The Traveling Taylors

Looking at a map of Botswana, you’ll quickly notice something special: vast open spaces, scattered rivers, and some of Africa’s most pristine wilderness. Despite being landlocked, Botswana is one of the continent’s most rewarding destinations for nature lovers. This map guide will help you understand the country’s regions, travel routes, and must-see highlights before you go.

1. The Northern Region: Okavango Delta & Chobe

Okavango Delta

• A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Botswana’s crown jewel.
• Seasonal floods create a lush oasis full of wildlife.
• Explore by mokoro canoe, scenic flight, or 4×4 safari.

When visiting famous landmarks and scenic viewpoints in Botswana, many travelers like bringing a compact selfie stick tripod like this one so they can easily capture photos without asking strangers.

Chobe National Park

• Located northeast of the Delta near Kasane.
• Famous for its massive elephant herds and Chobe River cruises.
• Great access to Victoria Falls via the border at Kazungula.

Don’t Miss: A combined Delta–Chobe itinerary for the ultimate safari circuit—see our full Chobe National Park guide for planning. From Kasane you can book a Chobe full-day safari with game drive, boat cruise, and lunch. Because you’ll likely be outside for hours, bringing UV-protective sunglasses like these can help keep your eyes comfortable throughout the day.

2. The Central Region: Makgadikgadi & Kalahari

Makgadikgadi Pans

• One of the largest salt flats in the world—shimmering white during the dry season.
• Visit during the wet season (Dec–Apr) to see zebra and flamingo migrations.
• Stay in nearby Gweta or Nata for easy access.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve

• Vast desert wilderness and the heart of Botswana.
• Home to oryx, cheetahs, and the San (Bushmen) communities.
• Ideal for off-grid explorers who love wide horizons and solitude.

Pro Tip: Combine the Pans and Kalahari for contrasting desert landscapes. Staying hydrated is important when exploring the Kalahari, so many travelers carry a collapsible water bottle like this one that folds flat when empty.

3. The Southern Region: Gaborone & Surroundings

Gaborone (Capital City)

• The modern hub of Botswana and the gateway for most international arrivals.
• Explore the National Museum, Three Dikgosi Monument, and Kgale Hill.
• Great dining, craft markets, and comfortable hotels.

Mokolodi Nature Reserve

• Just 15 km from Gaborone—perfect for a quick wildlife fix.
• Home to rhinos, giraffes, and antelope.

Lobatse & Kanye

• Historic towns with scenic hills and traditional architecture.
• Offer a glimpse into everyday Botswana life beyond the safari circuit.

If you’re visiting multiple attractions throughout the day, attaching an Apple AirTag like this one to your bag or backpack can give you peace of mind in case something gets misplaced.

4. The Western Region: Remote Wilderness

Tsodilo Hills

• Known as the “Louvre of the Desert,” this UNESCO site features over 4,000 ancient rock paintings.
• A sacred site for local San communities.
• Great for hiking and cultural exploration.

Comfortable shoes are essential when exploring Tsodilo Hills, and many travelers recommend supportive walking sneakers like these for full days of sightseeing.

Gcwihaba Caves

• A hidden gem in northwest Botswana with limestone chambers and bats.
• Best visited with a guide from Maun or nearby lodges.

Travel Note: Roads here are rough—4×4 required and camping recommended.

5. Getting Around Botswana

• By Air: Small charter flights link Maun, Kasane, and the Okavango camps.
• By Road: Good main highways but expect gravel tracks in rural and park areas.
• Border Crossings: Botswana connects easily with South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Tip: Rent a 4×4 if you want to explore independently; otherwise, lodges often handle transfers between destinations. If you plan to rent a 4×4 for day trips outside the city, a hands-free phone mount like this one can make it much easier to follow GPS directions safely while driving.

Reading the Map Beyond the Roads

Botswana’s map tells the story of a country defined by space and serenity. From the shimmering Delta in the north to the calm hills of Gaborone in the south, every region offers a new adventure. Whether you’re tracing safari routes or mapping out cultural stops, Botswana’s beauty unfolds best when you look beyond the roads and into its wild, open heart. For more, see our complete Botswana travel guide and our Botswana safari guide.