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Wildlife & Animals in Botswana

Botswana Safaris Botswana

Botswana is one of the best wildlife destinations in Africa, with the varied habitats of the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park and the reserves of the Kalahari all filled with animals. Most big safari animals are easily seen, with the exception of rhino. The northern parks, reserves and wilderness areas all have permanent water sources and plenty of animals, while the dry parks in the south have desert-adapted species all their own.

  • Abundant
  • Common
  • Occasional
  • Rare
  • None
Elephant
Abundant
Giraffe
Abundant
Hippo
Abundant
Buffalo
Abundant
Zebra
Abundant
Wildebeest
Abundant
White Rhino
Very Rare
Black Rhino
Very Rare
Lion
Common
Leopard
Occasional
Cheetah
Occasional
Hyena
Common
Wild Dog
Occasional

Wildlife Highlights

In addition to big cats, the Okavango Delta and surrounding areas contain one of the largest populations of the endangered African wild dog. Packs of wild dog roam over large territories, and they are most easily seen while denning. The semi-aquatic sitatunga and red lechwe inhabit the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve, while red lechwe and puku can be seen in Chobe National Park’s riverfront area. Chobe is incredible for big cats and among the best places in Africa to see elephants.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

In general, wildlife viewing is best during the Dry season (April to October) when vegetation is thinner and animals gather around water, which makes them easier to spot. The best time for watching wildlife in the unique ecosystem of the Okavango Delta is from July to October, when it is in flood.

The drier parks in the Kalahari are better for wildlife viewing during the Wet season (November to March) when fresh grasses attract animals from the north.


Wildlife Rating per Major Park

Recommended Wildlife Books

  • Wildlife of Botswana: A Photographic Guide
    Detailed coverage of Botswana’s mammals and other wildlife.
    Nikos Petrou and Neil MacLeod
  • Stuarts’ Field Guide to Mammals of Southern Africa
    Comprehensive for Botswana; app available.
    Chris Stuart and Mathilde Stuart
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals (book and app)
    Comprehensive field guide to all of Africa’s mammals.
    Jonathan Kingdon
  • Wildlife of the Okavango
    Top guide to Botswana’s most iconic wildlife destination.
    Duncan Butchart
  • Tracker Manual: A Practical Guide to Animal Tracking in Southern Africa
    Check the spoor and other telltale signs of 160 species.
    Alex van den Heever, Renias Mhlongo and Karel Benadie

Wildlife Photos

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