Must-See Scenic Places in Botswana

 

Botswana is blessed with some of the most spectacular natural wonders in Africa. From vast wetlands to endless deserts, each destination offers a unique glimpse into the country's beauty, wildlife, and culture.

Tsodilo Hills

Known as the “Louvre of the Desert,” Tsodilo Hills is a sacred site with over 4,500 ancient rock paintings.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers spiritual hiking trails where you can sense the deep connection between land and people.

Best for: Adventure seekers and history lovers

Okavango Delta

One of the world's largest inland deltas, the Okavango is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Botswana’s crown jewels.

Take a mokoro (dugout canoe) ride through the sparkling waterways, watch hippos and elephants at play, and enjoy birdwatching like else on Earth.

Best time to visit: May to September (dry season).

Chobe National Park

Known for its massive elephant herds, Chobe is Botswana's first national park and a paradise for safari lovers.

Enjoy riverboat cruises along the Chobe River or game drives where you might see lions, leopards, buffalo, and a variety of antelope species.

Tip: Sunset cruises are a magical way to see animals gathering at the water's edge.

Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

Step into another world with the Makgadikgadi — one of the largest salt flats on the planet.
In the dry season, it looks like a shimmering white desert. After the rains, it transforms into a temporary oasis attracting flamingos and migrating animals.

Fun experience: Visit Kubu Island — a sacred, mystical granite island surrounded by the Pans.

Moremi Game Reserve

Located in the eastern part of the Okavango Delta, Moremi is one of the best places in Botswana to see a wide variety of wildlife.

You can spot the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, and buffalo) and enjoy a combination of water and land safaris.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Experience the remote wilderness of Botswana in the vast Central Kalahari.

Home to lions, gemsbok, brown hyenas, and the indigenous San people, this reserve offers a glimpse into an untouched, raw Africa.

Tip: Visit during the rainy season (December to April) for lush landscapes and more animal sightings.