African hunting safaris are on many international hunters’ bucket lists. The reason? Nothing comes close to a game hunting safari on African soil, hunting the diverse wildlife species on offer. And one destination that definitely comes to the party to deliver a superb experience, is Botswana.
Botswana: An Overview
Botswana is a landlocked country situated in Southern Africa. It shares its borders with other popular game hunting destinations, including South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. It is one of the least populated countries worldwide, and sports flourishing and diverse wildlife that captivates both hunters and non-hunting enthusiasts to visit this African gem.
As one of the most sparsely populated countries worldwide, Botswana is a dream come true for hunters wishing to experience “true” African hunting adventures. While trophy hunting in this diverse destination was declared illegal in 2014, the ban was lifted after five years, and Botswana is once again open to hunting, allowing hunters the opportunity to target a wide range of wildlife species.
The region is home to a thriving and diverse ecosystem that supports a vast number of animal, bird, and fish species.
Botswana combines abundant wildlife, diverse scenery, and some exquisite tourist attractions to allow an all-round African safari experience for anyone fortunate enough to visit it. It is the perfect safari hunting destination to include as a family destination, with various tourism attractions in the area allowing for pre- and post-hunting activities for the whole family.
Why Choose Botswana as Your Hunting Safari Destination?
Botswana is a natural choice for a game hunting destination for many reasons including:
- Easy air travel transfers from South Africa on airlines such as Air Botswana, SAA, and SA Airlink
- A wide range of wildlife is available to hunt, including the Big 5, Dangerous 7, African plains game, as well as specialty species.
- In addition to game hunting species, the destination is also home to a large number of birds, perfect for bird watching safaris.
- A diverse range of locations, including terrains and regions to enjoy on African hunts in Botswana
- Hunting safari rates are seen as being reasonably priced and not too exorbitant
- Botswana is seen as being safe when compared to other African destinations.
Hunting Areas in Botswana
Botswana is truly a country of hidden gems. With two exceptional game hunting areas, this country is well worth adding to your bucket list.
Botswana is home to an abundant array of wildlife, including dangerous game, African plains game, specialty species, and African cats. From the lush vegetation of the Okavango Delta to the arid landscape of the Kalahari Desert, wildlife is thriving in this African hunting mecca.
There are two main areas for hunting in Botswana, namely the Okavango Delta, and the Kalahari Desert region. Both these regions are renowned for their exceptional hunting trophies, with each having specific challenges and rewards to enjoying a hunting safari in the different regions.
Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is an inland delta and unique as unlike most deltas, it doesn’t drain into a river or sea but rather drains into the Kalahari basin. The delta is 5,800 square miles, with both wet and dry areas within the region. As one would imagine, with a great water source such as this one, it is home to a magnitude of animal, bird, and fish species.
There are a variety of vegetation types within the delta, where lush forest regions are home to trees such as the acacia, sausage, and sycamore varieties, while other areas include seasonal swamp-type zones, grasslands, and reeds, as well as woodlands and savannas.
As one would imagine, this lush vegetation, combined with a reliable water source has animals trekking for miles to enjoy it. Top predators in the region include leopards, lions, and cheetahs, not forgetting the Nile crocodile which happily patrols the waterways. Other predators such as the spotted hyena, the brown hyena, and wild dogs happily prey on a variety of African plains game and specialty animals that inhabit the area.
In addition to the lion, Nile crocodile, and leopard, other members of the Dangerous 7 inhabiting the area include the Cape buffalo, elephant, and hippo. Both the black and white rhino have been successfully reintroduced into the Okavango region through the Botswana Rhino Reintroduction Project but are not available for African hunts. Rhinos are found within protected areas and are available for game viewing through various organizations and conversation programs.
The lush region is the perfect habitat for African plains game, including the giraffe, greater zebra, plains zebra, red lechwe, warthog, and sable. No African hunting safari is complete without some baboons hanging around and these fascinating, yet dangerous mammals also call the Okavango home.
One of the great drawcards of the Okavango region is that it provides hunters with a truly “natural” hunting environment, without fences or fenced-in areas, making it a prime hunting ground for many types of hunting trophies.
Kalahari Desert
The Kalahari desert is a 350,000-mile squared area, covering much of Botswana, and extending into two of its neighbors, Namibia and South Africa.
In many ways, the Kalahari is not your typical desert of just sand and actually receives too much rain to be regarded as a desert. That being said, you would not think that an annual rainfall of 5-10 inches is much to write home about.
The Kalahari dunes are the largest continuous expanse of sand worldwide, and include vegetation such as deciduous trees, grasses, and shrub areas. The area is alive with all types of wildlife, from reptiles and birds to animals, both large and small. The northern and western areas of the Kalahari are known to be wetter, allowing for different types of vegetation, including the camelthorn.
The area is home to a variety of specialty game, including meerkats, mongooses, and honey badgers while numerous African cats call the Kalahari home. Starting with African cat apex predators, the Kalahari is home to lions, leopards, and cheetahs, while smaller predators include hyenas, wild dogs, and jackals. African plains game such as springbok, wildebeest, hartebeest, eland, oryx (gemsbok), giraffes, and zebra also inhabit the area.
The Kalahari is also home to other dangerous game species, such as the Cape buffalo and elephant, making it the perfect dangerous game hunting destination.
Hunting Methods in Botswana
Botswana allows the use of both rifles and bows for African plains game but bow hunting of dangerous game is not permitted. The area is rich with wildlife in abundance, allowing the hunter to be spoilt for choice. Three main hunting methods are utilized in Botswana, depending on your area, as well as your target game species.
Hunting in A Mokoro
A mokoro is a traditional dug-out canoe, often used in the Okavango Delta region. It is an unusual addition to a hunting adventure, allowing hunters the opportunity to up the excitement stakes on an already thrilling hunt. The mokoro allows hunters to spot game while navigating local waters, targeting animals such as Nile crocodiles, and hippos. Game on the river banks is also spotted, allowing the hunter a great freedom of choice.
Just a quick note here: Taking a shot from a mokoro is not as easy as it sounds, be warned!
Walk-and-Stalk with Expert Trackers
When it comes to tracking and hunting, some trackers need no introduction. In fact, the Bushmen, also referred to as the San people, have been hunter-gatherers in the region for more than 20,000 years. You don’t get more experience than that on an African hunt!
These expert trackers can read the bush terrain like no other, and you certainly are in good hands as they navigate their way, tracking each step and movement of your chosen target. Their inert ability to track at a moment’s notice is truly impressive and inspiring for any hunter interested in tracking.
Navigating from a vehicle
Botswana is a country of vast distances covered during a traditional hunting safari. Using vehicles allows the hunter to spot his trophy hunting target more easily.
Tourism in Botswana
When all is said and done, and the last game hunting trophy is harvested during your African hunting safari, you will be pleased to know that there are numerous tourism activities to indulge in, in this African gem. Tourists interested in more active activities can try their hand at angling, with tigerfish, bream, and catfish being popular catches amongst the country’s ample waterways.
Birdwatchers are spoilt for choice with more than 600 species of birds found in the area. Explore the Okavango Delta and other wetland regions to enjoy watching these feathered friends, both migratory and resident, in action.
For tourists in search of cultural tourism activities, Botswana offers an array of options including the opportunity to learn more about the San people by participating in nature walks and experiencing their heritage and culture.
For those wishing to take a bit of cultural souvenirs home with them, be sure to visit the local pottery centers near Gabarone, where the most beautiful pieces are produced. If you are visiting the Okavango region, the Hambukushu and Bayei women are renowned for their exquisite hand-woven baskets with intricate and colorful patterns.
A visit to Botswana’s Tsodilo Hills which is found in Ngamiland is well worth the effort. The Tsodilo Hills are quartzite rocky outcrops in the Kalahari Desert region and include more than 4,500 preserved rock paintings, which makes it one of the world’s largest concentrations of rock art and it is one of Botswana’s two World Heritage Site.
Did you know that the Okavango Delta is also a World Heritage Site? It is, in fact, Africa’s third-largest alluvial fan and the largest endorheic delta. This area is well worth exploring post-hunting safari! From boat cruises and game drives to nature walks in this lush area, the Okavango Delta should be on every tourist’s bucket list!
Botswana is truly an African gem, with its vast array of fauna and flora making it the perfect destination to explore on your own, or with your partner and family. Its friendly people, warm hospitality, and value for money make Botswana the perfect option for a pre or post-safari adventure!
FAQs
It is legal to hunt in Botswana?
Yes, hunting safaris in Botswana are legal.
When can I enjoy a hunting safari in Botswana?
Hunting season runs annually from the beginning of April to the end of September.
Is there dangerous game available for game hunting safaris in Botswana?
Yes, there are definitely options for dangerous game hunting safaris in Botswana. Although strict regulations and quota systems do apply, four of the Big 5 African big game animals are available to hunt, namely the Cape buffalo, lion, leopard, and elephant. Other members of the Dangerous 7 that are available to hunt are the Nile crocodile and hippo.
Is it safe to enjoy African hunts in Botswana?
Yes, it is safe. Once you have been collected at the airport and met by your outfitter, you will head out to the final game hunting destination. You will always be in the company of your outfitter, and they know which areas are safe or should be avoided.
As suggested when traveling anywhere in the world, keep your valuables close, keep money out of sight, and don’t tempt people.
What is the accommodation like during a Botswana game hunting safari?
The accommodation during a hunting safari in Botswana is much like any other African country, with various options available.
Some outfitters may have basic tent accommodation, others upmarket tented camps while still others may provide chalets or luxurious hunting lodges during your African hunting safari in Botswana.
One accommodation that is well worth considering and that is unique, is that of houseboats on the Okavango Delta. The Okavango Delta wetland area is one like no other worldwide. What better option than to slowly glide down the river, enjoying the views after a challenging game hunting adventure?
Can I hunt leopards with hounds in Botswana?
Yes, leopard hunting with hounds is legal in Botswana.
Does Botswana allow night hunting?
Yes, night hunting is allowed on private land, but not on government land.
Can I bow hunt in Botswana?
Yes, bow hunting is permitted in Botswana, but only for African plains game, and not for dangerous game hunting species. Check with your African outfitter about specific regulations and requirements timeously to ensure that you have the correct permits and permissions to enjoy your Botswana hunting adventure.
What is a mokoro?
A mokoro is a traditional wooden canoe that is used during hunting safaris in Botswana.
Is Botswana a malaria zone?
Yes, malaria is present in Botswana, and it is recommended that you take anti-malaria medication before your African hunting trip. Check with your healthcare provider as to the details and timing.
Visit Botswana and Make Your African Hunting Trip a Reality
For those wanting to combine an African hunting safari with an unforgettable tourism experience, Botswana is certainly a good option. Its combination of tourism activities, along with a wide range of hunting species and unforgettable hunting experiences, make this a winning African hunting destination.
Read more about Big Game Hunting in Botswana, or the role of Conservation in Elephant Hunting.
Author: B. Hershensohnn