Botswana Safaris

Experience Botswana Safaris

If you're looking for an unforgettable luxury travel safari destinations experience, look no further than Botswana. From the awe-inspiring wildlife to the world-class accommodations, Botswana safaris are sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. Botswana is not only blessed with spectacular wilderness reserves, but the government's decision to opt for a high-quality, low-impact tourism model means that many of the operators, particularly in the vast private concessions, offer a uniquely exclusive wilderness experience including activities such as night drive safaris and off roading to get up close and personal to the animals. 

The Republic of Botswana is in the heart of Southern Africa. In the years before its independence from the British in 1966, Botswana was one of the poorest and least-developed states in the world, but the discovery of massive diamond deposits and investment into a strong tourism industry has turned it into a shining success story.

For travelers with limited time, wilderness safaris in Botswana is a great option as you can easily be transported via light aircraft transfer from one camp to another in between game drives. Most Botswana-only safaris start in Maun or Kasane, but many of our clients opt to add Victoria Falls or Cape Town to a Botswana safari.

Where is Botswana?

Botswana is a country in southern Africa that borders South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia that features a large swath of the awe-inspiring Kalahari Desert with a population of 2.3 million. It's home to some of the world's most beautiful wildlife, including lion prides, elephant herds, and giraffe towers.

Botswana means "land of the Tswana" in Setswana, one of two official languages spoken in the country (the other being English). The Tswana are the largest ethnic group in Botswana, making up around 80% of the population.

What Are the Top Places for Visitors in Botswana?

Botswana is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world, allowing its breathtaking natural landscapes and diverse wildlife to take center stage. The country is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the world’s biggest population of elephants, and many tourist destinations.

Botswana is also home to some of Africa's best luxury safari parks and reserves, making it a top destination for luxury travel and guests interested in getting up close and personal with the continent’s wildlife. Here are the four most popular areas 

Here are the most popular areas (and make sure you also read our blog post The Top 8 Things to do in Botswana):

Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest inland deltas. It’s also considered one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders. The river flows into a basin in the Kalahari Desert, where it then dissipates, creating an oasis in the middle of the dry landscape. The delta is home to a good deal of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. You can explore the Okavango Delta by mokoro (dugout canoe), safari game drive, or on foot. The delta is ideal for luxury travel and those interested in getting off the beaten path and experiencing a more authentic African safari.

Moremi Game Reserve

The Moremi Game Reserve is the oldest and first protected reserve in the Okavango Delta. It was established in 1963 when the Batawana people took to protecting the area’s environment and wildlife. As a sign of gratitude, the reserve is named “Moremi” after the Batawana Chief Moremi III and his wife.

The reserve contains hundreds of species of flora and fauna, including endangered species like cheetahs, rhinos, African wild dogs, and lions; bird species that range from forest dwellers to water birds; and various plant species throughout the diverse terrain.

Chobe National Park

Chobe is Botswana’s largest national park and one of the most popular with tourists. It covers 11,700 square kilometers and is in the northwest corner of Botswana, bordering Namibia and Zambia. Visitors can take game drives. The entrance to Chobe National Park is in Kasane, which is about 673 km and a 6 to 7-hour drive from Gaborone.

The park is known for its enormous herds of elephants that leave young and old explorers alike in awe and other big game, including lions, leopards, and Cape buffalo. Visitors can explore the park on safari game drives or river cruises.

Nxai Pan National Park

Nxai Pan is a small national park in the vast Kalahari Desert. They're large, flat pans that offer views for miles that characterize this unique landscape. The park is home to several wildlife species, including elephants, lions, and zebra. Visitors can explore the park on safari game drives.

The Nxai Pan borders the Makgadikgadi Pan System, the world’s largest salt pan. The Makgadikgadi Pan is a popular destination for luxury travelers interested in exploring the Kalahari Desert. One reason is its position. It's so enormous that it's visible from space.The national park sits on a migration route for zebra and wildebeest, which attracts predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards, which is why visitors get front row seats to the action on safari game drives.

However, not everyone wants to see the large animals—following the rainy season, the Makgadikgadi Pan transforms into a lush oasis, complete with flamingos and an assortment of mothers with their young.

Enjoy more than the animals. Get up close and personal with the park's famous Baines Baobab trees. These trees are the oldest in Africa, with some dating over 2,500 years.

With the right guide, you can spot various wildlife that calls this desert home, such as the black-maned Kalahari lion or the rare and elusive brown hyena. The views from atop the pans are truly breathtaking and make for an unforgettable safari experience.

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

The Makgadikgadi Pans are the world’s largest salt flats and cover an area of about 3,900 square kilometers. These cover 30,000 square kilometers. The pans were once the site of a massive super lake that dried up over time, leaving behind a landscape of cracked earth and salt flats.

The Makgadikgadi Pans are home to various wildlife, including zebras, wildebeest, and flamingos. The best way to explore the pans is on a quad bike or safari game drive.

Luxury lodges inside the reserve include Mombo Camp and Little Mombo Camp. Both lodges are on private concessions and offer game drives, walking safaris, and mokoro excursions.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is the largest, most remote reserve in Southern Africa — and the second-largest wildlife reserve in the world. It encompasses 52,800 square kilometers, offering the illusion of infinite space whenever you look to the horizon lined with golden grasses. At night, the star-filled sky stretches out endlessly.

The reserve is home to large herds of giraffes and various types of antelopes — wildebeest, hartebeest, springbok, gemsbok, and eland. You can enjoy game drives and wilderness drives, as well as immerse yourself in the culture of the San people with nature walks and cultural dances.

How to Plan a Trip to Botswana

Traveling to Botswana requires careful planning because of its low-impact, low-volume, and high-cost approach to safaris. The welfare of the wildlife and the environment come first, so you’re not going to see infrastructure designed to accommodate droves of people.

If you truly are interested in Botswana safaris, here are some things you need to keep in mind:

• Flights and entry: There are no direct international flights to Botswana, so you’ll likely need a stopover in Johannesburg, South Africa. However, there are plenty of daily flights through Joburg and cape town. Your journey will typically start in Victoria falls and you can land cross into Botswana, and fly from Kasane.

• Local transport: There are options for land (transfer companies), water (canoes), and air travel (private charter flights) when exploring Botswana’s safaris.

• Accommodations: There are many luxury lodges dedicated to tourists, but expect the price to reflect the luxury.

• Food: There are a few restaurants, typically run by the lodges. Lodges can cater to all sorts of food styles, allergies, diets etc.

• Prices: Prices will vary depending on how you want to customize your safari adventure. Contact us today to discuss exact pricing.

Travel precautions: Invest in travel insurance and ensure that you are up-to-date on vaccinations before your trip.

Book Your Adventure Today!

Botswana safaris is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and Sundowner Safaris is here to help you make it happen. To book a safari with us, simply fill out the form on our website. We will need some basic information from you, such as your name, contact information, travel dates, and any other preferences you want that would help us plan the perfect safari for you.

You can also send us an email at info@sundownersafaris.com, and one of our safari experts will get back to you as soon as possible to accommodate your request.

Experiencing Africa's wildlife is a must-do for any nature lover, but it's also important to remember that a safari is a trip of a lifetime. That's what Sundowner Safaris is here for!

Sundowner Safaris is co-owned by one of Africa's most experienced private tour guides, and we pride ourselves on providing our guests with an authentic and memorable experience. We offer tailor-made safaris for all kinds of travelers, whether you're looking for a family-friendly trip, a romantic honeymoon or an action-packed adventure.

Contact us today to book your dream safari and to find out more about our incredible safari packages.

Thank you to our supplier partners for the photos.