Overview
Botswana possesses a significant advantage over other global tourist destinations due to its remarkable wildlife. The diverse array of animals inhabiting or traversing the country is truly extraordinary, featuring endangered species such as wild dogs and rhinoceroses, as well as a vibrant bird population.
The natural landscapes are equally captivating, ranging from the extensive and formidable Kalahari Desert to the tranquil beauty of the Okavango Delta. The terrain can appear expansive and desolate in some regions while being lush and filled with life in others, consistently offering breathtaking views. The landscape is unmistakably characteristic of Africa and will undoubtedly meet or exceed your pre-visit expectations.
However, accessing these natural marvels comes at a premium, with Botswana currently ranking among the most expensive travel destinations in Africa. Several luxurious accommodation options are priced so high that they often cater to affluent travelers or are typically sought after for special occasions like honeymoons. Nevertheless, for the astute traveler, self-drive tours provide an economical and frequently more fulfilling means of experiencing the stunning expanse of Botswana. Let us explore the 15 best places to visit in Botswana!
1. Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta stands as one of the most captivating and impressive wilderness areas in Africa, if not the entire world. This pristine wilderness features a landscape that transitions from arid grasslands to wetlands.
Tours and wildlife observations rank among the most sought-after activities within the park, where potential animal sightings include cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, elephants, crocodiles, and rhinoceroses, to name a few.
It is crucial to meticulously plan your visits; while the scenery is continually stunning, seasonal variations can significantly impact the likelihood of encountering specific wildlife.
2. Moremi Game Reserve
Recognized as the premier game reserve on the African continent in 2008, this park has a wealth of attributes. It was the initial reserve established exclusively by local inhabitants concerned about the ongoing natural and human-induced threats to the local environment and wildlife.
Located on the eastern side of the Okavango Delta, the reserve presents some of the most breathtaking scenery in the nation, along with an equally remarkable ecosystem.
Many visitors opt to explore the park via self-drive campervan, although the reserve is equipped with excellent campsites.
3. Gabane
Located not far from Gaborone, this village serves as an excellent spot for hiking through the surrounding hills. Gabane is notably industrious, hosting several small-scale manufacturers, including glass, metal, and pottery, in the aptly titled Pelegano Village Industry.
The pottery factory in Gabane warrants a visit for its shop, which offers products ranging from crockery to vases and other handcrafted decorative items.
However, the most prominent reason for visiting this village is its splendid hiking opportunities.
4. Kasane
Kasane is strategically positioned at the intersection of Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Zambia, making it an exceptional base for excursions to Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls or Botswana’s own Chobe National Park.
The town features its own attractions, including a magnificent Baobab tree that historically served as a prison due to its exceptionally large trunk. A snake park housing around 50 snakes representing 17 different species is also a notable point of interest.
Furthermore, Kasane is ideally suited for exploring the Chobe River.
5. Maun
Maun is frequently regarded as a gateway to the Okavango Delta, yet it possesses sufficient attractions to justify a multi-day stay. The accommodations, dining establishments, and tourist services are among the finest in the country, largely due to the city being the primary tourist hub in Botswana.
Although the town itself may not offer substantial allure, its diverse population attracts visitors ranging from luxury safari enthusiasts to dedicated volunteers.
Excellent campsites lining the river provide a great option for a prolonged stay.
6. Gaborone
Gaborone is the largest city in Botswana and serves as its capital. The modern architecture of Gaborone contrasting with the lush tropical backdrop creates a unique visual experience. Despite its size, the city offers limited attractions.
Sprawling residential areas are complemented by a selection of satisfactory hotels and restaurants. The contemporary ambiance is enhanced by its lack of historical significance; however, it represents the promising future of the nation, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience the atmosphere of 21st-century Botswana.
7. Chobe National Park
This national park is the third largest in Botswana, yet it boasts one of the highest concentrations of rare wildlife on the African continent.
Named after the stunning Chobe River, which will undoubtedly captivate you at first glance, the river sustains an ecosystem rich in rare and exotic species, including birds, elephants, lions, giraffes, baboons, and buffalo.
During the winter months, visitors are likely to observe herds of hundreds of elephants simultaneously, providing an unforgettable experience.
8. Francistown
As the oldest town in Botswana and the second largest in the country, Francistown originated from gold mining activities prior to European involvement in its exploitation. Notably, the town derives its name from an Englishman named Daniel Francis.
Key sights include the Supa Ngwao Museum, which exhibits the rich life and culture of the Kalanga people, and a sanctuary for orphaned wild animals known as Birds and Game Botswana.
Currently, the town is experiencing an economic resurgence, largely attributed to the revival of gold mining activities.
9. Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Characterized by its wild, enigmatic, and expansive nature, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve represents an authentic wilderness experience that can evoke the feeling of traversing Africa in solitude. Remarkable grasslands envelop visitors during daylight hours, while the night skies offer unparalleled clarity.
Summer rains attract a variety of wildlife, including substantial herds such as wildebeests and springboks.
During the harsher winter months, the primary allure of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is its vast open landscapes and authentic African wilderness.
10. Jwaneng
Established atop the world’s richest diamond mine, the name Jwaneng translates to “the place of small stones,” which in this context, are significantly more valuable than an ordinary pebble.
The mine has famously produced over 13 million carats from an impressive 10.5 million tons of ore in just one year. Jwaneng provides amenities such as guest houses and restaurants.
Moreover, the diamond mine supports the nearby Jwana Game Park, which has recently introduced two white rhinos.
11. Tsodilo Hills
The Tsodilo Hills rise unexpectedly from the ground in the northwestern Kalahari, presenting stunning rock formations in various shapes and sizes, made even more impressive by the relatively flat surroundings.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Tsodilo Hills host an astounding 4,000 cave paintings dispersed across 200 locations. Evidence indicates that these hills have been inhabited for over 30,000 years.
The optimal time to visit is during the winter months, as the summer heat can be exceptionally intense.
12. Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
Though the name may be lengthy, the reasons to explore Makgadikgadi Pans National Park are straightforward.
This park stretches from the Boteti River, supporting a vast and varied ecosystem.
Wildlife is especially abundant during the dry season when animals migrate from great distances to access the river, the only source of water for miles.
13. Gweta
Primarily serving as a stopover for travelers en route to Maun or Kasane, Gweta deserves a visit for the unique species of bullfrog residing in the area.
These frogs burrow underground until rainfall prompts their emergence from the sand.
Aside from these remarkable creatures, there are limited attractions in Gweta; however, its fuel station proves convenient for passing travelers.
14. Kang
Kang showcases a unique travel atmosphere owing to its location at the junction of Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana.
While it may lack the most stunning scenery or a plethora of attractions, the town offers sufficient amenities, including restaurants and guesthouses, serving as convenient bases for further exploration in Botswana.
The dining options in Kang, although unlikely to be memorable, are both affordable and hearty.
15. Savuti
Renowned as one of the premier safari destinations in Botswana, Savuti is strategically located in the remote corner of Chobe National Park. Throughout the year, this region attracts an impressive array of wildlife (excluding rhinoceroses) that converges due to the river’s presence.
The terrain here is expansive and somewhat barren, having once served as a superlake that filled a void in Northern Botswana.
This area boasts a variety of upscale lodges for travelers seeking premium experiences, alongside excellent campsites for those traveling through the region.
