Couple on safari game drive Wilderness Kings Pool

Botswana game viewing safaris

Wilderness boasts some of the top safari camps for game viewing in Botswana, with our private concessions offering game drives, boating, walks and more.

Itinerary
Tailor-made

Personalised safaris including Wilderness camps, partner properties, city stays, transfers, activities and experiences to suit your dates and interests.

Upliftment Employment
Award-winning

193 awards since 2020, with our safari lodges consistently voted among the top in the world, as well as recognition for our positive Impact initiatives.

Game Drive
Exclusive

With small guest numbers, we provide access to remote concessions in some of Africa’s wildest safari destinations, with the option of private vehicles and guides for additional flexibility.

Binoculars
Diverse

We operate in eight African countries, with 55+ camps promising a range of activities from boating, to walking, game drives and more, for a full immersion in nature and local culture.

What to expect on a game viewing safari in Botswana

Botswana is one of Africa's best game viewing destinations, renowned for its big cats, large elephant herds and abundant birdlife. From lions, leopards and cheetahs to wild dogs, buffalo, giraffe and countless plains game, every game drive offers the opportunity to see something different. The country's diverse landscapes – from the Okavango Delta to the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve and Mababe Depression – provide a home to more than 160 different mammals and around 600 bird species, making Botswana a rewarding destination for both wildlife enthusiasts and keen twitchers.

 

With Wilderness, game drives take place in open 4x4 safari vehicles, ensuring every guest enjoys an excellent view with an average of six guests per vehicle and no one confined to a middle seat. In many private concessions, guides can drive off-road where appropriate, to follow wildlife responsibly, while night drives are available in selected areas, revealing elusive nocturnal species. For an even more personalised safari experience, a private vehicle can be arranged.

Game Drives

Botswana game viewing safaris tours & packages

Be inspired by these safaris in Botswana and get in touch to create a private tour tailored to your interests. Your itinerary can be elevated with a range of exclusive, privately arranged experiences, while you may even decide to book out one of our smaller safari camps for the exclusive use of your group. Speak to your Travel Designer to arrange your personalised safari.
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How to plan your game drive safari in Botswana

Wilderness has safari lodges in some of the best game viewing areas of Botswana. The Okavango Delta’s permanent waterways, floodplains and woodlands provide a chance to enjoy a number of safari activities alongside traditional game drives, such as boating, mokoro trips and walking safaris.. The Linyanti is renowned for its large elephant herds, populations of wild dogs and outstanding predator sightings. It offers a quieter, more exclusive setting with serene camps boasting riverside locations where barge trips and catch-and-release fishing are also on offer. On the other hand, Mababe’s vast open plains attract buffalo, zebra, elephant and antelope in huge numbers, making it one of Botswana's best areas for dramatic predator-prey interactions, particularly during the dry season. Here game drives can last the entire day, especially if you encounter lions on the hunt.

 

Our Botswana game drives take place in the morning and afternoon when the animals are most active, and conditions for wildlife photography are at their best. Be sure to pack binoculars, a proper camera with a telephoto lens, and plenty of extra memory cards and batteries. To experience Botswana properly, plan to spend at least six to eight nights, ideally combining two or three different safari regions. This allows enough time to enjoy multiple game drives, as well as other safari activities, and increases your chances of seeing a wider variety of wildlife.

Photography safaris in Botswana
Wilderness Vumbura Plains Botswana Lechwe Running in Water

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Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to go on a game drive in Botswana?

 

Botswana offers great game viewing year-round, but the experience changes with the seasons. The dry season, from May to October, is widely considered the best time for game viewing, as cooler temperatures, sparse vegetation and excellent visibility create ideal conditions for spotting wildlife. This is also the time of the annual inundation in Botswana, when floodwaters from Angola arrive. The rising water reshapes the landscape, concentrating wildlife onto islands, floodplain edges and higher ground. Depending on the camp and water levels, some areas become accessible by both vehicle and boat, allowing the opportunity to combine traditional game drives with water-based safaris.

 

The green season from November to March, transforms Botswana into a lush, vibrant landscape. While wildlife is more dispersed, this is the best time to see newborn animals, migratory birds and dramatic stormy skies. Visitor numbers are also lower, so if you want a private game drive you are more likely to be guaranteed availability.

 

Regardless of the season, game drives at most of our Botswana safari lodges take place early in the morning and again in the late afternoon, when temperatures are cooler and wildlife is most active. That said, the Mababe Depression is the one exception to this rule with full day game drives often a possibility, due to the vast distances covered as well as the opportunity to wait and watch as patience can be rewarded with predators hunting during the day. Many of our safari camps in Botswana also offer night drives in our private concessions, giving you the opportunity to encounter elusive nocturnal species such as aardvarks, genets, civets and porcupines.

 

 

Is a game drive safe in Botswana?

 

Yes, game drives in Botswana are safe when conducted by experienced guides and reputable safari lodges such as Wilderness. With us, every drive is led by highly trained professional guides who understand animal behaviour, know how to approach wildlife responsibly, and will prioritise your safety at all times. Before your game drives, the lodge staff will also brief you on simple safety guidelines. By following these rules, respecting the wildlife and relying on your guide's expertise, you can relax and fully enjoy the safari experience.

The male lion is the king of the Wilderness

Let’s plan your next journey

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When we say we’re there every step of the way, we mean it, literally. From planning the perfect circuit, to private inter-camp transfers on Wilderness Air, and easing you through Customs. We’re with you on the ground, at your side, 24-7, from start to finish. Ready to take the road less travelled? Contact our Travel Designers to plan an unforgettable journey.