Landlocked Botswana is separated from its neighbours South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia mainly by rivers. 17% of the land areas have been set aside for national reserves and game parks. Botswana is larger than France, comprising an area of 500,000 sq km. 84% of Botswana is covered by the Kalahari Desert, a savannah ecosystem interrupted by sand dunes and saltpans.
The lily-clad waterways of the Okavango Delta to the west brim with wildlife, while the salt pans and their archaeological treasures are visited by a huge migration of antelope and predators with the arrival of the summer rains. Botswana has the largest population of Brown Hyena in Southern Africa. Botswana's wilderness can be rough in some areas, a country best explored with a knowledgeable guide and reliable transport. Gaberone is the capital, and major cultures include the European and Tswana. The official languages are English and Setswana, and the local currency is the Pula. Botswana is 2 hours ahead of GMT.
Game viewing on Botswana safaris is excellent year round. Winter (April to September) is a particularly good time to visit Botswana, as the days are mild, the bush less dense and the wildlife congregates around water sources. Summer months (November to March) are an excellent time for birders in the Okavango Delta, however the rains may make many roads inaccessible. The high season runs from July to October, so if you are travelling during these months, it is advisable to book Botswana safari lodge accommodation and tours well in advance.
See below recommended Botswana safari tours and lodges in the best Botswana safari destinations.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve is located in the heart of the Kalahari desert of Botswana, and is the greatest conservation area...
Chobe National Park, located in the north eastern district of Botswana is home to the largest elephant population in the world. Chobe Nation...
The Kalahari Desert in Africa, gets its name from the Tswana word "kgalagadi", meaning "the great thirst", which is an apt term...
Kasane is located on the south bank of the Chobe River in Botswana and is close to the Four Corners of Africa, where four African countries...
Makgadikgadi Pans is located north-eastern Botswana, in the middle of the dry savanna. The Makgadikgadi Pans is surrounded by the Kalahari D...
Maun is located on the southern outskirts of the Okavango Delta, and is referred to as the tourism capital of Botswana....
Moremi Game Reserve is located in the eastern slopes of the Okavango Delta in Botswana and is the first reserve of Africa that...
Okavango Delta is located in, what is referred to as, the Kalahari basin in Botswana. This African safari gem is produced by seasonal floodi...
Savute is located in the corner of the rugged Chobe National Park in Botswana, south of the Chobe River. Savute is another hidden gem of Bot...
Xugana Island is situated in the renowned Okavango Delta in Botswana and is one of the most striking permanent water locations...