Lying in Southern Africa is the landlocked country of Botswana. It is one of the premier safari destinations in this region. The country is famed for exquisite African safari adventures. A Botswana trip offers a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience.
Botswana is filled with a rollercoaster of experiences. A trip to the Chobe River, the Okavango Delta, and Victoria Falls- you can have all of this and much more by choosing one of the Best Botswana Trip Packages to plan your dream vacation.
Just like Africa is known for its lush landscapes that are thriving with wildlife, Botswana also boasts of a large number of species of animals and birds alike. You won’t be bored for even a single second, as you explore the depths of Botswana.
The San and Khoi people are the original inhabitants of Botswana. For years the country has displayed a rich culture and tradition. So, along with safaris, travelers can also encounter a vibrant culture during a Botswana trip.
Whether it be a quirky and fun-filled mokoro ride at the Delta, a soothing boat ride at Chobe River, or standing in the presence of Victoria Falls, you’re about to experience a magical wonderland of scenic beauty, infused with adventure and thrill.
Botswana has an unusual topography. Up to 70 percent of its territory is covered by the Kalahari Desert. The Okavango Delta is the world’s largest inland delta found in Botswana. Alongside deltas and deserts, the country has diverse wildlife habitats. It has grasslands and savannahs supporting significant biodiversity. Victoria Falls sits in close proximity to Botswana. Travelers can visit this attraction easily by opting for Botswana travel packages.
Game drives and safaris are immensely exciting as you get to see the wildlife from a lot closer than you can imagine, and you can see them in their natural habitat.
Botswana is going to steal your heart away!
On Botswana safaris, one is bound to encounter diverse species of wildlife. The popular African big five are found in the country. They include lions leopards, buffalos, elephants, and rare rhinos. They live alongside a wide range of other animals. These are giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, antelopes, hippos, and many more.
During a Botswana trip, herds of elephants are an iconic sight to see. One can also witness endangered animal species. These include spotted hyenas, black rhinos, cheetahs, and African wild dogs. These animal species are dispersed in many areas around the country.
Travelers can observe the unusual desert-adapted creatures of Botswana. Gemsbok, eland, and Kalahari lion, are some of them. The five shy animals of the country namely aardwolf, meerkat, aardvark, porcupines, and bat-eared fox are also seen.
Botswana offers incredible birdwatching opportunities. Along with wildlife enthusiasts, birders also find this country a haven. It is home to more than 600 bird varieties, both migratory and endemic. Due to the wide range of ecosystems, birds inhabit various parts of the country. Fish Eagle is the signature bird of Botswana. It is often found across the country’s waterways.
In the arid regions of the Kalahari, birds flock in large numbers. They tend to establish breeding colonies in the wetlands of the Okavango Delta. The most famous sight to see during a Botswana trip is the lesser and greater flamingos. They congregate in thousands. These pink birds are spotted on Makgadikgadi Pans, typically after the rainy season. Another special bird to witness is the Red Billed Queleas. They are officially known to be Africa’s most plentiful bird species.
The wildebeest migration is one of the most celebrated wildlife events in the world. It takes place in Kenya’s Masai Mara. The migration involves millions of wildebeests joined by other plain animals on a long journey. It is an annual migration that is extremely popular among tourists visiting Africa.
However, another lesser-known migration that takes place in the African continent is the zebra migration. This wild spectacle is almost unknown, and takes place in Botswana. This mass migration occurs twice a year. Herds of zebras move from north to south and vice versa. They travel in search of fresh grazing lands. These animals are known to cover at least 300 miles during their course of migration. One can spot up to 30,000 zebras traveling together. Although it is not the largest migration in Africa, it is known to be the largest in Southern Africa. It is a special experience to watch the relatively ‘unknown’ zebra migration during a Botswana trip.
Technically, zebra migration can be experienced all over the country. However, the routes taken during the migration are often remote and difficult to travel through. Nevertheless, travelers can spot the migration in two of the famous parks of Botswana. The migration starts and ends in Chobe national park and Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.
A Botswana tour involves visiting the best places to spot the African wildlife. One can come across several varieties of animal and bird species. Moreover, they are filled with scenic vistas and unique landscapes, not found elsewhere. Here are some of the top places to see in Botswana.
Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is a World Heritage Site. It is situated in the heart of the Kalahari basin, north of Botswana. The Okavango is Africa’s largest inland river delta. It covers an area between 6000 and 15000 km2. The delta has a distinctive ecosystem. As it is seasonally flooded during the dry season, the biological cycles between plants and animals are adjusted according to their movements. This exceptional interaction is only seen in the Okavango Delta.
The delta has permanent waters that attract a diverse group of animals, especially during the dry season. In this season, the animals move into the delta to graze. The Okavango is an important inland wetland. It houses a variety of wildlife including predators and more than 400 types of birds.
During game drives, one can even spot the Big Five African animals. It is one of the few places on Earth that displays colorful biodiversity. It is highly suggested to explore the Okavango Delta through activities like motorboat safaris or bush walks. Travelers on a Botswana trip are highly recommended to visit the Okavango Delta.
Moremi Game Reserve
Moremi Game Reserve is a picturesque and protected area of the country. It is found in the eastern part of the Okavango Delta. It consists of pans, floodplains, grasslands, forests, lagoons, savannahs, and other such topography. Moremi is one of the finest game-viewing regions. This game reserve offers a refuge for a diverse population of African wildlife. It was the first wildlife sanctuary that was established by the local African tribe of the BaTawana people.
Moremi’s unique ecosystem allows sightings of equally assorted wildlife. Herds of wildebeests, zebras, impalas, buffalos, and elephants are seen. Oftentimes, they migrate from the Kalahari Desert to Moremi in search of food and water. In the open grasslands of Moremi roam lions, cheetahs, and ferocious packs of wild dogs. Many bird species such as the sacred ibis, the crested crane, and the African fish eagle are found in the reserve.
On the outskirts of Moremi lies the area of Khwai. It is a region filled with evergreen forests. Khwai boasts excellent predator and prey action. In Khwai, large lion pride and consistent sightings of leopards are common. Another area called Xakanaxa Lagoon comprises mopane forests and shallow flooded areas. The Lagoon has an incredible density of cheetahs and leopards as well as antelopes. One can also observe phenomenal birdlife here.
Chobe National Park
Chobe national park is the third largest park in the country. It is named after the Chobe River. The park is referred to as the ‘land of the giants. It is home to the largest elephant population in Africa. Moreover, it has a rich biodiversity, an abundance of wildlife, and unparalleled landscapes. The park is divided into four areas or ecosystems. Each offers a unique experience.
Chobe is well known for its herds of buffalos and a healthy population of lions. Kudus, zebras, wildebeest, impalas, and puku antelope are some of the plain animals spotted here. Carnivores like hyenas are the dominant predators of Chobe. In certain areas of the park, leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs are spotted.
Guaranteed wildlife sightings are seen near the Linyanti or Chobe River. The river is filled with water-dependent animals like hippos, Nile crocodiles, waterbuck, and near-threatened species of red lechwe antelope. Chobe is also a hotspot for avid birders. Southern Africa, it has the highest density of raptors. Rare species include the bateleur eagle, the lappet-faced vulture, and the African skimmer. Chobe National Park is a must-visit during a Botswana trip.
Makgadikgadi pans
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is a vast area comprising huge salt pans. These pans are found within the Kalahari Desert. The salt pans are the remnants of a large lake that dried up thousands of years ago. Due to makgadikgadi’s massive size, they are the world s largest salt pan.
The pans are found in the heart of the dry savannah in northeastern Botswana. The pans are the most beautiful sites on earth. It houses unique wildlife in a barren land. Makgadikgadi Pans are covered with sandy deserts. It has an extreme environment, similar to the surrounding Kalahari Desert. The pans become an essential habitat for migrating animals and birds after the rainy season.
Many unique animals have adapted to salt-encrusted and flat pans. It is here that travelers can witness the biggest zebra population as the migration travels through the pans. Other hoofed animals like wildebeest and springboks are also seen. They are closely followed by lions, cheetahs, and leopards. One of the best ways to enjoy your Botswana trip is to opt for camping safaris in the park. It allows for an exclusive yet an exhilarating experience in the pans.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
The Kalahari Desert is spread along a large region of Southern Africa. It travels through Botswana into the adjacent countries of Namibia and South Africa. The Kalahari region may appear seemingly inhospitable. But various animal and bird species have adapted to it. Kalahari is divided into different reserves and national parks. They act as a sanctuary for Botswana’s thriving flora and fauna.
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is situated in Botswana. This magnificent reserve cannot be missed during a Botswana trip. The reserve is large in size and sits in a secluded location. Travelers can enjoy exclusive wildlife sightings here. Moreover, Central Kalahari is panoramic and scenic. Once the dry months begin, desolate pans are seen. These pans offer the best photographic opportunities.
A large number of plain animals are frequently spotted here. These include kudus, red hartebeests, gemsbok, giraffes, elephants, and more. The reserve also houses cheetahs, leopards, and the legendary black-maned lions. The deserts of Central Kalahari are the complete opposite of the Okavango Delta’s wetlands. There are several attractions found inside the reserve. Some of them are Leopard’s Pans, Piper’s Pan, Deception Valley, and other fossilized river valleys.
Tuli Block
The Tuli Block is a wildlife-rich area sitting in Eastern Botswana. It is an underrated site to include in a Botswana trip. It is an alliance of several concessions. Tuli Block goes on to form one of the largest private game reserves in Southern Africa. The reserve is located within a narrow strip along the Limpopo River. In the past, it was an area of private farms but it transformed into a wildlife sanctuary soon after.
Tuli Block encompasses many reserves. One of them is the Northern Tuli Game Reserve. It has emerged as an important safari destination. Its landscape differs greatly as the reserve sits between South Africa and Zimbabwe. Its topography is largely rocky with huge gorges and rock formations. Furthermore, it has a number of rivers, riverine forests, baobab trees, and savannahs.
The reserve is excellent for year-round wildlife viewing. The elephant population is the most popular here. Plenty of lions, leopards, hyenas, and cheetahs are found in its savannahs. Large mammals such as giraffes, elands, and waterbucks are seen easily in the reserve.
Tuli Block is well-known from a historical perspective. A 30-meter-high basalt cliff called Solomon’s Wall is a photogenic attraction. Many such archaeological finds are spread across the reserve. The most famous is the rock art of the San people found in the Motlhabaneng area.
Botswana is an incredible destination all year round. However, a Botswana trip can be enjoyed during the dry season. This season takes place between May and October. Travelers can expect warm days and chilly nights. During this season, the Okavango Delta oversees a rise in its water levels. It creates waterways and channels for the wildlife and birdlife of Botswana.
In contrast, the green season begins in November and ends in April. It is best for those not minding odd showers. The number of tourists is low during this season. Moreover, the foliage is extremely scenic and animals give birth to their young ones during this period.
The best time to see the Zebra Migration is during the rainy season. They are best witnessed in the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. The rainy season is marked from December to March. In these months, one can spot zebras grazing on the seasonal grass of the Makgadikgadi Pans. As this is the off-season, tourists are seen in few numbers. Although one may experience rainy showers, it is an incredible sight to see hundreds of zebras moving across the land together.
A Botswana trip offers adventures amid the African wilderness. It is a vacation bound to create unforgettable memories. Contact Wild Voyager to enquire about exciting Botswana travel packages today.
| Day 1 |
Arrival and trip to the Okavango Delta The Okavango Delta is a myriad of crystal-clear waterways and a unique landscape that you'll get to visit as part of the Botswana safari packages. After your arrival, you'll be taken to your accommodation. Soon, you'll head over to your first activity—a mokoro ride! Mokoros are special types of canoes used specifically in the Okavango Delta. Enjoy your mokoro ride to the fullest as you take in the beautiful sights that pass you by. Okavango supports many different landscapes. Situated in the Kalahari Desert, Okavango has a special place in contributing to the wildlife and vegetation there. You'll go on a guided safari walk where you might spot zebras, giraffes, hippos, elephants, etc. |
| Day 2 |
Exploring Okavango Delta Go on an exploratory walk in the Okavango Delta. There'll be guides present to guide you every step of the way, and you can acclimatize yourself to the wildlife around you. The Okavango Delta has unique and rich biodiversity; it'll take you a day to explore it in detail. Take as many photographs as you want and try to capture the beauty you see with your camera. Have a hearty lunch before you set out on a mokoro ride or a walk again. |
| Day 3 |
Trip to the Moremi Game Reserve After your wonderful experience in the Okavango Delta, get ready for another adventurous trip to the Moremi Reserve. Collaborating with the best Botswana safari companies will ensure that no stone is left unturned in the exploration of African wildlife in the best way possible. Moremi brags of a variety of landscapes clubbed together, such as waterways, floodplains, pools, grasslands, lagoons, pans, riparian forests, etc. It's a birder's paradise as well as the perfect place for game-watching. |
| Day 4 |
Another day at Moremi Game Reserve After a delicious early breakfast, go on a game drive. Moremi is rich with a vast variety of wildlife and birds. You'll find herds of elephants roaming around the plains, as well as the exotic Cape buffalo. Other wildlife animals to see are wild dogs, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, hippos, etc. There are many bird species in Moremi, and any birder would be happy roaming around trying to spot the different kinds of birds, like the Martial Eagle, African Fish Eagle, Tawny Eagle, African Skimmer, Green-winged Pytilia, etc. Go for safaris and game viewing to make the most of this Moremi experience. |
| Day 5 |
On your way to Savuti (Chobe) Savuti is infamous for its dangerous predators, lions, hyenas, and cheetahs. The Savuti River is essential to the ecosystem and is a watering hole for wildebeests, zebras, antelopes, etc. Early morning and late afternoon game drives are the best way to make use of the Botswana Safari packages. |
| Day 6 |
Another day at Savuti(Chobe) Savuti is well known for the exceptional game-viewing experiences it can provide. So it only makes sense that your day begins with a wonderful game drive. Return at noon for lunch, and then relax! Apart from the afternoon game drive, you can also discover the Bushman paintings nearby. |
| Day 7 |
Visiting the Chobe National Park All the best Botswana safari packages include Chobe National Park. Not only is it a prime tourist spot, but it also has immense value for the Botswana ecosystem. The Chobe River is integral to building and maintaining the buzzing wildlife and fauna of the Chobe National Park. After your last game drive in Savuti, you'll visit the park. The Chobe National Park alone consists of three different landscapes: floodplains, swamps, and woodland. Chobe is famous for roan and sable antelopes, as well as the African buffalo and the big cats. You'll go on frequent game drives to explore Chobe. |
| Day 8 |
From Chobe to Victoria Falls Look at Chobe from a whole new perspective as you go on a tranquil boat ride on the Chobe River. Click lots of photographs and capture hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds! After your Chobe River escapade, head on over to Victoria Falls. Visiting Victoria Falls and being in the presence of such a mighty form of nature is exhilarating in itself. You can engage in many activities at Victoria Falls. |
| Day 9 |
Departure Your nine-day Botswana tour ends here! You'll be transferred to the International Airport so that you can take a flight home. There is no doubt that you'll miss Botswana and your experience here. Au revoir! |
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