What To Do In Botswana Besides Safari: 15 Absolute Best Things

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Wanna know what to do in Botswana besides safari? These are some of the best things you can do in Botswana to have a wholesome experience.

As thrilling as it is to go on Botswana safari trip, you might also be wondering what else to do in Botswana besides safari. As someone who was born and raised in Botswana, I share with you some of the best things that are not safari-related, which you can add to your Botswana trip for a wholesome experience.

You are going to learn about unique things to do in Botswana, what to do in Botswana besides safari, what to do in Botswana besides safari for couples and more.

After learning about this, you’ll have a variety of things to add to your safari trip.

This post is all about what to do in Botswana besides safari.

What to do in Botswana besides safari

What to do in Botswana besides safari: Okavango Delta

Obviously you will be going on a safari if you are in the Okavango delta, after all, its the Okavango Delta, but there are some things that are not about the wild animals that you can do. If you want to go beyond the game drive, here are some of the things you can do.

1.Sunset boat cruise

Boat cruise in the Okavango Delta is like no other. The sunsets are ridiculously beautiful, like is this even real? levels of stunning. The landscape is breathtaking. The atmosphere is calm and peaceful.

I highly recommend a boat cruise in the Okavango Delta. You’ll remember that experience forever. I took this picture on a boat cruise on the Khwai River in the Okavango Delta.

2. Birdwatching

The Okavango Delta is rich with birdlife. There are over 400 species of birds in the Okavango Delta. If you love birds, this will be paradise for you. Sometimes you don’t even have to leave the camp; the birds will come to you. We saw so many birds during our safari in Botswana.

Our guide had a wealth of knowledge; he knew those birds like the back of his hand. So, even if you can’t tell an African Jacana from a hammerkop, don’t you worry; your guide will teach you. Just get your binoculars and camera ready.

What to do in Botswana besides safari: Things to do in Botswana Gaborone

3. Visit Mokolodi Restaurant

Although this restaurant is close to the nature reserve, you can visit Mokolodi restaurant just for dining. It is the cutest restaurant I’ve seen in Gaborone. The restaurant is nicely located away from the buzz of the city. You will have an open view of the bush and a water hole nearby that attracts wildlife. Although you will not be on safari, the safari will come to you.

4. Visit Sarona City Mall

If you are staying in Gaborone for a few days before heading north for your safari, I recommend Sarona City Apartments. They’re modern, safe, and offer plenty of amenities.

While you are there, you can visit the new Sarona City Mall nearby, which is about a 3-minute walk away. The mall has nice restaurants with delicious food. Sarona city apartments are perfect for those who don’t want to stay in hotels.

5. Visit Botswana craft market

One of the unique things to do in Botswana is to visit the Botswana Craft Market. Although the place is not huge, this is the major craft shop in Botswana. It sells handmade crafts, baskets, carvings, jewellery, and more. Additionally, there is a restaurant on site.

6. Dine at Mogopong restaurant

While you at Botswana craft market, dine at Mogopong restaurant. The unique aspect of his restaurant is that it specialises in traditional Botswana cuisine and is located on-site at the Botswana craft market. Indulge yourself, get to know the country’s culture, history and traditions. Moreover, this will give you a more authentic experience.

7. Nightlife at Park 27

If you are wondering about Botswana nightlife, I highly recommend Park 27; it has a great nightlife. It has good food and drinks. Above all, it is safe. Safety is a major concern for people visiting Botswana, and from experience, Park 27 takes that seriously.

They have a tight security, you will be escorted to your car when you leave. However, I recommend you exercise caution as you would anywhere in the world. Do not wonder off at night alone.

8. Visit Main Mall

Visit the country’s oldest commercial mall, where the past meets the future. You will find modern offices side by side with street vendors selling anything from vegetables, traditional clothes, and cosmetics. Additionally, there are high street banks, nice restaurants and retail shops in the mall.

9. Explore the three Dikgosi monument

Not far from main mall, about 5 minutes walk, there is dikgosi monument with quite the history behind it. These dikgosi, meaning tribal chiefs played a significant role in Botswana’s independence. this monument is held dear to Batswana.

10. Hike Kgale Hill

Instead of an indoor gym, why not hike Kgale Hill? It is a great outdoor exercise, quite challenging though. However, if you take on this challenge, I recommend you go early in the morning or late afternoon because of the heat. Botswana is a hot country; any vigorous activity in the heat poses a health risk, either dehydration or heat stroke.

11. Golfing at Phakalane golf club

Love golfing?Enjoy an 18 hole championship designer golf course at Phakalane golf resort. The atmosphere here is relaxing, surrounded by a lot of greenery. There is a clubhouse, restaurant and bar, and great ancillary facilities. You might as well stay at their hotel to enjoy the full experience. This place is located about 15 km north of Gaborone in the suburb of Phakalane.

What to do in Botswana besides safari: Kasane

12. Visit Kazungula Bridge

Kasane is the home of Chobe National Park. Besides going for the obvious, visit Kazungula Bridge. The bridge is located in Kasane. What makes this bridge so unique is that it is the closest you will ever be to four countries at the same time.

The bridge links Botswana and Zambia, with Zimbabwe and Namibia just a stone’s throw away. You can literally see four countries from the middle of the bridge.

Why is this a big deal? Because travelling between these countries used to be a pain, thanks to the bridge, travel is so much easier. Additionally, you will get stunning photos from the bridge, especially at sunset.

13. Watch Botswana traditional dance

One of the absolutely unique activities for international visitors is watching Botswana’s traditional dance and music. Traditional dance is not just a show, it’s storytelling, connection, celebration and everything else in between. The Two Rivers hotel hosts traditional dance in the evenings. So if you are ever in Kasane or staying at the hotel, attend the evening traditional dance; you’ll love it.

14. Go for a boat cruise

Usually, people go on a boat cruise as part of the safari journey; however, you can go on a relaxing boat ride. I recommend stopping somewhere in the middle of the Chobe River to watch the sunset; it is breathtakingly beautiful.

This experience is very common among the locals during the festive season. People usually get drinks, snacks, get music ready, and off they go on the Chobe River boat cruise.

In case you were wondering what to do in Botswana besides safari for couples, I highly recommend the Chobe River boat cruise. You can even go for a private boat ride.

15. Take a trip to Victoria Falls

Another non-safari thing you can do while in Botswana is take a day trip to Victoria Falls.

Victoria Falls is about an hour away from Kasane, and going on a day trip is super easy. There are many Victoria Falls tours from Kasane. Moreover, Victoria Falls is a town of adventure, so you’ll never run out of activities to do. These activities include sunset cruises, zip lining, bungee jumping, scenic helicopter ride, going into the devil’s pool, canoeing, bird watching and more.

What to do in Botswana besides safari: Adventure activities in Botswana

Adventure seeker, here are some of the top activities you can do in Botswana that are non-safari.

Visit Moremi Gorge – Moremi Gorge is one of the hidden gems in Botswana, tucked away in Tsodilo, not far from Palapye. It has beautiful scenery and flowing streams. Additionally, you can hike the gorge.

Visit the Big Valley Game lodge– The Big Valley game lodge is the absolute under-rated game lodge near Gaborone. It is about one-hour and 30-minute drive from Gaborone. This is a one-stop shop for adventurous activities.

If you were wondering, what else to do in Botswana other than safari? Look no further. They offer swimming, hiking, paddle boats, horse riding, quad biking, zip lining, water slides, and more.

Additionally , even if you are on a safari, add a mix of activities like fishing, spa days, quad bikes, cultural visits, participate in local conservation efforts and more.