chitabe & Qorokwe concessions

In 25 years of African travel, I’ve never seen as much high-quality wildlife as I have in these fabulous Okavango concessions. Over two recent days, I saw leopards, nearly 30 lions, dozens of elephants, a pack of 20 wild dogs, and a cheetah mother with six sub-adult cubs.

Splash Camp

Rory Sheldon

Splash Camp is a small camp in the private Kwara Reserve. Operated by Kwando Safaris who have better responsible travel credentials than most: locally based, no greenwashing, and supporting valuable community projects.

Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Botswana doesn’t have many rhinos but most of them are here in this small, little-known sanctuary, in Paje, east of Central Kalahari Game Reserve. On a recent visit, I was waylaid for nearly an hour by two male black rhinos fighting for dominance right along the main track.

See the baobabs of Kubu Island

For the best of the pans, Kubu Island is a glorious ‘island’ of baobabs south of Makgadikgadi. This was the first place I ever camped in Botswana, and the magic has never left me.

Camp out in Khutse Game Reserve

The southern extension of the CKGR, Khutse gets very few visitors (except on weekends). I love its remote campsites (I once slept here, 40 km from the nearest person), its classic Kalahari scenery, and its lions, leopards and so much more.

Nata Bird Sanctuary

Out in the east of the Makgadikgadi Pans, the pans of this rarely visited community sanctuary draw up to 250,000 flamingos and other waterbirds from November or December until March or April.

Planet Baobab

A budget-friendly option with self-drive access, offering all the activities of its more expensive sister camps on the edge of the pans.

Savute Under Canvas

Easily the pick of the mobile camps in Chobe, &Beyond’s tented camp moves around the park almost weekly and captures the spirit of a mobile camp at its best.

Botswana Camping Safaris

Into Botswana & Zimbabwe

15 day small group tour, botswana safaris: need to know, everything you wish you'd known before you booked, inside tip: self-drive safaris.

Much is made of Botswana aiming for high-end, low-density safari tourism and it’s not uncommon for a luxury camp in the Delta to cost well over US$1,000 per person per night in high season. But it’s actually the mid-range, rather than budget, traveller that finds it difficult to build a reasonably priced safari in Botswana.

Much as the Botswana government prefers not to publicise the fact, it has a fantastic network of campsites around the country. Some are privately run, others are run by the Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP). Standard camping fees are USD $50/25 per adult/child. You can book directly through the park authorities or the private operators of the campsites, but you're better off booking through an agent. Renting a 4WD camper can seem expensive, but a two-week self-drive safari could end up costing the same for two people as one day on a fly-in, fly-out safari.

The best times for safari in Botswana

My favourite time to visit Botswana is during the dry season, June to September. During this time, most 4WD tracks are open, water levels in the Delta are ideal for mokoro trips and wildlife watching.

This period also corresponds with the high tourism season (which usually starts in June or July), so it’s also the busiest (and most expensive) time of year. During these months, it can also get extremely cold overnight and early morning throughout much of the Kalahari.

May or October can be a good compromise, although there’s a risk that the rains could linger or arrive early.

Access to the Delta may be limited, but the best months for birding are from November to March or April, when hundreds of migratory species arrive from Europe and North Africa.

Getting there & around

Although Gaborone is the capital of Botswana, the overwhelming majority of safari visitors to Botswana fly into Maun, in the country’s north-west. Maun is right alongside the Okavango Delta and not far from the Kalahari, and it has lots of safari companies, hotels, camps and restaurants and places to stock up on supplies making it the ideal gateway town.

Those heading to Chobe National Park may fly into Kasane, in the north-east. Kasane receives fewer international flights than Maun, but its proximity to Victoria Falls (84 km away by road, across the border in Zimbabwe) makes it well worth considering.

How a Botswana safari works

There are two main ways to go on safari in Botswana. One is to fly into Maun or Kasane (perhaps stay overnight, perhaps not) and then fly into one of the airstrips of the Okavango Delta or Chobe National Park. There you’ll be picked up by your accommodation, and then fly in and out of however many tented camps you’ll be staying in.

You can book all of this yourself, but most international visitors tend to book it via a tour operator.

The other option is a self-drive trip. You can fly into Maun or Kasane (or even Johannesburg) and pick up a 4WD, which will usually have a rooftop tent or other camping equipment. You’ll then drive yourself from one campsite to the next. Road and driving conditions in Botswana are significantly better than elsewhere in Southern Africa, but you’ll need to take obvious precautions such as driving during the day time and ensuring you’ve got sufficient supplies for long journeys.

Safari in the Okavango Delta

About the author.

Anthony is a renowned travel journalist and guidebook author and is one of the world's leading authorities on Africa safari, wildlife and conservation. He has been travelling to Africa for more than two decades to research Africa safari guidebooks for Lonely Planet. He is widely published in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, The Monthly, Virginia Quarterly Review (VQR), National Geographic Traveler, BBC Wildlife, Lonely Planet Traveller, Africa Geographic, The Independent, Travel Africa, among many others.

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When should I visit Botswana?

An unimaginable year-round african safari experience.

• Indian Ocean Islands
• South America
• Central Kalahari Game Reserve
• Chobe National Park
• Makgadikgadi Pans
• Mashatu Game Reserve
• Moremi Game Reserve
• Nxai Pan National Park
• Okavango Delta

As a safari destination, Botswana is difficult to top; a safari-goers bucket list item no doubt.

Regarded as one of the most exclusive and wilderness-rich year-round African safari destinations, few countries truly offer as much as Botswana. Boasting vast areas of protected natural terrains, pristine landscapes and diverse wildlife throughout the country’s ‘green’ and ‘dry’ seasons. Botswana prides itself in showcasing some of the very best when it comes to safaris.

Botswana’s ‘dry season’ (from May to October), where the days are warm and sunny with cool evenings, is when the Okavango Delta water levels are at their highest, creating a magical maze of waterways and channels waiting to be explored. While the country’s ‘green season’ (from November to April) promises travellers fewer crowds and verdant foliage, plus the unforgettable sight of delicate new-borns as they take their first steps.

Whenever you choose to explore Botswana; prepare to be amazed.

Bless the rains down in the Kalahari

Summertime in Botswana means beautiful, fresh rainfall. Think hot, humid days with spectacular thunderstorms and long, heavy showers making for an incredibly diverse safari experience.

While the Kalahari Desert revels in the life-saving rain, teeming with life from every inch of its dry surface, the Okavango Delta shrivels to a third of its size. At times wildlife sightings may be somewhat unpredictable, but the green season is truly the best time for birding with migrant and breeders in abundance.

A birdwatcher’s paradise

February continues the peak rainy season. This means the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is in its prime with green, grassy sceneries boasting new-born antelope in abundance. A tender and rewarding sighting. The Nxai Pans too attract large numbers of zebra, springbok and oryx with predators, especially lion, never too far away.

With the rain too comes a great variety of birdlife with numerous migrant species and large flocks, especially flamingos, descending on the pans. The magnificent wattled cranes takeover the Okavango Delta in their hundreds while African skimmers are often seen swooping down to catch their prey, making for a fantastic sighting for avid birders and photographers.

Add one of these incredible experiences to your travels for an once-in-a-lifetime journey.

A photographer’s playground

As summer steadily starts to come to an end with temperatures cooling and rains beginning to slow down, afternoons are renowned for turning moody with some scattered showers making for an ideal backdrop for scenic and landscape photographers. Dazzles of zebra remain in the Kalahari while elephants start to make their way to the Okavango Delta in search of ripened marula tree fruit. While the low Okavango Delta water levels may hinder mokoro trips, the landscapes are extremely striking and boats out to the deeper channels are typically available year-round.

Nxai Pan National Park is especially wonderful at this time of year as migrating grazers make the most of the lush grassland and abundant surface water.

Excellent game viewing

Offering travellers a happy medium between the two seasons, April sees cooler mornings and evenings with warm days and little-to-no rain. With the improving weather comes fantastic game viewing opportunities too, from now all the way until October.

The floodwaters begin to slowly reach the panhandle of the Okavango Delta (hitting full flow by the end of May). The bush is still green and dense, but is starting to open up with watering holes slowly drying up encouraging wildlife to make their way to more permanent sources such as the Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. Breeding season for various antelope is well underway, and the males are often seen busy butting heads and strutting their “stuff” as they strive to impress the females.

Thrilling adventures await

May is considered one of the best all-round months for visiting Botswana with excellent game viewing opportunities throughout the country. With almost no rainfall, watering holes are now dry, forcing the last of the stragglers to move towards the more permanent water sources. This is an ideal time to head to the Chobe River or Okavango Delta to spot an array of wildlife quenching their thirst. While surface water evaporates, seasonal floodwaters are slowly filtering down to the delta (hitting full flow by the end of May), although this will take another few months to truly percolate all the way down to the southeast.

For the more courageous safari-goers, quad bike excursions in the Makgadikgadi Pans are sure to be a crowd-pleaser plus river cruises and photographic boating safaris along the Chobe River are a must.

Turn the tide

From now until September the Okavango River is in full flood making for incredible mokoro and water-based excursions. While June and July are considered Botswana’s coldest months, with temperatures known to drop below zero, they too offer some of the best safari sightings across Africa.

Botswana won’t see another drop of rain for the next six months. This means the vegetation across the country has thinned considerably ensuring prime game-viewing prospects. In search of water, wildlife congregate in large numbers along the fridges of the Okavango Delta and on the northern waterways of the Savuti Channel and Chobe Linyanti River System. Expect frequent sightings of elephant, buffalo and antelope. African wild dogs can also be spotted as they begin searching for suitable dens for their pups.

June also sees the start of the best season for guided walking safaris in private concessions, especially the Linyanti region.

Water, water, water

Warm days with cooler evenings and bone-dry weather coupled with incredible game viewing opportunities makes July one of the most popular months to visit Botswana.

Despite it now being the dry season, the floodwaters filter through from the central uplands of Angola. Botswana is renowned for mokoro rides, and this is a rewarding time (between June and September) to get out on the water as the channels fill up providing adventurers with a different perspective, spotting wildlife from the water’s surface. Prime time to visit the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park, keep an eye out for the abundance of wildlife as they congregate in the thousands along the water channels.

Zebra, in their masses, are well known for spending the summer months (from now until December) along the banks of the Chobe River. Once the rains start to fall in November and December, the herds will begin their long journey towards Nxai Pan National Park in search of lush, green grazing lands. Known as the Nxai Pan Zebra Migration – this is Botswana’s first zebra migration.

July is also a great time to travel with families as due to low levels of rain mosquitoes are almost non-existent during this time.

Here tiger, tiger…

As the winter season progresses in Botswana; clear, blue skies stretch above the vast landscape. In the Okavango Delta, water levels are at their highest and have now reached as far south as Maun. Game viewing along the waterways is at its best and will remain so until the first rains in November.

Late August marks the start of the barbell (catfish) run in the northwest panhandle. From now to November it is also an exceptional time to catch tigerfish. Between August and September another rare find is the southern carmine bee-eaters. One of the most vibrant members of the bee-eater family with their pinkish-red plumage, this is an incredible sighting for birders and non-birders alike.

With an array of water-based activities to choose from and enjoy between June and September, Botswana offers travellers a truly rare and unrivalled safari experience, on land and water.

Starring the Big Five, and more…

It is said the best time to spot the Big Five in Botswana is right at the end of the country’s parched winter. Continuing into October, September is one of the hottest and driest months of the year where food and water become dangerously scarce. While this makes life difficult for wildlife; finding and spotting game, especially the Big Five, can be somewhat easier for safari-goers as large numbers of animals crowd the only available food and water sources in the region. The Chobe and Linyanti Rivers are particularly impressive during this period as thousands of creatures rely on these water supplies for survival. Watch out for prowling black-maned lions as they stalk large herds of springbok, oryx and red hartebeest along the river banks.

September is also one of the last months where mokoro and boat excursions as well as guided walking safaris are available.

Extra (extra) hot

October is Botswana’s hottest month. Spend time along the Chobe River viewing the incredible herds of thirsty elephants. Known for drinking up to 200 litres of water a day, after a long, hot day foraging for food, hundreds of elephants gather along the river trumpeting wildly in joy and thirst.

Game viewing is easy during October as landscapes are clearer due to the grazed-down vegetation. If you’re lucky, you may also see, or more noticeably hear, the gorgeous lilac-breasted rollers chatting away as they swiftly manoeuvre across the Okavango during their breeding season. These multi-coloured birds are loud and abundant throughout the delta – an incredible sighting to behold.

Spring shoulder season

November is recognised as the ‘spring shoulder season’ in Botswana. Think soaring thunderclouds, returning migrant birds and, once the rains arrive, fields of new-born calves, with hungry predators lurking not too far away.

It’s also a rather unpredictable month as depending on the timing of rains, it could be very wet or very dry. One thing for sure, though, it will still be exceptionally hot. Game viewing is still relatively good as animals stick to the watering holes and surrounding vegetation.

A dazzling Christmas

Thunderstorms return to Botswana with bursts of rain nourishing the landscapes, helping the vegetation to recover and grazing lands to return. New-born calves frolic on the rich Kalahari plains, often targeted by the ever-present predators. As the pans slowly fill, more and more animals are drawn to the central parks and both the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and Nxai Pans National Parks boast abundant wildlife at this time of year. The Savuti region is also packed with excellent game.

Botanists and birdwatchers alike are often drawn to Botswana in December attracted by the impressive amount of trees and flowers coming into full bloom and lush, green landscapes teeming with migratory birds such as kingfishers, cuckoos and kites.

Botswana’s second migration, the Makgadikgadi zebra migration (this time often accompanied by wildebeest) is most prevalent during December. While the migration between the Boteti River and the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans can be seen at any time of the year, from now through to March, once the rains have fallen, the best time to view these graceful back-and-white striped creatures is while they feed on the seasonal green grasses of the Makgadikgadi Pans ecosystem. For the rest of the year the zebra can be found along the Boteti River.

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Things to do in Botswana in December

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Looking for a different month?

December is a good time to visit Botswana .

Botswana has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your December trip to Botswana. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to December. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

Table of contents

• Experiences
• Attractions

Best events and things to do in Botswana in December

Top experiences in december, holidays in botswana in december.

• Christmas Day ( December 25 )
• Boxing Day ( December 26 )

Other notable holidays

• New Year's Day ( January 1 )
• New Year Holiday ( January 2 )
• Good Friday ( April 18 )
• Holy Saturday ( April 19 )
• Easter Monday ( April 21 )
• Labour Day ( May 1 )
• Mother's Day ( May 11 )
• Ascension Day ( May 29 )
• Father's Day ( June 15 )
• Sir Seretse Khama Day ( July 1 )
• President's Day ( July 21 — 22 )
• Botswana Day ( September 30 — October 1 )

Best attractions for Botswana in December

What's the weather like in Botswana?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Botswana for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Botswana in January
• Weather in Botswana in February
• Weather in Botswana in March
• Weather in Botswana in April
• Weather in Botswana in May
• Weather in Botswana in June
• Weather in Botswana in July
• Weather in Botswana in August
• Weather in Botswana in September
• Weather in Botswana in October
• Weather in Botswana in November
• Weather in Botswana in December

Explore nearby places

• Ngamiland East
• Nxai Pan National Park
• Mashatu Game Reserve
• Central Kalahari Game Reserve
• Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
• Moremi Game Reserve
• Francistown
• Selebi Phikwe
• Chobe National Park
• Nkasa Rupala National Park
• Pilanesberg National Park

All related maps of Botswana

• Map of Botswana
• Map of Ngamiland East
• Map of Gweta
• Map of Maun
• Map of Ghanzi
• Map of Serowe
• Map of Nata
• Map of Palapye
• Map of Phakalane
• Map of Oodi
• Map of Nxai Pan National Park
• Map of Mashatu Game Reserve
• Map of Central Kalahari Game Reserve
• Map of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
• Map of Moremi Game Reserve
• Map of Gaborone
• Map of Francistown
• Map of Selebi Phikwe
• Map of Sherwood
• Map of Lephalale
• Map of Chobe National Park
• Map of Groenvlei
• Map of Zeerust
• Map of Thabazimbi
• Map of Nkasa Rupala National Park
• Map of Pilanesberg National Park
• Map of Tshabong
• Map of Ledig
• Map of Sun City
• Map of Tsumkwe
• Map of Phokeng

Botswana throughout the year

• Botswana in January
• Botswana in February
• Botswana in March
• Botswana in April
• Botswana in May
• Botswana in June
• Botswana in July
• Botswana in August
• Botswana in September
• Botswana in October
• Botswana in November
• Botswana in December

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The Best African Safaris in December

December is a much sought-after month to embark on a safari expedition in Africa. From favorable weather conditions to spectacular wildlife encounters and enticing travel offers, this time of the year beckons adventurers to explore the uncharted territories of the continent. With temperatures often comfortably warm and precipitation levels at a lower ebb, the conditions are conducive to outdoor exploration and animal spotting.

Moreover, the wildlife sightings during December are nothing short of awe-inspiring. From the iconic Big Five to a plethora of other magnificent species, Africa’s diverse fauna graces the landscape in all its splendor during this period.

In this comprehensive guide, we’re poised to equip you with all the essential information you need to plan your African safari in December. From choosing the perfect destinations, to curating experiences that will etch memories into your heart, we’re here to ensure that your December safari is an unforgettable journey.

SKIP TO A SECTION

Is December a good time to go?

The weather

What to expect from a Christmas safari

Where to go

What to pack

Is December a good time to go on safari?

Absolutely! December is a wonderful time to go on a safari in Africa. Here are some of the reasons why:

Wildlife births

Another captivating aspect of December safaris lies in the opportunity to witness the birth of new life within the animal kingdom . This particular month sees the arrival of offspring across numerous species, including elephants and lions .

As you venture through the African landscapes, you may be fortunate enough to witness the tender moments when these young creatures take their very first steps in the wild . The sight of baby animals navigating their surroundings with curiosity and vulnerability is nothing short of remarkable.

Improved wildlife viewing

As vegetation thins out due to the dry season, wildlife becomes more visible and easier to spot. With water becoming scarce, animals tend to gather around water sources, providing excellent opportunities for observing a variety of species in their natural habitats.

Birdwatcher's delight

In December, bird enthusiasts are in for a special treat as this month marks the arrival of many migratory bird species to Africa. These birds undertake impressive journeys across continents to find suitable habitats during the colder months in their breeding regions.

Different parts of Africa welcome specific species, which are adapted to thrive in particular habitats. Wetlands become temporary homes for waterfowl and waders, grasslands host various raptors and ground-nesting species, while forests resonate with the calls of songbirds and canopy-dwelling birds. This dynamic interplay between migratory birds and resident species.

Book a safari in November 2023 and enjoy a FREE Chimpanzee Trek!

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What is the weather like in december for a safari.

In December, the weather you’ll experience during your safari adventure depends on where you’re headed. This month typically marks the onset of the dry season in many renowned safari destinations, bringing about varying climatic conditions across the diverse regions of Africa.

Typically, you can expect warm and inviting temperatures in most safari areas. Daytime weather ranges from comfortably mild to pleasantly hot, creating an ideal environment for engaging in outdoor activities like thrilling game drives. There is also a noticeable decrease in rainfall compared to previous months. This reduction means you’re far less likely to encounter heavy showers or the challenges of navigating muddy paths, making both travel and wildlife observation much smoother.

However, keep in mind that Africa spans a vast expanse with an array of climates:

• East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania) revels in warm temperatures and minimal rainfall, making it the prime window for safaris in iconic locales such as the Maasai Mara and Serengeti.
• Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe) similarly enjoys dry conditions, creating an optimal setting for game-watching in celebrated parks like Kruger and Chobe.
• In desert regions like Namibia , daytime temperatures can soar, but evenings bring cooler air, giving you chance to admire unique desert landscapes and wildlife that has adapted to such an environment.

Staying updated on the local weather forecasts for your chosen destination is a savvy move, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your journey.

What is it like to go on safari at Christmas?

Spending Christmas on safari is a magical experience that blends the wonder of the wilderness with the spirit of the holiday season.

Despite being far from home, many safari lodges and camps go the extra mile to create a festive atmosphere for guests. Decorations such as local crafts, tree ornaments inspired by African animals, and traditional elements typically adorn living and dining areas.

Many also arrange special Christmas celebrations for their guests. This could include festive meals, traditional dances, and even gift exchanges. In some cases, Christmas meals are often enjoyed outdoors (weather-dependent, of course!). Imagine dining under the open African sky, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the warmth of a campfire…

While on your trip, you could enquire about visiting local communities to gain insight into local cultures and traditions and how they celebrate the festive season. You might have the opportunity to participate in the celebrations and learn about their own holiday customs.

Where to go on safari in December

If you’re considering a safari adventure in December, there are plenty of destinations across Africa that we recommend to make the best of your trip at this time of the year. Here are some top places to consider for your December safari:

Maasai Mara National Reserve

The Maasai Mara, especially in December, emerges as a top destination for those seeking an exceptional safari experience. This time of the year offers a harmonious blend of wildlife encounters, holiday cheer, and the unique cultural tapestry of the Maasai people.

One of the standout features of visiting the Maasai Mara in December is the fantastic wildlife viewing opportunity. As the dry season unfolds, your chances of spotting iconic species such as lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and rhinos—the famed “Big Five”—are greatly heightened.

You may also be lucky enough to witness the tail end of the wildebeest migration . While the main migration typically occurs from July to October, pockets of wildebeest and zebra herds may still be traversing the Mara in search of grazing land and water sources. December also marks the arrival of migratory bird species to the Maasai Mara. This presents a treat for bird enthusiasts, as the Mara’s avian population becomes adorned with vibrant colors and diverse species.

If you have always dreamed of having an up, close, and personal wildlife encounter, visiting the Masai Mara should be on the bucket list. Why not book our 4-day trip over the festive season?

Okavango Delta

December in Botswana’s Okavango Delta marks the beginning of the enchanting green season. The landscape awakens with vibrant greens as plants flourish following the rains.

One of the most anticipated aspects of this season is the arrival of migratory birds from the northern hemisphere, which coincides with the birthing period of numerous herbivores, including baby impalas and wildebeests.

During this time, embarking on boat safaris becomes a favored way to explore the delta’s intricate waterways, channels, and floodplains. From the comfort of your boat, you’re treated to a fresh perspective of the diverse ecosystem in the park. Keep your camera ready for unexpected encounters – whether it be elephants or antelopes enjoying a leisurely drink at the water’s edge or crocodiles basking lazily in the sun.

Serengeti National Park

In the early days of December, Serengeti National Park in Tanzania becomes a stage for a remarkable natural phenomenon: the start of the wildebeest migration. This event is concentrated in the northern part of the park and offers a fascinating opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to observe both the migratory herds and the interactions between predators and prey.

Again, in the northern Serengeti, you have the chance to witness predator-prey dynamics up close. Carnivores like lions, cheetahs, and leopards are drawn to the migratory herds, presenting an opportunity to witness their hunting strategies in action. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers. A variety of bird species (both resident and migratory) can be spotted during this time.

If this type of safari adventure is right up your street, why not check out our 6-day Serengeti Safari !

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park might stand in the shadow of its more famous counterpart, the Serengeti, but when December arrives, Tarangire transforms into a hidden gem of wildlife encounters.

The Serengeti typically draws more crowds, but this park offers an intimate and less busy safari experience . In turn, you’ll be able to fully engage with the sights and sounds of nature, free from distraction .

The Tarangire River takes center stage in this national park, where a mesmerizing gathering of wildlife takes place. Imagine elephants , giraffes , zebras , and an array of antelope species converging along its shores, seeking refreshment and relief from the hot sun.

South Africa

Kruger national park.

December emerges as an exceptionally enticing month to visit South Africa’s Kruger National Park. First and foremost, it marks the peak of the summer season in the southern hemisphere. The comfortable temperatures and extended daylight hours provide visitors with ample opportunities to engage in outdoor activities . Game drives remain a cornerstone of the experience, offering the chance to traverse the park’s diverse landscapes and come face-to-face with the Big Five and an array of other remarkable species. Guided walks led by experienced rangers provide a more intimate connection to nature, allowing visitors to absorb the finer details of the ecosystem, from the intricate flora to the smaller creatures that often elude the casual observer.

While the allure of the park’s diverse wildlife is a year-round phenomenon, December unveils a unique spectacle due to its convergence with the dry season. This season sees animals from across the park gather around waterholes, providing an exceptional opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to witness a vibrant tapestry of creatures engaging in their natural behaviors.

Are there many mosquitos during a December safari?

No! The drier conditions of this month usually mean fewer of these pesky insects and mosquitos compared to the wetter months , meaning a reduced likelihood of irritating insect bites that can put a damper on your adventure.

Nonetheless, it’s always a smart move to exercise caution. While the mosquito population might be lower, they’re still present in some areas. During the early mornings and evenings, when they tend to be more active, it’s advisable to take some preventive measures such as applying mosquito repellent and long-sleeved clothing.

What clothing should I pack for a December safari?

When preparing for your December safari, your choice of clothing plays a crucial role in maximizing your comfort and overall experience.

During daylight hours, the temperatures can rise significantly, so opt for lightweight and breathable clothing . Dressing in long-sleeved shirts and pants crafted from moisture-wicking materials not only shields you from the sun but also keeps you cool. Earthy shades like khaki, olive, and beige help you seamlessly blend into the natural surroundings while minimizing any disturbance to wildlife .

As mornings and evenings can bring a drop in temperatures, packing layers such as a light sweater or jacket is always a good idea. And when it comes to footwear, always opt for closed-toe shoes or sturdy hiking boots . They safeguard your feet against uneven terrains and potential critters. Additionally, tossing in a pair of lightweight sandals is a great idea for those moments of relaxation at the camp or lodge.

A wide-brimmed hat becomes your trusty companion while on every safari to ward off the sun’s rays, as well as UV-protective sunglasses .

Despite December’s tendency for reduced rainfall, it’s still a wise move to have a lightweight rain jacket or poncho on hand, just in case.

A Special Offer for Your Dream December Safari

If you’re considering booking your dream safari for December , we have an irresistible offer that will enhance your journey even further.

When you reserve your safari adventure now, we’re thrilled to gift you a FREE chimpanzee trek to include in your itinerary.

So, what are you waiting for?

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• Botswana Safari

The ultimate guide to your next Botswana Safari

Get to know botswana.

By Antoinette Booyse

Safari Travel Planner

​On a Botswana safari, you’ll discover Southern Africa’s countless natural wonders in the utmost comfort and luxury. The country’s varied environments, from the floodplains of the Okavango Delta to the woodlands of Chobe National Park, offer ideal backdrops for remarkable Botswana safari experiences .

This remarkable country is home to intriguing landscapes, geographical wonders, and luxurious eco-friendly accommodations . An abundance of wildlife, birdlife, and world-renowned national parks and reserves all come together to make Botswana a prime safari destination for a memorable holiday in Africa.

Safaris tours in Botswana offer a variety of unique eco-friendly ways to experience the fantastic wildlife and birdlife that the country has to offer. Whether aboard a game drive vehicle, on the back of a horse, or even on a mokoro ride, a Botswana wilderness safari holiday truly has something for everyone.

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Why Botswana?

• Untouched landscapes make a wilderness safari in Botswana naturally beautiful and a drawcard for many tourists and photographic safari goers alike.
• Botswana’s variety of adventurous activities makes it an excellent family safari destination .
• The large number of wildlife and birdlife on a Botswana vacation means there is plenty to see during game drives or mokoro rides. Botswana also stakes claim to Africa’s second biggest migration route , an incredible spectacle that features massive herds of zebra, wildebeest, and buffalo that attract plenty of top predators.
• Botswana is home to the most elephants in all of Africa.
• Botswana has designed an Ecotourism Certification System . The system encourages and supports tourist enterprises’ responsible environmental, social, and cultural activities and ensures they supply excellent eco-friendly products to consumers.

Where to go in Botswana

• Chief’s Island in Botswana
• Chobe National Park and Savuti Marsh in Botswana
• Kubu Island in Botswana
• Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana
• Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana
• Okavango Delta in Botswana

The largest island in the Okavango Delta, Chief’s Island, is situated in the prestigious Mombo concession of the renowned Moremi Game Reserve. You’ll find the fascinating Big Five and many other wild animals on Chief’s Island. The predators on this island are particularly well known. High concentrations of top prey species, such as buffalo, impala, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, tsessebe, and warthog, are drawn to its expansive floodplains and variety of habitats.

As water levels rise, much of the delta’s wildlife retreat to this area, which has been raised above the water level by tectonic activity. As a result, the island is home to some of Botswana’s most diverse wildlife. Wildlife abounds on Chief’s Island, where visitors can spot it on exhilarating game drives, bush walks, and boat tours. Elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinoceros are all found in this area, so your chances of seeing the Big five are excellent.

On Chief’s Island, visitors have a choice of comfortable, luxurious accommodation options . A few operators even have mobile camps on the island.

Mombo Concessions

On the northwestern tip of Chief’s Island lies one of Okavango’s most famous game viewing areas, the Mombo Concession. Mombo is known to BaYei locals as “the place of plenty” and is arguably the most fertile land of the Okavango.

Mombo is located just below where the Okavango River splits into three primary channels and supports a diversity of wildlife hard to find anywhere else in Africa. When the water levels of the Okavango rise during winter floods, many animals move to find dry land on the island.

In the nineties, wild dogs ruled the Mombo Concession, with the largest pack having as many as 40 dogs. Their presence inspired the book Running Wild by Dave and Helene Hamman, which played an essential role in raising awareness of these lesser-known carnivores’ behavior and vulnerable status.

Nowadays, Mombo is a great place to visit on a Botswana vacation as it is famous for its large lion population and very relaxed leopards.

Botswana’s famous Chobe National Park , which includes the Savute Channel and the natural grandeur of the Linyanti River, is a must-see wildlife attraction. Chobe National Park, which covers about 11,000 km2 (4,247 square miles), was Botswana’s first national park and has Africa’s highest concentration of wildlife. Chobe Savuti Marsh is located in Chobe National Park.

Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park was proclaimed in 1968 and protects an area of 11,700km2 (4,517 square miles) that was mainly ravaged by big game hunters and commercial logging at the time of its formation.

The Park is located in the northeast of Botswana, falling within the convergence of two major biomes: Kalahari savanna meets broad-leaved and acacia woodland and Zambezi Teak forest. Running through these beautiful ecosystems is the illustrious Chobe River, with its yawning floodplains and surrounding riparian forest. Chobe has some of the best safari lodges in Africa , with great views of the wildlife, delicious food, and excellent service on a Botswana safari holiday.

The Chobe River rises in Angola as the Kwando (Cuando) River and then disappears into the swamplands of the Linyanti, reemerging as the Chobe River. During winter months, the banks of the Chobe attract the largest population of elephants in the world at around 60 000 – 70 000 individuals.

Add great herds of buffalo, notoriously fearless lion prides, and 468 bird species to date, and you’ve got a playground for nature-lovers that’s second to none. From November to December, herbivores migrate between the Chobe River and the Savuti Marsh in pursuit of fresh grazing grounds.

The Savuti Marsh in Botswana

The Savuti Marsh is an expanse of grasslands in the western region of Chobe National Park. In Botswana’s BaYei dialect, the word Savute means “unclear,” which is thought to be a reference to the area’s unpredictable water supply, the Savuti Channel.

During the rainy season, the Savuti plains are lush and green. While Bateleur eagles and White-backed vultures circle the skies, large herds of buffalo and zebra can be seen roaming the open plains. Small islands with Ilala and Wild date palms are grouped together, providing shady hiding places for predators during the midday sun. During the dry season, many elephants are drawn to three man-made water holes introduced to the Savuti region in 1995.

The Savuti channel has been a subject of great intrigue throughout history for its mysterious patterns of flow that experts believe to be influenced by underground tectonic forces.

The earliest mention of it can be found in European missionary explorer David Livingstone’s journal where, in 1851, he referred to Savuti (“Sontwa”) as a “dismal swamp”. The channel seems to have remained a drying wasteland for close to a century but began to flow again in 1957 when it drowned a large portion of the area’s acacia trees.

These dead trees still stand today, creating an intriguing, almost ghost-like landscape. In 1982, the channel again dried up, a process that Dereck and Beverley Joubert documented in their film Stolen River and, later, Journey to the Forgotten River.

The drought transformed a thriving wildlife area into a dramatic battleground for survival. Large lion prides became specialized elephant killers, and crocodiles sought refuge by hibernating in the Gubatsaa Hills. In 2008, the area got wetter, and the channel flooded into the marsh in 2010, with the channel beginning to dry up again in 2016.

The drying-up process is fascinating, with storks, eagles, herons, and numerous other bird species flocking around small pools to feast on trapped fish. Even leopards have been caught grabbing catfish from the muddy shallows, showing their remarkable ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Kubu Island is a dry granite rock island located in the Makgadikgadi Pan area, en route to four major parks and game reserves in Botswana. Kubu Island is the only place on a Botswana safari with prominent rocky features, breathtaking views of the salt pans in the Makgadikgadi , and solitary aesthetic beauty.

It’s beautiful in a rugged, enigmatic way, made more so by the presence of puzzling relics and ruins that litter the arid hillside. Artifacts found on the side of the lake appear to date from early Stone Age times, over 100 000 years ago, right up to recent decades.

Some researchers have suggested that the island may have been used for ancient rainmaking ceremonies, with its protruding rocks being the highest point in the area. Because human settlers could not have survived here without water, the island was most likely inhabited when a giant lake still surrounded it, or at least several wetter pans fed by other watercourses, reached by boat. Perhaps it would have been teeming with fish, crocodiles, and hippos.

The Makgadikgadi is an extraordinary Botswana region characterized by salt pans stretching as far as the eye can see, rocky granite islands, and open grasslands that spring to life in the wet season. In 1970, the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park was declared, which today comprises an area of 4,900km2 (1,891 square miles).

The Makgadikgadi’s two largest pans, Ntwetwe pan and Sua pan (sometimes called Sowa pan), do not fall within the park’s boundaries but are reachable by 4×4 rental in the dry season. These are both spectacular places to explore on a Botswana safari holiday for those who seek freedom in solitude.

Plains surrounding the saltpans are dotted with ostrich, zebra, springbok, and oryx, closely pursued by dark-maned lions. On the western border of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is the Boteti (or Botletle) River, a prime drinking and bathing spot for domestic cattle and migrating zebras and elephants.

Nxai Pan National Park is another unique area to explore where, in the peak of the wet season, Botswana safari travelers spend a good deal of the night listening to the evocative roaring of lions that ambush both springbok and impala at waterholes during daylight hours.

Moremi Game Reserve , the only officially recognized wildlife reserve in the iconic Okavango Delta , is also often considered the most stunning for Botswana safari tours . The most diverse habitats and animal populations can be found in Moremi Game Reserve. This reserve spans thousands of square kilometers and encompasses a breathtaking panorama of forests, lagoons, floodplains, and islands, making up nearly a fourth of the Okavango Delta.

Lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant, African wild dog, zebra, Red lechwe, and many more resident species can be viewed year-round, making for excellent game viewing on a Botswana safari holiday. The idea to create a reserve in the Okavango region came from Robert Kay (a crocodile-hunter turned conservationist) and his wife June (a writer).

Yet it was the local BaTawana people (with help from the San/BaSarwa) who spearheaded the project, most notably Mohumagadi Pulane Moremi, the wife of deceased Chief Moremi II and the BaTawana’s Queen Regent. The reserve was named after the BaTawana Royal title, “Moremi”.

Botswana’s world-famous Okavango Delta , also known as the “Jewel of the Kalahari”, could easily be the most pristine oasis in the world. The Okavango River finds its origins in the highlands of Angola, in a catchment area of about 112,000 km2/43,243 square miles. From here, it begins a winding journey of 1,900 km (1180 mi) before fanning out into an intricate system of waterways covering 22,000 km (13670 mi) of Kalahari sand, a phenomenon that astronauts in space can observe.

Although the river would have once reached the ocean, today, it is swallowed up by a thirsty basin of white Kalahari sand, creating an effect that resembles an outstretched emerald hand, or more correctly referred to by scientists as an “alluvial fan”.

With top-notch wildlife, Okavango Delta luxury lodgings , and guiding, the Okavango Delta offers some of the best safari experiences in Africa . Additionally, it provides some of the most diverse safari pursuits including walking safaris , horseback safaris , mokoro, boat, balloon, and helicopter safaris, among a wide range of other safari activities.

There are many different kinds of places to stay in the Okavango Delta. Water camps focus on the delta, its unique waterways, birds, and animals that live in the water. Land-based camps focus on the wildlife that comes to this oasis in the wilderness. Mixed camps have activities on land and water. Most visitors on a safari in Botswana choose a camp that uses both land and water or mixed-use camps.

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With over 20 years of experience, our team will help you choose the perfect african safari for your adventure., 24/7 support, personalized, popular botswana safaris, these recommended tours for botswana can be tailor-made to match your budget..

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When is the best month to travel to botswana.

• Botswana in January

January is one of Botswana’s highest rainfall months, with an average of 100mm (3,93in) falling in unpredictable and heavy downpours. As a result, January is not the most popular time to visit for a Botswana safari. It does mean that prices are a lot lower, making this prime safari destination more accessible to travelers on a lower budget. Birding safaris are excellent at this time of year; however, the water levels in the Delta are low, and the presence of water means wildlife is scattered.

Botswana’s climate is regular and consistent, with hot, wet summers and mild, dry winters. The north gets the most rain, and precipitation decreases steadily as you head south.

December and January are the wettest months, with average daily temperatures ranging between 30°C/86°F and 35°C/95°F and hot days approaching 40°C/104°F. The most extreme conditions are in the Central Kalahari, but even the nights seldom drop below 15°C/59°F.

• Botswana in February

By February, the summer rains are beginning to lessen; otherwise, conditions stay much the same as in January. Average daytime temperatures remain in the low 30°C/86°F, while the coldest nights in the Kalahari may occasionally drop below 15°C/59°F. Towering thunderclouds still form an impressive backdrop for afternoon photographs, and the atmosphere stays clear and fresh after each bout of rain.

February is prime time for visiting the Central Kalahari, Savuti, and Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans, attracting large numbers of zebra, springbok, and oryx. Predators, especially lions, are never far away. Elephants can be harder to spot in summer as they tend to disperse due to the abundant vegetation and increased surface water. Birding safaris , however, are at their best, with numerous migrant species and large flocks descending on the pans.

Road conditions are at their muddiest in February, so make sure you’re carrying recovery equipment and driving in convoy if possible. Driving on or near the pans is particularly treacherous, and doing so will almost certainly get you stuck on your safari in Botswana.

In Moremi and around the delta, certain tracks may be closed due to flooding, and others will have deep pools that you’ll need to treat with caution. Always ask other travelers about the conditions ahead during your Botswana safari tour , and look out for no-entry signs or the equivalent – logs or branches laid deliberately across the road.

• Botswana in March

The steady drop in temperature and rainfall continues throughout March, but hot days across the country can still reach the mid 30°C/86°F. In the south and center of Botswana, cold nights can drop to 10°C/50°F but tend to stay between 15°C/59°F and 20°C/68°F in the north. There are still afternoon thunderstorms every few days, which keep the atmosphere clear. March remains an excellent month for spectacular landscape photographic safaris .

March and April are considered some of the best months to visit the Kgalagadi on your Botswana safari. The Kgalagadi is worth visiting at any time of year, but as the summer rains withdraw, the landscape is at its most striking – a vast green grassland against low, red-ochre dunes. As the animals begin to congregate around pans still full, predators, especially lions, gather too, with exciting interactions virtually guaranteed.

Further north, the Central Kalahari is also green and full of life, though road conditions around the pans remain incredibly muddy. To the northeast, Nxai Pan is no exception, although it’s especially wonderful at this time of year as migrating grazers make the most of the lush grassland and abundant surface water.

In the Okavango Delta, the marula trees start dropping fruit, attracting hungry elephants, often right into camp. There are few things more marvelous than sipping on your drink, and watching the sunset, as a magnificent elephant munches happily at a marula tree nearby.

By the end of the month, the roads in Moremi have usually begun to dry, making driving a bit easier. The water in the delta is now approaching its lowest level, and mokoro trips may not be possible, but boat safaris out to the deeper channels are usually available year-round.

• Botswana in April

The April/May shoulder season is an excellent time to visit Botswana for safari. By April, rainfall has almost wholly ceased across the country, although there may still be a few scattered showers. Everywhere is still green, and most pans still hold some water, but what is available is getting scarcer, forcing both predators and prey to stay near.

Average daytime temperatures are now about 30°C/86°F and nights hover around 15°C/59°F, pleasant enough for long evenings around the campfire, while also allowing for a more comfortable sleep.

By mid-April, water levels in the iconic Okavango Delta panhandle are beginning to rise, although it takes a few months for them to filter down to Moremi. The delta feels fresh and alive, with fruit-laden trees and tall, green grass as far as the eye can see.

April is the start of the antelope breeding season, and the well-fed male impalas begin fighting it out for females. If you’re keen on fishing, then the deeper waters of the panhandle offer bream (tilapia) from April to August, but tigerfish are more likely from late August/September.

The Kgalagadi and Central Kalahari are at their best in April – a combination of cooler weather, prolific game, and lush, leafy landscapes. Game is still plentiful at Nxai Pan, and the muddy tracks are drying quickly with the rains almost gone.

By the end of the month, road conditions are much improved across the country. It’s still best to avoid crossing the Makgadikgadi Pans, however. The transit route from Lekhubu to Gweta may not be dry for at least another month.

• Botswana in May

May is the beginning of Botswana’s dry winter season, and there’s usually no rain anywhere in the country. Average daytime temperatures range from 25°C/77°F to 30°C/86°F, and it’s generally slightly warmer in the north and cooler in the south. Evenings in the north are below 15°C/59°F, and by the end of the month, nights in the Kalahari can fall close to freezing.

May is one of the best all-around months for visiting Botswana for safari, with good to excellent game viewing, mild, dry weather, and relatively quiet campsites and parks that get much busier later in the season.

There’s good game viewing all across Botswana, but especially in the Savuti region, where herds of zebra and buffalo congregate in large numbers. As surface water evaporates, elephants return to the Linyanti Chobe River System, the Khwai River, and northern Moremi.

In the northwest panhandle, the seasonal flood waters are beginning to filter into the rest of the delta, although it’ll take another few months before they percolate all the way to the southeast. The gently rising water attracts numerous resident water birds, while migrant species take to the skies in numbers and begin the long journey north. This is why they consider May to be a great birding safari month in Botswana.

• Botswana in June

June is another excellent month to visit Botswana for safari, although the parks get busier from around the 20th as schools in neighboring South Africa break for winter holidays. These usually run from the last week of June to mid-July, and campsites across Botswana book up quickly. Late June marks the start of the high season in Botswana, and July to October is the busiest time.

Make sure you book your campsites well in advance. June and July are Botswana’s coldest months, and night-time temperatures in the Kalahari can drop below freezing. In the north, it rarely freezes, but lows of 5°C/41°F are common, and morning game drives can be icy.

Daytime temperatures are roughly the same across the country, averaging between 20°C/68°F and 25°C/77°F. As ever, the north is warmer and hot days may still reach 30°C/86°F.

By June, the pans have usually dried, forcing the animals to find more permanent water sources. They begin to congregate in large numbers along the fringes of the Okavango Delta and on the northern waterways of the Savuti Channel and Chobe Linyanti River System. June is a great time to see African wild dogs as they begin to search for dens for their pups.

In the Kgalagadi and Central Kalahari, lions and other predators are never far from the permanent waterholes, and large herds of springbok and oryx – which can survive with limited water – can still be seen on the drying, golden plains.

• Botswana in July

July is Botswana’s coldest month, and night-time temperatures can drop below freezing in the center and south. In the north, expect lows of between 0°C/32°F and 5°C/41°F. Early morning game drives can be icy with the added wind chill. Daytimes average between 20°C/68°F and 25°C/77°F across the country, with hot days in the far north occasionally touching 30°C/86°F.

It’s also the driest month for a safari in Botswana, with practically no rain anywhere in the country. July is an excellent time to visit the Okavango Delta , Moremi, and Chobe when the wildlife congregates in greater and greater numbers along the permanent water channels.

In Moremi, the flood waters are now at their highest, and there’s plenty to eat along the myriad waterways. Their bright green fringes lie in stark contrast to the arid surrounding plains, where the thinning vegetation allows for superb game viewing tours .

Wildlife sightings in the Kgalagadi and Central Kalahari are still good, although not at their best. The permanent waterholes become the focal points for the larger predators, while the shorter grass makes it easier to spot smaller animals such as the honey badger and Cape fox. By late July, the pans are thoroughly dry, and crossing from Lekhubu to Gweta should pose no problems.

• Botswana in August

August remains extremely dry across Botswana, although by the end of the month, there may be a brief shower somewhere in the south. Temperatures are already beginning to rise, and while nights in the Kalahari can still fall below freezing, sub-zero mornings are the exception, not the norm.

Daytime temperatures also climb rapidly during August, and hot days across the country will regularly top 30°C/86°F. August is a very popular safari month in Botswana. Campsites and lodges in Botswana should be booked far in advance.

In the Okavango Delta, water levels are high, reaching as far south as Maun. Game viewing along the waterways is at its best and will remain so until the first rains fall in November. Late August marks the start of the Barbell (catfish) run in the northwest panhandle. From now to November is also the best time to catch Tigerfish, and the panhandle’s lodges and houseboat safaris are at their busiest.

Away from the delta, water is extremely scarce, and the animals gravitate to the few man-made waterholes. The Kgalagadi’s Kaa Gate and Nxai Pan’s South Camp offer oases in a dry and desolate land. Kaa Gate is known for its black-maned Kalahari lions, and no stay at South Camp is complete without a thirsty elephant trundling through the campground.

• Botswana in September

Northern Botswana stays completely dry during September, but the center and south may receive a few scattered showers. Temperatures climb rapidly throughout the month and no longer drop below 0°C/32°F, even in the Kalahari. Average lows are between 10°C/50°F and 15°C/59°F, a bit cooler in the south and warmer in the north.

By the end of September, the days are hot everywhere, averaging over 30°C/86°F and approaching 40°C/104°F in Maun and Kasane. September is another busy month for safari tours in Botswana , and the popular northern camps should be booked well in advance.

September and October are particularly impressive along the Chobe and Linyanti Rivers. Thousands of animals rely on these waters for survival, especially elephants, which can drink up to 200 liters of water daily. After a long, hot day foraging for food, hundreds of elephants gather along the river, often running the last few meters, trumpeting wildly in their excitement and thirst.

Moremi is also excellent in September, although the days are getting hot now. The dry, thin vegetation makes for excellent wildlife viewing and the cooler mornings and evenings are best for predator spotting as they come to the channels to drink.

By September, the Okavango’s Barbell (catfish) run is in full swing, and it’s also prime time for Tigerfish in the northwest panhandle. The Kalahari and pans are almost at their driest in September, but the full October heat has yet to arrive. Wildlife viewing across the central and southern parks can be hit and miss, but the endless golden grasslands have their own beauty.

Lurking in the grass are the Kalahari’s black-maned lions, stalking the large herds of springbok, oryx, and Red hartebeest that still roam the plains. While many visitors to Botswana focus on the north, the south and central parks still have a lot to offer and can be much quieter and easier to book at this time of year.

• Botswana in October

October is Botswana’s hottest month, and temperatures can exceed 40°C/104°F in the country’s north. The south is a bit cooler, but not by much. Nights in the south average between 15°C/59°F and 20°C/68°F, and in the far north are often much warmer. In the south and center, the rains usually come earlier, with the first afternoon thunderstorms bringing some relief.

In the north, it rarely rains until the end of the month, and the rainy season doesn’t start properly until mid-November. Despite the heat, October is a popular Botswana safari month, especially along the Chobe River, which is famous for its herds of thirsty elephants.

In Moremi, the delta waters begin to drop, opening up the flood plains and providing much-needed vegetation for the grazers. The drying pools also trap fish, which draw vultures and other scavengers in for a feast. Away from the delta, the vegetation is denuded and sparse – not at its most beautiful, but great for spotting predators. To the northwest, the panhandle’s Barbell (catfish) run is still going strong, and September and October are the best months to catch Tigerfish.

By October, Botswana’s seen no rain for six months, and the cloudless skies turn a pale, dusty blue – exactly the color of Botswana’s flag! Be prepared for heat, dust, bumpy roads, excellent wildlife sighting tours , and long, warm evenings under the stars. It can be an excellent time to be on the pans, especially Baines’ Baobabs and Lekhubu Island.

There may be no animals around, and the midday heat can be intense, but the incredible dusty sunsets are worth it as the light fades to pastel pinks and purples over the baobabs.

• Botswana in November

November is the spring shoulder season for Botswana safaris, a time of soaring thunderclouds, returning migrant birds, and fields of newborn calves once the rains arrive. It’s still scorching, with daily highs of 35°C/95°F to 40°C/104°F across the country, and it can get even hotter in the north, where nights are humid and often well over 20°C/68°F. The start of the rainy season is always hard to predict, but good years can see early November rainfall in the south and central Kalahari, while Moremi and Chobe usually have to wait until later.

November is all about when the rains will begin, and when they do arrive, it’s with a literal bang. Before the first thunderstorms, conditions are much the same as in October, with increasingly desperate animals drawn to whatever permanent water sources they can find.

Waters in the delta continue to recede, opening up the flood plains and providing essential, fresh grazing. The Chobe and Linyanti river banks are now crowded with game, and large numbers of elephants congregate on the waterways.

Once the rains do come, the relief is palpable. The dust clears from the skies, the pans fill, and the antelope birthing season begins. If there have been early rains, this is an excellent time to visit Botswana’s Central Kalahari, where enormous herds of oryx and springbok attempt to protect their newborns from prowling cheetahs and lions.

Road conditions are still reasonable at this early stage of the wet season, and you can still drive confidently without worrying too much about getting stuck.

• Botswana in December

December and January are Botswana’s wettest months, with afternoon thunderstorms a regular feature across the country. The rains are cooling, but daytime temperatures remain high, averaging in the low 30°C/86 °F , but with hot days of up to 40°C/104 °F or more. Nights tend to be humid and warm, often not dropping below 20°C/68°F.

The clear atmosphere and thunderclouds make for excellent photographic safaris , and you can expect a spectacular thunderstorm every few days.

December is the start of the summer ‘ green season ’ when the vegetation recovers and grazing land is plentiful. New-born calves frolic on the Kalahari plains and are often targeted by the ever-present predators. As the pans slowly fill, more and more animals are drawn to the central parks, and both the Central Kalahari and Nxai Pans National Parks have abundant wildlife.

The Savuti region is also packed with game, although the elephants along the Chobe River are beginning to disperse as more water and vegetation becomes available inland.

As the rains intensify, the roads around the pans deteriorate. Thick mud can make some tracks impassable, and it’s a good idea to travel in a convoy. The roads through and around Moremi also get worse as the rains continue. Large holes in the roads fill with water, and the going can be very slow as you navigate the deep pools and fallen tree trunks.

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Faqs about botswana.

• Safari/bucket showers are common in mobile or tented camps where there is no permanent plumbing. They are an effective yet environmentally friendly way to shower where water is at a premium and provide plenty of hot water to wash comfortably.
• Generally, there is an en-suite private shower stall within your tent with a “rainfall” style shower head at which you can control the water flow. Outside the tent, there is a large waterproof bag or bucket which is filled with about 10 to 15 litres (5 US gallons) of hot water before being raised with a pully/rope system to either connect to the shower pipe or fill a cistern.
• The water is delivered at the ideal temperature so it is best to use it as soon as it arrives. Staff typically fill the showers at a pre-arranged time of day, or you simply need to give them a few minutes notice so they can get it ready.
• If you’re travelling to Botswana , you will need vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid fever, polio as well as medications for travellers diarrhea.
• Malaria prophylaxis is recommended when you're travelling to the northern part of Botswana. Other immunizations may be necessary depending upon the circumstances of the trip and the medical history of the traveller.
• Insect repellents are recommended, in conjunction with other measures to prevent mosquito bites.
• All travellers should visit either a travel clinic or their personal physician four to eight weeks before departure. Malaria - Prophylaxis with Lariam (mefloquine), Malarone (atovaquone/proguanil) or doxycycline is recommended for the northern part of the country.
• January to March is the best time to witness the Makgadikgadi zebra migration as well as the wildebeest.
• Botswana official currency is the Botswana Pula (BWP).  Other countries using the same Botswana currency include Zimbabwe.
• Botswana Banks accepts the following foreign currencies: US Dollars, Pounds Sterling, Euro and South African Rands in cash.
• Credit and debit cards, including International Visa and MasterCard, are accepted at most lodges. However, Express and Diners Club are not accepted by the banks of Botswana or by the camps.

Our Recommended Activities in Botswana

• Bird Watching in Botswana
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• Flight Over the Flamingos in Botswana
• Flight Over the Okavango Delta
• Horseback Riding in Botswana
• Mokoro Safari in Botswana
• Museum at Jack’s Camp in Botswana
• Quad Biking in Botswana
• Rock Paintings of Gubatsaa Hills
• The Historic Baobabs in Botswana
• Walk with Bushmen in Botswana
• Walking with Meerkats in Botswana

Botswana stands as a dream destination for birdwatching safaris, boasting an astounding array of bird life that thrives across its diverse ecosystems, which include savannas, wetlands, woodlands, and deserts. From majestic raptors and elegant waterbirds to vibrant songbirds, Botswana’s nearly 600 bird species make it a must-visit for avid birdwatchers.

When to Go Birding in Botswana?

The best time for birdwatching in Botswana is during the spring and summer months, from October to March. This period sees a remarkable influx of avian species, with bird diversity increasing significantly. By December, the bird population swells to an impressive 20% more than in the winter months, offering a unique opportunity to observe a wide array of birds in their natural habitat.

Where to go birdwatching in Botswana

Home to Botswana’s longest bird list of 450 species, Chobe National Park features diverse habitats like floodplains, riverine woodland, and broadleaved woodland.

Notable species include:

• African FinFoot
• White-backed Night Heron
• Narina Trogon

Accessible via the village of Kasane, the park requires a 4×4 for navigation.

Makgadikgadi Pans

Known for its large flamingo colonies, especially in high-rainfall years.

These Makgadikgadi Pans offer sights of:

• White Pelicans
• Secretary Birds
• Various raptors

The area requires a 4×4 vehicle, and visitors must be prepared with essentials like water.

This Ramsar site offers a mix of habitats, from flooded grasslands to riverine forests.

Notable birds include:

• Wattled Cranes
• Slaty Egrets
• Pel’s Fishing Owls

The delta is best accessed by light aircraft or from Maun for the western delta and Moremi Game Reserve.

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10 Birds to Spot on a Safari in Botswana

African fish eagle.

Known for its majestic appearance and fishing skills, often found near large bodies of water.

Lilac-Breasted Roller

A brightly colored bird known for its acrobatic flight, commonly seen in open woodlands and savannas.

Kori Bustard

One of the heaviest flying birds, known for its distinctive courtship display.

Secretary Bird

Recognizable for its hunting skills and long legs, typically found in savannas and grasslands.

Saddle-Billed Stork

Notable for its colorful bill and tall stature, often seen in wetlands hunting fish and other aquatic prey.

African Jacana

Known as “lily-trotter,” distinguished by its long toes, allowing it to walk on floating vegetation

Pel’s Fishing Owl

A large, nocturnal owl, elusive and sought after by birdwatchers, usually found near water bodies.

African Skimmer

Unique for its lower mandible used to skim for fish, often seen in synchronized group flights.

Carmine Bee-Eater

Recognizable by its carmine plumage and long tail feathers, typically found nesting in riverbank colonies.

Greater Painted-Snipe

Known for its cryptic plumage and sexual role reversal, commonly found in wetlands.

Going on a Birdwatching Safari in Botswana

With binoculars and a camera in hand, birdwatching in Botswana promises to be an unforgettable birding experience. Whether exploring by safari, river cruise, or bush walk, the variety of bird species ensures a rewarding adventure. Each bird, admired for both beauty and behavior, plays a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.

For those eager to witness these magnificent birds, speaking to a safari expert at Discover Africa about a tailor-made, luxury safari is a great starting point. Discover Africa can help you craft the perfect itinerary to explore Botswana’s rich bird life in comfort and style.

Botswana’s birdwatching opportunities are a testament to the country’s commitment to conservation and the preservation of natural habitats. As a birdwatcher’s paradise, it offers an unparalleled experience to observe and appreciate some of the most fascinating avian species in the world.

The best way to enjoy all that a Botswana safari holiday offers is on a boat cruise on the Chobe River. The town of Kasane, which borders the Chobe National Park, is the starting point for all Chobe boat trips. Regular morning and afternoon departures are available. In the renowned Chobe National Park , you can get up close and personal with a wide range of wildlife. Enormous herds of animals frequently travel to the river and the islands to feast on the luscious new grass.

On a Chobe Boat cruise, you’ll have frequent hippos and crocodile encounters, as they love to bask in the sun next to the water. Botswana safari goers can also see buffalo, Puku and lechwe antelopes, giraffes, and other plains game. You might even be fortunate enough to glimpse a lion or a leopard. Given that the Chobe National Park itself is home to over 460 different bird species, a cruise on the Chobe is also very popular for birding safaris .

Boat cruises can be organized by one of the many riverside safari operators. There are also houseboats and boats fitted with the latest photographic equipment operated by Pangolin Safaris. The Chobe waterfront is the most commercial part of Chobe National Park, close to the town of Kasane. There are several large hotels and lodges along the river, although Chobe Game Lodge is the only lodge along the river that falls within the park’s boundaries. The public campsite along the Chobe river is called Ihaha .

Greater and lesser flamingos go from East Africa’s Great Rift Valley to engage in one of Africa’s most incredible avian feasts. From a helicopter flight over the flamingos, these stunning birds look like pink clouds in a silver sky. Helicopter flights over the flamingos are run by Helicopter Horizons and can be organized through San Camp , Jack’s Camp , and other Botswana safari accommodation options in the area.

Another place to view the flamingos on a safari in Botswana is from Nata Bird Sanctuary (northeast of Sua Pan), 10km/6,2mi from the town of Nata. There is a basic campsite near the entrance to the park, and the sanctuary is open to day visitors who can gaze at the flamingos from an elevated wooden hide during wet months.

The sanctuary is run by a community trust and is home to 165 bird species recorded in the area, including pelicans, spoonbills, ostriches, and myriad ducks and small waders.

A great spectacle each year in Chobe (and all across Botswana) happens during the onset of the first rains; the rain triggers reproductive winged termites to leave their colonies in pursuit of wet earth to begin new mounds.

As they exit in their thousands, they attract birds of every plume and feather, including large raptors and vultures that congregate around mounds to snatch these sausage-bodied insects from the air. Even leopards partake in the feast, taking advantage of the rich protein source.

There is no better way to grasp the region’s remoteness than by flying over the iconic Okavango Delta in a light aircraft/helicopter. From the air, the wetland landscape is woven together with great intricacy. Serpentine channels cut through emerald carpets of marsh, spilling into lagoons with pods of hippos.

Winding streams twist and loop, diverging into lazy pools and vast plains scattered with islands. Palm trees hug the islands’ outer banks, encircling white-sandy grazing grounds speckled with impala, zebra, wildebeest, and buffalo.

Animal tracks criss-cross through dry wooded areas and continue through shallow waters where black and orange silt marble the sand.

It’s common to see lechwe splashing over swampy ground and large herds of elephants. Sometimes giraffes gallop awkwardly across savanna plains with their characteristic slow-motion gait or families of zebra frolic in patches of sand.

A flight from Maun is mandatory to reach most Okavango Delta luxury camps and lodges , but many travelers also book additional scenic flights. Most flights leave from Maun (the small tourist town known as the “gateway to the Okavango”).

After taking off, there is an expanse of mopane veld littered with homesteads and cattle before the plane reaches the buffalo fence, and finally, the Okavango Delta in its full splendor.

Once the plane crosses the buffalo fence, there is more chance of spotting wild animals, and slowly but surely, the landscape transforms into a watery wonderland. Winter is the best time for a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta.

Breathe in the aromas of the bush and feel the breeze in your hair during a horseback riding adventure in Botswana. Horseback safaris in Botswana are one of the best ways to get close to the bush without being on foot. The freedom of riding a horse across the plains is exhilarating.

While the more adventurous can enjoy several days on a horseback safari, those strapped for time can take a quick, half-day ride in the vicinity of the camp or lodge. Because horses aren’t seen as a threat by wildlife, antelope and even animals like lions and elephants get much closer than they would during a Botswana safari on foot .

Horseback safaris in Botswana are entirely safe. They take place in a completely controlled environment, and the guides are knowledgeable and well-informed about the area. There are significant differences between horse riding as a morning or afternoon activity and a multi-day ride where travelers spend nights in fly-camps or simply under the stars beside a campfire.

The multi-day horseback safari requires riding skills and, more importantly, the physical stamina to ride for six to eight hours daily. Guests must be very comfortable on horseback and be able to handle their horses.

The shorter half-day riding requires less skill, which happens at a slower pace. The horses or ponies are carefully paired with each rider, and novices are well looked after. If you’re after the perfect horseback safari, booking the right accommodation in Botswana is crucial. Different lodges operate in vastly different areas.

The most intimate way to explore the Okavango’s meandering channels and hidden lagoons is on a guided mokoro safari trip. Mokoro trips are available at many water-based camps and lodges in the Okavango and Maun for self-drivers. The thought of slinking through the wild territory of hippos and crocodiles may seem a little daunting, but it helps to keep in mind that the men who guide these safaris have spent a lifetime navigating these waters and know what they’re doing.

Mokoro guides commonly choose shallow areas where there is less chance of encountering hippos and always have a scout polling ahead to keep a good lookout.

A mokoro safari in Botswana gives you the best chance to catch a glimpse of the rare and secretive Sitatunga antelope. Sitatunga love quiet backwaters with floating papyrus islands and usually feed while partially submerged in water.

They are expertly adapted for swamp life with splayed, elongated hooves that enable them to tread soft marshlands with ease. When a mokoro approaches, these shy ungulates will commonly swim away, with only their nuzzles sticking out of the water.

Other fascinating creatures to look out for on a Mokoro safari are:

• Colorful Painted Reed frogs
• Tiny Long Reed frogs
• Malachite and Pied kingfishers
• Pygmy geese
• African and lesser jacanas
• Day and night water lilies

Jack’s Camp is one of Southern Africa’s most storied and recognizable camps. The camp was established by explorer Jack Bousfield in the 1960s and is situated in a spectacular location on the edge of Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pans, looking over shimmering expanses of sun-scorched earth.

Jack Bousfield was a bushwhacking crocodile hunter who arrived in Botswana from his Tanzanian homeland in the 1960s. He was overtaken by the Makgadikgadi region’s romance and set up a small camp. He died in 1992 in an airplane crash, and Jack’s son Ralph and his then-partner built the glamorous Jack’s Camp in his father’s memory.

The newly renovated Jack’s Camp honors the place’s longstanding and beloved 1940s camping aesthetic. Seven twin and two double guest tents are significantly larger than they used to be.

The famous interiors are still present, but now there are also cabinets from the Natural History Museum, elaborate textiles from around the world, and cooling systems for the beds. Showers are available indoors and outdoors in ensuite bathrooms, as well as a personal plunge pool on each veranda.

The renowned Natural History Museum, a library, an old pool table, and a fully stocked bar are all located in the new, larger mess tent. The renowned nomadic Persian tea has expanded, and the store has been restored and replenished with fresh goods.

A Botswana quad-biking adventure should be on the bucket list of all daring adrenalin seekers for their Safari in Botswana. Revving through the isolated moon-like vistas of the Makgadikgadi gives travelers the luxury of disconnecting with time and space. On a multi-day Quad biking trip, quad bikers can sprawl out beneath the stars in the evening, blissfully cocooned in comfy bedrolls. These extended trips can include stopovers at Kubu Island (during the winter season) and Chapman’s baobab.

Many safari lodges in the area offer quad biking, including more budget-friendly places like the wonderfully quirky Planet Baobab.

Visitors can take a journey to Gubatsa Hills for a game drive to see several historic San rock paintings during their safari holiday in Botswana. Gubatsa Hills stands out from its surroundings as a steep outlier in an otherwise level environment. Bushmen rock art in the small hills surrounding Savuti was first discovered in March 1968 by Tim Liversedge, a warden of Chobe National Park . The latest of the paintings is thought to have been done around 1810.

Although the paintings are all of a similar style and outlined in red-ochre (similar to the nearest rock paintings found at Tsodilo Hills), they seem to have been done by different groups of people.

Through the years, small groups of San bushmen would have moved in and out of the area following migrating game and adding their contributions to the adorned rock faces.

Some of the animals depicted in the paintings are:

Today, Botswana Safari guests can get out and scramble up the rocky hills to view the artworks on the Southeast cliffs overlooking the Savuti channel. Guests can also marvel at the historic baobabs and look out for the rare klipspringer antelope.

There are several extraordinarily monumental historic baobabs in the Makgadikgadi area, but the ones most worth visiting are Chapman’s and Green’s baobabs in Ntwetwe Pan and Baines Baobabs in Nxai Pans National Park. Green’s baobab can be found at Gutsha Pan on the Gweta–Orapa track, 27km south of Gweta village.

In the days of early European explorers, a small pan beside this baobab was filled with perennial water, giving the old tree special significance as a beacon of hope that signaled a spot to replenish supplies after a long trek through the saltpans.

The intrepid Green brothers were among the many early traders, hunters, and explorers to carve their names here, leaving “Green’s Expedition 1858–1859” scrawled into the tree’s bark and giving the tree its name. Perhaps the most intriguing mark on this baobab is the date 1771, which is even before Livingstone’s time and possibly left by an early Portuguese explorer.

The tree is now one of Botswana’s National Monuments. Baobab trees can live for thousands of years, and this one certainly bears the battle scars to prove it, gunshot wounds included.

Located in the south of Nxai Pans National Park are the seven baobabs known as Baines Baobabs or the Sleeping sisters. This stunted cluster of Africa’s most iconic tree was immortalized by the paintings of Thomas Baines, a British landscape artist commissioned by the Royal Geographic Society. Baines camped beneath these trees in 1862 en route to the memorable Victoria Falls .

The pans at Baines Baobabs are dry and bare for much of the year, as are the branches of the baobabs themselves, but during the wet season, the pans are covered in sheets of water, and green canopies emerge from the tree’s branches.

Baines Baobabs overlook Kaudia Camp Pan on the South side of the Nxai Pan South camp. Three allocated camping areas with basic toilet and shower facilities require visitors to bring their own water.

You can gain a unique grasp of the culture and in-depth knowledge and awareness that these native people have of the earth by taking a walk across the Kalahari terrain with a local San Bushman. The San bushmen of the Kalahari have long been a subject of great intrigue and fascination, admired by anthropologists, scientists, storytellers, and everyday travelers alike.

Sadly, very few bushmen live the same ancient nomadic lifestyle that their ancestors did. Still, some aspects of these traditions have been kept alive through their employment at various safari lodges. While staying at these Botswana safari lodges , travelers can enjoy educational bush walks, where San elders pass on their skills and knowledge.

As the oldest living inhabitants of Africa, the secret of the San’s survival was their total dependence on the natural provisions of the land. To the untrained eye, however, the barren shrubs and grasslands surrounding the Makgadikgadi pans seem anything other than a plentiful pantry of resources to survive on.

This common assumption makes walking with the San a fascinating experience, a time to delve deeply into some of humanity’s most cunning tricks of survival. The walk is a tactile exploration involving tasting various foods, including berries and fire-roasted beetles, and demonstrations in fire-making, dancing, hunting, and medicine-making.

Several camps in the Makgadikgadi region offer a bushman walking activity on a Botswana safari, including Meno a Kwena, Jack’s Camp , and San Camp .

The Makgadikgadi Pans offer guests the incredible chance to spend a morning with a local meerkat colony. The meerkats respond to the non-threatening presence of people by simply carrying on with their daily activities, which consist mainly of rummaging the veld for scorpions and other tasty bites to eat.

The habituation of these lively little desert mammals depends very much on the dedication of a full-time ‘Meerkat man’ who follows the family group daily and helps locate them for visitors in Botswana.

Guests are driven to the den area in the early morning, just before the meerkats have left their burrows. As the sun rises, they cautiously peep out of little holes in a humble sandy mound and, deeming it safe to come out, scuttle to the highest points to scout for predators and food.

Sometimes these lookouts happen to be the shoulders and heads of guests! Eventually, the whole colony, babies included, are joyfully chirping and tussling away while guests sit or crouch among them. It’s a truly unique and intimate African experience with one of the most sociable and resourceful desert-adapted creatures on earth.

See Botswana in Your Comfort

• A Budget Botswana Safari
• A Luxury Botswana Safari
• An Affordable Botswana Safari

Budget holiday tour options for Botswana include self-driving or overland safari tours. These are two exciting and adventurous ways to travel through the country and give visitors the chance to be exposed to the country on a more intimate level than fly-in Botswana safaris, which are also far more expensive.

Self-drive safaris in Botswana involve a fair amount of preparation with regards to route planning, taking into consideration the time of year and whether rainfall might have affected accessibility of some areas.

There are few self-catering options within the national parks and the Delta. If you plan to stay at a lodge in an area such as Savuti or Moremi, a reservation will come at a fully inclusive price.

Camping keeps costs down and is ideal for traveling on a budget through Botswana. The public campsites are located within the national parks and are unfenced, quiet, equipped with the basics, and they come in at a reasonable price. Costs for a self-drive holiday in Botswana would include fuel, park and vehicle fees, food and beverages, and any activities that might be of interest, for example, a boat cruise of Chobe River.

Overland safari tours are perhaps the most affordable way to get as much out of a Botswana safari as possible without having to shoulder any of the pressure of handling the route, the vehicle, the fees and payments, activities, food shopping, or meal planning.

These pre-planned holidays have a tried and trusted route in place and are led by a professional guide who knows the country well. An overland tour would include visiting all of Botswana’s prime destinations over about two weeks.

The price you pay for the tour includes all transport within the country, three meals a day (unless otherwise specified), park fees, accommodation at campsites and lodges (depending on itinerary), and all standard activities.

The overland trucks are equipped with tents and stretchers, fold-up camping chairs, and a fully equipped kitchen with gas stoves, providing everything you need to be sorted for accommodation.

With extensive protected areas and landscapes designated by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, the ecosystem in Botswana is pristine, and luxury safaris in Botswana prevail throughout the region. Total extravagance has been achieved in several globally acclaimed private tented camps and luxury safari villas in Botswana , which provide no holds barred treatment for their guests to showcase this one-of-a-kind countryside to the planet’s custodians.

Flying between Chobe River, Savuti, Moremi Game Reserve, the Kalahari, and the Okavango Delta luxuriously eliminates the time spent driving along dusty roads in challenging conditions, whisking travelers off to each Botswana luxury safari destination in no time at all.

The Private Concessions of the Okavango Delta provide the most luxurious holiday tours in Botswana where safari activities are exclusive and personalized, and the accommodation and lodge services are elite.

Advice for achieving an affordable Botswana safari would be to plan ahead and book accommodation in Botswana in the best wildlife areas at the best time of year so that you can get the most out of your budget Botswana safari experience. It helps to research the lodges in the country to compare prices and find affordable safari options in hotspot areas like the iconic Okavango Delta , Chobe River, Savuti, and Moremi Game Reserve.

Classic Botswana safari camps without “all the frills” are often the best choices for feeling a genuine connection with the natural surroundings, indulging the senses, and creating a multi-dimensional experience.

If you can forgo luxuries such as air conditioning, electricity, and king-size beds with percale cotton, the reward in terms of value will be far greater.

It is vital to book your Botswana accommodation a year in advance to ensure the availability of lodges during the best season for game viewing. On the other hand, the peak season for some might not be others’ idea of fun.

The popular time to travel will result in a high density of tourists, vehicle traffic, and high prices, which could detract from the experience if you’re out to seek solitude and exclusivity.

For some, the “off-season” is the best time to go, as the prices of safari lodges are reduced by about a third, the parks are much quieter, and there is more freedom to roam.

Holiday Styles and Options in Botswana

• Active Adventure Holiday in Botswana
• Big Five Safari in Botswana
• Birding Safari in Botswana
• Malaria Free Safari in Botswana
• Photographic Safari in Botswana
• Romantic Holiday in Botswana
• The Zebra Migration in Botswana
• Walking Safari in Botswana
• Wild Camping in Botswana

The most adventurous experience you can have on a Botswana holiday is to do it by road. There are good road networks to cater to self-drivers, car rental in Botswana is available in the form of well-equipped 4×4 vehicles, and border crossings are mostly efficient.

Campsites in Botswana are basic and designed to keep the element of the wild present, so sleeping in a tent while a lion, hyena, elephant, or hippo walks by at night is a likely possibility.

The best adventurous self-drive itineraries in Botswana include Moremi and Savuti, where wildlife is abundant, and public campsites have ablution blocks with running water.

There is no electricity for refrigeration or charging, and there are no cooking facilities, so it is essential to pack a gas cooker or use a fireplace. It is vital to bring firewood from outside the park as it’s forbidden to gather wood inside the park.

Pack light, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunblock, binoculars, and a camera, and always have a map of game drive routes. Fuel is unavailable in the parks, so make sure to refuel before entering or bring extra fuel in jerry cans.

Botswana is one of the world’s prime wildlife viewing destinations . While the Big Five needs no formal introduction, it is fitting to add that Botswana is one of the best countries to go on a Big five safari to see these magnificent animals in one trip.

Quick Guide to Spotting the Big Five on a Botswana safari tour :

• Chobe National Park is best for the highest concentration of elephants.
• The Savuti region is best for lion spotting.
• Northern Okavango is the best place to see the large Cape buffalo.
• Moremi Game Reserve will offer excellent views of rhinos.
• Mashatu Game Reserve plays host to the elusive leopard.

Even though Botswana doesn’t have endemic bird species, it is regarded as a premier birding destination because of its protection of a number of threatened and endangered species. Coupled with an excellent seasonal variation in birding, Botswana is a good choice for bird lovers.

The summer months from October to February tend to be the best months for viewing migrant species, while the dry winter months see many birds flock to the waterholes.

The call of the Woodland kingfisher is one of the most noteworthy calls in Botswana’s northern region and heralds the summer birding season. Wattled cranes, storks, herons and egrets are also indications that the flood season in the Okavango is not far off.

The Okavango Delta in particular is the greatest stronghold in Africa for Wattled cranes, as well as Slaty Egrets. Other notorious species include the Pel’s fishing owl, the African skimmer and the White-backed night heron.

Botswana also has the most renowned Greater Flamingo and Lesser Flamingo breeding sites in southern Africa.

Although Botswana’s malaria risk is lower than some other African countries, there is still a certain risk associated with travel through the bush. Therefore, you should practice precautions before traveling to Botswana for a safari.

The most important thing to note is that anti-malaria medication is a must. You should consult your doctor before leaving for your Botswana Safari tour .

Further precautions such as long-sleeved shirts and jeans in the evenings will reduce your chances of mosquito bites. Pack some mosquito repellent for applying to your hands, face, and neck. It’ll help keep the mosquitoes at bay.

The colder dry winter months have less mosquito activity. May through to October is best. Additionally, areas with fewer people have less risk of transmission, even if there is water. Kalahari, Okavango, and Moremi concessions and the Makgadikgadi Pans are low-risk areas.

Photographic safaris are very popular in Botswana due to the wildlife density and the relaxed attitude animals have around vehicles and boats. The best way to get the most out of photography on safari is to book the experience with a specialized photographic tour operator.

These companies have game-viewing vehicles equipped with camera mounts, swiveling seats, and equipment that will enhance a photographer’s experience. Boat cruises on the Chobe River often bring guests close to elephants, hippos, buffalo, and highly sought-after bird species, such as the African skimmer.

A photographic safari operator will have a trained guide who knows how to manage a sighting for the best photographic results. Photography can take time and patience, so it’s best to hire a private guide and book with a group aiming for the same experience on their Botswana safari holiday.

It’s easy to enjoy a romantic safari in Botswana, given the surrounding environment and romantic views. Some of the best couples activities on a safari in Botswana include mokoro cruises (two to a mokoro), horse riding, private bush dinners, and couples’ spa treatments.

Highlights on a romantic Botswana holiday

The great thing about traveling as a couple is there are very few limitations. Most lodges in Botswana are designed to sleep two people in a room. Accommodation is geared towards couples sharing a bedroom and bathroom facilities. At the same time, verandahs and lounges are made up with two chairs, two bathrobes, two sets of towels, etc.

Travel Tips for a romantic holiday in Botswana

Traveling as a couple through Botswana can be a bonding and challenging experience for those who choose to self-drive. There is room for a pilot and co-pilot, a navigator and a music maestro, a relief driver for long distances, and two people to set up camp, cook, and clean.

Traveling as a couple in Botswana can be romantic, but it can also be remote. It’s essential to ensure that each person is informed about the destination with regards to navigation, emergency details, knowledge of the animals, and possible risks so that if one person falls ill, the other can take control.

Botswana’s zebra journey between Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi Pans in search of fresh grazing is the second largest zebra migration in the world. Scattered herds of Botswana’s national animal can be seen throughout the Makgadikgadi palm belt and near the salt pans, where the mineral content of grasses is highest.

The nomadic habits of the Burchell’s Zebra in Botswana weren’t adequately understood until tracking devices were used by the conservation group Elephants Without Borders in 2012 . The scientists were amazed to discover that some zebras were trekking from as far away as the floodplains of Chobe near the Namibia–Botswana border, arriving in the Makgadikgadi area via Savute.

This migration is a round trip of 500km(310mi), the longest of all recorded large mammal migrations in Africa. The most popular and well-known location for viewing this beautiful spectacle is Meno a Kwena camp situated along the Boteti River on the western boundary of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park .

Walking safaris in Botswana are geared towards adventurous travelers looking to supplement their safari experience by immersing themselves in nature. If you consider yourself adventurous and want to appreciate some of Botswana’s most pristine places on foot, then consider a walking holiday in this beautiful Southern African nation.

Botswana is mostly flat, which means the walking need not be very taxing, but an adventurous mind is key to making the most of the experience.

Walking safaris in Botswana means it’s possible to meet some of the larger wildlife in their natural habitat and see Botswana through a different lens. Walking is led by an experienced guide and done slowly and securely to avoid potentially dangerous situations.

There are three campsites within Chobe National Park , all unfenced and overlooking beautiful wild areas while still having basic ablution facilities (flush toilets and warm showers).

Ihaha (GPS: S 17 50.484?; E 24 52.748) is on the Chobe Riverfront and has ten spacious campsites. The large trees and expansive views over the river is what makes Ihaha a firm favorite for Botswana regulars.

In dry season there is a good chance you will have large herds of elephant and buffalo coming down to drink close to your camp.

Savuti (GPS: S 18 34.014, E 24 03.905) is a campsite suited to hardy campers, with thick sand and limited shade. There are 14 campsites and the best sites are under the shady trees along the Savuti channel (you can request one of these when you make your booking). The barricaded ablution blocks are to ward off thirsty elephants trying to access water during dry season.

Savuti is known as one of the noisier choices of camp (both human and animal noise) but it’s also one of the most exciting, with a good chance of lions, elephants and hyenas wandering into camp at night.

Campers must be on guard against these dangers, especially with small children. It’s important to stay in your campsite after dark and drive rather than walk to the bathroom. There is also a small tuckshop with a limited selection of snacks.

Linyanti (GPS: S 18 16.228, E 23 56.163) is Chobe’s most peaceful and tranquil campsite with only five demarcated camping areas. The most popular sites are numbers one and two which have uninterrupted views over the Linyanti River.

Linyanti has a limited road network for the public but the scenic meandering riverfront drive is one of the most beautiful stretches in the park.

Who is Travelling to Botswana with you?

• Botswana Honeymoon Safari
• Family Safari in Botswana
• Solo Holiday in Botswana

What better way to celebrate love than on a Botswana honeymoon safari? Just the two of you in the African bush with a private candlelit dinner on your veranda and wildlife passing by. The country is home to some of the most diverse and pristine wilderness areas in Africa, with an abundance of wildlife and natural beauty that will leave you in awe.

The combination of luxury and adventure makes for an unforgettable honeymoon experience . The tranquility and serenity of being in the middle of the wilderness with your loved one is an experience that will stay with you forever.

When to go on a honeymoon Safari in Botswana

The most popular time to visit Botswana for a honeymoon would be during the dry season, from about May to October. Days are warmer with clear skies.

With less rain, the vegetation is not as lush, and it’s easier to spot wildlife. The animals tend to concentrate around the water sources, and this tends to become an action-packed area. However, with the popular season, the number of visitors to Botswana increases, camps can be full, and some sections of the park can feel a little crowded.

Traveling during the wet season during a honeymoon in Botswana is a great time to travel if you don’t mind a rain shower or two. The parks are quieter and lodges offer great prices and value-adds.

Showers occur mainly in the afternoon and will have little impact on your Botswana safari vacation. The bush is lush and green. With water comes new life, and you’ll see plenty of newborns. This would also be the time for migrating birds to visit.

Where to travel on a honeymoon in Botswana

The most popular route traveled in Botswana during a safari would include visiting the Chobe National Park , the Okavango Delta, and the Kalahari. The Chobe National Park is known for its large herds of elephants and cruising along the Chobe River while spotting hippos and crocodiles.

The famous Victoria Falls is also only a short two-hour drive from the Chobe National Park and is a great day visit should you be staying a little longer. The sparkling waterways of the Okavango Delta are a must-see when on a Botswana honeymoon safari. The channels create mazes and paths through the wet bush, forming small islands.

These channels are great for exploring in a mokoro, and the islands are ideal for bush walks. The destination often forgotten is the Kalahari. Magical red sand is the home to many desert-adapted animals, including the Black-maned lions.

Accommodation on a honeymoon safari in Botswana

Botswana has you spoiled for choice when choosing your accommodation for your Botswana honeymoon safari and features the option of luxury tents with white linen and mosquito nets draping the beds.

Some even have an outdoor bath to enjoy after an early morning activity and watch the wildlife pass by as you unwind. There’s also an option to sleep under the African skies. Just wheel your bed out onto your deck and fall asleep with the night sounds of the African bush and the stars shining overhead.

Which activities to include on a honeymoon safari in Botswana

Just as you’re spoiled for choice by the different accommodation options in Botswana, you’ll also have a variety of activities to choose from while honeymooning In Botswana. Game drives, either early morning or afternoon, would be available in most areas throughout Botswana. You drive out as the sun rises, catching the wildlife as they start their day.

Some of the more unique ways of exploring Botswana would be cruising the Chobe River or exploring the waterways of the Okavango Delta in a mokoro. Cruise the Chobe river on your Botswana honeymoon as the cool breeze offers relief from the hot African Sun. Here you get to indulge in each other’s peaceful company as you watch elephants enjoy the refreshing waters and crocodiles lurking around.

There is just something romantic about flying. Why not take to the sky on your Botswana safari honeymoon? Not only can you view the beautiful landscapes below as you board your scheduled flight between camps, but you can also spoil your loved one with a romantic early morning hot air balloon safari.

Wake up before the sun rises as you’re transported to the launch site. Here you get to see the beautiful colorful balloon fill up with hot air as you sip your coffee before jumping aboard. With the sun rising over the landscapes and the wildlife stretching as their day begins, this promises a fantastic start to your day.

Experience one of our Botswana family safaris to create lifelong memories. The variety of Botswana’s wildlife is incredible, from the elephant and zebra herds of Chobe National Park to the thriving Okavango Delta and the big cats of the Kalahari. And it’s not just the wildlife that makes Botswana perfect for family safaris .

There are family-friendly Botswana lodges and private guides for personalized safaris. Botswana has plenty of age-appropriate kids activities, with kids menus and babysitters.

Highlights on a Family Safari in Botswana

In the Kalahari and Makgadikgadi Pans, children will benefit from the demonstrative Bushman walks, which focus on animal tracking, spoor identification, insects, fire-making, traditional uses of plants, and making arrowheads out of stones. 

Chobe River is ideal for Botswana family safaris because boat cruises are a safe and comfortable way to get close to animals like elephants, hippos, and crocodiles.

For a family with older children, game drives in Moremi and Chobe can be exciting due to the plentiful animal encounters that are sure to be unforgettable.

Travel Tips on a Family Safari in Botswana

It is best to travel to Botswana as a family when the children are a bit older so that they can get the most out of the experience. Children must be older than eight to go on a game drive, while walking safaris require children to be at least 12 years old.

Wildlife is abundant in Botswana, but terrain can be challenging, and sometimes you might endure a long, bumpy ride to get the results, which children might not tolerate well.

Families traveling from abroad should seek out lodges that cater specifically to children, feature family-sized tents, special babysitting services, and kid-friendly bush walks and activities.

Botswana can be a refreshing, eye-opening, relaxing, and a somewhat spiritual experience for solo travelers; although most activities happen in a group, you’re never really alone. The Okavango Delta has several tiny camps , which would create the peaceful and intimate experience a solo safari traveler might prefer, especially if it is water-based and offers the serene activity of a mokoro excursion.

Alternatively, solo safari travelers in Botswana looking to join a group would benefit significantly from an overland safari tour, which covers most of Botswana’s prime destinations.

Highlights of a solo safari in Botswana

Traveling solo in Botswana allows the opportunity to meet new people and create lasting relationships with like-minded individuals, particularly on longer-lasting tours or itineraries in Botswana , such as an overland trip, when a group stays together throughout the experience.

It’s incredibly rewarding to explore a destination as untamed as Botswana on a journey of discovery, contemplation, peace-seeking, or renewal if the purpose of your solo trip is indeed to enjoy it alone.

Travel Tips for a solo safari in Botswana

Guests traveling alone (but not necessarily looking to be alone) will be at home in the Okavango Delta, Moremi, or Chobe National Park, where safari lodges offer between three and 15 bedrooms and cater to guests traveling as a single or a group. Meal times and activities are shared and occur at set times, so the experience is enjoyed as a group.

What You Need To Know

• Why Go to Botswana?
• Highlights of Botswana
• Botswana vs South Africa
• Botswana vs Namibia
• Wildlife in Botswana
• The Elephants of Botswana
• The Marsh Lion Pride of Botswana
• Botswana Travel Advice
• Visa Requirements for Botswana
• Travelling to Botswana
• Public Transport in Botswana
• Cash and Payments in Botswana
• Is Botswana safe?
• At Your Lodge in Botswana
• Botswana Food and Tipping Practices
• The Cultures of Botswana
• Shopping and Markets in Botswana
• Languages in Botswana
• Packing List for Botswana
• Vaccinations for Botswana
• Medical Emergencies in Botswana
• The Healthcare System in Botswana
• Travel Insurance for Botswana
• A Botswana Safari Cost
• The People and Culture of the Okavango

Botswana’s primary attraction is its vast wilderness. From the endless palm-covered islands of the Okavango Delta , to the moonscape saltpans of the Makgadikgadi region, it’s the perfect destination for anyone seeking pristine, unfenced surroundings.

Botswana’s commitment to safeguarding its wildlife heritage is unparalleled in Africa. The country covers a total area of 581,730 sq km, and approximately 40% of this land falls within a wildlife-protected area.

These areas are a sanctuary for the world’s largest concentration of elephant, and a stronghold for other endangered large mammals such as the black rhinoceros, African wild dog, cheetah and lion.

For avian enthusiasts , there exists no better place in the world to view the Slaty Egret and Wattled Crane, and seeing the illusive Pels Fishing Owl for the first time has been known to bring bird-watchers to tears!

In 2014, Botswana consolidated its position as a conservation leader by banning commercial hunting, paving the way for former hunting areas to be transformed into photographic safari destinations .

The government’s decision to opt for a high-quality, low-impact tourism model means that safari-goers can generally avoid congested game drives, especially when staying in one of the many privately operated concessions, which commonly have their visitor density limited to around one guest per 50 sq km. These concessions, licensed out to top safari companies, boast some of the most luxurious yet eco-conscious lodges and camps in Africa .

In order to lease the land, lodge owners must show commitment to uplifting local communities by providing jobs for people in close proximity to concession boundaries. Today wildlife and tourism employs around 45% of adults in Botswana, making it the country’s’ second largest income earner after diamonds.

Travellers can feel secure in the knowledge that Botswana is one of Africa’s most stable and peaceful nations, with the continent’s longest continuous multi-party democracy and a steady economy.

Botswana is a safari destination that boasts outstanding wildlife density and variety, and it is wild and organic without fences and developed tourist facilities. In this sense, it attracts adventurous travellers who are passionate about nature and wildlife experiences and who are not nervous in the presence of wild animals.

Keen photographers would benefit greatly from a Botswana holiday at different times of the year, as varying locations offer unique and interesting natural scenery, not to mention superb wildlife activity to capture.

The terrain in Botswana is rough with plenty of dust, thick sand, and seasonal flooding, so exploring the country by road – which includes long morning game drives in areas like Savuti – means packing an adventurous spirit and tolerance for the natural elements.

On the other hand, Botswana has some impeccable luxury lodge options , with exclusive airstrips, seamless service, world-class food, and supreme comfort, which bring extreme comfort to visitors willing to pay.

Botswana is easily sewn into an itinerary including Victoria Falls and the Kruger National Park , Zimbabwe’s Hwange and Mana Pools, Zambia’s South Luangwa, and Namibia’s Caprivi Strip; so travellers planning a southern Africa trip should consider including a safari in Botswana.

People who return for a Botswana holiday repeatedly give many reasons for their visits, and high on the list is the warmth and peace-loving nature of the local Setswana-speaking people, the incredible diversity of wildlife, exclusivity, and the large variety of safari activities on offer.

For a small country dominated by the dusty Kalahari Desert, a Botswana safari tour is truly unique in its available variety of activities. Activities in Botswana differ between seasons when landscapes alter dramatically, determined mainly by the natural flooding of rivers and annual rainfall.

The Chobe River in Botswana is a popular hot spot for tourist activities. Botswana safari operators offer fishing trips, specialized photographic safari boat cruises, game drives, and beautiful riverside camping. Chobe Game Lodge , the only lodge inside the Chobe Game Reserve, now boasts several electric and solar-powered safari boats, adding a new element of interest for the modern, eco-conscious traveler.

Savuti, to the west of the Chobe region, is famous for its mysterious and fascinating channel. It has a history of drying up unpredictably, influenced primarily by a series of shifting fault lines that lie deep below the earth’s surface, a continuance of the Great Rift Valley.

The Makgadikgadi saltpans also offer a wide range of exciting activities that keep guests returning again and again. In dry season adventurous travelers can quad bike across the pans and sleep out under the Milky Way, which the Kalahari Bushmen call ‘the backbone of the sky’.

In the green season, Africa’s second largest wildebeest migration unfolds alongside the Boteti River and is a magnificent spectacle, especially when viewed in dusty twilight hues.

The pristine, wild locations of Botswana’s camps and lodges make for an exhilarating Botswana safari, a perfect choice for those who treasure wild places. Safari-lovers speak of feeling a profound sense of freedom in Botswana’s wilderness that deepens with regular visits.

South Africa and Botswana are neighboring countries offering superb wildlife sightings, top-class camps, and lodges. Still, there are several differences to remember when choosing one safari destination over the other.

A safari in South Africa lacks the rugged remoteness of a Botswana safari. Still, private concessions like those in South Africa’s Sabi Sands are a reliable option for those eager to see a maximum amount of wildlife in a short time.

Unlike Botswana, South Africa’s game reserves are all fenced. This fencing limits the natural migration of animals within the ecosystem but results in a higher concentration of game, especially big cats.

Botswana’s game viewing, while excellent, can be unpredictable at times, as animals migrate according to the seasons. South Africa has several private concessions that offer a very exclusive, intimate safari experience on par with Botswana’s. Still, these areas are much smaller, so guests do not get exposed to the same variety of habitats as on a Botswana safari.

South African campsites like those in the Kruger National Park tend to be crowded, especially during school holidays. South African game reserves are mostly accessible by car, and few require a 4×4 vehicle. In contrast, a 4×4 is absolutely necessary to negotiate the thick Kalahari sand tracks in many of Botswana’s wild areas.

Botswana, with its simpler infrastructure and small remote towns, has a charming ‘real African’ feel, while the plentiful shops in South Africa, even within the Kruger National Park, make stocking up on supplies very convenient.

A South African safari is generally the cheaper route, with more choices regarding mid-range accommodation options. On the other hand, Botswana only offers two options – camp or stay in a luxury lodge, and most luxury Botswana lodges are only reachable by light aircraft, so it’s essential to pack light.

Booking for a camping safari in Botswana must be done at least a year in advance as campsites are limited. In contrast, you’re far more likely to get away with last-minute bookings in South Africa, although booking ahead is always the wiser option.

Namibia is Botswana’s western neighbor, and the two countries share a large portion of the Kalahari Desert . Namibia doesn’t have Botswana’s water supply, making the latter far superior in terms of wildlife density.

The only slight exception is a narrow stretch of land that protrudes from Namibia’s northeast corner, known as the Caprivi Strip.

Being mainly desert, a safari in Namibia is not the right choice for those wanting to see the Big Five on their first safari experience.

Yet, it does offer the chance to see some unusual desert-adapted creatures like oryx, brown hyena, black rhino, and the famed desert elephants and desert lions.

Both countries are equally rugged and remote, with a low population density and a rich cultural heritage. Still, when it comes to spectacular landscapes, the immensity of Namibia’s panoramic views is hard to beat.

The wilds of Northern Botswana safeguard the largest elephant population in the world. Colossal breeding herds and large solitary bulls traverse the landscapes of Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve. Kobe’s broad-leaved woodlands and riparian forests are home to the endemic Chobe bushbuck and other lesser-known antelope species like Puku, Sable, and Roan.

Chobe also boasts the highest bird species diversity in Botswana (468 species), including birds found nowhere else in the country like the Schalow’s and Purple-crested turacos, Trumpeter and Crowned hornbills, and the Crested guinea fowl.

Savute , in the western Chobe region, is notorious for its large lion prides, historically numbering up to 30-odd individuals. The unpredictability of Savuti’s water supply has been known to set the scene for dramatic feats of survival, including hibernating crocodiles and bold lions preying on adult elephants. Savuti’s vast savanna plains are perfect for enjoying sightings of Burchell’s zebra, Tsessebe, giraffe, and impala.

Red lechwe splashing through the swamplands, hippopotamuses treading confidently out of the water at midday, and lions swimming across water channels are just a few of the spectacular wildlife sightings awaiting visitors to the Okavango Delta .

The Okavango comes into its own during winter when rainwater from the highlands of Angola fans out over temporary floodplains that teem with wildlife.

You could get lucky and spot a semi-aquatic Sitatunga antelope lurking in the papyrus – or a Pel’s Fishing Owl. These beautiful owls replace their daylight rivals, fish eagles, on perches overlooking deep lagoons where they fish for large bream.

The Okavango Delta is also the best place to see the near-endemic Slaty Egret, Wattled Crane, and special waterbirds such as the Lesser Jacana, White-backed Night Heron, and African skimmer.

The cracked and dry Makgadikgadi Salt Pans may not look like the environment that would attract a large wildlife population, but appearances can be deceiving.

Come summertime, these desolate arid expanses sprout juicy patches of grass, attracting springbok, wildebeest, and zebra, followed closely by lion and cheetah.

Along the Boteti River, you can watch Southern Africa’s largest zebra migration and, come nighttime, shine a spotlight on the secret lives of playful bat-eared foxes and shy brown hyenas.

A far cry from the photographic safari-enthusiasts that visit Chobe National Par k now, the park was once the haunt of large-scale ivory hunters. It’s hard to imagine that by the second half of the 19th-century ivory hunting was so rife that elephant deaths in Botswana lead to elephants almost being extinct in the Chobe area.

Today, “thlou” (the local Setswana term for elephant) are safe in Chobe National Park and during dry season make up the largest density of elephant population in the world (60 000 – 70 000) a number that has continued to rise in recent years due to poaching pressure in Botswana’s neighboring counties.

In essence, Botswana has become a safehouse for an increasing number of Southern Africa’s refugee elephants who no longer feel protected traversing through the borders of Namibia, Zimbabwe, Angola and Zambia.

Despite this, research by Elephants without Borders has shown that the elephants of northern Botswana still have the largest home ranges (24,828km2) recorded for African elephants and herds continue to move between western Zimbabwe, the Caprivi Strip in Namibia, southeast Angola and southwest Zambia.

However, Botswana’s elephant range has grown by 53% in the past 20 years and scientists worry about how this will affect the safety and livelihoods of local people living on the outskirts of wildlife and national park areas.

Initiatives like the Elephant and Bee Project that are building beehive fences to naturally repel elephants from raiding local farmer’s crops, are invaluable in protecting both humans and elephants.

As the largest terrestrial animal on earth, elephants eat up to 300kg of food a day and play a fundamental role in shaping their environment. The large herds of Chobe have put enormous pressure on the riverine forests lining the banks of the river, and it is common to see fallen tree trunks and battered broken branches tossed about the ground.

This would be devastating if it weren’t for the arrival of the summer rains when the elephants disperse, allowing the land much-needed time to recover. Elephant’s destructive habits have equally positive effects and are responsible for creating hideaways for smaller creatures and helping browsers, like kudu and bushbuck, to reach nutritious leaves.

Predators like lions and leopards often choose to hide their cubs in the safety of fallen logs, and elephant’s well-worn paths through the bush are used by many species. During drought, elephant’s dig for water in dry pans, helping to form waterholes that other animals can drink from.

While Chobe’s waterfront is the place to see large family herds, Savute is known as the domain of the large elephant bull. These lonely tusked giants float over the horizon or swagger around the dusty peripheries of small waterholes, drinking and moving off again. Chobe really is a “Land of Giants’ ‘, an ultimate destination for elephant-lovers.

Throughout Africa, elephants are not thought of as lion prey, with only three exceptions; the pride manages to separate a small calf from its mother (a rare occurrence), an elephant is very sick and weak, or the lion belongs to Savuti’s notorious Marsh Pride.

This fearless pride of lions, which once numbered 30 +, killed 74 elephants during a three year period (1993 – 1996), a phenomenon recorded by filmmakers Beverly and Dereck Joubert.

The Joubert’s film, Ultimate Enemies (National Geographic) tells the story, as well as the more recent Planet Earth Series: Great Plains (BBC). This outrageously risqué behavior on the part of the lions happens mainly between August and November, peaking in October.

According to scientist Richard John Powder, the lions may be reverting to a role they once had during the Pleistocene era as hunters of megaherbivores.

The behavior could also be rooted in Savuti’s long history of drought periods where near-starved elephants were easy to bring down, helping the lions hone their elephant-killing tactics.

The introduction of artificial waterholes could have also played a role by encouraging elephants to become permanent residents (rather than migrating to other regions), and so readily available to feed unusually large lion prides. Today, the lion prides of Chobe are more fragmented and lions prey on elephant less frequently, but the legacy remains.

It’s good to know that Botswana’s Wildlife Reserves and National Parks are not fenced, so it’s possible that wandering wildlife and domestic animals will wander onto the main roads and in and around towns.

Important Botswana travel advice is that public bathrooms on a Botswana safari are mostly basic and might lack items such as toilet paper and hand soap. If you’re traveling through the country by road and exploring the parks on a self-drive basis, it’s wise to pack bathroom essentials.

It’s not permitted to leave your vehicle inside the parks unless you’re at a designated stretch point or picnic spot. It’s important to note that even those areas aren’t protected from roaming wildlife, so you should remain vigilant when walking around campsites, stretch points, and ablution blocks.

When entering a national park as an independent traveler (i.e., without a guide), some advice would be to have adequate cash to pay park fees. These include entrance fees per person and vehicle fees per day. In addition, you’ll need a printed voucher indicating that accommodation/campsite has been booked in your name.

Part of the beauty of Botswana’s wild areas is that they remain that way and have not been tampered with. Lodges and camps in Botswana are environmentally friendly and have a low impact on the surroundings. Some are so lightweight that they can pack up and close during seasonal floods in the Delta and reopen in April until October.

Campsites in the parks are remote and can be the best part of a day’s drive away from a town. Packing camping essentials such as fuel, water, food, ice, and firewood must be considered before embarking on your journey.

There are only a handful of countries whose residents require tourist visas to enter Botswana (you can find this list here). At the same time, every traveler must ensure that they hold valid, permanent passports with at least three blank pages remaining.

Most tourists in Botswana come from the United States, second-most is the United Kingdom, and third is Germany. Visitors from these countries do not need visas for 90 days, after which they can get an extension from immigration. Emergency or temporary passports aren’t accepted without an accompanying visa.

Those traveling with minors (children under 18) must provide a certified copy of the minor’s unabridged birth certificate and their valid, permanent passport to gain access to Botswana. If the minor travels without one or both of their parents, an affidavit from absent parent/s consenting to their child’s travel is required.

The easiest and fastest way to travel to Botswana for safari is a connecting flight from Johannesburg International Airport (O.R Tambo) in South Africa. However, connecting flights from Cape Town and Windhoek (Namibia) are also available. Currently, there are no international carriers that fly directly to Maun Airport.

Transport on a Botswana safari is relatively efficient. Getting to your lodge or destination is as easy as jumping on an air shuttle service or a safari vehicle. It’s really up to you, based on your requirements, time, and budget. Fly or be driven. Each option comes at a cost, private air charters being the most expensive, while guided road transfers are more affordable. It’s also worth noting that some more remote camps and lodges are only accessible via aircraft or boat.

The best way to get to Botswana is to fly to Maun or Kasane. These two towns have international airports in northern Botswana, close to popular national parks and main roads. These airports facilitate the arrivals and departures of domestic flights to airstrips in the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, and Central Kalahari. Self-driving travelers can easily access Botswana through the border posts from neighboring countries. Time allowances must be made for the time spent on the road.

Maun Airport

Maun International Airport is the central hub for all flights entering Botswana as a safari destination. The airport is located within the town itself.

Gaborone Airport

Sir Seretse Khama International Airport is located just 10km/6mi north of Gaborone, offering daily one-hour flights from Johannesburg and three weekly two-hour flights from Harare.

Kasane Airport

Kasane International Airport is located around four kilometers / two and a half miles south of the town of Kasane and lies just a short distance from the Chobe National Park.

Paved highways connect Botswana’s major towns. Most are in good condition, but some sections are badly potholed. You’ll need to keep an eye out for these, as well as for both wild and domesticated animals. Stray cattle and donkeys are common near villages. Donkeys can be particularly dangerous. They tend to stand in the middle of the road, refusing to move and forcing cars to stop and drive around them.

Botswana’s traffic police are active on the highways and often set up radar speed traps after villages and vet fences. Don’t be tempted to accelerate back to highway speeds until you see the appropriate signage.

Away from the highways, road conditions deteriorate rapidly. There’s not much in the way of secondary roads, and you can go from tarmac to thick sand in a few hundred meters. Especially sandy sections include the access roads around Mabuasehube Game Reserve and the Kgalagadi, the Xade Gate road into the Central Kalahari, the main entrance road into Nxai Pan National Park, the road north of Maun to Moremi, and pretty much everything from the Savuti region to the Chobe River.

An unusual route, and perhaps the sandiest of all, is the north-south track between Khutse Game Reserve and the Central Kalahari. It’s about 230km/142mi of deep sand from Khutse to Xade Gate and shouldn’t be attempted lightly.

Botswana is well equipped for self-drivers , but there are long distances between parks, lodges, campsites, and towns, so traveling by road can be time-consuming. Fortunately, much of northern Botswana is land dedicated to conservation. Even when driving outside the national parks, wildlife roams free, so the opportunities to see animals en route between locations are abundant.

Fly-in safari goers will save plenty of time as they use Botswana’s many scheduled flights and air transfers, but this method of travel is more expensive. Road transfers from the major towns offer a more affordable way to get from A to B and, although more time-consuming, allow more time for game spotting.

The currency in Botswana is Pula, a Tswana word meaning “rain”. Pula is used throughout the country and is the accepted form of payment in restaurants, shops, hotels, or lodges. Most places in Maun, Kasane, Francistown, Gaborone, and other major towns accept international bank cards.

ATMs are located in the towns mentioned above, and you can withdraw cash before heading into the parks and reserves, where there are unlikely to be card facilities. Foreign currency is often accepted as a tip or gratuity to helpful staff and safari guides, but not as payment for something in commercial facilities. The current exchange rate is 1 BP = 0,10 USD.

Botswana is considered one of the safest countries in Africa to travel in. Tourism is welcomed and valued by the locals in general, as it brings opportunities and income. There is no reason for you to feel unsafe anywhere in Botswana, as there have been very few reported incidents of petty theft or other opportunistic crimes.

It’s always a good idea for you to know where your valuable items are stored while traveling and not to neglect common sense when safeguarding your possessions. The most likely place an incident would occur would be near a town and not in the national parks, so the areas to remain vigilant would be at petrol stations or parking lots where opportunists might linger.

Visitors to Botswana should never forget that they are traveling to a country that cherishes its natural surroundings and pays enormous attention to conservation and the environment’s health. Botswana’s land is primarily dedicated to wildlife and sustaining a small population of people, so environmental impact is low.

It’s essential to respect the effort gone to protect the wild areas and to maintain a sustainable tourism infrastructure. Remember that waste disposal, water, electricity usage, and sewage systems are likely sensitive. A good rule when staying in lodges is to conserve water, e.g. short showers, and reusing towels and sheets.

A great idea when visiting Botswana for safari is to learn a few words or greeting terms in the local language, Setswana. To be able to greet your guide, cashier, or driver in their local language is an effortless way to show interest and appreciation for Botswana’s culture and customs.

Safari lodges and camps in Botswana serve an array of internationally recognized food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dietary requirements can be catered for with ease when given prior notice. Beef and chicken are popular meats eaten locally and served in many ways in restaurants and the dining rooms at lodges, so travelers can expect to enjoy foods they know when being catered for in the country.

Local dishes include beef seswaa, bogobe (pap), and morogo, which are eaten throughout Botswana and surrounding countries. Beef seswaa is slow-cooked beef (usually filet), which is then shredded and cooked as a pot stew with an onion and pepper gravy.

Bogobe is ground cornmeal boiled with water and salt until it becomes a porridge-like consistency. It’s served as the starch with meat and veg. Bogobe is often accompanied by a tomato and onion relish or cooked spinach in a dish known as morogo.

Meat is also traditionally grilled on open coals, as are large, white mielies (corn on the cob), which are farmed on a small, subsistence level.

These are often seen on the roadside, where vendors are set up with grills serving the passing local public. The local beer is a St. Louis, and it goes down a treat!

Tipping practice in Botswana can be compared to anywhere else in Africa. A general guideline for tipping servers at restaurants is to add 10% of your bill as a gratuity if you feel you’ve received a good standard of service. As always, this amount is at the client’s discretion.

When tipping your Botswana safari guide, a standardized approach is to tip an amount of 10% of the daily rate per person per day and pay it directly to your guide at the end of the stay.

It’s encouraged to show gratitude after an excellent safari experience by tipping well in either Pula, or the guest’s home currency.

Housekeeping and kitchen staff, backup guides, mokoro pollers, and boat drivers, are also eligible for tips, and there is often a deposit box for staff tips. Individual tips should be paid to the individuals themselves.

Travelers greeting local Batswana will notice that the spoken “dumela rra/mma” (man/woman) is accompanied by a handshake with the right hand while the left-hand moves to grasp your right forearm gently. This greeting is commonly shared between locals, and tourists are welcome to participate in the tradition.

Many people from Botswana (and indeed southern Africa) belong to a religion called Zionism, which is based on a fusion of African traditions and the Christian faith. Members of the ZCC (Zion Christian Church), by religious guidance, do not eat pork, drink alcohol, or consume drugs, while some solely consume the white meat of chicken and fish, eradicating red meat from their diets altogether.

Zionists can be recognized by some items of clothing, which on days of worship consist mostly of yellow and green. At the same time, most members often wear a lapel or badge of green cloth adorned with a metal badge indicating which branch of the church they belong to. Men also wear hats to show their religious affiliation.

Another thing to note is that it’s not in alignment with the Botswana custom to wash other peoples’ undergarments, and guests at lodges will notice that laundry service is provided for all clothing items, excluding personal underwear.

Every major town in Botswana has at least one shopping centre or mall, which includes major supermarkets, liquor stores, clothing, furniture, homeware, and electronic shops, in addition to local banks and ATMs. In terms of gift stores and curio shops, some safari lodges stock their own locally made woven baskets, jewellery, wooden carvings and bowls, and these items are usually sourced from communities in the area.

A number of safari operators and lodges offer village visits as an opportunity to meet local people, learn about their culture, and understand their way of life, and these are often opportunities for travellers to purchase some locally crafted items. Be warned, these local markets are expensive and it is likely that similar items can be sourced in gift shops in Maun or Kasane at a cheaper price.

The national language of Botswana is Setswana, spoken by the Tswana people in the region. English is recognized as a second official language and is spoken widely throughout the country.

People in remote and rural areas that tourists do not frequently visit are not likely to speak English well, so some basic Setswana will go a long way in communicating here.

There are also about 20 unofficial dialects spoken by people belonging to less dominant tribal groups, such as Hambukushu, Seyei, Herero, and Kalanga, while only about five of the original 13 Bushman dialects remain, known collectively as SeSarwa.

“Pula” is a word that is revered in Botswana. Not only does it appear on the national coat of arms, but it embraces other meanings too. In its literal sense, it means ‘let there be rain’ – in a primarily semi-arid country, rainfall is precious and considered a blessed event.

The local currency is Pula, and it’s also the country’s motto and rallying cry (in this context it means ‘shield’) and is shouted out by crowds at football matches whenever the national team, ‘The Zebras’, scores a goal.

A holiday in Botswana means being exposed to the elements daily, as game drives, bush walks, mokoro cruises, horseback safaris , and other outdoor activities take guests into the wild. No matter the time of year, it is important to pack lightweight, neutral-colored clothing, closed shoes, sunblock, and other sun protection.

During summer, when it rains and is very warm, it’s essential to take precautions against mosquitoes, whether that means being on prescribed malaria prophylaxis or merely using mosquito repellent every day.

During the rainy season, it’s also advised to bring waterproof gear, such as a raincoat, poncho, or water-resistant jacket. A water-resistant bag for camera gear and other equipment will be handy in the rain. Still, most safari lodges utilize game vehicles with canvas roofs and drop-down sides to protect guests against unexpected rainfall. Most lodges also provide waterproof ponchos.

In winter, temperatures can drop to under 10°C/50°F, making morning game drives quite chilly. Packing a warm jacket, scarf, and beanie is highly recommended. In places like the Kalahari, desert temperatures are extreme, and in winter it can get icy, so travelers should ensure they’re well prepared for the cold.

Suggested items to pack in general include:

• Basic medical aid, such as:
• Antihistamine
• Pain killers
• Any prescribed medication you may require

Outdoor gadgets that come in handy include:

• A head torch or handheld torch
• A power bank or solar charger for mobile phones and camera batteries

There are no mandatory vaccinations required for entering Botswana. Still, it’s essential to consider the surrounding countries that might require vaccinations if travelers will be crossing borders during their stay, e.g. Victoria Falls holiday.

Zambia requires vaccination against Yellow Fever. Regarding hepatitis and tetanus, vaccinations aren’t needed, but travelers are encouraged to consult their doctors for advice in these areas.

The same applies to malaria prophylaxis. It’s not essential, but it’s advised that visitors get an opinion from their doctors. It’s suggested that travelers spending time in high-risk areas (towns and areas with a high human density) consult their doctors for a prescription of Coartem to treat malaria.

Botswana has some remote and far-away places. Many of these places are likely to be where tourists are headed because they contain some of the country’s best wildlife and most pristine natural areas. There are a couple of highly rated emergency response teams equipped for both land and air rescue in Botswana.

If travelers are on a guided safari tour in Botswana , they will have their local guide to rely on, who will have first aid qualifications and a medical response protocol to follow in an emergency.

Safari lodges and camps are equipped with satellite telephones, Wi-Fi, or an accessible mobile phone network to contact the necessary medical facilities in an emergency.

If travelers have opted for the self-drive route, it’s advisable to have purchased a SIM card for one of Botswana’s mobile networks or to use international roaming in order to make calls domestically.

In an emergency, Medical Rescue International (MRI) is one of the country’s leading ground and aerial ambulance response services and is available all day, every day and can be contacted on the following numbers: 992 (toll-free from any local network) or +267 3901601 (international).

Patients can request to be flown to Milpark Trauma Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. If the patient, or anyone else in the party, cannot speak, the MRI responders will transfer the patient to the hospital appropriate for their medical condition. Milpark Trauma Hospital is the region’s best and most frequently used hospital.

The public sector dominates the healthcare system in Botswana – operating most of the care facilities. However, there is a considerable gap between public and private medical provisions, and you’re advised to purchase private health insurance for the trip to Botswana.

As in much of Africa, the public healthcare system mainly serves a lower-income bracket, while ex-pats and those who can afford it use the private healthcare system.

It’s always recommended that visitors use travel insurance and medical aid services supplied by their providers at home, which will ensure that they can benefit from treatment in the private healthcare facilities in Botswana. Citizens of Botswana pay a very small fee for healthcare in public hospitals and mobile clinics, as the healthcare they receive is mainly subsidized.

Private healthcare providers are geared towards catering to tourism and provide a good service. Medical Rescue International and Okavango Air Rescue are recommended medical services for tourists in Botswana.

Comprehensive insurance is encouraged for anyone traveling through Botswana or other African countries. It’s no secret that these adventures of a lifetime come with their associated risks, i.e. wild animals, challenging terrain and road conditions, and poor public health services.

Taking out travel and medical insurance covering specific area-related medical emergencies, or unexpected incidents, is the safest and most recommended way to go.

Before embarking on a Botswana tour , you should ensure you have comprehensive medical cover for specific activities you might like to partake in while on holiday. For example, bush walking, game viewing, horseback riding , bungee jumping, etc.

You should be covered for any incidents relating to wild animals and have authorization for a medical evacuation to take the necessary measures in an emergency in a remote area. Taking out insurance to protect cash, camera equipment, and baggage is also advisable and should fall under comprehensive cover.

It is recommended that, before departure, travelers have a copy of their medical and travel insurance policies and an emergency phone number to call, so that this information is available when fellow travelers, guides, lodge staff, or emergency personnel might need it.

You should also take out travel insurance to cover yourself in case of an unexpected change in holiday itinerary or an unforeseen cancellation. Ensure that you have access to money via credit card or an electronic funds transfer, as it’s likely that payment for medical treatment will have to be paid upfront and then claimed back from the insurance company later.

Botswana is an expensive safari holiday destination compared to the neighboring safari country, South Africa. Lodges and camps charge high prices, and additional activities, private guides, exclusive use of lodges, or game vehicles come at a fair price too.

Domestic flights and national park fees add to costs. That being said, the value of the experience is superior given the pristine wilderness that Botswana possesses and the level of expertise with which staff runs the lodge operations.

A great holiday in Botswana would last about a week to ten days, giving travelers enough time to see at least two of the country’s best natural areas, perhaps the Okavango Delta, Savuti Marsh, and Chobe River.

Booking to visit during peak season would also ensure the best wildlife experience and the most comfortable weather conditions. However, this would also up the price of the visit. A week-long holiday visiting the three destinations mentioned here (during peak season) could cost about US$8000 per person.

Another highlight of Botswana is its people. Botswana is a mesh of many different tribes with unique origins and beliefs. The dominant group is Tswana (79%) whose language Setswana (or Tswana) is the spoken by 90 % of Batswana.

The Tswana have a deeply entrenched system of chieftainship and a rich cultural heritage rooted in deep traditional values, reflected in proverbs such as “we are people because of other people”.

The first inhabitants of Botswana were the Basarwa (3%) (Often know as San Bushmen). The traditional Basarwa lifestyle of hunter-gathering has sadly diminished over the years with the historic homelands of the Basarwa replaced by National Parks and towns.

Basarwa people, who can further be divided into several groups with distinct ‘click’ languages, are no longer able to live the traditional nomadic life of their ancestors. Walking with bushmen is a fascinating activity that attracts visitors over and again to regions like the Central Kalahari and the Makgadikgadi salt pans.

The baYei are another very interesting tribal group who arrived in the Okavango region from the Barostse floodlands of the Zambezi and lived in harmony with the Basarwa (known as Bukakhwe in the area). The baYei introduced the ‘mokoro’ dugout canoe, still used widely today as a way of transport and for fishing along the delta channels from village to village.

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​Weather & Climate – Botswana

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the Botswana & Namibia guide.

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Botswana & Namibia Lonely Planet guide.

Anthony is the author of the Botswana & Namibia Lonely Planet guide.

Climate Chart Maun – 929m / 3,048ft

Botswana has a subtropical desert climate characterized by great differences in day and night temperatures, and low humidity overall. It receives virtually no rainfall for six months of the year, with the wettest months being December to March. Winter and summer is at opposite times of the year to Europe and North America, and they correspond to the Dry and Wet season respectively.

Maun's Climate Compared to Botswana's Parks

The climate of Botswana’s northern parks is similar to Maun, but in the Okavango temperatures are slightly more moderate due to the abundance of water. Parks located in the drier Kalahari environment will be more extreme – hotter during the day and colder or freezing at night. The south and west experiences slightly less rainfall.

Dry Season – May to October – Winter

• May – The temperatures are relatively cool, typically 10°C/50°F in the morning and 28°C/82°F in the afternoon.
• June, July & August – Be sure to pack winter clothing because morning game drives will be cold. The average morning temperature is 6°C/43°F. Night temperatures can drop below freezing, especially in the dryer Kalahari areas. Afternoons will be more pleasant, with temperatures around 25°C/77°F.
• September & October – The heat gradually builds, and it can get very hot in October (38°C/100°F), but the average temperature remains around 34°C/93°F in the afternoon.

Dry Season Photos

Wet Season – November to April – Summer

• November & December – Clouds start to appear, bringing cooler temperatures and an occasional late afternoon shower. This pattern of change continues in December, with typical temperatures between 20°C/68°F in the morning and 33°C/91°F in the afternoon.
• January & February – These are the wettest months, characterized by torrential downpours in the afternoon, and sometimes continuous rainfall for days. Daytime temperatures are around 32°C/90°F, and the humidity is between 50% and 80%.
• March & April – Rainfall decreases and it steadily cools. This trend continues through April, which has lovely, clear weather and few clouds. The nights tend to be cooler, but the days are very temperate at 30°C/86°F.

Wet Season Photos

Want To Visit Botswana?

394 Botswana Safaris

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Safari Tours to Botswana

5-Day Botswana Luxury Tour

$3,346 to $5,317 pp (USD)

Botswana: Private tour Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Kasane (Start) , Chobe NP, Okavango Delta, Maun Airport (End)

Wayfairer Travel

4.9 /5  –  149 Reviews

10-Day Extraordinary Expedition

$5,495 to $9,568 pp (USD)

Botswana & Zimbabwe: Private tour Lodge

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Makgadikgadi Pans NP, Okavango Delta, Savuti (Chobe NP) , Chobe NP, Victoria Falls (End)

Safari Online

5.0 /5  –  115 Reviews

6-Day Okavango Delta Experience (Fly-in Safari)

$3,460 to $6,040 pp (USD)

Botswana: Private tour Tented Camp & Tented Bush Camp

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Okavango Delta, Maun (End)

Gondwana Tours & Safaris

5.0 /5  –  78 Reviews

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Botswana Tours in December 2024

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70 botswana trips in december 2024.

• Christmas & New Year

Tailor-Made Botswana Tour with Mobile Camping Safari, Daily Departure

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

• Photography
• Wildlife & Nature Photography

Moremi reserve and Chobe NP Photographic Safari

Moremi Hippo safari

The tour was absolutely perfect and exceeded our expectations. Our guide was so knowledgeable and was interested in getting to know us. The chef (Chandolo) was brilliant - his food was amazing and he was also a really warm, welcoming person. The whole team worked great together and I would 100% recommend!

9 Days, Ultimate Chobe, Elephant Sands ,Makgadikgadi Pans, Okavango Delta Safari & Moremi

8 Days Safari tour itinerary for Makgadikgadi Pan, Maun & Nxai Pan National Park: Unite With The Wild Side Of Botswana

We had a wonderful time! Rocky, Jimmy, and Simba were excellent as drivers, guides, cooks, and problem solvers. We ate very well indeed. I will comment that the tour we took was quite different from the stated description of it. For example, we did not go to the salt pan. It seems that Rocky, the boss of the crew, received a different itinerary than what we thought we would be doing. How did that happen? The places we did go were terrific, and it was not until the second last day of the trip, that we realised the discrepancy. Rocky offered us a way to go to the salt pan, but for a couple of reasons, we declined that offer. Please note that I am not complaining about Rocky, Jimmy, and Simba. They followed the information they had received. I will also say that while we were accepting of the situation, some people could have reacted differently, and that would not have been fair to our crew. To summarise, we loved the trip! Credit to Rocky, Jimmy, and Simba for looking after us so well and sharing their beautiful country with us. Sincerely, Arthur George Busch

• Overland Truck

Botswana and Falls Overland: Wildlife Walks & Safari Drives

This trip is truly magnificent! I totally loved Botswana. You get so see many animals (mostly some of the Big 5) and beautiful landscapes in a short time. The bush camp in the Okavango Delta is also a great experience. Highly recommend doing some of the optional activities like Game Drive in the Chobe National Park and flight over the Okavango Delta.

5-Day Okavango Delta & Boteti River Camping Safari

I loved the trip. We had so many memorable experiences. The staff, lead by Beneh, Dominic and Annah, were delightful. As a 69 year old I found the heat and the long drives over rough roads challenging but worthwhile. We saw so many eautiful

• €30 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Tailor-Made Botswana Adventure to Okavango Delta with Daily Departure

BOTSWANA – Moremi Reserve Chobe NP Photographic Safari

Chobe National Park Short Break

Fantastic holiday. The best I have ever had. Would have been, crazy, crazy good if I didn't find out about the activities, accomodation and inclusions when I came to book a room after a poor stay at my first guesthouse (when ariving in Kasane). The TRS Lodge missed out on another night's custom from that lack of information to me. But hey , all a part of the adventure. Can't recommend the trip over all too highly. One thing, if a client wants to catch tigerfish (the premier sports fish in the Zambezi River) tell them to bring their own fishing rod for trophy purposes and good memories. Come in the Summer months and dont have insect repellant on their palms on the day (pm is best) The fish will smell it on the lures and bait. Hope to come back at that time and damn the mosquitos. Not one sighted, even at night as the locals advised. Cheers, Simon Buchhorn.

5 Days Safari tour itinerary for Maun & Moremi game reserve: Play With The Wilderness Of Okavango Game Reserve-Botswana

Delta & Falls Westbound: Natural Wonders & Wildlife

Overall this tour was really enjoyable! The campsites were a lot better than I expected (all had reasonable showers and good facilities). The guides were very friendly and open to feedback which was great and provided a good open communication platform for the trip. The things we got to experience were outstanding! Okavango Delta camping (be warned it is basic! But worth it) and Chobe game drives were a definite highlight. Would recommend.

Kwai,Moremi Game Reserve,Savuti and Chobe National Park 09Days/08Nights

• Kayak & Canoe

9 Day Wilderness & Desert Trail: Okavango & Kalahari - Wild Camping Safari, all-inclusive

We would be more than happy to recommend the Kalahari Breeze Safari Tour. Maria and Chris are experts and know how to create a phenomenal experience for their clients. They are incredibly organised and knowledgeable of the region and how to show its best qualities

• Wildlife Trekking

Romantic, Luxury, Wild and River Botswana Tour

What people love about botswana tours in december.

Well organised and good activities.

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• Botswana Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best time to visit Botswana for a Safari

The Ultimate Botswana Self-Drive Safari Itinerary: A Complete Travel Guide + Map

December 15, 2023

Paula Martinelli

If you are dreaming about an adventure trip to Botswana, and wondering how to go on safaris, you are in the right place! Going on a Botswana self-drive safari is the best way to discover the country! This is the Ultimate Botswana Self-Drive Safari Itinerary that will take you to the removed, isolated, and wild parts of the country…and the best way to experience Botswana’s landscape and wildlife are by road trip.

I combined my Namibia trip itinerary and Botswana self-drive safari itinerary, and I am here to share all I have learned and discovered along the way.

In this very detailed Botswana Self-Drive Safari 10-day itinerary, I covered the most important regions and safaris in Botswana, from Chobe National Park to the Okavango Delta.

During my 10-days in Botswana, I self-drove my 4×4 rental truck to the most amazing safaris in Botswana, I slept in the tent on top of the truck, cooked all my meals, took thousands of photos, and learned all about how to explore Botswana independently (not an easy task!).

Don’t travel to Botswana before you read these very important articles:

• 28 Things You Must know about Self-Drive and Camping in Botswana
• Ultimate Guide to the Best Safaris in Botswana
• Botswana Camping Safari

Botswana Self-Drive Safari itinerary Overview

10 days doing a self-drive safari in Botswana is an ideal amount of time to discover the best safaris in Botswana and to visit the most incredible areas in the country.

However, it is not easy to self-drive in Botswana because of the poor road conditions. Also, if you are short on time, you can spend less time and concentrate on the Chobe River Front safari, as it is very well located in the country. You can fly into Kasane Airport (BBK) and you can pick up your 4×4 rental car at the airport .

Check Expedia or Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Botswana and compare prices to get better deals. If you are looking for domestic flights to Kasane you can book them through Air Botswana .

Here is an overview of how to spend a perfect 10-day self-drive safari in Botswana:

Botswana Self drive Safari Map

Renting a Car for your Botswana Self Drive Safari

You will need to have a 4×4 vehicle to go on a self-drive safari in Botswana . It can be confusing renting a car in Botswana since there are different providers, offering different options.

First of all, you will need to decide if you will rent a 4X4 truck or a 4×4 truck with a tent on top (if you are planning to camp around the country).

I recommend booking your car way in advance , and you can quote below, to have access to cars from many major companies which you can compare the best prices and find the best deal for you.

You can save on your rental car when you book through this site . I use and recommend Discover Cars because it is the most reliable rental car source, and it allows you to compare the prices of different plac es.

10-Day Botswana Self Drive Safari Itinerary

Day 1 botswana self drive: arriving in botswana.

Let’s start day 1 of my 10-day Botswana self-drive safari itinerary. I had spent the previous 10 days self-driving in Namibia and it is a great itinerary to combine Namibia and Botswana. I crossed the border to Botswana on the ground at the Ngoma border crossing  in the Caprivi Strip.

I got my Botswana Visa at the border checkpoint. There was a line, and it took about 1-hour to get my visa and pass the inspection of my car and food. The procedure was easy and uncomplicated!

Even better, I had the chance to make new friends while I was in line. I met this very nice couple from Zambia that were traveling home. They asked if I could give them a ride to the Zambia border which was on my way to Botswana. 

DRIVING THE CAPRIVI STRIP

The driving from Namibia to Botswana on Caprivi is one straight line all the way to the border. You will pass many villages, plenty of cows and people walking on the side of the road.

I stopped along the road to donate all my food (meat, fruits, and vegetables) as we cannot enter Botswana with food.  It is a great opportunity to get to know some local people, and also, they will appreciate you sharing the food with them.

STOP AT KASANE FOR SUPPLIES

Next, I stopped in Kasane to refill my gas tanks (the truck had 2 gas tanks), got someand money from the ATM, bought food and water – This is the last opportunity to refill before you head to the National Parks.

BEST ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

CAMPING OPTION

Mwandi View is the place i stayed and recomend. They have areas for camping in your own tent, or you can rent one of their large tents, with private bathroom and a small kitchen. The views are incredible and you can see animals from the infinity pool. Restaurant with incredible food is avaialbe.

LODGE OPTION

The Residence Kazungula is a marvelous guest house located in Kasane, with free Wi-Fi, parking on-site, a complete kitchen, and a pool. They can also arrange a variety of activities including game drives, boat cruises, and day trips to Victoria Falls. 

ALL-INCLUSIVE OPTION

If you are looking for a great accommodation option, with all-inclusive, the Jacklberry Chobe is the best option. With drinks, meals, and 2 wildlife activities per day included, plus terrace and gorgeous views of the river

DAY 2 BOTSWANA SELF DRIVE SAFARI : Explore Chobe National Park

On day 2 of my Botswana self-drive itinerary, I spent 10-hours driving safari at Chobe National Park . 

SELF-DRIVE SAFARI AT CHOBE RIVERFRONT

Chobe is one of the best places for a safari on the Planet, and I really recommend spending at least 2 days here .

Even if I had done other safaris before, this is the most I have seen animals in one single day: hundreds of zebras, waterbok, giraffes, springboks, and of course elephants. 

The best spot to see the big cats, including lions is at the Ihaha Camp . I drove in the morning and afternoon but didn’t get lucky enough to see any.

SEE THE LARGEST HERD OF ELEPHANTS IN THE WORLD

At around 1:30 p.m. I stopped to see a herd of elephants at a waterhole close to the Elephant Grave when more elephants arrived from everywhere and I was surrounded by hundreds of elephants. This was the highlight moment of my trip to Chobe . 

Back to the Mwandi Camp to enjoy the sunset from the infinity pool, while watching some elephants at the waterhole, cook dinner, and crashed from this tiring day.

DAY 3 Botswana Itinerary: Self-Drive Safari at Chobe then Drive to Savuti

On my second and last day of self-drive safari at Chobe National Park , I started my day very early (5 a.m.) and enjoyed 5 hours of safari.

GO ON A RIVER CRUISE SAFARI AT CHOBE

Another specialty and a must-do are to go on a river-cruise safari .  This is a must-do activity at Chobe National park as you can see the wildlife from a boat is totally different experience than from a car. During the water safari, you have the chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and f you are lucky you can also see elephants swimming.

DRIVING OFF-ROAD TO SAVUTI

After lunch, I began my journey south through Chobe to my next destination: Savuti. There are no gas stations or stores until you exit Okavango Delta. Make sure you are full-on fuel, water, and food before leaving Chobe (Kasane town).

The driving to Savuti was very challenging (and scary) and it is not for the faint-hearted! I only recommend self-drive here if you are a very experienced driver and have some basic mechanical knowledge because things can, and will happen to the car.

The “road” is very isolated, and only a 4WD can drive here. The “roads” you will follow are nothing more than dirt roads and trails. At times you will follow some old tire tracks through grass fields, and other times you will be driving through deeply rutted sandy “roads”. You cannot drive on a rainy day (or wet season). I drove for 7-hours without seeing another car. I had 1 flat tire and had to change it on a very deep sandy road and got stuck on the sand a couple of times. The speed limit is around 15km/h and you will be driving very slowly on very bumpy roads.

TOP TIP: If you are going on a self-drive in Botswana, most of the driving will be off-road. I recommend carrying a backpack as it will protect your belongings on bumpy roads. Check here the Review on Top Backpacks on the market today.

ARRIVAL AT SAVUTI

Arrived at the remote Savuti Gate and I had to pay for my entry permit – it costs US$85 for 3 days of the game reserve. The only way to enter the Savuti Gate (and all other gates) is to have proof of camping reservations. 

I finally arrived at the Savuti Camp near dark, found my reserved camping spot, and cooked dinner. The camping staff came to warn me that it was life-threatening to be out of my tent at night because it is very common for hyenas and lions to visit the campsites at night.

I spent 2 nights at the Savuti Camp . All 14 campsites lie under shady trees while some have a view of the Savuti Channel. There is a large elephant-proof ablution with shared bathrooms and showers. The campsite is operated by SKL Camps.

If you are looking for a lodge at Savuti, Ghoha Hills Savuti has accommodations with free WiFi and free private parking for guests who drive. There’s a fully equipped private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries. The lodge offers a continental or buffet breakfast.

DAY 4 Botswana Itinerary: Self-drive Safari at Savuti

The Savuti is a region within the heart of the Chobe National Park that is secretly located. Savuti covers almost 5,000 square kilometers and includes the Savute Marsh and Channel, the Mababe Depression, and Magwikhwe Sand Ridge – each feature fashioned by the tectonic instability of the region.

It is the best place to spot big cats, including lions and leopards. It is also renowned for the masses of game, and it has its own unique scenery such as the Baobab Gallery trees and rock paintings. I recommend spending at least 2 days in Savuti. 

EXPLORE THE VAST WILDLIFE IN SAVUTI

Start your first day at Savuti doing what is the best thing to do, with a self-drive safari.

Start your day very early (before 7:00 a.m) as the chances to see active animals are higher. I started my first day seeing a lion eating his kill and it was a pretty amazing experience to just park my car very close, behind the bushes, and just observe, smell, and hear while he was enjoying his breakfast.

During my day of safari at Savuti , I saw many giraffes, springbok, and elephants. In the afternoon I visited the Baobab Trees and the rock painting.

I saw many bones of animals and mostly close to the campsite – which makes me think that predators hang out around campsites. At night I was visited by a very large hyena and I also could hear the lions roaring all night from a distance. Exciting!

VISIT THE ROCK PAINT AND BAOBAB TREES

Expend the afternoon exploring more of the Savuti beauty!

Savuti is not only about wildlife, here you can also find ancient art – search the rocks of the Gubatsa Hills for delicate, stylized paintings of buffalo, giraffes, the magical eland, and other animals. They were painted in natural ochres, blood, and possibly snake venom up to 1,500 years ago by the San people. They still shine despite being fully exposed to the elements.

Then, visit the incredible Baobab Trees. The baobab trees boast a circumference of around 7 meters (23 feet) and a height of around 5 meters (17 feet). Take some time out to reflect in the shade of the centuries-old trees, humbled by their large presence and the secrets that flow deep within their roots. Savuti is incredible!

DAY 5 Botswana Itinerary: Self-Drive Safari in Savuti, then Driving to Okavango Delta

Morning safari at savuti.

Early in the morning, I saw 2 lionesses with 9 cubs – 7 older and 2 younger. I heard from the locals that they live under the bush, and they were just enjoying the early morning sun. I parked my car, and took amazing pictures, and observed them for over 1-hour from a very close distance. They didn’t seem to be bothered by my presence. This was certainly one of the highlight moments of my trip to Botswana.

I saw many other animals during my second day of safari in Savuti, and even if I really wanted to see leopards, I had no luck seeing any. 

DRIVE TO OKAVANGO DELTA

After lunch, I started driving to the Okavango Delta and I drove all the way to the next camping site destination in Kawai . It was 3.5 hours of very bumpy and sandy road, and again, driving at a very low speed. 

Upon arrival at Khwai Gate you need to pay for the permit again;  remember to have cash with you as they don’t accept credit cards. 

The camping site is situated in an area called Dombo Hippo Pools, and guess what you can see a lot? You are right, hippos.

The Khwai Camping Site  is very basic. The camping site has a tree, running water, and a fire pit area, and a small ablution is available. The game views and bird watching in this area are superb. The campsite is operated by SKL Camps.

If you are looking for amazing luxury glamping in Botswana, O Bona Moremi Safari Lodge offers it all. All means, drinks, and laundry service are included plus all the game drivers and night drives.

VILLA OPTION

If you are looking for a great option, Khwai Villa provides accommodations with free private parking. All units come with a balcony with river views, a kitchenette with a fridge and an oven, and a private bathroom with a shower.

DAY 6 Botswana Self-Drive Safari: Okavango Delta Safari

Explore the khwai region.

The day of my self-drive safari in Botswana was exploring the Khwai region, part of the Okavango Delta. 

The Okavango Delta is like the crown jewel of safaris in Botswana , as this area is usually known for the abundance of water, stemming from the Okavango river – which starts in Angola – and is also dubbed “the river that never finds the sea”. Instead of ending in the ocean, the water seeps away into the Kalahari desert. 

I was up early and went on a long game drive to explore this region. There are large tracts of Mopane forest with pools and floodplains interspersed. I saw a lot of different animals including hippos, crocodiles, water buffalos, red lechwe, waterbucks, and blue wildebeest.

This area is challenging to drive, as there are deep mud pools on many of the trails and some wet areas that make it impossible to pass.

I spent 2 nights at the Xakanaka Campsite . This area offers many options for day trips, such as Khwai and Third Bridge. There are two boat stations close to the camping site. The camping area is very simple and is located by the water, that is the reason there are so many hippos on this campsite. An ablution (communal bathroom) is available. 

If you are looking for an all-inclusive lodge accommodation, the Khwai Experidtions Camp offers all meals, drinks, and game reserves. Located on a gorgeous facility with a patio with incredible views, including wild animals come to visit.

DAY 7 Botswana Self-Drive Safari: Okavango Delta Safari

I didn’t sleep very well, as the animals are very active at night around this area. I could hear lions and hippos, and I saw a couple of hyenas searching my campsite for food at night. The only thing the hyena found and decided to take with her was my sneakers…ha!

EXPLORE THE XAKANAKA REGION

After spending 2 nights at the Khwai Campsite, I moved on to another camping in the Okavango Delta, Xakanaka – so I could explore different areas.

The drive to Xakanaka took around 2-hours and it was also very challenging. The roads are rutted and winding. During the rains, it is almost impossible to drive, with some very deep waterholes on the road and the journey can take up to 4-hours.

The game reserve in this area is phenomenal – but a day doing a self-driving safari is exhausting – the vegetation is very dense and there are a lot of dead trees on the ground. Also, there are so many holes with water and mud, which makes the driving very challenging if you are trying to spot animals, take pictures, and drive. 

After a whole day of self-drive safari –  with a 1-hour break for a nap under a tree in the middle of the day – time to go back to the camp, cook dinner, and get some rest. 

While I was cooking, a hippo crossed right in front of me which left me speechless for a few minutes – “What was it? a hippo!?” Yes, it was a hippo!

DAY 8 Botswana Self-Drive Safari: Okavango Delta

Spend the morning driving at xakanaka.

\My day 8 of my self-drive safari in Botswana was spent driving around the Xakanaka area. 

Xakanaxa occupies a narrow strip of land surrounded by marshes and lagoons . At night you can easily hear the animals, especially elephants, or be serenaded by hippo grunts. 

This area is one of few offering a year-round land and water game-viewing experience, possible to explore by car or powerboats.

On a day of safari in this area , it is easy to spot a large variety of animals such as elephants, buffalo, hyena, giraffe, hippo, wildebeest, kudu, lechwe, and if you are lucky, lion and leopard, among many others.

DRIVE TO THE THIRD BRIDGE

After lunch, I head to my next camping destination, Third Bridge Campsite.

In a dry season, it is an easy drive but there was very deep sand after the 2nd bridge. Got to the camping, and this was my favorite campsite in Botswana because the location is absolutely gorgeous, just by the river and the wildlife is very abundant here. 

TOP TIP: Make sure you pack lots of water, as you will be very isolated in this part of Botswana. I thought I had enough water, but with the hit and humidity, I ran out of water 2 days earlier than I had planned and I had to boil water from the Okavango Delta to drink. It is smart to also pack some portable water filters.

I spent 2 nights at the Third Bridge Campsite . This campsite was my favorite during my self-drive in Botswana. It is an excellent choice as there are so many options for game drives and there is always animal activity in camp. There is a boat station at the camping site, making water activities extra options. Booking is through Xomae

DAY 9 Botswana Itinerary : Water Safari at Okavango Delta

1. morning safari at third bridge.

I spent the last day of my self-drive safari in Botswana doing the best thing you can do in Botswana: safari. The wildlife in this section of Okavango Delta is incredible for safari, and you feel all the time that you are truly amongst the wildlife.

At lunchtime, I was back at the campsite to skip the mid-day sun and cool down in the shade of the trees, while cooking lunch. When a herd of elephants had the same idea and I had to share my shade with them. It was a magical moment, and one of the highlights of my trip to Botswana. 

2. Water Safari at Okavango Delta

I took the afternoon to do a water safari and it was just incredible, I strongly recommend if you are visiting the Okavango Delta to go on water safari, as you will have a different view and will see so many different animals. I had the chance to visit the Hippo Pool, which is a lagoon with hundreds of hippos.

While on a water safari at Okavango Delta, it is the best option for bird-watching too. The tour took longer than planned – around 4 hours – because our boat broke and we had to ask for help.

In the evening, my campsite got visited by many hyenas and I spent my last night camping in Botswana and hearing the lions roaming. Absolutely fascinating!

DAY 10 Botswana Itineray: Return Back to Namibia

I woke up very early (as usual) and spent a few hours driving around on a self-drive safari before heading back to Namibia. 

I saw a large variety of animals just around the campsite, and I started to feel sad to leave Botswana. I certainly had one of the best trips of my life. Just being in the wild, surrounded by majestic animals, and enjoying the solitude of incredible nature. I truly recommend doing a self-drive safari in Botswana as once in a lifetime adventure. 

The drive back to Namibia was long but safe. The road conditions are mostly well-paved the whole way. 

I stopped for an overnight in Ghazni, as it was dark and it is not recommended to drive in the dark because of the wildlife on the roads. If you don’t have an extra day, I would recommend skipping the morning safari in Botswana and starting to head back to your departure destination. 

I spent another day and night in Namibia before I headed back home, as this was a great farewell from my amazing Africa trip! You can read here my full Namibia Itinerary if you are looking to combine your trip or continue your Africa Trip.

BONUS SECTION: The Unique Tourism in Botswana

Botswana has a very unique tourism industry, based on a sustainable tourism model. Botswana relies on a  low volume high revenue tourism strategy , and it serves as an example all over Africa and the Planet. In other words, it is not cheap to visit Botswana!

The business model in Botswana helps the local economy and assists with keeping balance in the fragile ecosystem and controlling the number of tourists. Higher prices help to support this sustainable system of tourism in Botswana.

TRAVEL BOTSWANA INDEPENDENTLY: If you choose to travel independently to Botswana, keep in mind that the planning will take time and (a lot of) patience. It took me about 3 months of hard work to plan my itinerary in Botswana, especially, to be able to book all the campsites. Communication with Botswana is challenging and it may take days, or even weeks to answer back to you. Plus, consider that you will be driving in very remote and isolated areas. You will need to have some basic mechanical skills (changing tires), and expertise in driving off-road (mud, deep sand, crossing water, etc.).

TAILOR-MADE TRIP IN BOTSWANA: A popular alternative to visiting Botswana is to hire an expert local company. They can incorporate any destination into your travels or even any animal species that you hope to see. You can create a bespoke itinerary, and design your ultimate safari to match your interest, budget, and travel dates. I highly recommend Wild Wonderful World , as they put together incredible itineraries, and part of the profits are used on amazing conservation efforts in Africa

I have great news for my readers, I used and I recommend Wild Wonderful World – I partnered with them to offer a discount to you! Just sign in below to receive a discount code directly in your email.

Botswana Self-Drive Safari | Trip Planning Resources

Planning a trip to botswana.

If you are going to travel to Botswana, pre-planning, researching, and understanding what you are looking for in a destination will help make your travels far more successful and safe. Here is some further information I think you might need to plan your Botswana self-drive safari itinerary.

For planning my trip to Botswana I used the Lonely Planet guidebook, which contains helpful information.

Best Time to Visit Botswana

The best time to visit Botswana is during the dry season between May and October when you can expect warm, sunny days (22°C-35°C) and chilly nights. This is also when the water levels in the Okavango Delta are at their highest, creating the waterways and channels Botswana is famed for.

The green season – from November to April –  is a great time to travel if you don’t mind the odd shower. Visitor numbers and prices are lower, the scenery pops with verdant foliage, and animals give birth to their young.

What to Pack for a self-drive safari in Botswana

You want to pack light….but at the same time, you will be so remote for many days that you will want to pack heavy. So, let me help you PACK SMART! 

• GPS and a good Botswana map . 
• Extra flashlights and batteries 
• A well-equipped First Aid kit (including a snake bite kit)
• Rehydration solution
• Satellite phone
• Inflatable LED Solar Lantern. 
• Bring a warm blanket for cold nights.
• Camera and safari lens
• Toilet paper
• light hiking pants
• long sleeves shirts
• good face cover
• polarized sunglasses
• Hand sanitizer
• LifeStraw Filtered Water Bottle and Emergency water supply
• External battery charger

PACK SMART ALERT!

If you are planning to carry a backpack for your trip to Botswana, I have compiled a very detailed review of the Best Backpacks for Travel in the market today – Also, I recommend bringing a waterproof jacket for your trip, check my complete review guide on the Top Jackets for Travel and pack smart!

Airports in Botswana

Botswana’s main airport is  Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) , located 11km/7miles north of Gaborone, the capital.

If you are flying from South Africa, you can take a direct flight from OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) , Johannesburg, or Cape Town International Airport (CPT) .

It is also common to fly into Maun Airport (MUB) and  Kasana Airport (BBK) . When combining a safari in Botswana with a visit to Victoria Falls, it is common to fly into Maun and depart from  Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) in Zimbabwe or  Livingstone Airport (LVI) in Zambia.

Borders of Botswana

Botswana is bounded by  Namibia  to the west and north (the Caprivi Strip),  Zambia  and  Zimbabwe  to the northeast, and  South Africa  to the southeast and south. The Zambezi River border with Zambia is only several hundred yards long. The point at which the borders of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe meet in the middle of the river has never been precisely determined.

Price to Travel to Botswana

When you travel to Botswana you can easily spend 1,000 to 2,000 Dollars per day/ person. This kind of money will bring you to some of the most exclusive lodges, and to areas that aren’t accessible any other way, including private flights to the lodges. Of course, you can plan your self-drive safari in Botswana and save tons of money – which will force you to do a lot of planning yourself. 

Prices below are the average for 10-day for 2 people (it doesn’t include international flights):

Accommodation in Botswana

Keep in mind that booking wild campsites in Botswana is extremely challenging and requires lots of patience and persistence.

I have done all the work and wrote this very detailed guide for Camping in Botswana – with all the best options for accommodations.

The campsites in Botswana are run by different private operators, The gates and reception have booking agents, but I strongly advise you to reserve your accommodation before your trip to Botswana, as the number of campsites is limited. You will be turned away if no space is available, and you will have a long trip back to the nearest town.

Things in Botswana move much more slowly than I am used to. The booking in Botswana is a very manual process, still, carbon copy receipt based rather than Internet bookings. Please read everything you should know before you go camping in Botswana before you make any reservations. 

If you are planning to stay at lodges, Booking.com  is the best option as it is a reliable source and they have a 24-hour cancellation policy that I have used several times.

Renting a car in Botswana

You will need to have a 4×4 vehicle to go on a self-drive safari in Botswana , either if you decide to go with a tour operator, or if you decide to go on an independent adventure.

Request a quote and save on your rental car when you book through this site. I use and recommend Discover Cars because it is the most reliable rental car source, and it allows you to compare the prices of different places.

Self-driving in Botswana

Self-driving in Botswana can be a challenge depending on your level of experience but also depending on the season.

I recommend you rent a fully equipped 4×4 car, preferably with a GPS with camping sites and other important GPS coordinates pre-programmed. This will help guide you to stay on track and be able to orientate yourself, ensuring your drive will be a safe one for you and your close ones.

You can always ask one of our staff members for advice on what routes are recommended at the moment since this might change from one part of the year to another. Remember; in the African bush anything is possible so coming prepared and aware are factors that can help your drive be a successful one that will give you, your friends, and family memories for life.

Additional Tips for your Self-Drive Safari in Botswana

• Currency: The local currency in Botswana is Pula. They widely accepted South African Rand. You can use an ATM in one of the main towns. Always carry money with you, as most places do not accept credit cards.
• Fuel:  on long drives pick up fuel regularly in the major towns as there can be long distances between stations.
• Supplies:  Snacks and drinks are available at most of the fuel stops and the bigger towns had a well-stocked Spar Supermarket. 
• Maps/GPS: Download maps onto your phone which can be accessed offline. Also, keep a paper map in the glove box just in case!
• SIM cards:  it’s easy to pick up a pay-as-you-go SIM in the airports as well as in local mobile network stores.
• Internet: If you are planning to go on a mobile camp safari, note that you won’t have access to the internet. I spent 10 days in Botswana without internet access. 

Travel Insurance for your trip

I never leave my home without travel insurance which is designed to help cover your expenses if something goes wrong on your trip. Things can go wrong, and you don’t want to get stuck paying tons of money if you get sick or have an accident without travel insurance. 

World Nomads Travel Insurance  has been designed by travelers for travelers, to cover their trip essentials. Especially if you are like me, travel insurance is ideal for adventurous travelers. Travel smarter and safer – You can do your quick quote below and find out how little you can pay for the essential benefit of Travel Insurance for your next trip!

Botswana Self Drive Safari Conclusion

This is my very detailed Botswana Self Drive Safari Itinerary, and I hope this can help you to plan your Botswana Trip!

I have done other safaris in Africa before, but Botswana surpassed my high expectations. Nature, the diversity of wildlife, and the hospitality in Botswana made it an incredible trip.

Botswana is not a cheap destination to visit, therefore if you want to visit on a budget just like me, be prepared to have to start planning your trip well in advance in order to book your accommodation (good luck with that!), book your car and start to study the maps, since you will be driving on very remote and isolated areas. You need at least to feel somehow familiar with the region you will be driving. 

I truly recommend anyone to go on a trip to Botswana, and if you are convinced, continue reading as I prepared the whole BOTSWANA TRIP PLANNING section here for you!

Here is some further information I think you might need to plan your  trip:

• 21-Days Namibia and Botswana Self-Drive Road Trip Itinerary
• Namibia self-drive road trip Itinerary
• 28 Things you need to know before you go Camping in Botswana
• The Best Camping Safari in Botswana

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Plan your Trip

You can plan your trip with this easy guide and have access to the best services I recommend and you can get discounted prices.

Ultimate Botswana Camping Safari Guide (for Independent Travelers)

Namibia & Botswana Itinerary: Ultimate 3-Week road trip from the Dunes to Safaris

Camping in Botswana: 30 Things You Absolutely Need to Know!

28 thoughts on “the ultimate botswana self-drive safari itinerary: a complete travel guide + map”.

Such an amazing drive and so impressed you did a self drive! I visited here on tour and it was such an amazing country!!!

Wow! What an amazing experience! I totally would love to do this one day and I like how detailed your blog post is. Hoping to go in the near future. 🙂

This drive looks amazing! I’m always hearing that Botswana is one of the best places to experience Safari in Africa, moreso than the typical Kenya or Tanzania. I can’t wait to plan a visit! Thank you for sharing.

This is such a complete post with its itinerary and other details that nobody would want anything else! Thank you very much for this. It’s just a matter of time, and people would start traveling again. 🙂

This is so cool! Beautiful photos and Botswana sounds like a great experience for a self drive safari. Botswana just got a place on my list on where to take an safari in Africa.

What a great self drive adventure through Botswana and such a detailed post. BTW, I never look as lovely and glamorous as you when I have traveled through parts of Africa! 😉 I normally end up being covered in dust.

These pictures make me want to go on safari!!! I can’t believe you drove over that bridge. What an amazing adventure.

Absolutely stunning pictures and amazing itinerary. I can’t imagine how much work went into planning this trip but I’m sure it’s helping many others interested in taking a similar adventure in the future!

Wow! what a great and detailed post! Oh how I would love to visit Botswana and do a self-driving tour

HI Marika, I hope that one day you get to go on a self-drive in Botswana. It is so incredible and unique, a real adventure.

What nice feedback Michelle, thank you so much. Yes, it was a lot of work planning as I couldn’t find much information for an independent trip to Botswana and the booking process was a lot of planning and hard work to be able to schedule.

I know, right?! Ha… That bridge. Now looking at my pictures and remembering all the adventures I went through during this trip, is insane and I am so thankful I only had some minor problems with this trip.

I love it Alma…haha…believe me, I was so dirty on these pictures too. My hair is always braided for a reason, and my boots were so dirty and dusty at the end of the trip that I didn’t even want to pack them back in my backpack. I am so glad you enjoyed this post.

HI Cosette, thanks for reading and I am so glad you enjoyed this itinerary. I so hope you get to travel to Botswana, you will absolutely love it.

Thank you so much for your kind comment, I hope this itinerary helps a lot of people who dream about self-drive independent to Botswana. I cannot wait to be able to travel safely again.

Hi Jade, glad you enjoyed this post. Oh, Botswana is simply incredible for safari and you really feel that you are super isolated the whole time, only sharing the wild with the gorgeous animals. It is just an incredible feeling.

Thanks Taylor, glad you enjoyed it. I so hope you get to go to Botswana too.

The self-drive is not an easy task in Botswana, that is the reason I was honest to say that I don’t recommend it unless you have great off-road skills and some mechanical. I am sure you had an amazing time in Botswana, it is amazing, isn’t it!?

Que fotos mais maravilhosos, que lugar de tirar o folego, acredito ter sido uma experiência única. Parabéns, o blog está ótimo, a viagem super detalhada e muito descritiva. Obrigada por com partilhar…

Obrigada Patricia e fico feliz que gostou desse artigo.

Hey Paula, I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your adventure experience. I’m originally from Tanzania and now I live in New York now. I run a tour company here in the USA bringing American to Tanzania. Trying to expand my business to other parts of Africa and Botswana clicked my head from reading your self drive experience in Botswana!

Hello Protus, thanks for your comment and I am glad you found my article about Botswana. This place really holds a special place in my heart, and I cannot wait to go back to Africa. Tanzania is very high on my bucket list.

We are going in december and are very nervous about the road conditions between Kasane and Maun – would you be able to share some images of the worst parts you’ve crossed to give us an idea?

Hello – it will depend on the weather conditions, as you will be driving between towns and also, off-road. I got lucky because when I visited Botswana it was not raining and I could drive off-road to many “roads” where normally you cannot drive if it is raining. If you see my pictures, you will see a lot of deep sand where you can only drive if you have a 4×4 vehicle appropriate for off-road, but if you are driving during the rain, you will have to cross the same roads on the mud or even water ponds.

Thanks for all your research and your effort in documenting everything in detail! We have read everything and planned the entire self-drive safari according to your itinerary, only in reverse order (from Maun to Kasane). Do you have any tips on how to plan the individual days? How to explore a certain area around a camp? How to plan the boat trips? And do you still consider your itinerary perfect or would you have liked to stay longer or shorter in a particular camp/area?

Below is what we have booked for the fall:

Wednesday Maun Thursday South Gate Friday Third bridge (depending on availability) Saturday Third Bridge Sunday Xakanaka Monday Xakanaka Tuesday Khwai Wednesday Savuti Thursday Savuti Friday Mwandi Saturday sleep in Kasane, but explore Ihaha and Chobe river during the day

Hello Bastiaan – I am so glad to hear that my itinerary is helpful and you are using it to help to plan your trip. When I planned my trip to Botswana it took me around 3 months to put this itinerary together, as they are not a lot of information on the web, and there is no road to follow. Have you checked my other blogs about Botswana? I have great advice on how to explore each safari area, and also, how to plan your camping safari, in case you are camping along the way. Or if not, I also give great recommendations on places to stay. Check these other articles, and if you still have any questions, please let me know: https://www.paulapinstheplanet.com/botswana-safari-chobe-okavango-delta/ and this one should be good too https://www.paulapinstheplanet.com/botswana-camping-safari/

Hi Paula, I didn’t see your reply until now. Thanks for responding! We have read all your blogs on Botswana and have everything booked according to your itinerary (camps, vehicle, days at each location). Just one question we have is how to make the most of the day trips from the camps? Did you use local maps or did you randomly explore and hope to find good spots for game viewing?

Hello Batiann – That is so nice my blogs about Botswana helped you to plan your trip, it is not an easy task as it is remote and doesn’t have much information on Botswana on the web. Now, how you can make the most of your trips from the camps, buy a Lonely Planet book about Botswana (this is what I used and was very helpful) and I bought the maps at the entrance of the National Parks in Botswana where you can see main spots to visit and see wildlife. Other than that, just drive, drive, drive and you will see a lot anyways. It is very wild and the chances to see wildlife are high anyways.

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• Where To Go On Safari In December

December is a wonderful time to go on an African safari, with the warm and sunny weather creating ideal travel conditions. In some areas it’s very hot with cooling rainstorms while in other areas it’s the beginning of the full-on rainy season. The rains in some parts have transformed the landscapes into lush green paradises, enticing a diverse range of wildlife. The rainstorms disperse the herds from the watering holes, where they form smaller groups, and spread them across the grasslands and savannas.

Certain regions offer extraordinary scenery and an exceptional game-watching experience during December. It’s a popular time for visitors, especially families on festive holidays, so planning ahead and securing the right accommodations is crucial for the best experience and deals. Here’s a list of the best places to visit in December for an African safari:

South Africa

December is the short rainy season in Tanzania, often only overnight rains, and the hottest month with high temperatures. The festive period from mid-December to mid-January is a popular time to visit and it’s worth noting that safari destinations and coastal resorts are busy and more expensive.

In the eastern Serengeti National Park you can spot the wildebeest migration as the vast herds move southwards. The migration attracts predators such as lions, hyenas, and leopards, who follow the herds, looking for opportunities to make a kill. It is an important time for giraffes, elephants and buffalos this is the start of the birthing season for them.

The scenic wonder that is the Ngorongoro Crater  together with its neighbour, the Serengeti National Park, offers exceptional game viewing. However, don’t overlook the lesser-known reserves such as Katavi, Ruaha and Selous, which are less-visited gems, perfect for the more adventurous safari travellers looking to experience other areas of Tanzania. In addition, Mahale rainforest and mountains is a great spot for trekking and is home to endangered chimpanzees.

Recommended Safaris: 

• 5 Days Wildebeest Migration, Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater
• 5 Days Mahale Mountain National Park Safari

Browse our wealth of Tanzania tours and start planning your own unforgettable safari experience for 2023.

South Africa beckons with its popular safari destinations like Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands. These renowned parks provide luxury safari experiences and are home to Africa’s iconic “big five”: lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalos, and leopards. As the rains transform the wilderness into lush green habitats, migratory birds and a variety of antelopes begin to appear. And where there are antelope there are predators!

If you are looking for a tranquil beach vacation, KwaZulu Natal offers stunning beaches and coral reefs for scuba diving. KwaZulu Natal is also home to the 960 km2  Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park, the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa and renowned for its rhino conservation efforts. Addo National Park in the Eastern Cape has over 600 elephants as well as lion, buffalo, black rhino, leopard and spotted hyena, and is the third largest national park in South Africa.. The Central Kalahari region is a hidden gem in December, boasting natural habitats teeming with antelopes and cheetahs and black-maned lions.

• 12-Day Exclusive Safari, Cape Town and Surrounds
• 4-Day Kruger Park Fly and Drive Safari

December is the period of short rains, which means that prices are sometimes lower (except possibly the festive period), and wonderful warm weather. The premier national park, the Masai Mara National Reserve is an ideal safari location for spotting elephants, lions, leopards and rhinos. Most of the migrating herds of zebra, wildebeest and Thomson’s gazelle have moved south to the eastern Serengeti in Tanzania by now, but there is a chance to catch the last stragglers and the following calving season. The short rains also welcome a huge influx of migratory bird species.

Meanwhile, December is the perfect time to experience Kenya’s stunning coastline, with water conditions ideal for snorkelling and diving. The weather is always more hot and humid along the coast, and for stays during the festive period, book early as it’s a popular time to visit.

Recommended Safaris:

• 3 Days Kenya Masai Mara Safari
• Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage & Giraffe Centre Day Trip

December is the summer season and rainy season in Botswana, often with spectacular thunderstorms. Some areas may not be accessible with the rains making tracks impassable. The summer heat and afternoon rains transform the lands into verdant grazing grounds, attracting large herds of elephants, buffalos and zebras. There is also abundant bird watching in the Okavango Delta, with migratory bird species arriving to escape the cold climes of the northern hemisphere.

December is the birthing season for impalas and springboks, which almost certainly guarantees sightings of predators too – leopards, cheetahs, lions and wild dogs. The Kalahari Desert metamorphoses into a lush green oasis with the rains, offering incredible wildlife sightings. The Savuti area of Chobe National Park and the Kalahari have lower crowds and offer a great safari experience in December.

• 4-Day Central Kalahari Game Reserve and Nxai Pan Safari
• Chobe Princess Houseboat Safari

A premier African safari destination, Botswana offers amazing safaris from top rated safari experts.

Zimbabwe is a fantastic destination for a safari adventure in December – the weather is warm with rains in the afternoons which clear the air, and its the low season with less visitors so it can be a great value time to travel here. There is a wide variety of resident and migratory birds, plenty of wildlife to see and a variety of national parks and game reserves to explore. Hwange National Park in the west of the country, one of the largest game reserves in Africa, boasts an impressive population of elephants and lions while its grasslands and mopane woods are home to African wild dogs.

Mana Pools National Park is another popular destination, known for its stunning floodplains and large herds of buffalo and elephants and Matobo Hills National Park is a must-see, with its unique rock formations and population of black and white rhinos.

• 9-Day Best of Zimbabwe Experience
• Hwange Walking Safari

Namibia generally has low visitor numbers, which makes for a more intimate safari experience. December is the hot and humid rainy season in December in Namibia. The rains thicken the vegetation meaning it can be harder to spot wildlife which also disperses as water sources become more plentiful. Etosha National Park , the most popular park in Namibia, is home to an abundance of wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants and rhinos, which gathers around the waterholes.

With its rugged coastline and unique desert landscapes, the Skeleton Coast National Park is known for its shipwrecks and is a fascinating place to visit. It’s a hostile environment, but you may still see some wildlife such as brown hyena, desert lion, jackal, kudu, zebra or desert adapted elephant. Another one of Namibia’s renowned attractions is its stunning western desert environments, with the towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei in Namib Naukluft National Park.

• Best of Namibia Safari
• 4-Day Namib Coast & Sossusvlei Adventure Tour

Our expert in-country travel partners are ready to help you create your dream safari.

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Animals Around the Globe

10 Best African Countries for Safari

Posted: December 19, 2023 | Last updated: December 19, 2023

#1 Botswana

Recommended Tours:

Thus, poachers are seen as enemies of the people. As a result, Botswana has come into view as Africa's most sought-after ecotourism destination. Starting from the Chobe National Park to the Moremi Nature Reserve, you'll be able to witness numerous gems all around the country.

Back in 2014, Botswana widely banned the hunting of wild animals and implemented strict laws which are still in practice. The country resumes its zero-tolerance for poaching and their very own environmental minister, Tshekedi Khama, has even launched a shoot-to-kill policy for poachers.

Botswana, with its wildlife conservation and natural parks, is a haven for nature lovers. It is currently in the top 5, as its approach to the protection and conservation of wildlife is worth the praise. As a country, it is very forward-thinking, some may even call it aggressively forward-thinking when it comes to its preservation and anti-poaching laws.

Its fertile land provides a safe and comforting home to around 200 mammal species. This includes elephants, hippos, monkeys and so much more. Along with 650 bird species and 5,500 plants. Even though the country is still underdeveloped and most of the population live in rural households, its national parks, and sight-seeing destinations are on the top 10 of our lists.

Even though many would face some difficulties in locating Malawi on a map, given how tiny it is, the country is home to the world-renowned Lake Malawi National Park. This is practically one-third of the country and is the most biodiverse lake in the world.

Most of the land in Namibia is occupied by the Kalahari and Namib Deserts. Along with that, the country also has 12 national parks and many other areas which are protected. So, if you go there for a safari, you'll have many rich areas to see and explore.

When it comes to countries with the least amount of population, Namibia is one of them. Which proves to be a good thing for nature. This is because most of the land in Namibia is still unspoiled by human filth or any sort of development, giving nature a chance to breathe.

In the country's Volcanoes National Park, you'll find 10 habituated gorilla families. Groups of 8 trekkers can visit them for one hour per day. But that's enough to get the best African safari experience. And as a nature lover, you'll enjoy the experience to the max.

If you've been around for some time, you'll be familiar with Rwanda's mountain gorillas. They were famously broadcasted and their fight for survival was shown on  National Geographic . This was all thanks to the late  Dian Fossey  back in the 1970s who advocated for the rights of these mountain gorillas throughout her life.

Considering the tragic history surrounding the mass genocide of the people of Rwanda back in 1994, it's truly a blessing what the country has achieved in the past 25 years. There have been countless investments in infrastructure. This has resulted in the country being a very fast-growing destination for ecotourism.

#6 South Africa

But given all the advantages, it's safe to conclude that South Africa also suffers from over-tourism. I mean, if you have so many great attractions, people will flock towards it. Chances are that you'll find yourself in the middle of dozens of unruly visitors who are not too keen on obeying the rules. This occurs mostly during the peak seasons.

Annually, the country has one million visitors. Its biggest attraction is the Kruger National Park with its enrichment in biodiversity. Visitors there also have the liberty to self-drive, thus, getting a first-person private but superb experience. 

For some time now, South Africa has been climbing the charts to become one of the most popular destinations for African safaris. Given its location, South Africa is a very convenient and cheap destination for people from the United States. Besides that, the country also boasts a well-developed infrastructure which makes it perfect for luxury travelers as well.

#7 Tanzania

One of the most popular locations would be the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The country is also a haven for 1100 different bird species. It's no wonder that Tanzania gets this much rep. Especially when the country boasts so many wonders.

We talked about Kenya being the top destination for Safari. Now Tanzania here takes second place in being the continent's most popular safari destination. And why shouldn't it? The country has 16 national parks and an extraordinary amount of wealth and wildlife wonders for the people to witness.

Some of its natural attractions include housing the highest mountain range in Africa. It also has the world's largest free-standing volcano and the second-largest freshwater lake. With its 30 national parks and other wildlife reserves, Uganda boasts many more sanctuaries which are worth the visit. Especially if you're a lover of nature and wildlife.

Often called "The Pearl of Africa", Uganda is certainly a great pick for an African safari. Its reputation as being one of the best ecotourism destinations comes from the country's natural attractions and wildlife.

Out of its 20 national parks, the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is home to many wildlife animals such as African elephants, Angolan giraffes, Cape buffalo, etc. Other than that, there are many private ownerships of National parks, notably the Kasanka National Park which is near the basin of Lake Bangweulu. It's a safe place where visitors can see 400 different avian species.

Zambia may be a bit far down the list of popular destinations for your African safari, but many consider it to be a destination for diversified and immersive safari experiences, and making a notable feature on our 10 Best African Countries for Safari guide. The country is steadily focusing on conservation as their president has shown a keen interest and is working on building the nation's economy as well as the infrastructure.

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