A landlocked country in Southern Africa, Botswana is one of the jewels of this immense continent that fascinates many travelers. From the Okavango delta to the Kalahari desert, via its plains, lagoons and savannah-covered lands, the territory is home to some absolutely incredible wildlife, including lions, zebras, hippos and elephants. Botswana offers safaris that leave a lasting impression. Let's head for this country, which may be less well known than its neighbor South Africa, but the 13 most beautiful places to visit that we present below are sure to make you dream.
1. The Okavango Delta, a must-see in Botswana
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014, the Okavango Delta is Botswana's largest wetland. Depending on the season, the vast flooded grasslands of this immense river delta invite you to take memorable rides aboard a small motorboat or a traditional pirogue. Located in the north of the country, the Okavango delta attracts large numbers of Kalahari animals, who come here to drink. An expedition is therefore an opportunity to admire rhinoceroses, lions, leopards, buffalo, antelopes, elephants and numerous bird species. Helicopter flights are also available to take in the beauty of this territory from the skies.
To book : Click here to book your all-inclusive one-day canoe tour of the Okavango Delta.
2. Chobe National Park, an exceptional safari
Chobe National Park is one of the most beautiful in the country. This vast territory of wooded savannah offers safaris in spectacular natural surroundings, to discover the local fauna, made up of hundreds of animal species, including a high density of elephants. Hippos and crocodiles can be seen on the banks of the Chobe River, while the surrounding forest is home to zebras, giraffes, leopards, lions and warthogs. There are many ways to discover the wonders of Chobe National Park, such as a 4x4 safari, a river cruise or a combination of both.
To book: book your day safari in Chobe National Park including lunch right here.
3. The Kalahari, a vast desert
The Kalahari Desert covers almost half of Botswana, one of today's major ecotourism destinations, and straddles the borders of Namibia and South Africa. It's one of the places to discover at all costs on a trip to the country. It is in fact a semi-arid desert, formed of sediments and covered with trees, vegetation and seasonal streams. It is advisable to visit the territory from December to March, during the rainy season. Visitors can observe herds of wildebeest, zebra, antelope and oryx.
4. Moremi Game Reserve
The overland section of the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve extends over 5,000 km2 and offers a fabulous journey into the heart of Botswana's wildlife, one of the trendiest destinations for those wishing to get off the beaten track. Adventurers will discover a veritable patchwork of landscapes, with lush forests that are home to numerous birds, savannahs that are home to elephants, giraffes, lions and leopards, areas where the vegetation hides rhinos and buffalo, and swamps and lagoons populated by crocodiles and hippos. A key location for observing wildlife in all its diversity.
To book : click here to book your private day safari in the Moremi Game Reserve.
5. The Makgadikgadi Pans, an unreal landscape
The Makgadikgadi Pans are the world's largest salt marsh. This former dry lake, now a salt marsh, reveals an almost lunar landscape. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from April to October. Travelers can explore this infinite landscape by 4X4 or on foot. They can even spend the night on the salt crust and take advantage of nightfall to observe the stars. Quite simply, it's like being in a planetarium! The Makgadikgadi Pans are so peaceful that you'd think you were alone in the world.
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6. Nxai Pan National Park
Nxai Pans National Park is adjacent to Makgadikgadi Pans. The landscape consists of salt marshes and a wide dry plain. The latter is home to the local curiosity: a group of baobabs known as Baines' Baobabs, named after Thomas Baines, the man who discovered them. A must-see on a trip to Botswana, a country where nature is revealed in its raw state, for its tranquillity and the beauty of its sunsets. The park is not the most famous in the country for wildlife viewing, but it is nevertheless frequented by big cats, springboks, elephants and giraffes.
Discover our selection of the 20 most beautiful national parks in the world!
7. What to do in Botswana Kubu Island
This is not an island in the strict sense of the word, as Botswana has no coastline, but rather a sort of ghostly rocky islet in the middle of a sea of salt. It's a magical place, with baobab trees, large boulders whose shapes you can playfully make out, and a salt crust in the background. It's also possible to camp on site for a memorable evening. For the record, Kubu Island is a national monument and a sacred site for the local population.
8. Gaborone Game Reserve
Travelers passing through Botswana's capital Gaborone have the opportunity to gain quick access to this nature spot, a small reserve that offers bush walks and animal watching. Although modest in size, it is an introduction to the wildlife that can be found in other majestic parts of Botswana, with zebra, oryx, blue wildebeest, ostrich, warthog, hornbill and kingfisher. The area is perfect for picnics and for escaping the hustle and bustle of the capital.
9. Tsodilo Hills and rock art
While Botswana, a country to travel to whenever possible, is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes and wildlife sanctuary, it is also home to a priceless treasure trove of southern African history and culture: the Tsodilo Hills. This chain of hills, also known as the "Louvre of the Desert", is home to rocks covered with thousands of rock paintings that bear witness to the presence of human beings for millennia. Travellers can observe animals and hunting scenes. The place is considered sacred by the locals, as the spirits of the ancestors are said to still reside there.
Please note if you'd like to opt for a personalized travel itinerary to Botswana au, we recommend you request your free quote right here. A tailor-made, responsible trip, direct with the best local agencies, awaits you!
10. Khama Rhino Sanctuary
The Khama Rhino Sanctuary is a reserve opened in 1993. It is home to Botswana's largest white rhino population, with around thirty white and a few black rhinos. Covering 8,500 hectares, it is also home to eland, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe and cheetah. Managed by Serowe and two other villages, the sanctuary raises awareness of conservation issues among school groups. The sanctuary focuses on the reintroduction of rhinoceroses, and remains a place of choice for travellers concerned about the country's environment.
11. Victoria Falls, a must-see excursion
A trip to Botswana is an opportunity to plan an expedition to the spectacular Victoria Falls. Stretching 1,800 m across and reaching 108 m in height, this natural wonder, often shrouded in a veil of mist, marvels at the awesome power of its waters, which flow into the Zambezi River below. Some agencies offer helicopter flights or sunset cruises to take in the extreme beauty of this unique place. A camera is a must!
To book : Admire Victoria Falls from the sky by booking this helicopter flight including hotel transfer: unforgettable memories guaranteed!
12. The Caracal Center
Located in the town of Kasane, in the north of Botswana, the Caracal Center is an important place for the care of injured animals. The center is open to visitors, and the guides are delighted to welcome travelers to show them around and tell them the story of the animals. A variety of species can be found here, including mongooses, vultures, aardvarks, snakes and other small animals that may have strayed or been injured. A sanctuary to be discovered at all costs when you're in the area.
Do you also respect local flora and fauna? Check out our selection of 10 must-see eco-friendly destinations around the world!
13. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
The 38,000 km2Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is shared between the southern part of Botswana and South Africa. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the country, with red dunes and touches of vegetation. Kgalagadi is the place to go to catch a glimpse of the big cats in their natural habitat, with lions, cheetahs and leopards. The park's flagship animal is the oryx. The advantage of venturing out on the Botswana side is that there are far fewer visitors than on the South African side. Let's hear it!
So, are you tempted? Take a look at our airfares and book now !
