Best things to do in Botswana: safari in Okavango Delta, see lion and elephant, explore Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, relax at a lodge in Kalahari Desert.
From the lush waterways of the Okavango Delta to the shimmering salt pans of the Makgadikgadi, Botswana is a playground for adventurers, wildlife lovers, and cultural explorers. A trip to Botswana offers more than just sightseeing—it’s an immersion in one of Africa's most untouched natural landscapes. This guide highlights the best things to do, see, and experience, helping you plan your trip and unlock the magic of Botswana.
1. Discover Okavango Delta Safari by Mokoro
A journey through the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must for nature lovers. This inland delta is a lush oasis filled with floodplains, grassland, and an impressive diversity of wildlife. Glide through the wetlands in a traditional mokoro, guided by a local poler, and encounter elephant, crocodile, and exotic birds like kingfisher and bee-eaters.
Why go? It's eco-friendly, quiet, and deeply immersive—especially in the green season (November to March).
2. Chobe River Safari: Game Drives in Chobe National Park
Located along the Chobe River in northern Botswana, Chobe National Park is home to Africa's largest elephant herds. A safari here guarantees sightings of lion, leopard, buffalo herds, and antelope. Game drives and sunset cruises along the riverbank are ideal for wildlife viewing and photography.
Tip: Base yourself in Kasane or book a riverside lodge to maximize your encounters.
3. Salt Pans & Zebra: Explore Makgadikgadi During Your Trip to Botswana
Each year, tens of thousands of zebra and wildebeest traverse the Makgadikgadi Pans, creating one of the most striking natural events in Botswana. These vast salt pans lie within the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, bordered by the Kalahari Desert and teeming with desert-adapted animals.
Don't miss: A visit to Jack's Camp, one of Botswana's top luxury lodges, where you can enjoy stargazing, quad biking, and guided wildlife tours.
4. Baobab Adventure in Nxai Pan: A Unique Botswana Attraction
Towering baobab trees dominate the landscape of Nxai Pan National Park, another exceptional attraction in Botswana. The baobabs in Nxai Pan National are iconic landmarks and ideal for golden-hour photography.
Game drives here reveal oryx, gemsbok, and migrating herds. This park is also quieter, offering a more serene alternative to the more visited reserves.
5. Meerkat Safari Near Gweta: One of the Best Things to Do in Botswana
Near the village of Gweta, you can have close encounters with wild meerkat colonies that have adapted to human presence. Guided tours offer opportunities to watch them basking in the sun, alongside sightings of ground squirrels.
Pro tip: Visit early in the morning when they are most active and playful.
6. Cultural Safari to Tsodilo Hills: A Botswana World Heritage Site
The Tsodilo Hills in northwest Botswana are not just a natural wonder but also a spiritual one. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features more than 4,000 ancient rock paintings created by the San people. Exploring this ancestral land offers insight into the region's deep cultural roots.
Travel tip: Go with a local guide to fully appreciate the site's historical and spiritual significance.
7. Start Your Botswana Safari from Maun
Maun is the central hub for any Botswana safari. From here, you can arrange trips to the Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta, or book self-drive safaris and scenic flights. The town also offers good accommodation, markets, and access to experienced local guides.
Recommended for: Travelers seeking both comfort and convenience.
8. Discover the Central Kalahari: Lodge Escape in Botswana
For solitude and a raw connection with nature, visit the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. This vast, arid terrain is known for its black-maned lion, springbok, and traditional San communities. It's one of the most untouched parts of southern Africa.
Expect: Big skies, few tourists, and the thrill of remote exploration.
9. Birdwatching Safari in Botswana: Moremi and Chobe Highlights
With over 590 bird species, Botswana is a haven for birdwatching. Visit Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park to see everything from reed frogs to vibrant bee-eaters.
Pack: Binoculars and patience—you'll be rewarded with some of Africa's best avian sightings.
10. Game Viewing & Lodges: Botswana’s Ultimate Safari Comfort
Whether in Moremi, Gweta, or the Okavango Delta, luxury lodges offer top-tier access to game-viewing opportunities. From spotting the elusive leopard to listening to a frog chorus at night, these lodges provide the perfect mix of comfort and adventure.
Best for: Honeymooners, families, or anyone wanting the full Botswana experience in style.
Final Thoughts
Here are the key takeaways for your unforgettable adventure:
Glide through the Okavango Delta in a mokoro
Spot elephant, lion, leopard, and even white rhinos
Experience game reserves like Chobe National Park and Moremi
Explore ancient baobabs and rock art at Tsodilo Hills
Visit during the green season for unique wildlife scenes
Stay in luxury lodges or camp under the stars
Discover meerkats, zebra migration, and birdwatching hotspots
Botswana delivers a true wilderness experience, unmatched in authenticity, biodiversity, and cultural depth. Now's the time to plan your unforgettable journey through one of the most spectacular destinations in Africa.
