Know Before You Go: Botswana Safaris

From African lions to wild dog pups, the Okavango Delta is bursting with life. Nat Hab traveler Jan Cochran recounts the wonders she witnessed on safari in Botswana.

Our exclusive small camps on uncrowded private reserves offer remote settings, unsurpassed comfort and astounding proximity to wildlife.

Discover why a Nat Hab "Expedition Leader" is much more than just a guide.

Experience the best of Botswana on distinctive itineraries that offer intimate encounters with an astonishing number of species in varied wilderness habitats. Your safari Expedition Leader is one of the finest naturalist guides in Africa, with extensive experience and an unmatched ability to interpret everything you witness. Travel with a small group of animal enthusiasts and enjoy comfortable stays at luxurious safari camps on remote private reserves, far from tourist crowds.

Whether you’re going on an southern Africa safari soon or it’s on your list of future travel destinations, check out these recommendations from nature photography expert Court Whelan, Ph.D., to ensure you’re equipped and ready for the wildlife photography adventure of a lifetime.

Journey through the savannas of the Kalahari Desert and across the flooded marshlands of the Okavango Delta on our Botswana Explorer Safari. Expedition Leader Lemme Gust shares what it’s like to track elephants through the mopane woodlands, watch lions and wild dogs roam the floodplains, and listen for leopards, hippos and hyenas in the still of the night. Find out where we stay, including classic tented camps on private reserves, and what activities to expect, such as poled canoe excursions, game drives and bush walks.

Join Botswana Photo Expedition Leader Lets Kamogelo—star of Nat Hab’s short film Heart of Gold—for an inside look at how he captures powerful images in the African wild. With more than 13 years of experience behind the lens and nearly two decades guiding in Africa, Lets shares his top tips on composition, reading animal behavior and understanding wildlife habitats. Learn how to anticipate the “decisive moment” for a photo, sort your best images and create compelling visual stories of your Botswana safari.

Imagine watching lions on the hunt, spotting a leopard lounging in a tree, and seeing elephants and hippos splash through flooded marshlands. All this and more awaits in Botswana! Join Expedition Leader Lets Kamogelo (star of our new short film, Heart of Gold: A Botswana Safari Story) for an inside look at Secluded Botswana, our flagship safari to the Okavango Delta and beyond. Find out what wildlife we’re likely to encounter, get a sneak peek at some of our intimate safari camps, and discover what activities to expect, including game drives, traditional poled canoe safaris and more.

Witness the spectacle of Botswana during the green season as the desert bursts with life, wildlife thrives with seasonal water, and new births fill the plains. Expedition Leader Russell Gerber shares the details of our 12-day Botswana: Kalahari, the Delta & Beyond trip, from the wildlife we're likely to encounter (including Africa's Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) to our luxury safari camps. Get tips on how to pack for your safari, and learn more about the activities you can expect, including game drives, canoe rides, and a guided walk along the rim above thundering Victoria Falls.

In the Okavango Delta, the Okavango River spills onto desert sands to create a lush, ever-changing oasis, where elephants wade through water lilies, lions stalk in the reeds, and hippos carve channels through the marsh. Join Photo Expedition Leader Richard de Gouveia for an exploration of Botswana’s “flooded desert.” Discover how animals have adapted to the delta’s seasonal floods, and learn how to photograph them in this unique environment. Richard shares expert advice on gear, lighting and composition. He also offers tips for capturing the magic of this watery wilderness from land and from local dugout canoes called mokoros.

Whether it’s hearing a lion’s roar for the first time or spotting a herd of elephants on the move, our Family Botswana Safari is designed to inspire wonder for all ages. Expedition Leader Russell Gerber shares what to expect on this 10-day adventure geared toward all generations—including Big Five wildlife encounters, luxury family-friendly camps, and fun, flexible activities like game drives, canoe rides, bush walks and an awe-inspiring visit to thundering Victoria Falls. Learn what to pack, how we keep kids engaged, and why this journey is the perfect blend of education and excitement.

Join Anthony Bennett for engrossing tales from his 80-mile walking safari in the Botswana wilderness. Anthony and three fellow safari guides made this self-supported trek over six days, carrying heavy packs and rifles, and wild-camping at impromptu locations each night.