Top Game Parks in Botswana

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most exceptional ecosystems, the Okavango Delta is a vast, inland water system that transforms dry landscapes into lush floodplains each year. Its mosaic of channels, lagoons, forests and islands supports incredible biodiversity, making it one of the best places in Africa for both water-based and land-based safaris. Expect unforgettable encounters with elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, and over 530 bird species.

Why it’s one of Botswana’s best parks:

• Exceptional game drives, mokoro safaris and guided walking safaris
• High predator densities, including wild dogs and leopards
• Luxury lodge camps in completely wild, remote settings

Famous for accommodating the largest concentration of elephants in Africa, Chobe National Park offers some of the most dramatic game viewing. The Chobe River attracts vast herds of buffalo, antelope and predators, creating first-class opportunities for photography and river-based wildlife encounters. Sunset cruises are especially rewarding, with elephants bathing at the river’s edge and fish eagles soaring overhead.

Why it’s a top destination:

• Picturesque boat cruises with close-up wildlife encounters
• Excellent birdlife and predator sightings
• Classic game drives and bush walks

Located within the Okavango Delta, Moremi combines dense forests, floodplains and open savannahs, attracting a wide variety of wildlife. It is known for excellent predator sightings, especially African wild dogs, leopards and lions. The game reserve offers consistently high-quality viewing year-round and is a favourite among wildlife photographers and safari enthusiasts seeking diversity.

Why visit:

• High leopard and wild dog densities
• Beautiful mix of habitats: forests, wetlands, open plains
• Reliable year-round wildlife viewing

The Makgadikgadi Pans are among the largest salt flats on earth, offering vast, radiant landscapes unlike anywhere else in Africa. During the dry season, the pans become ethereal golden plains; in the wet season, they transform into shallow lakes that attract thousands of flamingos and migratory birds. The region is also known for meerkats, desert species, and the second-largest zebra migration in Africa.

Why it’s unique:

• Seasonal zebra migrations
• Flamingos and exceptional birding
• Meerkats, wildebeest, and exceptional stargazing

Alongside the Makgadikgadi Pans, Nxai Pan is quieter and more intimate, offering panoramic grassy landscapes, seasonal pans and incredible big-sky views. The game park becomes particularly vibrant during the zebra migration, attracting predators and diverse birdlife. The iconic Baines’ Baobabs are a must-see landmark for photographers and travellers seeking dramatic scenery.

Why visit:

• The famous zebra migration (Nov-April)
• Ancient Baines’ Baobabs
• Great for photographers and birders

Bordering Chobe National Park, Linyanti offers some of Botswana’s most exclusive safari experiences. Its remote, unfenced concessions are known for superb predator viewing, especially wild dogs, and large herds of elephants during peak season. With few vehicles and luxurious camps, Linyanti is perfect for travellers seeking a premium, off-the-grid safari.

Why it’s special:

• Exceptional wild dog sightings
• Fantastic elephant encounters and night drives
• Highly exclusive, private concessions

The Central Kalahari is one of Africa’s largest and most remote protected areas, famous for its desert-adapted wildlife, endless horizons and stillness. Travellers come for black-maned Kalahari lions, cheetahs, oryx, springbok and striking seasonal changes that transform the desert from arid golden grasslands to blooming green bushveld.

Expect:

• Desert-adapted wildlife including black-maned lions
• Stark, untouched beauty with minimal crowds
• Seasonal wildlife migrations and incredible stargazing