WILDLIFE OF BOTSWANA
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The Big Cats
Lion, leopard and cheetah
Botswana is a favorite destination for people who want to see the big cats.  Big cats are generally the biggest animal attraction of Botswana's safari areas.  The big cats in Botswana include lion, leopard and cheetah.

Lions (Panthera leo) can be found throughout much of Botswana in the huge areas protecting wildlife in the country.  There are an estimated 3000-3500 lions roaming wild in Botswana, with the majority living in the Okavango Delta and the Linyanti.  There are also a good number in the Chobe National Park, as well as numbers in the Central Kalahari and Makgadikgadi regions, as well as in the southern Limpopo area.

Leopards (Panthera pardus) are quite prevalent throughout Botswana but are generally seen less often due to their solitary and cautious lifestyle.  Leopards are superb hunters and prey on a wide variety of species including impala, warthog, bushbuck, birds - generally anything small enough for it to capture.  Leopard sightings are prized among regular safari-goers and a trip to the Okavango is probably your best bet for seeing a leopard in Botswana.

Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) are Botswana's other big cat and are also a prized sighting 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 kilometers per hour, 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, as well as in the Central Kalahari regions.

Other Large Predators
Spotted Hyena, African wild dog, brown hyena
Botswana's other large predators include the spotted hyena, the highly endangered African wild dog and the lesser known brown hyena.

The spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) occur widely throughout the Okavango, the Linyanti and in Chobe.  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.

The African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) 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 wish list.

Brown Hyena (Hyaena brunnea) are a more elusive animal (while spotted hyenas are more often encountered in small groups) and are therefore seen less often as their numbers are far lower.  In Botswana they occur in the central Kalahari and the Makgadikgadi predominantly and are seldom seen in the Okavango.

Herbivores; Large
Elephant, hippopotamus, buffalo, giraffe, rhinoceros, eland
Botswana boasts Africa's largest population of elephants (Loxodonta africana) - well above 100,000 animals, mostly concentrated in the north of the country.  The best viewing is in Chobe National Park along the riverfront, in the Linyanti, Selinda and Kwando areas and along the Savuti Channel.

The hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) is one of the most familiar animals in Africa and it is common wherever suitable habitat, that being fresh water, is found.  Second in body weight only to the elephant, an average adult weighs in at 1500 kg.

The African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is one of Africa's "Big Five" - so named for being the most dangerous animals by early hunters.  Although related to domestic cattle, these animals can be extremely aggressive if wounded or cornered.

Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) are Africa's tallest animal and they are common wherever its preferred trees - acacia, leadwood, sausage trees, and other common species grow.  The giraffe's long neck and jagged spot patterns make it another unmistakable animal and a favorite for its graceful motion and gentle nature.

The White rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) and Black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) had been extinct in Botswana since the 1980's but have recently been reintroduced in the Okavango Delta.  These animals have been ruthlessly 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.

The eland (Taurotragus oryx) is Africa's largest antelope species, with males averaging 600 kg., but reaching 900 kg.  They are not common in Botswana, but Chobe has a healthy population and they occur sporadically in the Okavango and Linyanti.

Antelopes: medium-sized
Zebra, wildebeest, kudu, sable, lechwe, waterbuck, sitatunga, tsessebe, roan, gemsbok
Botswana's zebra are the Burchell's zebra (Equus burchellii) 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.

The blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) 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.

The male greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), with it's lovely, long spiralling horns is truly one of Africa's unique antelopes.  The kudu's renowned leaping ability also set it apart as do it's long legs and graceful nature.

Sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) are one of the less common antelope species and are therefore a special sighting for safari enthusiasts.  Both males and females have incredible, razor-sharp, scimitar-like curved horns, which they use quite effectively to defend themselves against lions and any other predators that dare attack them.

Botswana's red lechwe (Kobus leche) are an antelope seen only in the Okavango Delta and just to the north, in Namibia's Caprivi Strip.  The red lechwe is a water-dependent antelope that is never found far from the water.  When threatened, it will head straight for the water, through which it bounds with incredibly powerful leaps on strong hind quarters.  Watching lechwe run through the water is an unforgettable sight.

The waterbuck (kobus ellipsiprymnus) is another antelope which is strongly associated with water.  Although it does not live in, or flee unwaveringly into water when chased like the red lechwe, it will also take to water when threatened.  However, it is often found a good distance away from water.  The waterbuck's diagnostic white rump ring set it apart from all other species.

The sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekei) is one of Botswana's semi-aquatic antelopes (along with red lechwe and waterbuck).  Although dependent on water, it is not an amphibius animal.  However, the sitatunga's range is limited to the permanent water-inundated areas of the Okavango Delta and the Linyanti river system.  It is a shy animal that usually stays hidden in the papyrus and a sitatunga sighting is a special treat.

The tsessebe (Damaliscus lunatus) is southern Africa's fastest running antelope.  It's high shoulders, sloping downward to its shorter hind legs and its dark, reddish-brown coat make it unmistakable.  The tsessebe is called by another name in east Africa, the topi, but they are in fact the same animal.

The roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus) is related to the sable and is somewhat similar in appearance, with a light sandy-colored coat and slightly shorter horns.  The roan is also found only in specific habitats and is not abundant anywhere, making it another special safari sighting.

The gemsbok (Oryx gazella) is an swift antelope with long, straight and very impressive horns anding in a sharp point.  This antelope is very dangerous when cornered and it has been known to impale lions with its horns.  They are typically found in dry habitats.