Geography and Environment of Botswana

Country Physiognomy

Natural Zones

Immense and sparsely populated, the country offers visitors nearly half of its territory as protected or natural areas, including its three national parks, private and public reserves, and various other sites. These are managed by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) for public sites.

Beyond the grassy or wooded savannah, the landscapes feature vast desert expanses like the Kalahari and the lesser-known Makgadikgadi, but above all, a unique site: the Okavango Delta with its marshes. This area represents the country’s main tourist attraction, boasting a rich and easily visible wildlife during safaris.

Among the most popular parks and natural sites for visitors:

• 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, buffaloes, etc.). It is also the traditional habitat of the San people. In its southern part, the small Khutse Park is adjacent to it.

• Chobe National Park: this vast park is a must-visit for any trip to Botswana. It is home to all of Africa’s wildlife (including over 50,000 elephants!) in stunning landscapes.

• Okavango Delta: the world’s largest inland delta and a unique marshy landscape that can be explored by small boats or plane. It hosts a wide variety of animals, including numerous bird species. The site was inscribed on the UNESCO list in 2014.

• 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 many bird species.

• Khama Rhino Sanctuary: north of the town of Serowe, a reserve created for the protection of rhinoceroses.

• Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans National Park: a vast salt desert in the northern part of Botswana, featuring stunning landscapes and, in some areas, herds of zebras or flamingos.

• Mokolodi Nature Reserve: on the outskirts of Gaborone, this small reserve is home to many African species (rhinos, elephants, giraffes, zebras, birds, reptiles, etc.).

• Manyelanong Reserve: a small reserve on the South African border, south of Gaborone.

• Moremi Reserve: this park, located in the eastern part of the Okavango, borders Chobe. It is very rich in wildlife (lions, elephants, buffaloes, birds, etc.). It can be visited by 4x4, on foot, or by small boats.

• Nata Bird Sanctuary: a reserve "specializing" in birds, located in the northeast of the country.

• Tuli Reserve: this private reserve is home to many elephants (and other mammals), as well as birds.

Wildlife and Flora