Destinations
Botswana
In the wild heart of Africa, a conservation model for the world.
Vast, untamed, and breathtakingly remote—Botswana is where safari dreams unfold in their purest form. Here, the Okavango Delta pulses with life, shifting with the seasons as floodwaters transform arid plains into a lush, labyrinthine oasis. Elephants wade through glassy channels, lions prowl island thickets, and wild dogs race across open grasslands. Unlike busier safari destinations, Botswana is defined by exclusivity: private concessions, low visitor numbers, and an unwavering commitment to conservation. This is a safari as it was meant to be—wild, immersive, and deeply personal.
Whether gliding silently in a mokoro through papyrus-lined waterways, tracking leopards in the Linyanti, or sleeping beneath the vast Makgadikgadi night sky, every moment feels like a secret shared only with nature. Botswana invites you to step away from the ordinary and into the extraordinary—a place where adventure isn’t just found, but felt in every heartbeat of the land.
Best Times to Visit
May to August: The temperatures are cooler, and wildlife is abundant, especially in the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park.
June to August: This is when Okavango channels, lagoons, and floodplains expand.
September to October: The heat intensifies, but it’s an excellent time for game viewing as animals gather around remaining waterholes.
iconic wildlife
Elephants
Wild Dogs
Cheetahs
Meerkats
Lions
How do you like your wild?
Let us create your dream Botswana adventures
Reflecting On Flamingos
Laguna Chaxa, Chile
23° 19′ 41″ S / 68° 10′ 02″ W
– Jill Scott
“For anyone who feels they are overwhelmed by their job, or maybe they take their job too seriously or are working too hard, I say go to a safari, particularly the Okavango Delta, and just be humbled.”
Botswana is over twice the size of the UK. Let’s break it down for you.
The Okavango Delta
The miracle waters of the Delta
A labyrinth of winding channels, floodplains, and emerald islands, the Okavango Delta is a rare inland oasis teeming with life. Each year, seasonal floods transform the landscape, drawing elephants, big cats, and countless bird species into this lush, ever-changing paradise. Explore by mokoro canoe, track wildlife on foot, or take in the vastness from above—this is safari at its most untamed.
Linyanti or Selinda Reserves
Botswana’s Wildest Corners, Unscripted and Untamed
For those drawn to the raw edge of safari—where wild dogs race through golden grasslands and lions roar into vast, silent skies—Linyanti and Selinda are Botswana’s best-kept secrets. Tucked between the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, these remote, privately protected reserves offer an experience that’s both exclusive and electric. Here, there are no crowds. Just immense wilderness, prolific game, and the thrilling sense that anything might happen next.
Makgadikgadi Pans
If Salvador Dali was a landscape architect, this would be his masterpiece.
In the heart of Botswana lies one of Africa’s most otherworldly landscapes—a shimmering expanse of salt and solitude known as the Makgadikgadi Pans. Once an ancient superlake, this vast network of salt flats stretches across thousands of square kilometers, forming one of the largest salt pan systems on Earth. It’s a place where the horizon dissolves into heat haze, where cracked earth gives way to sudden bloom, and where silence is so complete it becomes a sound of its own.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
The desert where wildlife thrives
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is one of the largest, most remote protected areas in the world—and one of Africa’s best-kept secrets. Stretching over 20,000 square miles, this immense wilderness is a place of stark beauty and quiet drama, where wide-open skies arch over golden grasslands, fossil riverbeds, and ancient sand dunes. Unlike more frequented safari regions, the Kalahari offers a deep and contemplative immersion into the rhythms of the wild, shaped not by spectacle, but by subtlety and surprise.
Chobe River
Where water draws the wild
There are few places in Africa where wildlife and wilderness come together with such fluid grace as along the Chobe River. Flowing through the northern edge of Botswana, this lifeline cuts across the dry, sun-drenched landscape to nourish one of the most biologically rich safari regions on the continent. As the river winds past floodplains and woodland, it draws vast congregations of animals—especially elephants—creating a visual and visceral safari experience unlike anywhere else.
A journey isn’t complete without its defining moment.
Walk With Meerkats in the Makgadikgadi Pans
Witness Big Game in the Linyanti or Selinda Reserves
Glide Through the Okavango Delta in a Mokoro
Frequently Asked Questions About Botswana
When is the best time to visit Botswana?
The prime safari season is during the dry winter months from June to September, offering excellent wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources. The green season (November to April) brings lush landscapes, migratory birds, and newborn animals, ideal for photographers and bird enthusiasts.
Do I need a visa to enter Botswana?
Citizens of many countries, including the USA, UK, EU nations, Canada, and Australia, do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date.
What types of accommodations are available?
Botswana offers a range of accommodations, from luxury tented camps and eco-lodges to mobile safaris. Rewild Safaris partners with camps that prioritize sustainability and provide intimate wildlife experiences.
How do I get around within Botswana?
Due to the remote nature of many camps, light aircraft or helicopter transfers are common between locations. This not only saves time but also offers breathtaking aerial views of the landscapes.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
Botswana is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, rhinos, and numerous bird species. The Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and Moremi Game Reserve are prime areas for wildlife viewing.
Is Botswana safe for travelers?
Yes, Botswana is considered one of Africa’s safest countries for tourists, boasting a stable political climate and low crime rates. As with any travel, it’s advisable to take standard precautions and follow local guidelines.
What should I pack for my safari?
Pack lightweight, neutral-colored clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes. Binoculars and a good camera are also recommended to capture wildlife sightings.
Are vaccinations required?
While no vaccinations are mandatory for entry, yellow fever vaccination is required if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Consult your healthcare provider for advice on malaria prophylaxis and other recommended vaccinations.
How far in advance should I book my safari?
It’s advisable to book your safari 6 to 12 months in advance, especially if traveling during peak season, to secure preferred accommodations and dates.
What is the currency, and are credit cards accepted?
The local currency is the Botswana Pula (BWP). Major lodges and camps accept credit cards, but it’s recommended to carry some cash for tips and small purchases.