The best park in Botswana With Africa’s longest mammal migration, the world’s densest population of elephants, magnificent birdlife, and painted wolves in grave danger, Botswana’s national parks are sure to impress. Animal life is abundant in the best parks in Botswana’s natural areas and distinctive ecosystems, since nearly half of the country’s land has been designated as protected wilderness. Four of Botswana’s national parks provide fantastic wildlife vacation experiences.

Botswana is a certain safari hit, whether you choose the different habitats of the Makgadikgadi, the mesmerizing Kalahari scenery and difficult terrain, the amazing big game concentrations in Chobe, or combine them all into one epic expedition.

National Park of Chobe is the best park in Botswana

The best national park for boat safaris and close-up wildlife viewing

Chobe National Park, Botswana’s first, remains a staple of epic animal encounters. The dry season (June to the end of October) is the greatest time to come since water-dependent species, particularly elephants, congregate along the banks of the namesake river.

Northern Botswana has the world’s highest concentration of elephants, and boat rides offer breath-taking views of the elephant herd. Aside from huge crocodiles and hippos grazing outside the water, the park is home to tall giraffes, water-loving Lechwe antelope, and lions chasing old buffalo bulls along the shoreline.

Kasane

The majority of accommodations are located outside the park in the town of Kasane, limiting day-trippers to the topmost riverfront zone (it’s advisable to book a lodge nearest to the park gates). As a result, Botswana’s most accessible national park is also the busiest. However, there are tranquil spots—and seasons—to escape the crowds.

The green season gets its name from the reappearance of lush vegetation after rainfall between November and March. This is typically a calmer and less expensive time to visit the Chobe Riverfront. Travelers will not encounter massive herds, but they will be rewarded with brilliant bird life (450 species) and lovely baby animals.

The Chobe Riverfront and Savuti are two important wildlife sites in Chobe National Park. The Savuti Marshes are a significant predator hotspot on the remote western edge. Traveling to this more isolated location allows you to see endangered African wild dogs (as few as 1400 mature individuals survive in their natural habitat), cheetahs, and the world-famous giant lion prides made famous by nature films.

National Park Makgadikgadi

The best national park for solitude

It’s easy to get them mixed up, but the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and the Makgadikgadi National Park provide very different experiences. The classic wide-open salt-crusted flats seen in the images are not found in the national park because they were taken from outside the area. Quad riding and visiting are two examples of activities. Meerkats can be found in privately held concessions beyond the borders. Because it lacks the iconic salt pan shot or a plethora of Big Five sightings, this quieter park is ideal for some tranquility and appreciation of nature.

Best time to visit the park

Makgadikgadi National Park protects spectacular rolling grasslands, statuesque palm-tree woods, and lush riverine flora that surrounds the Boteti River, the park’s genuine showpiece. During the dry season (May to October), this seasonal stream serves as a lifeline for enormous herds of elephants, zebras, wildebeests, and other herbivores, bringing predators with them.

If the Okavango Delta floodwaters are truly flush at certain times of the year, the waters spill past Maun, making the river deep enough to picture animals from a boat-based safari.

Two difficult campsites are located within the park’s boundaries, and a few lodges, such as Boteti River Camp and Leroo La Tau, are located on the outskirts and offer guided activities. Baobab trees with massive, thick trunks rise from the plains of Botswana’s Nxai Pan National Park. At Nxai Pans National Park, centuries-old Baines’ baobabs stand on the edge of the pans and make it the best park in Botswana.