Between the phenomenal wildlife and impressive natural landscape, Botswana is sure to surpass all traveler's trip expectations. Guaranteed these natural attractions will leave you in awe and wanting to experience more of this beautiful country. With so much to offer, we have done the hard work for you and have narrowed down the top 9 things to do during your next exploration to Botswana:

1. River Cruise Around Chobe National Park

One of the most accessible National Parks in all of Africa, Chobe National Park brings together Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Here you will find one of the largest concentrations of game in the entirety of Africa. This park is home to all of the ‘Big Five’ (elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion, and leopard)! While you can embark on a traditional land drive safari, this park also offers the unique river cruise option as well. A ride on the Chobe River is bound to bring you up close with crocodiles, bathing baby elephants, buffalo, and many beautiful birds. While on the river, you’ll even have the option of staying overnight on a luxurious houseboat.

2. Explore Gaborone

Gaborone, the capital and the largest city of Botswana offers an insight into the 21st-century vibe of this area of the country. Explore the modern buildings in the middle of the surrounding tropical landscape, an unusual sight in this African nation. Here you will find a decent selection of hotels and restaurants. Gaborone carries the reputation of paving the way for the country’s future. 

3. Stroll Through Francistown

The oldest town in Botswana and the second largest to Gaborone, Francistown was built around the local gold mining business. While visiting, the main sight to explore is the Supa Ngwao Museum that offers many exhibits that highlight the life and culture of the Kalanga people. 'Birds and Game Botswana' is another spot to visit. The center serves as a refuge for orphaned wild animals. Experience the all around recent economic boom linked to the recent resurgence of gold mining.

4. Meet the Bushmen

Some of the oldest inhabitants of Southern Africa, the San people have existed on the vast land of Botswana for more than 20,000 years. They are incredibly knowledgable of the land around them and continue to pass on their detailed teachings to younger generations. A short walk in the desert with this group will leave you with an experience you will never forget. You’ll learn the ins-and-outs of extracting water from deep underground, locating animal tracks, spotting wildlife and setting guinea fowl traps.

5.  Hike Tsodilo Hills

This spiritual outdoor art gallery features more than 4,000 ancient San Bushmen rock paintings. You’ll find more than 400 sites with designs of ritual dances, hunting scenes, and safari animals dating back to more than 20,000 years ago. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is where the San Bushmen believe spirits of the dead rest and where the first creation of man occurred. For the best experience, utilize a local guide to hike through the three main hills and visit the small informative museum. If you are feeling outdoorsy, take advantage of a night or two at the local basic campsite.

6. View Rhinos at the Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Located outside of Seroe, the Kharma Rhino Sanctuary offers opportunities to spot both the black and white rhino. This spot is a project created and run by the local Botswana community. This sustainable tourism is aimed to benefit the local people and wildlife through its visitors. In addition to rhinos, this sanctuary also offers 30 other species of animals along with a wide variety of African birdlife as well. Bring your swimsuit for a dip in the sanctuary’s pool after an afternoon in the hot African sun. Stop by the restaurant on site for a bite to eat as well.

7. ATV Over the Great Makgadikgadi Pans 

One of the largest and unique salt flats in the world, the Makgadikgadi Pans are in close proximity to the town of Nata. It is popular to drive either a 4x4 or an ATV through the park as you chase the sunset off into the distance. Visitors are also allowed to set up an overnight stay within the park where you’ll be able to spot shooting stars next to a roaring warm campfire.

8. Canoe Through the Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is a mixture of sand, water, and marsh. It is widely known to be one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in the entire world. You’ve probably have seen it featured on Planet Earth or National Geographic before. The best way to experience the Delta is on a mokoro which is a traditional dugout canoe. It is the perfect design for navigating the shallow waters of the Delta. Expect to get up close and personal with the local wildlife. Look out for the hippos! For budget travelers, camp in Moremi National Park, and then organize your mokoro trip from there. If looking to experience the Delta from above, hot air balloon rides offer a unique perspective from above.

9. Visit During the Green Season

For those who have a soft spot in their heart for baby animals, a visit to Botswana during the Green Season will promise an overload of cuteness. From November to April every year, the land of Botswana turns green from the rain and baby animals are abundant. Rain means life and is incredibly important to Botswana as their currency is named after it. This falls during Botswana’s low travel season and you will find rates much lower than during other times of the year. 

Whether you are a luxury traveler or a backpacker on a budget, Botswana has plenty to offer all of its visitors. No matter which activities you choose to partake in, it will be sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With the enchanting sunsets and captivating beauty, what is holding you back from visiting one of the top destinations in the world? Let Acanela take care of your next trip to Botswana!

Post written by: Kirsten Cusack, @kirqsak