Visit These Major Safari Locations On A Vacation In Botswana

Bordering South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, Botswana is a landlocked African nation and a great location for adventure, safaris and more. Meanwhile, its capital is Gaborone, known for the Gaborone Game Reserve. Mokolodi Nature Reserve is a renowned private game reserve in Botswana’s south. Moreover, another epic safari destination is Botswana’s part of the Okavango Delta and the Moremi Game Reserve. For those seeking a different adventure, Kgale Hill is a hiking destination close to Gaborone, well worth exploring for the amazing views. Read on to find out more about these exciting destinations in Botswana.

Mokolodi Nature Reserve, Botswana

Located in southern Botswana, Mokolodi Nature Reserve is a private, not-for-profit reserve, nestling on donated land. The reserve is a 6-mi (10-km) drive from Gaborone, the country’s capital city.

Here, a good range of African game, bird and reptile species can be seen, including a number threatened with extinction. The park is also involved in educating children about the various species and the importance of their conservation.

Mokolodi Nature Reserve is part of the national breeding program for white rhinoceros, set to rebuild the country’s national reserve. Meanwhile, other species on view include cheetah, giraffe, sable, mountain reedbuck, red hartebeest, kudu, gemsbok, leopard, spotted hyena, waterbuck and elephant. Moreover, Mokolodi offers comfortable accommodations while enjoying the reserve.

Hike Kgale Hill near Gaborone

While in the area, enjoy a hike on Kgale Hill just outside the city of Gaborone. The hill has been dubbed “The Sleeping Giant” due to its shape and peaks at 4,222 ft (1,287 m) above sea level. Kgale Hill offers three hiking trails, each taking approximately one hour to reach the summit. Along the trails, visitors are likely to see troops of baboons, hanging around to watch hikers pass by. Once at the summit, people can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views over the city and surrounding countryside.

Of interest to British readers, Kgale Hill was the set of the BBC comedy series, The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, which aired from 2009 to 2010. Meanwhile, the Botswana government cleverly invested $5 million in the TV series, which helped to develop the site to attract tourism.

The Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana

Heading to Northern Botswana, the Okavango Delta is a sprawling river delta, renowned for its endless and scenic grassy plains. Between them, the delta and the Moremi Game Reserve are ideal locations for spotting hippos, crocodiles and elephants. For adventurous travelers, exploring the delta in dugout canoes is a great adventure. Meanwhile, on dry land, giraffes, leopards, rhinos and lions can be seen.

Moreover, the park offers luxurious safari camps and private animal reserves. Here, guests can enjoy scenic flights over the wilderness and horseback riding safaris. Other activities include boating, fishing and bird watching.

Experience a safari adventure in Botswana this year, spotting the wildlife in national and private game reserves, while interacting with the friendly locals along the way.