Welcome to the country that has gathered all the best qualities of Africa’s top tourist destinations. Here, substantial water ecosystems are in harmony with the arid desert. The harsh lands have become home to hundreds of thousands of large African animals. Here you can feel the spirit of Africa and the hospitality of European service. And also, you can see the contrast between thriving city life and the authentic life of the Bushmen. We are talking about Botswana. Today we will take a virtual trip to this country and show what you can see in Botswana in one week.

What to Visit in Botswana in One Week

Botswana will give you the most vivid impressions and remain in your heart forever. It is difficult to compare it with any other country because of its unique national parks.

Chobe National Park

Botswana’s most popular park provides an unforgettable African safari experience. It is home to a giant population of elephants—over 50,000 individuals. The park is also home to all animals of Africa’s big five: lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, and elephants. Animals are easier to find in the dry season, as they come to the Chobe River for watering. However, this park will not disappoint you at any time of the year. Chobe offers classic game drives, walking safaris, and Chobe River safaris.

Okavango Delta

The conditions under which the Okavango Delta exists seem simply unbelievable, yet this miracle exists. The delta is known as the biggest water system in the world that does not flow into the world’s oceans. The huge water system lies in the embrace of the Kalahari Desert. It is an area of truly pristine, unspoiled nature. Many animals and birds live here. Even predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs have adapted to these unusual living conditions.

The preservation of the Okavango ecosystem is essential to the government, so you will not find crowds of tourists here. You will spend time in silence and enjoy nature. The main attraction here is watching the animals and birds on the traditional mokoro boat. It is a great opportunity to see the beauty of the delta from the inside and get up close and personal with the animals that are often seen along the coast. The Okavango Delta is no less breathtaking from a bird’s-eye view. You can see this beauty with your own eyes while flying in a small airplane.

Moremi Game Reserve

This reserve can safely be called one of the most beautiful in Africa. In addition, it is the first protected area in Africa that the local tribes have created in their territory. Because of uncontrolled hunting and people’s lack of respect for the local nature, the locals were motivated to form the park to preserve the natural environment. The reserve is in the Okavango River Delta and occupies about one-third of it. You can find here many animals: black and white rhinos, lions, leopards, hyenas, giraffes, antelopes, zebras, and so on. And also impressive is the local landscape, which comprises meadows, swamps, forests, reedbeds, and dry bush. 

Kalahari Desert

The desert occupies most of the territory of Botswana and is the largest desert with many unique animals. The Kalahari landscape does not look like a traditional desert. In some places, it resembles a bush. Nevertheless, it is worth coming here to spend time surrounded by wild animals and to meet the tribes of African bushmen.

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

It is a park, which is a giant salt marsh. That is one of the oldest salt lakes that have survived to this day. But the dried lake does not look completely lifeless, so green meadows replace desert landscapes. Makgadikgadi is home to many birds and African animals. The most breathtaking sight here is waiting for tourists who come to the salt marsh in October. They can see zebras and antelope migrate to the Boteti River, where the rains are just about to fall.

Nxai Pan National Park

This park is near Makgadikgadi Pans. The salt bowl is a dried-up lake bed of about 40 square meters.

Interesting Facts About Botswana

• The largest diamond mine on the planet, Jwaneng is in Botswana.
• A diamond weighing 1111 carats was found in Botswana. It is known as the largest diamond found in the last century and the second largest ever mined.
• Botswana’s economic history is considered one of the most successful among other African countries.
• The Kalahari Desert occupies about 70% of the country.
• The Okavango Delta is home to the highest contrast of animals on earth.

Where to Stay in Botswana

Kadizora Camp is in the northern part of the Okavango Delta. The best views of the surrounding scenery and warm hospitality are what this luxury camp promises its guests. Kadizora Camp is also the only camp in the Delta where you can experience a hot-air balloon.

Saguni Safari Lodge. Another luxury camp is in the Okavango Delta, in the Khwai District. The Khwai translates as “a place with plenty of animals and beautiful views”.

andBeyond Xaranna Okavango is on a separate island in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Each room is positioned to provide guests with the best possible view of the lagoon.

Zarafa Camp. If you are looking for a romantic place in Botswana, this is Zarafa Camp. The rooms are decorated in a colonial style and every piece of decor is handmade. The camp is in the private Selinda Reserve. During the day, you’ll take a game drive to see lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, and many other animals. And cozy evenings spent at the campsite will be followed by sunsets of incredible beauty and spectacular scenery of the Okavango Delta.

Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero Lodge is in the bush’s heart of Chobe National Park. This place is notable for having the largest concentration of elephants in Africa. Here, active adventures are harmoniously combined with relaxation. After a game drive or a cruise on the Chobe River, you can relax in the luxurious spa or the large two-level pool.

Best Time to Visit Botswana

Summer in Botswana lasts from September to April. During this time, it is warm and humid. The temperature in summer is +25… +30 °C, and it may rain. In winter, it is cooler, about +20 °C, and dry. The best period to visit Botswana is from April to October because the animals gather near the shores of the Okavango River.

Ready to go to Botswana?

If you decide to explore Botswana in one week or a couple of days, believe us, these will be some of the most unforgettable days in the history of your travels. Do not put off booking your trip until the last moment. We suggest you review the programs of our beloved tours to Botswana 9-Day Itinerary, 5-Day Botswana, and 11-Day Botswana, and start planning your adventure now!