• Botswana Lion Cub

Botswana's National Parks

Botswana’s national parks are set in a uniquely different backdrop to most other African safari destinations. Whilst some African safari destinations have gone for more of a volume-based model, Botswana’s national parks are focused on low volume high yield. This means, yes, they are expensive, however, the quality of the experience is second to none. Limited numbers of clients, means limited numbers of lodges, means limited numbers of vehicles on the wildlife sighting. This proves for a wholly unique and high-quality safari experience. Whilst this is the case in the private concessions, the parks and reserves are not so strict on numbers, and therefore volumes can be much higher; they do often still provide for a great safari experience though.

As Botswana’s national parks and concessions number so many, it is impossible to list them all, some of our favourites however have been drawn out below to give you an insight into what gets us going.

Linyanti Wildlife Reserve – a remote concession that is home to some prime game viewing with a stable population of red lechwe, kudu, sable, impala, zebra, and more. This healthy prey base provides the ultimate hunting ground for resident lion, spotted hyena, and also leopards.

Selinda Concession – adjacent to Linyanti, Selinda also has great game viewing set to the backdrop of some stunning scenery. One of our favourite camps has to be Selinda Camp with our last visit including sightings of lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dogs and some great elephant herd

Okavango Delta – the world-renowned Okavango Delta forever sets the mind racing. The fan-shaped delta feeds a network of fertile wetlands and lagoons, breathing life into the surrounding lands and forming ideal grazing lands for herbivores galore. Where there are herbivores there are predators. 

Chobe National Park – one of Botswana’s principal national parks open to the general public resulting in larger numbers of visitors year-round. There are still some great sightings to be had however with elephant river crossings at sunset, and some great resident predators as well.

Makgadikgadi Pans – the largest salt pans on earth yet home to some truly remarkable wildlife. A hidden destination within Botswana but one that is definitely worthwhile investing the time in.

African elephant

Best Places in Botswana to see…

Big Cats: Although you are likely to see big cats throughout Botswana concessions, our favourite spot is the high-end Chief’s Island.  

Elephants: Chobe National Park has the highest concentration of elephants in Africa – with about 70,000 calling it home. 

Black Maned Lions: These fascinating and powerful big cats can be seen only in the Kalahari

Meerkats: At the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans you can watch meerkats emerging from their dens in the morning. 

Wild Dogs: The Linyanti Reserve is one of the most exclusive locations in Africa, and is the best place to see wild dogs. 

Cta Grid

PARKS AND ATTRACTIONS OF BOTSWANA

Black maned lion of the Kalahari, Botswana

Central Kalahari

Central Kalahari Game Reserve is the second largest wildlife reserve in the world known for its black maned lions.

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African sunset, Botswana

Chobe National Park

Romantic sunset river cruises on the Chobe River and some of the largest elephant herds on the African continent

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Male lion close up, Botswana

Khwai Community Reserve

Khwai Reserve provides intense wildlife with wild dogs, leopard, lions and strong conservation initiatives with the Community.

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Botswana wildlife safari: Hippo

Linyanti Wildlife Reserve

Separated out into concessions the Linyanti Reserve has some exclusive wildlife viewing, camps and lodges.

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Botswana wildlife safari: Meerkats at Jacks Camp

Makgadikgadi Pans

Vast salt pans home to migrating herds and also funky meerkats providing for a unique experience in the Makgadikgadi Pans.

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Leopard, Botswana

Moremi Reserve

Moremi Reserve forms the heart of the Okavango Delta with inspirational big cat sightings and exclusive camps to go with it.

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Lion drinking, Botswana

Nxai Pan National Park

Part of the Kalahari eco-system, Nxai Pan offers some of the best game viewing between the months of November and April.

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Okavango Delta, Botswana

Okavango Delta

A bizarre natural wonder, the Okavango Delta is home to some of the most inspiring wildlife in the world.

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not sure where to go?

Speak to one of our Africa & Indian Ocean specialists to find out more, and start designing your very own extraordinary journey. Please note we recommend a budget of from £7,000 / $10,000 USD per person for our style of trip to these destinations.

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