Botswana, a landlocked nation in Southern Africa, is a true treasure for travellers seeking wilderness and natural beauty. With its excellent flora and fauna, stunning scenery, and welcoming people, Botswana offers visitors a wide range of unforgettable experiences. Things to do in Botswana are tailored to all kinds of travellers – whether you are an adventure seeker, a wildlife enthusiast, or someone seeking a peaceful retreat.
From the lush waterways of the Okavango Delta to the arid splendour of the Kalahari Desert, Botswana is a land of diversity that accommodates amazing wildlife and rich cultures. This guide presents the top ten things to do in Botswana, covering iconic attractions, activities, and hidden gems that will make your trip truly memorable.
Why Botswana Is a Top Travel Destination
Botswana is one of Africa’s premier safari destinations, known for its commitment to conservation and low‑impact tourism. The country offers some of the continent’s most pristine wilderness areas, including the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and the Kalahari Desert. With a focus on high‑value, low‑volume tourism, Botswana provides exclusive and intimate wildlife encounters that are hard to find elsewhere. Whether you are exploring by mokoro, on a game drive, or on foot, Botswana promises an authentic African adventure.
Top 10 Things to Do in Botswana
1. Explore the Okavango Delta
Located in northern Botswana, the Okavango Delta is one of the world’s most pristine and diverse ecosystems and is a must‑do among the best things to do in Botswana. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a vast inland delta that floods seasonally, creating a waterlogged wildlife paradise. It offers a unique safari experience with its waterways, islands, and grasslands providing impressive diversity.
What to Expect:
- Mokoro (Traditional Canoe) Safari: Glide silently through the delta’s channels while your guide navigates the waterways, offering opportunities to see elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.
- Game Drives and Walking Safaris: For land‑based activities, game drives and walking safaris allow you to spot lions, buffaloes, giraffes, and leopards in the delta’s beautiful landscapes.
The Okavango Delta is an essential destination on any Botswana itinerary, offering incomparable access to one of the world’s most magnificent wildlife and landscape experiences.
2. Visit Chobe National Park
Located in northern Botswana, Chobe National Park is one of the country’s largest game reserves, famous for its massive elephant population – approximately 120,000 elephants, making it the elephant capital of Africa. Chobe sits at the intersection of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, offering visitors a chance to see impressive wildlife in natural habitats.
What to Expect:
- Boat Safaris on the Chobe River: See wildlife from a different perspective as elephants bathe, buffaloes drink, and hippos and crocodiles glide through the water. Birdwatching is also excellent.
- Game Drives: Chobe is home to the Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. The park’s diverse landscapes, from woodlands to savannahs, provide excellent safari opportunities.
Chobe National Park is a must‑visit for wildlife and photography enthusiasts.
3. Visit the Makgadikgadi Pans
Located in central Botswana, the Makgadikgadi Pans are a vast, salty desert landscape – a remnant of an ancient inland lake. This stark contrast to Botswana’s fertile deltas offers a breathtaking and otherworldly experience. Visiting the Makgadikgadi Pans is one of the best things to do in Botswana for those seeking solitude, unique landscapes, and adventure.
What to Expect:
- Quad Bike Safaris: Explore the vast pans on a quad bike, an exhilarating adventure across open plains. You may spot rare desert wildlife such as meerkats and migratory birds.
- Salt Pan Views: The pans are especially beautiful at sunset or sunrise when the sky reflects on the glittering salt surface. The silence and remote nature of the pans create a sense of calm and wonder.
The Makgadikgadi Pans offer a unique and wilder side of Botswana.
4. Explore the Kalahari Desert
Located in central and southern Botswana, the Kalahari Desert is one of the world’s largest deserts – but it is not barren. This vast semi‑arid area is home to desert‑adapted lions, cheetahs, and the San people. Visiting the Kalahari is one of the most unique things to do in Botswana, allowing travellers to connect with nature and experience desert life.
What to Expect:
- Wildlife Viewing: Despite its harsh environment, the Kalahari supports gemsbok, springbok, hyenas, and lions, including the famous Kalahari lions adapted to the desert.
- Cultural Experiences: Meet the San people, who have inhabited the Kalahari for millennia. San guides offer walking tours, sharing knowledge about desert plants, animals, and survival techniques.
The Kalahari Desert offers a profoundly unique and ancient landscape to explore.
5. Go Horseback Riding in the Okavango Delta
Horseback riding safaris in the Okavango Delta offer an intimate and personalised wildlife experience. Riding silently through the wilderness allows you to get closer to animals than is possible in a vehicle.
What to Expect:
- Safari on Horseback: Experienced guides lead you through the delta’s wilderness on horseback, offering close encounters with elephants, antelope, and numerous bird species.
- Scenic Views: Ride through the delta’s lush landscapes and winding waterways, capturing stunning photos and forming a deeper connection with the land.
A horseback safari in the Okavango Delta is one of the most unforgettable activities in Botswana.
6. Explore the Tuli Block
Located in southeastern Botswana, the Tuli Block is a 7,000‑square‑kilometre wildlife area along the Zimbabwean border. This hidden gem features dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rock formations.
What to Expect:
- Game Drives: The Tuli Block is home to elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, antelope, and numerous birds. The dry season offers excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources.
- Bush Walks and Cultural Experiences: Local guides offer bush walks and cultural tours, including visits to ancient archaeological sites with San rock carvings.
The Tuli Block offers a quieter, more bespoke safari experience.
7. Explore the Okavango Panhandle
Located in northern Botswana, the Okavango Panhandle is the primary watercourse feeding the Okavango Delta. It provides a unique environment for wildlife viewing and exploring the delta’s rich ecosystem away from crowds.
What to Expect:
- Fishing and Water Activities: The Panhandle is an excellent spot for fishing, particularly for tiger fish. Visitors can also enjoy birdwatching and visit ancient cultural sites.
- Abundant Wildlife: Hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and numerous bird species inhabit the area. While quieter than the central delta, the wildlife and landscapes are spectacular.
The Okavango Panhandle offers a serene and personalised experience.
8. Go Stargazing in the Kalahari Desert
The Kalahari Desert is one of the best places for stargazing in Africa, with clear skies and minimal light pollution. The vast, open desert provides a perfect setting for a memorable night under the stars.
What to Expect:
- Astronomical Experiences: Many Kalahari camps offer guided stargazing tours, where knowledgeable guides explain constellations, planets, and celestial phenomena.
- Night Drives: Explore the Kalahari after dark, observing elusive nocturnal wildlife such as aardvarks and predators.
Stargazing in the Kalahari Desert is a romantic and fascinating experience.
9. Explore the Tsodilo Hills
Located in northwestern Botswana, Tsodilo Hills – often called the “Louvre of the Desert” – is a prehistoric site with over 4,500 ancient rock paintings. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site with great cultural and spiritual significance to the San people.
What to Expect:
- Cultural Exploration: Visit the rock art and learn about the area’s cultural significance. San guides provide fascinating insights into the artwork and its spiritual meaning.
- Hiking and Views: The Tsodilo Hills offer excellent hiking and photography opportunities, with outstanding views of the surrounding desert landscape.
Tsodilo Hills is one of the most culturally significant places to visit in Botswana.
10. Explore the Salt Pans of Nxai Pan National Park
Located in central Botswana, Nxai Pan National Park offers a more peaceful safari experience than other reserves. The salt pans are particularly impressive during the rainy season, attracting large wildlife gatherings.
What to Expect:
- Game Viewing: Nxai Pan is home to large zebra herds, springbok, and giraffes. During the rainy season, you may witness massive wildlife concentrations.
- Baines Baobabs: Located near the park, these iconic baobab trees, named after painter Thomas Baines, offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Nxai Pan is a top destination for wildlife lovers and photographers seeking a serene safari experience.
Best Time to Visit Botswana
The dry season from May to October is generally the best time for wildlife viewing. During this period, animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. The wet season from November to April brings lush landscapes, migratory birds, and dramatic thunderstorms, but some areas may become inaccessible.
Travel Tips for Botswana
- Book safaris and accommodations well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
- Pack lightweight, neutral‑coloured clothing for safaris, warm layers for early mornings, and comfortable walking shoes.
- Bring binoculars, a camera with a telephoto lens, and extra batteries.
- Respect wildlife rules – never exit a safari vehicle except in designated safe zones.
- Tipping guides and camp staff is customary – budget accordingly.
- Consider combining a delta experience with a desert visit for a well‑rounded Botswana adventure.
Conclusion
Botswana is a country full of memorable experiences for travellers seeking adventure, wildlife, and nature. Whether you explore the lush Okavango Delta or the arid Kalahari Desert, there is something for everyone. From following elephant trails and discovering ancient rock art to stargazing in the desert, things to do in Botswana are as diverse and thrilling as the country itself. For a true African adventure, Botswana is the destination that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
