Botswana
Africa’s Untamed Luxury
Tucked away in Southern Africa, Botswana is a country that feels like a well-kept secret. Botswana offers a safari experience that’s both exclusive and extraordinary.
Top Tourist Attractions & Natural Wonders
Okavango Delta
The crown jewel of Botswana. Every year, the Okavango River spills into the sands of the Kalahari, creating a lush, green paradise alive with wildlife.
Chobe National Park
Chobe is home to the largest population of wild elephants on Earth. Chobe’s woodlands and wetlands are also home to lions, buffalo, leopards, and countless birds. A boat safari here, especially at sunset, is an experience you’ll never forget.
Moremi Game Reserve
Located into the eastern side of the Okavango Delta, Moremi is a vibrant mix of forest, floodplain, and open grasslands. It’s one of the best places to spot predators like lions and leopards, along with endangered African wild dogs.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
If you’re seeking solitude, the Central Kalahari delivers. It’s one of the largest protected areas on Earth, Unique animals like the black-maned Kalahari lion or the mysterious brown hyena are found here.
Makgadikgadi Pans
Vast. Silent. Otherworldly. These ancient salt flats feel like a dreamscape. During the rains, the pans transform into a shallow lake, attracting thousands of flamingos and hosting a spectacular zebra migration. When dry, they stretch endlessly, perfect for quad biking, walking with bushmen.
Goo Moremi Gorge
Hidden in the Tswapong Hills, this sacred gorge is a peaceful retreat with seasonal waterfalls, rich birdlife, and lush greenery.
Waterfalls and Inland Beaches
Botswana is landlocked but that doesn’t mean it lacks stunning water escapes:
- Moremi Gorge Waterfalls – Cascading down the Tswapong Hills, these falls offer a refreshing contrast to the dry savannahs.
- Mmaletsatsi Waterfalls – A little-known gem near Lobatse, perfect for a tranquil picnic or a gentle walk in nature.
- Sankuyo Waterfall – A charming local spot tucked near the Okavango.
And for those craving that beachy feel:
- The riverbanks of the Chobe River and Okavango Delta provide sandy shores and serene places to relax after a day of exploring.
- Many luxury camps feature man-made beaches beside pools or natural lagoons.
- The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, in their dry season, evoke the quiet vastness of a windswept inland beach.
Luxury Safari Camps & Lodges
Botswana’s lodges are about much more than where you sleep, they’re part of the journey. Thoughtfully designed to tread lightly on the land, these camps offer privacy, intimacy, and front-row seats to the wild.
Some of our favorite stays:
- Mombo Camp – A legendary lodge located in the heart of the Delta.
- DumaTau Camp – Along an elephant corridor, with river views and eco-luxury.
- Jao Camp – Stunning architecture meets a remote wilderness vibe.
- Jack’s Camp – Evokes the romance of old-school desert safaris, with flair.
- Zarafa Camp – Intimate, exclusive, and committed to conservation.
- Chief’s Camp – Set on predator-rich Chief’s Island perfect for game enthusiasts.
- Vumbura Plains – Bold design meets incredible land and water safaris.
- San Camp – Seasonal, soulful, and deeply connected to Botswana’s culture.
Rivers & Waterways
Botswana’s rivers are its lifeblood and its greatest gift to wildlife.
- The Okavango River feeds the world-famous delta, creating one of the richest ecosystems on Earth.
- The Chobe River draws wildlife from miles around, especially in the dry months. Boat cruises here are a highlight for any visitor.
Additional Information
Currency
The official currency is the Botswana Pula (BWP). Major credit cards are accepted in cities and safari lodges.
Entry Points and Airports
- Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (Gaborone)
- Maun International Airport
- Kasane International Airport
- Francistown Airport
- Road border posts: Gaborone (South Africa), Kazungula (Zambia/Zimbabwe)
Major Cities
- Gaborone
- Francistown
- Maun
- Kasane
Ethnic Groups and Languages
Ethnic Groups: Tswana, Kalanga, Basarwa (San), Herero, Mbukushu, Bayei
Languages: Setswana (national), English (official), and other indigenous languages
Visa requirements | To visit Botswana, a visa is generally required, unless you are a citizen of a country that has a visa-free agreement with Botswana. If a visa is needed, you must apply for it in your home country before traveling. You'll need a valid passport, certified passport copies, a cover letter stating the purpose of your visit, and other supporting documents. |
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Languages spoken | English is the official language, but Setswana is the national language. |
Currency used | Botswana Pula |
Area (km2) | 581,730 km² |
Country name | Botswana |