Explore Botswana's Wildlife Paradise

From stunning safari adventures to pristine wilderness and diverse ecosystems - discover when and how to visit this southern African gem safely

I had a chance to travel to Kenya and spent some time in Samburu National Reserve in the northern part of the country. We came across a herd of elephants and got relatively close while they were eating

Botswana's Safari Adventures Await

Experience breathtaking wildlife, the majestic Okavango Delta, and untouched natural beauty

Best Time for a Visit

When to experience Botswana's incredible wildlife and natural wonders

💰 Cost-Effective Travel

Off-Peak Season: November to April is generally less expensive. This is the wet season, resulting in lower prices for accommodation and tours. However, wet conditions may limit wildlife viewing and access to certain areas.

🌞 Optimal Weather for Sightseeing

Dry Season: May to October offers clear skies, less vegetation, and easier wildlife spotting as animals congregate around water sources. Ideal for game viewing, especially in the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park.

🎭 Festivals, Events, and National Holidays

Sept 30 Botswana Day: Celebrated with parades and festivities

April Maun Festival: Local music, dance, and culture

Mar/Apr Maitisong Festival: Arts festival in Gaborone with music, theatre, and dance

August Kuru Dance Festival: Celebrating San people's culture

📍 Balancing All Factors

For a balance of good weather, cost-effectiveness, and cultural experiences, consider traveling during the shoulder months - either April to May or September to October. These periods offer moderate weather, fewer tourists, and significant cultural events. Check the current year's calendar for exact festival dates when planning your trip.

Bachelor group of male African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Experience magnificent elephant herds in their natural habitat - one of Botswana's most spectacular wildlife encounters.

Plan Your Journey

Essential travel tips and safety considerations for Botswana

🛂 Visa Requirements

Check visa requirements in advance. Most tourists can obtain a visa on arrival, but confirm beforehand based on your nationality.

💉 Health Precautions

Vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Polio are recommended. Malaria prophylactics advisable for northern regions.

💰 Currency & Language

Botswana Pula (BWP) is the local currency. Credit cards are accepted in urban areas, but carry cash in remote regions.

English and Setswana are widely spoken.

📡 Communications

Mobile network coverage is good in towns and tourist areas, but sparse in remote regions.

⚠️ Safety Information

🦒 Wildlife: Respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance. Never feed or touch wild animals.

🚗 Road Safety: Be cautious when driving as roads may be poorly maintained. Avoid driving at night.

🚨 Crime: Petty crimes are possible in urban areas. Stay vigilant with your belongings and avoid isolated areas at night.

🏥 Medical Facilities: Limited to major towns. Ensure comprehensive travel health insurance.

🗺️ Areas to be Cautious

🌃 Urban Areas at Night: Exercise caution in cities like Gaborone and Francistown after dark.

🚧 Remote Borders: May lack amenities and have less security.

💡 General Tips

🤝 Respect Local Customs: Be culturally sensitive and respectful.

🌱 Environmental Consciousness: Be mindful of impact, especially in protected areas.

🎒 Packing: Bring lightweight clothing for the day and warmer layers for the evening.

Ready for Your Safari Adventure? By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a safe and memorable experience in Botswana, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich wildlife.

Join the Journey

Discover Botswana's stunning wildlife and pristine landscapes with our expertly crafted safari itineraries

A lonely tree under a blue sky in the yellow savannah, Namibia

Experience the untamed beauty of Botswana - Africa's safari paradise

Explore Botswana in One Week

Exploring Botswana in a week offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in some of Africa's most stunning wildlife habitats and natural landscapes.

1-3 Okavango Delta

Activities: Embark on a mokoro trip through the delta's intricate waterways. Enjoy guided walks, bird watching, and wildlife spotting.
Transport: Fly into Maun Airport. Transfers to the delta by light aircraft or 4x4 vehicles.

4-5 Chobe National Park

Activities: Boat cruise on the Chobe River for close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birds. Full-day safari with large elephant herds.
Transport: Fly or drive from Maun to Kasane (1 hour flight or 8-10 hour drive).

6-7 Makgadikgadi Pans

Activities: Explore vast salt pans and visit local San Bushmen community. Quad biking in dry season or witness zebra migration in wet season.
Transport: Road transfer from Kasane (4-5 hours). Activities organized by lodges.

Travel Tips

Visas: Many visitors can obtain visa on arrival.

Currency: Botswana Pula (BWP); withdraw cash in Maun or Kasane.

Health: Consult travel clinic for vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis.

This one-week itinerary offers a glimpse into Botswana's extraordinary wildlife and serene landscapes. 🦁🌿

Botswana in Two Weeks

A two-week journey allows for a deep dive into Botswana's diverse ecosystems, from the lush Okavango Delta to the stark beauty of the Kalahari Desert.

1 Week 1: Okavango, Moremi, and Chobe

Day 1-3: Okavango Delta

Activities: Mokoro rides through waterways, guided nature walks, bird watching, and scenic flight over the delta.
Transport: Fly to Maun Airport. Transfers by light aircraft or 4x4 to camps.

Day 4-5: Moremi Game Reserve

Activities: Game drives to see lions, elephants, and leopards. Overnight camping safaris for immersive experience.
Transport: 4x4 transfer from delta accommodation or Maun.

Day 6-7: Chobe National Park

Activities: River cruise on Chobe River and game drives to see large elephant herds and diverse wildlife.
Transport: Fly or drive from Maun to Kasane (1 hour flight or 8-10 hour drive).

2 Week 2: Savuti, Makgadikgadi, and Kalahari

Day 8-9: Savuti

Activities: Explore Savuti area famous for predator sightings and the mysterious Savuti Channel.
Transport: Drive from Kasane to Savuti in 4x4 (5-6 hours through park).

Day 10-11: Makgadikgadi Pans

Activities: Visit expansive salt flats. Witness zebra migration or explore pans on quad bikes. Visit San people community.
Transport: Travel by road from Savuti (6-7 hours). 4x4 vehicle required.

Day 12-14: Central Kalahari

Activities: Experience stark beauty of Kalahari with game drives to see desert-adapted wildlife and Kalahari lions.
Transport: Drive from Makgadikgadi (4-5 hours). 4x4 necessary for terrain.

Travel Tips

Visas: Check requirements in advance. Many can obtain visa on arrival.

Health: Visit travel clinic for vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis advice.

Currency: Botswana Pula (BWP). Withdraw in Maun or Kasane.

Packing: Lightweight clothing, warm jacket for evenings, sturdy shoes, sun protection.

This two-week itinerary provides comprehensive exploration of Botswana's natural wonders. 🐘🌍

Botswana in Three Weeks

A three-week journey offers unparalleled opportunity to explore Botswana's diverse ecosystems, from the lush Okavango Delta to the vast Kalahari Desert.

1 Week 1: Okavango Delta and Moremi

Day 1-3: Okavango Delta

Activities: Mokoro trips through waterways. Bird watching, fishing, and guided nature walks. Consider scenic flight.
Transport: Fly into Maun Airport. Transfer by light aircraft with stunning views.

Day 4-6: Moremi Game Reserve

Activities: Game drives to see lions, elephants, and wild dogs. Boat safari for aquatic life encounters.
Transport: 4x4 vehicle access from Okavango Delta. Journey takes few hours.

Day 7: Travel Day

Activities: Journey through wilderness with opportunities for scenic viewing.
Transport: Prepare for next adventure leg with comfortable transit.

2 Week 2: Chobe, Savuti, and Linyanti

Day 8-10: Chobe National Park

Activities: Boat viewing on Chobe River. Game drives to see large elephant herds and wildlife.
Transport: Transfer from Moremi to Kasane by road or aircraft (4 hours drive).

Day 11-13: Savuti

Activities: Explore Savuti region for predator interactions and ancient rock paintings. Savuti Marsh offers excellent viewing.
Transport: Drive from Kasane to Savuti in 4x4 (5-6 hours with game viewing).

Day 14: Linyanti

Activities: Visit Linyanti Wildlife Reserve. Haven for birdlife and mammals including elephants, leopards, wild dogs.
Transport: Arranged with safari operator through remote bush tracks.

3 Week 3: Makgadikgadi, Kalahari, and Tuli Block

Day 15-16: Makgadikgadi Pans

Activities: Experience stark beauty of salt pans. Quad biking or witness migration. Engage with San community.
Transport: Drive or fly to Maun, then to Makgadikgadi (3-4 hours from Maun).

Day 17-19: Central Kalahari

Activities: True wilderness experience with vast plains and desert wildlife. Famous black-maned Kalahari lions.
Transport: Travel by road from Makgadikgadi (5-6 hours from Maun). 4x4 essential.

Day 20-21: Tuli Block

Activities: "Land of Giants" with dramatic rocky landscapes. Bush walks, mountain biking, night drives.
Transport: Drive from Central Kalahari (6-7 hours) near Limpopo-Shashe confluence.

Travel Tips

Visas: Check requirements in advance. Many can obtain visa on arrival.

Health: Consult travel clinic for vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis.

Currency: Botswana Pula (BWP). Withdraw in Maun or Kasane for remote areas.

Packing: Lightweight clothing, warm jacket, sturdy shoes, sun protection, camera with extra batteries.

This three-week itinerary offers in-depth exploration of Botswana's natural wonders and unforgettable safari experiences. 🐆🌄

Ready for Your Safari Adventure?

From the pristine Okavango Delta to the vast Kalahari - Botswana awaits your discovery!

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Discover Hidden Gems

Uncover Botswana's pristine wilderness, rich wildlife, and vibrant cultures. Journey through lesser-known yet captivating destinations for an authentic and unforgettable experience.

🦁

Days 1-3

🏔️

Tuli Block

Start your adventure in the Tuli Block, the "Land of Giants," known for dramatic rocky landscapes, abundant wildlife, and ancient baobab trees.

Activities: Explore Mashatu Game Reserve for exceptional wildlife viewing including elephants, lions, and leopards. Visit Solomon's Wall and the Motloutse Ruins.

✨

Days 4-6

🌅

Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pan

Vast salt pans in the dry savanna offering unique landscapes and solitude. Magical during rainy season when they attract migratory birds and wildlife.

Activities: Experience the surreal beauty of salt pans, witness the annual zebra migration (seasonal), and explore Baines' Baobabs. Unparalleled stargazing.

🎨

Days 7-9

🗿

Tsodilo Hills

UNESCO World Heritage site, the "Louvre of the Desert." Home to over 4,500 ancient rock paintings across 400 sites, reflecting thousands of years of human habitation.

Activities: Guided walks to explore rock art sites, learn about spiritual significance to San and Hambukushu people, enjoy unique landscapes and cultural heritage.

🛶

Days 10-12

🐊

Okavango Panhandle

Northern part of the Okavango Delta before it fans out. Excellent opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, and experiencing local life along the delta.

Activities: Mokoro (dugout canoe) trip or boat safari, visit local villages to learn about crafts and culture, try fishing for tigerfish.

🦓

Days 13-15

🏜️

Central Kalahari Game Reserve

One of the largest game reserves in the world. Remote desert landscape with vast open plains and unique desert-adapted wildlife.

Activities: Guided game drives to see Kalahari's black-maned lions, cheetahs, and vast herds of antelope. Experience the silence of the desert, visit Deception Valley.

🏙️

Days 16-18

🏛️

Gaborone

Conclude in Botswana's capital city. Often overlooked by safari-goers, Gaborone offers an interesting mix of modernity and tradition.

Activities: Visit National Museum and Art Gallery, explore Gaborone Game Reserve, shop at Main Mall or Oodi Weavers Community Project.

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Travel Tips

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Transportation

Renting a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended for exploring Botswana's remote areas. Some locations may be inaccessible during the rainy season due to flooding.

🏨

Accommodations

Options range from luxury lodges to campsites. Booking eco-friendly accommodations that support local communities can enhance your experience.

☀️

Seasonal Considerations

The dry season (May-October) is best for wildlife viewing near water sources. The wet season (November-April) brings lush landscapes and bird migration.

🍽️

Culinary Exploration

Try local dishes such as seswaa (pounded meat), pap (maize porridge), and morogo (wild spinach). Sampling traditional Setswana cuisine is a must.

Discover Botswana

Your Ultimate Botswana Safari Adventure

From the lush waterways of the Okavango Delta to the vast Kalahari Desert and abundant wildlife - explore the best safari destinations across this untamed African paradise

A Big tusker Craig in Amboseli, Kenya with a clouded sky in the background

🦁 Experience Botswana's incredible wildlife and pristine wilderness - from the world-famous Okavango Delta to the endless Kalahari. Begin your safari journey and discover 12 spectacular destinations across this wildlife haven.

Okavango Delta

3-4 days

Activities: Explore the world's largest inland delta by mokoro (dugout canoe), enjoy guided game drives, bird watching, and walking safaris. The delta is known for its stunning landscapes and rich wildlife.

Accommodation: Luxury safari lodges and tented camps located on private concessions.

Specialties: Traditional dishes often feature game meat, with opportunities to taste local delicacies prepared in the bush.

Chobe Park

2-3 days

Activities: Famous for having one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Africa, enjoy river cruises on the Chobe River, game drives, and the chance to see a wide variety of wildlife.

Accommodation: Range from luxury lodges to budget campsites, mainly located in or near the town of Kasane.

Specialties: Enjoy a boma dinner with traditional Setswana dishes and meats cooked over an open fire.

Moremi Reserve

3 days

Activities: Located within the Okavango Delta, offering exceptional game viewing, birding opportunities, and the chance to see the Big Five. Activities include game drives and mokoro trips.

Accommodation: Exclusive safari camps and lodges on private concessions within the reserve.

Specialties: Meals usually include a variety of bush-inspired dishes, with a focus on local ingredients and game meats.

Central Kalahari

2-3 days

Activities: Experience the vast expanse of the Kalahari Desert, with its unique desert-adapted wildlife and the ancient San (Bushmen) culture. Game drives, guided walks, and cultural interactions.

Accommodation: Tented camps that offer a true wilderness experience.

Specialties: Traditional bush foods and the opportunity to learn about the San's use of native plants.

Makgadikgadi Pans

2 days

Activities: Explore one of the largest salt flats in the world. Activities include quad biking, visiting meerkat colonies, and interacting with local San communities. Witness the zebra and wildebeest migration.

Accommodation: Safari lodges and tented camps around the pans.

Specialties: Traditional Botswana cuisine, with a chance to try dishes made from local grains and meats.

Tsodilo Hills

1-2 days

Activities: Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site, known as the "Louvre of the Desert," to see one of the highest concentrations of rock art in the world, with over 4,500 paintings.

Accommodation: Basic accommodations or camping near the site; most visitors come as part of a guided tour from Maun or Shakawe.

Specialties: Sampling traditional Setswana food in local villages.

Kgalagadi Park

3-4 days

Activities: A vast wilderness area straddling Botswana and South Africa, known for its red sand dunes and diverse wildlife including the famous black-maned Kalahari lions. Game drives and guided walks.

Accommodation: Rest camps and wilderness campsites within the park.

Specialties: Traditional campfire cooking, with a focus on South African and Botswanan braai (barbecue).

Nxai Pan

2 days

Activities: Discover the beauty of Nxai Pan with its vast salt flats and rich wildlife. Activities include game drives, bird watching, and exploring Baines' Baobabs, a cluster of ancient baobab trees.

Accommodation: Camps and lodges offering a genuine wilderness experience.

Specialties: Sample local dishes crafted from game meats and bush ingredients.

Gaborone Reserve

1-2 days

Activities: Discover the diversity of wildlife near the capital city, offering the chance to spot impalas, zebras, giraffes, and a variety of bird species. Perfect for a quick and accessible wildlife experience.

Accommodation: Options available in Gaborone city ranging from luxury hotels to budget accommodations.

Specialties: Experience city life with a taste of traditional Setswana food at local restaurants.

Tuli Block

2-3 days

Activities: Discover the Tuli Block, a hidden gem offering a mix of cultural and wildlife experiences. Enjoy game drives, walking safaris, and bird watching along the Limpopo River.

Accommodation: Stay at luxury lodges, cozy guesthouses, or embrace nature with camping options available.

Specialties: Experience local culinary flavors with dishes featuring farm-to-table ingredients and traditional Setswana meals.

Savuti Marsh

3 days

Activities: Known for its dynamic wildlife, including predator-prey interactions, enjoy game drives that offer sightings of lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. Savuti is also rich in birdlife.

Accommodation: Luxury lodges and tented camps near the marshland, providing a rustic yet comfortable safari experience.

Specialties: Traditional dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, often enjoyed with wildlife as your backdrop.

Plan Your Journey with Unmatched Insights

Explore detailed travel cost breakdowns and unique experiences across various budget ranges for your next holiday adventure.

Budget Travel

Accommodation

Budget accommodations such as campsites or budget lodges can range from €20 to €50 per night.

Meals

Self-catering or eating at budget-friendly eateries can cost about €10 to €20 per day.

Transportation

Public transportation or shared safari vehicle costs can range from €10 to €30 per day.

Activities

Entrance fees to national parks for self-guided safaris might range from €5 to €20, but this does not include the cost of hiring a vehicle.

Total Daily Cost: €45 - €120

Mid-Range Travel

Accommodation

Mid-range lodges or hotels can range from €100 to €250 per night, including some meals and possibly some game drives.

Meals

Many mid-range lodges include meals in their rates. Dining out can cost about €20 to €40 per meal if not included.

Transportation

Renting a car for self-drive safaris might average €50 to €100 per day; guided safari tours might cost more.

Activities

Guided safari tours and other activities can range from €100 to €300 per day, depending on the exclusivity and type of activity.

Total Daily Cost: €270 - €690

Luxury Travel

Accommodation

Luxury safari lodges and camps start from €300 and can go upwards of €1000 or more per night, typically all-inclusive of meals, game drives, and other activities.

Meals

Gourmet dining is usually included in rates for luxury accommodations.

Transportation

Private charter flights between safari destinations can cost €200 to €400 per transfer.

Activities

Exclusive experiences like private game drives, bush walks, or river cruises are generally included in luxury lodge rates.

Total Daily Cost: €800 - €1800+

Important Notes

These figures provide a general guideline to help you plan your budget for a trip to Botswana. Costs can fluctuate based on specific destinations (with safari areas like the Okavango Delta typically being more expensive), the level of comfort and luxury you prefer, and the types of experiences you wish to include in your itinerary. Additional costs to consider include international flights to Botswana, souvenirs, travel insurance, and any special activities not covered in the daily estimates. Always check for updated prices and budget for a little extra, as prices can fluctuate.