Things to Do in Botswana
Must-Visit Places, Highlights & Urban Centers in Botswana
Khama Rhino Sanctuary
The Khama Rhino Sanctuary was founded in 1992 with the mission of protecting Botswana’s endangered rhino population and revitalizing the local wildlife, ultimately enhancing community benefits through tourism. In addition to being a haven for rhinos, the facility acts as a vibrant educational center for communities from Francistown, Botswana’s second-largest city.
The sanctuary’s essence lies in the Serwe Pan, an expansive dip in the Kalahari Desert, where natural water holes draw in a vibrant array of wildlife. Simple campsites and cozy chalets offer places to stay, while guests can encounter a variety of wildlife, including rhinos, through exciting game drives and invigorating walks.
Khwai River Region
The Khwai River Area in Botswana is an exhilarating wildlife destination, nestled between Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe Park on the brink of the Okavango Delta. Run and maintained by the local community, the Khwai Community Concession and Khwai Private Reserve span approximately 200,000 hectares of untamed land. The Khwai River Area is a celebrated destination for remarkable wildlife observation year-round, offering plentiful chances to encounter majestic mammals, diverse bird species, and a variety of other creatures, including formidable predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas. Alongside the fantastic safari activities, a visit to the Khwai village unveils the richness of traditional African culture, presenting a one-of-a-kind chance to immerse oneself in the vibrant rural life of Botswana.
Adventurers in the Khwai River Area can immerse themselves in the landscape through exhilarating game drives and safari tours, choosing from a variety of accommodations that range from comfortable lodges to basic campsites for those seeking a more rugged experience.
Bostwana travel Guide
Things to Do in Botswana
Savuti Marsh and Linyati
The Savuti Marsh, nestled within Botswana’s Chobe National Park, is a realm teeming with fierce predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, alongside the enigmatic Savuti channel that has ebbed and flowed throughout the ages. The Kwando, Selinda, and Linyanti concessions present incredible chances to observe wildlife, with the enduring waters of the Kwando and Linyanti Rivers acting as vital migration hubs for animals throughout the dry season.
Intimate and secluded camps offer a unique experience surrounded by the wilderness, an intriguing array of wildlife, and the tranquil allure of wetlands and waterways. The wet season draws in a vibrant array of migratory birds and animals, as thousands of zebras converge around the Mababe Depression. Wandering through the Kwando, Selinda, and Linyanti concessions, whether on foot or gliding in a mokoro, is an essential experience for every wildlife lover.
Deception Valley, Kalahari Desert
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve boasts the remarkable Deception Valley. It is a vast, arid fossil river valley embraced by towering sand dunes, expansive grasslands, and enchanting acacia woodlands. The valley is known for its intriguing landscape, which frequently gives the illusion of being abundant in water, thanks to the captivating mirages that arise in the heat.
Deception Valley boasts a rich tapestry of wildlife, featuring majestic predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, alongside graceful herbivores such as springbok, oryx, and wildebeest. The area is a paradise for birdwatchers, boasting more than 200 bird species that call this region home.
The ideal time to explore Deception Valley in the Kalahari Desert is during the wet season, which spans from December to March. Even though the roads may be muddy during this season, it is a time when the valley bursts with vitality, and wildlife journeys through the park, congregating around the Deception Valley pans.
Tsodilo Hills
The Tsodilo Hills is a breathtaking open-air art gallery showcasing more than 4,000 ancient rock paintings crafted by the San Bushmen. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these paintings are found across around 400 locations, showcasing scenes of hunting, ritual dances, and the wildlife that can still be encountered on African safaris today.
The San Bushmen hold this area in deep reverence, viewing it as the origin of humanity and a serene resting place for the spirits of those who have passed on. Archaeologists believe the area has been home to people for the last 100,000 years, with some rock art tracing back over 20,000 years. Local guides are ready to help adventurers explore the three main hills, and there’s a simple campsite along with a small but insightful museum on the premises.
The Tuli Block
The Tuli Block in eastern Botswana is a captivating region that meets the borders of South Africa and Zimbabwe, where the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers converge. Once transformed into a wildlife sanctuary a few decades ago, the Tuli Block is made up of diverse reserves, such as Mashatu Game Reserve and Northern Tuli Game Reserve. The region is adorned with stunning rivers, lush riverine forests, expansive savannahs, and majestic baobab trees, offering endless opportunities for wildlife observation, featuring impressive herds of elephants, lions, leopards, and even cheetahs.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, created by the union of South Africa’s Kalahari Gemsbok National Park and Botswana’s Gemsbok National Park, presents an extraordinary wilderness experience featuring expansive salt pans, breathtaking dunes, and a rich array of wildlife in the summer months (January – April). The park is vast, spanning an impressive 38,000 km² (14,670 mi²). Reaching Botswana can be quite the expedition, demanding a rugged 4×4 vehicle, proficient driving abilities, and a knack for self-sufficient camping. Stay in camps on the South African side of the park for an exciting experience.
Kutse Game Reserve
Khutse Game Reserve is a wild and untamed expanse situated in the western region of Botswana, spanning more than 2,500 Km² (1553 mi²). The reserve shares its northern border with the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and is renowned for its breathtaking desert scenery and wide-open savannah grasslands. The game reserve is home to an array of wildlife, featuring cheetahs, leopards, endangered brown hyenas, African-painted wolves, and a variety of antelope species. With its secluded setting and rugged landscape, Khutse Game Reserve offers an exceptional destination for seasoned explorers seeking a distinctive and unconventional safari journey in Botswana.
Urban Centers of Botswana
Botswana boasts a variety of cities, each brimming with its own distinct allure and rich history. Gaborone, the capital city, is a vibrant metropolis filled with towering skyscrapers and a lively business district. Francistown, the second-largest city, buzzes with trade and industry, steeped in a fascinating colonial history. Maun, in contrast, serves as a portal to the Okavango Delta, drawing visitors in with its lively markets and authentic crafts.
Gaborone
Gaborone, the lively capital of Botswana, presents an exciting blend of urban and cultural experiences for explorers. The city is alive with museums, art galleries, and craft markets that invite exploration into Botswana’s vibrant history and culture. Visitors can embark on an exciting journey through the popular 5 Km² Gaborone Game Reserve, where they can encounter a diverse array of wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, and wildebeests. Gaborone is where the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency comes to life, and adventurous visitors can embark on guided tours to explore the iconic locations featured in Alexander McCall Smith’s beloved book series. The city serves as an excellent starting point for discovering other regions of Botswana, including the close-by Mokolodi Nature Reserve and Khutse Game Reserve.
Francistown
Francistown, the second-largest city in Botswana, is nestled in the northeastern region of the country. It is a vibrant hub teeming with life, steeped in history and brimming with captivating sights to explore. One remarkable destination is the Domboshaba Ruins, a historical site nestled along the Masunga-Kalamati Road, with origins tracing back to 1450 AD. Another attraction is the Tachila Nature Reserve, located just outside Francistown, where a diverse array of wildlife thrives, including zebras, giraffes, and antelopes. The Supa Ngwao Museum offers a captivating glimpse into the rich history and vibrant culture of Botswana’s indigenous people.
Maun Maun serves as the central portal to the Okavango Delta, establishing itself as the key tourism hub of Botswana. It presents an array of lodging choices, ranging from opulent safari camps to economical campsites, making it a suitable starting point for a day or two of exploration. However, if your journey to Botswana revolves solely around the delta experience, you might find yourself primarily exploring the area around Maun Airport (MUB). Although Maun does not have a clear center and stretches over several kilometers, certain hotels and camps provide stunning riverside views. Even so, the town may not present a plethora of attractions for visitors, yet its dependable role as a transport hub certainly compensates for that. Safaris that blend the wonders of the Okavango Delta and the majesty of Victoria Falls typically begin in Maun and conclude at either Victoria Falls (VFA) in Zimbabwe or Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) in Zambia.
Kasane
Kasane is a vibrant hub that connects four countries – Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, and is located at the meeting point of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers. Nestled within lush riverine woodland, Kasane serves as the entryway to the wonders of Chobe National Park and the launching pad for numerous adventures to Victoria Falls. Kasane packs an impressive array of petrol stations, supermarkets, safari lodges, and tour companies into its compact space. Just 12 km east of Kasane lies Kazungula, the gateway where Botswana meets Zimbabwe and Zambia.
