Safaris in Botswana 

Safaris Untamed, Unspoiled, Unforgettable

Botswana is Africa at its most pristine—an unspoiled wilderness where wildlife roams freely, rivers pulse through deserts, and luxury meets authenticity in some of the most remote safari experiences on earth. With vast protected areas and a low-impact tourism model, Botswana offers space, silence, and some of the finest game viewing on the continent.

Whether gliding silently through the Okavango Delta in a mokoro, watching elephants gather along the Chobe River, or exploring the haunting vastness of the salt pans, Botswana is safari in its purest form.

Okavango Delta

Best for: Water-based safaris, mokoro experiences, abundant wildlife

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, the Okavango Delta is a lush inland oasis that floods seasonally, drawing wildlife from across the region. Game viewing here is rich and varied, with sightings of elephants, hippos, buffalo, giraffes, and large predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and the elusive African wild dog.

Birdlife is phenomenal, with over 400 species, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, and Pel’s fishing owls.

The Delta is famous for its mokoro safaris—dugout canoe rides through papyrus channels—as well as walking safaris and boat cruises. Accommodations range from luxury tented camps on private islands to intimate bush lodges accessible only by light aircraft. Many camps are eco-friendly, solar-powered, and designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

Linyanti & Chobe National Park

Best for: Elephants, river safaris, big game concentrations

Located in the north of the country, Chobe National Park is home to one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Africa—up to 120,000 strong. These majestic herds gather along the Chobe River, especially during the dry season, offering unforgettable boat-based wildlife viewing.

Other highlights include buffalo, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, sable antelope, and regular sightings of lion, leopard, and hyena. The riverbanks are also a haven for birdwatchers, with species like African skimmers, fish eagles, and herons.

Stay in riverside safari lodges, mobile tented camps, or private concessions offering off-road driving and night safaris. Sunset cruises along the Chobe River offer a unique perspective on wildlife and are often the highlight of a visit.

Makgadikgadi Salt Pans & Nxai Pan

Best for: Unique landscapes, meerkats, zebra migration, desert wildlife

Spanning a surreal, shimmering expanse of white salt crusts, the Makgadikgadi Pans are remnants of an ancient super-lake and one of the largest salt flats on Earth. Though seemingly barren, the pans come alive during the rainy season (Nov–Apr) with the second-largest zebra migration in Africa, followed by lions, hyenas, and jackals.

Year-round, you can see habituated meerkats, bat-eared foxes, oryx, springbok, and if you’re lucky, brown hyena. Nxai Pan, to the north, adds elephants, giraffes, and seasonal cheetah sightings, along with the striking Baines’ Baobabs.

Lodges here are typically desert retreats—architecturally striking and minimalist, designed to reflect the stark beauty of the pans. Expect activities like quad biking, stargazing, cultural walks with San Bushmen, and sleep-outs under the stars on the open pans.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR)

Best for: Remote wilderness, black-maned lions, desert-adapted wildlife

One of the largest protected areas in Africa, the Central Kalahari is a vast expanse of dunes, fossil river valleys, and open grasslands. This is true wilderness—raw, remote, and rich in desert-adapted species. The reserve is famed for its black-maned Kalahari lions, as well as leopards, cheetahs, brown hyenas, and elusive aardwolves.

You’ll also find oryx, springbok, bat-eared foxes, and occasionally large herds of gemsbok and wildebeest during the green season. Wildlife viewing can be subtle but rewarding, especially for seasoned safari-goers.

Camps here are low-impact and exclusive, often tucked away in vast private concessions. Expect solar-powered luxury tents, private guides, and deep wilderness isolation where you may not see another vehicle for days.

Tuli Block (Mashatu Game Reserve)

Best for: Predator action, elephant herds, archaeological sites

Tucked into Botswana’s southeastern corner near the borders with South Africa and Zimbabwe, the Tuli Block is a striking region of rocky outcrops, ancient baobabs, and riverine forests. It’s part of the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, which includes Mashatu, known as “the Land of Giants” for its massive elephants, baobabs, and big cats.

This is one of the best places in Botswana to see cheetahs, along with strong populations of leopards, lions, hyenas, jackals, and bat-eared foxes. There’s also excellent birding and fascinating archaeological sites dotted through the reserve.

Tuli offers diverse safari activities—from mountain biking safaris and walking safaris to photographic hides and horseback rides. Lodges are varied, from luxury suites built into sandstone cliffs to family-friendly tented camps overlooking riverbeds.

Types of Camps & Lodges in Botswana

Botswana’s safari accommodations reflect its commitment to conservation and exclusivity, with a focus on comfort, sustainability, and seclusion:

• Luxury Tented Camps: Stylish canvas suites with en-suite bathrooms, plunge pools, and personal service—often in remote, fly-in locations.

• Mobile Safari Camps: Semi-permanent or moveable camps that follow wildlife, offering a traditional and immersive bush experience.

• Eco-Lodges: Solar-powered, community-driven, and designed with minimal impact—often in private concessions or buffer zones.

• Desert Retreats: Unique lodges in the Kalahari or salt pans, offering stargazing beds, open-air showers, and panoramic desert views.

• Photographic Camps: Built with hides and dedicated photo equipment, these cater to serious wildlife photographers.

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Why Choose Botswana for Your Safari?

Botswana sets the standard for low-impact, high-quality safaris—where wildlife thrives and guest numbers are carefully managed. With diverse ecosystems, rich wildlife, and exclusive access, it’s a dream destination for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking deep connection with the African wilderness.

• Glide silently through the Okavango Delta’s secret channels

• Watch the sun set behind Chobe’s elephant herds

• Walk with meerkats across the Makgadikgadi Pans

• Track lions in the Central Kalahari’s golden grasslands

• Explore ancient landscapes in the Tuli Block

Botswana is not just a safari—it’s a journey into Africa’s wild heart.
Remote. Refined. Remarkable.