Botswana Wildlife

What to Spot in Botswana's Exclusive Concessions?

Exclusive concessions means a limited number of people in the concessions to start with, fewer people in the concessions, means fewer people on each wildlife sighting, fewer people on a wildlife sighting results in an all-round higher quality wildlife experience. At the end of the day, let’s face it, the quality of the wildlife viewing is exactly what we judge a safari experience on. This is what a Botswana wildlife safari can offer, a unique, bespoke, wildlife experience.

African Painted Dogs

Whilst often not at the top of a safari-goers list, African painted dogs are often a pleasant surprise. Some of the most intelligent social hunters in the wild, if you get the chance, take the time to experience these guys in the wild. They move at immense speeds, hunt incredibly intelligently, and when on their prey, can shred the unfortunate subject in a matter of minutes. A traditionally matriarchal society, the social interactions and hierarchy of a wild dog pack is fascinating. One of the best documentaries you can watch on these predators is Attenborough’s Dynasties.

Big Cats

Big cats are a highlight of any wildlife safari and Botswana has plenty. Lion, leopard and cheetah can be found throughout a variety of parks, private concessions and reserves, with some of our favourites including Selinda, Khwai, and the well-known Chobe National Park.. Read more about big cats here.

The Big Five

In captivating Botswana, a location adored by wildlife enthusiasts, the fabled Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, black rhino, and buffalo - reign supreme. These magnificent creatures thrive alongside an array of diverse wildlife, featuring elegant giraffes, varied antelope, charming zebras, and mighty wildebeests, within Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve's pristine landscapes.

The serene waters of Okavango Delta contain the formidable Nile crocodile, while the arid expanses of Kalahari Desert are home to exquisite desert-adapted gemsbok, and the Kalahari lion. Behold the mesmerising congregation of flamingos on the Makgadikgadi salt pans, adding yet another fascinating dimension to Botswana's bountiful and breathtaking wildlife sanctuary. Read more here.

Meerkats

It’s not just the big beasts for which Botswana is famed Spend some time in the magical Makgadikgadi Pans and you are likely to come across some inquisitive meerkats, known to – on occasion – use humans as look outposts! Meerkats are highly social animals that live in family groups called mobs or clans, known for their cooperative behaviour and standing sentry on their hind legs to watch for predators. These groups can consist of several individuals, and they work together to forage for food, raise young, and protect each other from predators. Meerkats dig extensive networks of burrows, which serve as their homes and refuge from predators and extreme weather conditions and having multiple entrances essential for their survival.

Giraffes

Botswana's diverse landscapes, including savannas, woodlands, and riverine areas, provide suitable habitats for these gentle giants. Characterised by their irregular and jagged spots, they are often seen in areas where there is a mix of open grassland and trees, making it easier for them to browse on leaves and vegetation. Botswana's protected areas, such as Chobe National Park, Moremi Game Reserve, and Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, are some of the places where you have a good chance of spotting giraffes during safari drives and game viewing.

Hippos

The waterways and rivers of Botswana, such as the Okavango Delta and Chobe River, are home to large populations of hippos. Hippos are known for their semi-aquatic lifestyle and spend much of their day in the water to avoid the sun's heat and come out at night to graze on grasses. They are known to be highly territorial and can be aggressive, especially when defending their territories or young. Hippos are classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). While they are not currently endangered, they face threats such as habitat loss and poaching