Botswana, a landlocked gem in Southern Africa, boasts a sprawling plateau that serves as a haven for an extraordinary variety of African wildlife. Known for its pristine and unspoiled landscapes, Botswana captivates visitors year-round with its breathtaking beauty and natural wonders. From striking salt pans and diamond-rich deserts to fertile floodplains and vast grasslands, the country’s diverse terrains are further enhanced by dramatic rocky outcrops scattered across the plains.
This enchanting destination is celebrated for its endless wilderness, abundant wildlife, vibrant cultural heritage, and warm, welcoming people. A leader in environmental conservation, Botswana has committed itself to protecting its incredible natural resources, making it one of Africa’s premier safari destinations.
Highlights include the legendary Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with life; the rugged beauty of the Kalahari Desert; the game-rich Chobe National Park; and the wildlife haven of the Moremi Game Reserve, where animals roam freely in their natural habitats. Botswana offers visitors a world-class safari experience that is truly unforgettable.
Whether you’re seeking the thrill of spotting big games or the serenity of unspoiled nature, Botswana invites you to discover its wonders and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Glide silently through the Okavango Delta’s winding waterways on a traditional dugout canoe (mokoro), guided by an experienced poler. This tranquil safari offers close encounters with aquatic wildlife and vibrant birdlife amidst lush papyrus reeds and lily-covered lagoons.
Known as the “Land of Giants,” Chobe boasts one of Africa’s largest concentrations of elephants. Experience thrilling game drives and witness massive herds of elephants, lions, buffalo, and leopards in their natural habitat.
Explore the semi-arid expanse of the Kalahari Desert with a guided walking safari. Learn survival skills and ancient bush lore from the indigenous San people, and marvel at unique desert-adapted species such as the black-maned Kalahari lions and meerkats.
Cruise along the Chobe River for spectacular views of wildlife at the water’s edge. Watch hippos wallow, crocodiles bask, and elephants swim as you enjoy a sunset or sunrise boat safari.
Situated within the Okavango Delta, Moremi offers exceptional game drives and walking safaris. It’s renowned for its diversity, featuring open grasslands, dense mopane forests, and a wide range of wildlife, including the elusive wild dog.
Botswana is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 500 species. Visit the Makgadikgadi Pans or Okavango Delta to spot colorful kingfishers, African fish eagles, and the striking carmine bee-eater.
The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Botswana’s most iconic safari destinations, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife. This vast inland delta, formed by the Okavango River, creates a lush oasis in the heart of the Kalahari Desert, offering a unique ecosystem of waterways, islands, and floodplains. Visitors can explore its beauty through mokoro (dugout canoe) safaris, game drives, and walking safaris, each providing intimate encounters with the region’s diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, and a dazzling bird species. The Delta is at its fullest from June to September, attracting wildlife from across the region and making it an ideal time for safari. Its blend of serene waterways, dramatic sunsets, and rich biodiversity offers an unparalleled wilderness experience, perfect for adventure and relaxation alike.
Chobe National Park, located in northern Botswana, is a wildlife haven famous for its large elephant population, often considered the largest concentration in Africa. The park spans diverse ecosystems, from lush floodplains and riverfronts to savannas and woodlands, supporting various species, including lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, and countless bird species. The Chobe Riverfront is a highlight, offering spectacular boat safaris where visitors can witness elephants swimming and herds gathering at the water’s edge alongside hippos and crocodiles. Sunset cruises are top-rated, providing breathtaking views and incredible photo opportunities. Wildlife congregates around the river during the dry season (May to October), making it one of the best times for game viewing. Chobe’s accessibility and diverse landscapes make it an essential stop for anyone seeking an unforgettable safari experience in Botswana.
Moremi Game Reserve, located in the northeastern corner of the Okavango Delta, is a stunning blend of wetlands, woodlands, and savannas, offering some of the best wildlife viewing in Botswana. Renowned for its ecological diversity, it supports many species, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and the highly endangered African wild dog. The reserve’s landscapes are equally captivating, with shimmering lagoons, winding waterways, and forested islands. It is a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting over 400 species, from African fish eagles to colorful bee-eaters. Moremi is unique in offering both water and land-based safari experiences, including game drives and mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions. The dry season (May to October) is the best time to visit, as animals are concentrated around water sources. Still, the lush green season (November to April) offers stunning scenery and opportunities to see newborn wildlife. Moremi’s pristine beauty and rich biodiversity make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
The Kalahari in Botswana, home to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR), offers a starkly beautiful and remote safari experience, vastly different from the lush Okavango Delta or Chobe. Spanning endless stretches of arid savannah, golden dunes, and salt pans, it is a haven for desert-adapted wildlife, including black-maned Kalahari lions, oryx, springbok, and brown hyenas. During the green season (December to April), the region transforms as rains bring lush vegetation, attracting large herds of zebra and antelope and creating ideal conditions for predator sightings. Birdlife also flourishes, with species like Kori bustards and secretary birds adding to the spectacle. The Kalahari is about wildlife and cultural richness, offering the chance to meet the San Bushmen and learn about their ancient traditions and survival techniques. Its vast, unspoiled wilderness and serene atmosphere make the Kalahari a unique and advantageous destination for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path safari.
For US citizens, the process is straightforward. Citizens of the United States do not require a visa to enter Botswana for tourism purposes.
Additional recommendations for US citizens traveling to Botswana:
The entry is typically granted as a 30-day stamp, which can be extended if needed.
When planning a trip to Botswana, you must ensure you’re up-to-date with certain vaccinations to protect your health. Here’s a comprehensive guide:
Routine Vaccinations: Before traveling, confirm that your routine immunizations are current. These typically include:
It’s important to note that while the US government does not require specific vaccinations for entry into Botswana, the CDC recommends being up-to-date on routine vaccinations.
It’s highly recommended to consult with a travel health specialist or your healthcare provider 4-6 weeks before your trip to determine which vaccinations and precautions are most appropriate for you based on your specific itinerary, medical history, and current health status.
The flight duration from the USA to Botswana depends on your departure city, layovers, and final destination. Since there are no direct flights from the USA to Botswana, travelers typically transit through major hubs like Johannesburg (South Africa) or Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) before connecting to Botswana.
From the USA to Johannesburg, South Africa (Transit Hub)
Johannesburg (JNB) to Botswana
Total Travel Time from the USA to Botswana
When you consider booking with us, you’re more than just a number. We begin with Zoom meetings to discuss your safari in detail, answer all your questions, and ensure we understand your desires for the trip. As your departure date approaches, we set up a dedicated WhatsApp group to keep in touch and provide real-time updates, ensuring you feel supported at every step.
To keep your adventure organized and stress-free, we offer an app that downloads and makes your entire itinerary easily accessible. No matter where you are, all your journey details are at your fingertips.
Every Ntaba African Safari is fully guided by experts who are passionate about sharing Africa’s wonders with you. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Each itinerary is customized to match your interests, and your input is valued every step of the way.
As a family-owned business, Robin and Stella Mountain pour their heart and soul into making your safari an unforgettable experience. With Ntaba African Safaris, you’re not just traveling but joining a family dedicated to crafting the perfect African adventure and sharing our passion and knowledge of Africa.
For more information, visit ntabaafrica.com or contact us at info@ntabaafrica.com | (502) 545 0207. Let’s start planning your dream safari today!