Off the beaten track: Botswana safaris

Right in the heart of Southern Africa you’ll find Botswana, landlocked and dominated by the Kalahari desert, which accounts for around 70% of the territory. But that is by no means the whole story. In the north of the country, wildlife rules in the unique surroundings of the Okavango Delta and the vast wildernesses of Chobe National Park. To the north, the Okavango Delta—a one-of-a-kind inland delta—teems with wildlife, offering a striking oasis in the middle of arid terrain. Nearby, the immense Chobe National Park and other remote areas provide unparalleled opportunities to experience Botswana’s raw beauty and diverse ecosystems up close. These lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path destinations make Botswana an unforgettable safari destination, with each region revealing its own unique and mesmerizing side of Africa. Here, we run through the best Botswana safaris to help you plan an epic escape.

Botswana safaris: an introduction

In 1966, when Botswana gained independence from Britain, it was among the poorest nations on earth. However, the people of Botswana have managed to reverse their fortunes and the country is now a celebrated success story. Politically stable and economically prosperous, Botswana is now among the top African nations in terms of GDP.

With a (human) population density ranking very low on the global list and a ‘low impact, high quality’ approach to tourism, Botswana is a great destination for those seeking untrammeled nature without the crowds. Safaris here are exclusive and although spending time in Botswana’s beautiful landscape is not easy if you are on a tight budget, the extra spend is well worth it if you value authenticity and environmental responsibility.

Balancing the need to conserve and protect fragile ecosystems with the desire for a good income from tourism may seem incompatible, but the authorities have largely succeeded. Botswana is known for its intimate, luxury safari experiences and exclusivity of reserves. The model allows each safari provider to lease large tracts of land and with it the right to offer tours in that area. The resulting safari is a calm, unhurried and low impact experience which benefits both the participant and the wildlife.

We have teamed up with local experts, who offer their expertise to help you plan and experience the finest that Botswana has to offer. Whether you are hoping to spend time with the big game in Chobe National Park, or meander through the Okavango Delta on a traditional ‘mokoro’ canoe, they can make it happen in style.

Exploring the wilderness

Some of the finest safari lodges in Africa await you in Botswana, specifically around the area of the Okavango Delta, one of the richest wildlife habitats on the continent when in flood.

Our partner company offers both Botswana mobile camping and lodge safaris. They recommend a lodge safari for those seeking comfort and jaw dropping locations right in the heart of the nature you’ve traveled to experience. Many of the lodges offer the perks of a fine hotel, with pools, spas, sumptuous decor, convivial lounges and top quality food. But it is often the accessibility of the wildlife that makes these lodges stand apart.

Many are located on private concessions where the handful of game viewing vehicles are all from the same lodge, allowing for cooperation rather than competition and lessening the impact on the surroundings. The guides will often also have much less restricted access within the concession, which enables them to lead night drives and access off road areas if required.

On a Botswana safari, you can expect to see a wealth of flora and fauna, and it is a year-round destination. The standout attraction for many visitors is the Okavango Delta, a vast area of desert which is annually flooded by the runoff from rains in Angola which fall a month previously. The water begins to creep through the Okavango Delta around March, peaking in June. There is no outflow from the Delta so the water evaporates or is taken up by plants. The arrival of the water brings with it green shoots of vegetation which in turn attract animals from miles around to the Delta. You can expect to see bush elephants, wildebeest, giraffes, crocodiles, rhino, impala, antelope, springboks and even lions, cheetahs and leopards.

Of the 38% of Botswana’s protected landmass, 11,000 square kilometers of it compose the Chobe National Park. Here there is year round wildlife to spot, but the dry season (May to October) brings the largest numbers of game to the riverbank in search of water. You are almost guaranteed to see elephants in and around the waterfront, and large numbers of buffalo and antelope are often present too. Hippos, giraffes, zebras and warthogs are all present, and with all this prey around there are likely to be lions lurking in the vicinity.

Experiencing Botswana’s night skies

Experiencing Botswana’s night skies is the perfect way to round off an evening on safari, as the adventures don’t end with sunset here. After a day tracking wildlife across the Okavango Delta or exploring the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, settle in around the campfire and watch the stars emerge in Botswana’s pristine, light-free skies. Many safari lodges and camps offer guided stargazing sessions, where knowledgeable guides point out constellations like the Southern Cross and the Milky Way. This unique safari experience allows you to witness the wilderness in a different light!

Cultural encounters with the San people

A visit to Botswana isn’t complete without a deeper dive into the traditions and heritage of the San people, one of the world’s oldest continuous cultures. The San, or Bushmen, have lived in Southern Africa for tens of thousands of years, thriving in Botswana’s challenging desert landscapes with an intimate knowledge of nature. Spending time with the San people provides a rare opportunity to learn about their hunter-gatherer lifestyle, traditional survival skills, and unique cultural practices. Guided by them, you can participate in activities like traditional tracking walks, where they share insights on local plants, animal behavior, and water-finding techniques passed down through generations. Engaging with the San people offers a respectful and enriching glimpse into their deep connection with the land, adding a meaningful cultural dimension to a Botswana adventure.

Seasonal highlights and the best time to visit

Botswana’s diverse landscapes and ecosystems reveal different facets of beauty across the seasons, offering travelers unique experiences depending on the time of year. The dry season, from May to October, is peak safari season and the best time for wildlife viewing. With minimal rainfall, animals congregate around water sources, making sightings in places like Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta frequent and unforgettable. This is also the season when the Okavango Delta is at its fullest due to floodwaters from Angola, allowing visitors to explore its serene waterways by mokoro (dugout canoe).

In contrast, the green season, from November to April, brings summer rains that transform the landscapes into a vibrant oasis. The rains also trigger the zebra migration in the Makgadikgadi Pan, creating a spectacle rivaling more well-known African migrations. Birdwatchers are in for a treat as migratory birds arrive in the thousands. For travelers open to occasional rain and seeking a quieter experience, the green season offers lush scenery, blooming wildflowers, and dramatic skies, showcasing Botswana’s wilderness in full color.

Botswana safaris: our favorite trip ideas

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• The magic of Botswana: a budget-friendly adventure

Make it happen

Experience the magic of Botswana safaris for yourself: your trip is a breeze to organize thanks to the knowledge of our local experts. All they need from you to start with are a few details which you can send them now on our short enquiry form. Get in touch today and they’ll liaise with you to create a bespoke itinerary to your specifications.