Botswana safari: The top places to visit on a 1 week trip

Botswana is one of the Southern African countries with wildlife-rich national parks, waterways and vast wilderness areas, which travellers can explore within a single safari holiday.

For visitors planning a seven-day trip, choosing destinations carefully is essential because some camps and reserves require long road transfers or light aircraft flights.

Here are the top places to consider when planning a one-week Botswana safari.

Botswana safari: Exploring the Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is one of Botswana’s best-known tourist attractions, offering a combination of wetlands, lagoons and islands that support diverse wildlife.

According to the Botswana Tourism Organisation, the destination offers big-game viewing alongside opportunities to explore its waterways.

Visitors can enjoy guided game drives, birdwatching and traditional mokoro canoe excursions, depending on the location and water conditions.

Travellers should consider spending two or three nights in the Delta to experience its different safari activities.

What to see in Moremi Game Reserve

Located in the eastern and central parts of the Okavango region, Moremi Game Reserve is another destination to consider.

The reserve covers approximately 3 900 square kilometres and includes floodplains, lagoons, grasslands and forests.

Its varied habitats support numerous animal species, including predators and herbivores, making it attractive to wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

Moremi can be combined with the Okavango Delta as part of a northern Botswana safari.

Travellers should check accommodation locations and transfer arrangements before booking.

Botswana safari: Wildlife encounters in Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park is renowned for its elephants and wildlife along the Chobe River.

The park offers game drives and river cruises, allowing visitors to observe animals from land and water.

Kasane, a town in northeastern Botswana, serves as a convenient base for exploring the park.

A seven-day itinerary combining the Okavango Delta, Moremi and Chobe is offered by safari operators, including Go2Africa.

Travellers could allocate two nights to Chobe before departing from Kasane.

Discovering Savuti

Savuti, within Chobe National Park, offers another option for visitors interested in wildlife viewing.

The region is known for its open landscapes and opportunities to spot predators and other animals during game drives.

However, adding Savuti to a trip that already includes the Delta, Moremi and Chobe’s riverfront may require additional transfers. Travellers should consider whether the extra journey is worthwhile within a seven-day schedule.

What makes the Makgadikgadi Pans special

The Makgadikgadi Pans offer a different experience from Botswana’s wetlands and traditional safari destinations.

The vast salt flats provide striking landscapes, while seasonal conditions influence wildlife activity and opportunities to see flamingos.

Although the pans are worth considering, travellers with only seven days may find it more practical to save them for another visit.

Planning a one-week Botswana safari

For a first visit, prioritising the Okavango Delta, Moremi and Chobe provides a varied safari experience without attempting to cover too much ground.

The final itinerary will depend on the budget, accommodation availability and transport arrangements. Travellers should confirm transfer times and seasonal activity options before booking.