Botswana

Botswana is a country of wide-open spaces, rich wildlife, and strong conservation efforts. The Okavango Delta, a lush inland river system, is a top safari destination, best explored by mokoro canoe or 4x4. Chobe National Park boasts huge elephant herds, while the Makgadikgadi Pans offer surreal salt flats stretching to the horizon. Gaborone, the capital, is low-key but growing, with markets and modern touches. Botswana’s approach to low-impact, high-quality tourism means fewer crowds and more intimate wildlife encounters. Quiet, wild, and welcoming, Botswana is a dream for travelers seeking raw nature and real adventure.

Botswana is one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations, known for its untamed landscapes, thriving animal populations, and low-impact tourism model that prioritizes quality over quantity. Most travelers come for the Okavango Delta, a lush inland water system where you can glide in mokoro canoes among hippos and elephants. Others head to Chobe National Park to see massive elephant herds, or to the stark, haunting beauty of the Makgadikgadi Pans. Gaborone, the capital, is more business hub than tourist magnet, but the magic of Botswana is out in its wild spaces.

The Okavango Delta is the biggest tourist attraction here and is a great experience. Botswana is one of Africa’s most popular safari destinations and you’re pretty much guaranteed to see all the big animals here.

Traveling in Botswana is generally expensive, especially if you want to visit private concessions and top safari lodges. The country follows a “high cost, low volume” tourism policy. But there are also affordable guesthouses, self-drive safari options, and camping opportunities if you plan carefully. Food is simple: beef, pap (maize porridge), goat stew, and fresh fish are staples. Western food is available in towns and at lodges.

Getting around takes planning. Self-driving is possible and popular, but 4x4s are often necessary for national parks. Charter flights between camps in the Delta are common for luxury travelers. Buses connect towns, but not remote safari areas. English is the official language and widely spoken, making communication easy for visitors. Botswana is very safe, one of the safest countries in Africa, though wildlife safety in parks is serious business, follow guides’ instructions closely.

Families: Botswana’s wildlife experiences are unforgettable for families with older children. Many lodges near Chobe and Okavango Delta welcome families, but safaris can be pricey, and young kids may be restricted on game drives.

Couples: Botswana is perfect for adventurous romance , luxury tented camps, private mokoro rides in the Okavango Delta, and sundowners overlooking vast landscapes. The seclusion and exclusivity of its camps make it a top honeymoon destination.

Backpackers: Botswana is more expensive than neighboring countries, with a focus on high-end tourism. Budget options exist in Maun and Kasane, and self-drive safaris can help keep costs down, but it’s not a classic backpacker destination.

Digital Nomads: Gaborone and Maun have decent internet, but much of Botswana is remote wilderness where connectivity is poor. It’s better for short stays or working vacations focused on nature rather than long-term digital nomadism.

Luxury Travelers: Botswana is a global leader in luxury safaris , private concessions, all-inclusive lodges, and personal guides. Okavango Delta, Chobe, and Linyanti offer elite experiences in stunning, untouched settings.

Foodies: Food in Botswana’s lodges is well-prepared and often international in style, but local cuisine (like seswaa) is simple and hearty. Culinary tourism is not a main focus, but fine dining at luxury camps is excellent.

Beach Bunnies: Botswana is landlocked, with no beaches. While Okavango Delta waterways and rivers offer water-based activities, it’s not a beach destination.

Nature Buffs: Botswana is one of Africa’s best nature destinations , the Okavango Delta, Makgadikgadi Pans, and Central Kalahari offer breathtaking, wild landscapes. Eco-tourism is central to its travel appeal.

History Buffs: Botswana’s history focuses on San rock art, colonial-era relics, and independence stories. Gcwihaba Caves and rock art sites offer glimpses into ancient culture, though historical tourism is a minor draw.

Culture Vultures: Botswana’s cultural highlights include San Bushmen traditions, crafts, and village visits. Cultural immersion is best experienced through guided tours in the Kalahari or local market visits in Maun.

Adventure Seekers: Botswana offers soft adventure , mokoro rides, walking safaris, quad biking in Makgadikgadi, and self-drive safaris. It’s all about deep immersion in remote nature rather than adrenaline sports.

Solo Travelers: Botswana is safe and welcoming, with strong lodge networks and organized tours. Solo travelers benefit from group safaris but should budget carefully as costs are high compared to neighboring countries.

Party Animals: Maun and Gaborone have small nightlife scenes, but Botswana’s focus is firmly on nature and wilderness. Expect quiet evenings at lodges and camps rather than a party atmosphere.

Wildlife Watchers: Botswana is a premier wildlife destination , elephants in Chobe, predators and birdlife in the Okavango Delta, and rare species like African wild dogs. Its low-impact tourism model ensures excellent sightings.

LGBTQ+: Botswana decriminalized same-sex relationships in 2019, making it a progressive leader in Africa. Major lodges are welcoming, though public affection should be avoided, especially in rural areas.

Why Go to Botswana?

• The Okavango Delta: Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site by mokoro canoe, boat, or on foot, one of the world’s most unique safari experiences.
• Chobe’s Elephant Herds: See the largest concentration of elephants in Africa, especially along the Chobe River during the dry season.
• Makgadikgadi Salt Pans: Visit the eerily flat, white salt flats, especially beautiful after the rains when flamingos arrive in huge numbers.
• Moremi Game Reserve: Experience a less-crowded safari with a mix of wetlands, forests, and savannah teeming with wildlife.
• Self-Drive Safari Adventures: Embark on a real off-grid road trip, camping under the stars in remote wilderness areas.
• Wildlife in True Wilderness: Spot lions, leopards, wild dogs, and huge herds of antelope in places where fences and crowds don’t exist.
• Sustainable Travel Ethos: Support a country that has built one of Africa’s best conservation success stories.

Who Might Not Enjoy Botswana?

• Budget Travelers: Botswana focuses on low-impact, high-value tourism. Safaris, lodging, and park entrance fees are often very expensive, making it one of the priciest African countries for visitors.

• Backpackers or Independent Travelers: The country offers few budget lodgings, hostels, or public transport options for accessing natural attractions. Independent travel without a tour or 4WD vehicle is difficult and costly.

• Tourists Wanting Urban Sightseeing or Nightlife: Botswana’s charm lies in its wilderness, not its cities. Urban areas like Gaborone are quiet, functional, and not major cultural or nightlife centers.

• Visitors Seeking Beach Vacations: Botswana is landlocked. While the Okavango Delta and river areas offer stunning water landscapes, there are no beaches or ocean access.

• Travelers Expecting a Wide Range of Activities: Botswana’s tourism is almost entirely focused on wildlife and safaris. If you’re not interested in game drives, mokoro (canoe) trips, or bird-watching, activity options are limited.

• Strict Vegetarians or Vegans: Local cuisine often revolves around beef, goat, and chicken. While vegetables are available in cities, strict vegetarians or vegans may have limited options in rural lodges and safari camps.

• Visitors Without a Tolerance for Heat and Dust: Botswana is hot, dry, and dusty for much of the year, especially in the Kalahari region. Safari travel often means long, hot days in open vehicles with little relief.

• People Needing Medical Facilities or Internet: Healthcare is basic outside major towns, and serious medical issues may require evacuation. Internet access is limited or slow in remote camps and villages.

• Travelers Expecting Spontaneous, Easy Exploration: Due to park regulations, fragile ecosystems, and limited infrastructure, safaris often require advance booking, and DIY exploration is strongly discouraged.

Highlights

• Okavango Delta: the world’s largest inland delta is home to a remarkable array of wildlife, and this is truly one of Africa’s gems.
• Chobe National Park: a trip on the river here to see hippos and crocodiles is an unforgettable and slightly nerve-racking experience.
• Maun: the fifth-largest town in the country is officially a village, where you might be in a shopping centre while a tribesman’s selling cattle outside.
• Makgadikgadi Pans: dried up salt pans may not have obvious appeal, but after the rains, the flamingos and pelicans here are an impressive sight.
• Moremi wildlife reserve: in the winter, you’re sure to see elephants, lions and leopards, but watch out for the crocodiles on the riverbanks … oh, and the charging buffalos.

• Safari: the most obvious reason for visiting Botswana is the wildlife, and the chance to see animals you usually only see in zoos.
• Take a mokoro: floating along the Okavango Delta in a dugout canoe is a great feeling, but make sure your guide is experienced; this is not the place to get lost.
• Going for a game walk: if you like a bit of danger, then walking in a national park is a real adrenalin rush, especially when you get close to some wild animals.
• Seeing the country from above: taking a helicopter over the Okavango is a memorable experience, with great photo opportunities. Hot-air balloons are also popular in parts of the country.
• Fishing: even those people who find fishing boring have been known to enjoy the sport in Botswana’s rivers and waterways.

There are less health risks in Botswana than in a lot of other countries in the region, but this is still Africa and diseases like typhoid are present here, not to mention malaria-spreading mosquitoes are always looking for some fresh tourists to feed off. Tap water is officially safe to drink, but for the sake of a short trip, stick to the bottled stuff. In reality, the sun and heat cause the most problems for tourists and you will find out pretty quickly that it’s very hot; drink lots (of water that is) and use sun screen. Hippos may look like big, fat lazy beasts, but testing that theory is not recommended. Being polite to officials usually helps keep the wheels oiled too.