Untouched Nature and a Paradise for Wildlife! 5 Recommended Tourist Spots in Botswana

Botswana is rich in mineral resources, including diamonds, and is considered one of the wealthiest countries in Southern Africa. It is also known for its political stability, making it one of the safest countries in Africa. Since it is located in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons are opposite to those of Japan—winters are comfortable, while summers can be extremely hot, requiring caution.

Additionally, 17% of Botswana's land is designated as national parks and wildlife reserves, preserving its untouched natural beauty. From vast flocks of flamingos and endless salt pans to islands with towering baobab trees, Botswana offers many breathtaking sights! Here are some must-visit tourist spots in Botswana.

1.Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park covers an area of 10,566 square kilometers and is one of Africa’s most densely populated wildlife areas. It is especially famous for having the highest concentration of elephants in the world, making it one of Botswana’s top tourist attractions! During the dry season, you can see warthogs, kudus, impalas, zebras, wildebeests, and even battles between male African elephants. In the rainy season, lions, hyenas, and sometimes even cheetahs can be spotted.

Safari tours are the most popular activity in Chobe National Park, but river cruises are also a favorite among tourists! At sunset, you may witness hippos and crocodiles gathering by the river to drink water. One of the best things about Chobe National Park is that the rainfall remains relatively stable throughout the year, allowing visitors to enjoy safaris at any time. The park also offers many lodges, making it easy to explore and experience Botswana’s wildlife.

2.Moremi Wildlife Reserve

Moremi Wildlife Reserve, located in the Okavango Delta, is one of Africa’s top wildlife reserves. It features mopane and acacia forests, as well as vast savannas, making it a visually stunning destination. The reserve is home to numerous animals, including African elephants, waterbucks, hippos, crocodiles, and lions. A must-visit spot is the "Hippo Pool," where a viewing platform allows visitors to get up close to a large number of hippos.
In addition, the Kwai Village inside the park is known for its beautiful handicrafts, making it a great place to buy souvenirs from Botswana.

The best time to visit Moremi Wildlife Reserve is during the dry season, particularly between July and October. During this period, water sources shrink, attracting many animals to the remaining water areas, making it an ideal time for wildlife observation.

3.Central Kalahari Game Reserve

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a must-visit destination in central Botswana. It is the largest protected area in Africa and the second-largest in the world. During the rainy season, many animals gather here, creating an extraordinary wildlife experience. Unlike other reserves, it has fewer lodges, allowing for a more adventurous and untamed safari experience.

Visitors may encounter jackals, giraffes, and ostriches, and if lucky, they might also see elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, and wild dogs! Most tourist activities are concentrated in the northern part of the reserve, where lodges are available, while other areas require camping. Since water is scarce, travelers are advised to bring plenty of supplies. This reserve offers an unparalleled chance to experience Botswana’s wild nature.

4.Okavango Delta

Botswana's Okavango Delta is the world's largest inland delta. Known as the "Jewel of the Kalahari," this stunning oasis is a true miracle, considering its location in the middle of the desert. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Botswana’s top tourist attractions.

The delta’s size changes with the seasons, and visitors can spot wildlife such as African elephants, hippos, and rhinos. A highlight of visiting the Okavango Delta is taking a ride on a mokoro, a small traditional dugout canoe, through the papyrus and reed-filled waterways. This is one of Botswana’s most popular activities!

The best time to visit is during the dry season from May to July, when the landscape is often described as "the most beautiful place on Earth."

5.Makgadikgadi Pans

Located in northern Botswana within the Kalahari Desert, Makgadikgadi Pans is one of the largest salt flats in the world. During the rainy season, water fills the pans, turning them into a paradise for wildlife, especially for flamingos, whose numbers can reach up to 300,000—a truly breathtaking sight.

In contrast, during the dry season (June to September), the water disappears, leaving behind an endless expanse of white, barren landscape stretching to the horizon. Visitors can explore the area by buggy or go camping, where spending a night under the star-filled sky will be an unforgettable part of any Botswana trip.

Within the salt flats, there is Kubu Island, a granite rock formation covered with more than 60 ancient baobab trees. Its rugged and mystical appearance makes it one of Botswana’s must-visit destinations.

◎ Summary

Botswana is known for its high costs for accommodation, food, and travel. This, in turn, helps limit the number of tourists and protect its rich natural environment. The low number of visitors allows for a peaceful and immersive experience in nature.
With its abundant wildlife, including giraffes, lions, elephants, and flamingos, and breathtaking landscapes such as the Makgadikgadi Pans—often described as "the most beautiful place on Earth"—Botswana offers an extraordinary adventure. Make sure to visit!