Botswana: A Globetrotter’s Sweet First Taste of Africa

Wide open plains, a plethora of animals, and rich cultural heritage, Africa sits at the top of many globetrotters’ bucket lists. From vast salt pans to lush rainforests, the continent offers so much to see!

Have you always wanted to experience the magic of Africa but weren’t sure where to start? With so many incredible countries to choose from, it can be overwhelming to choose your first African destination.

At Tailormade Africa, they create custom itineraries for travellers from all over the world. In our opinion, Botswana is an amazing gateway to Africa for first-time visitors.

Botswana safaris offer an unparalleled opportunity to witness the continent’s raw beauty and immerse oneself in its vibrant culture, as well as a chance to connect with local communities and gain insights into the traditions and customs of the land. 

Let’s look at some reasons why Botswana should be your first travel destination in Africa.

Diverse Landscapes and Ecosystems

From the expansive Kalahari Desert to the unique wetlands of the Okavango Delta, Botswana’s diverse ecosystems provide a stage for extraordinary wildlife encounters. Whether you want to be surrounded by vast desert plains or lush vegetation alongside fascinating waterways, there is truly something for everyone.

Some of the country’s most popular destinations include Chobe National Park, the Kalahari Desert, the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, and Mashatu Game Reserve. It’s our recommendation that you see at least a few of Botswana’s top-rated locations so you get a taste of the country’s rich ecological diversity.

Each region bestows its own unique fauna, flora, and ecosystems. From rugged mountains to breathtaking salt pans, be sure to have your camera charged because Botswana’s natural beauty is sure to completely blow you away!

Plenty of Exciting Activities

Botswana safaris are typically jam-packed with fun and exciting activities to ensure a memorable trip. Embark on thrilling game drives, witness the ‘Big Five’ up close and explore hidden wilderness corners on guided walking safaris. Some of the activities on offer include:

• Game drives
• Guided walking safaris
• Photographic safaris
• Night drives
• Bird watching
• Helicopter rides
• Boat rides
• Fly fishing
• Cultural experiences

These activities can be booked ahead of time or on a whim, depending on what type of traveller you are. No matter where your interests lie, there are many opportunities to engage in activities that will educate and engage you. Some of which, like game drives, are often included when staying at certain camps.

Furthermore, Botswana boasts some of the best guides in Africa, as they undergo a rigorous training regime.

An All-Year Round Destination

Unlike some other African countries, Botswana can be visited at any time of the year. While most visitors prefer to visit during the dry season (July to November), the shoulder and low seasons offer more affordable accommodation and the opportunity to see the incredible zebra migration.

The time of year that’s best suited for you and your travel companions will all depend on your particular preferences and what you are hoping to get out of the trip. While the months of December and January can be quite rainy, the weather (for the most part) is moderate all year round.

Just make sure to check the predicted weather conditions ahead of time so that you know what to expect and pack.

See the ‘Big Five’ and Other African Animals

Botswana provides you with the opportunity to see the famous ‘Big Five’, which includes lions, elephants, buffalos, rhinos and leopards. Seeing these large mammals in their natural habitat is a breathtaking experience for any nature enthusiast. Both Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park are home to all five of the ‘Big Five’.

However, Botswana safaris offer so much more than just its bigger animals. The country is famed for its herbivores, which include zebra, wildebeest and a wide variety of antelope. In fact, Botswana is home to the second-largest zebra migration in the world!

A few of the other animals you can look forward to spotting during your time in Botswana include hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, wild dogs, monkeys, servals, and at least 600 bird species. It’s truly an animal lover’s paradise.

Committed to Sustainable Tourism

As a destination committed to sustainable tourism, Botswana prioritises conservation efforts and ensures visitors can enjoy its pristine beauty for generations to come. Some of Botswana’s most notable conservation efforts include:

• Over 40% of the land is protected and is made up of national parks and reserves.
• There are strict hunting bans in place. Elephant-back safaris have also been done away with.
• Plenty of animal conservation projects are already in place.
• Projects have been launched to restore vegetation in certain parts of the country.
• Various plans are in place to protect the Okavango Delta.

From the above, it’s clear to see that the Botswanan government is serious about protecting its natural resources and wildlife.

A Family-Friendly Destination

Botswana is often listed as one of the top destinations in Africa for a family holiday because of its multitude of kid-friendly camps and other accommodations. There are also plenty of child-appropriate activities to participate in. If you plan to travel with your children, Botswana could be an excellent option for you.

With that being said, we advise that you wait for your kids to be at least six years old before taking them on safari with you. While all kids are different, most children six and up will be able to make the most of their safari experience and remember the special moments in Botswana for many years to come.

Convenient Travel

Travelling to Botswana is convenient because UK residents can stay in the country for as long as 90 days without needing a visa. This means less admin for you when planning your trip. You can also book a last-minute trip, as you won’t need to wait for visa approval.

Another convenient aspect of travelling in Botswana is the fact that most of the population speaks English. This makes communicating easy and straightforward. While it’s always nice to learn a bit of the local language, you won’t have to rely on your knowledge of Setswana to get by.

Known for its Safety

Botswana is a country that is known for its safety. One reason for this is that it’s Africa’s longest-surviving democracy. Another reason is that the population and poverty levels are significantly lower than in other African countries.

The low crime rate, solid tourism infrastructure, and stable government are all major benefits for travellers’ peace of mind.

While you should still always keep your wits about you, especially when you’re in the capital city, you can rest assured that you and your travel companions are safe when travelling through Botswana. This is why Botswana is often listed as a top African destination for solo travellers.

If you’ve always wanted to travel to Africa, this is your sign to book your trip to Botswana and experience everything this incredible country has to offer for yourself.

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable Botswana safari? Tailormade Africa would love to assist in planning your trip. They will come up with a custom itinerary based on your specific preferences so that your African safari lives up to all your hopes and dreams. Contact them to begin discussing the trip of a lifetime.