Verified Facts

Official NameRepublic of Botswana
CapitalGaborone
Population2.4 million
Area582,000 km² (224,711 sq mi)
LanguagesEnglish, Tswana
CurrencyBotswana pula (P)
TimezoneUTC+02:00
RegionAfrica / Southern Africa
Drives onLeft
Source: REST Countries API

To experience the best of Botswana, visit the stunning Okavango Delta, explore the vast Makgadikgadi Pans, and witness the majestic wildlife of Chobe National Park, which are just a few of the many incredible attractions this African country has to offer.

Top Attractions

AttractionLocationTypeWhy Visit
Okavango DeltaNorthern BotswanaWetlandUNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most unique ecosystems in the world
Chobe National ParkNorthwest BotswanaNational ParkHome to the largest population of elephants in Africa and a wide variety of other wildlife
Makgadikgadi PansNortheast BotswanaSalt PansThe largest salt flats in the world, perfect for witnessing the annual migration of zebra and wildebeest
Tsodilo HillsNorthwest BotswanaRock Art SiteA UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring over 4,500 rock paintings, some dating back over 24,000 years
Moremi Game ReserveNorthern BotswanaGame ReserveA protected area known for its abundant wildlife and diverse ecosystems
Nxai Pan National ParkNortheast BotswanaNational ParkA scenic park featuring a variety of wildlife, including the famous baobab trees
Khama Rhino SanctuaryCentral BotswanaWildlife SanctuaryA conservation area dedicated to protecting rhinoceros and other endangered species
Gaborone Game ReserveGaboroneGame ReserveA small but diverse reserve featuring a variety of wildlife, including giraffes and zebras
Mokolodi Nature ReserveSoutheast BotswanaNature ReserveA reserve offering a range of outdoor activities, including hiking and game drives
Kubu IslandMakgadikgadi PansIslandA scenic island featuring ancient baobab trees and a stunning landscape

Unique Experiences

  • Take a mokoro (traditional canoe) ride through the Okavango Delta, exploring the waterways and spotting wildlife such as hippos and crocodiles.
  • Go on a safari adventure in Chobe National Park, witnessing the majestic elephants and lions of Africa.
  • Visit a local village and learn about the traditional Setswana culture, including their customs and way of life.
  • Take a scenic flight over the Makgadikgadi Pans, witnessing the stunning landscape and spotting wildlife from above.
  • Go on a horseback safari through the Okavango Delta, exploring the waterways and spotting wildlife such as giraffes and zebras.
  • Learn about the ancient rock art of the Tsodilo Hills, featuring over 4,500 paintings and engravings.
  • Take a walking safari through the Moremi Game Reserve, getting up close and personal with the wildlife and learning about the ecosystem.

Outdoor & Nature

  • Explore the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most unique ecosystems in the world.
  • Visit the Makgadikgadi Pans, the largest salt flats in the world, and witness the annual migration of zebra and wildebeest.
  • Go on a game drive through Chobe National Park, spotting a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and giraffes.
  • Hike through the Tsodilo Hills, featuring stunning scenery and ancient rock art.
  • Take a boat tour of the Chobe River, spotting wildlife such as hippos and crocodiles.
  • Visit the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, a unique conservation area featuring a variety of wildlife and ecosystems.

Cultural Experiences

  • Visit the National Museum and Art Gallery in Gaborone, featuring a collection of traditional Setswana art and artifacts.
  • Learn about the traditional Setswana culture at the Mokolodi Nature Reserve, including their customs and way of life.
  • Attend a traditional dance performance at a local village, featuring music and dance from the Setswana people.
  • Visit the Khama Memorial Museum in Serowe, dedicated to the life and legacy of Sir Seretse Khama, the first president of Botswana.
  • Take a cooking class and learn about traditional Setswana cuisine, including dishes such as seswaa and vetkoek.
  • Explore the Gaborone Village, a traditional Setswana village featuring a range of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Hidden Gems

  • Visit the Kuru Art Project, a community-based art project featuring traditional Setswana art and crafts.
  • Explore the Makgadikgadi Pans at sunrise or sunset, when the light is most spectacular and the wildlife is most active.
  • Take a walking tour of the Gaborone Village, learning about the history and culture of the area.
  • Go on a stargazing adventure in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, featuring some of the darkest skies in the world.
  • Visit the Lekhubu Island, a scenic island featuring ancient baobab trees and a stunning landscape.

Day Trips

  • Take a day trip from Gaborone to the Mokolodi Nature Reserve, featuring a range of outdoor activities and wildlife viewing opportunities (distance: 10 km, travel time: 30 minutes).
  • Visit the Khama Rhino Sanctuary from Serowe, a conservation area dedicated to protecting rhinoceros and other endangered species (distance: 25 km, travel time: 1 hour).
  • Explore the Tsodilo Hills from Maun, featuring ancient rock art and stunning scenery (distance: 40 km, travel time: 1.5 hours).
  • Take a day trip from Kasane to the Chobe National Park, featuring a wide variety of wildlife and ecosystems (distance: 10 km, travel time: 30 minutes).
  • Visit the Makgadikgadi Pans from Nata, featuring the largest salt flats in the world and a unique landscape (distance: 100 km, travel time: 2 hours).

Planning Tips

Suggested itineraries: 3-day (highlights of the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park), 7-day (comprehensive tour of northern Botswana, including the Makgadikgadi Pans and Tsodilo Hills), 14-day (deep exploration of the country, including the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and Mokolodi Nature Reserve). Key tips for booking and prioritizing: book accommodations and tours in advance, especially during peak season, and prioritize the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park for their unique ecosystems and abundant wildlife.