Top 10 Things to Do in Botswana
Interact with the mighty elephants of the Okavango Delta | © Thomas Köhler / Flickr
Touted as one of the top destinations in the world, Botswana, with her enchanting sunsets and alluring beauty, is the ultimate destination for any tourist. Tourists planning to travel to Botswana can pick from any of these activities to truly appreciate the beauty of this African country.
An experience that is not for the fainthearted, this is one adventure that adrenaline junkies will really enjoy. Be prepared to meet grumpy hippos, crocodiles and an array of birds while slowly gliding through the waters of the Okavango Delta.
Tourists enjoying a scenic mokoro ride | © Thomas Köhler / Flickr
Learn about the first people of the Kgalagadi, namely the San/Bushmen, and how they hunt and gather wild fruit. You can be part of a bushwalk trek and marvel at how they are preserving the traditions of their ancestors. Bushmen walks are offered at camps in the Makgadikgadi Pans and Nxai National Park, the Central Kgalagadi Game Reserve and the Deception Valley in the Central Kgalagadi Game Reserve.
San women | © Mario Micklisch / Flickr
Deception Valley Lodge is situated next to the northeastern border of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) in 15,000 hectares (58 square miles) of privately owned, pristine Kalahari bush. Here, visitors will spend time with the Naru-speaking bushmen. Such nomadic hunter-gatherers were the first people who inhabited Southern Africa, and the Kalahari is one of the last regions where they still survive. Although they had to adapt their traditional way of life to meet the challenges of modern life, they still have a great understanding of nature, and the skills that are needed to survive in the bush. Naru bushmen guides take guests at the Deception Valley Lodge on day and night safaris in open game viewers, lead bush walks, spend time with them in the hide at a water hole and share with them the Southern Hemisphere night sky. The focus of all the activities is not only on sightings of Kalahari game, but on sharing a truly holistic experience of the unique ecology of the Kalahari, as revealed and interpreted by expert guides and trackers.
The mighty Chobe River located in the Chobe National Game Park in Kasane and the Okavango Delta are some of the best spots for boat cruises. The best time for enjoying a boat cruise is in the afternoon. Watch the sun go down while sipping on your chosen drink, and let your imagination run wild.
The magical Botswana sunset | © hbieser / Pixabay
If you’re looking for a safari experience different from what tour operators are offering, then try a self drive, off-road adventure. The Moremi Game Reserve, Northern Tuli Nature Game Reserve and Chobe National Game Park are just some of the spots where one can enjoy a self-drive safari. So hire a 4×4 now, and hit the road.
4×4 adventure mission | © wbwolfgang / Pixabay
Botswana is a landlocked country, but that does not mean that you cannot embark on a fishing expedition if you are in the northern parts of the country. And remember, this activity is seasonal. You can fish with artificial lures or bait, or even go fly-fishing.
A fishing expedition in one of the rivers in Northern Botswana | © JonRawlinson / Flickr
Try revving a motorbike in the middle of the Makgadikgadi, and be blown away by the beauty of the pans. Visit in winter, and make sure that you wear proper gear, lest you come back covered in dust. Jack’s Camp offers these rides; do exercise caution, as it is very easy to get lost in the pans.
Scenic flight over the Okavango Delta | © freekvanootegem / Pixabay
Take a scenic flight over the delta, and marvel at the beauty of one of the natural wonders of the world. This is the opportunity of a lifetime and definitely an activity worth experiencing. A number of tour operators in Maun offer this service, but it comes at a cost, so be prepared to pay.
Come and play with one of the biggest mammals in the world, at Abu Camp in the Okavango Delta. The elephants have been groomed, and you can learn about their different traits. The elephants are friendly, and you can feed and ride them; you can even opt to spend a night at the Star Deck, and sleep with the elephants.
Interact with the mighty elephants of the Okavango Delta | © Thomas Köhler / Flickr
If you are looking for something to test your endurance, be part of the Y Care Charitable Trust Walks. The walks take place over the Makgadikgadi Salt pans, and are no piece of cake. They are gruelling and will test your limits. You can opt for either the day or the night walk, and give back to the less fortunate.
Horseback safaris are one of the best ways to explore the length and breadth of Botswana. They are very popular among tourists who are looking for an activity that gives them something totally different from a normal safari tour. Riders can enjoy these activities at various places in the country, including Northern Tuli Game Reserve, Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi.
