Things to do in Botswana

What to see and do in Botswana: a shorter list of 25 experiences, not yet checked against sources.

25 things to do in Botswana

Nature

Glide through lily pads on a mokoro in the Okavango Delta

Okavango Delta, Northwestern Botswana

Experience a traditional dugout canoe ride through the winding channels of the Okavango Delta, surrounded by lush vegetation and abundant wildlife.

Nature

Spot elephants on a safari in Chobe National Park

Chobe District, Northern Botswana

Chobe National Park is home to one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Africa, offering unforgettable game drives along the Chobe River.

Nature

Witness the vast salt pans of Makgadikgadi

Central Botswana

The Makgadikgadi Pans are one of the largest salt flats in the world, creating a surreal landscape especially stunning during the wet season when flamingos gather.

Adventure

Quad bike across the lunar-like Makgadikgadi Pans

Makgadikgadi, Central Botswana

For an adrenaline rush, hop on a quad bike and explore the endless white expanse of the Makgadikgadi Pans, a unique adventure in Botswana's wilderness.

Culture

Admire millennia-old rock paintings at Tsodilo Hills

Tsodilo Hills, Northwestern Botswana

Known as the 'Louvre of the Desert', Tsodilo Hills feature over 4,000 rock paintings dating back thousands of years, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

History

Uncover San heritage at Tsodilo Hills

Tsodilo Hills, Northwestern Botswana

Explore the sacred site of the San people, with guided tours explaining the spiritual and historical significance of the rock art and caves.

Food

Taste seswaa, Botswana's national dish, at a Gaborone market

Gaborone, South-East Botswana

Seswaa is a flavorful meat stew slow-cooked in traditional pots, best enjoyed at local markets in Gaborone for an authentic culinary experience.

City

Browse handicrafts at Gaborone's Main Mall

Gaborone, South-East Botswana

The Main Mall in Gaborone is a bustling area where you can find a variety of local crafts, from woven baskets to carved figurines, perfect for souvenirs.

Adventure

Soar over the Okavango Delta in a scenic flight

Okavango Delta, Northwestern Botswana

A light aircraft flight provides breathtaking aerial views of the Okavango Delta's intricate waterways, islands, and wildlife from above.

Nature

Bird watch in the Moremi Game Reserve

Moremi Game Reserve, Northwestern Botswana

Moremi Game Reserve, part of the Okavango Delta, is a birdwatcher's paradise with over 400 species, including the vibrant lilac-breasted roller.

Hidden gem

Visit the secluded Kubu Island

Makgadikgadi Pans, Central Botswana

Kubu Island is a rocky outcrop in the Makgadikgadi Pans, covered in ancient baobab trees and offering a mystical, off-the-beaten-path experience.

Culture

Watch a traditional dance in a Maun village

Maun, Northwestern Botswana

In Maun, the gateway to the Okavango, you can attend cultural performances featuring traditional dances and music of the local tribes.

History

Visit the Kgosi Sechele I Museum in Molepolole

Molepolole, Southern Botswana

This museum showcases the life of Kgosi Sechele I, a key figure in Botswana's history, with artifacts and exhibits on his resistance against colonial forces.

Nightlife

Experience nightlife in Gaborone's CBD

Gaborone, South-East Botswana

Gaborone's central business district comes alive at night with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants offering local and international entertainment.

Food

Sample morogo at a roadside stall

Various, e.g., near Gaborone

Morogo, a dish of wild spinach often cooked with tomatoes and onions, is a staple in Botswana and can be found at roadside stalls throughout the country.

Adventure

Walk with bushmen in the Kalahari

Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Central Botswana

Join a guided walking safari with San bushmen in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve to learn about traditional tracking and survival skills.

Nature

See the zebra migration in the Makgadikgadi Pans

Makgadikgadi Pans, Central Botswana

During the rainy season, thousands of zebra migrate to the Makgadikgadi Pans, creating a spectacular wildlife spectacle against the stark white pans.

City

Tour the National Museum in Gaborone

Gaborone, South-East Botswana

The National Museum in Gaborone offers insights into Botswana's natural history, cultural heritage, and contemporary art through diverse exhibits.

Hidden gem

Explore the Gcwihaba Caves

Gcwihaba, Northwestern Botswana

Gcwihaba Caves are a series of limestone caves with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, located in a remote area of the Kalahari Desert.

Culture

Learn basket weaving in Etsha village

Etsha, Northwestern Botswana

Etsha village is renowned for its intricate basket weaving traditions, where visitors can watch artisans create beautiful patterns from local materials.

Adventure

Kayak through the Okavango Delta channels

Okavango Delta, Northwestern Botswana

For a more active water experience, kayaking allows you to navigate the quieter channels of the Okavango Delta, close to hippos and birds.

Food

Enjoy a braai at a local social spot

e.g., Gaborone or Maun

A braai, or barbecue, is a social event in Botswana; join locals at parks or homes to savor grilled meats and boerewors with side dishes.

Nature

Seek the Big Five in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Central Botswana

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is one of the largest in Africa, offering remote safaris to spot lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo.

Hidden gem

Hike the Tswapong Hills

Tswapong Hills, Eastern Botswana

Tswapong Hills are a series of rocky hills with ancient rock art and beautiful landscapes, ideal for hiking and cultural exploration.

City

See the Parliament Building in Gaborone

Gaborone, South-East Botswana

The Parliament Building, or National Assembly, is a modern architectural landmark in Gaborone, symbolizing Botswana's democracy and governance.

Nearby destinations

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