Wildlife in Botswana
Botswana boasts a vibrant and thriving wildlife population. Most large safari animals are readily visible, except for the rhino, which has recently made a comeback. The northern parks are alive with vibrant water sources and teem with a rich variety of wildlife, far surpassing the drier parks found in the south.
Alongside the majestic big cats, the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve are home to one of the largest populations of the critically endangered African wild dog. Wild dog packs traverse vast landscapes, and encountering them can be quite unpredictable, except during their denning season. Sitatunga, red lechwe, and puku roam freely in the vibrant landscapes of the Okavango Delta, Moremi, and the Chobe riverfront area. These unique antelopes thrive in a semi-aquatic environment, often found wading through shallow waters.
Optimal Moments for Observing Wildlife
Typically, the ideal time for observing wildlife is during the Dry season, which spans from May to October. The landscape becomes more open, drawing animals to the water sources, which makes them easier to observe. The Okavango Delta experiences its floods from June to October, creating a thrilling chance to observe wildlife in this extraordinary ecosystem.
The arid parks in the Kalahari region provide exceptional wildlife viewing during the Wet season (November to April) as fresh grasses draw animals from the north.
Bostwana travel Guide
What Wildlife Awaits You on a Safari in Botswana?
1. Aardvark Tswana Title: Thakadu
Aardvark roaming through the vast grasslands of Namibia.
A fascinating creature known as the ‘earth pig’, the aardvark boasts a long tubular snout that is its only feature reminiscent of a pig. However, it’s not the resemblance (or absence of it) to pigs that makes this intriguing mammal a prized encounter on safari. Aardvarks are an uncommon find on game drives throughout Africa and rank high on the bucket lists of many travelers. If you happen to spot one in Botswana, consider yourself among the fortunate few!
Where to Discover Aardvarks in Botswana?
Aardvarks roam the diverse landscapes of Botswana, often making their homes in the vibrant grasslands and enchanting woodlands. The Kalahari Salt Pans and reserves in the Okavango Delta offer an incredible opportunity to encounter these elusive nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat.
2. Bat-Eared Fox
Tswana Name: Motlhose
Two bat-eared foxes roam the vast plains of Botswana.
The bat-eared fox is a charming little animal that bears a striking resemblance to a jackal and belongs to the same family. Their striking silver-grey coat and prominent, bat-like ears stand out as their most remarkable traits. Bat-eared foxes are typically seen in small groups made up of a mated pair and their adorable pups. Bat-eared foxes are inherently monogamous mammals.
Where to Spot Bat-Eared Foxes in Botswana?
Bat-eared foxes can be discovered in the arid landscapes of Botswana, including the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Nxai Pan National Park, and Makgadikgadi Pans.
3. Buffalo Tswana Name: Nare
A buffalo stands majestically in the expansive grasslands of Botswana, embodying the spirit of the wild.
Massive herds of buffalo wander freely across Botswana during the dry season, making it an ideal time for those eager to spot the Big 5 on their safari adventure. Sturdy and robust, with impressive horns crowning their heads, buffalos carry an awe-inspiring reputation, largely shaped by the tales of hunters – a detail that only enhances the creature’s formidable presence. Fortunately, this is quite the opposite of reality. Encountering this friendly bovid in its natural habitat reveals a creature that exudes calmness – that is, until it feels the need to protect itself!
Where to Spot Cape Buffalos in Botswana?
Buffalos can often be seen roaming in various regions of Botswana, but their need for water makes the waterways and floodplains of Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta prime locations for sightings.
4. Bushbuck Tswana Name: Serolobotlhoko
A captivating glimpse of a young bushbuck in Botswana.
Bushbucks, with their charming appearance, could easily be mistaken for a character from the beloved Disney classic Bambi. These medium-sized antelopes boast a light brown coat adorned with up to seven white stripes and delightful white blotches on their sides. They are cautious and easily startled, so don’t be taken aback when one suddenly freezes before swiftly darting into the underbrush upon being seen during a game drive.
Where to Spot Bushbucks in Botswana?
Exploring the Okavango Delta, along with the Kwando-Linyanti and Chobe National Park, offers a thrilling opportunity to encounter bushbucks in their natural habitat.
5. Caracal Tswana Title: Thwane
A captivating glimpse of a caracal in Botswana.
Rare, majestic, and beautiful – three words that capture the essence of a caracal. Medium-sized and highly elusive, this big cat is sleek and designed for stealthy ambushes on its unsuspecting prey. Additionally, they possess incredible speed and are exceptional hunters – rodents and small antelope are no match for them! Consider yourself fortunate if you have the chance to encounter this creature in Botswana.
Where to Encounter Caracals in Botswana?
Caracals roam freely across Botswana, with the Kalahari and Savuti offering the most thrilling opportunities to catch a glimpse of this elusive feline.
6. Cheetah Tswana Name: Lengau
A cheetah sprawled gracefully in the lush grasslands of Botswana.
Cheetahs are among the most at-risk species on the planet. It’s no wonder that this magnificent creature is becoming a rare sight in Botswana, making encounters in the wild all the more extraordinary. While cheetahs hold the title of the fastest land animals and are skilled hunters, they surprisingly occupy a lower position on the predator hierarchy in Botswana. The country boasts a vibrant ecosystem where a diverse array of predators creates a challenging environment for cheetahs to thrive. It’s quite the challenge when they face off against other predators (and even vultures), who frequently swoop in to snatch their hard-earned meal if they don’t consume it fast enough.
Where to Spot Cheetahs in Botswana?
These spotted big cats thrive in the grasslands and woodlands, roaming freely across the stunning landscapes of Botswana. Yet, the most thrilling opportunity to encounter cheetahs awaits you in the Okavango Delta and Linyanti regions.
