Botswana wilderness safaris guides in 2023: Botswana is home to over 500 bird species. You will face the exciting challenge of discovering the Pel’s fishing owl in that far-off tree. You can also attempt to capture the perfect photo of a fish eagle taking off. The best time to plan a Botswana vacation is during the warmer months of November to March. During this time, migratory birds join the year-round residents. The ideal places to go birding in Botswana are Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta since they have all-season water sources nearby. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park is also a fantastic destination for birdwatchers. The park provides a sanctuary to more than 170 bird species. A boat tour along the Chobe River or the Okavango Delta permits you to watch waterbird species like the African Jacana and Southern Carmine Bee-eaters. Every year, various waterbird species make their way to known breeding grounds to lay their eggs and nurture their chicks. You frequently see waterbirds in lagoons with tree-filled islands or dense reed mats. The best time to watch waterbirds is between August and November when there are high temperatures and low water levels. Read more details on wilderness safaris Botswana.
Boasting sand dunes, salt pans, and a thriving diversity of wildlife, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is one of the best parks to visit in Botswana during the rainy summer months (November – April). Regarded as one of the largest parks in Botswana, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park covers an estimated area of 14,670 square miles/ 38,000 square kilometers. Its size is largely due to the fact that it encompasses two previously separate parks: The Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa and Gemsbok National Park in Botswana. While you won’t find the entire African Big 5 here, migrating herds of wildebeest and other antelope attract large numbers of predators and raptors – resulting in some pretty spectacular sightings. The protected area that makes up the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is unfenced, which allows the wildlife to follow their ancient migration routes.
Kasane is situated between the Four Corners of Africa; where Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Zamibia meet. It is a great spot to stay for visits to the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or Botswana’s own Chobe National Park. The town’s own attractions include a huge Baobab tree that was once used as a prison due to its trunk that is so large a human can enter. There is also a snake park that houses around 50 snakes from 17 different species. Kasane is also wonderfully situated for exploring the Chobe River.
The Tsodilo Hills is undoubtedly one of the top tourist attractions in Botswana. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, Tsodilo Hills is famed for its religious significance and is comprised of rock paintings, shelters, depressions, and caves. Often referred to as a spiritual outdoor art gallery, Tsodilo Hills showcases more than 4,000 ancient San Bushmen rock paintings, with over 4,500 cave drawings being found throughout the site. You will also find around 400 sites depicting hunting scenes, ritual dances, and typical safari animals. It is said that some rock art dates back more than 20,000 years and archaeologists have ascertained that people lived in this area as far back as 100,000 years ago. The San Bushmen further believed this sacred area to be the site of the first creation of man and a resting place for spirits of the dead. When visiting the Tsodilo Hills in Botswana, you can expect to hike the three main hills (especially if you’re looking to experience the full Tsodilo Hills exploration journey), with the assistance of local guides. There is a basic campsite and a small but informative museum on site.
The city of Gaborone is the largest in Botswana and also its capital. The modern buildings of Gaborone set against the tropical backdrops of this African nation are an unusual sight and despite its size, there are not too many reasons to visit the city. The large residential areas are supplemented by a few decent hotels and restaurants. The modern feel of the city is reinforced by its lack of history but it is certainly paving the way for the countries future and for this reason it is a good place to experience the vibe of 21st Century Botswana.
Besides enjoying an authentic African safari, by far one of the top things to do in Botswana is mokoro through the Okavango Delta. A mokoro is a traditional dug-out canoe which is used to traverse and explore the waterways and channels of the Okavango Delta. Enjoying a mokoro journey through the Delta is not only a unique bucket-list worthy safari experience, but gives you the opportunity to see and explore hidden gems, secret spots, rare sightings, and smaller things you’d miss on a traditional game drive.
The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest inland deltas. It’s also considered one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders. The river flows into a basin in the Kalahari Desert, where it then dissipates, creating an oasis in the middle of the dry landscape. The delta is home to a good deal of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. You can explore the Okavango Delta by mokoro (dugout canoe), safari game drive, or on foot. The delta is ideal for luxury travel and those interested in getting off the beaten path and experiencing a more authentic African safari. See a lot more info at https://www.sundownersafaris.com/.
