Botswana is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa. The country is home to diverse landscapes and a wide variety of wildlife.
From the vast desert in the south to the lush wetlands in the north, Botswana offers something for everyone.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Botswana.
1. Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is one of the most unique places in the world. The delta is made up of a maze of rivers and lagoons that empty into the Kalahari Desert.
The delta is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and hippos. The Okavango Delta is also a great place for birdwatching.
The best time to visit the delta is during the dry season, as the animals are easier to see.
2. Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park is the second-largest park in Botswana. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and hippos.
The Chobe River runs through the park and provides a great place for wildlife sightings.
Some things to do in Chobe National Park include incredible safari tours, camping, and even fishing.
3. Moremi Game Reserve
Moremi Game Reserve is a beautiful game reserve located in the heart of the Okavango Delta.
The reserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, and hippos.
Visitors can enjoy safaris and wildlife tours here, or simply relax and take in the incredible scenery.
4. Gaborone
Gaborone is the largest city in Botswana and also its capital. It’s a great place to visit with plenty of attractions, including the National Museum, which showcases the country’s history and cultural heritage, and the Gaborone Dam, which is perfect for a day out with friends or family.
The city is also home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
If you’re flying into Botswana, Gaborone is a great place to start your trip.
5. Khama Rhino Sanctuary
The Khama Rhino Sanctuary is a safe haven for rhinos. The sanctuary was established in 1992 to help protect the rhino from extinction.
Today, the sanctuary is home to black and white rhinos, as well as 30 other mammal species and 230 different bird species. Visitors can enjoy safaris and game drives here, as well as walks with experienced guides.
The Khama Rhino Sanctuary is a great place to learn about these incredible animals and the work being done to protect them.
6. Maun
Maun is the fifth-largest city in Botswana and is the gateway to the Okavango Delta. The city is a great base for exploring the delta, as well as Chobe National Park.
There are plenty of things to do in Maun, including safaris, boat tours, and visits to traditional villages. You can also find a variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes in the city.
If you’re looking to explore more of Botswana, Maun is a great place to start.
7. Kasane
Kasane is a small town on the northern edge of Chobe National Park. It’s a great place to stay if you’re visiting the park, as it offers a variety of accommodation options and restaurants.
The town is also home to the Kasane Airport, which is one of the main airports in Botswana for tourism reasons.
Kasane is well-positioned with Victoria Falls not too far away.
8. Francistown
Francistown is the second-largest city in Botswana and is a great place to visit if you want to learn more about the country’s history.
The city is home to a variety of museums, including the Francistown Museum, which tells the story of the town’s founding, and the Tati Nickel Mine Museum, which showcases the history of the mine.
Francistown is also a great place to find a bargain, with a number of markets and shopping malls in the city.
9. Lobatse
Lobatse is a small town located in the Southern District of Botswana. The town is home to a number of historical buildings, including the Lobatse Town Hall, which was built in 1929, and the Old Naledi Sun Hotel, which is now a museum.
Lobatse also has a number of other museums, including the Kgosi Sechele I Museum, the Botswana Defence Force Museum, and the Lobatse Youth Development Centre.
There are also a few small shops and restaurants in town for souvenirs and great food.
10. Serowe
Serowe is a village in the Central District of Botswana. The village is located 50 kilometers west of Palapye and has a population of approximately 60,000 people.
Serowe is the capital of the BagammaNgwato Tribe, one of the largest tribes in Botswana, and is also home to the Khama III Memorial Museum.
The museum is dedicated to the life and times of Sir Seretse Khama, the first president of Botswana.
11. Palapye
Palapye is a rapidly growing town located approximately halfway between Gaborone and Francistown and has a population of approximately 40,000 people.
Palapye is an important transport hub in Botswana, with a railway station and an airport. The town is also home to the Morupule Colliery, which is the only coal mine in Botswana.
There are a few small shops and restaurants in Palapye, as well as a few places to stay, but most visitors use it as a transit town on their way to other destinations in Botswana.
12. Tswapong Hills
The Tswapong Hills are a range of hills located in the Southern District of Botswana. The hills are popular with tourists for their natural beauty and views over the surrounding countryside.
There are a few small villages located in the hills, as well as a few hiking trails for those looking to explore the area.
The Tswapong Hills is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some peace and quiet.
13. Mokolodi Nature Reserve
The Mokolodi Nature Reserve is located south of Gaborone and is a popular spot for day trips from the city.
The reserve is home to a variety of animals, including zebra, antelope, and ostrich, as well as a variety of bird species.
There are also a number of hiking trails in the reserve, as well as a few picnic areas.
The Mokolodi Nature Reserve is a lovely location to get out of the city and experience some natural air.
14. Ghanzi
Ghanzi is a town in the west of Botswana. The town is home to a number of shops and restaurants, as well as a few places to stay.
The town is a good base for exploring the surrounding area, with a number of game reserves and national parks located nearby.
It’s also a great stayover point when traveling from Namibia to the Okavango Delta or Chobe national park.
Final thoughts on the best places to visit in Botswana
Botswana is a beautiful country with a lot to offer tourists.
The cities are great for learning about the history and culture of Botswana, while the nature reserves and game parks are perfect for getting up close and personal with some of Africa’s amazing wildlife.
We hope this article has given you some idea of the best places to visit in Botswana on your next trip to Southern Africa.
FAQs
What is the best time of year to visit Botswana?
The best time of year to visit Botswana is during the dry season, which runs from May to October.
This is the best time to see the animals as they congregate around the waterholes.
What is the best way to get around Botswana?
The best way to get around Botswana is by car.
There are a number of rental companies that offer cars with 4-wheel drive, which is necessary for some of the more remote areas.
Is it safe to travel to Botswana?
Botswana is generally a very safe country to travel to.
However, as with any country, you should take precautions against crime and check the latest travel advisories before you travel.
What currency is used in Botswana?
The currency used in Botswana is the Botswana pula.
You can exchange your currency at most banks and airports in Botswana.
What vaccinations do I need for Botswana?
There are no mandatory vaccinations for Botswana, but it is recommended that you are up-to-date on your routine vaccinations, such as measles, mumps, rubella, and polio.
What should I pack for my trip to Botswana?
When packing for your trip to Botswana, it is important to remember that the weather can be hot and humid during the day and cool at night.
Pack light clothing that will keep you cool, as well as a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
You should also pack a good pair of sunglasses, binoculars, and a camera.
