last edited Dec 11, 2019
What to See in Botswana
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Location Map of Botswana
Botswana
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Botswana has two sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list:
Okavango Delta (2014)
The world's largest inland delta and a unique wetlands landscape that can be explored by small boats or by plane. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including many bird species. The site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014.
The world's largest inland delta and a unique wetlands landscape that can be explored by small boats or by plane. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including many bird species. The site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014.
Tsodilo (2001)
One of Botswana's two UNESCO-listed sites. It features over 4,500 rock paintings on boulders. Hiking is possible in the area.
One of Botswana's two UNESCO-listed sites. It features over 4,500 rock paintings on boulders. Hiking is possible in the area.
Cities and Cultural Heritage
Francistown
In the northeast, not far from Zimbabwe, Francistown is the second-largest city in Botswana. All around, you can see abandoned gold mines.
In the northeast, not far from Zimbabwe, Francistown is the second-largest city in Botswana. All around, you can see abandoned gold mines.
Gaborone
Located on the South African border, Botswana’s capital is primarily a service city. For tourists, the surrounding area is more interesting, with the Gaborone Dam (fishing, boating, birdwatching), the small Gaborone Game Reserve (wildlife), and especially the Mokolodi Nature Reserve (wildlife).
Located on the South African border, Botswana’s capital is primarily a service city. For tourists, the surrounding area is more interesting, with the Gaborone Dam (fishing, boating, birdwatching), the small Gaborone Game Reserve (wildlife), and especially the Mokolodi Nature Reserve (wildlife).
Ghanzi
The capital of the Kalahari is primarily a stopover with accommodations and services for travelers visiting the region.
The capital of the Kalahari is primarily a stopover with accommodations and services for travelers visiting the region.
Kasane
On the borders with Namibia (Caprivi), Zambia, and Zimbabwe, Kasane is a tourist destination solely due to its proximity to Victoria Falls and, most importantly, Chobe National Park.
On the borders with Namibia (Caprivi), Zambia, and Zimbabwe, Kasane is a tourist destination solely due to its proximity to Victoria Falls and, most importantly, Chobe National Park.
Maun
This is the gateway town to the Okavango Delta, with all the services and accommodations that come with it.
This is the gateway town to the Okavango Delta, with all the services and accommodations that come with it.
Mochudi
North of Gaborone, this town is considered a "traditional village" and has an interesting museum.
North of Gaborone, this town is considered a "traditional village" and has an interesting museum.
Serowe
One of the country's "major" urban areas. Located along the Gaborone–Francistown route, it is also a "traditional village" of Botswana.
One of the country's "major" urban areas. Located along the Gaborone–Francistown route, it is also a "traditional village" of Botswana.
Tsodilo
One of Botswana's two UNESCO-listed sites. It features over 4,500 rock paintings on boulders. Hiking is possible in the area.
One of Botswana's two UNESCO-listed sites. It features over 4,500 rock paintings on boulders. Hiking is possible in the area.
Natural Heritage
Chobe River
Short cruises on this river (also called Kwando), which runs through the park of the same name, are a "classic" offered by all local tourism professionals.
Short cruises on this river (also called Kwando), which runs through the park of the same name, are a "classic" offered by all local tourism professionals.
Okavango Delta
The world's largest inland delta and a unique wetlands landscape that can be explored by small boats or by plane. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including many bird species. The site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014.
The world's largest inland delta and a unique wetlands landscape that can be explored by small boats or by plane. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including many bird species. The site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014.
Kalahari Desert
This is a legendary desert spanning South Africa, Namibia, and largely Botswana. In its arid landscape, you’ll find stunning scenery, diverse wildlife (including several national parks), and the indigenous San people who live there.
This is a legendary desert spanning South Africa, Namibia, and largely Botswana. In its arid landscape, you’ll find stunning scenery, diverse wildlife (including several national parks), and the indigenous San people who live there.
Chobe National Park
This vast park is a must-see on any trip to Botswana. You’ll encounter all of Africa’s wildlife (including over 50,000 elephants!) in stunning landscapes.
This vast park is a must-see on any trip to Botswana. You’ll encounter all of Africa’s wildlife (including over 50,000 elephants!) in stunning landscapes.
Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans National Park
This is a vast salt desert in the northern part of Botswana, featuring stunning landscapes and, in places, herds of zebras or flamingos.
This is a vast salt desert in the northern part of Botswana, featuring stunning landscapes and, in places, herds of zebras or flamingos.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
One of the three parks located in the Kalahari, straddling South Africa and Botswana. It is home to various big cats, gazelles, and numerous bird species.
One of the three parks located in the Kalahari, straddling South Africa and Botswana. It is home to various big cats, gazelles, and numerous bird species.
Central Kalahari Reserve
The second-largest reserve in the world. Located in the Kalahari, it is home to a vast number of animal species (lions, giraffes, buffalo, etc.). It is also the traditional habitat of the San people. To the south, the small Khutse Game Reserve borders it.
The second-largest reserve in the world. Located in the Kalahari, it is home to a vast number of animal species (lions, giraffes, buffalo, etc.). It is also the traditional habitat of the San people. To the south, the small Khutse Game Reserve borders it.
Khama Rhino Sanctuary
North of the town of Serowe, a reserve created for the protection of rhinoceroses.
North of the town of Serowe, a reserve created for the protection of rhinoceroses.
Moremi Reserve
This park in the eastern part of the Okavango borders Chobe. It boasts rich wildlife (lions, elephants, buffalo, birds...). You can explore it by 4x4, on foot, or in small boats.
This park in the eastern part of the Okavango borders Chobe. It boasts rich wildlife (lions, elephants, buffalo, birds...). You can explore it by 4x4, on foot, or in small boats.
Tuli Reserve
This private reserve bordering Zimbabwe and South Africa is home to many elephants (and other mammals), as well as birds.
This private reserve bordering Zimbabwe and South Africa is home to many elephants (and other mammals), as well as birds.
Mokolodi Nature Reserve
On the outskirts of Gaborone, this small reserve is home to many African species (rhinos, elephants, giraffes, zebras, birds, reptiles...).
On the outskirts of Gaborone, this small reserve is home to many African species (rhinos, elephants, giraffes, zebras, birds, reptiles...).
Nata Bird Sanctuary
This is a bird "specialist" reserve located in the northeast of the country, right next to the town of Nata.
This is a bird "specialist" reserve located in the northeast of the country, right next to the town of Nata.
Must-see & highly recommended
Okavango Delta
★★★★ The world's largest inland delta and a unique wetlands landscape that can be explored by small boats or by plane. It is home to a wide…
Kalahari Desert
★★★★ This is a legendary desert spanning South Africa, Namibia, and largely Botswana. In its arid landscape, you’ll find stunning scenery…
Chobe National Park
★★★★ This vast park is a must-see on any trip to Botswana. You’ll encounter all of Africa’s wildlife (including over 50,000…
Recommended
Moremi Reserve
★★★ This park in the eastern part of the Okavango borders Chobe. It boasts rich wildlife (lions, elephants, buffalo, birds...). You can explore…
Central Kalahari Reserve
★★★ The second-largest reserve in the world. Located in the Kalahari, it is home to a vast number of animal species (lions, giraffes, buffalo…
Worth a look / Other
Chobe River
★★ Short cruises on this river (also called Kwando), which runs through the park of the same name, are a "classic" offered by all local…
Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans National Park
★★ This is a vast salt desert in the northern part of Botswana, featuring stunning landscapes and, in places, herds of zebras or flamingos.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
★★ One of the three parks located in the Kalahari, straddling South Africa and Botswana. It is home to various big cats, gazelles, and…
Mokolodi Nature Reserve
★★ On the outskirts of Gaborone, this small reserve is home to many African species (rhinos, elephants, giraffes, zebras, birds, reptiles...).
Tsodilo
★★ One of Botswana's two UNESCO-listed sites. It features over 4,500 rock paintings on boulders. Hiking is possible in the area.
Francistown
★ In the northeast, not far from Zimbabwe, Francistown is the second-largest city in Botswana. All around, you can see abandoned gold mines.
Gaborone
★ Located on the South African border, Botswana’s capital is primarily a service city. For tourists, the surrounding area is more…
Ghanzi
★ The capital of the Kalahari is primarily a stopover with accommodations and services for travelers visiting the region.
Kasane
★ On the borders with Namibia (Caprivi), Zambia, and Zimbabwe, Kasane is a tourist destination solely due to its proximity to Victoria Falls…
Kolobeng
★ This is where, a few kilometres west of Gaborone, you can see the memorial to Livingstone.
Lepokole Hills
★ These beautiful granite hills in eastern Botswana contain caves and rock paintings.
Maun
★ This is the gateway town to the Okavango Delta, with all the services and accommodations that come with it.
Mochudi
★ North of Gaborone, this town is considered a "traditional village" and has an interesting museum.
Molepolole
★ Not far from the capital, the town has the status of a "traditional village".
Manyelanong Reserve
★ A small reserve on the South African border, south of Gaborone.
Tuli Reserve
★ This private reserve bordering Zimbabwe and South Africa is home to many elephants (and other mammals), as well as birds.
Khama Rhino Sanctuary
★ North of the town of Serowe, a reserve created for the protection of rhinoceroses.
Nata Bird Sanctuary
★ This is a bird "specialist" reserve located in the northeast of the country, right next to the town of Nata.
Selebi-Phikwe
★ A mining town in eastern Botswana, primarily a stopover and supply hub.
Serowe
★ One of the country's "major" urban areas. Located along the Gaborone–Francistown route, it is also a "traditional village" of…
Tsabong
★ The only town in southern Kalahari.
- Kalahari Desert
- Francistown
- Gaborone
- Ghanzi
- Kasane
- Kolobeng
- Molepolole
- Maun
- Mochudi
- Serowe
- Tsabong
- Central Kalahari Reserve
- Chobe National Park
- Chobe River
- Okavango Delta
- Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
- Khama Rhino Sanctuary
- Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans National Park
- Mokolodi Nature Reserve
- Manyelanong Reserve
- Moremi Reserve
- Nata Bird Sanctuary
- Tsodilo
- Tuli Reserve
- Lepokole Hills
- Selebi-Phikwe