Aerial view of wildlife congregating in Botswana's Delta Okavango

10 Reasons to Visit Botswana

Landscapes, incredible wildlife and so much more to discover in beautiful Botswana
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Written by
Maria O'Sullivan

Published on: February 28th, 2022

Last modified: December 28th, 2023

Botswana is one of the best places on earth to immerse yourself in nature, wildlife and unbelievably beautiful landscapes. From the famed Kalahari-Desert, arid and vast to the breathtaking rivers and deltas, this country offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.

We’ve lined up some of our favourite things about Botswana and why you should put it straight to the top of your list

1. Explore The Okavango Delta

This unspoiled natural paradise spans up to a massive 15,000 square kilometres, which you can explore from land, water and air on a luxury safari. If you want to feel like you’re far from civilisation and surrounded by untouched beauty, it doesn’t get much better than this. 

Every year, waters from the Okavango River flood the lowland plains to create an intricate ecosystem of swamps, lagoons and islands. This enormous river delta offers not only impressive views, but also the chance to see Botswana’s vibrant wildlife up close. 

 

Okavango Delta when flooded, Botswana - Vumbura, Wilderness Safari Camp, Okavango Delta, Botswana

2. Get a Glimpse of Elephants

Have you ever dreamt of seeing wild elephants up close? Look no further than the Linyanti Private Reserve. It has one of the world’s largest elephant herds who move through two ancient wildlife corridors protected by the reserve. You’re pretty much guaranteed a sighting – or several.

The elephants tend to gather around the waterways in the dry winter months (May to August). You can enjoy this spectacle from front row seats on the deck at Dumatau. As you watch them play and cool off in the waters, it’s impossible not to gain a newfound sense of respect and admiration for these majestic creatures.

3. Fulfil Your Wildest Dreams

Botswana is a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers, with more private concessions and fewer national parks you can find solitude here. It promises the rare luxury of having a vast and beautiful landscape almost all to yourself. Take Abu concession in the southwest of Delta, larger than the Maasai Mara but home to only Abu camp and Seba camp guaranteeing no crowds of travellers, tour buses or high-rise hotels. 

Space is the one word that comes to mind when we think of Botswana, from the rolling plains to the infinite sky above. This makes it an ideal destination for anyone who’s ready to escape, explore, relax and reset.

4. Connect With Locals

There’s nothing quite like arriving at a destination and feeling truly welcome there. Because there are many large private concessions, inaccessible unless you stay in a lodge inside, the tourist footfall is lighter and travellers aren’t seen as a nuisance. Quite the opposite in fact, as low-volume tourism helps to encourage conservation and boost local economies. The Jao village community is a shining example of camps connecting with locals as both Jao Camp and Kwetsani Camp (in the same Jao concession) are dedicated to community upliftment by contributing food, clothing, support of the elderly and children in need. 

The people of Botswana will welcome you with open arms, ready to show you their incredible country through expert eyes. From lodge staff to local residents, you’ll get to meet and speak with people who fully understand and appreciate their homeland.

A local chef in Botswana

5. See Gorgeous Sunsets and Sunrises

Watching the sun emerge above or sink below the horizon is always a meditative and awe-inspiring experience, no matter where you are – but Botswana is on a whole new level. 

Curl up with a blanket to counter the chilly morning temperatures as you watch the sun slowly illuminate the landscape. At the end of the day drift down the Linyanti river on the Queen Sylvia barge from King’s Pool, enjoying the last rays of sunshine as you sip a cool drink and witness the world slowly fade into darkness. Trust us: there’s nothing quite like it.

 

Stunning sunet at Kings Pool Camp, Linyanti, Botswana

6. Help to Protect and Conserve

Visiting Botswana presents an ideal opportunity, through the proceeds of your stay and awareness through tourism, to support conservation efforts. This country is a pioneer in environmental protection, a champion of sustainable tourism and a guardian of endangered species.

Dumatau camp, in the Linyanti private reserve, is an impressive example of projects designed to conserve wildlife. The camp works closely with local authorities to support dedicated conservation and research focused on species on the IUCN Red List such as the African wild dog, elephant, lion and roan antelope.

Wild dog

7. Explore With Incredible Guides

The key to success for any safari is unquestionably its guide. Botswana is full of local experts who not only have deep connections to the land but who take part in rigorous guiding and tourism training. They know the ins and outs of the desert plains and lagoons, and how to track every animal you can imagine.

Above all, these guides understand how to exist in harmony with nature. They’ll show you how to enjoy the splendour of Botswana without disturbing the natural balance that makes it so special – and that’s where the real magic lies.

Guided Safari at Mombo, Botswana

8. Enjoy Sustainable Luxury at it’s Best

If you’re looking for a place to truly relax and disconnect, Botswana will not disappoint. It’s home to several luxurious lodges that perfectly combine modern comforts with authentic, sustainable design and materials. Even at the most luxurious and stylish camps you will sleep under canvas giving you the chance to experience an authentic safari in total luxury.

For example, Jao Camp’s stunning villas and suites seamlessly blend into the Okavango Delta, thanks to careful construction from natural and recycled materials. In the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, DumaTau offers stunning views of Osprey Lagoon from its eight luxury tented suites, each with their own private plunge pool. After a long day of exploring, kick back in the gorgeous library or visit one of the expert therapists in the super zen Osprey Retreat spa.

Duma Tau aerial view over river and lagoons

9. Escape the Crowds

Botswana is a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers, with more private concessions and fewer national parks you can find solitude here. It promises the rare luxury of having a vast and beautiful landscape almost all to yourself. Take Abu concession in the southwest of Delta, larger than the Maasai Mara but home to only Abu and Seba  camps, guaranteeing no crowds of travellers, tour buses or high-rise hotels. 

Space is the one word that comes to mind when we think of Botswana, from the rolling plains to the infinite sky above. This makes it an ideal destination for anyone who’s ready to escape, explore, relax and reset.

vast open spaces of Botswana with helicopter

10. Engage With the Community

As socially conscious travellers, we know how important and rewarding it is to connect on a deeper level with the places that we visit. When you travel to Botswana you’ll have endless opportunities to support initiatives that bolster local communities.

Jacana Camp has proudly hosted the Children in the Wilderness Eco-Club adventure every year since 2002. Children from rural areas are invited to stay at the camp where they’re educated and empowered through interactive learning experiences. When you travel with Jacada or stay at a Wilderness Safaris camp, you’re providing invaluable support to this project – along with all the other incredible organisations that we partner with such as Lion Recovery Fund and the Wilderness Wildlife Trust.

Xaranna arrival welcome

Where to Stay in Botswana

Here are a few of our favourite camps in Botswana

Get in touch to start building your adventure to Botswana