Botswana Activities FAQ - Botswana FAQ Guide

Exploring the ecosystem by Mokero.



What land activities can I do in Botswana?

Botswana offers most land wildlife activities that are available in Africa. Game drives, night drives, quad bikes, walking safaris, elephant back safaris, horseback safaris, bicycle safaris and cultural tours form part of one of the continent’s most complete African safaris. These activities are not all offered together in the same areas but rather are area specific.

The quad biking for example is done on the Makgadikgadi Pans and the bicycle safaris are offered in the Mashatu Game Reserve. Night drives are not offered in the parks and reserves but rather in the private concession areas. Horse safaris and elephant back safaris are offered in the Okavango Delta.

Walking safaris and game drive are the two most widely offered activities in Botswana – location been the only inhibiting factor for these two activities. In the permanent delta the lodges are on small islands thus making game drives impractical.

What water based activities can I do in Botswana?

Botswana is blessed with the Okavango Delta and the Chobe River where water-based activities offer spectacular wildlife and general nature experiences. On the Chobe River boat cruises allow for a unique perspective of the multitude of animals that come down to swim or drink at the water’s edge. Boats vary in size from barge-type cruisers to small motor-boats.

The Okavango Delta is renowned for the traditional makoro or dug-out canoe which allows for a unique safari activity. Cruising through the channels and floodplains of the delta is a peaceful, soul-enriching experience. Used by people of the delta to cross waters and to fish from the makoro has become part of African safari folklore.

What is a mokoro?

A makoro also spelt mokoro is a dug-out canoe carved from the trunks of ebony and sausage trees and used by the people of the Okavango to transport cargo and ferry people across waterways. The fishermen of the area also use the craft a great deal to check their nets and carry their catch. The makoro is controlled by a person standing at the back and using a long wooden pole for steering.

Today the makoro is synonymous with a Botswana safari where guests are ‘poled’ through the waterways of the delta. With the growth in tourism however the old trees of the delta were under threat from the need for makoros. A solution was found and the makoros at all lodges are fibreglass replicas. Even the locals are starting to use the modern version.

Are Botswana activities seasonal?

Due to the unique workings of the Okavango Delta some of the activities are seasonal. Boat and makoro excursions are not available at certain times of the year in the delta due to lack of water. As the water on the south-western floodplains recedes the lodges in the area rely more on game drives and walking safaris.

Game drives are generally not affected except in some camps where too much water floods roads and bridges – forcing the use of more water activities.

Can I do Elephant Back Safaris in Botswana?

Botswana is home to the original elephant back safari. In the 1980’s an American animal trainer at a zoo in Portland wanted to relocate the three African elephants in his care back to Africa. After much drama they found a home in the Okavango delta where they were allowed some freedom. Elephant back safaris in Botswana were born. Today the herd is relatively large and the safaris are world-renowned.

Recently an elephant experience was set up at Baines Camp. Here the experience is more with interacting with the animals than the actual riding. Read more about Elephant Back Safaris in Botswana

Are children allowed on Botswana activities?

Most lodges in Botswana have rules governing children on safari due to the fact that the lodges are in wilderness areas. Age limits vary from lodge to lodge with some lodges not accepting children younger than 16 and some taking children as young as 6.

When it comes to activities however most lodges that take children under 16 insist on the family having a private vehicle – extra cost is involved. Children under 16 are generally not allowed on walks.