Highlights of Botswana
Go in search of the Big Five on a Botswana wildlife safari, float along waterways teeming with life on the Okavango Delta and get up close with herds of elephant in Chobe National Park. Here are some of the highlights of our small group tours to Botswana.
The Big Five
Our Botswana safari adventures will take you on guided tours of the country’s finest nature reserves where you'll have the best chance of seeing some, or maybe all, of the Big Five: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo. Head to Chobe National Park to see herds of elephant traversing the vast grasslands, and follow tracks of dusty paw prints in the hope of finding a pride of lion sleeping in the shade or maybe even an elusive leopard relaxing in a tree. A trip to the Okavango Delta is most likely to reveal endangered black and white rhino and its wetlands are a haven for Cape buffalo.
Okavango Delta
Botswana's Okavango River is the fourth largest river in Africa, and its delta covers a vast area of over 16,000 square kilometers. Its ever-morphing network of lakes and islands provides a unique and nourishing habitat for a diverse range of birds and mammals. Immerse yourself in this thriving ecosystem with a stay on board a houseboat on our Botswana Wildlife Safari or Family Botswana and Zambia Adventure to observe elephants washing and playing in the shallows and look out for crocodile retreating to their lairs among the papyrus beds on the river banks.
Chobe National Park
Feel your skin tingle as you drive through Botswana's oldest and most diverse natural reserve, Chobe National Park, on our Botswana Wildlife Safari. Chobe is located in the north of the country and is well known for its vast elephant population with over 50,000 Kalahari elephants residing here. Follow herds of these gentle giants as they migrate across the park, from the north-western corner in the dry season to the south-east in the rainy season. There are many other mammals and birds to be spotted here too from zebra and waterbuck to lion, cheetah and leopard.
Solo Travel
If you're traveling solo, all of our Botswana adventure vacations are a great way to travel. Our small group tours are popular with couples, families and single travelers alike, so you'll be in good company and will most likely make new friends during your trip. Furthermore, all of our tours are under the guidance of one of our handpicked tour leaders. They will show you all of the must-see sights of Botswana, as well as some of the lesser-known hidden gems for an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Best time to go to Botswana
For the best chance of spotting the Big Five, head to Botswana during the dry season from May to October, when animals will congregate at the watering holes to drink and bathe. You can expect lovely sunny days at this time of year, but it will feel chilly in the morning and evening so bring a few layers to keep warm on early morning safari drives.
If you want to avoid the crowds, a trip in March or November will be much quieter, and flights are cheaper too. You may experience a few showers in the afternoon, but the game reserves will be vibrant and lush. These are also good months to catch sight of newborn animals, and you might even spot a few migratory birds.
For a holiday season with a difference, head to Botswana in December when the safari parks will be much quieter. Rainfall will be more prevalent with thunderstorms in the afternoon, but dusty plains transform into a verdant oasis of leafy acacia trees and grassy meadows. Keep a look out for antelope calves and a plethora of exotic birdlife.