Botswana Wildlife

Botswana is one of the world’s renowned wildlife sighting destinations especially those interested in seeing Africa’s big game. There is chance to view all Africa’s “Big Five” (buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhino). The other large predators include; the giant spotted hyena, endangered African wild dog plus uncommon brown hyena; there is a staggering diversity of antelopes and other herbivores as well. The country also doubles as a great destination for tourists who wish to see the big cats. Big cats are the prime animal attraction of Botswana safari with the cheetah being the most attractive.

THE “BIG FIVE” IN BOTSWANA

African buffalo; this is one of Africa’s most fierce of the “Big Five” – so named for being exceptionally dangerous animals by early hunters. They tend to become exceedingly aggressive if cornered or injured.

Elephant; Botswana boasts Africa’s largest population of elephants – well above 100,000 in number, mostly concentrated in the country’s north. Perfect viewing is along the Savuti Channel, Linyanti and along the riverfront in Chobe National Park.

Leopards; are reliably common all over Botswana. They live a solitary and cautious lifestyle. Leopards are terrific hunters and prey on a broad range of species including impala, warthog, bushbuck, birds. A visit to the Okavango Delta presents the most vivid chance for seeing a leopard in Botswana.

Lions; are found throughout much of Botswana in the huge areas protecting wildlife in the country. There is an estimated 2500-3500 lions wandering wild in Botswana, with a good number residing in Chobe National Park, Linyanti, the Okavango Delta as well as in the southern Limpopo regions; they are also predominant in the Central Kalahari and Makgadikgadi areas.

The Black and White rhinoceros had been extinct in Botswana since the 1980′s but have recently been reintroduced in the Okavango Delta. These animals have been brutally hunted to extinction in much of their original range for their horns, which are used in the Far East for superstitious, virility medications and potions.

LARGE PREDATORS

African wild dog; it is one of the most endangered animals in Africa, with estimates of 3000-4000 animals left in the wild, most in southern Africa. The Okavango and Linyanti are their strongholds in Botswana. This is another prized safari animal and many people come to Botswana with the wild dog on the top of their desire list.

Spotted hyena; occurs widely throughout in Chobe National Park, the Okavango and Linyanti. This animal is considered to be one of Africa’s “super predators” along with lions. They are mistakenly thought to be scavengers by many; however, they are extremely proficient hunters in their own right.

Brown Hyena; is a very strange animal and hence seen less as their numbers are far lower. In Botswana they occur in the central Kalahari and the Makgadikgadi in sizeable numbers but seldom in the Okavango.

HERBIVORES

Eland; this is Africa’s largest antelope species, with males averaging 600 kg., but reaching 900 kg. They are uncommon in Botswana, but Chobe has a recognizable number and they occur sporadically in the Okavango.

The hippo (Hippopotamus); these bulky animals are very familiar in Africa and popular wherever suitable habitat, that being fresh water, is found. Come second in body weight only to the elephant, with adult average weight close to 1.5 tonnes.

Giraffe; this is Africa’s tallest animal and is common wherever its preferred trees i.e. acacia, Lead wood, sausage trees, and other species grow. The giraffe’s long neck and jagged spot patterns make it another unmistakable animal and a favorite for its graceful motion and calm nature.

Cheetahs; this is Botswana’s big cat and also a prized attraction for cat lovers. Cheetahs hunt by running down their prey with their incredible speed over short distances. Cheetahs have been clocked chasing prey at over 100 km/ hr, but can only keep up this pace over short distances and they must rest to recover before feeding. Cheetahs need wide open spaces to hunt their prey and are found on the dry islands of the Okavango and the Central Kalahari areas.

ANTELOPES

Blue wildebeest; is often seen grazing alongside zebras on Botswana’s grassy plains. Together with the zebra, they form the great herds of Botswana and the only remaining migration in the country.

Gemsbok; is a swift antelope with long, straight and very impressive horns ending in a sharp point. Very dangerous when wounded and it has been known to impale lions with its horns. Dominant in dry habitats.

The sitatunga; this is a shy animal that typically stays hidden in the papyrus and a sitatunga sighting is a special treat. As one of Botswana’s semi-aquatic antelopes along with red lechwe and waterbucks, it depends on water; it is not an amphibius animal. It is common around permanent water-inundated areas of the Okavango Delta and the Linyanti river system.

Roan antelope; The roan is also found only in specific habitats and is not abundant anywhere, making it another special Botswana safari sighting.

Zebra; Botswana’s zebra are the Burchelle’s zebra and they are certainly one of the more recognizable animals for anyone on a safari. Zebra are the “wild horse” of the African plains and their beauty as the graze in herds is one of Botswana’s most photogenic sights.

Great efforts are being done to protect all this wildlife, although it requires joint collaboration from other countries to make everything working. A Botswana is simply a unique place for wildlife conservation and Botswana safaris.