Countries · Africa · 2026

Wildlife in Botswana: animals, parks and best time to go

Updated September 8, 2026

Okavango Delta vanuit de lucht
Photo: Wynand Uys via Unsplash

In short

May to October is the dry season with maximum concentrations at water. The Okavango flood peaks June to August, exactly when the wildlife is at its densest. Expect higher prices than Tanzania, but with at most 2 vehicles per sighting instead of dozens.

About wildlife in Botswana

Botswana runs a deliberate policy of few tourists at high quality, with small camps and almost no mass parks. Chobe concentrates Africa’s largest elephant population along one river; Moremi and the Okavango add lions, rhinos and wild dogs. If quiet and space matter more than price, pick Botswana over Tanzania.

Which animals, in which months

Lion

Best months June, July, August, September, October · sighting chance high

Elephant

Best months May, June, July, August, September, October · sighting chance high

Rhino

Best months June, July, August, September, October · sighting chance medium

African wild dog

Best months · sighting chance variable

Cheetah

Best months · sighting chance medium

Best parks in Botswana

Chobe National Park

For: Elephant, Lion

About 130,000 elephants, the largest population in Africa

Moremi Game Reserve

For: Lion, Rhino, Elephant

Leopards and wild dogs on the edge of the Okavango

Okavango Delta

For: Elephant, Lion

Mokoro canoe safaris through papyrus channels

Sample itinerary Botswana

  1. Day 1 to 2: arrive in Maun, light charter flight to an Okavango camp (about 400 euros one way).
  2. Day 3 to 5: Moremi game drives, searching for lion and rhino with a tracker (camp about 600 euros per night full board).
  3. Day 6 to 8: Chobe riverfront, morning jeep plus afternoon boat for elephants (lodge about 350 euros per night).
  4. Day 9: transfer to Kasane or a Victoria Falls extension.
  5. Total indication: 4,500 to 8,000 euros per person including intercontinental flight.

Trip types: Guided safari · Mokoro canoe · Boat safari · 4,500 to 8,000 euros per person for 9 days

Visa

Most Western travellers get a free visa on arrival for 90 days. Check the current rules for your nationality before departure.

Check the current travel advisory

Safety

Botswana is one of the safest safari countries. Malaria tablets are advised for the north. Always check your government’s current travel advisory.

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How to book this trip

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Best for safari

Safaribouwer (example)

Puts together your Botswana or Tanzania route with local guides.

! Watch out: prices shift per season, always ask for a detailed quote.

Best for flights

Ticketzoeker (example)

Compares flights to safari hubs like Maun and Kilimanjaro.

! Watch out: check baggage rules for charter flights separately.

Best for activities

Tourplatform (example)

Books whale watching or day tours with free cancellation.

! Watch out: always check the cancellation terms per provider.

Frequently asked questions

Is Botswana better than Tanzania?

Botswana wins on exclusivity and water safaris (mokoro, boat), Tanzania on the migration and price. If you want lion plus elephant with few vehicles, pick Botswana. If you want the migration, pick Tanzania.

What is the best time for Botswana?

May to October. The Okavango flood peaks June to August. November to April is the green season with lower prices and top birding.

Do I need malaria tablets?

They are advised for the north (Chobe, Okavango). Consult a travel clinic; resistance patterns change per year.

Can I self-drive in Botswana?

In national parks yes with a 4x4 and experience; in private concessions no. Deep sand and water crossings make Botswana harder than Namibia or South Africa.

How many days do I need?

At least 7 to 9 days for Okavango plus Chobe. Shorter is not worth it given the charter flights and distances.

Is Botswana child-friendly?

Yes, many lodges welcome children from 6 years. Malaria and long transfers ask for planning. Victoria Falls as a finale works well with teenagers.

Last updated: September 8, 2026. All sighting chances, months and prices are indications based on public sources, not travel advice and no guarantee. Always check your government’s current travel advisory before departure.