Planning a safari in Botswana
For any adventurous traveler, going on a safari to Botswana is the best choice. The country is blessed with awesome waterways, luxury camping, and breathtaking landscapes teeming with wildlife. From the Chobe River’s teeming banks to the Okavango Delta’s tranquil beauty and Makgadikgadi’s shimmering salt pans, experience the ultimate African wildlife adventure.
The first destination to think about when planning a safari to Botswana is the Chobe National Park, which is famous for having the largest concentration of elephants in the whole world. In addition to elephants, the park is also blessed with many other animals like buffaloes, giraffes, and zebras, and also, it’s also where you can easily spot big cats. The best way to explore Chobe National Park and be able to spot a lot of elephants is by taking boat cruises to the shores of Chobe River, which is rich in wildlife. This makes it a perfect destination for any adventure lovers planning to visit Botswana.
To experience more of Botswana’s diverse landscapes: After Chobe National Park’s wildlife-rich savannas, continue to the serene Okavango Delta, where the dug canoe awaits, and later, to the surreal Makgadikgadi salt pans for a unique meerkat encounter.
From Makgadikgadi salt pans, you can also visit The Central Kalahari Game Reserve, which is located central part of the country and is one of the world’s largest protected areas, encompassing vast expanses of semi-arid desert. Its attractions include stunning desert landscapes, unique floras and faunas, and vibrant wildlife such as lionesses, cheetahs, giraffes, and springboks. You can also enjoy thrilling game drives and cultural experiences with San peoples, who share their traditional bits of knowledge of the land. It’s a must-see for adventurous travelers seeking serenity and raw beauty.
Lions Spotted on a Safari in Botswana
Botswana’s exclusivity comes at a price; its high-end lodges and camps, often accessed by bush plane, prioritize responsible, low-impact tourism. For a budget-friendly alternative, consider mobile safaris – group adventures offering camping experiences and exploring Moremi and Chobe, combining wildlife viewing with affordability.
Best time to visit for a safari in Botswana
The optimal time for a Botswana safari is during the high and dry seasons, from June to October. This period boasts the most favorable conditions for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around the remaining water sources, making animal siteing easier.
In these months of the year, the Okavango Delta is always at its peak when the level of water rises, allowing the amazing mokoro rides, gliding silently along the waterways, offering amazing opportunities for wildlife watching. Imagine yourself gently drifting, surrounded by the serene beauty of the delta, while elephants bathe nearby and hippos lazily submerge. The drier climate also ensures comfortable temperatures, ideal for exploring the diverse landscapes and embarking on game drives in the national parks. While the dry season is the most popular time to visit the country, it’s also the busiest, so booking in advance is important to secure your preferred accommodations and activities.
Where to stay on safari in Botswana
The rapid development of the tourism industry in the country has led to the establishment of many accommodation facilities in the country and in the tourist attractions. For example, when you visit Chobe National Park, there are several lodging options, like the Chobe Game Lodge (the only lodge inside the park), Chobe Safari Lodge, and Chobe Bakwena Lodge. Photographers will appreciate Pangolin Chobe Hotels, which provide specialized boats featuring swivel seats and gimbal mounts for optimal wildlife photography on the Chobe River, allowing you to capture stunning images.
When planning a safari to Botswana, just be sure that you can get accommodation of your budget.
How to Travel around Botswana
4×4 Land Cruiser for Self-Drive Hire in Botswana
Traveling in Botswana is an adventure with several options to explore its breathtaking landscapes. For budget travelers, buses and shared minibusses (combis) are widely available for getting between towns, though schedules may not always be fixed. For more remote areas like the Okavango Delta or Chobe National Park, self-driving 4×4 vehicles are popular, but ensure you’re prepared for rough terrain. Domestic flights or chartered planes are another option, especially for reaching remote luxury lodges. Safari operators often offer guided tours, combining transport and activities. Hitching rides is also common among locals but should be done cautiously. Always prioritize safety and plan routes carefully!
