Join us on a safari holiday to Botswana
With its lush, wild north and the arid Kalahari Desert in the south, Botswana is a land of extremes.
Bordered by Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia at the spot the tributary Chobe river feeds into the mighty Zambezi, the country’s northern region thrums with impressive wildlife, as well as being home to vast savannas and grasslands where animals graze.
The north of the country also has the highest concentration of African elephants in the world. On your Botswana safari holiday you’ll not only see these majestic creatures, but have the chance to spot countless rare birds, marvel at the African painted dog, and watch wildebeests charge around. Botswana tours are the best way to get to grips with all the must-see fauna this gorgeous country has to offer, and with your local guide you’ll be privy to the spots where the Big Five hang out.
Outside of animals, your Victoria Falls safari will deliver phenomenal views of dramatic landscapes, as well as a chance to sample the delicious local cuisine – a diverse set of meals that consist of everything from local game to vegan bean stews. With Newmarket Holidays, everything is planned out for you, so all you need to do to enjoy this adventure of a lifetime is book.
Things to do on a Botswana Safari holiday
Botswana is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world, yet spills over with incredible things to do, especially when it comes to natural wonders. While the southern capital of Gaborone has its fair share of interesting attractions – and is surrounded by its own Botswana game reserves brimming with animals – the real highlights are in the north, where your Botswana safari will take place. No matter what kind of safari experience you’re looking for, you’ll be able to indulge in it here.

Tick off seeing the Big 5
Botswana is home to the safari Big 5: lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, and elephants. These magnificent megafauna are the holy grail of safari, so the chance to see them is something that has to be taken. During the wet season the animals are a little more dispersed and therefore harder to spot, but when it’s drier and watering holes evaporate, creatures begin to congregate at the few remaining sources of hydration. Your local guide will know exactly where to find them too, so all you need to do to fulfil this wish list item is book your trip!

Explore the vast Chobe National Park
Listing out the sheet number of different animals that call Chobe National Park home sounds like a children’s song designed to teach kids all about the different kinds of wildlife: hippos, blue wildebeests, crocodiles, water buffalo, African painted dogs, hyenas, giraffes, and plenty more can be spotted in this huge national park and game reserve. No Botswana safari holiday would be complete without a trip here, and with your luxury accommodation right in the very heart of the bush, you’ll never be far from these spectacular animals.

Spot rare and exotic birds on a sunset cruise
Sunset cruises are always special, but few spots deliver as much dramatic beauty as the Chobe River. As the sky explodes in pinks and oranges, the colours shimmer in the river and create a vision as beautiful as any masterpiece. All the while, you’ll be able to spot dozens of different animals enjoying the show by the riverbanks, as well as have the chance to find as many of the hundreds of different bird species as you can that call this stretch of river home. Truly magical.
Things to see on a Botswana safari holiday
On your Botswana safari holiday there’s a plethora of riches when it comes to striking, unique wildlife. And in the middle of the bush, where your Botswana safari lodge is located, you’ll have much of it on your doorstep, alongside spectacular scenery and sweeping views of stunning and varied terrain – perfect for forging long-lasting memories. Plus, you’ll be able to take in mesmerising sunsets as they shimmer on the serene Chobe River, and gaze at the sparkling heavens at night. A truly ethereal location, full of incredible animals.
Food and Drink on a Botswana safari tour
As packed as Botswana is with incredible wildlife, the local food is just as impressive. The country is full of busy, thriving food markets that are bursting with fresh, local produce of the likes you’ve never seen, with a vibrant variety of colours and flavours just ready for you to enjoy. And, on your safari, you’ll not only be treated to these brilliant grains, fruits, and vegetables – all lovingly prepared – but also locally caught game and fish, grilled or fried simply to maintain its natural flavours. And don’t forget the beer – both alcoholic, and of the ginger variety, which is one of Botswana’s most popular soft drinks.
As packed as Botswana is with incredible wildlife, the local food is just as impressive. The country is full of busy, thriving food markets that are bursting with fresh, local produce of the likes you’ve never seen, with a vibrant variety of colours and flavours just ready for you to enjoy. And, on your safari, you’ll not only be treated to these brilliant grains, fruits, and vegetables – all lovingly prepared – but also locally caught game and fish, grilled or fried simply to maintain its natural flavours. And don’t forget the beer – both alcoholic, and of the ginger variety, which is one of Botswana’s most popular soft drinks.
Sorghum, a kind of millet, and maize form the basis of many local dishes, usually accompanied by local legumes and vegetables. Goat, mutton, and chicken are widely eaten, although the locals do adore their beef too. Freshwater fish are another vital staple you’ll find in dishes. Many believe watermelons first grew here too, and the refreshing fruit is often prepared with ginger and sugar to create tasty homemade drinks.
Seswaa, or chotlho, is usually considered Botswana’s national dish. The ingredients include beef slow-cooked and tenderised in salt water, served with maize, rice or beans, or even in a sandwich. If you want a truly local experience, then you need to try serobe: a favourite across the country, it’s prepared with cow, goat, or sheep lungs and intestines (sometimes all three), cooked until soft, and is often served with bogobe jwa lerotse – another porridge like dish that gets its flavour from the local favourite, lerotse melons. Plant-based visitors will adore dikgobe - a hearty dish made from beans, peas and maize.
Botswana’s local beer is brewed from sorghum, giving it a unique taste. Fermented milk, or madila, is also a local favourite, as are watermelon based drinks and ginger beer – all perfect for quenching your thirst under the baking Botswana sun.

Frequently asked Botswana safari questions
Here are a few questions you might have.
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What month is best for safari in Botswana?
June is the best month for safari in Botswana thanks to the dry weather.
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What should I pack for a safari in Botswana?
You should definitely pack light, long-sleeved clothes to protect you from the sun, as well as comfortable walking boots. Insect repellent and warmer clothes for the cool nights are also useful. Suncream is a must, and, of course, your camera and binoculars for animal spotting.
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Do you need to take malaria pills for a safari in Botswana?
Yes, you do need to take precautions against malaria when going on safari in Botswana – especially in the northern Chobe region.
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Can you see the Big 5 in Botswana?
Yes, you can see the Big 5 in Botswana.
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How many days is long enough for safari in Botswana?
3-5 days is an ideal length of time for safari in Botswana, as that gives you the opportunity to explore its diverse wildlife and vast expanses.
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