Common Inquiries

What is the ideal time to explore Botswana?

The ideal period to explore Botswana is between July and October, as the dry season enhances the experience of observing wildlife. Another perfect opportunity to explore Botswana is during the region’s “shoulder season” from May to June, a time that falls between the low and high seasons, offering fewer travelers and pleasant temperatures as added perks.

What are the most exciting destinations to explore in Botswana?

If you’re planning a trip to Botswana, be sure to explore the vast, wildlife-abundant Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and the iconic Kalahari Basin. One of the largest wetland wildernesses in the world, the Okavango Delta features permanent marshlands, seasonally flooded plains, and the renowned Moremi Game Reserve, where traditional safari game drives unveil all of Africa’s Big Five animals. The Chobe River meanders through Chobe National Park, showcasing lush riverine forests, expansive floodplains, and an astonishing congregation of 120,000 elephants. The vast expanse of Botswana’s 460,000-square-mile Kalahari Basin is characterized by its ancient desert sands and rugged scrublands. It’s also home to one of the largest salt flats in the world at Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, where rains transform desolation into a vibrant wildlife haven, showcasing curious meerkats and majestic Kalahari lions throughout the year.

Which game reserves in Botswana offer the most thrilling experiences?

Botswana is home to breathtaking wildlife and some of Africa’s finest game reserves, including the Moremi Game Reserve in the vibrant Okavango Delta, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, and the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. Renowned as the “predator capital of Africa,” the Moremi Game Reserve features an incredible abundance of lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Giraffes, hyenas, and wild dogs inhabit the vast expanse of the 20,400-square-mile Central Kalahari Game Reserve, the second largest game reserve in the world. Meanwhile, in Makgadikgadi, meerkat societies and majestic African baobab trees emerge from the world’s largest network of salt pans, attracting zebras and flamingos during the rainy season.

Will I witness the incredible spectacle of the Great Migration in Botswana?

The famous “Great Migration” of wildebeest and zebras takes place not in Botswana, but in East Africa, where millions of wildebeests, zebras, antelopes, and other herd animals journey from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya.

What should I pack for a safari in Botswana?

Choosing your outfit for a Botswana safari is easier than you might imagine and can be distilled into a handful of essential pieces. Temperature can vary, so consider layering up and pack light, breathable cotton or hybrid short-sleeve shirts, cozy sweaters, and a windbreaker or lined jacket for your journey. Select cozy convertible or athleisure pants instead of jeans and slacks, along with sturdy closed-toed shoes that can handle a bit of dirt. Be sure to pack a wide-brimmed hat to shield yourself from the sun, some bug spray with a strong DEET formula, binoculars for spotting distant wonders, and a compact flashlight for those exciting nighttime escapades. Ultimately, when selecting luggage, soft-sided options or duffels are favored and frequently necessary for stowing away on safari vehicles and light aircraft.

What kinds of wildlife can I encounter in Botswana?

In Botswana’s Okavango Delta, an incredible variety of wildlife awaits discovery. This encompasses all of Africa’s iconic Big Five animals — the lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and Cape buffalo; along with hippos, cheetahs, giraffes, Nile crocodiles, brown and spotted hyenas, zebras, warthogs, black and white rhinos, chacma baboons; a stunning array of antelope species, including the greater kudu, sable antelope, and blue wildebeests; as well as large packs of endangered African wild dogs. Exploring the vast salt plains of the legendary Kalahari in Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pans National Park reveals a vibrant tapestry of wildlife, including majestic elephants, graceful giraffes, striking zebras, formidable wildebeests, and the iconic lion, alongside the spirited and charming meerkat.