11 Best Things to Do in Botswana

The Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s most remarkable natural landscapes—a vast inland delta where the Okavango River meets the sands of the Kalahari Desert, creating a rich habitat for wildlife. One of the most immersive ways to explore it is by mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe used by local guides. Unlike motorized safaris, a mokoro ride offers a quiet, slow-paced journey through narrow waterways lined with papyrus, where you may spot birds, frogs, or even a hippo, all without disturbing the environment.

Khama Rhino Sanctuary is a protected area focused on rhino conservation, offering a safari experience that’s less commercial and more intentional, and an opportunity to see both black and white rhinos in Botswana. In addition to rhinos, the sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife and birds and can be explored through self-drives or guided tours.

Many of Botswana’s lodges are built with sustainability in mind, offering comfortable stays while minimizing environmental impact. These lodges often support local communities and conservation projects and are typically located in remote, wildlife-rich areas.

Eco-friendly accommodations often feel more peaceful, more rooted in nature, and more intentional in how they operate, and nowadays, there is no need to compromise. Many of these lodges offer incredibly high-end amenities.

Nxai Pan is a national park, part of the ancient salt flats that once formed a giant prehistoric lake, and it’s known for its massive open pans, iconic baobab trees, and seasonal wildlife migrations. The Baines Baobabs are a group of seven monumental baobab trees named after British explorer and painter Thomas Baines, who painted them in 1862. The surrounding salt pans and grasslands make the area ideal for photography and wildlife viewing, especially during the rainy season.

Sampling local dishes is an easy way to experience Botswana’s culture. Staples include seswaa (shredded beef), bogobe (a thick porridge), and morogo (wild greens), which are commonly served at lodges and traditional restaurants across the country.

Game drives are a staple of any visit to Botswana, offering the chance to observe wildlife in national parks or private concessions. A game drive is basically a wildlife safari in a 4×4 vehicle—usually an open-air one—guided by a local expert who knows the land like the back of their hand. Whether at sunrise or sunset, guided drives provide an up-close look at animal behavior in their natural habitat.