10 Botswana Safari Destinations That Will Leave You Speechless

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Thinking of visiting Botswana and don’t know where to begin? Here is a post about the top Botswana safari destinations you must include in your bucket list. These destinations are breathtakingly beautiful and a must-visit.

Creating a bucket list for a new country can be challenging. You’re likely spending hours researching which areas are worth visiting and which aren’t.

In this post, I share the top Botswana safari destinations worth visiting and sure to create lasting, beautiful memories. I promise, you will be glad you took the leap.

In this post, you are going to learn about Botswana safari destinations, beautiful places in Botswana and more.

After learning about these destinations, you will be better equipped and more prepared to embark on the safari experience of your lifetime, with a clear plan for what you can expect to see.

This post is all about the Botswana Safari Destinations that are worth every penny.

Top Botswana Safari Destinations

Botswana is an incredibly beautiful country with many destinations waiting for you to explore. The following are the best destinations that never fail to wow guests.

1. Okavango Delta

Okavango Delta elephants — Okavango Delta, teeming with elephants

The Okavango Delta is a no-brainer if you are visiting Botswana for the first time. It is a world-renowned safari destination.

I highly recommend you go on an Okavango Delta safari, and you’ll thank me later.

As someone who has been on safaris in different countries and destinations, I can tell you that the Okavango Delta safari is unmatched. This place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a reason.

Moreover, the Delta boasts incredible wildlife; it is also home to the world’s most endangered animals, such as cheetahs, rhinos, African wild dogs, and Okavango lions. Not only that, it is insanely beautiful.

Also, the Okavango Delta is one of the best places to visit in Botswana for honeymoon.

2. Chobe National Park

If you ever visit Botswana, Chobe National Park is a must-visit area. It is famous and obviously one of the top 10 tourist attractions in Botswana.

The one place you definitely cannot miss is the Chobe National Park riverfront. It is stunning, with rich wildlife. I always recommend the river cruise. You’ll love it.

With a wide variety of Chobe National Park animals, you’ll pretty much have a summary of African wildlife in one area and have a well-rounded safari experience.

Moreover, Chobe National Park is conveniently located in Kasane, near Kasane International Airport. This makes travelling around the area much easier.

Furthermore, if you are on an elephant tour, Chobe National Park should be at the top of the list. Here, you will see large herds of elephants, and it is even better to witness these majestic creatures when you are on a Chobe Cruise.

In addition, there are a variety of Chobe National Park tours in Kasane, so getting around and exploring is easy. On top of that, there are stunning, luxurious accommodations in Chobe National Park that will make your trip even more special.

3. Moremi Game Reserve

Botswana safari areas — Big cats sighting is common in Moremi

Moremi Game Reserve is a place where the African big cats roam. It comes as no surprise to be one of the best Botswana safari destinations.

The wildlife sighting is fantastic, and you have a good chance of seeing predators in action.

Moreover, this location is one of the most affordable places to visit in Botswana for a safari, thanks to its excellent camping and self-drive options.

If you are a luxury traveller, the accommodation in Moremi will just wow! you.

4. Botswana Safari destinations: Makgadikgadi Pans

Some of Botswana’s safari destinations are underrated, and Makgadikgadi Pans is one of them.

Makgadikgadi Pans is a sight to behold, locally known as the great big nothing. However, it is the great big nothing that will make your jaw drop.

It is one of the largest salt pans in the world. Makgadikgadi Pans are easily Botswana’s most surreal safari experience.

When you think of the Makgadikgadi pans, think of a huge shimmering bed of white salt crust stretching into the endless horizon, bigger than Switzerland. For lodging, consider Camp Kalahari or Jack’s Camp in Botswana.

5. Savuti

Oh! the wild savuti. It is one of Botswana’s top destinations. Although Savuti is located within Chobe National Park, it is a more remote, wild section of the park.

Expect Savuti to be dry, dusty, and full of surprises when it comes to predator sightings.

As wild as it sounds, it is a photogenic area. Conversely, Savuti has some of the most luxurious safari lodges.

Additionally, with a well-thought-out safari itinerary, you can visit most or all of these destinations, depending on the time you have.

6. Khwai private reserve

Khwai Private Reserve has the best safari lodges in Botswana. It is a highlight of luxury African safari travel.

The reserve has fewer lodges, thus fewer tourists. It is the most intimate safari area, making it perfect for couples.

If you’re ever wondering where to go for a honeymoon in Botswana, I highly recommend Khwai Private Reserve or another area of the Okavango Delta.

7. Nxai Pan National Park

Nxai Pan National Park is the sister park to Makgadikgadi. It is the best-kept secret among Botswana’s wildlife hotspots. You’ll find large herds of zebras here, and expect to see giraffes, lions, and springboks.

It’s quieter than Chobe and the Okavango Delta, making it ideal for travellers seeking a quiet safari.

In addition, between December and April, the white pan transforms into a grazing land, and that is when you’ll witness the most spectacular zebra migration.

To make your safari trip even more adventurous, try Nxai Pan National Park camping. You will also see the famous baobao trees of Nxai.

8. Central Kalahari Game Reserve

This area is especially suited for those who want to immerse themselves in an untamed wildlife experience and the Bushmen culture.

You’ll meet the Bushmen who have inhabited this land for thousands of years and adapted to change over time.

Think of it as the opposite of Botswana glamping, it is raw, remote and untouched by tourists.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve animals include black-maned Kalahari lions, meerkats, giraffes, brown hyenas, foxes, and many more.

If you are aiming for Botswana glamping while here, consider Tau Pan Camp. It is luxurious, and it’s the only camp inside the reserve.

9. Khutse Game Reserve

Tourist attractions in Botswana — Saddle-billed stork

This is hands down one of the most underrated safari places in Botswana. Khutse is located in the central Kalahari. Khutse area offers true wilderness.

Although Khutse is not as game-dense as Moremi or Okavango, it provides an excellent variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, giraffes, and a wide range of bird species. You just need to be patient.

Khutse Game Reserve is loved by self-drive adventurers and those who prefer a more secluded adventure. At Khutse, you get to showcase your camping skills. It is also a budget-friendly safari destination.

However, if you don’t want to do wild camping, you can stay at Khutse Kalahari lodge, which is located about 10 minutes outside of Khutse Game Reserve.

10. Tuli Block

Tuli Block is one of the lesser-known spectacular safari destinations in the country’s east. It offers rugged beauty. It is known as the land of the giants for a reason: there are abundant elephants and giant baobab trees.

For horseback safaris Botswana, look no further. With its vast, open spaces, Tuli offers the most exhilarating and scenic horseback safaris. Just imagine riding among elephants, giraffes and impalas, from a safe distance, of course!

Botswana safari destinations: Beautiful places in Botswana

Often, when thinking of Botswana safari destinations, we don’t consider Gaborone and the beautiful places you can visit in and around it.

Yes, Gaborone is the capital of Botswana, but you might not know that there are safari destinations around it.

Here are the beautiful places you can visit while visiting Botswana.

1. Mokolodi Nature Reserve Botswana

Mokolodi Nature Reserve is located about 15 km outside Gaborone. If you are staying in Gaborone, this can easily be done as a day trip.

There are a variety of great activities at Mokolodi Nature Reserve, including game drives, guided walks, and cheetah visits.

Mokolodi Nature Reserve entrance fee is BWP 150, and does not include any activities you plan to do. While you are there for lunch, visit the Mokolodi restaurant for a marbled, sizzling-hot steak from the grill, or go for finger-licking, delicious ribs.

2 . Room50two

Places to visit in Botswana for honeymoon — Beautiful sunset view at Room50Two, Gaborone

While you are still in Gaborone, visit this beautiful rooftop restaurant. It is located on the top floor of the i-towers, making it the perfect place to view the beautiful sunset.

It is ideal for special occasions or for simply admiring the beautiful city of Gaborone over a passion fruit martini.

Room50two menu is comprehensive, from African cuisine, continental to fusion. Just make sure you book in advance, especially on weekends, because it is a highly sought-after area.

3. Masa square

If you are spending the night in Gaborone before heading to Maun for your safari, I highly recommend staying at one of the hotels in Gaborone CBD.

It is centrally located, with excellent amenities, and is just a 10-minute walk from Room50Two restaurant.

In addition, Masa Square is a vibrant area offering dining, entertainment, and relaxation. There is a movie theatre, a swimming pool, rooftop restaurants and bars, fitness centres, wellness spas, and multiple restaurants, all in the same area.

However, if you prefer not to stay in a CBD area, you can explore other hotels in Botswana Gaborone. Consider visiting Gaborone Main Mall as well; it is a historic centre of the city, a classic blend of commerce, culture, and community.

FAQs about Botswana safari destinations

1. Which is better, Chobe or Okavango Delta?

If you had to choose just one, the Okavango Delta would be number one. It is remote and exclusive, offers luxury safari lodges, excellent wildlife variety, and is just breathtakingly beautiful. If you can, do both.

2. Does Botswana have a big 5 safari?

Yes, Botswana has the Big 5; however, whether you’ll be able to see them all on your safari depends on where you go and when you go, since some animals, like rhinos, have critically low numbers.

3. Why is Botswana safari so expensive?

Botswana safaris are incredibly remote, hence costly logistics. Also, most safari camps and lodges in Botswana are high-end, and that comes with a hefty price tag.

In addition, Botswana follows a low-impact, high-value tourism model, which adds to costs.

4. What month is best for safari in Botswana?

May to September are considered the best months for a Botswana safari.

If I were to pick one, August will be my top choice because of peak game activity and excellent weather. However, it is also the priciest month to visit.

5. Is Okavango Delta worth visiting?

A resounding yes! It is the best safari destination in Africa. It offers wildlife encounters you’ll never forget.