12 Unforgettable Things to Do in Botswana

Renowned for its untouched wilderness, rich wildlife, and exclusive safari experiences, Botswana is one of Africa’s most luxurious destinations. Whether you are seeking a tailor-made journey designed to your desires, or a once-in-a-lifetime romantic escape, this extraordinary country offers more than just a safari — it delivers memories crafted in elegance and authenticity. Here we present the best things to do in Botswana, carefully curated for discerning travelers who value exclusivity and unforgettable moments.

1. Embark on a Luxury Safari in the Okavango Delta

Private game drives with expert guides

The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a pristine ecosystem where wildlife flourishes. A luxury safari here means personalized game drives, with expert guides who know how to track elephants, lions, leopards, and endangered wild dogs. You’ll avoid the crowds and discover Botswana’s wild beauty at your own pace.

Scenic flights over the waterways

From above, the delta reveals itself as a masterpiece of emerald channels and shimmering lagoons. Private scenic flights in small planes or helicopters offer breathtaking views and exclusive opportunities for aerial photography.

Secluded luxury lodges in the heart of the wild

After a day of adventure, retreat to your lodge where opulence meets nature. Expect plunge pools, private decks, and candlelit dinners under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the African night.

2. Cruise the Chobe River at Sunset

Exclusive river safaris with gourmet dining

In Chobe National Park, where the world’s largest elephant population roams, a sunset cruise offers a refined way to experience the wild. Sip on champagne as you watch herds of elephants gather at the river’s edge.

Spot elephants and hippos in their natural habitat

The river is alive with activity—hippos wallow, crocodiles bask on the banks, and elephants cross the water in majestic procession. Every moment feels like a private performance of nature.

Cross borders while floating between Namibia and Botswana

The Chobe River forms a natural border with Namibia, making this cruise a rare opportunity to glide between two countries while immersed in raw wilderness.

3. Glide Through the Delta in a Mokoro Canoe

Traditional navigation with local polers

For a timeless and tranquil experience, a mokoro canoe ride is essential. Guided by local polers, you’ll silently float through narrow channels carved by hippos and elephants.

Romantic picnics on hidden islands

Add a touch of romance with a private picnic on an island, complete with gourmet food and fine wine—an intimate way to embrace the magic of Botswana.

Encounters with rare birds and aquatic wildlife

At eye level with the water, you’ll spot lilies blooming, frogs chirping, and exotic birds like the African fish eagle soaring above. It’s one of the most enchanting Botswana things to do.

4. Discover the Desert Wonders of Makgadikgadi

Quad biking across endless salt pans

The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans stretch as far as the eye can see, creating an otherworldly landscape. Ride quad bikes across this shimmering desert, where the horizon feels infinite.

Stargazing under the Milky Way

At night, the pans transform into a natural planetarium. With zero light pollution, the Milky Way unfolds above you in dazzling clarity—a cosmic spectacle few places on earth can rival.

Sleep on the pans with refined comforts

Luxury camps set up in the middle of nowhere offer refined simplicity: plush bedding, fine dining, and the profound silence of the desert. It’s an experience of pure exclusivity.

5. Experience the Zebra Migration at Nxai Pan

Witness Botswana’s national animal in vast herds

Every year, thousands of zebras migrate to Nxai Pan National Park in search of lush grasses. It’s the second largest zebra migration in the world, and an awe-inspiring sight.

Private guided safaris for exclusive viewing

With a private guide, you’ll position yourself at the best vantage points, ensuring uninterrupted views of this monochrome spectacle.

Combine with wildebeest encounters along the Boteti River

During the dry season, wildebeests join the zebras at the Boteti River, creating unforgettable scenes of wildlife gathering at the water’s edge.

6. Walk with the San People

Learn ancestral survival techniques

The San, one of the world’s oldest cultures, share their ancestral knowledge through guided walks. Learn how they track animals, find water in the desert, and use plants for healing.

Connect with the world’s oldest culture

These encounters go beyond tourism—they are an opportunity to connect with traditions that have endured for over 50,000 years.

Support community-based tourism initiatives

By engaging in this experience, you support sustainable tourism that benefits local communities and preserves their heritage.

7. Visit Tsodilo Hills, the Sacred “Louvre of the Desert”

Admire ancient San rock paintings

Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, houses over 4,000 rock paintings that tell the stories of Botswana’s first inhabitants. This sacred site is often referred to as the “Louvre of the Desert.”

Guided hikes through UNESCO landscapes

Trained guides lead you along trails where history, spirituality, and natural beauty converge. Each rock face unveils symbols of ancient life.

Reach Botswana’s highest point

For adventurous travelers, climbing to the top of Male Hill provides both spiritual reflection and panoramic views of Botswana’s vast landscapes.

8. Sleep Among Giants at Elephant Sands

Unfenced camps where elephants roam freely

At Elephant Sands, elephants wander unhindered through the lodge’s unfenced grounds. Here, the wildlife comes to you.

Luxury tents with waterhole views

Stay in elegant tents that overlook a natural waterhole, where elephants gather daily to drink, play, and socialize.

Poolside encounters with herds at dusk

Few experiences rival sipping a cocktail by the pool while herds of elephants bathe at sunset—a memory etched forever.

9. Take a Helicopter Tour of the Delta

Panoramic views with doors-off photography

For photographers and adventurers, a doors-off helicopter flight offers a thrilling way to capture the delta’s beauty from above.

Spot wildlife from a unique perspective

Watch as herds of buffalo and elephants carve paths across the wetlands, creating mesmerizing patterns in the landscape.

Champagne flights for special occasions

Elevate your flight with champagne on board—ideal for celebrating milestones in unparalleled style.

10. Explore Gaborone’s Cultural Scene

Visit art galleries and heritage museums

In the capital, Gaborone, discover Botswana’s modern identity through art galleries, museums, and contemporary cultural hubs.

Taste authentic Batswana cuisine

Sample dishes like seswaa (slow-cooked beef) or magwinya (local fried bread), blending traditional flavors with modern presentations.

Enjoy local music and vibrant markets

The city’s markets and live music venues bring together locals and travelers for an authentic cultural immersion.

11. Romantic Honeymoon Escapes

Secluded lodges with private plunge pools

For couples seeking intimacy, Botswana offers secluded lodges where luxury meets romance, complete with private pools overlooking the wilderness.

Tailor-made itineraries for couples

Every detail can be customized—from candlelit river cruises to private bush dinners—ensuring a honeymoon in Botswana unlike any other.

Candlelit dinners under the African sky

Dining under the stars, with the sounds of the wild as your soundtrack, creates the perfect romantic memory.

12. A Tailor-Made Journey to Remember

Personalized luxury with BPJ expertise

A bespoke itinerary allows you to embrace Botswana exactly the way you dream it. From safari to culture, every experience is personalized to your style.

Seamless travel planning and concierge service

Enjoy worry-free travel with expert guidance, private transfers, and exceptional service throughout your stay.

Memories crafted for a lifetime

Every journey is an investment in unforgettable moments—crafted with elegance and care for the most discerning traveler.

Conclusion: Why Botswana is the Ultimate Luxury Destination

Botswana is more than a safari destination; it is an invitation to experience nature at its most pristine, culture at its most authentic, and luxury at its most refined. From private safaris in the Okavango Delta to romantic stargazing in the Makgadikgadi Pans, each experience is designed for those who seek the extraordinary. For travelers who desire exclusivity, intimacy, and the best things to do in Botswana, this remarkable country delivers an adventure beyond imagination.