Hunting in Botswana is regarded as one of the most rewarding and exclusive hunting experiences in Africa. Known for its large populations of African elephants, Botswana offers hunters unparalleled access to some of the continent’s finest game. As a premier destination for big game hunting, particularly for elephant hunting in Botswana, the country stands out due to its vast, untouched wilderness and exceptional wildlife management policies.
Botswana spans an area roughly the size of Texas, dominated by the semi-arid Kalahari Desert, which covers over two-thirds of the country. This sprawling landscape is a haven for hunters in search of large elephants, cape buffalo, and various plains game species. The dry terrain, interspersed with seasonal waterholes, creates a challenging yet rewarding environment for hunting in Botswana. The Kalahari is renowned for its large, desert-adapted elephants, which are highly sought after by trophy hunters worldwide.
In contrast to the desert, the northern region of Botswana is home to the Okavango Delta, one of the world’s most unique ecosystems. The delta, with its intricate system of lagoons, channels, and floodplains, attracts not only photographers but also hunters who are looking for an exclusive safari experience. The fringes of the Okavango Delta offer some of the best opportunities for elephant hunting in Botswana, with large bulls frequently encountered in these rich wetlands. Hunting in the delta’s fringes allows for a combination of big game hunting and plains game, adding variety to the safari experience.
Botswana’s hunting areas are carefully managed through a strict quota system, ensuring sustainable and ethical practices that protect its wildlife populations. Approximately 20% of Botswana is set aside for wildlife conservation in the form of parks, game reserves, and controlled hunting areas. The country’s firm commitment to conservation means that hunters in Botswana are contributing directly to the protection of these wild landscapes while enjoying one of the world’s most exclusive hunting experiences.
Although Botswana is best known for its elephant hunting, it also provides opportunities to hunt other species such as cape buffalo, leopards, and a variety of plains game, including kudu, eland, and impala. Hunting in Botswana is renowned not only for the quality of its game but also for the high standard of service provided by its safari operators. Most hunting camps are luxury tented setups, providing comfort in the heart of the wilderness, and are staffed by some of Africa’s most experienced professional hunters.
With its stunning landscapes, well-managed wildlife populations, and a reputation for producing some of the largest elephants in Africa, Botswana continues to be one of the top destinations for big game hunting. Whether you are pursuing elephants, cape buffalo, or a combination of species, hunting in Botswana offers an unforgettable experience for the serious hunter.
Hunting in Botswana is synonymous with elephant hunting. The country’s elephant population has grown significantly, making it one of the few places in Africa where hunters can consistently find mature bulls with impressive ivory. Despite recent restrictions on hunting certain species like lion and leopard, Botswana remains a top choice for those in pursuit of elephants, cape buffalo, and other plains game. The country is famous for producing elephants with heavy ivory, often weighing over 70 pounds, making it a consistent producer of some of the finest trophies in Africa.
Whether hunting along the Chobe River or within the semi-desert of the Kalahari, Botswana offers a world-class hunting experience, with strict conservation measures ensuring that wildlife thrives in these pristine environments. The Hunting Consortium has years of experience in Botswana, providing clients access to the finest hunting concessions and luxury camps that meet the highest standards.
Botswana is recognized as one of the premier destinations for elephant hunting, boasting large elephant populations and a reputation for producing high-quality ivory trophies. The country’s hunting areas are carefully managed, ensuring sustainable hunting practices while offering prime opportunities for hunters. While elephant hunting is the primary draw, many of these regions also offer the chance to hunt leopards, cape buffalo, and a variety of plains game species.
The Kalahari Desert spans southern and central Botswana and is known for its vast, arid landscape. This region offers an unparalleled experience for hunters seeking large, desert-adapted elephants. Concessions here provide the opportunity to hunt elephants known for their size and resilience in harsh conditions. In addition to elephant hunting, this region is a top spot for cape buffalo and offers diverse plains game species such as gemsbok, springbok, and eland. The Kalahari’s rugged terrain makes it an ideal location for those seeking a more challenging hunt.
While hunting in the central Okavango Delta is restricted, the surrounding areas provide some of the best opportunities for elephant hunting in Botswana. Concessions on the outskirts of the delta allow for the pursuit of large bull elephants with impressive ivory. In addition to elephants, hunters can also target leopards and cape buffalo in these regions. The floodplains and woodlands of the delta’s fringes support a wide variety of wildlife, including red lechwe, kudu, and impala, offering a diverse and rewarding hunting experience.
The Chobe Region, located in northern Botswana near Chobe National Park, is renowned for its dense elephant populations. This area consistently produces some of the largest elephants in Africa, with ivory often exceeding 70 pounds. Hunters in this region also have the opportunity to pursue cape buffalo and leopards, making Chobe a top destination for big game hunting. The region’s floodplains and woodlands offer a rich and varied habitat for a wide range of wildlife, making it a must-visit for hunters seeking both quality and variety.
The Tuli Block, located in southeastern Botswana, is known for its abundance of plains game species but also offers opportunities for hunting elephants, cape buffalo, and leopards. The controlled hunting environment in Tuli provides a well-managed experience, with species like kudu, eland, and wildebeest being commonly hunted. Though not as famous for elephants as the Kalahari or Chobe regions, Tuli still offers solid opportunities for hunters interested in a diverse hunting safari.
Ngamiland, located in northwestern Botswana, provides access to both resident and migratory elephant populations. This area offers prime elephant hunting opportunities, along with hunting for cape buffalo, leopards, and other plains game species. Its proximity to the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve enhances the richness of the wildlife in this region, making it an excellent choice for hunters looking to combine big game and plains game hunting in one safari.
These regions offer some of the best elephant hunting in Africa, with the added benefits of opportunities to hunt leopards, cape buffalo, and a variety of plains game. Botswana’s well-regulated hunting areas ensure sustainable practices, providing ethical hunters with an unparalleled experience in some of Africa’s most iconic landscapes.
Since 1985, The Hunting Consortium has been a leader in organizing elephant hunting safaris in Botswana. With nearly four decades of experience, we have established deep connections with Botswana’s top hunting concessions, offering our clients access to some of the most productive areas for hunting elephants. Our extensive knowledge of the country’s wildlife and regions ensures that every safari is both successful and conducted with the highest ethical standards.
Our team brings unparalleled expertise to Botswana’s key hunting regions, from the challenging Kalahari Desert to the wildlife-rich fringes of the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. These areas are known for producing some of Africa’s most sought-after trophy elephants, and our familiarity with these landscapes helps us guide hunters to the best opportunities for tracking and harvesting mature bulls.
Key elements of our expertise include:
With over 35 years of experience, The Hunting Consortium ensures that every elephant hunting safari in Botswana is an unforgettable experience. Our expertise, dedication, and strong relationships with Botswana’s top concessions provide our clients with the best opportunities for success in some of Africa’s most iconic hunting regions.
Botswana is home to some of Africa’s most iconic hunting regions, offering a wide range of game species in diverse environments. Each area, from the vast plains of the Kalahari Desert to the lush floodplains of the Okavango Delta, provides distinct hunting opportunities that attract hunters from around the world. These regions are some of the most celebrated destinations for hunting in Botswana, with a focus on elephant hunting, as well as opportunities to hunt leopards, cape buffalo, and plains game. Below are the key areas where hunting safaris are most prominent:
The Kalahari Desert is a semi-arid region stretching across much of central and southern Botswana. It offers a rugged and remote environment ideal for hunters seeking large, desert-adapted elephants. Hunting in the Kalahari is challenging due to its harsh conditions and scarcity of water, but it provides a true wilderness experience for those in pursuit of elephants and cape buffalo. The Kalahari is also home to several species of plains game, including gemsbok, springbok, and eland. For hunters interested in experiencing the remoteness of hunting in Botswana, the Kalahari presents a unique adventure in an untamed landscape.
While the core of the Okavango Delta is a protected conservation area, the fringes of the delta provide some of the best opportunities for elephant hunting in Botswana. Known for large bulls with heavy ivory, this region’s wetlands and woodlands create a lush environment that supports not only elephants but also other big game species, including leopards and cape buffalo. The diversity of the delta’s ecosystem also allows for the pursuit of various plains game species such as red lechwe, kudu, and impala. The stunning landscapes of the Okavango make this region a breathtaking location for hunting in Botswana.
The Chobe Region, located in northern Botswana near Chobe National Park, is renowned for its massive elephant herds. Hunters in this area can expect to target elephants with large ivory, often exceeding 70 pounds, making elephant hunting in Botswana particularly appealing in this region. In addition to elephants, Chobe also offers excellent opportunities for hunting cape buffalo and leopards. The area’s lush floodplains and woodlands provide a rich habitat for various species, including bushbuck and impala, making it one of Botswana’s most wildlife-rich regions.
The Tuli Block in southeastern Botswana is well-known for its abundance of plains game species, but it also offers opportunities to hunt elephants and leopards. The well-managed game reserves in this region ensure a high-quality hunting experience, with species such as kudu, eland, and wildebeest frequently encountered. While not as famous for elephants as other regions, the Tuli Block still provides excellent hunting opportunities in a more controlled and accessible environment, making it a favored choice for hunters who seek a diverse range of game during their safari in Botswana.
Ngamiland, situated in northwestern Botswana near the Okavango Delta, offers access to both resident and migratory elephant populations. Hunting in Ngamiland presents a well-rounded safari experience, where hunters can pursue elephants, cape buffalo, leopards, and a variety of plains game species such as kudu and zebra. The proximity to the Okavango Delta ensures that Ngamiland remains one of the richest hunting areas in Botswana, providing hunters with a chance to encounter diverse wildlife in a stunning natural setting.
The diverse hunting regions of Botswana provide a wide array of opportunities for hunters seeking elephants, leopards, cape buffalo, and various plains game species. Whether exploring the arid expanses of the Kalahari or the rich ecosystems of the Okavango and Chobe regions, hunting in Botswana offers a world-class safari experience. The Hunting Consortium’s deep knowledge and access to these regions ensure that every safari is tailored to the hunter’s goals, offering an unforgettable adventure in some of Africa’s most iconic landscapes. The vast, unspoiled wilderness of Botswana, combined with its well-regulated wildlife management, makes it one of the top destinations for ethical and sustainable big game hunting.
The Kalahari is a semi-arid desert region that stretches across much of central and southern Botswana. It is a remote and rugged environment, perfect for hunters seeking large, desert-adapted elephants. The Kalahari is also home to a range of plains game species, including gemsbok, springbok, and eland. Hunting here is challenging due to the harsh conditions, but it offers a truly wild and remote experience for those in pursuit of elephants and cape buffalo.
While the core of the Okavango Delta is a conservation area, hunting is allowed on its fringes. This area provides some of the best elephant hunting in Botswana, with large bulls known for their heavy ivory. The wetlands and woodlands of the delta support not only elephants but also leopards, cape buffalo, and a variety of plains game species such as red lechwe, kudu, and impala. The Okavango region offers diverse and rich hunting opportunities in a breathtaking landscape.
The Chobe Region, located in northern Botswana near Chobe National Park, is renowned for its massive elephant herds. Hunters in this area often target elephants known for their large ivory, with bulls frequently producing tusks over 70 pounds. Chobe also offers excellent opportunities to hunt cape buffalo and leopards, alongside other game species such as bushbuck and impala. The lush floodplains and woodlands make this one of Botswana’s richest hunting regions.
The Tuli Block, located in southeastern Botswana, is famous for its plains game hunting but also offers opportunities to hunt elephants and leopards. The well-managed game reserves in this area are home to species such as kudu, eland, and wildebeest, and the region’s controlled hunting environment ensures a high-quality experience. While not as famous for elephants as other regions, Tuli still provides excellent hunting for a variety of species in a more accessible setting.
Ngamiland, in northwestern Botswana, is another prime hunting area, offering access to both resident and migratory elephant populations. Hunters in Ngamiland can also pursue cape buffalo and leopards, as well as plains game like kudu and zebra. The region’s proximity to the Okavango Delta ensures that it remains one of the most wildlife-rich areas in Botswana, offering a well-rounded hunting experience.
These regions provide a wide array of hunting opportunities for elephants, leopards, cape buffalo, and other game species, making Botswana a premier destination for hunters. The Hunting Consortium’s deep knowledge and access to these areas ensure that every client has an unforgettable hunting experience in some of Africa’s most iconic landscapes.
Botswana is recognized as a leader in elephant conservation, and its population management is central to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the species. Estimates suggest that Botswana is home to between 131,909 and 155,000 elephants, making it the country with the largest elephant population in Africa. Recent surveys, such as the 2022 KAZA Elephant Survey, recorded approximately 131,909 elephants, a number consistent with previous surveys like the 2015 Great Elephant Census (130,451 elephants). While earlier reports projected a higher growth rate of up to 6%, current data indicates that the population is more stable than previously thought, with minimal growth over the past decade ​(Your Botswana)​(Conservation Frontlines)​ (African Elephant Journal).
The large elephant population in Botswana presents both opportunities and challenges. Elephants are primarily concentrated in regions such as the Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta, and parts of the Kalahari Desert. While these areas are rich in wildlife, the growing elephant numbers have led to increased human-wildlife conflict, particularly as elephants encroach on agricultural land. This has made sustainable elephant hunting, guided by strict quotas, a vital part of the country’s wildlife management strategy. By allowing elephant hunting in specific areas, Botswana helps control the population and reduce the pressure on the environment, while also providing significant revenue for conservation efforts and local communities​.
In addition to elephants, Botswana manages sustainable populations of leopards and cape buffalo, two species that are also included in hunting quotas. Leopard populations are monitored closely, with hunting quotas designed to ensure only mature males are harvested, protecting the breeding population. The Chobe and Okavango regions are key areas where leopards are hunted, with careful regulation to avoid overhunting. Cape buffalo populations, particularly in the Okavango Delta and Kalahari regions, are stable, and controlled hunting is used to maintain the health of the herds and prevent overpopulation, which can lead to habitat degradation.
Hunting plays a crucial role in Botswana’s overall conservation strategy. The revenue generated from hunting licenses and tourism directly supports conservation programs, anti-poaching efforts, and community-based initiatives. This system not only helps maintain healthy wildlife populations but also ensures that local communities benefit from conservation efforts. Community involvement is a cornerstone of Botswana’s approach, with many rural areas relying on the income from trophy hunting to support schools, healthcare, and infrastructure. This incentive encourages local communities to actively participate in wildlife protection​.
Overall, Botswana’s commitment to sustainable elephant hunting, along with its regulation of other big game species like leopards and cape buffalo, ensures that its wildlife populations are managed in a way that benefits both conservation and local communities. By balancing population control, habitat preservation, and community engagement, Botswana continues to set a global standard for wildlife conservation and ethical hunting.
An elephant hunting safari in Botswana is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, allowing hunters to explore some of the most pristine, remote, and wildlife-rich landscapes in Africa. Hunting in Botswana offers unparalleled opportunities to pursue large, mature elephant bulls with impressive ivory in carefully managed, sustainable hunting areas. Botswana has earned its reputation as one of the top destinations for big game hunting, especially for elephants, thanks to its well-maintained wildlife management practices and expansive wilderness areas. Here’s what you can expect when hunting in Botswana:
Elephant hunting in Botswana takes place in diverse and remote regions, each offering a unique environment for hunters. The Kalahari Desert, with its wide-open, arid spaces, presents a challenging yet rewarding experience, where desert-adapted elephants can be found. In contrast, the Okavango Delta and Chobe Region offer denser landscapes, with forests, floodplains, and riverine environments. Hunting in Botswana often involves long treks through these diverse habitats, tracking elephants on foot, sometimes for hours or even days. The best time for hunting in Botswana is during the dry season, when elephants gather near water sources, making tracking more predictable and increasing the chances of a successful hunt.
In Botswana, elephant hunting is traditionally carried out through the spot-and-stalk method, where the hunter, professional guide, and trackers follow fresh elephant tracks on foot. The process involves carefully tracking signs such as footprints and broken vegetation, ultimately positioning the hunter for a clear, ethical shot. Due to the size and strength of elephants, large-caliber rifles, such as the .375 H&H, .416, or larger, are necessary to ensure a humane harvest. This method of hunting in Botswana is physically demanding but immensely rewarding, offering the opportunity to engage directly with Africa’s most iconic species in their natural habitat.
When hunting in Botswana, hunters can expect a blend of luxury and wilderness at the camps. Most hunting camps in Botswana are remote, luxury tented setups, providing comfortable accommodations, including en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, and gourmet meals prepared by professional chefs. These camps are fully staffed to ensure hunters have everything they need, making their stay enjoyable while focusing on the hunt. Situated in scenic areas, these camps offer guests stunning views of Botswana’s landscapes, creating the perfect setting for an unforgettable safari experience.
Botswana is renowned for producing large elephant bulls, particularly in regions like the Okavango Delta and the Chobe Region. Bulls with tusks weighing between 50 and 60 pounds are common, but hunters may also encounter elephants with tusks exceeding 70 pounds. Elephant hunting in Botswana is prized for the quality of the trophies, and many hunters choose to combine their hunting safari with other game, such as cape buffalo, leopards, and various plains game species. This variety makes hunting in Botswana a versatile and diverse experience for any hunter.
During your safari, you will be guided by a highly experienced professional hunter (PH) and a team of local trackers. These experts are skilled at navigating the terrain and have extensive knowledge of elephant behavior, ensuring you get the best possible experience while hunting in Botswana. Trackers play a vital role in following fresh signs of elephant activity, guiding you to a successful shot. Their combined knowledge and expertise ensure ethical and rewarding hunting throughout the safari.
A typical elephant hunting safari in Botswana lasts between 10 and 14 days, allowing ample time to track and harvest a mature bull. Many hunters extend their safari to include other big game species such as cape buffalo or leopards, which can be found in the same hunting areas. This multi-species approach offers a deeper, more varied hunting experience, making hunting in Botswana a top choice for hunters seeking to maximize their time in the wilderness.
Botswana has a long-standing commitment to ethical hunting practices, with a strict quota system in place to ensure that elephant hunting is sustainable and does not negatively impact the overall population. The revenue generated from hunting in Botswana directly supports vital conservation efforts, including anti-poaching initiatives and habitat preservation programs. By choosing to hunt in Botswana, hunters are not only enjoying a world-class safari but also contributing to the protection and management of wildlife populations and the preservation of local ecosystems.
An elephant hunting safari in Botswana is much more than a hunt—it is a journey into the heart of Africa’s wild landscapes. From tracking elephants across the Kalahari’s arid plains to pursuing them through the Okavango Delta’s dense floodplains, hunting in Botswana offers a challenging and deeply rewarding adventure. By participating in these well-regulated hunts, hunters are also supporting important conservation efforts that ensure the survival of these magnificent animals for future generations.
The best time for hunting in Botswana is during the dry season, which typically runs from May to October. This period is ideal because the scarcity of water draws animals to congregate around the remaining water sources, making them easier to track and spot. The dry conditions also reduce the density of vegetation, improving visibility for hunters. This is particularly beneficial for elephant hunting in Botswana, as well as for targeting cape buffalo and leopards. During this time, hunting in Botswana offers optimal opportunities for hunters to experience the diversity of the country’s wildlife in different environments, from the Kalahari Desert to the fringes of the Okavango Delta.
For elephant hunting in Botswana, the minimum legal caliber is .375 H&H. However, most experienced hunters prefer to use larger calibers such as the .416 Rigby or .458 Lott to ensure a clean and ethical shot. These powerful firearms are capable of penetrating an elephant’s thick hide and dense bone structure, especially when targeting vital organs such as the heart and lungs. It’s essential to always check Botswana’s local regulations and consult with your professional hunter to ensure the proper firearm is used for an ethical hunt. Hunting in Botswana is highly regulated, and using the appropriate caliber not only ensures success but also aligns with conservation principles.
Hunting safaris in Botswana are strictly regulated by the government through a well-managed quota system. Each year, a limited number of hunting permits are issued for specific species, including elephants, to ensure that hunting remains sustainable and does not negatively affect wildlife populations. All hunting in Botswana is conducted under the supervision of licensed professional hunters, who adhere to strict ethical standards. The revenue generated from hunting directly supports wildlife conservation programs, including anti-poaching efforts and community development initiatives.
Yes, elephant hunting in Botswana is considered both ethical and sustainable when conducted under the country’s regulated quota system. Botswana’s government carefully manages its wildlife populations to ensure that hunting supports, rather than harms, conservation efforts. The revenue from hunting permits helps fund anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, and community-based conservation programs. By controlling the elephant population, regulated hunting also helps reduce human-wildlife conflicts in rural areas, where elephants often damage crops and property. The system ensures that hunting in Botswana benefits both wildlife and local communities.
Yes, many hunters choose to combine their elephant hunting safari with the pursuit of other species. In Botswana, hunters often target cape buffalo, leopards, and a variety of plains game, such as kudu, eland, and impala, in the same regions. Combining species allows hunters to maximize their time and experience the full range of game available during a single safari. This approach makes hunting in Botswana a versatile and exciting adventure for those looking to take home multiple trophies from one trip.
When hunting in Botswana, you can expect luxury and comfort even in remote locations. Most hunting camps offer large, tented accommodations with en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, and gourmet meals prepared by professional chefs. These camps are fully staffed to ensure excellent service throughout your stay. Situated in scenic wilderness areas, the camps provide a peaceful and relaxing environment where hunters can unwind after a day in the field. The combination of adventure and comfort makes hunting in Botswana a truly unique experience.
Hunting in Botswana plays a crucial role in the country’s conservation strategy. The funds generated from hunting licenses are used to support wildlife protection initiatives, including anti-poaching patrols and habitat restoration. Additionally, hunting revenues help fund community-based natural resource management programs, which give local communities an incentive to protect wildlife. By supporting these efforts, hunters contribute directly to the sustainability of Botswana’s wildlife populations, ensuring that elephant hunting in Botswana remains a key part of the country’s conservation efforts for years to come.
The success rate for elephant hunting in Botswana is typically very high, often exceeding 90%. This is due to the country’s large elephant population and the expertise of local professional hunters. With well-managed hunting concessions and experienced guides, most hunters successfully harvest a mature bull during their safari. Hunting in Botswana offers one of the highest success rates for big game hunting, particularly for elephants, making it a premier destination for hunters seeking a memorable and successful adventure.
Botswana’s reputation for ethical and sustainable elephant hunting, combined with its incredible wildlife diversity, makes it one of the top destinations for big game safaris. From the Kalahari Desert to the Okavango Delta, hunting in Botswana provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any hunter seeking the thrill of the chase and the satisfaction of contributing to wildlife conservation. Whether pursuing elephants, cape buffalo, or a combination of species, a safari in Botswana promises adventure, luxury, and a deep connection to the natural world.
