10 Interesting Facts About Botswana

Are you thinking about an African safari for your next vacation? One of the best safari destinations on the planet is Botswana, and there are so many reasons why! From boasting the largest elephant population in the world to being home to a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site, this southern African country has so much to offer. Here are 10 interesting facts about Botswana that will encourage you to book your safari!

1. Botswana has the Highest Population of Elephants in the World

A Botswana safari tour is characterised by large groups of elephants.

There are approximately 415,000 elephants left in Africa, with around 130,000 of them roaming within the borders of Botswana, making it the country with the largest population of this vulnerable animal in the world.

Chobe National Park is famous for its elephant herds. Covering 11,000 km2 (4,247 square miles), it was the country’s very first national park, and it’s not only home to large groups of elephants – it has Africa’s highest concentration of wildlife in general!

Visitors to Chobe can expect to see the Big Five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and African buffalo) as well as zebras, giraffes, wild dogs, and hippos.

One of the reasons why wildlife is able to thrive in Botswana is because their habitats are being protected.

2. National Parks and Wildlife Reserves Cover Nearly 40% of Botswana

Botswana has one of the highest conservation land ratios in Africa, with 37% of the nation’s total land area being set aside as national parks and wildlife reserves. There are a host of different ways visitors can explore this wilderness, including:

Walking Safaris

Get up close and personal to nature on a bush walking safari! When you explore the environment on foot, you’re able to notice the smaller animals that call it home, such as insects and birds. Walking safaris are completely safe as you have a guide with you, and you just need to be walking fit to join.

Photographic Safaris

Thanks to its incredible landscapes and multitude of wildlife, Botswana is an amazing destination for a photographic safari. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a novice, the opportunities for magical photos will be plentiful.

Horse Riding Safaris

Going on a horseback safari is a truly unique way to experience the wonder that is Botswana’s wilderness. As animals aren’t disturbed by the presence of horses, the riders are able to get close to wildlife.

Game Drive Safaris

The most popular way to traverse the diverse landscapes of Botswana is in a game-viewing vehicle. These 4x4s are made to take on the rough terrain. Guides are always in contact with one another, affording guests the opportunity to whizz to animal sightings far away.

3. Botswana is Home to the Okavango Delta, One of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa

Located in the northern part of the country, the Okavango Delta is a massive inland river delta known for its immense grassy plains that flood seasonally. This is a rich habitat that attracts many animals, including big cats, giraffes, elephants, and rhinos to its shores, and hippos and crocodiles to its watery depths.

You can experience the tranquil beauty of the Okavango Delta on a mokoro safari. A mokoro is a traditional dugout canoe that’s long been used to navigate rivers. This experience is a particularly good choice for birdwatchers, as it’s not uncommon to see more than 100 different species of bird in a day while exploring here.

4. There are Over 550 Bird Species in Botswana

If you’re a birdwatcher, Botswana has got to be on your travel bucket list – there are over 550 species to spot while on safari here. Some prize sightings include the African fish eagle, the lilac-breasted roller, and the endangered wattled crane.

The best time to book your birdwatching safari in Botswana is between November and April. This is when migratory birds return to the country; the activity of all of these birds is truly something to behold.

5. Botswana is Bordered by Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa

If you’re thinking about embarking on a multi-country African safari, Botswana is a fantastic destination to include because it calls other amazing safari destinations its neighbours.

Namibia entices visitors with its dramatic dunes, eco-friendly luxury lodges, and abundant wildlife; you can see one of the largest waterfalls in the world from both Zambia and Zimbabwe; and South Africa is, too, home to the Big Five.

6. Visitors can Expect Exclusive Safari Experiences

There are no mass-produced safari experiences here. This is because the government of Botswana is committed to quality instead of quantity.

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation options in Botswana. There are a range of world-class luxury safari lodges and glamping camps that offer supreme comfort and service.

To give you the feeling of being immersed in the wilderness, Botswana offers eco-friendly accommodations that blend in seamlessly with nature. Be woken up by chirping birds and other animals before going on your morning safari.

Expect the best in finer details, such as private plunge pools, gourmet dining, and personalised safari activities.

As safari tourism is such a big part of the country, Botswana is well equipped to offer travellers the best, safest time. This is seen in the professional and knowledgeable guides, reliable transportation, and well-equipped safari lodges and camps.

7. One of the World’s Oldest Cultures is in Botswana

The San people, one of the world’s oldest cultures, call Botswana home. Descendants of the first hunter-gatherers are still in the country, and travellers do have the opportunity to meet them for a unique and memorable cultural experience.

Learn about their deep connection to nature through their traditional storytelling and bushcraft demonstrations.

8. Botswana Contains One of the Biggest Salt Pans

The Makgadikgadi Pans are located in the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, and its surreal landscape has made it a popular destination for visitors to the country.

“Makgadikgadi” (meaning “vast, lifeless land”) is well-named due to the expanse of the pans – more than 16,000 km2!

Here, you can experience one of Africa’s largest zebra migrations and see herds of elephants watering themselves at the Boteti River.

9. Some of the Rarest African Wildlife Species are Here

As Botswana is a leader in sustainable safaris and tourism, with numerous programmes aimed at preserving its natural landscapes and supporting wildlife populations, rare species are able to thrive here.

While the Big Five are a firm favourite and incredible to see while on safari, travellers can also discover rare and endangered species like the African wild dog, cheetah, and pangolin.

When you visit Botswana on safari, you’re supporting vital conservation and community efforts that contribute to the protection of wildlife, the ecosystem, and local communities.

10. There is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Botswana

Tsodilo Hills is one of the most interesting spots to visit, as it contains rock art, rock shelters, depressions, and caves.

This place has been inhabited for the past 100,000 years, making this one of the world’s oldest historical sites. Pottery, iron, glass beads, shell beads, carved bones, and stone tools have been excavated here that date back tens of thousands of years!

The main drawcard of Tsodilo Hills is its fascinating rock art. There are thousands of paintings depicting people, rituals, and animals, and they’re considered to be some of southern Africa’s finest and most important examples of ancient rock art.

Besides rock art viewing, visitors to Tsodilo Hills can explore the Tsodilo Museum, meander along the walking trails, and participate in culture-based activities

There are so many Botswana facts that make this destination perfect for people wanting to have an incredible African safari adventure.