Botswana
Destination

Botswana

Botswana Tours: Safari Through Waterways and Wildlife Wonder

At a glance

  • Capital City

    Gaborone

  • Population

    Approx. 2.6 million

  • Currency

    Botswana Pula (BWP)

  • Language

    English (official), Setswana widely spoken

  • Time Zone

    GMT +2

  • Calling Code

    +267

  • Electricity

    230V, 50Hz (UK-style plug type G)

  • Avg Temperature (Winter and Summer)

    Summer (Nov–Mar): 25–35°C; Winter (Jun–Aug): 5–20°C

Solo Journeys to Botswana

Discover some of the world’s most fascinating diversity and exotic wildlife in Botswana!

About Botswana

Discover Botswana

Botswana, home to some of Africa’s finest safari unconquered terrain, abundant wildlife and ancient culture. At every turn, from the expansive Okavango Delta to the arid Kalahari Desert, Botswana’s landscapes are so varied they can feel like you’re entering a new world with every sight. Whether it's elephants frolicking in the Chobe River,lets explore ancient rock art at Tsodilo Hills or floating through lily-covered lagoons in a mokoro canoe, Botswana has something to excite everybody.

With its strong conservation efforts and low-volume, high-quality tourism philosophy, each encounter feels intimate and special in Botswana. Botswana Tours by Indus Travels just provide you with the best experience that you could ask for.

 

Top Destinations to Visit in Botswana

  • Chobe National Park: Chobe is known for harboring Africa’s largest concentration of elephants — herds that run into the thousands. The park is also the site of thrilling boat cruises on the Chobe River, where you’ll spot elephants bathing in its waters, gatorlike crocodiles lounging along its banks and sunsets that douse riverside trees in a flood of fiery light.
  • Okavango Delta: This place is also referred to as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. The Delta’s snaking waterways and verdant lagoons provide a home for elephants, lions, hippos and hundreds of bird species — best experienced by mokoro canoe or scenic flight. This is one of the highlights of Botswana tour packages.
  • Moremi Game Reserve: Labeled the “crown jewel” of Botswana, Moremi is a dream destination for nature enthusiasts. Here game drive ranks among the most rewarding experiences on the continent: The Big Five share their territory with wild dogs, cheetahs and giraffes.
  • Makgadikgadi Pans National Park: The Makgadikgadi Pans are a surreal expanse of glistening salt flats. In the rainy season, they become a wildlife haven, where flamingos converge in the thousands and zebras undertake one of South Africa’s largest migrations.
  • Nxai Pan National Park: This park is well-known for its famous baobab trees and open grasslands. Lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and jackals are here, and the open skies ensure that stargazing is unforgettable.
  • Central Kalahari Game Reserve: With mile upon endless mile of golden plains, this is safari as you’ve never seen. You’ll find gemsbok, springbok and black-maned lions in what is one of the most unspoiled areas on the continent.
  • Tsodilo Hills: A Unesco World Heritage site, Tsodilo has over 4,000 ancient rock paintings. The San regard these hills as sacred, and when you visit them, it’s like traversing an open-air museum of spiritual history.
  • Gaborone: Botswana’s capital is a vibrant blend of modern city life and cultural attractions. From outlets in local craft markets to high-end dining, there’s no better place than Gaborone to experience Botswana’s urban side before or after safari.
  • Khama Rhino Sanctuary: Focusing on the conservation of rhinos, this community-led project offers travellers the opportunity to encounter black as well as white rhinos. Zebra, wildebeest and a variety of birdlife are also spotted on game drives here.
  • Savuti Marsh: A part of Chobe National Park, Savuti is famous for its serious predator action. Lions, hyenas and leopards are often seen here, and it is one of the best spots in Botswana for dramatic wildlife encounters.
  • Linyanti Wildlife Reserve: An initial delight from the relative seclusion at this private reserve, and escape from larger crowds. It’s one of the best places in Africa to see elephants and is among the last strongholds for vulnerable African wild dogs. A unique thing to do on your Botswana vacation, for sure.
  • Tuli Block: A wild frontier of sandstone cliffs, giant baobabs and the Limpopo River. Tuli has fewer tourists and is ideal for adventure junkies —walking safaris, horseback rides and cultural visitor with local communities.
  • Maun: Known as the “Gateway to the Okavango Delta,” Maun is safari central. The town itself provides lively craft markets, local restaurants and ways to engage with the area's culture.

 

Best Time to Visit Botswana

Botswana is a year-round destination, but every season brings with it a very different experience.

The best time for safaris is normally during the dry season (May to October). There is very little rainfall, which results in vegetation being thinly dispersed, helping you to see animals easily that gather around water sources such as the Chobe River and channels of the Okavango Delta. Days are full of sunshine, but nights (especially in June and July when desert regions are surprisingly cold) might rapidly cool off. It’s perfect during this time if your number one priority is to see huge groups of elephants, lions, and other big game animals at close range.

In the wet season (November to March), summer rains drench the dry terrain, turning it into lush, verdant paradises. This results in the influx of migratory birds, making this a paradise for birdwatchers. The scenery is stunning, but traveling can be trickier with some dirt roads becoming muddy or flooded. On the plus side, lodges can be less crowded, prices may be lower, and you’ll see dramatic thunderstorms sweep across the savannah.

If you’re in search of a middle ground, try traveling to Botswana during the shoulder months (April or early November) for mild weather and less-crowded wildlife spotting.

 

Explore Botswana With Our Expertly Curated Itineraries

 

If you're looking for an unspoilt region in Africa, this wild and beautiful country is for you. With vast open savannas teeming with wildlife, diverse habitats and more than 85 species of mammal including herds of elephant, buffalo, giraffe and antelope and over 1075 species of bird, Botswana has it all.

Choose Your Journey

Botswana Solo Tours

Find the perfect adventure for your travel style.

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Helpful Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Botswana Tour

  • Pack cool clothing for the day and warm clothes at night (think cotton shirts, light trousers or track pants, and breathable layers for daytime, plus a jacket or sweater for chilly evenings and early mornings)
  • Never forget to listen to your safari guide—it’s for your own safety and a better experience.
  • Drink plenty of water and lather on the sunblock; Botswana’s sun can be brutal.
  • Pack binoculars for bird watching and a quality camera to capture wildlife.
  • Be considerate and respectful of traditional practices, customs, and local culture when you visit culturally sensitive areas.

 

Top Activities to Try in Botswana

Here are some activities that you must add to your Botswana travel itinerary.

  • Game drives at Chobe National Park: See elephant, lions and buffalos in one of Africa’s greatest wildlife zones.
  • Mokoro canoeing in the Okavango Delta: Glide silently through reed-lined channels in a traditional dugout canoe.
  • Birdwatching in the Panhandle: Spot a Pel’s fishing owl and African skimmers.
  • Tuli Block walking safaris: Walk in the bush and learn about tracks, plants, etc, from a different perspective, as well as see smaller creatures.
  • Horseback safaris in Makgadikgadi: Ride across shimmering salt pans and watch wildebeest herds from the saddle.
  • Track Rhinos at Khama Rhino Sanctuary: Here, you will track black and white rhinos in their natural habitat with local guides.
  • Scenic flights over the Okavango Delta: Get a thrilling perspective on the 1000s of waterways and islands from the air.
  • Nocturnal safaris in private reserves: Look for shy night creatures like leopards, hyenas and bush babies.
  • Excursions with the San communities: Learn about ancient survival techniques and customs from Botswana’s original inhabitants.
  • Chobe River Cruises: Enjoy boat trips with elephants and hippos coming to drink on the river’s banks.
  • Expert guided photo safaris: Patiently capture that perfect wildlife moment with professional help.

 

Popular Restaurants in Botswana

  • Bull & Bush Pub (Gaborone): A lively spot for local dishes and craft beers.
  • Sanitas Tea Garden (Gaborone): Known for fresh meals in a garden setting.
  • Moghul Restaurant (Gaborone): Authentic Indian cuisine loved by locals.
  • Chutney Restaurant (Maun): A mix of international and African dishes.
  • The Duck Café (Maun): Famous for its coffee and breakfast options.
  • Capello (Francistown): A trendy venue for cocktails and dining.
  • Café Dijo (Kasane): Great for snacks before a Chobe River cruise.
  • Okavango River Lodge Restaurant (Maun): A relaxed safari-style eatery.
  • Livingstone’s Restaurant (Gaborone): Fine dining with a local twist.
  • Marc’s Eatery (Maun): Popular with travelers for hearty meals.

 

Botswana Cuisine Highlights

  • Seswaa: Slow-cooked beef, the national dish of Botswana.
  • Pap: A maize porridge often served with meat or stew.
  • Morogo: Traditional wild spinach, usually cooked with onions and tomatoes.
  • Vetkoek: Fried bread filled with savory or sweet fillings.
  • Dikgobe: A mix of beans, maize, and peas.
  • Mopane Worms: A protein-rich delicacy enjoyed fried or dried.
  • Bogobe: Sorghum porridge served with milk or meat.
  • Tswana-style BBQ: Grilled meats served at festive gatherings.
  • Ginger beer: A refreshing homemade drink.
  • Magwinya: Botswana’s version of doughnuts.

 

Festivals and Events in Botswana

  • Maun Festival (April): Celebrates local arts, crafts, and music.
  • President’s Day (July): A national holiday with cultural performances.
  • Okavango Delta Music Festival (August): Brings together African and international musicians.
  • Botswana Independence Day (September 30): Country-wide celebrations with parades and dances.
  • Khawa Dune Challenge (May): A mix of quad biking, cultural events, and music in the Kalahari.

 

Why Choose Indus Travels?

Indus Travel has over 25 years of experience and an expert in arranging a hassle-free multi-city vacation. And in Botswana, we cover every last detail—from transfers and lodging to expert-led safaris—so you can simply delight in it all.

The right balance of culture, adventure, and comfort, this insight into Botswana’s wildlife lets you witness Africa at its most wild while allowing for the safety of handpicked lodges and authentic local surprises. With small-group tours, unmatched access and more than 50 years of experience, we help you see our world in a way you never could on your own.

 

FAQs

  1. Do I need vaccinations to visit Botswana?
    Yes, some vaccinations like Yellow Fever (if traveling from affected areas) are required, and malaria precautions are recommended.

  2. Is Botswana safe for tourists?
    Yes, Botswana is considered one of Africa’s safest countries for travelers, especially in organized tours.

  3. Can I combine Botswana with other destinations?
    Absolutely! Many travelers pair Botswana with Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or Namibia’s Etosha.

  4. What kind of safaris are available?
    Options range from luxury lodges and fly-in safaris to mobile camping safaris.

  5. What is the currency used?
    The Botswana Pula (BWP). Credit cards are widely accepted in lodges and cities.

  6. Do I need a visa?
    Many nationalities can enter visa-free for up to 90 days, but check your country’s requirements.

  7. What languages are spoken?
    English is the official language, while Setswana is widely spoken.

  8. Is tap water safe to drink?
    In cities, it’s generally safe, but bottled water is recommended in safari areas.

  9. What wildlife can I expect to see?
    Elephants, lions, cheetahs, rhinos, leopards, hippos, and over 500 bird species.

  10. Can children go on safaris?
    Yes, but some lodges have age restrictions for safety reasons.

  11. What should I pack for Botswana?
    Light clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and a good camera.

  12. Do lodges have Wi-Fi?
    Many safari lodges have limited Wi-Fi, but it may not be as reliable as in cities.

  13. What’s the best time for photography?
    The dry season offers clear skies and concentrated wildlife sightings.

  14. Are vegetarian options available?
    Yes, most lodges cater to dietary preferences if notified in advance.

  15. How many days should I spend in Botswana?
    At least 7–10 days is recommended to fully experience the Delta, Chobe, and Kalahari.