Botswana is Africa's premier safari destination, home to the stunning Okavango Delta and massive elephant herds in Chobe National Park. This landlocked Southern African nation offers pristine wilderness, diverse wildlife, and a commitment to conservation tourism.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Botswana.
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1
Okavango Delta
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Okavango Delta is one of the world's largest inland deltas. This pristine wetland wilderness offers exceptional wildlife viewing, mokoro (dugout canoe) safaris, and incredible birdwatching opportunities with over 400 species recorded.
Tip: Book well in advance for peak season (June-October) · Take a scenic flight for aerial views of the delta · Shoulder season (April-May, November) offers great value · Pack light - most camps have strict luggage limits
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2
Chobe National Park
Home to Africa's largest elephant population (over 50,000), Chobe offers exceptional game viewing. The Chobe Riverfront is famous for massive elephant herds coming to drink, while predators thrive throughout the park's diverse ecosystems.
Tip: Sunset river cruises offer incredible elephant viewing · Visit in dry season for concentrated wildlife sightings · Stay in Kasane for easy park access · 4x4 vehicle required for self-drive safaris
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3
Moremi Game Reserve
Situated within the Okavango Delta, Moremi combines permanent water channels with dry land areas, creating diverse habitats. It's one of Africa's best reserves for leopard sightings and offers year-round wildlife viewing.
Tip: Third Bridge campsite is legendary for wildlife encounters · Book campsites months in advance · Best leopard sightings from June to October · Self-drive requires serious 4x4 experience
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4
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
The vast Makgadikgadi Pans are among the largest salt flats in the world. During the dry season, the stark white landscape stretches to the horizon. In the wet season, it transforms into a breeding ground for thousands of flamingos.
Tip: Visit December-March for flamingo migration · Sleep under the stars on the pans · Quad biking tours available for unique perspectives · Kubu Island has ancient baobabs and camping
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5
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
One of the world's largest game reserves, the Central Kalahari offers a true wilderness experience. Home to the San Bushmen and adapted desert wildlife including black-maned Kalahari lions, this remote reserve is for serious adventurers.
Tip: December-April brings lush grass and wildlife migration · Completely self-sufficient camping required · Deception Valley is prime game viewing area · Only for experienced 4x4 travelers
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6
Tsodilo Hills
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tsodilo Hills contains over 4,500 rock paintings spanning 100,000 years. These sacred hills are revered by the San people and offer incredible cultural insights alongside stunning views.
Tip: Hire a local guide for the full cultural experience · Wear sturdy hiking shoes for the climb · Early morning visits avoid the heat · Bring plenty of water - it's hot and dry
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7
Nxai Pan National Park
Famous for Baines' Baobabs (painted by explorer Thomas Baines in 1862), Nxai Pan offers excellent game viewing during the wet season when zebra and wildebeest migrations occur. The open grasslands provide unobstructed viewing.
Tip: Visit during wet season (December-April) for zebra migration · Baines' Baobabs at sunrise is magical · Camping available at basic sites · Often combined with Makgadikgadi Pans visit
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8
Khama Rhino Sanctuary
Established in 1992 to protect endangered rhinoceros, this community-based sanctuary successfully breeds both black and white rhinos. Visitors can track rhinos on foot or by vehicle in a safe environment.
Tip: Early morning game drives offer best rhino sightings · Affordable accommodation available on-site · Great stopover between Maun and Gaborone · Walking trails available with guides
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9
Savuti Channel and Marsh
Part of Chobe National Park, Savuti is famous for predator activity. Lions, leopards, wild dogs, and hyenas concentrate here. The area is known for dramatic predator-prey interactions and excellent game viewing.
Tip: May to October is dry season with concentrated wildlife · Famous for lion vs elephant confrontations · Public campsites available but book early · Challenging 4x4 driving in deep sand
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10
Linyanti Wildlife Reserve
A private wildlife concession bordering Chobe, Linyanti offers exclusive game viewing with minimal crowds. Large herds of elephants, predators, and rare species like roan antelope and wild dogs are highlights.
Tip: Private concessions mean off-road driving and night drives · Dry season (June-October) best for predator sightings · Excellent for wild dog encounters · More exclusive and expensive than national parks
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
Three Chiefs Statues
Monument in Gaborone's Main Mall honoring the chiefs who traveled to London in 1895
Parliament Buildings
Botswana's National Assembly in central Gaborone, open for tours by arrangement
Independence Memorial
National monument marking 1966 independence, located near the National Museum in Gaborone
Museums
National Museum of Botswana
Free museum on Independence Avenue covering natural history, culture, and contemporary art
Nhabe Museum
Community museum in Maun showcasing northern Botswana indigenous cultures and crafts
Khama III Memorial Museum
Museum in Serowe celebrating the life of the 'Good King' of the Bangwato
Nature
Okavango Delta
UNESCO World Heritage inland delta — the world's largest
Chobe National Park
Africa's highest elephant concentration on the Chobe River
Makgadikgadi Pans
Vast ancient salt flats with flamingos, meerkats, and baobabs
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
One of the world's largest game reserves with desert-adapted wildlife
Moremi Game Reserve
Legendary predator territory within the Okavango Delta
Cultural
Tsodilo Hills
UNESCO World Heritage rock art site with 4,500+ San Bushmen paintings
Domboshaba Ruins
Pre-colonial stone-walled ruins near Francistown from the Great Zimbabwe era
Mochudi Village
Historic Bakgatla tribal capital with Phuthadikobo Museum and traditional kgotla
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- National parks open at sunrise (5:30-6:00 AM) and close at sunset (6:00-6:30 PM). Museums typically 9AM-5PM Tuesday-Sunday.
- Fees
- Park fees $8-20/person/day for national parks. Museums $3-5. Many wildlife reserves charge per vehicle in addition to per-person fees.
- Best Times
- Early morning (6-9AM) and late afternoon (3:30-6PM) for wildlife viewing; midday animals rest in shade. Plan visits to parks for these windows.
- Booking
- Book national park campsites through the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) booking system at least 3 months ahead for peak season. Some can only be booked in person in Maun or Gaborone.
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday light.
Book tickets online in advance for major attractions to skip long queues and sometimes save money.
Many cities offer multi-attraction passes that include public transport. Calculate whether they save you money based on your itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season to visit attractions in Botswana?
May to October (dry season) is best for wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around water sources. December to April (green season) offers lush scenery, baby animals, and 40-60% lower lodge prices.
Are guided tours available for Botswana's attractions?
Day guides available from $80-150 for half day; qualified professional guides required for walking safaris. Most tour operators in Maun offer packages from $100-300/day.
Can I take photos at attractions in Botswana?
Wildlife photography permitted everywhere. Photographing government buildings, airports, police, and military is illegal. Always ask permission before photographing people.
How much time do I need for Botswana's main attractions?
Minimum 5 days to experience the Okavango Delta or Chobe properly. 10-14 days allows combination of multiple areas. Budget travelers can see highlights in a week with good planning.