15 Cool, Hidden, And Must-see Places to Visit in Botswana
Wildlife provides Botswana with a significant competitive edge over the rest of the globe in terms of tourist attraction. The variety of fauna that inhabit the nation or traverse its borders is remarkable. The region is teeming with a diverse array of flourishing avian species, including vulnerable species like wild dogs and rhinos.
The natural environments are equally remarkable, ranging from the expansive and formidable Kalahari Desert to the serene and spiritual Okavango Delta. Although at times it may appear desolate and void, and at others it may appear verdant and bustling with activity, the terrain is consistently a sight to behold. The scenery is instantly recognizable as African and will exceed all of your expectations prior to the excursion.
Despite the presence of numerous natural attractions, Botswana is presently regarded as one of the most expensive tourist destinations in Africa. Certain high-end accommodations in this destination command exorbitant prices, attracting primarily affluent individuals or couples on once-in-a-lifetime excursions, such as their honeymoons. However, travel aficionados will find self-drive excursions to be a more economical and frequently more gratifying method of discovering the breathtaking nation of Botswana. Let us examine the fifteen most noteworthy destinations in Botswana – Places to Visit in Botswana.
Botswana Useful Links
Best Places to Visit in Botswana
The diverse topography of Botswana’s reserves and parks is the primary factor contributing to its allure as a safari destination. Our specialists have explored every corner of the nation and can assist you in determining the most ideal locations for your Botswana safari by drawing on their personal experience.
The emerald floodplains and shimmering waterways of the Okavango Delta in the north serve as an oasis in this primarily arid continent, attracting mokoro-sightable hippopotami, crocodiles, and clouds of brilliantly plumaged birds. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve, a sandy wilderness interrupted by salt pans and expansive expanses, is the focal point of Botswana. Here, cheetah and black-maned lion prowl over herds of springbok and zebra that are grazing. Chobe National Park, on the other hand, is teeming with elephants throughout the dry season.
Best Places to Visit in Botswana | Travel Video | Travel Guide
Popular Places to visit in Botswana
These locations consistently garner significant attention from our travelers and are featured prominently on our itinerary suggestions for Botswana. The manner in which you incorporate them into your journey can be customized to align with your personal inclinations.
1. Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is without a doubt one of the most magnificent and awe-inspiring wilderness areas in Africa, if not the world. Diverse ecosystems, from arid grasslands to wetlands, comprise the Delta’s pristine wilderness.
The park’s most popular activities are safaris and game viewing; among the many animals that may be spotted are cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, elephants, crocodiles, and rhinoceroses.
Trips ought to be meticulously organized due to the fact that while the terrain is consistently breathtaking, the seasons can have a significant impact on the likelihood of spotting particular animals.
The Outstanding Okavango Delta
It is no longer surprising that the Okavango Delta is regarded as one of the finest biodiversity habitats in the world. Throughout the dry season, the Okavango River inundates its expansive plains, thereby converting it into an enticing magnet for fauna in pursuit of hydration. As a result, it is an unparalleled location to observe wildlife, including uncommon birds and renowned megafauna.
It would be beneficial to spend a few days here in order to seize every opportunity. One day, one may embark on a leisurely mokoro ride through the Delta’s complex waterways, thereby gaining an intimate understanding of its captivating ecosystem. You can embark on a breathtaking hot air balloon journey the following day in order to obtain a bird’s-eye view of this breathtaking landscape.
2. Moremi Game Reserve
Having been voted the finest game reserve in Africa in 2008, this park possesses numerous advantageous qualities. It is the first reserve to be established exclusively by local inhabitants, whose concerns regarding natural and man-made hazards to the area’s fauna and environment grew.
Located on the eastern bank of the Okavango Delta, the reserve showcases an ecosystem that is equally as remarkable as the breathtaking scenery it offers.
Although many visitors arrive by self-drive campervan, there are also a number of excellent accommodations in the park.
The Gorgeous Moremi Game Reserve
Despite being situated in the Okavango Delta, the Moremi Game Reserve is notable for its extraordinary grandeur and rich biodiversity. It is situated in the eastern and central portion of the Delta Delta and consists of forests, floodplains, lagoons, and even the fabled Chief’s Island.
There are numerous species of Africa’s most renowned predators in Moremi, including lions, leopards, and hyenas. Additionally, over 500 species of avian life and a substantial population of endangered wild canines call it home, rendering it an ideal location for birdwatching.
Self Drive Safari For Dummies – Moremi Game Reserve
3. Gabane
This village is an ideal location for on-foot exploration of the highlands and is in close proximity to Gaborone. Surprisingly productive, the village is home to several modest manufacturers, including those that produce metalwork, pottery, and glasswork under the name Pelegano Village Industry.
A must-see attraction at the pottery factory in Gabane is its shop, which sells handcrafted tableware, vases, and other ornamental products.
The primary attraction that attracts visitors to the village, nevertheless, is its exceptional hiking location.
4. Kasane
The Four Corners of Africa, where Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Zambia converge, are traversed through Kasane. It is an ideal lodging option for guests planning to explore Chobe National Park in Botswana or the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
A prominent feature of the town is a monumental Baobab tree whose trunk was once a prison barrier; its dimensions are such that a human could pass through it. Additionally, there is a snake park with approximately fifty snakes of seventeen distinct species.
Additionally, Kasane’s location is ideal for exploring the Chobe River.
5. Maun
Although Maun is frequently visited by travelers en route to the Okavango Delta, it possesses sufficient allure to warrant an extended sojourn. Due in large part to the city’s status as the primary tourist destination in the nation, the hotels, restaurants, and tourist amenities are among the highest quality in the country.
Although the town itself lacks notable attributes, it continues to draw a diverse array of visitors, including those on luxury safaris and volunteers.
By the river are situated some magnificent accommodations that would be ideal for spending a few nights.
6. Gaborone
The capital and most populous city in Botswana is known as Gaborone. Despite its modest size, Gaborone’s modern architecture against the tropical backdrops of this African nation is an unusual sight, and there are not many reasons to visit the city.
A handful of respectable hotels and restaurants dot the expanse of the residential zones. The absence of historical significance in the city further enhances its contemporary ambiance. However, it is undeniably shaping the trajectory of the nation, making it an ideal location to immerse oneself in the ambiance of twenty-first century Botswana.
7. Chobe National Park
Although it is the third largest game reserve in Botswana, this location is home to one of the most dense populations of uncommon game species on the African continent.
The national park is named after the Chobe River, an awe-inspiring sight that is certain to catch your breath at first. The river sustains an ecosystem of rare and exotic animals, including birds, elephants, lions, giraffes, baboons, and buffalo, in addition to being a beautiful sight.
Wintertime offers the unique opportunity to witness a herd of hundreds of elephants at once; this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Fascinating Chobe National Park
Chobe is situated on the northernmost point of Botswana, in close proximity to the magnificent Victoria Falls, which straddle the Zimbabwean and Zambian borders. However, the region is renowned for its enormous elephant and buffalo herds that converge along the Chobe Riverbanks. This is where you should be if you wish to observe these magnificent creatures up close.
Given that Chobe National Park is a relatively well-liked tourist destination, meticulous trip planning is essential. An ultra-remote luxury retreat or a mobile camp that follows the animals can be reserved for your stay. Regardless, be sure to embark on a river excursion at sunset in order to observe elephants from a privileged vantage point.
BEST SAFARI in BOTSWANA (Chobe National Park)
8. Francistown
The municipality with the shortest history is the second most populous in Botswana. Francistown was founded on gold mining prior to the arrival of Europeans who sought to profit from it. Indeed, the municipality derives its nomenclature from Daniel Francis, a British national.
The town’s primary attractions comprise the Supa Ngwao Museum, whose diverse exhibits chronicle the way of life and culture of the Kalanga people. Birds and Game Botswana is an additional sanctuary for injured orphaned wildlife.
The town is presently undergoing a period of economic expansion as a result of the recent resurgence in gold extraction.
9. Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Untrodden, enigmatic, and astoundingly expansive, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is an authentic wilderness that will transport you to the notion of solitary exploration throughout Africa. During the day, you are enveloped by magnificent grasslands, and at night, the heavens are as clear as the clearest in the world.
There are innumerable wild animals of every size and shape that are attracted by the summer precipitation, including enormous herds of wildebeast and springbok.
The primary attraction for visitors to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve during the more severe winter months is the indescribable expanse of land and authentic African wilderness.
The Untouched Kalahari Desert
While the Kalahari is a well-known geographical feature, its physical presence remains elusive to a minority. Indeed, its exceptional nature is in part due to its overwhelming inaccessibility. This expansive region comprising undulating plains, grasslands, and valleys is teeming with an extraordinary variety of fauna and plants. From lions and leopards to gemsbok and giraffes, everything can be observed here.
Beyond engaging in thrilling safaris and nature treks, the Kalahari is an ideal destination for immersing oneself in the local culture. It is inhabited by the San, an indigenous people descended from some of the earliest inhabitants of Africa. By personally encountering them on their ancestral land, one can acquire knowledge regarding their ancient culture and ancestral methods of life.
10. Jwaneng
Constructed atop the world’s wealthiest diamond mine, Jwaneng’s name translates literally to “place of small stones.” However, these stones are considerably more valuable than the average marble.
The mine produced more than 13 million carats from an astounding 10.5 million tons of ore in just one year. The community features dining establishments and lodging establishments.
Additionally, the adjacent Jwana Game Park, which recently introduced two white rhinos, is supported by this mine.
11. Tsodilo Hills
Narrowly above the northwest Kalahari, the Tsodilo Hills emerge from the earth. The remarkable nature of these diversely shaped and sized rock formations is further accentuated by the relatively level terrain that surrounds them in the Kalahari.
The Tsodillo Hills, which are situated in 200 different locations, are an astounding 4000 cave paintings and are recognized as a Unesco World Heritage site. Other evidence, including the cave paintings, indicates that the highlands have been inhabited for more than 30,000 years.
Winter is the most favorable season to visit, given that summer can be unbearably humid.
12. Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
Despite the mouth-watering moniker, the justifications for visiting Makgadikgadi Pans National Park are straightforward.
Due to its location along the Boteti River, the park sustains an extensive and varied ecosystem.
During the arid season, when animals migrate from great distances to the river, which is the only source of water for a considerable distance, the fauna becomes especially diverse.
The Stark Salt Pans of Makgadikgadi
Located in the heart of the Kalahari, Makgadikgadi is an exceptional location in all of Botswana. Although not precisely a prime location for game viewing, this location is well worth a visit due to its breathtaking scenery. Its expanse is devoid of any vegetation, with only stray boulders and baobab trees serving to obscure the view.
In addition to soaking in this eerily tranquil environment, archaeological sites provide insight into the San people’s past. Rapidly traverse the level terrain aboard a quad cycle, where you will come across ancient fossil beds and peculiarly adapted animals such as meerkats and hyenas. Spend a few nights in one of San Camp’s elegant tents to get the entire experience.
KUBU ISLAND | MAKGADIKGADI PANS | The Ultimate Botswana Adventure
13. Gweta
Gweta, which is primarily visited by travelers en route to Muan or Kasane, is noteworthy due to the bullfrog species that calls the area by name.
Frogs burrow into the sand until precipitation occurs, at which point they emerge from their sandy dormancy.
Aside from these incredible creatures, Gweta offers little else of interest; however, the gas station is convenient for passing through and you will likely stop there at some point during your stay.
14. Kang
Kang exudes an authentic sense of exploration and discovery by virtue of its geographical positioning amidst Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana.
Although not the most aesthetically pleasing location in Botswana, the town also fails to offer an abundance of attractions or points of interest, it does provide restaurants and guesthouses that can serve as lodging options or as a stepping stone to further exploration in Botswana.
Although the cuisine in Kang may not stand out as the most remarkable of your time in the country, it does offer reasonably priced meals that are substantial in nature.
15. Savuti
Due to its strategic location in the extreme region of Chobe National Park, Savuti is among the most frequented safari destinations in Botswana. With the exception of rhinos, all of the most well-known and remarkable creatures visit the area year-round because of the river.
Historically, this expansive and sparsely populated region was a superlake that occupied an empty space in northern Botswana.
There are numerous opulent lodges in the region for those who are willing to spend their money on the very finest. Additionally, there are magnificent accommodations for motorists passing through the region.