These are the not to be missed highlights of Botswana for first time visitors.
Chobe National Park Although very busy at times, you will always have a great time in Chobe! There is no place like the Chobe river where you can spot hunderds of elephants swimming and playing with mud.
Okavango Delta The Biggest inland delta in the world! Home to many different bird species. The water comes from Angola and usually by May to October the water levels are at its peak, the best season the explore the delta by mokoro canoes.
Moremi National Park Moremi is a small reserve with a very high density and variety of wildlife. It lies in the eastern Okavango Delta and borders Chobe National Park. Its birdlife is unrivaled, with over 500 species to admire through your binoculars. July through October is the best time to visit, and 4×4 safaris combined with water-based mokoro trips offer the best way to see the abundant wildlife. Wild dogs are regularly spotted here, as well as the Big Five thanks to the recent re-introduction of both black and white rhino. There are a few camps within the park, some of which are exclusive to fly-in safaris. The others are very sought-after by those on a self-drive safari. Several lodges and camps just outside the reserve offer wildlife viewing in the park.
Linyanti & Savuti The Linyanti and Savuti area in northern Botswana is an area famous for large elephant concentrations during the winters dry season and big game year round. A place of woodlands and unusual waterways, the Linyanti and Savuti channel make up the area that is once again a river in its own right, drawing in the very best of what Botswana has to offer, abundant wildlife and plenty of unrelentless peace to enjoy. Linyanti and Savuti are best visited during the dry months (May-October) for wildlife viewing, especially the elephants. But if you want to see the zebra migration the wet season is better, Zebra give birth to their fowls in Savuti around November and can be seen near Linyanti from February-April.
Tuli Block The Tuli Block is a wildlife rich area in eastern Botswana that borders South Africa and Zimbabwe at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers. It was once an area of private farms, but a few decades ago it made more economic sense to transform the land into a wildlife sanctuary. Now the Tuli Block encompasses several reserves, including Mashatu Game Reserve and Northern Tuli Game Reserve. It’s a beautiful area with several rivers, riverine forests, savannah, and lots of massive baobab trees. Wildlife sightings are guaranteed year round. There are large herds of elephant, plenty of lion, leopard and even cheetah. Because it’s private land, guided walking safaris and night drives can be enjoyed. There are fine lodges and camps to stay at.
Nxai Pan National Park Nxai Pan is best to be visited from December till April if you want to spot the zebra and wildebeest migration. All year round a safari is well worth it. Just don’t expect as many animals as Chobe or Moremi. The scenery is the main draw here, with wonderful sand dunes, the famous Baines Baobabs and of course the salt pans themselves. When flooded, the pans also offer tremendous birding and game-viewing opportunities. Lodging here is only possible as part of a mobile camp or self drive, but nearby Makgadikgadi Pan camps are also an excellent option.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Salt pans, Kalahari sand dunes, and plenty of wildlife during the rainy season makes this a wonderful park to visit during the summer months (January – April). But it’s not easy to get to, especially from the Botswana side. You’ll need a 4×4 and the ability to camp self-sufficiently. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is huge, covering an area of 14,670 square miles/ 38,000 square kilometers. It encompasses two previously separate parks: the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa and Gemsbok National Park in Botswana. You won’t see all of the Big Five here, but migrating herds of wildebeest and other antelope attract large numbers of predators and raptors. Lodging is offered in camps on the South African side.
Tsidolo Hills Tsodilo Hills is a spiritual outdoor art gallery, showcasing more than 4,000 ancient San Bushmen rock paintings. There are around 400 sites depicting hunting scenes, ritual dances and typical safari animals. Some rock art dates back more than 20,000 years and archaeologists have ascertained that people lived in this area as far back as 100,000 years ago. The San Bushmen believe this sacred area is the site of the first creation of man and a resting place for spirits of the dead. Not surprisingly, this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can expect to hike the three main hills, with the assistance of local guides. There is a basic campsite and a small but informative museum on site.
Khama Rhino Sanctuary The Khama Rhino Sanctuary was set up in 1992 to help save Botswana’s endangered rhinos and to re-introduce wildlife to the area so that the local community could benefit from tourism. The rhino sanctuary also hosts school kids from neighboring communities and Botswana’s second-largest city Francistown, thereby educating them about conservation. The sanctuary is centered around the Serwe Pan – a large grass-covered depression with several natural water holes in the Kalahari Desert. Basic campsites and chalets offer accommodation at the sanctuary. Activities include game drives and walks to view the many animals (besides rhino) that live in the area. This is an excellent option for a self-drive safari.
Mokolodi Game Reserve Mokolodi is a short drive from Botswana’s capital Gaborone and makes for a great day trip. Mokolodi is a private reserve dedicated to conservation education so when you visit, don’t be surprised to see excited school children out on a field trip. Given that many Africans are denied access to game reserves because of prohibitive costs, Mokolodi is well worth patronizing so that it can continue its programs. Rhino tracking is a highlight at Mokolodi and it’s one of the few places in Botswana where you can spot white rhinos. A successful breeding program has helped keep the white rhino from extinction in Botswana. Guided walks, game drives, and night drives are all possible at Mokolodi. Simple chalets and camping facilities are available if you want to overnight here.