Safaris
in
Botswana
Our expert, Kirsty, knows and loves Botswana with a passion. With her first-hand knowledge, real-life stories and personal touch, you'll know your precious holiday is in great hands.
Overview
Drift through the Okavango Delta, track game in private reserves, and sleep under the stars in the Makgadikgadi salt pans, Botswana feels like a real-life nature documentary. You’ll find elephants by the hundred, big cats on the prowl and sunsets that set the sky on fire here. Our Kirsty knows the country inside out and will design a safari experience that’s completely yours.
Meet our Botswana expert
We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our expert Kirsty is dedicated to all things Botswana and is here to help you plan your perfect trip.
Kirsty Leggate
Destination Manager
30 October 2025
Real travels With Andy: A journey through Botswana in flood season
Earlier this year, our founder Andy swapped his desk for the floodplains of Botswana. He travelled in May, right at the time when the Okavango Delta was beginning to fill. It's a season that transforms the landscape into something altogether different, and Andy was there at the perfect time to see the best of it. What followed was a journey of water, wildlife and a few unexpected discoveries. In this post, Andy shares his first-hand reflections from the Selinda Spillway and Xudum, bringing to life the sounds, smells and sights of Botswana in flood season. Our Botswana expert, Kirsty, knows how to design holidays to Botswana that will tick all of your boxes. So have a read of the below and do get in touch if you think Botswana could be for you. Andy shares his Botswana adventure "I arrived at the Selinda Spillway in the Okavango Delta at the same time as the annual flood. The word “flood” conjures up images of rushing waves and destruction, but the Okavango flood was nothing like this. The water slowly, gently, but implacably pushed its way across the landscape. It was imperceptible but inevitable: like a game of Grandma’s footsteps, the water level never rose when I was looking at it, but if I turned my back, when I looked round again, surprise! the water was lapping at my feet. It turned the Spillway into a verdant Hall of Mirrors, where subtle changes in elevation meant the plain of wild grass I passed through yesterday (think Gladiator. Or maybe Theresa May) still looked like a plain, but six inches of water now washed the base of the grass stalks, turning a savannah into a swamp. The Delta is vast and the camps and lodges limited in number: you might have up to a thousand square kilometres literally to yourself. So the rarest sightings were of other people and vehicles. Despite the remoteness, the Delta in flood time was a place of ceaseless noise. At night, the reed frogs were my constant backing musicians. They sounded like each child in a primary school had been given a different individual xylophone block, with no two identical notes, and told to play it in syncopated rhythm with their friends. The resulting sound was more harmonious than you might think (underpinned by the bullfrogs providing the bass section) and was the Delta’s equivalent of a white noise app, lulling me to sleep. Bird cries were ever-present, from the “tink-tink-tink” of the Blacksmith Plover, to the piercing single note of the African Fish Eagle (every description you will ever read of the African Fish Eagle’s cry will describe it as “piercing” – but wait until you’ve heard it yourself and then tell me there’s a better way to describe it!). The grunting of hippos, the deep rumblings of elephants, the rough bark of the lion, and the harsh alarm snort of any number of plains game species all imposed themselves on my senses at some point. So, it sounds like a busy place, right? Well, yes, but it’s also vast (I may have already mentioned this!), so the landscape comfortably absorbed all these animals. Some were easy to see: both lodges I stayed at have local elephants who’ll pass through at some point in the day, often pausing for a drink from the swimming pool. When you encounter that same elephant in the bush, you’ll wonder how the largest land animal can be so quiet and so hard to spot despite only being a matter of yards away. Hippos were in most pools of water, and plains game in herds of anything from a few specimens to hundreds of animals drifted across the savannah, swamps, and islands. We worked hard to get our predator sightings. My spotter found the tracks, and in tandem with my guide, used their experience and intuition to deliver that perfect leopard sighting: thankfully, I’m told this is the outcome more often than not! That longed-for leopard sighting The immutable cycle of the water flooding in and receding is like the breathing of a huge lung, with the water as the animating oxygen. And in flood season, getting out on the water is a privilege. Drifting languidly past a bathing elephant is a cliché, but at the heart of every cliché is a truth, and until you’ve drifted languidly past a bathing elephant, you can’t appreciate just how special it feels. I was cynical, now I’m converted! I wasn’t drifting in total silence (see above) but I closed my eyes and really listened: not a single human-made sound (except possibly the clinking of ice in my gin & tonic). Where have you been lately where you can completely escape human sound? To see the Delta from the water gave me a sense of the braiding of the waters, how those subtle elevation changes shape the shifting river. It was Heraclitus who said “No-one enters the same river twice”, and that’s especially true of the Okavango. Earth tremors are continuously shifting the sands and redirecting the waters from one year to the next. So, the limpid flow I was in, gently swaying the grasses and water lilies, may well not exist in a year: I made sure to enjoy it whilst I could. One smell dominates my memory of the Delta: wild sage. In the same way that the scent of wild garlic crushed underfoot in a UK woodland is a stronger, more vital version of kitchen garlic, wild sage is brighter and sharper on the nose than the cooking herb. There are huge patches of wild sage, so the fresh, herbaceous, minerally scent was a frequent companion on my travels through the Delta. Other smells passed across my palette: the unmistakably bovine pungency of buffalo, the petrichor-like musk of the damp soil at dusk, and the occasional taste of corruption in the air as a nearby (usually unseen) animal carcass performed its function as a buffet for those unfancied creatures like carrion beetles: unfancied yet without which the ecosystem would grind to a halt. Circle of life and all that! Sightings on the Delta I split my time between the Selinda Spillway and the Xudum (Kudum) Concession in the south. Xudum may be a familiar name as the Xudum Pride of lions was one of the stars of the Big Cat 24/7 series filmed here. There’s nothing better to keep you in your place than meeting a lion cub that already has more Instagram followers than you can ever hope to achieve! The landscape really changed as I moved south from the Selinda to Xudum. On the spillway, it was tight and close, a mix of woodland, small plains and frequent islands, somewhere where the horizon feels quite near. Moving south, it uncurled like a loosening fist; the woods disappeared, the plains stretched out (Theresa May would take hours to cross some of them on foot), the islands grew in size, their shores fringed with trees, including the iconic tall palms. The horizon pushed back, the sky grew. The water continued to play tricks, deep enough in places to come pouring through the Land Cruiser, but then absent for wide stretches of floodplain. The waters were still rising, so perhaps in a few weeks those wide stretches will be more flood than plain. I feel lucky to have seen these two sides of the Delta: I have more of an appreciation of just what a varied landscape this is. That landscape is primarily thanks to three animals. Hippos for forging water channels as they move around, allowing the floods to spread across the plains and opening the way for other species to follow them. Elephants for (amongst other things) not digesting their food very well: thus a seed consumed from a tree is excreted, undigested and ready to germinate, often many kilometres away, ensuring the diversity of the ecosystem. The final animal I’m not sure you’d ever guess unless you knew it. A clue: you’d need approximately two million of them to equal the weight of one elephant. The humble termite. To paraphrase a little, in the beginning there was sand. A vast plain of flat, featureless sand, shaken to a level surface by the aforementioned earth tremors. Then along came the termites, building their termite mounds: sturdy things that take up to eight years to complete and can survive, proud towers rising metres above the ground, for over a hundred years. As the floodwaters swirled around the termite mounds, they slowed and deposited sand against the edges of the mounds. Those islets became islands, watered annually by the floods and seeded by passing birds. They held back the floodwaters, allowing pools to form and nutrients to be retained by the earth. Trees and bushes grew on the islands, and so an attractive habit for animals was born. What a reflection to finish on, that this epic, fecund, wild, vivacious Eden is all thanks to an insect about the size of your thumbnail. It’s like great oaks coming from tiny acorns, but on a global, visible-from-space scale and I love that." 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"Show More" : "Show Less"; if (anyHidden) { const expandButton = document.getElementById("zen-gallery-expand"); const rect = expandButton.getBoundingClientRect(); const scrollTop = window.pageYOffset || document.documentElement.scrollTop; window.scrollTo({ top: rect.top + scrollTop - 200, behavior: "instant" }); } } }); Andy’s journey through Botswana was carefully planned by our very own Botswana expert, Kirsty. She knows the Delta inside out and brings her love of the region to every holiday she designs. If Andy’s reflections have got you picturing yourself drifting past elephants or listening to the chorus of reed frogs at night, why not get in touch with Kirsty? She’ll chat through what matters most to you and start shaping a Botswana adventure that’s yours and yours alone. Get in touch Ideas for your own Botswana adventure ZEN_HOLIDAY_PACK_YOUR_BAGS ZEN_HOLIDAY_SPEAK_TO_SPECIALIST ZEN_HOLIDAY_GET_A_QUOTE ZEN_HOLIDAY_TEL ZEN_HOLIDAY_OPEN_HOURS
23 July 2025
Botswana: Africa’s best-kept secret
As one of Africa’s last unpopulated wildernesses, Botswana holidays are an absolute must for wildlife lovers. With 38% of Botswana’s land given over to national parks, this landlocked country is home to some of the greatest and most varied wildlife in the world, from big mammals and game to birdlife.
Our Botswana expert, Emma, recently returned from a research trip to Botswana that saw her travel from the biologically diverse Chobe National Park to the lush Okavango Delta and the remote Kalahari Game Reserve. In this blog post, Emma shares the standout moments from her trip, as well as her top Botswana travel tips…
Chobe National Park
I started my trip at Chobe National Park – and as the first national park to be established in Botswana in 1967, it doesn’t disappoint. It’s the most biologically diverse park in all of Botswana, and the amount of wildlife here is astonishing: think vast herds of elephant, buffalo and zebra roaming freely, and lions sunning themselves underneath trees. Activities here include game drives and trips to the meeting points of the four countries – however, in Chobe , boat trips are the definitive game viewing experience. They allow you to see wildlife from a completely different perspective, whether you’re looking back on the banks of the river or witnessing elephants snorkel along beside you as they cool off in the water in the dry season, it’s an unforgettable experience.
A highlight for me was a boat trip along the channels where we headed out with a specialist guide for a unique opportunity to photograph pied kingfishers, whilst keeping an eye out for other wildlife too. Don’t forget that the trips and activities available here are seasonal, so you’ll need to plan your visit accordingly: the dry season is best for wildlife sightings, whereas, in the wet ‘green’ season, the elephants are on the move. There are baby animals and vibrant birdlife around during this time, making for absolutely incredible photo opportunities.
If you have time, it’s also well worth a visit to nearby Savute . Bordering the Linyanti Wetlands on the western edge of Chobe, it’s home to some of Botswana’s most outstanding wildlife. It’s a documentary maker’s dream – in fact, most wildlife documentaries in Botswana are filmed here, which shows just how incredible the wildlife spotting opportunities are.
Okavango Delta
For the next part of my trip, I headed to the Okavango Delta , one of the world’s largest deltas and a dynamic ecosystem in its own right. With networks of channels and lagoons fringed with papyrus and dotted with charming islands, it’s pristine and serene – and offers excellent year-round wildlife viewing. In fact, the delicate ecosystem here means there’s everything from flora and fauna to birds and marine life, as well as large animals such as elephant, hippo, giraffe and rhinoceros. It’s also the predator capital of Africa, too.
There are plenty of activities on offer here, including game drives, night drives, boat cruises, canoeing through crystal clear waters on traditional mokoro canoes made from sausage tree (often made from fibreglass these days) and walking safaris. You can even sleep on a sky bed on a platform underneath the stars – an experience which I would definitely recommend! Another relatively new activity available in some high-end lodges is the chance to go out on a hot air balloon ride early in the morning and enjoy a champagne breakfast when you return – absolutely unforgettable and a fantastic chance to see the Delta from a new perspective.
If hot air balloons aren’t for you, you can do as I did and plonk yourself down on a lookout deck over a floodplain back at your lodge and witness the animals come and go. I saw an elephant venture so close to the lodge that it had its head inside the main area and was stealing spring onions from the herb box! On another occasion, whilst setting up for sundowners and listening to the sounds of hippos calling, a pack of 11 wild dogs appeared 20 feet away. We jumped in our vehicle and followed them, which resulted in an amazing and completely private sighting as they taught their youngsters to hunt.
If you’re after a bit more action from your Botswana holiday , mobile camping is becoming more popular for an authentic safari experience and the chance to develop really intense safari knowledge. With mobile safaris, you can be much more flexible and each day is tailored to you. However, if you choose to view the Delta, though, the best thing about this region is that the wildlife is so relaxed. Because the area is home to a number of private concessions rather than a national park, there are fewer rigid regulations, fewer people and more activities on offer; it’s a completely unique experience. In addition, the lodges are really community driven – in fact, most of the staff have grown up in villages next door, so have fantastic insider knowledge.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
For the final leg of my trip, I headed to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve . One of the largest game reserves in the world, it’s the size of Denmark and covers 50,000km2 of wild, remote and pristine land in southern-central Botswana. Here, you’ll find spotted hyena, black-maned lion, aardvark and desert-adapted elephants, alongside other game species.
Whilst the wet season is best for wildlife, there are still plenty of activities on offer in the dry season too. Originally home to the San people, I had the chance to meet two San bushmen, including a village elder, and was granted access to their homes and the chance to learn their skills, the medicines they use and how they live for a fascinating insight into traditional life. On the way back to the lodge, we were lucky enough to spot and park up nearby a pride of lions. We stayed completely still as they edged towards us before sitting right beside the wheel – a real heart-in-mouth moment!
Back at the lodge that night, there was sensational campfire stargazing, and on a game drive the next morning we saw the same lions acting very territorial having made a kill. Also on our drive, our guide mimicked the call of a predator bird, the Pel’s Fishing Owl, which made all the birds fly out of the trees to try and mob it for an incredibly unique and awe-inspiring viewing opportunity. This is an example of the difference between the Botswana experience as opposed to ordinary game drives – with Botswana holidays , everything is elevated to the next level.
My top tips
Pack layers – heading out on activities in the early mornings means it can be very cold, but you’ll need lighter clothes for when the sun comes up.
Consider a camera workshop – either as part of the itinerary or before you go to get the most of the wildlife photography opportunities
Add on time in Cape Town or Victoria Falls to relax after your busy safari days
Download a bird guide app on your phone before you go – it acts as a checklist too
A lightweight scarf acts as an extra layer, a protector for your camera on your lap, and instant cover if you are in the sun during the game drive
Whether you want to visit in the dry or wet season, if you’re looking for some of the finest wildlife in the world, Botswana might just be your dream destination. Our team are experts on Botswana holidays and can advise on everything from the best lodges to stay in, to the most exciting activities on offer so you can craft your perfect trip. Ready to start your Botswana adventure? Contact our team today for a quote .
23 July 2025
Big Sights. Small Crowds.
Experience the World, while it’s still quiet
With Peru and Ecuador moving off the red list from Monday, travel is back on the table in a big way.
Here at HA we always do our best to suggest ways to get you off the beaten track, walking the road less travelled and soaking up true authenticity wherever you’re visiting. However, all countries have those truly must-visit experiences and places that can’t be missed. And, with those bucket-list worthy spots, tends to come the crowds! (We tried to keep schtum about Petra, but the word got out.)
For the time being though, with fewer tourists the big sights are so much more peaceful than normal. So, it could just be the perfect time to get back out there to experience some of the most magical places in our world, while they’re quieter than they’ll *hopefully* ever be again.
Botswana
Botswana ‘s Okavango Delta and Linyanti Wetlands reserves are a sprawling safari playground, with incredible scenery, untouched wilderness and just about all of the definitive, headline grabbing African wildlife that you could hope to see. And, with game viewing here even more exclusive than it usually is, you’re guaranteed countless memorable wildlife encounters and far fewer tourists to share them with. Plus, with an exclusive chance to save more than £1,000 per person on this Botswana adventure (when travelling within 30 days of booking, and on selected dates), incredible safari sightings could be closer than you think. Contact our Botswana specialist, Kirsty, for more information. (Offer valid at time of writing).
Peru
Peru is set to be moved off the red list on Monday (we couldn’t be happier about this news!). And that means the spectacular Incan citadel of Machu Picchu , nestled high in the Andes Mountains, is ripe for exploring once more. This jewel in the crown of the Inca empire is South America’s most iconic visitor attraction – and it never disappoints. Whether you choose to trek or take the train or bus up, the view at the top will be worth every minute of the journey. Get in quick, to experience this top bucket-list destination for yourself, before the crowds return! Find out more >
Sri Lanka
This train ride through Sri Lanka ‘s tea hills really is something else. And to enjoy the experience to the fullest, we’ll always book you a window seat. With fewer tourists, there will be more chance to move through the carriages, lean out of open windows and sample tasty delicacies sold by the local sellers who make their way down the aisles. Or, if you have an adventurous streak, sit in an open doorway to feel the breeze as you watch the far-reaching tea terraces whizz by below. An exhilarating journey like no other awaits. Take me there >
Namibia
Climbing the imposing orange dunes of the Namib desert is a must when in the Sossusvlei region of Namibia. The huge 100m high peak of Dune 45 makes for a bit of a challenge – and a staggering view across the golden plains once you get to the top! Plus, right now, you’re able to take in the sweeping vistas with very little company. Pinch-yourself moments guaranteed. Now is such a fantastic time to visit Namibia, and with great last-minute availability on routes like this two-week self-drive Namibia itinerary , get in touch with Kirsty, our Namibia specialist , to plan your trip today.
Mauritius
Surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and immaculate white sandy beaches, we’d understand if Mauritius is calling your name. Whether you visit as a standalone romantic holiday (we’re looking at you honeymooners), or fancy unwinding in paradise after a South African safari adventure , Mauritius makes the perfect island hideaway. Boasting one of the largest unbroken barrier reef systems in the world and fringed by soft sand beaches, it could just be the perfect place to enjoy the peace and tranquility of a perfect post-pandemic getaway. Take me there >
Canada
Just an hour away from Toronto , you can experience the power and roar of what is arguably one of Canada’s most famous icons – the plummeting Niagara Falls. Whether you choose to feel the spray on your face from the water as you cruise to the base of Horseshoe Falls, walk along the White Water Walk boardwalk or venture into the tunnel – Journey Behind the Falls – which takes you behind the cascading wall of water, this is a sight not to be missed. Plus, fewer crowds allows a rare and uninterrupted opportunity to be wowed by this magnificent example of mother Nature at work. Find out more on this sample ‘Canada Icons’ holiday itinerary >
Jordan
Petra , once called “the rose-red city half as old as time” and famously voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is a must-see for visitors to Jordan, and for good reason. It’s hard to beat (or put into words) the feeling when you catch your first glimpse of the Treasury Tomb at the end of the dramatic Siq Canyon – and it’s all the more magical without the crowds! HA clients, the Sussexes, visited Jordan last month and said: “A lot of the places were very quiet. It made seeing places so much easier, especially Wadi Rum and also wandering around Petra.” See it all on this Grand Tour of Jordan
Cambodia
With more than 1000 temples scattered across its 400 square kilometers, Cambodia’s Angkor Wat is the most visited sight in Cambodia. With South East Asia being a little slower to open up, we’d recommend getting a trip booked in for 2022. This way, you’ll have a holiday in the diary to look forward to and will travel knowing you’ll not only beat the crowds, but you’ll be supporting a wonderful country in its efforts to reignite tourism, too. The ethereal glow of the sun as it rises over the ancient towers of Angkor is an experience everyone should have when they visit this remarkable side of the world. See the Temples of Angkor and so much more on this ‘Best of Cambodia’ holiday itinerary.
Not sure where to explore first? No problem. Our friendly team of travel specialists are at the end of the phone ready to chat all things travel and help design a getaway that’s tailored for you. Give us a call on 01242 253 073 , request a quote or email us on [email protected] .
Where to visit in Botswana
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[content] => A world away from the riverfront in ambience, landscapes and game viewing experiences, the Savute area of the Chobe National Park is wild and authentic. Bordering the Linyanti Wetlands at the western edge of Chobe, the wildlife is outstanding, with a famous pride of lions that hunt elephants and a mini herbivore migration during April and May. Most of the habitat is woodland, with pockets of tumbling kopjes that support a significant leopard presence. The two major exceptions are the vast, open landscapes of the Savute Marsh, with its striking dead trees and isolated water holes, and the now flowing Savute Channel. Dry for decades between 1982 and 2009, the return of the water has brought back hippos, crocodiles and water birds after decades absent.
There are few camps in this remote wilderness, which only adds to the appeal, and although self-driving and mobile safaris are possible for those experienced in navigating Africa’s empty quarters, it is likely that you will fly in by light aircraft. Game drives get you close to the animals, while the permanent camps have artificial water holes that attract wildlife to be viewed from the comfort of the bar, particularly after dark. There is also a tangible sense of history, mainly because the Savute Channel has been a timeless water source. As a result, there are some fascinating Bushman rock art sites that can be visited with a guide to break up the more traditional safari activities, making three night stays in Savute ideal.
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[content] => North of the area classically known as the Okavango Delta is the Linyanti Wetlands, an equally impressive, game rich region stretching up to the border with Namibia. The habitats, experiences and wildlife here are often very similar to those further south, but there are subtle differences that make it combine perfectly with the Moremi Game Reserve or one of the Delta's private concessions. It is also simple to travel between Linyanti and Chobe further east, meaning that comprehensive itineraries covering Botswana's big-game havens will generally include Linyanti as a central hub.
The Linyanti Wetlands cover vast swathes of diverse environs, two great rivers and three outstanding reserves, the Selinda, the Kwando and the Linyanti. All of these are known for slightly different landscapes, flora and fauna: the Selinda's open plains and tree islands are ideal for big cats; the Kwando's thick mopane woodland sees almost unprecedented wild dog traffic; and the Linyanti includes the Savute Channel within its borders, dry for decades but now flowing again and attracting huge herds of elephant, vast pods of hippo and a dazzling array of water birds. Each boasts some truly exceptional camps with first class guides, leading explorations mainly concentrated on game drives but sometimes on foot or by boat. We would suggest staying for at least three nights in one of these reserves, but longer stays combining two of them are equally rewarding and highly recommended.
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[content] => On the north western fringes of the Okavango Delta, the area known as the Panhandle combines perfectly with Namibia’s Caprivi Strip for an excellent value Delta alternative. This is one of Botswana’s best self-driving areas, with visitors often crossing the border from the fascinating Caprivi area before driving south and re-entering Namibia in the Kalahari. The Panhandle’s combination of beautiful riverine scenery, fabulous birdlife, varied activities and decent wildlife provides an “Okavango-lite” experience, while avoiding the budget busting private concessions of the Delta.
The Okavango Panhandle is the first stretch of roughly 70km before the mighty river fans out into the Delta, so the habitats are often quite similar, with papyrus swamps, high reed beds and a series of small channels to explore. Fishing and birdwatching here are first class, with long established, simple fishing lodges now being supplemented by a growing number of options targeting higher levels of luxury and a more varied activity base. Evening river cruises to watch the sunset over the waters are enticing, with walks and nature drives also possible when water levels are favourable. In the remote Tsodilo Hills, a stunning collection of ancient San-Bushman rock art makes for a fascinating cultural visit and a break from the focus on the natural world. There is also a sense of being far off the tourist trail, with the area receiving few of the tourists that visit Chobe and the Delta, making the Panhandle ideal for lovers of birds, water and peace and quiet!
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[content] => Chobe is a large national park with a range of distinct environs, from the eponymous river in the north to the marshes and plains further south. The renowned riverfront sector is relatively crowded but undoubtedly game rich, with the Chobe flowing deep and wide throughout the year to provide an invaluable water source. This is bona fide big game country with significant predator numbers, but it is most famous for the vast herds of elephant and buffalo that congregate at the river during the dry season, the pachyderms often crossing when water levels are lower.
This hive of wildlife activity, enhanced by iridescent water birds and varied antelope, inevitably brings traffic to the riverfront. It is possible to self-drive in the park, although vehicle numbers have been limited and the one permanent camp inside the park offers the best early morning access to the prized riverfront track. Although you will definitely see other vehicles and boats on game viewing activities, this is not necessarily a bad thing, as the wildlife is well habituated and less likely to bolt. Most of the accommodations are larger, hotel styled options, with vibrant, social evenings that make Chobe a fine choice for families. For connoisseurs and tranquillity seekers, there is excellent, semi-permanent tented accommodation inside the park, or a small, luxury lodge close to the gates. Boating activities offer privileged access to the huge herds of buffalo and elephant, so you should definitely not strike a visit to Chobe off your dream Botswana itinerary.
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[content] => The Okavango Delta is a legendary safari destination, without question one of Africa’s finest for abundant wildlife, varied activities, sensational scenery and first class guiding. It can be difficult to precisely identify what the Delta constitutes, with an assortment of private concessions and wildlife reserves that are often very similar, their unfenced boundaries clearly not recognised by the animals! For our purposes, we will class the Delta as the collection of reserves, camps and lodges that surround the central Moremi Game Reserve, dealing with the Linyanti and Selinda areas in a separate section.
So what makes the Delta special? Firstly, the wildlife is virtually unmatched in both variety and volume. Across the varied concessions, everything is here: incredibly diverse and colourful birdlife; all of the big cats and predators; vast numbers of hippo and elephant splashing around in the wetlands; and a splendid variety of plains game and antelope, from impala and red lechwe to rarer species like sitatunga and sable. Then there are the varied activities: so called “wet camps” and concessions offer mokoro excursions through the high reeds and relaxing evening boat cruises, while “dry camp” game drives provide enhanced game viewing opportunities. The definitive Delta itinerary should combine both, and we would recommend at least four nights in various areas, hopping between concessions by light aircraft. All this means that itineraries come at a price, but this calculated high value, low impact approach to tourism has helped keep Botswana’s jewel in the crown special.
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[title] => Nxai & Makgadikgadi Pans
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[content] => Botswana's desert salt pans are ethereally beautiful and genuinely exhilarating to explore. There is outstanding seasonal wildlife, fascinating Bushman history, varied activities and exclusive camps. Possibly most attractive though are the sensational, endless landscape and the feeling of timeless isolation amongst the baobab trees, coarse grasses and stone-age relics of the pans. The Makgadikgadi is the largest and most renowned while Nxai Pan has become more accessible, and both can be visited on the same itinerary. With wildlife such a strong focus elsewhere, combining the Pans with a classic safari itinerary to the Delta hotspots can provide extra variety and colour.
The first consideration is what time of year to visit, as the best wildlife months are very different to those further north. There is a little known but utterly spectacular zebra and antelope migration that heads south from the Okavango area onto the pans from March, following water and grazing sources to the Boteti River by September, before returning to the Delta. Leaving aside the wildlife, the many year-round attractions include the indigenous San Bushmen people, who lead excursions to demonstrate their tracking prowess and unique customs. Just walking on the vast, remote pans is incredible, while quad bike excursions and the opportunity to sleep under the stars are truly unforgettable. Although there are now camps to suit all budgets, it is likely that you will fly in and out of this area, so the costs can be high. But there is nowhere else in the world like the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans, so we would very strongly recommend including them in your itinerary.
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[title] => Central Kalahari Game Reserve
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[content] => Covering over 50,000 sq km in southern-central Botswana, the vast Central Kalahari Game Reserve is now firmly on the safari map. Remote, wild and pristine, the wide open plains, dry riverbeds and occasional salt pans promise a unique combination of stark landscapes and spectacular seasonal wildlife. There are two outstanding camps within the reserve itself and some character lodges just outside the park but still within the Kalahari eco-system. The desert conditions can be harsh and unforgiving, but this is an environment utterly unaffected by human intrusion, where the landscapes are unspoiled and the campfire stargazing sensational.
You wouldn’t come here to view abundant wildlife during the dry season, when some camps close and the scarcity of water means animals disperse. During these times, there are still a range of experiences to enjoy, including Bushman encounters, day trips to remote salt pans and guided walks. Safaris in the emerald though are absolutely superb, with a massive concentration of wildlife that becomes comparable with northern Botswana. Animals arrive en masse, attracted by the lush grasses and brimming water holes generated by the rains. The predator presence is striking, with lions, cheetah and leopard all following migrating zebra and antelope that arrive for plentiful grazing and water. During the emerald season, wildlife lovers can combine the Central Kalahari with the Delta for an enticing diversity of experiences and game. Overall, while Botswana has more renowned safari destinations with greater concentrations of animals, there is nowhere else that offers the unique attractions of the Central Kalahari in the early months of the year.
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[content] => The wild heart of the Okavango Delta, the Mopane Tongue of Moremi was first classified as a protected game area in 1962. All of the Delta’s major habitats are represented, from papyrus swamps to tree islands, riverine mopane woodland and permanent wetlands. With water-tight protection over decades, the volume and diversity of wildlife is magnificent, making this arguably Botswana’s number one game viewing hotspot. Since the reintroduction of rhino to Chief’s Island, it is now possible to see all of Africa’s Big 5, as well as superb birdlife and excellent numbers of cheetah, giraffe, hyena, hippo, varied antelope and (at certain times) wild dog. With so many animals in such numbers, most of them relaxed around vehicles, the game viewing potential is virtually unrivalled.
Bordering the Moremi are the Khwai Private Reserve and the Khwai Community Concession. The Khwai Private Reserve is 200,000 hectares of pristine wilderness sitting on the north eastern fringe of the Delta. Four lodges enjoy traversing rights over the diverse landscape is one of mopane and acacia woodland, seasonal waterholes, open floodplains and waterways that wind their way across the landscape from the Khwai River. Between the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park lies the 180,000-hectare Khwai Community Concession managed by the Khwai Development Trust on behalf of the Khwai Village community.  Despite its popularity and reputation for being  busy, we find that this game rich area offers an intense wildlife experience, and is best known for its renowned predator population.
Activities in Moremi focus on game drives and boat cruises, which are complemented by off road game drives, night drives, mokoro trips and even walking safaris in the Khwai region.  So, it would be possible to enjoy a varied Botswana safari without going further afield, but we would generally recommend that you combine it with more of the Delta’s private concessions or time in the Linyanti and Chobe. The reserves can be appreciated from lodge accommodation or on mobile safaris, both of which we can arrange. While a Botswana safari can be exceptional without visiting these parts, there is no doubt that it showcases all that is enticing about the Delta
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About Botswana
Botswana is Southern Africa’s most celebrated, exclusive safari destination. Its reputation for superb wildlife (including all of Africa’s Big 5) and opulent safari accommodation has grown steadily over the years, and it now sits comfortably with more traditionally renowned safari countries in East Africa atop the wildlife lover’s wishlist. This is largely down to the Okavango Delta, an utterly unique wetland ecosystem replete with diverse animals and studded with private reserves where some of Africa’s best and most expensive lodges guarantee an unforgettable safari. But while you should always include a Delta safari on any trip to Botswana, delve a little deeper and you can find a surprising variety of experiences for which Botswana has not always been recognised. Staying in the north, there is outstanding big game in the Chobe, Savute and Linyanti areas, while the Okavango Panhandle is a dream spot for birders and fishermen alike. Moving further south, the varied climes of the timeless Kalahari have now become a key attraction. There are the black maned lions and endless horizons of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve; the vast ethereal salt pans and impressive ungulate migration of the Makgadikgadi Pans; and a historic San-Bushman culture that is accessible in both of these areas and across the wider desert environs.
Although a growing number of camps are emerging to provide a more affordable experience, holidays in Botswana are undeniably expensive. Virtually all internal flights are conducted by light aircraft, private reserves guarantee exclusivity at a price and some of the continent’s most celebrated guides take small groups out to search for teeming wildlife. This is a deliberate policy of low impact, high value tourism, aimed at preserving the exceptional wildlife and unspoiled landscapes of perhaps Africa’s most pristine remaining tract of bush. All your meals and activities are usually included along with impeccable, personalised service, so if you are able to save up for an itinerary to Botswana you are virtually assured of an unforgettable holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Botswana genuinely is a year-round safari destination, with different areas receiving an influx of wildlife at varying times throughout the year. As with near neighbours Zambia and Namibia, the dry season is roughly from May to October, with the rains beginning in November, reaching a crescendo early in the new year and then slowly petering out in April. Unlike elsewhere, it is inaccurate to simply assume that game viewing will be at its best in the dry season, with animals congregating around scarce remaining water holes and lower grasses increasing visibility.
Firstly, the permanent water of the Delta and Linyanti areas (and, to an extent, the Chobe Riverfront) can cloud this issue, especially given that water levels can actually be at their highest in the heart of the dry season, as it takes time for the water to travel east from the more westerly source of the Okavango. To further complicate these issues, the various Delta reserves can be very different in character: some are known as “wet” concessions, where water is a constant presence and birding, boating and mokoro excursions come into their own; others are “dry” reserves, where more traditional game drives tend to provide guaranteed and abundant animal sightings. Some camps are set amidst tangled tree islands, others isolated on panoramic floodplains. Wild dog pass regularly through certain Linyanti areas while lion and buffalo face off in famous spots of the Northern Delta. The game viewing really can vary from one mile to the next, and it’s often a matter of matching your specific activity preferences and wildlife favourites.
The effect that the rains have on the desert is far more certain, with lush grasses in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve attracting a huge influx of plains game and predators. The same effect is felt in the Nxai Pan and Makgadikgadi Pans National Parks, where a vast zebra and antelope migration should be far more famous than it is! If you want to see wildlife in the desert, you should definitely visit during the green season. Bargains are usually more available during the rains at most of the safari hotspots, but it is paradoxically high season in the Kalahari!
Food and non-premium drinks are often included on safari, even if you're on a more rustic mobile camping expedition. It tends to be delicious, international fare with large portions, numerous courses at dinner and a surprisingly wide range of options given that you are often dining at a remote bush area with no easy access to fresh supplies or modern technology. Snacks and drinks are regularly provided between meals, meaning that most visitors to Botswana tend to return feeling extremely well fed! At hotels catering for international tourists, prices for food and drink should be relatively similar to what you would pay in the UK, although imported wines and spirits can be more expensive.
There are no direct flights into Botswana from the UK. Johannesburg is the most likely connecting point, with a daily service into Maun available on both South African Airways and Air Botswana. Maun is the hub for light aircraft flights to the Delta, Linyanti and Kalahari areas, although Kasane is best for Chobe. Air Botswana currently offer flights between Johannesburg and Kasane three days per week.
Visitors from the UK, the European Union, most Commonwealth countries and the USA do not require visas for a stay of less than 90 days.
As we’re not medical experts we feel it is essential you contact your GP regarding vaccinations and medication for travel to Botswana. What follows are some suggestions, but they must be verified by a medical professional.
In addition to such vaccinations as you’d routinely have for living in the UK, further boosters are recommended for Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Diptheria. Malaria is present in all areas of Botswana, particularly during wetter months, and we would strongly recommend that you take malaria prophylaxis. Please consult your GP for advice on what malaria precautions to take.
We also like these guys, but again, you must talk to your GP first: The Travel Doctor, an interactive website providing specialist health information for travellers, plus customised lists of travel medicines, vaccines and malaria tablets for holiday makers, global adventure travellers and expeditions.
The local currency is the pula (BWP). Payments in US$ and most credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and at some lodges, but cash is necessary at some of the more remote safari camps. ATMs are reasonably widespread in Maun , Gaborone and Kasane, and your driver or guide will be happy to stop off at one if you require more cash and happen to visit these areas. There are also ATMs and money exchange desks at Maun, Kasane and Gaborone airports.
Tipping
Tipping is very much welcomed in Botswana, particularly when you remember that poverty is widespread. Peak safari season can be short and guides, drivers and camp staff are not all employed and therefore tipped during the off-season, when many return to agrarian work for relatively low pay.
10% is normal in restaurants, and small contributions are expected for porterage at hotels and lodges. On safari, we would advise tipping your guide direct, roughly at around $5 per person per day. Lodges and camps tend to have tipping boxes for camp staff, including chefs, housekeepers and hosts, and we would recommend a similar amount per day for this communal contribution. You may also want to tip your driver or spotter on safari, although they may well be included in the camp box contributions. For transfer drivers, a small amount of roughly US$5 per journey is usually sufficient, unless transfers are extremely long. It is important to remember that tipping is a very personal thing, and if you feel someone deserves more or less, or even no tip, then that is entirely your prerogative, and you shouldn't feel bound by these suggestions.
We believe travel should be a force for good. That means exploring with open eyes, treading lightly, and respecting the people and places that make the world so special. Our code of conduct isn’t about rules, it’s simply a guide to help you travel thoughtfully, ethically, and with care. Because every small choice makes a big difference.
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If you choose to trust us with your holiday, we’ll send you a “Travel Facts” document when confirming your booking. This includes useful facts and travel advice, such as restaurant recommendations, reading tips, basic language information, cultural traditions, climate information, brief historical overviews, and more. We feel that this offers a useful insight and can help you interact with local residents in a more sensitive, well-informed manner. Please do try to take the time to read this information before your visit, it’s worth the time!
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A number of the countries in which we operate holidays are religious societies with a widely observed set of customs. Always respect these norms, particularly when visiting religious buildings.
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To the best of our knowledge, all hotels, lodges, and camps within our portfolio operate stringent measures to minimise water usage. All of our destinations have issues with water supplies to a certain extent, so feel free to raise any possible wastage should you encounter it during your stay, either with the accommodation or with us upon your return.
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Please ask permission before taking photographs of people, and respect their wishes if they are not happy to be photographed. We find that friendly requests and a smile are usually met with a ‘yes!’
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Strive, where possible, to make your own contribution to environmental practices as you travel. This might include minimising your electricity usage, not smoking in protected areas, avoiding coral while snorkelling, and safely disposing of all litter (recycling where possible).
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Where possible, try to purchase from local suppliers. This includes shopping for souvenirs, dining out at restaurants, and booking additional excursions during your free time. In areas where haggling is an accepted part of daily life, don’t be offended if you’re unable to obtain what you perceive as a fair price for an item.
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We emphasise to local suppliers that our clients should never be taken on unsolicited shopping trips, but if this does happen, try to retain your sense of humour, provide a firm refusal to participate and do let us know about it on your return. We pass on all feedback from every trip undertaken with us to our relevant local suppliers, who all share our commitment to travelling with sensitivity.
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Please don’t remove any indigenous items from their natural habitat and attempt to bring them home as a souvenir. This particularly applies to everything from coral, shells, plants and food in the natural world, to cultural artefacts and antiques.
If you’re unsure about anything relating to the above, please feel free to chat to us. We've travelled extensively in the country and will be more than happy to offer our considered advice.
Meet our Botswana expert
We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our expert Kirsty is dedicated to all things Botswana and is here to help you plan your perfect trip.
Kirsty Leggate
Destination Manager
What You're Saying
“
We had an amazing time in Botswana, thanks to Holiday Architects. We originally booked the trip 4 years ago and having postponed it 3 times due to Covid, it was great to finally get to Southern Africa! A stay at the Pangolin Hotel in Chobe followed by a stay at Sango Safari Camp in the Okavango Delta were real highlights of our trip. Kirsty made sure the trip all went to plan when we actually managed to get away in May 2023, and Kirsty was also very helpful each time we had to rearrange it in the preceding 3 years. I would certainly have no hesitation in recommending Holiday Architects or using them again in the future.
MP
Trustpilot
”
“
First-class organisation and communication throughout. Many many thanks to Kirsty for putting our amazing family trip to Botswana and Zimbabwe together. The entire holiday was everything and more than billed. This is my second big family holiday with HA and I’ll definitely be using them again. Thank you. 5 stars.
James Cartwright
Trustpilot
”
“
Just back from the most wonderful trip to Botswana!! Beautifully organised from beginning to end. This was initially booked 2 years ago and has been moved multiple times due to Covid. Every move in arrangements was handled with great efficiency and good humour. Kirsty took over as our trip became real and drew nearer - and even when we, at the very last minute, decided to add in a night at Sky Beds (highly recommended!) it was organised in a flash. We stayed at 3 beautiful and handpicked camps that allowed us to see the very best of Botswana and the travel in between and at each end was seamless, with helpers on hand at every turn. Would thoroughly recommend Holiday Architects to plan any trip - they have been beyond fantastic - and are so knowledgeable about the countries that they cover that one never fails to see the very best on offer. Huge thanks to all!
Katie
Trustpilot
”
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Luxury Botswana, Botswana Mobile Safari, Botswana Express, Botswana Family Adventure, Botswana Waterfalls, Delta & Desert, Botswana Explorer: Chobe, Savute & Linyanti, Botswana Emerald Season Migrations
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