The 5 best things to do on Botswana safari include mokoro rides, day game drives, night game drives, cultural tours, Boat Safaris, Bush Walks, Horseback Rides, and Bird Watching.
Did you know that Botswana was named the world's best sustainable tourism destination by National Geographic? This southern African gem offers some of the most extraordinary wilderness experiences on the continent. The things to do on Botswana safari range from peaceful water-based activities to exhilarating wildlife encounters. The things to do on Botswana safari are designed to showcase the country's incredible biodiversity and pristine ecosystems. The things to do on Botswana safari create lifetime memories while supporting conservation efforts that protect these remarkable landscapes for future generations.
Popular African Safari Packages
3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda
3 Days Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda
4 Days Nyungwe Forest National Park and Lake Kivu Safari
4 Days Golden monkeys And Gorilla Trekking Safari
5 Days Amboseli and Tsavo West Wildlife Safari
6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route
8 Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar
Here are the 5 Best Things to Do on Botswana Safari
1. Mokoro Rides
The traditional dugout canoe experience tops the list of things to do on Botswana safari. These iconic water excursions provide a unique perspective on the delta's intricate waterways. The things to do on Botswana safari must include this silent glide through papyrus channels, allowing for intimate wildlife observations. The things to do on Botswana safari become truly immersive when experienced from the water level of a mokoro.
Mokoro rides are primarily available in the Okavango Delta, with Moremi Game Reserve and private concessions like Jao and Xigera offering exceptional experiences. Professional polers navigate these traditional canoes through shallow channels, providing close encounters with wildlife. The estimated cost ranges from $45-120 per person depending on duration and location, with morning rides offering optimal wildlife viewing conditions. The activity is most rewarding during the annual flood season (June-August) when water levels are highest.
2. Game Drives
Open-vehicle game drives represent the quintessential things to do on Botswana safari. These expertly guided excursions track predators and large mammals across diverse habitats. The things to do on Botswana safari gain momentum during game drives, which combine adventure with education. The things to do on Botswana safari include dawn and dusk drives when wildlife is most active.
Game drives are available throughout Botswana's national parks and private reserves, with Chobe National Park and Savuti renowned for elephant and predator sightings. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve offers unique desert-adapted wildlife viewing. Costs range from $65-150 per person for shared drives, with private vehicles available at premium rates. Morning drives (6-9am) and afternoon drives (4-7pm) coincide with peak animal activity, while the dry season (May-October) concentrates wildlife around permanent water sources, offering exceptional viewing opportunities.
3. Boat Safaris
Water-based exploration ranks high among things to do on Botswana safari. Boat safaris provide access to riverine ecosystems teeming with wildlife. The things to do on Botswana safari should include cruising the Chobe River, famous for its elephant populations. The things to do on Botswana safari become spectacularly photogenic during golden hour boat trips.
Boat safaris are primarily conducted on the Chobe River in northern Botswana and certain sections of the Okavango Delta. These excursions offer unique perspectives for wildlife photography and bird watching. Costs typically range from $50-85 per person for shared boats, with private charters available for approximately $250-400. Afternoon cruises coincide with animals coming to drink, while the dry season (August-October) concentrates wildlife along riverbanks, creating spectacular viewing opportunities as thousands of elephants gather at the water's edge.
4. Bush Walks and Horseback Rides
Walking safaris deliver intimate wilderness connections among things to do on Botswana safari. These guided experiences reveal the ecosystem's smaller details often missed by vehicles. The things to do on Botswana safari should include tracking wildlife on foot with expert guides. The things to do on Botswana safari become more thrilling when experiencing the land from ground level.
Bush walks are offered in private concessions throughout the Delta and in Chobe Forest Reserve, while horseback safaris are specialized experiences available in the Okavango and Makgadikgadi regions. Walking safaris cost approximately $60-120 per person, while horseback safaris range from $150-250 per person. Early mornings provide optimal conditions for both activities. Walking safaris require moderate fitness and are best during the dry season (May-October) when visibility is improved, while horseback safaris are year-round activities suited to intermediate riders.
5. Night Game Drives and Bird Watching
Nocturnal explorations represent unique things to do on Botswana safari. Night drives reveal secretive species rarely seen during daylight hours. The things to do on Botswana safari extend beyond sunset with spotlight adventures. The things to do on Botswana safari include tracking elusive predators during their active hunting periods.
Night drives are permitted in private concessions rather than national parks, with Khwai, Linyanti and Selinda offering exceptional experiences. For bird enthusiasts, the Okavango Delta hosts over 400 species, with Chobe River and Moremi particularly rewarding. Night drives cost approximately $75-110 per person as add-ons to afternoon game drives. The optimal timing is 7-10 pm, while the transition seasons (April- May and November) offer excellent nocturnal animal activity. For birding, the green season (November-March) brings migratory species, making it the prime time despite occasional rain showers.
The Best Time to Go for Things to Do on Botswana Safari
Timing significantly impacts the things to do on Botswana safari. The dry season (May-October) represents peak wildlife viewing opportunities. The things to do on Botswana safari during this period concentrate on permanent water sources. The things to do on Botswana safari shift seasonally, with each period offering unique advantages.
The high season (July-October) offers exceptional game viewing with concentrated wildlife and comfortable temperatures. However, this peak period comes with premium pricing and crowded popular areas. The shoulder seasons (May-June and November) provide excellent value with good wildlife sightings and fewer visitors. The green season (December-April) delivers lush landscapes, newborn animals, and spectacular bird watching, though some areas become inaccessible due to flooding. Water-based activities like mokoro rides are best during the flood season (June-August), while game drives excel during the dry months when animals gather around permanent water.
How to Get There for Things to Do on Botswana Safari
Accessing the remarkable things to do on Botswana safari requires strategic planning. International flights arrive at Maun and Kasane airports, the gateways to wilderness areas. The things to do on Botswana safari often involve light aircraft transfers between remote locations. The things to do on Botswana safari begin with your journey into this pristine wilderness.
Most international visitors arrive via Johannesburg with connecting flights to Maun or Kasane. From these hubs, light aircraft transfers (approximately $180-350 per person) transport visitors to remote airstrips throughout the Delta and other reserves. Self-drive options exist for experienced travelers, though most premium safari experiences include transfers in their packages. For multi-destination safaris, a combination of light aircraft, boat transfers, and game drive vehicles provides access to diverse ecosystems and activities.
What to Bring for the Things to Do on Botswana Safari
Proper preparation enhances the things to do on Botswana safari. Packing appropriate gear ensures comfortable wildlife viewing in varying conditions. The things to do on Botswana safari require specific equipment for maximum enjoyment. The things to do on Botswana safari become more rewarding with the right clothing and accessories.
Essential items include neutral-colored clothing (khaki, olive, beige) in lightweight, breathable fabrics. Layering is crucial for temperature fluctuations between cold mornings and hot afternoons. Binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) are indispensable for wildlife viewing, while a camera with telephoto lens captures memorable moments. Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen) is vital year-round. Insect repellent containing DEET helps during summer months, and a small daypack keeps essentials accessible during activities.
Where to Sleep, Eat, and Drink During Things to Do on Botswana Safari
Accommodation enhances the things to do on Botswana safari. Lodges and camps range from comfortable to ultra-luxurious. The things to do on Botswana safari often include gourmet dining experiences in wilderness settings. The things to do on Botswana safari extend to nighttime with stargazing and campfire storytelling.
Botswana's accommodation philosophy emphasizes "high value, low impact" with small, intimate properties. Luxury tented camps like Mombo Camp and Jao offer all-inclusive experiences with gourmet dining and premium activities from $900-2,000 per person per night. Mid-range options like Khwai Guest House and Chobe Safari Lodge provide comfortable bases from $250-500 per night. Mobile safari operations offer authentic experiences from $200-400 per night. Most safari packages include all meals and selected beverages, with dining experiences ranging from elegant multi-course dinners to atmospheric boma feasts under the stars.
Booking the Things to Do on Botswana Safari with Dav Safaris
Expert planning maximizes the things to do on Botswana safari. Dav Safaris specializes in crafting personalized itineraries that showcase the country's highlights. The things to do on Botswana safari become seamlessly integrated when arranged by experienced operators. The things to do on Botswana safari transform from individual activities into a cohesive, unforgettable journey.
Contact us today to begin planning your personalized Botswana adventure, combining the perfect mix of activities tailored to your interests and travel style.