Botswana

Botswana is one of our top destinations for high-quality wildlife viewing. Superb game viewing, pristine wilderness, numerous exclusive concessions with exquisite, intimate camps and lodges, and the nearly universal use of open vehicles for game viewing combine to create a safari experience that’s difficult to beat. 

Botswana represents one of Africa’s greatest conservation success stories. Protecting and conserving wildlife has become one of the country’s primary concerns. From 2001, black and white rhino have been translocated to the country. Botswana’s north is one of Africa’s last refuges to see African wild dogs (painted wolves), charismatic, but highly endangered, animals. This same region is also home to the world’s largest concentration of elephants. And, of course, there are impressive concentrations of lion, leopard. cheetah, giraffe, buffalo, zebra and birdlife.

Apart from the traditional day and night game drives, activities include game viewing by boat, mokoro (dugout canoe), guided walks, hot air balloon trips, helicopter rides and even horseback safaris. In general, the best time to visit Botswana is during the dry season months from May to November. Great value will be found going on safari during the “green season” from December to April. Many of Botswana’s camps and lodges are only accessible by by small aircraft.

Botswana’s Wildlife Areas

The three most visited wildlife areas are all found in the far northern reaches of the country. They are the Okavango Delta, the Linyanti, Selinda and Kwando concessions, and Chobe National Park. The Okavango Delta, Botswana’s most famous safari destination, is a must-see. It’s stunning wetlands and floodplains offer arguably the best game viewing on the continent. It is also worth considering spending a few days in the stunning Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Central Kalahari Game Reserve or the action-packed Mashatu Game Reserve. Because each region is exquisitely distinct in character, a well-rounded wildlife safari to Botswana really ought to include at least two to three days each in three or more of these areas.