Best Things to Do in Botswana

1. Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park was Botswana’s first national park and is famous for its large herds of African elephants. It is the largest and most visited national park in the country, and many Botswana safaris are located partly or entirely in the park.

2. Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is best explored via a type of canoe called a  mokoro. The delta is a maze of rivers, lakes, and waterways and is a home and a source of water for many species of wild animals. The best time to visit is from June to October, when the temperatures are mild and the delta is filled with rainwater. 

See all trips to Botswana that visit the Okavango Delta »

3. Central Kalahari Game Reserve

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is the most remote game reserve in Southern Africa. With vast open spaces and plenty of campgrounds, this is the perfect destination for travelers looking to embark on a self-drive or guided safari. Be sure to visit Deception Valley for wildlife spotting and excellent views. 

4. Tsodilo Hills

The Tsodilo Hills are famous for their rock art dating back thousands of years. The cave paintings were done by the Bushmen who have been living in the region for thousands of years, and some of the paintings are believed to have been painted over 20,000 years ago.

The Tsodilo Hills is one of the most historically significant rock art sites in the world; most travelers tend to stay there for at least a few days to fully explore the caves.  

See all archaeological focused Botswana tours »

5. Mokolodi Game Reserve

Less popular for tourists than Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta, Mokolodi Game Reserve is one of Botswana’s hidden gems. Here, visitors can see a variety of wildlife including white rhino, wildebeast, and zebra. The reserve offers excursions such as horseback safaris and guided walks as well as lectures and other learning opportunities. 

6. Moremi Game Reserve

The Moremi Game Reserve is one of the best destinations for viewing game and seeing migrations. The ecosystem is home to all major naturally occurring species in the region, and its relatively smaller size ensures that you can see a variety of animals. The reserve borders Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta, so you can visit all three during your trip.

7. Tuli Block

The Tuli Block is a small stretch of land in Botswana that borders Zimbabwe and South Africa. This is a popular tourist destination due to its abundance of privately-owned game reserves open to visitors. With unique rock formations and open grasslands, the landscape here is unlike other areas of Botswana.

8. Khama Rhino Sanctuary 

The Khama Rhino Sanctuary is a community-built wildlife project in Botswana. It was built in the 90’s to help restore the rapidly decreasing rhino population and remains dedicated to rhino conversation and activism. Visitors can see rhino and other animal species at the sanctuary.

9. Sedudu Island

Sedudu Island is located in the Chobe River and is home to many species of rare birds and wildlife. From the island, visitors can get a close-up view of elephants, hippos, and crocodiles bathing in the water. 

10. Nata Bird Sanctuary

As its name suggests, the Nata Bird Sanctuary is a prime destination for travelers interested in bird-watching. At the sanctuary, visitors can see and learn about the many species of rare birds who live there seasonally. The best time to go is the wet season (November-March), when birds such as pelicans and flamingos find their home in the sanctuary.