Botswana Wildlife Safaris

What to Spot in Botswana's Exclusive Concessions?

Exclusive concessions means a limited number of people in the concessions to start with, fewer people in the concessions, means fewer people on each wildlife sighting, fewer people on a wildlife sighting results in an all-round higher quality wildlife experience. At the end of the day, let’s face it, the quality of the wildlife viewing is exactly what we judge a safari experience on. This is what a Botswana wildlife safari can offer, a unique, bespoke, wildlife experience.

African Painted Dogs

African painted dogs might not be the top priority for many safari-goers, but they are often a delightful surprise. These intelligent social hunters move at incredible speeds and hunt with remarkable strategy, quickly dispatching their prey. In their matriarchal packs, the social interactions and hierarchy are captivating to observe. For an in-depth look at these fascinating predators, watch Attenborough’s "Dynasties" documentary.

Big Cats

Big cats are a highlight of any wildlife safari and Botswana has plenty. Lion, leopard and cheetah can be found throughout a variety of parks, private concessions and reserves, with some of our favourites including Selinda, Khwai, and the well-known Chobe National Park.. Read more about big cats here.

The Big Five

In captivating Botswana, a location adored by wildlife enthusiasts, the fabled Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, black rhino, and buffalo - reign supreme. These magnificent creatures thrive alongside an array of diverse wildlife, featuring elegant giraffes, varied antelope, charming zebras, and mighty wildebeests, within Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve's pristine landscapes.

The serene waters of Okavango Delta contain the formidable Nile crocodile, while the arid expanses of Kalahari Desert are home to exquisite desert-adapted gemsbok, and the Kalahari lion. Behold the mesmerising congregation of flamingos on the Makgadikgadi salt pans, adding yet another fascinating dimension to Botswana's bountiful and breathtaking wildlife sanctuary. Read more here.

Giraffes

Botswana's diverse landscapes, including savannas, woodlands, and riverine areas, provide ideal habitats for giraffes. These gentle giants, with their distinctive spots, are often seen in mixed grassland and tree areas. Protected areas like Chobe National Park, Moremi Game Reserve, and Makgadikgadi Pans National Park offer excellent opportunities for spotting giraffes during safari drives and game viewing.

Hippos

Botswana's waterways, including the Okavango Delta and Chobe River, are home to large hippo populations. These semi-aquatic animals spend their days in water to stay cool and graze on grasses at night. Known for their territorial behaviour and aggression when defending young or territory, hippos are classified as vulnerable by the IUCN, facing threats like habitat loss and poaching.

Meerkats

Experience Botswana's diverse wildlife beyond the big beasts. In the enchanting Makgadikgadi Pans, you may encounter inquisitive meerkats that sometimes use humans as lookout posts! These highly social animals live in family groups called mobs or clans and are known for their cooperative behavior and standing sentry on their hind legs to watch for predators. These groups work together to forage for food, raise young, and protect each other. Meerkats dig extensive burrow networks with multiple entrances, serving as homes and refuges from predators and extreme weather. Discover the fascinating world of meerkats on your Botswana adventure.

Tracking Animals in Botswana

Tracking wildlife in Botswana involves keen observation and knowledge of animal signs. Look for distinct footprints: elephants leave large, rounded tracks, lions have deep, claw-marked prints, and buffalo show square-hoof shapes. Scat provides information on diet and recent activity while grazing patterns and scrapes on trees can indicate the presence of herbivores and predators. Listening to animal calls and behavioural clues also helps in locating wildlife.

The Role of Local Guides

Local guides play a crucial role in enhancing your tracking experience. Their deep knowledge of Botswana’s ecosystems and animal behavior allows them to interpret tracks and signs with precision. Guides can lead you to hidden wildlife hotspots, share insights about the animals' habits, and ensure you track safely and respectfully. Their expertise not only improves your chances of spotting elusive wildlife but also enriches your understanding of the intricate balance of the natural world.