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.