Raw wilderness, jungle safaris, Okavango Delta and the vast Kalahari desert define the landscape of Botswana in southern Africa. Be ready to pay a premium for visiting Botswana, which follows a “high-value, low-volume” strategy, to help it reduce the negative impact of over-tourism on its wildlife and culture.
Botswana’s low-key capital Gaborone sees a limited number of visitors – but it can be a good place to get the pulse of the nation. Many come here to explore the easily accessible Gaborone Game Reserve. A jungle safari in Chobe National Park, which has a huge elephant population is the primary reason people visit Botswana. This biologically diverse park is the country’s first-ever national park and the best place to encounter the “Big 5” along with other animals like antelope, wildebeest, hyena and zebra. It is also a great bird-watching destination.
Botswana is home to one of the world’s largest inland deltas – the UNESCO world heritage listed Okavango Delta. It is accessed from the riverside town of Maun, the country’s tourism hub. Moremi Game Reserve, one of the most accessible corners of the Okavango features some of Botswana’s most luxurious lodges and is the best place to encounter wildlife. Depending on the season and terrain, It can either be explored on a mokoro (dugout canoe), a 4WD or on foot. East of the delta lies Makgadikgadi Pans National Park – one of the world’s largest salt pans, comprising grasslands, pools, and the baobab-dotted Kubu island – a national monument of Botswana.
Located in the centre of the country, the rugged desert landscape of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is known for black-maned Kalahari lions. The reserve’s remoteness alone makes it a great destination for nature buffs.
Human settlements in Botswana date back to prehistoric times, evidence of which can be found at the UNESCO world heritage site of Tsodilo Hills, in the form of numerous rock art. It is also home to the indigenous San people of Botswana (also known as Bushmen), who have been living in the region for a long time.
Botswana is an excellent country for a wildlife adventure and you are guaranteed to witness some of the most celebrated animals of Africa. Apart from that, the country’s delicious food and friendly people will make your trip more delightful.
Chobe National Park has a huge elephant population and is the primary reason people visit Botswana.
