Botswana
The Emerald of Africa
Highlights
When to Go
Best weather: April – May
Best paired with:
Family Safaris in Botswana
Botswana is the epitome of eco-friendly tourism done right. With a wonderfully diverse landscape, a Botswana family safari offers a range of viewpoints that few other safari destinations can match. From the world’s biggest inland delta, the Okavango Delta, wildlife-rich Chobe National Park to the Salt Pans of the Makgadigadi, Botswana is a destion of awesome contrast. Botswana offers something for the whole family – a good selection of family-friendly lodges and engaging children’s programmes are available.
Botswana Trips
Why Visit Botswana
Activities for the whole family
Botswana is an unforgettable safari destination and is an ideal destination for the active family. Take a walk on the wild side alongside the San Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert or discover the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans on an ATV.
World-class game viewing
Big 5 safaris through the renowned Chobe National Park promise to be a highlight for all members of the family. Visiting the Delta? Go on a paddling safari in a local canoe called a ‘Mokoro’ through the waterways of the Okavango Delta and see big game up close and personal.
Remote safari lodges
The remoteness of Botswana offers you a chance to lose track of time and spend quality time with your family, where the most pressing matters on your daily agenda will be finding out what’s on the menu for lunch and ticking animals off your ‘spotted’ list.
Book your family safari to Botswana
Our expert consultants have taken the hassle out of your holiday with our collection of eco-friendly Botswana Family Safaris that include lodges with specialised children’s programmes, as well as kiddy-friendly menus and activities. Download our country guides and start planning your wildlife adventure to Botswana today.
Use our handy country guides and be inspired to start designing your own unforgettable trip today.
Highlights
Okavango Delta
Experience the unique ecosystem of the Okavango Delta on a safari of a lifetime.
Makgadikgadi
Explore the Makgadikgadi, one of the largest salt flats in the world, with a host of add-on activities at your fingertips.
Elephants
See the world’s largest population of elephant on a classic Chobe safari.
Culture
Discover the cultural traditions of local tribesmen on a safari through the dunes of the Kalahari.
Canoe Safaris
Explore the Selinda Spillway on a canoe safari through the ancient channels connecting the Okavango Delta to the Linyanti Swamps.
When To Go?
Best time to go
Although Botswana offers excellent year-round game viewing, the best time to go is during the dry season from May to October when vegetation is sparse and animals come down to drink at watering holes. The weather during this time usually sees warm sunny days and chilly nights, with little rain and cloud cover. The cooler months mean consistently superb wildlife viewing, virtually no rain, and the lowest risk of malaria.
High Season
July to October, when there is less rainfall and vegetation, and animals concentrate around waterholes making it easier to spot wildlife. Skies are clear and the risk for malaria is at its lowest.
Low Season
December to April, some camps and lodges close down over the wet season which makes parks quieter and more private. December will see new-borns and lots of birdlife. However, temperatures can get high and rains can be heavy during January and February. Find out more about Botswana’s Green Season here.
Best Weather
April and May, when temperatures are moderate and there is little to no rainfall and few clouds. Drier conditions mean animals move to watering holes and are easier to see.
Wildlife
Will you see the Big 5?
The Okavango Delta and Chobe River are some of the best places in Africa to see the Big 5. Although rhino are a new introduction to the country and rare to see, elephants, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, and lion are abundant. Even amateur photographers will come home with some spectacular snaps.
What is regularly seen?
Botswana has a healthy wildlife population where most big safari animals can be seen. Large herds of zebra migrate through the Makgadikgadi, African wild dog roam the Okavango and Moremi, and sitatunga, red lechwe, and puku can be found in the Delta and at Chobe’s riverfront.
When will you get the best wildlife experience?
In the Northern parks, game viewing is best during the dry season (April to October), when vegetation is sparse and animals flock to waterholes, making them easier to spot in the bush. Drier parts of the Kalahari are best during the wet season (November to April) when fresh grasses attract wildlife, like migrating zebra.
Country Information
Capital
Situated in the South East, Gaborone is the capital and is the largest city in Botswana, home to 230, 000 people.
Currency
Botswana Pula
Airports
The capital city of Gaborone is serviced by the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, situated approximately 9 miles North of the city. Botswana is easily accessible from Johannesburg, Victoria Falls, and Windhoek.
Health & Safety
The risk of Malaria is high in central and northern Botswana, throughout the rest of the country the risk is low. The highest risk is from November to June, during the rainy season. Preventative medication is recommended if you are visiting the Chobe, Ghanzi, Northeast, Northwest, and Central Botswana districts. There is no risk of Yellow Fever in Botswana, however, there is a certificate requirement. It is also advisable to have an updated TPD (tetanus, polio, diphtheria) vaccine and a Hepatitis A vaccine.
