Botswana is a heavyweight in the safari industry, offering incredible, authentic wildlife experiences in a truly untouched natural wilderness. But like with any region in Africa, where to go in Botswana to see this vast range of wildlife is just as important as the country you choose. The diverse landscape of this landlocked Southern African country ranges from the glistening waterways of the famous Okavango Delta to the rolling savannas of Chobe National Park to the beautiful semi-desertscape and wooded grasslands of the Kalahari. The wildlife in Botswana are the stars of the show though, with game drives through game reserves and national parks yielding sightings of everything from the Big 5 (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) to adorable meerkats and elusive spotted hyenas.
The stunning terrain and unique animal encounters make Botswana vacations an unforgettable experience for any nature lover. But before you hop on the plane over to Africa, take some time to familiarise yourself with the wildlife of Botswana:
Quick Overview of Botswana
The best time to visit Botswana for wildlife is during the dry winter months of May to October. Game viewing is at its peak throughout these months as animals concentrate around the remaining water sources – which are scarce in the drier weather.
The below table lists the wildlife in Botswana that you are likely to see when on a game drive in one of the country’s reserves or national parks:
| Botswana Animals | Sightings |
| Aardvark | Rare |
| Bat-eared Fox | Fairly Common |
| Black Rhino | Rare |
| Buffalo | Fairly Common |
| Bushbuck | Abundant |
| Caracal | Rare |
| Cheetah | Rare |
| Duiker | Rare |
| Eland | Rare |
| Elephant | Abundant |
| Flamingo | Abundant |
| Gemsbok | Fairly Common |
| Giraffe | Fairly Common |
| Hippopotamus | Common |
| Hyena | Rare |
| Impala | Common |
| Kudu | Abundant |
| Leopard | Rare |
| Lion | Fairly Common |
| Meerkat | Abundant |
| Nile Crocodile | Occasional |
| Roan Antelope | Occasional |
| Sable Antelope | Occasional |
| Springbok | Common |
| Steenbok | Common |
| Tsessebe | Common |
| Warthog | Fairly Common |
| Waterbuck | Fairly Common |
| White Rhino | Rare |
| Wild Dog | Very Rare |
| Zebra | Abundant |
What Botswana Wildlife Can You Expect to See on Safari?
1. Aardvark
Tswana Name: Thakadu
A peculiar-looking creature with a name that translates to ‘earth pig’, the aardvark’s long tubular snout is the only characteristic that resembles a swine in any way. But it’s not its likeness (or lack thereof) to pigs that makes this fascinating mammal a sought-after sighting on safari. Aardvarks are a rare sighting on game drives anywhere in Africa and are high up on the list of travellers’ bucket-list must see – so if you catch a glimpse of one in Botswana, count yourself as part of a lucky few!
Where Can You See Aardvarks in Botswana?
Aardvarks can be found throughout Botswana, usually inhabiting grassland and woodland areas. The Kalahari Salt Pans and reserves in the Okavango Delta provide the best chance of seeing these nocturnal creatures out and about.
2. Bat-Eared Fox
Tswana Name: Motlhose
The bat-eared fox is a small, endearing creature that closely resembles a jackal and is from the same family. Their silver-grey coat and large, bat-like ears are their most noticeable features. Bat-eared foxes are often found in tiny groups that only consist of a mated pair and their pups. This is because bat-eared foxes are monogamous mammals by nature.
Where Can You See Bat-Eared Foxes in Botswana?
Bat-eared foxes are likely found in Botswana’s drier regions, like the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Nxai Pan National Park and Makgadikgadi Pans.
3. Buffalo
Tswana Name: Nare
Huge herds of buffalo can be found roaming all over Botswana during the dry season – which is great if seeing the Big 5 is at the top of your must-see safari list. Heavyset and ox-like with massive horns atop their heads, buffalos come with a fearsome reputation that stems largely from the retellings of hunters – a piece of information that only adds to the animal’s intimidating stature. Fortunately, this is far from the truth. When coming across this sociable bovid in the wild, you will find it to be quite a placid animal – unless provoked to defend itself!
Where Can You See Cape Buffalos in Botswana?
Buffalos are a fairly common sighting in many parts of Botswana, but since water is essential to their survival, you’re more than likely to spot them in the waterways and floodplains of Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta.
4. Bushbuck
Tswana Name: Serolobotlhoko
Easily mistaken for an extra on the Disney classic Bambi, bushbucks are adorable medium-sized antelopes with a light brown coat sporting up to seven white stripes and white blotches on their sides. They are fearful and skittish, so don’t be surprised when one freezes up before darting off quickly into the bush when spotted on a game drive.
Where Can You See Bushbucks in Botswana?
You have a good chance of finding bushbucks around the Okavango Delta, as well as in Kwando-Linyanti and Chobe National Park.
5. Caracal
Tswana Name: Thwane
Rare, majestic and beautiful – three words that perfectly describe a caracal. Medium-sized and highly elusive, this big cat is sleek and built for sneak attacks on prey. Not to mention, they’re extremely fast and remarkable hunters – rodents and small antelope don’t stand a chance! Count yourself lucky if you have the good fortune of seeing this
Discover the Majestic Wildlife of Botswana: Unveiling the Spectacular Safari Encounters!
Botswana, a landlocked country located in Southern Africa, is renowned for its pristine landscapes and diverse wildlife. With vast expanses of untamed wilderness, Botswana offers a truly unforgettable safari experience, allowing visitors to intimately connect with nature and witness the majesty of its wildlife.
One of the prime destinations for wildlife enthusiasts, Botswana boasts an impressive array of national parks and game reserves. Amongst them, the Okavango Delta stands out as a jewel of biodiversity, attracting travelers from all corners of the globe. Spanning over 15,000 square kilometers, the delta is a magnificent oasis nestled in the heart of the Kalahari Desert, providing a haven for a plethora of wildlife species.
The Okavango Delta is renowned for its annual flooding, which creates a unique ecosystem teeming with life. Here, visitors can embark on incredible game drives, witness awe-inspiring predator-prey interactions, and observe the diverse birdlife that calls this region home. From herds of elephants gracefully wandering through the floodplains to stealthy lions stalking their prey, the Delta offers a front-row seat to the circle of life.
Another must-visit destination in Botswana is the Chobe National Park, famed for its massive elephant population. Spanning over 11,700 square kilometers, Chobe is home to an estimated 120,000 elephants, making it one of the largest elephant concentrations in Africa. The sight of huge herds bathing and drinking at the Chobe River is truly mesmerizing and provides photographers with extraordinary opportunities to capture unforgettable moments.
For those seeking rare and elusive wildlife encounters, the Moremi Game Reserve is a must-explore destination. As one of the most beautiful and unspoiled reserves in Africa, Moremi offers a diverse range of ecosystems, combining dense woodlands with open floodplains. Leopards prowling through the forest, giraffes peering over the treetops, and cheetahs sprinting across open plains are just a few of the extraordinary sightings that await visitors in Moremi.
Additionally, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve offers an entirely unique wildlife experience. Covering over 50,000 square kilometers, this vast and unforgiving wilderness is home to an array of desert-adapted animals, such as the captivating black-maned lions and the elusive brown hyenas. Exploring this remote reserve offers intrepid travelers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the resilience of nature in one of the harshest environments on Earth.
To truly immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Botswana, embarking on a traditional mokoro safari is an absolute must. These traditional dugout canoes offer a tranquil and intimate way to navigate through the maze of channels and waterways that define the Okavango Delta. With an experienced guide at the helm, visitors glide silently through the reed-lined channels, encountering birds, hippos, and crocodiles along the way. This serene and magical experience will leave an indelible mark on any visitor’s soul.
Botswana’s commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism ensures that its wildlife remains protected for future generations. The country’s low-impact tourism policies, strict anti-poaching measures, and community-based conservation initiatives have played a significant role in preserving its pristine ecosystems and supporting local communities.
In conclusion, Botswana offers a safari experience like no other. Its majestic wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and dedication to conservation make it a true haven for nature enthusiasts. Whether traversing the Okavango Delta in a mokoro or witnessing the spectacular elephant herds in the Chobe National Park, a trip to Botswana promises to be an unforgettable adventure, unveiling the wonders of Africa’s untamed wilderness in all its grandeur.
