Chobe National Park
Serondela Area (or Chobe Riverfront) in the north-east has lush plains and dense forests which attract huge numbers of Elephants and Buffalo. The Serondela area is the most visited part of the Park.
Chobe National Park is in northern Botswana near the vast, inland Okavango Delta. It’s known for its large herds of elephants and Cape buffalo, which converge along the Chobe Riverfront in the dry months.Lions, antelopes and hippos inhabit the woods and lagoons around Linyanti Marsh.
Chobe is probably best known for its impressive Elephant herds. The Chobe River supports the largest concentration of Elephant found anywhere in Africa and it is not uncommon to encounter herds in excess of a hundred animals.
Chobe National Park encompasses the following distinct ecosystems:
Savuti Marsh
Is situated in the west of the park. The Savuti Channel bisects the Chobe National Park and empties into the Savuti Marsh. The Savuti Marsh area has become well known through its coverage in a number of popular wildlife documentaries. Savuti has rich grasslands, savannah woodland and a large variety of trees and other vegetation.
The Savuti (also spelt Savute) area borders the Delta to the west and Chobe National Park to the east and is one of Africa’s best known big game areas. Savuti is a place of enchantment, of beauty, and boasts one of the greatest concentrations of animals in Southern Africa.
Savuti is famous for its mysterious and fascinating channel. It runs a distance of 100 kilometers from the Chobe River, through a gap in the sand ridge, to the Mababe Depression. Falling only approximately 18 meters, this channel brings water from the Chobe to Mababe, creating a small marsh where it enters the Depression. Flowing in Livingstone’s time, the channel was dry in 1880, and remained dry for about 70 years. It flooded again in 1957. Savuti Marsh has been dry for the past 18 years.
Savuti is famous for its predators, especially its resident lion and spotted hyena populations. Only 38 kilometers northwest of Savuti and off the main tourist track lies Botswana’s best kept secret: Linyanti and the western reaches of the Savuti Channel.
The Linyanti and upper Savuti areas are among the most beautiful in Botswana. The game-viewing can be exceptional, and the wide variety of activities make this an area not be missed. Linyanti hosts large herds of buffalo, zebra and elephant. Because this area is a private game reserve, the vehicle concentrations are very low and the wilderness experience is one of the best in Africa.
Large secretary birds and kori bustards can be sighted strutting around the Savuti marsh and small redbilled francolins is known for its noisiness. Interesting summer migrants and water birds include Abdim’s storks, carmine bee eaters and even fish eagles. Little quelea finches are quite a spectacle as they gather in thousands. They are in abundance in April when a single flock could contain tens of thousands of these small birds.
Mababe Depression
The Mababe Depression is an ancient drainage system that fills seasonally during the rains, creating fertile grazing areas within Chobe National Park. When water is present, large herds of plains game are drawn to the lush grasslands, followed closely by predators.
This dynamic environment plays a vital ecological role, forming an important wildlife corridor between southern Chobe and the greater Okavango ecosystem. Mababe’s open landscapes provide excellent visibility and a strong sense of wilderness, making it ideal for mobile safaris and in-depth game viewing.
Wildlife in Mababe
Mababe supports a diverse range of wildlife, with sightings influenced by rainfall and seasonal movements.
Commonly encountered species include:
- Lions and spotted hyenas
- African wild dogs (seasonal)
- Elephants moving between woodland and plains
- Giraffe, zebra and antelope species
- Excellent birdlife during the green season
Predator interactions are a highlight of the Mababe area, particularly when prey species concentrate around seasonal water and grazing areas.
Safari Experience in Mababe
Safaris in Mababe are typically low-impact and low-density, offering guests a quieter alternative to busier regions of Chobe. The area is best explored on guided game drives as part of a mobile safari, allowing flexibility to follow wildlife movements.
The changing seasons dramatically influence the landscape — from dry, open plains in winter to lush wetlands during the summer months — creating varied and rewarding safari experiences throughout the year.
Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta gives entrance to the spectacle of wild Africa such as dreams are made of – the heart-stopping excitement of big game viewing, the supreme tranquility and serenity of an untouched delta, and evocative scenes of extraordinary natural beauty.
A journey to the Okavango Delta – deep into Africa’s untouched interior – is like no other. Moving from wetland to dryland – traversing the meandering palm and papyrus fringed waterways, passing palm-fringed islands, and thick woodland, resplendent with lush vegetation, and rich in wildlife – reveals the many facets of this unique ecosystem, the largest intact inland delta in the world.
The Okavango Delta is situated deep within the Kalahari Basin, and is often referred to as the ‘jewel’ of the Kalahari.
That the Okavango exists at all – deep within this thirstland – seems remarkable. Shaped like a fan, the Delta is fed by the Okavango River, the third largest in southern Africa. It has been steadily developed over the millennia by millions of tonnes of sand carried down the river from Angola.
Swollen with floodwaters from the summer rains, the Okavango River travels from the Angolan highlands, crosses into Botswana at Mohembo in the Caprivi, then later spills over the vast, fan-shaped Delta. The timing of the floods is uncanny. Just as the waters from Botswana’s summer rains disappear (April, May), so the floodwaters begin their journey – 1300 kilometres of which is through Kalahari sands – revitalising a vast and remarkably diverse ecosystem of plant and animal life.
The water’s flow, distribution and drainage patterns are continually changing, principally due to tectonic activity underground. As an extension of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, the Okavango is set within a geographi-cally unstable area of faults, and regularly experiences land movements, tremors and minor quakes. By the time the water reaches Maun, at the Delta’s southern fringes, its volume is a fraction of what it was. As little as two to three percent of the water reaches the Thamalakane River in Maun, over 95 percent lost to evapo-transpiration.
But the flow doesn’t stop in Maun. It may continue east to the Boteti River, to fill Lake Xau or the Makgadikgadi Pans, or drain west to Lake River to fill Lake Ngami.
Major tourist attractions in the Delta and the dryland areas are game viewing, birding and boating, often in the traditional mokoro. The diversity and numbers of animals and birds can be staggering. A recent overview of the Okavango records 122 species of mammals, 71 species of fish, 444 species of birds, 64 species of reptiles and 1300 species of flowering plants. A successful rhino reintroduction programme in the Okavango now puts the population of White Rhino at approximately 35, and Black Rhino at 4.
Maun
Maun is a vibrant safari town located on the southern edge of the Okavango Delta in northern Botswana. Often described as the gateway to the Delta, Maun serves as the main logistical and departure point for safaris into one of Africa’s most iconic wetland wilderness areas.
About Maun & the Okavango Delta
Maun itself has grown from a traditional rural settlement into Botswana’s principal safari hub. While the town offers accommodation, supplies and air access, its true importance lies in its proximity to the Okavango Delta — a vast inland delta formed by the seasonal flooding of the Okavango River.
From Maun, light aircraft transfers and overland routes lead into the heart of the Delta, where permanent waterways, floodplains and islands support extraordinary concentrations of wildlife. Seasonal flooding transforms the landscape, creating a unique mosaic of habitats that sustain diverse animal populations year-round.
Safari Experience from Maun
Maun is the starting point for a wide range of safari experiences into the Okavango Delta, from mobile camping safaris to luxury fly-in lodge stays.
Activities commonly accessed from Maun include:
- Game drives in the Delta’s wildlife-rich concessions
- Mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions through permanent waterways
- Guided walking safaris on Delta islands
- Scenic flights over the Okavango Delta
- The combination of land and water-based activities offers varied and immersive safari encounters.
Moremi Game Reserve
Moremi Game Reserve forms an integral part of the Okavango Delta and should not be regarded as a separate destination. Located on the eastern fringes of the Delta, Moremi protects a significant portion of this unique ecosystem, encompassing both permanent wetlands and dryland habitats. Together, the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve represent a single, interconnected wilderness system, offering some of the finest and most diverse wildlife experiences in Africa. Moremi Game Reserve is in northern Botswana, in the Okavango Delta, which becomes a lush animal habitat during seasonal floods. Dugout canoes are used to navigate past birdlife, hippos and crocodiles on waterways like the Xakanaxa Lagoon. On land, wildlife includes lions, leopards and rhinos. Safari camps are common, with several dotted around large Chief’s Island and the forested Mopane Tongue Peninsula.
Did you know: The Basarwa (Bushmen) live in the Moremi Gaming Reserve on the eastern side of the Delta, with up to five tribes frequenting the region for purposes sof fishing, growing crops and hunting.
Credit: bto
Khwai Community Area
The Khwai Concession Area is a 1800km (180 000 hectare) area which is situated in the north eastern Okavango next to the Moremi Game Reserve. It was formed by the local Khwai villagers and is managed by the Khwai Development Trust.The local community now runs ecotourism initiatives, actively conserve the environment and manage the wildlife in the concession.The Khwai River flows through the concession – it is the first major water source that animals migrating down from the Linyanti concession encounter and there is always a high concentration of game along the river.The area is made up of sweeping grasslands, riparian forests and floodplains. The floodplains are flooded most of the year and there are lagoons covered in blue and white water lilies. The area also has large tracts of Mopane forests. The riverine woodland consists of Camelthorn, Knobthorn, Appleleaf and great stands of Leadwood trees. There are fairly stable populations of large predators such as Lion, Spotted Hyena and African Wild Dogs found here and if you are lucky, you may also spot Leopards.During the summer months migratory birds also come through. You might see Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, Senegal Coucals and Long Toed Lapwings.The main activities that one could do is Mokoro trips and Walking.
credit: itravelto.com
Makgadikgadi Pans
The Makgadikgadi Pans are the remnants of an ancient super-lake that once covered much of northern Botswana. Today, the landscape is defined by expansive salt flats that stretch to the horizon, broken by islands of vegetation and palm-dotted grasslands along the pan edges.
During the dry season, the pans are stark and otherworldly, offering vast open spaces and spectacular night skies. With the arrival of the rains, the landscape transforms as grasses emerge and shallow المياه attract wildlife, creating one of southern Africa’s most remarkable seasonal migrations.
Wildlife in Makgadikgadi
Although often perceived as barren, Makgadikgadi supports unique and seasonal wildlife populations.
Wildlife highlights include:
- One of Africa’s largest zebra migrations during the green season
- Wildebeest and springbok following the rains
- Predators such as lions, cheetahs and brown hyena
- Meerkat colonies on the pan fringes
- Exceptional birdlife, including flamingos after good rains
Wildlife movements here are strongly influenced by rainfall, making each visit distinct.
Nxai Pan
Nxai Pan National Park offers a strikingly different yet equally compelling Botswana wilderness experience. Located on the eastern edge of the Makgadikgadi system, Nxai Pan is a vast open landscape defined by endless horizons, fossil riverbeds, and expansive grass plains that stretch beneath immense African skies. This dramatic setting delivers a profound sense of space, solitude, and raw natural beauty.
Seasonal transformation lies at the heart of Nxai Pan’s appeal. During the summer rains, the pans fill with water, triggering one of southern Africa’s most spectacular wildlife events. Large herds of zebra and wildebeest migrate into the area, followed by predators such as lion, cheetah, leopard, and hyena. This lesser-known migration is one of Botswana’s great natural phenomena and offers exceptional game viewing away from the crowds.
In the dry winter months, Nxai Pan reveals a stark, minimalist beauty. Permanent waterholes sustain wildlife year-round, attracting elephants, giraffe, springbok, oryx, and numerous bird species. The open terrain allows for excellent visibility, making wildlife encounters dramatic and rewarding.
Nxai Pan is also renowned for its iconic landmarks, most notably Baines’ Baobabs—a cluster of ancient trees immortalised by the explorer and artist Thomas Baines. Standing sentinel over the pan, these monumental baobabs provide a powerful and evocative connection to Botswana’s natural and cultural heritage.
Game drives and photography are the primary activities in Nxai Pan, with the open landscapes and changing light offering superb photographic opportunities. Remote, unspoilt, and deeply atmospheric, Nxai Pan National Park is a destination for those seeking an authentic wilderness experience defined by space, seasonal drama, and timeless African landscapes.
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR)
The Central Kalahari game Reserve (CKGR) is the largest, most remotely situated reserve in Southern Africa, and the second largest wildlife reserve in the world, encompassing 52 800 sq kms. At other times of the year, when the animals are more sparsely distributed, the experience of travelling through truly untouched wilderness, of seemingly unending dimensions, is the draw.
The northern deception valley is one of the highlights, principally because of the dense concentrations of herbivores its sweet grasses attract during and after the rainy season (and of course the accompanying predators). It is also the most travelled area of the reserve, with a number of public campsites, and proximity to the eastern Matswere Gate. The other two gates are completely at the other side of the reserve, at Xade and Tsau, where public campsites are also available.
Other worthwhile areas to drive are Sunday and Leopard Pans, north of Deception Valley, Passarge Valley,and, further south, Piper’s Pan.
Credit: bto
Nata
Nata is a small yet strategically located destination on the edge of the Makgadikgadi system, offering an important gateway between northern and eastern Botswana. Situated near the meeting point of major travel routes, Nata provides access to vast salt pans, open grasslands, and seasonal wetlands that form part of one of Africa’s largest and most dramatic landscapes.
The area is best known for the Nata Bird Sanctuary, a protected wetland that becomes a haven for birdlife during the rainy season. When the pans flood, thousands of flamingos, pelicans, storks, and other migratory waterbirds congregate here, creating a remarkable spectacle and making Nata one of Botswana’s key birding destinations. In drier months, the landscape takes on a stark, otherworldly beauty, defined by shimmering pans and expansive skies.
Beyond its natural attractions, Nata is also an excellent place for cultural experiences. The region is home to local communities who offer visitors insight into traditional village life, customs, and history. Guided village visits, storytelling, and community-led initiatives provide meaningful opportunities to engage with Botswana’s cultural heritage and gain a deeper understanding of life in this remote part of the country.
While wildlife densities are lower than in Botswana’s major national parks, the region supports species such as zebra, springbok, ostrich, and occasional elephant movements, particularly after good rains. The wide-open terrain and unobstructed horizons offer excellent opportunities for landscape photography, sunsets, and stargazing.
Nata serves primarily as a scenic stopover or short-stay destination, ideal for breaking long journeys between Chobe, Nxai Pan, the Makgadikgadi Pans, and Zimbabwe. Quiet, remote, and atmospheric, Nata offers a reflective interlude that highlights Botswana’s vast scale, subtle beauty, and cultural richness.
Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe & Zambia
Victoria Falls is one of Africa’s most iconic natural wonders and a spectacular addition to any southern African safari journey. While often combined with Botswana itineraries, it is not located in Botswana, but lies on the border between neighbouring Zimbabwe and Zambia, along the mighty Zambezi River.
Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya — “The Smoke That Thunders” — Victoria Falls is the largest sheet of falling water in the world. Nearly two kilometres wide, the falls plunge dramatically into a narrow basalt gorge, creating towering plumes of spray, thunderous sound, and constantly shifting rainbows that make for an unforgettable sensory experience.
The surrounding rainforest, sustained year-round by the mist from the falls, is lush and vibrant, offering scenic walking trails and viewpoints that reveal different perspectives of this extraordinary natural phenomenon. Seasonal changes dramatically influence the experience: high-water months deliver overwhelming power and spectacle, while low-water periods allow clearer views of the rock formations and thrilling activities along the gorge.
Victoria Falls also serves as an adventure and activity hub, with options ranging from scenic helicopter flights and sunset cruises on the Zambezi River to white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and guided cultural experiences. The nearby towns of Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and Livingstone (Zambia) provide a comfortable base with a wide selection of lodges, hotels, and services.
Easily accessible from northern Botswana, Victoria Falls is frequently paired with the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, and Chobe National Park, offering a compelling contrast between Botswana’s wildlife-rich wilderness areas and one of Africa’s most dramatic natural landmarks.
