Botswana offers game drives, mokoro (canoe) safaris, walking safaris, boat cruises, birdwatching, cultural tours, and stargazing.

Top activities that can be done on a Botswana safari

Game Drives:

Game drives in Botswana are more than just wildlife viewing—they are immersive journeys into some of Africa’s most pristine and untamed landscapes. Whether you’re traversing the lush floodplains of the Okavango Delta, winding through the ancient river valleys of the Central Kalahari, or skirting the shimmering edges of the Makgadikgadi Pans, each drive brings the promise of discovery and wonder.

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Guided by expert trackers and knowledgeable guides, you set out in open 4x4 vehicles, perfectly designed for both comfort and adventure. Early mornings and late afternoons are the prime times for setting off, when the light is golden and wildlife is most active. The air is filled with anticipation as you follow fresh tracks, scan the horizon for movement, and listen for the distant calls of birds and animals.

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Botswana’s game drives are renowned for their sense of exclusivity and intimacy. With vast, unfenced reserves and strict limits on visitor numbers, you often find yourself alone with the wildlife—no crowds, just you and the rhythms of the bush.

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Night Drives:

Night drives add another layer of excitement, revealing a world that is seldom seen by day. Under the cover of darkness, elusive creatures like aardvarks, genets, and owls emerge, and the bush comes alive with new sounds and mysteries.

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​Mokoro Safaris:

A mokoro safari is one of Botswana’s most iconic and tranquil wildlife experiences, offering a unique perspective on the country’s watery landscapes. The mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe, has long been used by local communities to navigate the intricate channels and lagoons of the Okavango Delta. Today, these slender boats—now often crafted from eco-friendly fiberglass—carry travelers quietly into the heart of the wild.

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Guided by skilled polers, you slip almost silently across the glassy waters, surrounded by a tapestry of reeds, lilies, and papyrus. The gentle rhythm of the pole dipping in and out of the water sets the pace, allowing you to move at nature’s own speed. From this low vantage point, the delta reveals its secrets: the mokoro’s silence brings you closer to wildlife than you ever imagined. Elephants wade gracefully through the shallows, red lechwe antelope bound across flooded plains, and dazzling kingfishers dart overhead. Occasionally, you might spot the telltale ripple of a sitatunga, a rare antelope perfectly adapted to this watery world.

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There’s a sense of peace and simplicity that defines a mokoro safari. With no engine noise and no rush, you become attuned to the subtle sounds and sights of the delta: the whisper of the breeze, the distant call of an African fish eagle, the scent of wild sage on the air. A mokoro journey is not just about wildlife viewing—it’s about immersion, reflection, and connecting with the rhythms of the natural world. It’s a chance to experience the Okavango Delta as it has been for generations, drifting gently on waters that sustain one of Africa’s last great wildernesses. 

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​Boating Safaris:

Boating safaris in Botswana offer a fresh perspective on the country’s legendary wilderness, where the adventure unfolds not on dusty tracks, but on glistening waterways. Whether you’re exploring the labyrinthine channels of the Okavango Delta or drifting along the mighty Chobe River, each journey reveals a world teeming with life and beauty.

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In the Okavango Delta, boating safaris are an invitation to glide through a mosaic of lagoons, floodplains, and secret islands. The gentle hum of the boat blends with the chorus of birds, and the world seems to slow down as you slip between waterlilies and papyrus reeds. Here, you might find yourself eye-to-eye with a pod of hippos, watch elephants bathing at the water’s edge, or catch sight of a crocodile sunning itself on a sandy bank. The delta’s waterways are alive with dazzling kingfishers, herons, and fish eagles, while beneath the surface, fish dart among the roots and lilies. Every bend brings new surprises, from the delicate tracks of otters to the sudden splash of a leaping lechwe.

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Further north, the Chobe River offers its own spectacular stage for boating safaris. This wide, meandering river forms the northern boundary of Chobe National Park and is famous for its dramatic wildlife gatherings. A boat cruise here brings you close to some of Africa’s largest elephant herds as they drink, bathe, and play along the riverbanks. Buffalo, antelope, and even big cats are often seen coming to quench their thirst, while the river itself is home to hippos, crocodiles, and a dazzling array of waterbirds. Sunset cruises are especially magical, as the sky turns gold and the river reflects the silhouettes of animals and ancient trees—an unforgettable African scene.

Unlike traditional game drives, boating safaris offer a sense of serenity and intimacy, allowing you to approach wildlife quietly and observe natural behaviors without disturbance. Whether you’re navigating the wild beauty of the Okavango or drifting down the Chobe at sunset, a boating safari in Botswana is a celebration of water, wildlife, and the timeless rhythms of nature. Here, every journey is a reminder that Africa’s greatest adventures often begin where the land meets the water.

Key Facts and Quick Tips:

• Game drives: Early morning and afternoon departures are the norm

• Mokoro: Can be dependant on flood levels in the Okavango Delta

• Walking safaris: Best done in the inner Okavango Delta - ask us for recommendations

• Cultural tours: Are possible in some areas, especially in the Central Kalahari as a way to experience the Naru Bushmen tribe on waking tours

Related Questions:

• What is a mokoro safari?

• Where can you do walking safaris in Botswana?