1. The most extensive gathering of elephants in Africa

Expansive Elephant Gatherings Botswana is home to vast herds of elephants.
Botswana is the ultimate haven for elephants. Housing over 140,000 elephants, it is a vibrant sanctuary for nearly a third of Africa’s total elephant population. Since a hunting ban was implemented in 2014, elephant populations in Botswana have been steadily rising, with conservation initiatives receiving accolades from preservationists globally.

While hunting has made a comeback, it is still carving out its niche, and Botswana remains a bastion for elephant populations, serving as a guiding light for the rest of Africa to emulate. The most impressive gatherings are found in Northern Botswana, where vast herds roam across the stunning landscapes of the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and the Kwando Linyanti regions. When choosing camps for your journey, you may find it quite rare to encounter significant herds of elephants at any of the Okavango Delta, Chobe, or Linyanti camps.

Yet, some of my most memorable experiences have taken place while perched on the decking of my tent at Kwando Linyanti Camp. Nestled within the expansive, secluded Kwando Reserve, flanked by the Chobe and Okavango Rivers, this region boasts a vibrant population of thousands of elephants. During our recent two-night stay, we experienced thrilling leopard sightings, majestic lions, the rare brown hyena, and to cap it all off, we were graced with the daily presence of massive herds of over 300 elephants quenching their thirst at the lagoon right outside our rooms.

2. In Botswana, a remarkable 40% of the land is dedicated to national parks and reserves.

Vibrant Botswana 2 secluded, unique safaris in Botswana
One of the main reasons safari goers are so captivated by Botswana is the experience of authentic wilderness it offers. Numerous individuals embark on safari to escape the hustle and bustle, immersing themselves in the pure essence of nature. Botswana offers an unparalleled experience that stands out among all African nations. This does, however, lead to many of the camps being out of reach because of the price associated with this exclusivity.

Botswana operates on a premium tourism model that offers unique wildlife encounters in incredibly secluded and wildlife-abundant regions. In contrast to numerous other safari locations, the secluded nature of the camps means that many can only be reached by a small plane charter. While this may raise the trip’s expenses, it undoubtedly enhances the thrill of the experience.

Botswana recognizes the significance of conservation and how travel and tourism contribute to the economy, leading to the division of much of its land into National Parks, game reserves, private concessions, and protected areas. The most renowned include Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Botswana effortlessly embraces this balance, showcasing minimal conflict between humans and wildlife, thanks to its remarkably low population density, ranking 7th in the world.

3. A place where vast salt pans stretch endlessly

The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are a location that resonates deeply with me. I dedicated almost three years to guiding in this remarkable place, immersing myself in the vibrant sights and sounds of the surroundings. I was fortunate to learn from some of the finest mentors, the Zu’hoasi bushmen, who have called this land home for millennia. Spanning more than 30,000 km2, the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans stand as the largest in the world, outshining the Bolivian Salar de Uyuni salt pan.

The Makgadikgadi stands out due to its remarkable variety of species. In contrast to the Okavango Delta to the North, the Makgadikgadi may lack the vast herds of plains game, yet it offers a chance to encounter the more elusive inhabitants like aardwolf, brown hyena, and meerkats. The vast stretches of grassland merging with the flat saltpans offer minimal shelter from a probing spotlight, turning night drives into an essential experience.

In the wetter months from December to March, the rains transform the landscape entirely. Lush grasses soak up the nutrients surrounding the pans, beckoning Africa’s second largest zebra migration to journey west from the Boteti River, where they graze alongside predators like cheetahs and lions in pursuit. From a birder’s perspective, the winter months offer an exciting opportunity to observe flamingos as both the greater and lesser flamingos journey to the pans to feed, mate, and lay their eggs.

Three camps emerge as exceptional options for your stay. Jacks Camp, San Camp, and Camp Kalahari are managed by the same operator and are ideally situated on the edge of the pans, providing year-round access to the nearby wildlife and, crucially, the opportunity to explore the salt pans when conditions are dry enough.

4. A place where the vastness of nature unfolds in breathtaking ways

Spanning over 15,000 km2, the Okavango Delta stands as the largest inland delta globally, and with its pristine, untouched wildlife, it is frequently described as the closest thing to Eden on Earth. Its vastness contributes to being one of the most wildlife-rich regions in Africa, boasting one of the highest densities of elephants and large carnivores on the continent, making it an essential destination for any Botswana safari.

Surrounded by the Caprivi Strip to the North, Nxai Pan and Chobe to the East, and the Central Kalahari to the South, the waterways of the Okavango Delta infuse vitality into the Kalahari Sands. 40% of the Delta system comprises the renowned Moremi Game Reserve, while the remainder consists of more than 20 exclusive private concessions.

Mombo Camp is a must-visit destination for any itinerary, though it does come with a price that reflects its exceptional offerings. This is one of the first places where white and black rhinos found a new home, and it has become a true sanctuary for both species. The northern edge of Chiefs Island, embraced by floodplains and permanent water, creates an ideal setting for a vibrant array of species. In its secluded setting, far from the hustle and bustle of human activity in the heart of the Okavango, wildlife has flourished, offering breathtaking game viewing all year round. With regular encounters of lions, cheetahs, leopards, wild dogs, and hyenas, it’s truly a hub for thrilling wildlife experiences. The ideal period to explore the Okavango delta is from May to October.

The rains pour from November to March, transforming the landscape into a vibrant tapestry of lush greenery, towering grasses, and abundant surface water. This abundance leads to the game spreading out, making sightings a bit more challenging. However, don’t be discouraged; the game is still waiting to be discovered, and the surroundings are absolutely breathtaking. As May arrives, the surface water gradually sinks into the sands, the grasses begin to wither, and the bush reveals its hidden expanses. As the winter months unfold, the excitement of the game continues to grow, but keep in mind, this is a remote and untamed setting, so a good dose of luck is still part of the experience.

5. Convenient pathways to explore other places

Explore the captivating map of Botswana, showcasing its boundaries and cities for your next journey.
Not many are aware that Botswana boasts the world’s shortest border. The border between Botswana and Zambia stretches a mere 700m, allowing for easy access to breathtaking sights like the Victoria Falls with just a quick drive through immigration from the gates of Chobe National Park.

Adventurous souls with ample time can fully immerse themselves in Botswana’s diverse wildlife hotspots while embarking on an exhilarating overland self-drive journey to discover neighboring countries like Namibia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Zambia.

The allure of Botswana lies in the fact that every journey to this enchanting place is remarkable and memorable, with each moment of every day offering something extraordinary. However, discovering the perfect spots to explore at the ideal moments can truly enhance your experience during your time away. Reach out or send an online inquiry to connect with one of our specialists regarding your travel aspirations.

Curious about your upcoming journey to Botswana? Explore our guide on the ideal time to experience Botswana.