Travel Guide’s Tips for Tracking the Big Five in Botswana

When embarking on a Botswana safari, many people set a goal of seeing the Big Five during their trip. Not only are these animals impressive in size, but some of them—such as the leopard—quite rare!

In this article, we have a closer look at each of the species representing the Big Five, the tracking techniques used by local guides, and the national parks home to these incredible animals!

The Big Five

Lions

Did you know that lions sleep as much as 20 hours a day? While the chances are good that you’ll see lions on your Botswana safari, you’ll most likely see the pack sleeping or lazing about. If you’re set up with an experienced guide, you may even experience a stalk-and-kill.

Leopards

Leopards are undoubtedly the most elusive of the Big Five. Not only are they nocturnal, but they spend a lot of time hiding out in trees to protect themselves from scavengers. Once again, an experienced guide should be able to track a Leopard which is definitely the highlight on any safari.

Buffalos

Buffalos are large grazing animals that prefer grasslands and savannah. They can weigh up to 700 kilogrammes, and their sharp horns make them dangerous if threatened. Their sheer herd numbers make a great photographic experience.

Elephants

Botswana is home to over 130,000 elephants. These gentle giants can be seen splashing alongside river beds and snacking on thorn trees. Their size is truly impressive and seeing them in person is an unforgettable experience.

Rhinos

It’s a sad reality that thousands of rhinos have been poached for their horns. These days, rhinos are heavily protected and their numbers have begun to rise again thanks to Botswana’s local breeding programmes. You will be contributing to the effective protection of this species by visiting Botswana.

Guides’ Tracking Techniques 

Botswana has among the the best safari guides in Africa, as they have to undergo rigorous training and extensive apprenticeships before they assume their positions. Local guides use a variety of tracking techniques, which differ from animal to animal. 

They’ll examine droppings, animal tracks, broken branches, and other signs to determine the movement of various species. Guides also become accustomed to the daily activities of the animals in the park they guide in and know the animal’s favourite spots based on the season and the weather.

While there’s no guarantee of spotting all of the Big Five on a Botswana safari, our extensively experienced guides maximise your chances of encountering these iconic creatures. With careful planning and a bit of luck, your safari adventure will be one to look back on for years to come.

National or Private Parks – All Home to the Big Five

You have plenty of parks and game reserves to choose from when going on a Botswana safari. If you want to see all five species of the Big Five, a visit to Chobe National Park is highly recommended, which even has a dedicated tour called ‘Tracking the Big Five’. As the second largest park in the country, Chobe is sure to impress you with its incredible wildlife and excellent facilities. Other reserves in the Okavango and Kalahari are great for a varied experience. Mashatu Game Reserve is also a firm favourite.

The best time for game viewing in Botswana is during the dry season (May to October), as this is when animals gather on river beds and water holes in abundance—a marvel of nature.

Have you been dreaming of the ultimate Botswana safari? Tailormade Africa can create a custom itinerary that aligns with your specific preferences. Contact us to begin coordinating your trip to the beautiful country of Botswana.