Botswana is a great destination to spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino). It’s important to note that wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, as the animals are free to move around and may not always be in view. However, these parks and reserves are known for their high chances of seeing the Big Five, making them excellent choices for a safari in Botswana.
Here are some of the best places to see the Big 5 in Botswana:
Chobe National Park
Located in northern Botswana, Chobe National Park is known for having one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Africa. You can also see lions, leopards, buffaloes, and various antelopes. Chobe National Park is located in northern Botswana and is known for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. The park covers an area of approximately 11,700 square kilometers and is home to one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Africa, as well as a variety of other animals, including lions, leopards, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and various antelopes. The best time to visit Chobe National Park is during the dry season, from May to October, when the animals are concentrated around the water sources, making them easier to spot. Overall, Chobe National Park is an incredible destination for a safari adventure, offering unforgettable wildlife experiences and stunning natural beauty.
Moremi Game Reserve
This reserve is located within the Okavango Delta and offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. You can see all of the Big Five here, as well as cheetahs, wild dogs, and various bird species. Moremi Game Reserve is located in the heart of the Okavango Delta in Botswana and covers an area of approximately 5,000 square kilometers. The reserve is known for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, ranging from wetlands and lagoons to woodlands and savannas. The reserve is divided into several zones, including the Chief’s Island, the Moremi Tongue, and the Xakanaxa region, each offering unique wildlife viewing experiences. Visitors can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, and boat trips, providing various opportunities to see the wildlife and explore the landscapes.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Although this reserve is known for its desert-adapted wildlife such as the Kalahari lion and the brown hyena, it also offers sightings of the Big Five. Central Kalahari Game Reserve is located in the central part of Botswana and covers an area of approximately 52,000 square kilometers, making it one of the largest game reserves in the world. The reserve is known for its unique desert-adapted wildlife and stunning landscapes, ranging from sand dunes and salt pans to grasslands and woodlands. The reserve is divided into several zones, including the Deception Valley, the Piper Pan, and the Sunday Pan, each offering unique wildlife viewing experiences. Visitors can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, and cultural experiences with the local San people, providing various opportunities to see the wildlife and explore the landscapes.
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
This park is known for its vast salt pans and unique landscapes. However, it’s also home to several species, including lions, leopards, and elephants. Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is located in northeastern Botswana and covers an area of approximately 3,900 square kilometers. The park is known for its vast salt pans and unique landscapes, making it one of the most stunning and otherworldly destinations in Africa. Visitors can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, and cultural experiences with the local BaSarwa people, who have lived in the area for thousands of years. During the wet season, the pans attract large flocks of flamingos, creating a spectacular sight.
Khwai Concession
This concession is located on the northeastern edge of the Okavango Delta and offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. You can see all of the Big Five here, as well as wild dogs, giraffes, and various bird species. The Khwai Concession is a private wildlife reserve located in the northeastern part of the Okavango Delta in Botswana. The concession covers an area of approximately 2,000 square kilometers and is known for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. Visitors can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, and night drives, providing various opportunities to see the wildlife and explore the landscapes. The concession is also home to several authentic bush camps and lodges, providing visitors with an immersive and authentic safari experience.
