The Big Five of Botswana: Where to Spot Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Rhinos, and Buffalos

From open grasslands to riverine forests and desert landscapes to papyrus-lined canals, a safari in Botswana offers the very best in land and water-based safari experiences. The country’s low volume, high cost approach to tourism and commitment to conservation makes it a paradise for both first-time and experienced safari-goers.

Visitors here can combine luxury with adventure thanks to some stunning lodges in truly remote locations. Botswana is teeming with wildlife, among them the famous Big Five. Keep reading to find out the best places to spot these magnificent creatures. 

Lions

Africa’s largest predators, lions can be seen throughout Botswana but are perhaps most commonly found in the main northern areas of Chobe, Linyanti-Kwando, and the Okavango.

They also roam across the Kalahari, the Nxai Makgadikgadi areas, and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. In the northern reserves, where there is plenty of prey, the prides are much bigger and it’s not uncommon for them to take down juvenile elephants.

Leopards 

The most solitary and secretive of Africa’s big cats, leopards hunt at night and rely on stealth and power. Some of Botswana’s bush offer the perfect habitat for these incredible creatures, such as plenty of thickets, bushy cover, and big trees.

The riverine woodlands in Chobe, Linyanti-Kwando, and the Okavango are favorite hunting grounds. Games drives around dusk and early evening in the private concessions will often yield good leopard-spotting results. Seeing a leopard is a highlight of Big Five safaris in Botswana. 

African Elephants 

The world’s largest land animal, African elephants are intelligent and social creatures. Elephants are common in northern Botswana habitats ranging from deserts to rainforests but require access to drinking water and trees. The Chobe National Park, Kwando-Linyanti, and Okavango areas are all good places to spot elephants.

As the dry season progresses and the waterholes run dry, small groups gather together into larger herds and head for the rivers and the Delta.

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Rhinos 

The black rhino is the more prolific of Africa’s two rhino species. Black rhino enjoy a wide range of habitats, from dense woodlands and bush to arid semi-desert. White rhino are less aggressive and prefer open grassy plains.

They can often be found in small groups. For the best chances of a sighting, head to northern Botswana and especially the Moremi Game Reserve. 

Buffaloes

The Cape, or African, buffalo is a highly social, ox-like creature that lives in a herd. It enjoys well-watered savannah but also occurs in forested areas. Common in sub-Saharan Africa, buffalo in Botswana is limited to the north of the country where there’s enough water for the herds.

During the rainy season from December onwards, buffalo disperse into the mopane forests and drier areas of the northern Kalahari. In the dry season, smaller herds come together and gather around permanent water sources like the Chobe, Kwando, and Linyanti rivers and all over the Okavango Delta.