Safari in Botswana: know before you go

The wildlife of Botswana is legendary, as is the beauty of the landscape it inhabits. If you are planning a safari in Botswana to experience the watery wilds of the Okavango Delta or the unspoiled plains and rivers of Chobe National Park, the adventure of a lifetime is waiting for you!

Safari in Botswana: know before you go

Before you pack your bags, read our tips and advice on what to expect and what to take with you. Botswana is an amazing place to explore, but with untamed nature all around, preparation is key.

Safari in Botswana: an introduction

Landlocked in Southern Africa, Botswana has a small human population for its size (under 3 million people) alongside an almost overwhelming variety of animal and bird life that thrive in its vast uninhabited lands. Around 70% of Botswana’s landmass is made up of the wildlife-rich savannahs of the Kalahari Desert. This wilderness of striking red sands and brushland is home to the Big Five (and then some!).

To the north, the miraculous Okavango Delta teems with wildlife that flocks there during the yearly floods. Likewise, the neighboring Chobe National Park attracts wildlife to its life-sustaining rivers, especially during the dry season. These geographical phenomena mean that wildlife is reliably drawn into smaller areas, making safaris in Botswana some of the best in Africa.

Why choose Botswana for your safari: a world of unique wildlife

Africa safaris in Botswana are known for their high quality and low-impact ethos. Tourism is one of Botswana’s chief sources of income, and the government is meticulous in protecting it for the long term. This care translates into carefully-managed visitor numbers, robust environmental protection, and a high-end visitor experience.

But the crux of the matter is the sheer variety of Botswana’s wildlife. Close-quarter sightings of elephants is commonplace here, with great herds roaming the savannah and gathering in the delta to wash and wallow. Across the plains dart cheetah, gemsbok, herds of wildebeest and zebra, while giraffes pluck leaves from the treetops. Packs of painted wild dogs hunt together while meerkats pop up and down to keep watch. There are pangolins and aardvarks, porcupines and warthogs, darting lizards and soaring birds of prey. The list goes on.

Yes, Botswana safaris are a little more costly, but if you value environmental responsibility and phenomenal access to wildlife without the crowds, it’s well worth the extra spend. It may be a cliché, but an Africa safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many, so making it the best it can be (on every level) makes perfect sense.

Safari destinations in Botswana: highlights and lesser-known destinations

The top safari destination in Botswana has to be the glorious Okavango Delta, dubbed the Jewel of the Kalahari. When heavy rains come to the highlands of neighboring Angola, water floods down into the Okavango River, spilling out to create a pattern of lagoons and waterways dotted with islands. The whole area becomes inundated with wildlife, from hippos to herds of elephants, big cats, buffalo and baboons.

The best way to explore this watery wildlife wonderland is by boat, in a traditional mokoro canoe that sits low in the shallow water. Luxurious lodges dot the delta, with the Moremi Game Reserve being one of the more accessible areas.

The Chobe National Park is also in the north of Botswana and was the country’s first national park. Its life-giving river makes it abundant with wildlife of all stripes, from buffalo to big cats and beyond. Its relative accessibility also makes it more abundant in people, and it is one of the more crowded safari destinations in Botswana, though gentler on the pocket.

Beyond the bounds of the delta, the grasslands and saltpans of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve spread out in miles of uninhabited wilderness. This is the realm of desert-adapted creatures, including antelope, elephants and black-maned lions. Out here in the desert, camps are few and far between, and the night skies are immense with stars. In Botswana’s far east, the Northern Tuli Game Reserve is known for its alternative safaris on foot, by bike or horseback.

When to go on safari in Botswana: seasonal planning advice

There is excellent wildlife-viewing to be enjoyed on safari in Botswana year-round, and you’re guaranteed an incredible experience whenever you decide to go. A few factors may inform your choice, though. The high season is dry and hot and runs from about June to October, with July and August being the busiest months.

The low season is December to March – a gloriously green time of year with high rainfall and high temperatures to match. The shoulder season months are April, May and November. If you can travel at these times, they are often a good compromise, with lower prices and decent, if unpredictable, weather.

Safari in Botswana: practical tips when planning your trip

Packing

You may be surprised to hear that many parts of Botswana can be startlingly cold at night, even when the daytime temperatures are warm, so be sure to pack some layers. If you plan to stay under canvas this is especially important: sleep is often elusive if you are not prepared for chilly nights. Game drives are also most successful in the early hours before the sun gets hot, so bring a hat, too.

It’s worth noting that there is a lot of dust, sand and water in Botswana. Use a waterproof liner to protect the contents of your bag and keep any gadgetry from harm. A small cushion or travel pillow can also be useful for any longer journeys.

Think outside the 4×4

Botswana is a brilliant destination for unconventional safaris. Opportunities abound for guided safaris on foot, horseback or by boat. The traditional mokoro (local canoe) safari experience in the Okavango Delta is a highlight for many, but the lifespan of the wooden boats is limited so you may find yours is a fiberglass copy. Don’t be disappointed, these last far longer and save many mature trees from being felled.

Gifts

Although Botswana is economically strong in African terms, there is still a lot of poverty in the country. Prepare a selection of inexpensive gifts for the children you encounter. Pens, pencils, books, paper, tennis balls and frisbees are all well-received and useful.

Photography

One of the great pleasures for many safari fans is photography. However, it is unwise (and unkind) to get too close to animals in their natural surroundings. Far better to invest in a decent zoom, or take high-definition photos which you can crop later. Beware of overestimating your battery life. Recharging is usually simple in permanent accommodation, but your camera will probably never have to work so hard, and the last thing you want is to run out of power for that amazing shot. Carry spares and recharge when you get the chance.

Currency

Although US dollars are welcomed by many tourist services such as hotels and tour companies, you will undoubtedly need some local currency – pula – for smaller items and in remote areas. Banks are only present in the larger towns of Botswana, but you may find that fairly small or out-of-the way places now have an ATM. Credit cards are widely accepted for higher-value purchases, Visa being the most useful type.

Tipping

As a mark of gratitude for good service, it is customary to tip drivers, guides, lodge staff and waiting staff. Ten percent is the usual benchmark, but for guides and drivers, it will depend more on the size of your group and the service provided. Our expert local partners can give you further guidance on tipping when you are in situ.

Transport

Expect bumpy roads for any land travel, although most long distances in Botswana are covered by light aircraft. For this reason, pack a soft-sided bag and limit your luggage weight to around 15kg. Lodges are usually able to wash and dry your clothes so you can travel light and launder often.

Make it happen

There is so much to get excited about in Botswana, so why not begin planning your dream trip? Our brilliant local experts will take the strain out of putting together your Botswana itinerary, and they can tailor it to your specific requirements.