Botswana is celebrated for its extraordinary wildlife diversity and exceptional game viewing. From the legendary elephant herds of Chobe to the elusive predators of the Central Kalahari, the country is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
Botswana is home to the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo – alongside cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, and abundant hippo and crocodile populations. Antelope species flourish in Botswana’s varied ecosystems, including sable, roan, kudu, tsessebe, springbok, impala, and the rare sitatunga in the Delta. Birdwatchers are equally rewarded, with over 580 bird species recorded, from bee-eaters and rollers to fish eagles and wattled cranes.
Unique wildlife encounters abound: the Okavango Delta offers the rare chance to spot animals from a mokoro (traditional canoe), while the Kalahari provides sightings of desert-adapted species like brown hyena and meerkat.
The country’s low-density tourism model means that wildlife sightings are often exclusive, free from crowds and enhanced by expert guiding in private concessions.
With its range of habitats – from watery channels and riverine forests to arid plains and salt pans – Botswana delivers one of the most intimate and rewarding safari experiences on the continent.
