Boteti River: Botswana's Wildlife Lifeline

Experience Botswana's dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife along the Boteti River, a vital artery connecting the Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi Pans.

4.4

Looking to book tours, experiences or hotels? Let me help you...

The Boteti River, sourced from the Okavango Delta, is a vital water source for the Makgadikgadi Pans, supporting diverse wildlife including the great zebra migration. Its fluctuating flow reflects a story of renewal, drawing visitors for game drives and cultural experiences.

A brief summary to Boteti River

Local tips

Visit during the dry season (June-October) for the best wildlife viewing, especially the zebra migration.
Consider staying at a lodge along the river for convenient access to game drives and boat safaris.
A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for exploring the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park and accessing deeper routes.

Getting There

Driving

The most common way to access the Boteti River area is by driving from Maun. From Maun, head southeast on the A3 highway towards Nata. After approximately 60km, you'll reach the veterinary control fence at Makalamabedi. Continue on the A3 for another 23km and turn right onto the B300 towards Motopi. Follow the B300 for 50.8km, then turn left towards Khumaga village and Makgadikgadi National Park. Follow signs to your chosen lodge or campsite. Note that a 4x4 vehicle may be necessary for navigating within the park. There is no fee for driving on the A3 or B300. However, entry fees apply for Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, approximately 120 BWP per person per day, plus 50 BWP per vehicle.

Discover more about Boteti River

The Boteti River, also known as the Botletle, is a crucial watercourse in Botswana, acting as a lifeline for wildlife in the arid landscape. Originating as an outflow of the Okavango Delta via the Thamalakane River in Maun, it eventually empties into the Ntwetwe Pan, part of the greater Makgadikgadi Pans. Historically, the Boteti flowed year-round, supporting agriculture and communities along its banks. However, in the late 1990s, the river experienced a prolonged dry period due to upstream water use and climatic shifts. The resurgence of its flow in 2009 marked a dramatic renewal, revitalizing the ecosystem and attracting wildlife back to the area. Today, the Boteti River is renowned for its role in the annual zebra migration, one of the largest wildlife spectacles in Africa. During the dry season (June to October), thousands of zebras and wildebeests converge on the riverbanks, seeking water and grazing. This concentration of herbivores also draws predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas, offering exceptional game viewing opportunities. Visitors to the Boteti River can experience guided game drives in the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, boat safaris (depending on water levels), and cultural excursions to nearby villages like Khumaga. Several lodges and camps are located along the river, providing access to this unique environment.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Boteti River

0.0 km

Experience Botswana's dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife along the Boteti River, a vital artery connecting the Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi Pans.

Khumaga Camp Sites

40.4 km

Experience Botswana's wild beauty at Khumaga Camp Sites, your gateway to the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park and the great zebra migration.

Leroo La Tau

44.2 km

Luxury safari lodge on the Boteti River, offering exceptional wildlife viewing and a unique Kalahari experience in Botswana.

Evolve Back, Kalahari

74.4 km

Experience the Kalahari in luxury: Explore wildlife, San culture, and stunning landscapes at Evolve Back, a unique Botswana safari lodge.

Deception Valley Lodge

77.3 km

Discover luxury in Botswana's Kalahari Desert at Deception Valley Lodge. Experience unique wildlife, San culture, and breathtaking landscapes.

Kudiakam Pan

84.4 km

Discover Kudiakam Pan: Botswana's hidden gem offering serene landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the iconic Baines' Baobabs.

San Camp

85.3 km

Experience the magic of the Makgadikgadi Pans in luxurious style at San Camp, a unique desert oasis in Botswana's Kalahari.

Kalahari Plains

85.9 km

Experience the Kalahari's vastness at this remote camp with stunning views, wildlife encounters, and San Bushmen culture.

Camp Kalahari

86.9 km

Experience the magic of the Kalahari at Camp Kalahari: Adventure, wildlife encounters, and cultural immersion in Botswana's stunning desert landscape.

Jack's Camp

90.6 km

Experience the magic of a 1940s-style safari in the heart of Botswana's Makgadikgadi Pans at the luxurious and iconic Jack's Camp.

Unmissable attractions to see

Kumaga Entrance to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

38.7 km

Discover Botswana's wild heart: Explore the Makgadikgadi Pans through the Kumaga Entrance for unmatched landscapes and wildlife encounters.

Kumaga Entrance to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Boteti River Camp

38.9 km

Explore Botswana's salt pans and wildlife from Boteti River Camp, your comfortable gateway to Makgadikgadi, Nxai Pan, and the Kalahari.

Meno-A-Kwena Tented Camp

52.6 km

Experience Botswana's wildlife at Meno-A-Kwena Tented Camp: stunning views, diverse activities, and a commitment to sustainable tourism on the Boteti River.

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

59.2 km

Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, renowned for its unique salt pans and diverse wildlife encounters in Botswana.

Flughafen

70.6 km

Your starting point for exploring the stunning landscapes and wildlife of Nxai Pan National Park in Botswana.

Baines Baobabs

86.2 km

Discover the enchanting beauty of Baines Baobabs, home to ancient trees and breathtaking landscapes in Botswana's wilderness.

Tolankwe Conservancy

88.0 km

Discover Botswana's hidden gem: Explore diverse wildlife and support sustainable tourism at Tolankwe Conservancy near Maun.

Nxai Pan National Park

89.9 km

Explore Botswana's Nxai Pan National Park: Witness massive migrations, ancient baobabs, and stunning Kalahari landscapes. A unique safari adventure awaits!

Deception Valley

92.4 km

Discover Deception Valley: A Kalahari gem where mirages meet diverse wildlife and ancient landscapes whisper tales of the past.

Baobab Chapmana

97.1 km

Explore Baobab Chapmana in Tutume, Botswana - a historical landmark featuring majestic baobab trees and rich local culture.

Green’s Baobab

98.1 km

Discover Green's Baobab in Botswana: A historical landmark where explorers left their mark on an ancient African icon.

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

TOP BAR, HARDWARE, BUTCHERY, SALON AND BOTTLE STORE

27.4 km

Explore the vibrant community hub of Rakops with shopping, dining, and local culture all in one place.

TOP BAR, HARDWARE, BUTCHERY, SALON AND BOTTLE STORE

TauTswana

38.3 km

Experience the authentic taste of Botswana at TauTswana, a premier butcher shop in Xhumaga, specializing in locally sourced meats and culinary treasures.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Center Bar