The Best Locations to go on Safari in Botswana

Botswana, a gem in the heart of Southern Africa, is renowned for its untouched wilderness, diverse ecosystems, and unparalleled wildlife sightings. It’s a country where nature reigns supreme, offering some of the most pristine and expansive safari destinations on the continent.

For those seeking an unforgettable journey into the wild, accompanied by the comfort of luxury, luxury safari in Botswana offers an unparalleled experience. Here are the best locations to go on safari in Botswana, each offering its unique allure and adventure.

• Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is arguably the crown jewel of Botswana’s luxury safari trips. This vast inland delta forms as floodwaters from the Angolan highlands spread out into the Kalahari Basin, creating a unique wetland that supports a rich diversity of wildlife. The delta’s myriad waterways, lagoons, and islands are best explored by mokoro (traditional dugout canoe), allowing for close encounters with elephants, hippos, and a variety of birdlife. The Okavango Delta is also home to several luxury safari camps, where guests can enjoy the wonders of the wild in complete opulence.

• Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park is renowned for having one of the largest concentrations of game in Africa. It is especially famous for its massive elephant herds, with numbers reaching into the thousands. The Chobe Riverfront is a wildlife haven, where visitors can witness elephants, hippos, and crocodiles along the water’s edge, especially during the dry season. Safari goers can opt for both land and boat safaris, offering different perspectives of the park’s diverse habitats and wildlife. Luxurious lodges and tented camps along the riverbanks provide an ideal base for exploring this wildlife-rich park.

• Moremi Game Reserve

Located on the eastern side of the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve is known for its stunning landscapes, ranging from dry areas to permanent water, and everything in between. This diversity of ecosystems means an equally diverse array of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and the endangered African wild dog. Moremi combines the beauty of the Okavango Delta with the richness of the savannah, making it a must-visit for any safari enthusiast. The reserve offers a selection of luxury camps where visitors can experience both the thrill of the wild and the pinnacle of comfort.

• Central Kalahari Game Reserve

For those looking to explore the heart of Botswana’s wilderness, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve offers an experience like no other. It is one of the largest game reserves in the world, featuring vast open plains, salt pans, and ancient riverbeds. The Central Kalahari is home to an array of desert-adapted wildlife, including gemsbok (oryx), springbok, and predators such as lions and cheetahs. Visiting after the rains reveals a transformation as the desert blooms and animals congregate around the fresh grasses and waterholes. Luxury safari camps in this remote wilderness provide an oasis of comfort, offering an authentic and exclusive safari experience.

• Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

The Makgadikgadi Pans are among the largest salt flats in the world, offering a surreal and otherworldly landscape. This area becomes a wildlife spectacle during the wet season when it attracts migratory birds and animals, including zebra and wildebeest, in search of fresh grazing. The stark beauty of the pans, combined with the opportunity to witness the annual zebra migration, makes Makgadikgadi a unique safari destination. Luxury camps and lodges in the area offer the chance to experience this unique environment in comfort, including guided walks with San Bushmen to learn about their ancient culture.

Botswana’s diverse landscapes offer some of the best safari locations in Africa. From the waterways of the Okavango Delta to the expansive plains of the Kalahari, each destination offers a unique experience, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Opting for a Botswana luxury safari ensures not just an adventure into the heart of the wild, but also an experience marked by unparalleled comfort and elegance. Whether you’re witnessing the Great Elephant Gathering in Chobe or navigating the mokoro through the delta’s intricate channels, Botswana’s safari destinations promise memories that will last a lifetime.