Botswana is a country of contrasts and one of the few remaining wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Picture a mélange of animals and unspoilt landscapes, with winding waterways fringed by papyrus plants, otherworldly glittering salt pans, and elephant herds as far as the eye can see.
It’s home to a third of the world’s elephants, an impressive big cat population and adorable meerkat mobs. Most importantly, it’s a haven for endangered animals like African wild dogs and black rhino, therefore making Botswana a dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
If you’re looking for the cream of the crop of safari experiences, this is it. Therefore, we’ve hand-crafted the perfect Botswana itinerary for 2021, just for you.
Tour Duration:
9 Nights
Perfect for:
Photography and wildlife enthusiasts, romantic getaways, group travel
1. First stop: Victoria Falls, Adventure Capital
Victoria Falls is the perfect stopover on your way to Botswana. Known as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ that roughly translates as ‘The Smoke that Thunders’, it’s one of those natural wonders that leave you gasping for breath at its sheer majesty.
The largest veil of water in the world, it gushes down with a mighty force, rainbows proudly arranged in its mist. It’s almost as if the world is split open, smoke billowing through the cracks.
But this grand, mystical sight is not all you have to look forward to. Dubbed the ‘Adventure Capital’, you can partake in a never-ending list of adrenaline-fueled activities.
Why we love it
- It’s one of the Seven Wonders of the World
- Victoria Falls is the largest curtain of water in the world
- Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- There are various activities to partake in. For example, helicopter rides, white water rafting, bungee jumping, swimming in Devil’s Pool on the edge of the falls, and more
- A great destination all year round
Our favourite places to stay in Vic Falls
- Slice of Zambian Heaven: Royal Chundu River Lodge
- Zambezi Zen: Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma Lodge
- Timeless Style: Victoria Falls Hotel
Read more about Vic Falls:
10 Reasons Why Victoria Falls is Africa’s Greatest Natural Wonder
2. Next Up: Chobe, Land of Gentle Giants
Immensity and diversity in the name of the game at Chobe National Park, with an abundance of species calling it home.
Known as the ‘Elephant Capital’ of the world, Chobe is dominated by countless elephants as well as many other animals. For example, you can also look forward to seeing the rest of the Big 5, zebra, giraffe, endangered African Wild Dog, civet, hyena, baboon and puku antelope. In addition to these land animals, crocodiles and hippos lurk under the surface of the water.
There are also so many ways to explore this wildlife-rich area. For instance, game drives, photographic safaris, bush walks and boat cruises.
Why we love it
- It’s the Elephant Capital. In other words, home to more than 120,000 elephants
- Chobe National Park is Botswana’s third-largest national park
- A popular safari destination, in particular for wildlife photographers
- Endangered animals like the African wild dog thrive here
- So many activities you can look forward to. For example, game drives, boat cruises and bush walks
- Home to over 450 bird species, therefore a birder’s paradise
Our favourite places to stay in Chobe
- African Glamour: Chobe Game Lodge
- Place of Mystery: Savute Safari Lodge
- Explorer Haven: Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge
Find out more about Chobe here:
Chobe National Park: Welcome to the Land of Gentle Giants
3. Next up: Okavango Delta, Nature’s Miracle
‘The river that never finds the sea’ perfectly describes the Okavango Delta as many have scratched their heads over why this Delta floods in the dry months. You can read all about this mystery here.
The largest inland delta in the world, it comprises winding waterways snaking through a maze of thousands of little islands. This water wonderland lures a wealth of animals to quench their thirst, splash around, or to hunt down their prey. Moreover, crocodiles and hippos also patrol the water, waiting for their moment to pounce.
The Okavango Delta is a dream-like destination for anyone who loves Mother Nature and her inhabitants.
Why we love it
- It’s one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa
- It was declared the 1,000th UNESCO World Heritage Site. In other words, it’s a pretty big deal
- An incredible diversity of animals. As a result, you can expect unbelievable sightings
- An ever-changing landscape, therefore you won’t see the same thing every day
Our favourite places to stay in Okavango Delta
- Classic 1920s Safari Style: Duba Plains Camp
- 50s Bush Glamour: Machaba Camp
- Water and Wildlife Adventure: Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp
Read more about the Okavango Delta here:
- Myths, Miracles and Mystery: The Okavango River Delta Explained
- 8 Things You Didn’t Know About the Okavango Delta
3. Last Stop: Makgadikgadi Pans, Shimmering Salt Pans
Spanning across 16,000 square kilometres, the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are the largest in the world, roughly the size of Switzerland. However, don’t let this moon-like isolation fool you as it’s anything but lifeless and home to a variety of desert-adapted species.
As a result of the different seasons, the pans look completely different throughout the year, transforming from parched plains to lush wetlands when the rainfall finally brings relief, subsequently luring animals from afar with predators close on their heels.
One of the best ways to experience the Makgadikgadi is to head back to a simpler time before 4×4 vehicles and planes were invented and to make your way across the vast plains on horseback.
Why we love it
- It’s the largest collection of salt flats in the world
- You can witness the second-largest zebra migration in the world here
- Kubu Island is a national monument
- Home to adorable meerkat mobs
- You can spend the day with local bushmen. For example, learning how they hunt, cook, etc.
- Stargazing is exceptional here
Our favourite places to stay
- Allure of Nothingness: San Camp
- Dramatic Landscapes: Meno a Kwena Tented Camp
- Home of the Lion: Leroo La Tau
Find out more about the Makgadikgadi and surrounding attractions here.
The Enigma of the Kalahari Desert: Top 5 Attractions
Why you’ll love this tour
- We all need a Digital Detox from time to time from the headaches of everyday life in the digital age. Therefore, this is the perfect place to go
- Incredible wildlife, therefore, making it one of the best photographic safari destinations in the world
- High-quality but low-impact tourism model
- Untamed terrain in its truest form
- Exclusive airstrips and luxury accommodation
- Guides who know the area like the back of their hand. Therefore, you can expect excellent safari experiences
- Diversity of safaris. For example, game drives, mokoro, houseboats, bush walks, quad biking and horseback safaris
Are you ready for Rhino Africa to take you on the Botswana trip of a lifetime?
Follow us this way for an obligation-free quote so that we can start planning!
Wow so beautiful and interesting place.
Hi there 🙂
Thank you so much for your lovely message. Botswana is one of a kind and is what Bucket-List-Dreams are made of!
We hope that many many people get to experience it if they haven’t already.
Sunny regards from beautiful Cape Town,
The Rhino Africa Team