Overview

Botswana

Botswana is a rarity in our over-populated, over-developed world. Land-locked, it is virtually the same size as Kenya, larger than France and more than twice the size of Great Britain. But with a population of just 1.85 million and a full 38% of its total land area devoted to national parks, reserves and wildlife management areas, travelling in many parts of the country has the feeling of an immense untamed wilderness. With so much space and so few people it is one of the last great refuges for some of Africa’s great wildlife concentrations in a completely untouched environment.
 
Botswana is home to the world’s largest inland Delta – the Okavango; the vastness of the world’s second largest game reserve – the Central Kalahari; the isolation and endless horizons of the Makgadikgadi – uninhabited pans the size of Portugal; and the prolific wildlife of the Chobe National Park. What makes Botswana unique is that the Government protected wildlife reserves of the north are surrounded by a series of massive, unfenced, private community “concessions”. The low density tourism policy restricts the numbers of visitors to each of these exclusive areas, meaning there are concessions of 2,300sqkms with just 2 x 8 room camps, allowing just a handful of visitors an exclusive safari experience, without crowds.
 
The diversity of the habitat and private areas affords the region a variety of game viewing opportunities, making this an even more exciting safari destination. Activities include open 4×4 game viewing vehicles, boat cruises along the Chobe and Linyanti Rivers where, in the dry winter months, tens of thousands of elephant and huge herds of buffalo converge; gliding silently in a mokoro through the waterways of the Okavango, canoeing the channels and spillways of the Linyanti, walking on islands, horse and elephant back safaris, quad biking on pans and even mountain bike safaris; all creating the ultimate safari destination.

Location

Where is Botswana?

Botswana is a landlocked country in southern Africa, bordered by Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Known for its vast wilderness, Botswana is home to the waterways of the Okavango Delta, the wildlife-rich plains of Chobe National Park and the dramatic landscapes of the Kalahari Desert.

 
  • Flight time: Approx. 14–16 hours from the UK, including connections

  • Time difference: GMT +2

  • Currency: Botswana Pula (BWP)

  • Language: English is the official language, with Setswana widely spoken

  • Travel advice: Visit the UK Government Botswana Advice website.

Botswana
Chobe National Park
Okavango Delta
Makgadikgadi Pans
Central Kalahari Game Reserve

where & when

When is the Best Time to Visit Botswana?

Botswana is a year-round destination, with each season offering a different experience. The dry season from May to October is best for game viewing, as wildlife gathers around water sources and the bush is less dense. The green season from November to April brings lush landscapes, excellent birdlife and quieter camps. The best time to visit depends on the region and experience you are looking for.

within Botswana

Key Regions of Botswana

Chobe National Park

Famous for its vast elephant herds and exceptional game viewing, Chobe National Park offers classic safari experiences with game drives and scenic boat cruises along the Chobe River. The Chobe Riverfront is known for its dense wildlife populations, while the Savute region is renowned for dramatic predator sightings and ever-changing landscapes, making Chobe one of Botswana’s most rewarding safari destinations.

Linyanti Wildlife Reserve

A remote and exclusive safari destination, Linyanti Wildlife Reserve is known for its private concessions, luxury camps and exceptional wildlife encounters. Its mix of waterways, woodland and open floodplains attracts a variety of species, particularly predators and large elephant herds. With fewer visitors and a true sense of wilderness, Linyanti offers an intimate and luxurious safari experience year-round.

Okavango Delta

The world’s largest inland delta, the Okavango Delta is Botswana’s most iconic safari region. Its winding waterways, lush islands and rich wildlife create a unique ecosystem best explored by mokoro, boat or on game drives. Offering both land and water-based safari experiences, the Delta is home to exceptional wildlife, luxury camps and some of Africa’s most spectacular and diverse landscapes.

Makgadikgadi Pans

Among the largest salt pans in the world, the Makgadikgadi Pans offer vast open landscapes and unique desert adventures. During the green season, the region hosts one of Africa’s largest zebra migrations, while the dry season reveals endless white plains perfect for quad biking and cultural experiences. Meerkat encounters and dramatic scenery make this one of Botswana’s most distinctive regions.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve

One of the world’s largest protected wilderness areas, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a remote and untamed destination of endless plains and striking desert scenery. Known for its black-maned lions, cheetahs and desert-adapted wildlife, it offers a truly off-the-beaten-track safari experience. Its vast open spaces and dramatic sense of isolation create a unique and unforgettable adventure.

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