The excitement of spotting Africa’s iconic Big 5 in Botswana—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—is unmatched. With vast, unspoiled landscapes and some of the best wildlife conservation efforts in Africa, Botswana offers an extraordinary safari experience. From the lush waterways of the Okavango Delta to the predator-rich plains of Savuti, here are our top picks of where to go for the ultimate Big 5 safari in Botswana.
Where to Find the Big 5 in Botswana: Okavango Delta
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Okavango Delta is one of the most breathtaking safari destinations in the world. This vast inland oasis supports an incredible diversity of wildlife, including the Big 5 in Botswana. Elephants frequently wade through the water channels, while lions hunt in coordinated prides across the delta’s rich floodplains. Leopards, though elusive, lounge in the trees or stalk their prey along the waterways. Large buffalo herds roam the drier regions of the delta. And thanks to ongoing conservation efforts, rhinos have made a remarkable comeback in select areas.
Moremi Game Reserve, the delta’s only protected area, offers top Big 5 sightings. Visitors can explore by mokoro canoe or on a game drive.
If you find this interesting, please read our blog: Okavango Delta Safari-Africa’s Ultimate Wildlife Wonderland
Chobe National Park: A Top Destination for the Big 5 in Botswana
Chobe National Park is one of Botswana’s most famous wildlife reserves and is home to the largest population of elephants in Africa. These gentle giants gather in massive numbers along the Chobe River. Particularly during the dry season, this behaviour creates some of the most spectacular wildlife sightings in the world. Alongside them, lions prowl the floodplains, often seen stalking prey near the riverbanks. Leopards prefer the forested areas and blend seamlessly into their surroundings but sometimes lounge in the trees. Buffalo herds thrive in Chobe and move in large numbers across the park. Rhinos, though present, remain highly protected and rarely appear to visitors.
One of the best ways to experience Chobe’s wildlife is on a boat safari along the Chobe River. Here elephants, buffaloes, and other animals congregate at the water’s edge. This offers a unique and intimate way to observe the Big 5 without disturbing their natural behaviour.
Savuti: One of the Best Places to See the Big 5 in Botswana
For those in search of dramatic predator action, Savuti is one of the best places to see the Big 5 in Botswana.
This remote region, part of Chobe National Park, hosts formidable lion prides, with some successfully taking down elephants—an extraordinary and rare behaviour in the wild.
Leopards often prowl Savuti, using the rocky outcrops as vantage points for hunting.
Large herds of buffalo move through the area, especially during the dry season when water sources become limited. Elephants, ever-present in Botswana, are also common in Savuti, gathering around remaining waterholes. While rhinos are present in some protected areas of Botswana, sightings in Savuti are rare due to their low population numbers.
The best time to visit Savuti is during the dry season from June to October, when wildlife activity intensifies, and predator-prey interactions become more dramatic.
Khama Rhino Sanctuary: The Best Place to See Rhinos in Botswana
While rhinos are the most elusive of the Big 5 in Botswana, the Khama Rhino Sanctuary offers a rare opportunity to see both black and white rhinos up close. This community-driven conservation project has played a crucial role in protecting and reintroducing these endangered giants, making sightings almost guaranteed.
Aside from rhinos, the sanctuary is home to other members of the Big 5, including elephants, lions, and buffaloes. Unlike the vast and open landscapes of Chobe and the Okavango, Khama provides a more controlled environment. This makes it an excellent option for first-time safari-goers or those on self-drive safaris.
Linyanti: An Exclusive Safari Destination for the Big 5
For those seeking an exclusive and remote safari experience, Linyanti offers some of the best Big 5 sightings in Botswana. Located between Chobe and the Okavango, this private reserve is known for its high concentration of big cats, particularly leopards and lions.
Elephants migrate through the reserve in vast numbers, especially during the dry season when they seek out the remaining water sources. Buffalo herds are also common, moving in large groups that attract the attention of Linyanti’s dominant lion prides. While rhinos are known to exist in Botswana, they are rarely sighted in this region, making every glimpse of them even more special.
With fewer visitors than Chobe and Moremi, Linyanti offers a more intimate and uncrowded safari experience, where each game drive feels like a private expedition into the wild.
Why Botswana is the Best Destination for a Big 5 Safari
Botswana’s dedication to conservation and low-impact tourism ensures that its wilderness areas remain unspoiled and rich in wildlife. Whether you’re gliding silently through the Okavango Delta in a mokoro, watching a pride of lions stalk their prey in Savuti, or marvelling at the sheer number of elephants along the Chobe River, a safari in Botswana is nothing short of extraordinary.
For those seeking Africa’s raw wilderness and the Big 5 in Botswana, Botswana offers top safari experiences, from private reserves to national parks. If Botswana is on a bucket list, then please read our blog, Best Time to Visit Botswana for a Safari. A Month-by-Month Guide
Plan Your Dream Safari with Marula Hill Travel
Experience Botswana’s extraordinary wildlife with a tailor-made safari designed just for you. At Marula Hill Travel, we create personalised journeys with expert guidance and exclusive access to Botswana’s top lodges. Whether you seek an intimate escape or a thrilling wildlife adventure, we’ll craft the perfect itinerary for you.
For a bespoke honeymoon experience, contact Marula Hill Travel:
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Get in touch today, and let’s start planning your unforgettable Big 5 safari in Botswana!
