Botswana

Botswana takes great care in safeguarding its treasures. Here, you can feel part of something extraordinary: wildlife, ancient traditions, and modern comfort blend seamlessly. Botswana's hospitality is rooted in its sustainable "low-impact tourism" philosophy: exclusive safaris free from crowds, where you can immerse yourself in vast, unspoilt landscapes.

7 Iconic Locations That Cannot Be Missed:‍

• Okavango Delta is the largest inland delta in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Instead of flowing into the ocean, the waters of the Okavango River disappear into the sands of the Kalahari, creating one of the world's most unique ecosystems, with countless canals, lagoons, and islands. It is home to elephants, hippos, lions, antelopes, zebras, and rare bird species.

• Chobe National Park is one of Botswana's oldest and most visited national parks. It is renowned for having the largest population of elephants in the world, with approximately 60,000 individuals. The park is located along the Chobe River, making it ideal for a water safari and watching animals at the watering holes. Lions, leopards, and buffaloes can also be seen here.
• Central Kalahari is the second-largest reserve in the world, covering an area of more than 50,000 square kilometres. The Kalahari Desert is home to the San (Bushmen) and rare wildlife, including the iconic black-maned Kalahari lions. In spring, the desert transforms into a green oasis. Exclusive tours with the San provide an opportunity to learn the secrets of survival in arid conditions.

• Salt Flats of Makgadikgadi is one of the largest salt pans in the world, and it is the remnant of the ancient Lake Makgadikgadi. In winter, these vast expanses resemble a lunar landscape, while in the rainy season, they transform into shimmering lakes that attract flamingos and other waterbirds. Seasonal zebra migrations occur here, and you may also encounter rare desert creatures such as the brown hyena or the aardwolf.
• Moremi Game Reserve is a park that covers a third of the Okavango Delta. Moremi is a picturesque destination where reed beds, savannahs, and forests blend harmoniously. It is home to rare red lechwe antelope, cheetahs, and African wild dogs. Moremi is the Okavango Delta's gem and one of Botswana's most prestigious reserves. This location is often included in itineraries alongside Chobe National Park.

• Nxai Pan National Park is a combination of salt pans, savannahs, and dense baobab forests. This region is renowned for its unique flora and fauna, including some of Africa's largest baobabs. Seasonal rains draw vast herds of zebras and antelopes to the area. The ancient Baines Baobabs, one of the most photographed landmarks in the country, grow here.‍
• Tsodilo Hills is a sacred site for the San people and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It boasts over 4,500 rock paintings, some dating back 20,000 years. Known as the "Louvre of the Desert," these hills preserve traces of ancient civilisations and the myths of Botswana.

Safari in Botswana

Botswana is one of the best countries in the world for a safari experience. Here, you can enjoy unspoiled wilderness without compromising on comfort. The country’s “High Quality, Low Impact” policy ensures you are surrounded by pristine wildlife and a minimal number of other tourists.

Safari Types:

• Jeep safaris in national parks and reserves. From open 4x4 vehicles, you can observe lions, giraffes, elephants, and many other animals in their natural habitats.
• Boat Safaris. A perfect option for those wishing to experience the magic of the Okavango Delta. Traditional mokoro (canoes) glide silently across tranquil waters, allowing you to see hippos, crocodiles, and an array of birdlife up close.
• Night Safaris. Available in select reserves, these safaris offer the chance to spot nocturnal predators such as leopards and to immerse yourself in the sounds of the savanna under a star-lit sky.
• Walking Safaris. Guided walks with professional experts provide a deeper understanding of the region's flora and fauna.
• Beyond the traditional safari experiences, we highly recommend a helicopter flight over the Okavango Delta. This breathtaking journey reveals meandering waterways and emerald islands from above. From the helicopter, you’ll have the chance to witness herds of elephants, giraffes, and antelopes gracefully moving across the flooded plains.

Travelling in Botswana is accompanied by impeccable comfort. Lodges and camps, nestled in the heart of the reserves, offer exceptional service, creating a perfect balance between wildlife and luxury. You drift off to sleep to the sounds of the savannah, and your mornings begin with aromatic coffee, enjoyed while admiring the boundless landscapes.

Botswana is not only a land of majestic natural beauty but also a treasure trove of cultural heritage that has been preserved for centuries.

The Indigenous San people of Botswana safeguard a wealth of knowledge about nature passed down through generations. Tourists can participate in excursions where the Bushmen share the history of these lands and reveal their secrets for surviving the harsh conditions of the Kalahari Desert.

Music and dance hold a significant place in Botswana's culture. Every dance carries profound symbolism, reflecting the people's nature, history, and spirit. Particularly captivating are the wedding ceremonies and initiation rites, where dancing becomes an essential part of the rituals.

Botswana is a land of diamonds! It ranks first globally regarding the value of mined diamonds, and its deposits have produced some of the largest and most renowned stones, such as the "Lesedi La Rona" — a 1,109-carat giant known as "Our Light". Here, diamonds are not only a symbol of wealth but also a guiding philosophy. They are called "friends of the people" because they underpin Botswana's prosperity. Through the prudent management of diamond mining revenues, the country invests heavily in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

In the capital, Gaborone, and other major cities, visitors can explore museums like the National Museum of Botswana, which showcases Tswana artefacts and ancient San rock paintings.

For those who enjoy gastronomic tours, Botswana offers food that reflects its cultural identity. The national dish, seswaa, is a traditional meat stew served with corn porridge, celebrated for its rich flavour and piquancy. Adventurous eaters can try mopane worms — the caterpillars of the emperor moth — valued for their high nutritional content. Tswii, or cakes made with water lily bulbs (from the Nymphaea lotus), is a unique dish popular in northern Botswana. Once a staple of the San people's diet, tswii remains a cherished symbol of cultural heritage.

The best time to travel to Botswana

The best time to visit Botswana depends on your preferences:

• Dry season (May — August): Ideal for safaris. During this period, animals migrate to water sources, making wildlife observation particularly impressive. The temperatures are comfortable, and the risk of rain is minimal.
• Rainy season (September — April): Nature comes alive after the rains, and the Okavango Delta fills with water. It is also the best time for birdwatching.