5 amazing experiences you should plan on in Botswana

MASHATU, BOTSWANA - JULY 25: A herd of elephants walk together at dusk in the Mashatu game reserve on July 25, 2010 in Mapungubwe, Botswana. Mashatu is a 46,000 hectare reserve located in Eastern Botswana where the Shashe river and Limpopo river meet. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
MASHATU, BOTSWANA - JULY 25: A herd of elephants walk together at dusk in the Mashatu game reserve on July 25, 2010 in Mapungubwe, Botswana. Mashatu is a 46,000 hectare reserve located in Eastern Botswana where the Shashe river and Limpopo river meet. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) /
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Botswana is generally considered to be one of the safest countries in Africa for tourists, not to mention a gorgeous place teeming with life. There are a lot of marvelous parks and game reserves in addition to urban centers with a variety of experiences.

This is a country that is often not on the radar of travelers looking to enjoy Africa but it should be. There are ample opportunities to check out the natural beauty and wildlife the continent is famous for, not to mention amazing food.

Go on a guided game drive

Going to a place like Botswana demands that you spend time outdoors, enjoying the bounty that surrounds you. But the reality is that this isn’t something any tourist should be doing on their own. It’s an issue of knowing where to go and being safe.

There are numerous companies and organizations that offer game drives. That means they literally drive you around and help you see all of the flora and fauna you associate with Africa. Just keep in mind that no one can guarantee what you will or won’t see.

Chobe National Park

Botswana, Africa
MASHATU, BOTSWANA – JULY 27: A herd of elephants drink from a river at the Mashatu game reserve on July 27, 2010 in Mapungubwe, Botswana. Mashatu is a 46,000 hectare reserve located in Eastern Botswana where the Shashe river and Limpopo river meet. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) /

A lot of people visiting Botswana focus on the Okavango Delta, and for good reason. But Chobe National Park is equally amazing. It reputedly boasts one of the largest populations of elephants in the world, which is an incredible sight to see.

The river plain that makes up a portion of the park also allows for visitors to take river tours of the region at the right time of year. This is an even better way to see the wildlife. You might even manage to spot the big five animals of Africa.

Okavango Delta

Speaking of the Okavango Delta, this is one of the greatest places on the entire continent. It is subject to seasonal flooding that draws in an almost endless array of wildlife, but it’s a stunning place to explore year round. Plus, taking a hot air balloon over it is always a fun idea.

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There’s a reason why this delta has been named one of the Seven Natural of Africa, making it a can’t miss stop in Botswana. You will find almost every conceivable variety of African wildlife in the Okavango, with some variations depending on the season.

Sleep under the stars in style

MADIKWE, SOUTH AFRICA – SEPTEMBER 11: A lion walks in a bush in the Madikwe game reserve on September 11, 2009, in Madikwe, South Africa. The reserve was claimed in 1991 and over eight thousand animals were moved to the reserve during a period of six years. Its bordering Botswana, and its about 3 hours drive from Johannesburg. The size of the reserve is about 75 000 hectares. (Photo by Per-Anders Pettersson/Getty Images)
MADIKWE, SOUTH AFRICA – SEPTEMBER 11: A lion walks in a bush in the Madikwe game reserve on September 11, 2009, in Madikwe, South Africa. The reserve was claimed in 1991 and over eight thousand animals were moved to the reserve during a period of six years. Its bordering Botswana, and its about 3 hours drive from Johannesburg. The size of the reserve is about 75 000 hectares. (Photo by Per-Anders Pettersson/Getty Images) /

Picking a place to stay in Botswana is challenging at best. There are plenty of great hotels and lodges to choose from, each one offering their own ways to get out there and absorb the natural wonder. But before you decide where to stay, explore your star-bed options.

Star-bed’s are outdoor platforms with a variety of amenities that literally let you sleep under the stars and experience nature first hand. Jao Camp is situated in the middle of the Okavango Delta. It’s a fantastic way to view this special region.

Spend some time in Gaborone, Botswana

If at some point you get tired of taking in all the nature around you, then you probably shouldn’t have gone to Botswana in the first place. Experience nature is the main reason to go. But if you do want to take in a different side of the county, head to Gaborone.

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This is the capital of and biggest city in Botswana. There are numerous museums to check out as well as several marvelous restaurants. Botswanacraft is the biggest handicraft market in the city, offering visitors the chance to choose from a variety of unique mementos of your trip.