The 6 best things to do in Botswana
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This captivating country offers a great mix of adventures, from gliding through the serene waters of the Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro canoe to sleeping under the stars among the incredible African wildlife.
Whether you’re embarking on an authentic safari in Chobe National Park or immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of the locals, Botswana promises unforgettable memories.
After an incredible camping overland tour with Acacia Africa, we’ve compiled a list of the 6 best things to do in Botswana that will make your journey truly remarkable.
READ ALSO: The Best 14-day Namibia self-drive itinerary
Where is Botswana?
Botswana is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa, bordered by South Africa to the south and southeast, Namibia to the west Zimbabwe to the northeast. It covers anlarge area of the vast land, making it one of the largest countries in the region.
This amazing country is home to the vast Kalahari Desert, the lush Okavango Delta, and numerous national parks that showcase its rich wildlife. Its strategic location in the heart of Southern Africa makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the continent’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.
Best Time to Visit Botswana
May – October:
The best time to visit this wonderful country is during the dry season, from May to October. This period is characterized by pleasant daytime temperatures and excellent wildlife visibility, making it ideal for safaris and outdoor adventures.
However, it’s also the busiest time of year, so expect higher prices and the possibility of accommodations being fully booked.
November – April:
Alternatively, the rainy season from November to April presents its own charm, as the landscapes transform into vibrant shades of green and prices drop, making it a more budget-friendly option.
Just be aware that heavy rains can lead to flooding in the Okavango Delta, and some lodges may close during this time. Whether you prefer the bustling energy of the dry season or the lush beauty of the rains, each time offers a unique perspective on Botswana’s stunning natural beauty.
Accommodations in Botswana
During our journey, we experienced a wide range of accommodations, from rustic camping in the Okavango Delta to luxurious lodges in Maun. Each stay added its own charm to our adventure, and some were so unique and beautiful that they truly elevated our trip.
Waking up in the heart of the Okavango Delta was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Surrounded by the sounds of nature, we watched as elephants, springboks, and a variety of birds gathered near the water’s edge for their morning routine.
The sight of these magnificent creatures bathing in the delta at sunrise was nothing short of magical. Whether we were under the stars in the wild or enjoying the comfort of a high-end lodge, The accommodations in Botswana made our trip unforgettable, blending adventure with moments of tranquillity.
READ ALSO: 12 x the best campsites in Namibia
The 6 Best things to do in Botswana
Botswana is calling with an array of incredible experiences that will leave you in awe. Known for its stunning landscapes and rich wildlife, this southern African gem offers a unique blend of adventure and natural beauty. If you’re looking for an exciting safari, you can embark on thrilling game drives to witness majestic elephants, lions, and leopards in their natural habitats.
Below, I’ve listed some of the most remarkable experiences and things to do in the land of the giants.
Explore the Okavango Delta by Mokoro
No trip to Botswana is complete without a journey into the breathtaking Okavango Delta. Recognized as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, this stunning ecosystem is a sprawling maze of lagoons, lakes, and hidden channels that stretches over 17,000 square kilometers.
The most authentic way to navigate this remarkable area is by mokoro, a traditional canoe that locals use for transportation. We camped at Delta Rain’s Camp, nestled within the heart of the Okavango Delta, for one unforgettable night.
Our experience included both an afternoon and morning bushwalk, swimming in the river, and watching majestic elephants as they roamed nearby. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
BOOK
Consider booking a Mokoro Safari trip to glide through the enchanting waters of the Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro.
READ ALSO: The Luang Say Mekong River Cruise: the ultimate 2-day adventure in Laos
Take a walk with the San Bushmen
The San Bushmen are the oldest inhabitants of southern Africa, having lived in the region for at least 50,000 years. Today, their way of life is under threat from the pressures of the modern world, with only a small community still residing in Botswana near Ghazni.
During our overland camping tour, we had the incredible opportunity to meet this fascinating culture firsthand. Although we couldn’t understand a word—or rather, a sound—of their beautiful click language, their way of life left a lasting impression on us.
From learning how they use ostrich eggs to store water, to witnessing their traditional hunting methods and fire-making techniques, every aspect of their existence is rooted in simplicity and pure joy. It was a truly unique and eye-opening experience!
COST
Prices vary from $10 for camping to $100 for a chalet per night
BOOK
This experience was included in our overland camping tour
Spend a night betweens the animals of Botswana
Home to the highest elephant population in Africa, Botswana offers a truly bucket-list-worthy experience at Elephants Sands, where the slogan says it all: “where elephants rule.”
Here, you can get incredibly close to these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Whether you stay in one of the stilted tents or camp in your own, you’ll be immersed in the wild, as the campsite is unfenced, allowing elephants to wander through freely.
With a swimming pool overlooking the waterhole, it’s a safari experience like no other—an intimate encounter with elephants that you won’t soon forget.
BOOK
Staying at Elephant Sands was one of my favorite accommodations in Botswana. I would highly recommend staying here at least 1 night.
READ ALSO: Sahara Desert Luxury Camp: The best desert camp in Morocco
Go on a safari in Botswana
Known as the “Land of the Giants,” Chobe National Park is one of Botswana’s most iconic safari destinations and among Africa’s best national parks for viewing large elephant herds. The peak safari season runs from July to October, when you’ll have the greatest chance of seeing these majestic animals in large numbers.
However, the Chobe River, which forms the park’s northern boundary, boasts a thriving resident wildlife population, making it an excellent spot for game viewing year-round. Whether you visit during peak season or not, Chobe offers a remarkable wildlife experience at any time of the year.
COST
Safari’s cost around $30-$50 per person
BOOK
A safari in Botswana from anywhere in Kasane
See the Okavango Delta in Botswana from the sky
For an unforgettable scenic adventure, nothing beats viewing the Okavango Delta from the sky! This incredible experience offers a bird’s-eye perspective of the delta’s vast beauty, allowing you to witness its wildlife in a way that’s impossible from the ground.
It’s the only way to truly grasp the majesty of the entire region. During our flight, we had the chance to spot an array of animals—buffalo, hippos, and herds of elephants roaming freely through the delta. It was an extraordinary and thrilling way to take in the wonders of Botswana’s wilderness!
COST
Mostly the price is around $600/plane, so the more passengers, the cheaper it will be
BOOK
we booked our flight over the Okavango Delta with Moremi MackAir, however, you can book more options here
READ ALSO: #5 Bucket List: an awesome Helicopter flight over Uluru
Chase the sunset on the Chobe River in Botswana
After an exciting day on safari in Botswana, there’s nothing better than relaxing on a sunset river cruise surrounded by nature and wildlife. As the sun sets, its golden light reflects off the water, creating a beautiful and peaceful scene. Along the river, you can spot elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and many birds, making the experience even more special.
One thing that makes this cruise extra unique is that the Chobe River forms the border between Namibia and Botswana. So, as you drift along, you’re actually floating between two countries! We loved every moment of it—enjoying the calm, watching the animals, and soaking in the beauty of Botswana as the day came to an end.
TIP
Wear neutral clothes during your safari experiences, bright colors may attract the animals
BOOK
A 3-hour river cruise here
Botswana is truly a gem in Africa where you’ll never run out of things to do. Whether it’s embarking on adventurous safaris, exploring local culture, or simply soaking in the stunning landscapes, there’s something for everyone here.
If you have any questions or want to add anything to this guide, feel free to share in the comments.
I hope my story has inspired you to explore this unspoiled destination. Don’t hesitate to leave a question below or connect with me on Instagram—I’d love to share more about this beautiful country!
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Discover the best things to do in Botswana with my favourite travel apps
To plan my adventures, I use these FREE websites and apps as they provide the best information, the best deals, and they are user-friendly.
- Skyscanner – Flight deals
- Booking.com – Hotels and accommodation
- TourRadar – Group trips
- TripAdvisor – Reviews and activities
- HostelWorld – Hostels
- GetYourGuide – Activities and excursions
- RentalCars – Car rental
- Omio – Transport
- iVisa – Travel documents
- Wise – Money transfer
- InsuredNomads – Travel Insurance
PICTURES AND EDITING
All the pictures on this page are made and owned by me. If you are interested in some pictures to use for your magazine, website, blog, or any other purpose, just send me an email and we’ll figure it out.
Do you like the edits? My Presets will be online soon so you can edit your pictures in just one click!
The camera gear I used for this trip
I never go out without my camera and many people ask me which gear I use. So to make it quite easy, I listed all the gear I used for this trip below.
Most of the time, I travel with the Sony A7III and the Sony 24-105mm/f4 as my primary lens but depending on the location, I change to another setup. However, I love the Tamron 17-28 to shoot in the big cities.
