12 Best Botswana Tours for 2025/2026

Safari in Botswana: What to Expect

From overflowing floodplains and waterways teeming with wildlife to expansive grasslands and surreal desert pans, Botswana is a land of awe-inspiring diversity. Imagine gliding down rivers in a canoe, birds flittering through the papyrus-lined banks one day and then stargazing in the desert the next – this can happen during safari tours in Botswana.

When it comes to top safari destinations in Africa, a Botswana safari stands out for its abundance of wildlife, thrilling safari activities, and exclusive accommodation options that make the most of the surrounding wilderness.

A Botswana Okavango safari can include mokoro excursions along the winding waterways, spotting elephants dipping their trunks in the water just a few feet from you. Botswana is a Big Five safari destination and is also home to other African specialities, including giraffes, wild dogs, hyenas, and semi-aquatic sitatunga antelopes.

The arid landscapes of the country feature unique desert-adapted wildlife. Across the shimmering, endless stretch of the Makgadikgadi Pans, you can spot gemsbok and springbok among the baobab trees. Desert-adapted lions and elephants are a treat. After the rains, watch as thousands of zebras migrate to graze on the lush grasslands that sprout along the pans.

Chobe National Park offers some of the best safaris in Botswana thanks to its biological diversity. Here you’ll find the largest elephant population in the world. It’s also a park to witness dramatic interactions between predators and their prey, with lion prides and leopards active in the region.

Birdwatching safaris in Botswana are exciting, with the country housing over 600 species of birds across the diverse habitats. From waterbirds and waders on the banks of the Okavango to dry-country specials, birding safaris will delight.

Your Botswana safari can be tailored to suit your idea of what a holiday in the African wilderness should look like. Contact our team of safari planners today to start planning your dream trip to Botswana.