Botswana’s magnificent wildlife can be observed in the national parks; for details of these, see the Resorts & Excursions section. Visits can be arranged independently or with tour operators. 4-wheel-drive vehicles tend to be expensive to hire, and budget travellers are not encouraged. Botswana is particularly good for horseback safaris and it is also possible to go on elephant-back safaris. Entry permits are required for all reserves. Visits can be booked up to 12 months in advance through Embassies and High Commissions or through the Parks and National Reserves Office in Gaborone (see Resorts & Excursions section). The best time of year to visit the parks is between April and October; the game is more difficult to see in the rainy months when the grass is high and there is plenty of water around, so the game does not have to rely on the waterholes and moves off into remote areas. In the dry winter season, however, the animals congregate around water sources. For further details, contact the Department of Tourism (see Contact Addresses section).

Fishing trips, water-skiing, motorboat and canoe hire are available to varying degrees. Near to Gaborone is a dam with a yacht club offering sailing, water-skiing and fishing; use of facilities is available to visitors at the invitation of a club member.