Okavango Delta

Arguably one of the most beautiful places to visit in Africa, the Okavango Delta is actually the world’s largest inland delta. It’s an oasis of islands, wildlife and lush green vegetation located in the middle of the dry unforgiving Kalahari Desert. Make sure you go on a unique safari tour and spot wildlife from the safety of a traditional canoe (a mokoro) and then camp overnight

Kalahari Desert

The Kalahari forms part of the huge sand basin that reaches from the Orange River up to Angola, this is where vast expanses of sand masses were created by the erosion of soft stone formations. The terracotta dunes have been shaped by wind and have a surreal, other-worldly beauty. Also visit for the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, one of the world’s largest game reserves.

Makgadikgadi Pans

Another place with an unearthly beauty is the Makgadikgadi pans, the largest salt pans in the world. Located in the middle of the dry savanna of northeastern Botswana, it’s the remains a huge lake that dried up thousands of years ago. The salt-encrusted pans are flat and arid and come complete with a skyline which appears to go on forever. Camping safaris to spot the resident zebra, wildebeest their predators are a good option for more adventurous travellers.

Nxia Pan

Nearby Makgadikgadi pans, this national park consists of Nxai Pan, which is one of the Makgadikgadi Pan salt flats. Characterised by sand dunes, vast salt pans, the famous Baines baobab trees it’s a beautiful place which of course offers excellent opportunities to see bird and wildlife. Open all-year-round, it’s located in northeastern Botswana so it’s easy to combine a visit with the nearby Okavango Delta and the Chobe.

Moremi Wildlife Reserve

Arguably the most beautiful wildlife sanctuary in Africa, this game reserve lies in the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Mopane tree canopies dominate the dry landscapes and the rest of the area is a combination of floodplain grasses, riverine woodland and permanent delta. The reserve supports one of the greatest concentrations of wildlife in Africa and includes endangered wild dogs, herds of elephants and the ‘Big Five.’

Chobe National Park.

The Chobe River runs along the northern border of Chobe National Park and a river safari – or cruise – is one of your best options to explore the area. It’s a place abundant with wildlife but try to visit during the dry season (April to October) when game concentrations are at their highest. Expect hippos, buffalo, cheetahs crocodiles, antelope species and huge herds of elephants.

Linyanti Wildlife Reserve

One of the most exclusive safari areas in Africa, this place caters to the well-heeled adventurous traveller. The peaceful private reserve covers some 308,000 acres and can be found in the North East of the country. The area is fed by the Kwando River ensuring plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities – it’s renowned for its many Lion prides and also being home to one of Botswana’s largest Elephant populations.