A rich, biodiverse land of untamed beauty, Botswana represents Africa as it has been for thousands of years. Here, elephants roam in their thousands, and landscapes shift from the lush Okavango Delta to the shimmering salt pans of Makgadikgadi. Unsurprisingly, Botswana’s safari adventures reign supreme. From Chobe River cruises to walking safaris in Tuli, silent mokoro rides through winding wetlands and hot air balloon trips over the vast Kalahari, the wilderness reposes beautiful and unchanged under the star-filled southern skies.
The Tuli Game Reserve, located in a pristine, wild corner of eastern Botswana, offers visitors a unique safari experience shaped by ancient baobabs, dramatic sculpted sandstone, and the mighty Limpopo River. The reserve covers a vast area, housing enormous elephant herds, big cats, and an impressive array of antelope and birdlife. Flexible safaris, like walking expeditions with cultural insights, ensure that this adventure is perfectly suited to travelers seeking an authentic African experience
Raw, unspoiled beauty and incredible wildlife welcome Nature lovers to Mashatu Game Reserve, also known as the Land of Giants. Open plains, rocky hills, and riverine forests create the perfect backdrop for delightful game drives, bush walks, and horseback safaris. The private game park offers quieter personal safaris and first-hand encounters with an incredible array of wildlife.
The extraordinary Okavango Delta, a lush, life-filled oasis, lies at the heart of the Kalahari Desert. Its intricate network of channels, lagoons, and islands supports an incredible diversity of wildlife, from elephants and antelopes to hippos and hundreds of bird species. During the dry winter months, animals gather in large numbers along the banks, alive with birdsong and the quiet rustle of the wild. Explore this paradise by dugout canoe or mokoro with a guide to navigate the waterways
Landlocked Botswana, one of the world’s top safari destinations, has vast, unspoiled wilderness and remarkable biodiversity. From Makgadikgadi’s shimmering white salt pans to the golden sands of the Kalahari Desert and the lush Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Botswana’s landscapes are as varied as they are beautiful.
This country is home to the world’s largest concentration of African elephants, with an estimated 126,000 in Chobe National Park alone. Safari experiences here are second to none. In Botswana, you can track wildlife day or night on game drives through the African wilderness or glide silently through the Okavango’s winding waterways in a traditional dugout canoe. If you prefer something a little grander, a river cruise along the Chobe River may suit your taste. Check into one of the many high-end lodges or tented camps in reserves like Tuli and Mashatu and enjoy the wild in style.
Wildlife lovers can expect to see the famed Big Five — lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, and elephant, along with cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, antelopes, hyenas, and even the elusive African wild dog. In the hauntingly beautiful Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, desert-adapted species such as the brown hyena and meerkats steal the show. During the migration season, thousands of zebras and wildebeest cross these stark plains, creating a spectacle to rival East Africa’s great migration.
Covering over 80% of the country, the Kalahari Desert adds another layer of wonder. Once home to the ancient San people, it remains a place of deep cultural significance. Visitors can walk with San guides, learn how to track animals, find water, and understand the delicate balance of life in the desert.
Botswana offers nature lovers so many ways to explore. Saddle up for a horseback safari in Moremi Game Reserve, Mashatu or canter across the Kalahari dunes. Take to the skies in a hot air balloon for sunrise views over the desert. Listen to the nighttime calls of the wild from your campfire as you gaze up at the beautiful, clear southern skies under a sparkling banner of stars.
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The people of Botswana have a deep connection with the land. Here, you can walk in the Kalahari with San Bushmen and learn traditional survival skills like tracking and fire-making. Visit local villages and enjoy Botswana’s warm hospitality, music, and dance. Explore traditional crafts, such as basket weaving in the Okavango region, or sample local cuisine like seswaa (slow-cooked beef).
Botswana enjoys dry, warm weather with late afternoon showers in the summer. You’ll likely spend much of your time outdoors. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing made from moisture-wicking, natural fibers to keep you cool and comfortable in hot and humid conditions. Include long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect yourself from the sun. A lightweight jacket or cardigan will take the chill off the air after sunset. Pack a bathing suit for time spent at the pool or beach.
Botswana boasts some of Africa’s most well-preserved wilderness.
● The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a lush inland oasis filled with wildlife.
● Chobe National Park offers thrilling game drives and river safaris. The park is famous for its large elephant herds.
● The Makgadikgadi Pans, vast salt flats, present a surreal, otherworldly landscape, ideal for quad biking and stargazing.
● In the remote Central Kalahari Game Reserve, you’ll find unique desert-adapted species and traditional San communities.
● For a quieter safari, head to Mashatu Game Reserve or Tuli Game Reserves in the Tuli Block, which is rich in big game and birdlife.
Citizens of the USA, Canada, and the UK do not need visas to enter Botswana for 90 days or less. All you need is a passport that does not expire for six months after you leave the country.
Botswana’s official currency is the Botswana pula. You may want to bring some pula with you for trips and transport. However, there are ATMs in all the towns, so you can use them to get local currency. Most hotels and large businesses accept credit and debit cards. Many hotels and lodges will also accept USD.
There are no vaccination requirements for those arriving from Canada, the USA, Europe, and most of Asia. If you have recently visited a country where yellow fever is a risk, you must show evidence of yellow fever inoculation. Hepatitis A & B, and typhoid are recommended.
There is a risk of malaria in Botswana, so visitors should take antimalarial medication and use insect repellent.
