Some places shine on a first safari. Others reveal themselves more slowly. These are the destinations we love recommending to repeat guests, or to travellers who want to go a little deeper than the classic circuit.

1. Makgadikgadi National Park

The salt pans tend to steal the spotlight, but for us it’s the Boteti River that truly defines Makgadikgadi. When the river is flowing, it draws thousands of zebra and other plains game, creating quietly dramatic wildlife moments without the need to chase sightings.

This is a place where you can simply sit and watch what unfolds in front of you. Meno A Kwena will always have a special place in my heart, while Moela Safari Lodge offers a newer, more contemporary take on the area.

2. Tsodilo Hills

Tsodilo is not for everyone, and that’s exactly why it’s so special.

This is a destination for guests who want to travel beyond safari. They’ve seen the Big Five, and now they are looking for meaning, story, and connection. Home to thousands of ancient San rock paintings, Tsodilo is deeply humbling and profoundly moving. It’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave Botswana.

3. Savute

Savute doesn’t always fit neatly into a fast-paced ten-day itinerary, but for repeat visitors it is a standout.

This is an intense and fascinating landscape, shaped by the unpredictable flow of the Savute Channel. Whether flowing or dry, Savute remains a magnet for wildlife, even during severe droughts. It’s also one of Africa’s most documented ecosystems, famous for extraordinary predator behaviour, including the iconic scenes of lions hunting elephants.

4. Central Kalahari Game Reserve

For some travellers, the Central Kalahari belongs on the very first trip. For others who focus initially on the Okavango Delta and Chobe, it becomes a rewarding second or third visit.

The Kalahari is vast, subtle, and unexpectedly beautiful, especially just after the rains when the plains turn green and alive. Its wide-open grasslands offer a striking contrast to the waterways and wetlands of the Delta, and a completely different sense of space and scale.

5. Linyanti

Tucked away near the Namibian border, the Linyanti wetlands are quietly spectacular.

This region offers rich wildlife viewing with far fewer visitors, making it ideal for seasoned safari-goers. The area is particularly known for strong wild dog populations and large numbers of elephants that move freely between Namibia and Botswana. Several excellent lodges here deliver an experience that feels both exclusive and deeply connected to the landscape.