Famous Landmarks in Botswana
Botswana, officially the Republic of Botswana, is located in Southern Africa, bordered by Namibia to the north and west, Zambia to the north, Zimbabwe to the northeast, and South Africa to the south and southeast. The capital city is Gaborone, with other major cities including Francistown, Molepolole, and Maun. Botswana’s economy is primarily based on diamond mining, along with sectors in tourism (wildlife), agriculture, and services. Key landmarks include the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and Makgadikgadi Pans. Botswana is a member of the United Nations (UN), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the Commonwealth of Nations. The country faces challenges related to HIV/AIDS, income inequality, and climate change. (Source: behealthybytomorrow.com)
Top 10 Landmarks in Botswana
The country’s commitment to conservation is evident in its policies that limit mass tourism, ensuring that visitors enjoy an unspoiled and authentic experience. Botswana’s culture is shaped by its indigenous peoples, including the San (Bushmen), and its peaceful, democratic government, making it a safe and welcoming destination for travelers. Below are the top 10 famous landmarks in Botswana, each offering a unique glimpse into the country’s natural wonders and cultural richness.
1. Okavango Delta
Overview
The Okavango Delta is one of the most famous and iconic landmarks in Botswana, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This vast inland delta covers around 15,000 square kilometers and is a unique ecosystem where the Okavango River flows into the Kalahari Desert, creating a lush oasis in an otherwise arid region. The delta is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and over 400 species of birds. Visitors can explore the delta by mokoro (traditional canoe), motorboat, or on guided walking safaris, offering an unforgettable experience in one of Africa’s most pristine environments.
Location
- City: Near Maun, North-West District
- Coordinates: 19.2301° S, 23.0489° E
Ticket Price
- Entry Fee: Around $30 USD per day for access to the Okavango Delta, with additional fees for guided safaris and boat trips.
Nearby Airports
- Maun International Airport (MUB): Located about 60 km from the heart of the delta, serving as the main gateway to the region.
Railway Stations
There are no railway stations near the Okavango Delta.
Special Attention
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Okavango Delta is during the annual flood season from June to August, when wildlife viewing is at its peak, and the waterways are fully navigable.
2. Chobe National Park
Overview
Chobe National Park is renowned for having one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Africa, with an estimated 50,000 elephants roaming the park’s savannahs and riverbanks. Located in northern Botswana, near the border with Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, Chobe is also home to a wide variety of other wildlife, including lions, leopards, buffalos, and a plethora of bird species. The Chobe River, which flows along the park’s northern boundary, offers stunning sunset boat cruises and opportunities for wildlife viewing from the water. Chobe is a top destination for safari-goers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Location
- City: Kasane, North-East District
- Coordinates: 17.8228° S, 24.8159° E
Ticket Price
- Entry Fee: Around $10 USD per person per day for foreign visitors.
Nearby Airports
- Kasane International Airport (BBK): Located about 5 km from the entrance of Chobe National Park.
Railway Stations
There are no railway stations in Kasane or near Chobe National Park.
Special Attention
River Cruises: Don’t miss the opportunity to take a boat cruise on the Chobe River, especially during sunset, for a chance to see elephants, hippos, and crocodiles up close.
3. Makgadikgadi Pans
Overview
The Makgadikgadi Pans are one of the largest salt flats in the world, remnants of an ancient lake that once covered much of northern Botswana. The pans are a stark, flat landscape, stretching as far as the eye can see, and are most famous for their vast emptiness during the dry season. However, after the rains, the pans transform into wetlands, attracting migratory birds, including flamingos, as well as zebras and wildebeests. The Makgadikgadi Pans offer a unique and surreal experience, and visitors can enjoy quad biking, walking with the San people, or sleeping under the stars in this remote wilderness.
Location
- City: Near Nata, Central District
- Coordinates: 20.5744° S, 25.9160° E
Ticket Price
- Entry Fee: Around $10 USD per person for park entry, with additional fees for guided tours.
Nearby Airports
- Maun International Airport (MUB): About 200 km from the Makgadikgadi Pans, offering access via road transfers.
Railway Stations
There are no railway stations near the Makgadikgadi Pans.
Special Attention
Stargazing: The pans’ remote location and lack of light pollution make it one of the best places in the world for stargazing, especially during the dry season.
4. Moremi Game Reserve
Overview
Moremi Game Reserve, located within the Okavango Delta, is one of the most diverse and wildlife-rich reserves in Botswana. The reserve encompasses a mix of permanent wetlands, seasonal floodplains, and dry areas, offering a wide variety of ecosystems in which to observe wildlife. Moremi is home to the Big Five (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and buffalo), as well as rare species such as African wild dogs. It is a prime destination for birdwatchers, with over 500 species recorded. Visitors can explore Moremi by vehicle, on foot, or by boat, making it an ideal destination for an immersive safari experience.
Location
- City: North-West District
- Coordinates: 19.3739° S, 23.7072° E
Ticket Price
- Entry Fee: Around $30 USD per person per day for foreign visitors.
Nearby Airports
- Maun International Airport (MUB): The primary access point, located about 100 km from Moremi Game Reserve.
Railway Stations
There are no railway stations near Moremi Game Reserve.
Special Attention
Wildlife Safaris: Moremi Game Reserve is best explored on a multi-day safari, either in a mobile camping setup or a luxury lodge, for an immersive wildlife experience.
5. Tsodilo Hills
Overview
Tsodilo Hills is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its rock art, with more than 4,500 individual paintings spread across the hills. The site has great cultural significance, particularly to the San people, who consider it a sacred place. The paintings, some of which date back over 20,000 years, depict animals, humans, and abstract patterns, offering insight into the beliefs and lifestyles of ancient peoples. Tsodilo Hills is sometimes referred to as the “Louvre of the Desert” due to the density of rock art found here.
Location
- City: North-West District
- Coordinates: 18.7549° S, 21.7565° E
Ticket Price
- Entry Fee: Around $10 USD per person, with additional fees for guided tours.
Nearby Airports
- Maun International Airport (MUB): About 320 km from Tsodilo Hills, requiring a road transfer.
Railway Stations
There are no railway stations near Tsodilo Hills.
Special Attention
Guided Tours: Visitors are encouraged to hire a local guide to understand the significance of the rock art and the cultural importance of the hills to the local communities.
6. Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Overview
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) is the second-largest game reserve in the world, covering over 52,000 square kilometers. Located in the heart of the Kalahari Desert, CKGR offers a true wilderness experience, with vast open plains, ancient riverbeds, and sand dunes. The reserve is home to a range of wildlife, including giraffes, cheetahs, lions, and meerkats, and it’s particularly famous for its black-maned Kalahari lions. The remoteness of CKGR means that visitors often have vast areas to themselves, making it an ideal destination for those seeking solitude and adventure.
Location
- City: Ghanzi, Central District
- Coordinates: 22.3094° S, 23.5795° E
Ticket Price
- Entry Fee: Around $20 USD per person per day for foreign visitors.
Nearby Airports
- Maun International Airport (MUB): About 300 km from the CKGR, accessible by road.
Railway Stations
There are no railway stations near the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.
Special Attention
Remote Wilderness: Visitors should be prepared for self-sufficient travel, as there are limited facilities within the reserve. Many opt for guided tours or self-drive safaris with proper equipment.
7. Nxai Pan National Park
Overview
Nxai Pan National Park is a hidden gem in Botswana, known for its vast, flat landscapes and iconic clusters of baobab trees, including the famous Baines’ Baobabs. The park is located on the northern edge of the Makgadikgadi Basin and is home to large herds of springbok, elephants, zebras, and lions. Nxai Pan is particularly popular during the rainy season (December to March), when zebras migrate to the area, attracting predators like lions and cheetahs. The park’s dramatic scenery and relative isolation make it a peaceful retreat for wildlife enthusiasts.
Location
- City: Near Gweta, Central District
- Coordinates: 20.1745° S, 24.7966° E
Ticket Price
- Entry Fee: Around $10 USD per person per day.
Nearby Airports
- Maun International Airport (MUB): About 170 km from Nxai Pan National Park.
Railway Stations
There are no railway stations near Nxai Pan National Park.
Special Attention
Baobab Trees: Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Baines’ Baobabs, a cluster of ancient trees made famous by the artist Thomas Baines, who painted them during an expedition in the 19th century.
8. Khama Rhino Sanctuary
Overview
The Khama Rhino Sanctuary is a community-based wildlife project dedicated to protecting Botswana’s endangered rhino population. Located in the Serowe area, the sanctuary covers 8,585 hectares and is home to both white and black rhinos, along with a variety of other wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, and wildebeests. The sanctuary offers guided game drives, nature walks, and camping facilities, providing visitors with the opportunity to see rhinos in a protected and natural environment. The project plays a critical role in the conservation of rhinos in Botswana.
Location
- City: Serowe, Central District
- Coordinates: 22.1956° S, 26.7184° E
Ticket Price
- Entry Fee: Around $10 USD per person for park entry.
Nearby Airports
- Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE): About 230 km from the Khama Rhino Sanctuary.
Railway Stations
There are no railway stations near the Khama Rhino Sanctuary.
Special Attention
Rhino Conservation: The sanctuary is a vital part of Botswana’s rhino conservation efforts, and visitors can learn about the challenges and successes of rhino protection during their visit.
9. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Overview
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a massive cross-border park shared by Botswana and South Africa, covering an area of over 38,000 square kilometers. The park is characterized by its red sand dunes, sparse vegetation, and wide-open spaces, making it a prime destination for viewing desert-adapted wildlife. Kgalagadi is home to large predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as gemsbok, springbok, and wildebeests. The park’s remoteness ensures that it is rarely crowded, providing a true sense of wilderness for those seeking solitude and adventure.
Location
- City: Near Tsabong, Kgalagadi District
- Coordinates: 25.9033° S, 22.2900° E
Ticket Price
- Entry Fee: Around $20 USD per person per day.
Nearby Airports
- Tsabong Airport (TBY): A small regional airport located about 50 km from the park.
Railway Stations
There are no railway stations near Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
Special Attention
Desert Wildlife: Visitors should be prepared for the harsh conditions of the Kalahari Desert and ensure they have sufficient water, fuel, and supplies for their journey.
10. Gaborone Game Reserve
Overview
Gaborone Game Reserve is one of the smallest game reserves in Botswana but is conveniently located within the capital city, making it a popular destination for city dwellers and tourists alike. The reserve is home to a variety of animals, including impalas, zebras, ostriches, and warthogs, as well as numerous bird species. It offers an excellent opportunity for visitors to experience Botswana’s wildlife without venturing too far from the city. The reserve features picnic areas, walking trails, and game-viewing routes, making it an ideal spot for a day trip.
Location
- City: Gaborone, South-East District
- Coordinates: 24.6341° S, 25.9201° E
Ticket Price
- Entry Fee: Around $5 USD per person.
Nearby Airports
- Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE): Located about 15 km from the Gaborone Game Reserve.
Railway Stations
- Gaborone Railway Station: Located about 10 km from the reserve, offering train services to other major cities in Botswana.
Special Attention
City Escape: The reserve is an excellent option for travelers with limited time, offering a quick escape into nature just minutes from downtown Gaborone.