Botswana

Where is Botswana?

Botswana is a landlocked country in southern Africa and is bordered by Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia and South Africa. Most countries don’t fly direct to the capital, Garbone, but you are able to fly in from many surrounding countries like South Africa. Some of our tour packages will also take you over land borders, into new countries and adventures. Home to a large part of the stunning Kalahari desert, much of the country is desert sand. Researchers reported that Botswana was the birthplace of all modern humans about 200,000 years ago. Botswana is also one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world!

Things to know before you arrive

Depending on what time of the year you travel, it can actually get very cold at night in Botswana. In June, July & August, be sure to pack extra warm clothes, as early morning safaris could see you braving temperatures as low as 6°C! Don’t worry though, it warms up to a pleasant 25°C by the afternoon. November through April, it’s a lot warmer and more humid, with the temperature usually staying above 20°C.

It’s also a good idea to read up on any local customs or laws when travelling to a new area. Knowing where it is ok to take photos or haggle, and how to greet people in their local language will enhance your holiday experience! Music, singing and dancing are a big part of local customs; Garbone has a diverse music scene and a lot of venues for going out and dancing.

Accommodation in Botswana

If you are wanting to visit the Okavango Delta or Moremi National Park there are amazing lodges in The Chobe National Park and also houseboats on the Chobe River! And if you want to add even more wonder to your package, a trip to the Makgadikgadi Pans or Central Kalahari Game Reserve will add an extra dimension to your African Safari experience. This will also put you close to Victoria Falls and sand dunes of the Namib Desert, perfectly located to ensure your ultimate African dream holiday.

We want to provide you with a truly authentic holiday experience, and The Linyanti Reserve and Selinda Spillway offer truly unique experiences for safari travellers.  The Linyanti marshes are the only source of water in the dry months and draw in spectacular herds of elephant and buffalo, alongside extraordinary numbers of predator species. Birding safaris are popular from both lodges all year round! If this sounds like something you want to experience, make sure to chat to our agents so that we can tailor you a package, whether you’re a solo traveller or looking for a family safari holiday, we’ll go to all the spots that excite you the most.

Places to visit in Botswana

Although sparsely populated, there is an incredible amount of things to do in Botswana.

The Nxai Pans are the largest collection of salt pans on earth, these plains are home to seasonal migrating herds of wildebeest and zebra. Our safari package tours will take you to meet the local San Bushmen, who play host to traditional cultural experiences and offer an insight into their nomadic way of life. You can see all types of creatures roaming the plains, all while meerkats entertain guests with their inquisitive and fun-loving antics!

Romantic star-gazing opportunities also await you in the expansive Kalahari Desert, and the sights are extraordinary; endless vistas and minimal light pollution are the perfect setting to explore the African night skies. The massive desert covers the south western area of this beautiful country. The wild, mysterious beauty of this reserve with its endless, untouched vistas is perfect for a honeymoon retreat or solo self-care package. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is also home to the black-maned lion, pangolin, bat-eared fox and honeybadger as well as a variety of herbivores, perfect for wildlife viewing trips.

Chobe National Park, the aptly named “Land of Giants” is home to the largest concentration of elephants in Africa. Booking a safari package here will allow you to see African elephant herds often in the hundreds; a true sight to behold. Equally large numbers of buffalo can also be seen, along with fantastic sightings of lion and leopard. The Chobe River offers a wonderful opportunity to view and photograph the wildlife and birdlife up close. Photographic Safaris with experienced photographers in Chobe National Park offer a fantastic opportunity to hone your wildlife photography skills.

Staying safe in Botswana

While Botswana is more well-off than some other neighbouring countries, it still offers excellent value for money. Garbone is a spectacular city with many unique sights, And outside the city, staggering concentrations of wildlife in pristine wilderness settings are treasured by the Botswana government, who offer a politically stable and safe opportunity to share these beauties. Botswana is the perfect destination for family safaris as well as honeymoons, with lodges catering for each guest’s particular requirements.