Hunting in Botswana is a bucket list item for many game hunting enthusiasts worldwide. The allure of the country’s diverse hunting terrain, combined with the vast abundance of wildlife species, is enough to get any hunter’s heart beating faster. And tucked away in the north of this African county lies a special hunting paradise, just waiting to be explored. That paradise is the Okavango Delta.

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Key Takeaways

• Botswana is a prime destination for game hunting in Africa and remains a sought-after destination for hunting both dangerous and African plains game species.
• Four of Africa’s Big 5 species can be hunted in Botswana. The lion, leopard, elephant, and Cape buffalo can be hunted, with the rhino not being available for Botswana hunting safaris.
• The Okavango Delta is situated in the northwestern region of Botswana.
• This area is known for its large range of fauna and flora and remains a sought-after destination for trophy hunting in Botswana.
• The area is renowned for its dangerous game species, as well as African plains game animals.
• Various hunting methods are used when hunting in Botswana.

Hunting in Botswana: An Overview

This popular game hunting country is found in sub-Sahara Africa, bordered by South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Namibia, all famous game hunting destinations in their own right. Home to both African plains game and big game hunting opportunities, Botswana hunting safaris combine the best of both worlds: an excellent destination for good quality trophies, as well as differing landscapes to challenge the hunter’s skills, enhance his experience, and provide an unforgettable game hunting safari.

Why is Botswana such a Popular Game Hunting Destination?

Botswana ticks the boxes for many hunters looking for a unique and unusual, true African hunting safari:

• Botswana hunting safaris offer hunters a diverse range of species to harvest. From dangerous and big game hunting safaris to African plains game hunts, the destination definitely ticks the boxes in terms of variety and abundance.
• Not only does hunting in Botswana offer an array of species, but landscapes also differ, with the two main hunting areas consisting of the Kalahari and the Okavango Delta regions.
• As with traveling anywhere worldwide, safety does need to be considered. Botswana is seen as a safe destination. As outfitters generally collect their hunting guests from the airport and transport them straight through to the hunting grounds, travelers spend very little time within the city, rather heading out to the outfitter’s camps and concessions, ready for a daring African hunt.
• The destination is easily accessible with regular flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town (South Africa) to Gaborone, Maun, Kasane, and Francistown.
• For those heading to the Okavango Delta, the main entry port for Botswana hunting safaris in this region is Maun.
• When the hunting ban was lifted by the government in 2019, the objective was to give back to the local communities, through controlled trophy hunting in Botswana and therefore the generation of an income for these communities. By hunting in Botswana, a hunter is assisting with the upliftment of local communities.
• Botswana engages in regulated hunting practices to ensure a sustainable game hunting environment with healthy wildlife populations.

The Okavango Delta: A Hunter’s Paradise

Located in the northwest of the country, the Okavango Delta is a prime hunting destination for hunter’s visiting Botswana. The area is a prime location for hunting both dangerous game as well as African plains game species.

Fast Facts

• The Okavango Delta is a vast inland delta located in northwestern Botswana, formed where the Okavango River flows into the Kalahari Desert.
• It is recognized as Africa’s third-largest alluvial fan and the continent’s largest endorheic delta.
• The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The area is home to more than 130 species of mammals, including the lion, African wild dog, elephant, and Cape buffalo.
• The area has more than 150,000 islands, some are tiny tidal islands whereas others are quite large.
• Flooding in the area between March and August increases the side of the delta by up to three times.
• The area remains a prime hunting ground for both African plains game as well as dangerous game species.

Popular Species to Hunt in the Okavango Delta and Surrounding Areas

Elephants

Elephant hunting in Botswana is not something for the faint-hearted. While these members of Africa’s Big 5 and Dangerous 7 may appear quite docile, they can and will attack should they feel threatened or perceive danger. Botswana elephant hunts are strictly controlled and regulated, and hunters wanting to enjoy this dangerous game hunting activity should be well-versed in hunting dangerous game.

A CITES permit is required for non-resident hunters, with a .375 caliber being the minimum legal requirement when elephant hunting in Botswana.

Cape Buffalo

Often referred to as “Africa’s Black Death” for good reason, the Cape buffalo is a worthy adversary for those wanting an action-packed dangerous game hunting safari. Known for their cunning and aggressive natures, especially when wounded, these members of the Big 5 are dangerous, challenging, and exceptionally rewarding to hunt.

Once again, a minimum of a .375 caliber rifle is the legal requirement when hunting dangerous game in Botswana.

Leopard

Leopard hunting in Botswana is a both thrilling and challenging, with these nocturnal African cats being masters of camouflage and exceptionally difficult to spot. The lush Okavango Delta, with its dense vegetation is the perfect habitat for this elusive species to live, hunt, and prosper.

When trophy hunting in Botswana, this African cat is one of the most dangerous animals you will come across in the region, especially if wounded. Ensure your shot placement is spot on, because hunting a wounded leopard is not only extremely dangerous, but also very challenging, as the leopard is an agile, ferocious cat that skulks in the shadows, ready to pounce without hesitation or warning.

A CITES permit is required for leopard hunting in Botswana. It is important to note that there are strict laws pertaining to leopard hunting safaris, due to conservation initiatives. A .375 caliber rifle is the minimum legal requirement when leopard hunting in Botswana.

African Plains Game

The Okavango Delta is alive with an array of African plains game species to target. From the giraffe, majestic sable and Africa’s gray ghost, the kudu, to impala, zebra, warthog and red lechwe, Botswana hunting safaris are alive with opportunities to target these plains game species.

The Okavango Delta, with its range of habitats from grasslands and marshes to forests, is the perfect habitat for African plains game. Hunting each of these species brings its own challenges and rewards, allowing a hunter to showcase his range of skills as well as patience and perseverance in targeting these beautiful game.

Hunting Methods in the Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta region allows for a range of hunting methods, which depends on the type of species that are targeted.

• Mokoro: A traditional wooden canoe, this method of hunting is used to target species that would otherwise be inaccessible due to the water, or the conditions, for example hippos, crocodile, Cape buffalo and even the sitatunga.
• Walk and Stalk: The hunting party usually starts off in a 4×4 hunting vehicle, and then when a track is found, tracking starts on foot.
• Spot and Stalk: The hunting party will spot the prey from a distance, for example an elephant, and slowly stalk them on foot, going closer until they are within shooting range.

Hunting Conditions at the Okavango Delta: A Challenging Hunting Environment

Like any other hunting ground worldwide, there are both challenges and rewards of pursuing a game hunting safari in the Okavango Delta:

• Like any game hunting destination, Botswana has its own hunting regulations that need to be adhered to.
• While hunting in the Okavango usually takes place in the drier months, the temperatures can be quite challenging, reaching up to 84°F. Hunters need to carefully plan their strategy and ensure that they do not become dehydrated over this time.
• The Okavango Delta is home to a variety of terrains. From wetlands, lagoons, marshes, and islands, to grassy plains and forests, the terrain can be challenging for hunters as it requires a great deal of physical fitness and the ability to adapt the hunting strategy as the terrain changes.
• While some of the areas of the Okavango Delta can be quite easy to reach using a 4×4 vehicle, others remain quite difficult to reach without using traditional boats, such as the mokoros. This should be taken into consideration when planning the Botswana hunting safari.
• Hunters can expect long walks and hikes through difficult terrain as they hunt in the Okavango Delta. Areas can range from dry through to wet, and hunters should be appropriately dressed, carry sufficient water and other drinks for adequate hydration, and be ready for anything that comes their way in terms of obstacles.
• Hunters should remember when booking their Botswana hunting safari, that the best times to hunt in the Okavango is during the dry season, when water is otherwise scarce and game tend to congregate around local waterholes.
• Utilizing local professional hunters, trackers, and guides not only assists in providing employment opportunities for local communities but also ensures that your professional team are well-versed in hunting in the area and are therefore able to provide you with key insights and information relating to hunting in the Okavango.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Botswana’s hunting season?

Botswana’s hunting season runs from the beginning of April to the end of September.

Can you hunt dangerous game in Botswana?

Yes, dangerous game be hunted in Botswana. Four of Africa’s Big 5 are available to hunt in the region, namely the elephant, lion, leopard, and Cape buffalo. The rhino is not available for hunting in Botswana. Two other very challenging species to target when dangerous game hunting in Botswana are the hippo and Nile crocodile.

What are Botswana’s main hunting regions?

Botswana’s main hunting areas are the Okavango Delta, in the northwestern region of the country, as well as the Kalahari.

When it the best time to hunt in the Okavango Delta?

The best time for hunting in the Okavango Delta is during the dry season, from May to October. During this time the animals flock to the water sources due to the scarcity of water elsewhere and tend to congregate around them. This behavior makes the animals easier to track, spot and harvest.

What type of species are available to hunt in the Okavango?

The Okavango Delta is renowned for its array of African plains game, as well as dangerous game hunting opportunities, with species such as the elephant, lion, Cape buffalo, hippo, and leopard, amongst others, being available to hunt in the region.

Conclusion

Enjoying trophy hunting in Botswana is a bucket list item for many game hunters worldwide. The thrill of the chase, the challenge of the hunt and the enjoyment of a successful Botswana hunting safari makes the destination a popular one across the board.

Add to this the excitement of the Okavango Delta and its range of species, conditions, climate, and hunting methods, and it is plain to see why hunters flock to the region.

Why miss out? Book your next trip to go hunting in Botswana’s Okavango region, you won’t be disappointed.