8 Reasons to Choose Botswana for your Africa Overland Tour

Be it the spectacular natural beauty, the utterly unique landscapes, or the seriously incredible wildlife, there are many reasons to choose Botswana for your Africa Overland Tour.

Botswana may not get as much attention from tourists as South Africa or Kenya, but this hidden gem is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the continent’s most desirable destinations. With untouched and sustainably managed ecosystems, breathtaking natural environments, and some of the continent's highest concentration of wildlife, this charming country has bucket loads to offer.

The vastness and wildness of Botswana also make it perfect for overland travel. An Africa Overland Tour is by far the easiest way to see much of Botswana’s beauty, which lies far off the beaten track.

Botswana safari wild dogs

So if you’re considering an epic adventure, here are 8 great reasons to choose Botswana for your Africa Overland Tour…  and, trust us, we seriously had trouble keeping this to only 8!

#1 Unspoilt Natural Beauty & Wild Landscapes

An overland tour through Botswana is really all about taking in the country’s breathtaking landscapes and abundance of wildlife.

Botswana safari red lechwe

Known for its isolated and almost untouched national parks and protected ecosystems, an Africa Overland Tour in Botswana is perfect for people who want to get off the beaten track and into the real wilderness of Africa.

From the famous Chobe National Park and the beautiful Okavango Delta to the otherworldly Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and the endless Kalahari Desert, you will be blown away by this country’s breathtaking landscapes.

Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Botswana

17% of Botswana is made up of national parks, and a further 20% of the land here is protected wilderness, meaning endless sprawling, unfenced dramatic beauty abounds.

Ideal for nature lovers, seekers of exceptional wildlife experiences, and those looking for a true African adventure, Botswana’s parks and reserves let you take a real walk on the wild side.

The low population density, low tourist numbers, and the country’s commitment to sustainable conservation also mean this country offers an authentic and exclusive experience when it comes to raw African nature.

#2 The Okavango Delta of Botswana

One of the most breathtaking and famous of Botswana’s stunning landscapes is the Okavango Delta.

Okavango Delta Botswana Safari

As the world’s only inland delta, this UNESCO-listed site is truly unique. A verdant oasis surrounded by desert, the Delta is a breathtaking idyll, filled with reed-lined waterways, lakes, palm-fringed islands, and serene lagoons.

Peacefully gliding along the endless weaving waterways in a traditional mokoro canoe is the best way to discover this peaceful paradise. These traditional boats will allow you to reach deep into the inner Delta, travelling to remote islands where you can spend the night under the stars and wildlife spots at a peaceful pace.

Mokoro trip Okavango Delta

Huge numbers of animals are drawn to the life-giving waters of the Delta too, making for some magical wildlife spotting. Be it hippos splashing, crocs slithering or birds chirping, the Okavango Delta offers a truly immersive wilderness experience.

The Moremi Game Reserve is a protected area of natural importance that covers much of the eastern side of the Delta. The reserve combines permanent water with drier areas, creating some startling landforms and diverse habitats, which showcase thick woodlands and acacia forests, along with the Delta’s floodplains and lagoons. 

#3 Some of the World’s Best Safaris

Between the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, and the vast Chobe National Park, a visit to Botswana will give you front-row access to some of the world’s best wildlife spotting.

This country boasts one of the most densely concentrated numbers of animals in the whole continent, so it’s safe to say a safari trip to Botswana will not disappoint!

Not only will you see a range of Africa's iconic flora, but you’ll probably be getting pretty up close and personal with some epic animals too!

Okavango Delta lions, Botswana

Botswana is home to Africa's famous Big Five (among many other beautiful animals!), but most importantly it boasts more African elephants than any other country in the world!

At last count, there were more than 130,000 of these grey giants here.

With high numbers of these majestic creatures, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll enjoy some awe-inspiring elephant encounters, with Chobe National Park being world-famous as one of the best places to see them.

Botswana Safari elephants

In both Chobe and the Moremi Game Reserve, you can experience incredible game drives, while the Okavango Delta offers more intimate safari experiences, such as walking safaris and bird-watching strolls.

Another great reason to choose Botswana for your Africa Overland Tour is that these three safari big hitters are all within easy distance of each other, meaning you can easily incorporate all of them into an epic overland Botswana safari trip.

#4 The Spectacular Zebra Migration

When thinking of animal migrations in Africa, most people picture the wildebeest migration of the Serengeti and Masai Mara. But much fewer people know that Botswana also has a stunning annual migration!

The country’s zebra migration is an enormous, but almost unknown, spectacle that is actually the longest single migration of any animal ever recorded.

Zebra Botswana Safari adventure

Every year, herds of zebras cross the country, starting and ending in two of Botswana’s most spectacular national parks - Chobe River in the north and Makgadikgadi Pans further south.

Following the rains and the freshly renewed grazing land, thousands of zebras kick up plumes of dust as they cross Botswana’s vast expanses - it’s an incredible sight to see first-hand.

#5 Beautiful Boat Trips & River Safaris

The 19th-century explorer, David Livingstone, called Botswana the ‘country full of rivers’ and when you visit, you’ll see why!

For a landlocked country, Botswana sure has a lot of waterways!

As well as peacefully drifting along the Okavango Delta in a mokoro, you can take a boat trip along the Chobe River, which provides some of the best river-based game viewing on the planet.

Chobe River boat cruise

The river acts as a huge magnet for wildlife, especially in the dry season, with elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and antelope all coming to the water to drink.

Just imagine hippos sploshing next to you, while you glide right past impalas drinking and elephants washing…

River safaris also allow you to see these beautiful creatures up close, often much closer than traditional game drives.

#6 Easily Include Victoria Falls / Namibia in your Africa Overland Tour

Many people choose to take an Africa Overland Tour of Botswana which also includes the famous Victoria Falls.

This iconic waterfall, situated on the Zimbabwe/Zambia border, is only a short distance from Botswana’s northeastern frontier.

As such, Vic Falls is only a short drive from Chobe National Park, and many Africa Overland Tours of Botswana, even shorter ones, incorporate a visit to this wonder of the natural world too, meaning it’s easy to tick this bucket list beauty off your list at the same time! 

Victoria Falls Tour Overland Africa

Or, you can choose an Africa Overland Tour that ties in a visit to the beautiful desert country of Namibia, which lies to Botswana’s west.

Namibia’s otherworldly landscapes are like no other - think sweeping dunes, untamed wilderness, and dramatic deserts stretching as far as the eye can see!

Namibia makes for an incredible desert adventure, offering epic photo opportunities, and really has to be seen to be believed!

Here at African Budget Safaris, we offer a number of affordable safari packages which conveniently allow you to see the spectacular Victoria Falls, and/or unbelievable Namibia, along with Botswana’s beauty, in one easy trip of a lifetime. Chat with one of our African travel experts to find out more.

#7 Botswana is a Safe & Stable Country

Botswana is one of the safest countries in Africa, possibly the safest country on the entire continent. It is politically stable and the crime rate is low.

Crime towards tourists is rare and there are few hassles for travellers. It’s also very safe for solo female travellers - the threat for women is no more than in Western countries.

Botswana people

Tourism is also well-developed in Botswana, unlike in some of its neighbouring countries, and its people are welcoming and warm to visitors.

#8 Good Value for Money

A practical reason to choose Botswana for your Africa Overland Tour is that it really is a cost-effective and affordable way to see this incredible country.

Botswana’s intentions around sustainable tourism mean a commitment to conversation and a limit on tourist numbers. Because of this, you're not going to have to fight for a prime photo position in a traffic jam of Land Rovers teeming with tourists, while on safari here.

Khwaibotswanasafarileopard

However, this privilege means a safari in Botswana can cost more than in some other African countries. As such, taking an Africa Overland Tour is one of the most budget-friendly ways to experience the intimacy and wildness of a Botswana safari.

We offer a big range of budget-friendly Botswana safari tours, including some very affordable ones that include camping to keep costs down.

With options to suit all timeframes and budgets, you can browse our range of Botswana Safari Tours here, or speak to one of our African Travel Experts for advice on planning your epic trip in Africa.

Kalahari Desert Botswana, meerkats