Explore The Best Of Botswana: A Comprehensive Travel Guide
Botswana, located in southern Africa, is a landlocked country known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. From the vast savannas of the Kalahari Desert to the lush wetlands of the Okavango Delta, Botswana offers a plethora of outdoor adventures and unique experiences that will leave you awestruck. In this travel guide, we’ll take you on a journey to discover the best of Botswana, including its top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, and much more. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Top Attractions in Botswana
Botswana is home to some of the most spectacular natural wonders in Africa, making it a dream destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Here are some of the top attractions that you should not miss when visiting Botswana:
Chobe National Park
Located in northern Botswana, Chobe National Park is known for its large elephant herds and diverse wildlife. The park is home to over 50,000 elephants, as well as lions, leopards, buffalos, and a variety of antelopes and birds. Take a game drive or a boat cruise to see the animals up close and personal.
Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is one of the world’s largest inland deltas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can go on a mokoro (traditional canoe) ride and explore the maze of waterways and islands that make up the delta. You can also go on a walking safari or a game drive to spot the delta’s diverse wildlife, including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and more.
Makgadikgadi Pans
The Makgadikgadi Pans are a series of salt pans that cover an area of over 12,000 square kilometers in northeastern Botswana. The pans are home to unique desert-adapted wildlife, such as meerkats, gemsbok, and brown hyenas. You can also explore the pans on a quad bike or a guided tour.
Hidden Gems in Botswana
While Botswana’s top attractions are well-known, there are also many hidden gems that are off the beaten path and worth exploring. Here are some of the hidden gems that you should add to your itinerary:
Tsodilo Hills
The Tsodilo Hills are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to over 4,000 rock paintings that date back to the Stone Age. The paintings depict a variety of animals and human figures and are considered one of the world’s most important rock art sites. Take a guided tour to learn more about the history and culture of the San people who created the paintings.
Linyanti Wildlife Reserve
The Linyanti Wildlife Reserve is a private concession that borders Chobe National Park. The reserve is known for its high concentration of predators, including lions, leopards, and wild dogs. It also offers excellent birdwatching opportunities and stunning views of the Linyanti River.
Tuli Block
The Tuli Block is a game reserve located in southeastern Botswana, near the border with South Africa and Zimbabwe. The reserve is known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and cheetahs. It also offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking.
Food Scene in Botswana
Botswana’s cuisine is influenced by its diverse ethnic groups and the availability of local ingredients. Traditional dishes include seswaa (pounded beef or goat meat), pap (maize porridge), and morogo (wild spinach). Here are some of the best places to try Botswana’s cuisine:
Mma Ramotswe’s Kitchen
Mma Ramotswe’s Kitchen is a restaurant in Gaborone that is named after the main character of Alexander McCall Smith’s popular book series, “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.” The restaurant serves traditional Botswana dishes, such as seswaa and pap, as well as Western and Indian dishes.
Chutney Restaurant
Chutney Restaurant is a popular Indian restaurant in Gaborone that serves a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Try the butter chicken, lamb vindaloo, or the vegetable biryani for a delicious meal.
The Meat Co.
The Meat Co. is a steakhouse chain that has locations in Gaborone and other major cities in Africa. The restaurant serves high-quality steaks, burgers, and other meat dishes, as well as a variety of sides and desserts.
Budget-Friendly Tips for Botswana
Botswana can be an expensive destination, especially if you’re planning to go on a safari or stay at a luxury lodge. However, there are ways to save money and still have a great trip. Here are some budget-friendly tips for traveling to Botswana:
Travel during the low season
The high season in Botswana is from June to August, when the weather is dry and the wildlife is easy to spot. However, this is also the most expensive time to travel. If you’re on a budget, consider traveling during the low season (November to April), when the prices are lower and the crowds are smaller.
Stay at a budget lodge or campsite
Botswana has a variety of lodges and campsites that cater to different budgets. If you’re on a tight budget, consider staying at a budget lodge or campsite instead of a luxury lodge. You’ll still be able to experience the wildlife and the natural beauty of Botswana without breaking the bank.
Bring your own water and snacks
Buying bottled water and snacks can add up quickly, especially if you’re traveling for an extended period. Bring your own reusable water bottle and refill it at lodges and campsites. Bring your own snacks, such as trail mix and energy bars, to save money on food.
Outdoor Adventures in Botswana
Botswana is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. From safari drives to hot air balloon rides, there are plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Here are some of the best outdoor adventures in Botswana:
Safari drives
Going on a safari drive is one of the best ways to experience Botswana’s wildlife. You can go on a game drive in Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta, or other wildlife reserves. You’ll have the chance to see elephants, lions, leopards, and other animals up close and personal.
Hot air balloon rides
Take a hot air balloon ride over the Okavango Delta or the Makgadikgadi Pans for a bird’s-eye view of Botswana’s stunning landscapes. You’ll see the wildlife and the natural beauty of Botswana from a unique perspective.
Hiking and walking safaris
Explore Botswana’s wilderness on foot by going on a hiking or walking safari. You can go on a guided tour or explore on your own. The Tuli Block and the Tsodilo Hills are great places for hiking and walking safaris.
Historical Landmarks in Botswana
Botswana has a rich history and culture that is reflected in its historical landmarks. From ancient rock art sites to colonial-era buildings, here are some of the historical landmarks that you should visit:
Old Palapye Museum
The Old Palapye Museum is located in the village of Palapye and showcases the history and culture of the Bamangwato people. The museum is housed in a restored colonial-era building and features exhibits on traditional crafts, music, and dance.
Khama III Memorial Museum
The Khama III Memorial Museum is located in Serowe and is dedicated to the life and legacy of Kgosi Khama III, a prominent leader of the Bamangwato people. The museum features exhibits on the history and culture of the Bamangwato people, as well as the life of Khama III.
Gaborone Dam
The Gaborone Dam is a man-made reservoir that is located in the capital city of Gaborone. The dam was built in the 1960s to provide water to the city and is now a popular recreational area for fishing, boating, and picnicking.
Family-Friendly Activities in Botswana
Botswana is a great destination for families with children of all ages. Here are some of the family-friendly activities that you can enjoy in Botswana:
Elephant-back safari
Take a ride on an elephant’s back and experience the wildlife of Botswana from a unique perspective. The Abu Camp and the Elephant Back Safaris are popular options for elephant-back safaris.
Crocodile farm
Visit a crocodile farm and learn about these fascinating reptiles. The Khama Rhino Sanctuary and the Chobe Crocodile Farm are popular crocodile farms