Crowd-ranked

Things to do in Botswana

Everything worth the trip to Botswana, ranked by the people who went. Vote an entry up, add the one we are missing.

25 things to do in Botswana

Listed in full below. The running order is set by votes and loads with the page.

  • Glide through lily pads on a mokoro in the Okavango Delta

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

    Okavango Delta, Northwestern Botswana

  • Spot elephants on a safari in Chobe National Park

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

    Chobe District, Northern Botswana

  • Witness the vast salt pans of Makgadikgadi

    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.

    Central Botswana

  • Quad bike across the lunar-like Makgadikgadi Pans

    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.

    Makgadikgadi, Central Botswana

  • Admire millennia-old rock paintings at Tsodilo Hills

    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.

    Tsodilo Hills, Northwestern Botswana

  • Uncover San heritage at Tsodilo Hills

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

    Tsodilo Hills, Northwestern Botswana

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

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

    Gaborone, South-East Botswana

  • Browse handicrafts at Gaborone's Main Mall

    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.

    Gaborone, South-East Botswana

  • Soar over the Okavango Delta in a scenic flight

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

    Okavango Delta, Northwestern Botswana

  • Bird watch in the Moremi Game Reserve

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

    Moremi Game Reserve, Northwestern Botswana

  • Visit the secluded Kubu Island

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

    Makgadikgadi Pans, Central Botswana

  • Watch a traditional dance in a Maun village

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

    Maun, Northwestern Botswana

  • Visit the Kgosi Sechele I Museum in Molepolole

    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.

    Molepolole, Southern Botswana

  • Experience nightlife in Gaborone's CBD

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

    Gaborone, South-East Botswana

  • Sample morogo at a roadside stall

    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.

    Various, e.g., near Gaborone

  • Walk with bushmen in the Kalahari

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

    Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Central Botswana

  • See the zebra migration in the Makgadikgadi Pans

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

    Makgadikgadi Pans, Central Botswana

  • Tour the National Museum in Gaborone

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

    Gaborone, South-East Botswana

  • Explore the Gcwihaba Caves

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

    Gcwihaba, Northwestern Botswana

  • Learn basket weaving in Etsha village

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

    Etsha, Northwestern Botswana

  • Kayak through the Okavango Delta channels

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

    Okavango Delta, Northwestern Botswana

  • Enjoy a braai at a local social spot

    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.

    e.g., Gaborone or Maun

  • Seek the Big Five in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve

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

    Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Central Botswana

  • Hike the Tswapong Hills

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

    Tswapong Hills, Eastern Botswana

  • See the Parliament Building in Gaborone

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

    Gaborone, South-East Botswana