Elephants. And lots of them! That’s what I think of when I think of Botswana. The countries elephant population is 130,000 strong and the largest in Africa. It’s also home to UNESCO World Heritage site, the Okavango Delta- a huge marshland in the North-West of the country. Botswana is also considered one of the safest countries in Africa, occurring mostly petty crime rather serious attacks, which are still rare. The locals are also extremely friendly and always smiling.
For the adventurous and wildlife lovers then look no further. Botswana has it all. National parks, boat trips, quad biking, horse riding, walking & cycling safaris, hot air ballooning and even camel rides.
So here are 8 adventurous things to see and do in Botswana:
1. Safari in Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park is right by the border with Zambia and Zimbabwe, a great location if you want to cross the border to catch a glimpse of Victoria Falls (which you should). Go on a safari through the park and get up and close with elephants, bird species, hippos, giraffes, buffalo, cheetah, zebra and many more!
I was really surprised how close we got to the elephants, we even had a little baby ellie chasing after our van! Most accommodation is situated just outside the park and ranges from basic camping to luxury lodges.
2. Sunset Boat Cruise on the Chobe River
Offering a different perspective of Chobe National Park, the sunset river cruise allows you to see many animals along the river banks, such as crocodile, hippos and elephants wading through the water. Plus the deep red glow from the African sun means you can get awesome photos of the park.
I remember sitting on the boat watching the wildlife and the backdrop of the intense sunset and thinking how special this opportunity and how it was truly a once in a lifetime experience.
3. Take a Helicopter Ride Over the Okavango Delta
From the river to the sky, take in a wider view over the Okavango Delta. The huge marshland floods every year, with the best time to visit being the dry season as animals congregate to the open water source.
Taking a flight in a tiny plane over the delta gives an opportunity for interesting photos of animals from above. I went with Kavango Air. It also gives you the chance to see how vast and green the landscape is. I loved seeing the water flooding in and the sky reflecting in the massive pools and lakes it forms.
4. Take a Mokoro tour (and try it out yourself)
A mokoro or dugout canoe is a traditional mode of transport and can give visitors a chance to see the delta from a different angle and to just sit, taking in nature at it’s best. My tour group took a 2 hour mokoro tour deep into the delta. This was such a peaceful and tranquil ride, the group was quiet, just sitting, taking in the water lilies, wildlife and surrounding bush landscape. There was something very calming about the gentle and repetitive rhythm of the canoe, with the water being so still.
I also had the chance to push my own dugout canoe (which is a bit like punting in Cambridge for those of you who have tried that). After a few initial wobbles it’s not too bad. A pretty cool experience to say you’ve tried.
5. Camp Overnight in a Wild Bushcamp
As part of my mokoro trip, my tour group also stayed overnight in the Okavango Delta, right in the heart of the wild bushland. There’s no showers, no toilet, just incredible landscapes and bright night skies. With no barriers between you or potentially dangerous wildlife this is both exiting and scary at the same time. You can also take a quick swim in the water which may or may not have crocodiles in. It was a brief dip I’ll tell you that!
We headed out on a walking safari, seeing zebra and antelope and bird species, before being treated to a golden sunset. In the evening the locals who pushed the boats gave us a song and dance performance around the campfire and invited us to join in. A great way to end the day and we all fell asleep quickly that night.
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6. Walk with the San Bushmen of Botswana
This was one of my favourite memories from this trip. The San Bushmen of the Kalahariย are fascinating people. Unfortunately there are few tribes left that are able to live in the traditional and ancient way as their ancestors lived. These walking tours are often run by the safari lodges who allow the San bushmen to pass on knowledge to visitors about how they are able to live off the land.
They speak no English so everything is translated through a local guide as they explain how they use plants for food and medicine and showing us how to make fire. They are all dressed in traditional animal skin clothing and I was surprised at how small they were in comparison to us Westerners.
I found them mesmerising and full of wisdom. The warm light at the end of the day cast a beautiful orange glow over the bushmen and the land, just adding to the extraordinary experience.
7. Enjoy Camping In Botswana
What I loved most about this Africa trip was just camping out night after night under the amazing African sky. There’s something so simple about camping and it just feels like you’re a world away from home.
Go back to basics and appreciate the landscape even more. Aside from basic bush camping, a lot of the campsites are actually very well decorated, complete with swimming pools like the Planet Baobab camp. They will usually have a restaurant and bar area to relax, with the more basic ones having a bbq to make your own food. I really enjoyed relaxing at camp with a beer after a lot day of adventurous activities.
8. Look for Animals in the Road
Botswana in particular, I noticed so many big game animals on the side of the road. It’s just fascinating sitting in the overland truck, staring out the window, listening to music, watching the world go by- and then an elephant is just a few feet from you right on the road. We saw all sorts of wildlife by the roadside which adds to the excitement of the road trip- expect the unexpected in Africa!
Really hope you enjoyed this post on where to visit in Botswana. It really is an unforgettable country and a wildlife and photographers dream. To see the big 5 in person is something that’s hard to describe. If you haven’t yet, then be sure to add this to the bucket list.
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If you liked this you’ll love reading:ย Namibia: 15 Stunning Reasons Why You Need To Visit
20 Comments
I dream of some day going to Botswana and showing my kids the amazing landscape and animals there. My girls would lose their minds if we saw a herd of elephants in the wild!
If I have kids one day I would for sure do this too! Hope you get the chance!
Wow! Botswana looks amazing! I’ve never heard about this place much, so glad to read your informative blog on it. Love the elephants and all of your travel photos on this trip.
Glad you liked it- great if you love nature and culture ๐
Now I really want to visit Botswana! My top two reasons to go would be the safari and the walk with the bushmen. So cool!
Yes the bushmen walk was incredible- such a difference experience.
I can honestly say I’ve never thought about visiting Botswana before, but now I really want to go! It looks incredible! Such an enriching experience. Plus, I’ve always wanted to do an African safari, so that is exciting! Great post.
A lot of people have been saying they never really considered it. For sure it’s worth a trip and less touristy than other places.
Wow what anazing trip – love your pics ! I love elephants and so many of them are so mistreated ๐
Valerie
I know it’s a shame but thankfully theres still a lot in Botswana that are quite well protected. Poaching always seems to be in the rise though ๐
What an awesome opportunity to see all those elephants! I’m slightly jealous but I guess that just means that I have to get to Botswana soon so that I can experience it all as well.
haha you should! You wont regret it.
I’d never really thought of traveling to Botswana, but Chobe National Park looks absolutely beautiful! How lucky to go on a safari there *and* take that dreamy boat tour!
It’s such a great destination and the people are so friendly ๐
I have never really thought about going to Botswana ๐ง๐ผ but after reading this post it has got me interested. I love elephants ๐ Iโm surprised at the amount that lives there. I look forward to seeing the bushman. I love learning about other cultures.
I guess it’s not as touristy as other places and I’ve no idea why its a beautiful country.
Botswana seems like an incredible place to visit. I did love to go on a safari at explore the wildlife there.The sunset boat cruise and the helicopter ride are a visual treat and seem like amazing experiences. Would love to visit there sometime soon.
It really is an amazing country you should defo visit ๐
Botswana looks like an amazing place for wildlife tourists! It is however sad it doesn’t get as much spotlight as the other counterparts in Africa! I’d love to try these adventures in Botswana whenever I’m in Africa!
Yes I agree, it was one of my fav out of the few I visited.