Described as “one of Africa’s last wild and open frontiers”, Botswana is the gateway to the safari adventure of a lifetime.
Why Should You Visit a Botswana Safari?
The landlocked country of Botswana is one of the most sparsely populated nations in the world – which is just as well if you’re looking for one of the best safari destinations that money can buy with thinner crowds than in other parts of Africa.
With abundant wildlife overflowing in all directions, vast elephant herds, lion prides and more birds than you can ever hope to spot with your binoculars on a single trip, Botswana has long been established as a mecca for African wildlife and one of the best places on the continent for a luxury safari tour.
Botswana Safari Highlights
From the remote imposing Kalahari Desert to the spectacular swamps of the Okavango Delta, where water travels over 1,000 km from Central Africa and disappears into the sand, never reaching the ocean, this is one country that grabs you once and never lets go.
Central Botswana
The centre of Botswana is home to the famed Central Kalahari Game Reserve and the ancient Makgadikgadi Pans. The Kalahari reserve is the second-largest game reserve in the world, measuring a mammoth 52,800 square kilometres (20,400 sq mi) – more extensive than the Netherlands.
Here, you’ll find serenity and vast open spaces – and almost every African animal you can imagine, all in an area covering 10% of Botswana’s total landmass. If you’re looking for the Botswana safari tour, this is the place to come.
Northern Botswana
Further north, we come to the watery paradise that is the Okavango Delta to the west and Botswana’s Chobe National Park to the east.
With its vast interconnected waterways, the Okavango Delta is widely considered one of Africa’s best wilderness sanctuaries. It is home to a plethora of wild animals, including many endangered species.
Its seasonal flooding attracts visitors from far and wide – both two-legged and four-legged. The Okavango Delta’s Moremi Game Reserve, the central reserve in the region, provides a spectacular and pristine wilderness that rivals anything else on the African continent, making it perfect for walking safaris.
In the northeast, we find yet another location guaranteed to give you that safari bucket list feeling in the pit of your stomach. The Chobe National Park, set beside the Chobe River, is the place to be if you want to see vast herds of elephants. With an estimated 120,000 roaming the area, this is the park of many African dreams.
South & The Kalahari Desert
Close to the border with South Africa lies Gaborone, Botswana’s capital. With a population of just under 300,000, the city is charmingly surrounded by national parks or game reserves on all sides – as all cities should be, if you ask us.
But if Gaborone provides Botswana’s modern face, it is the vast tract of land in the southwest where its ancient secrets lie. The Kalahari Desert is not only one of the oldest deserts in the world, but it is a name that has captured the imagination of explorers and travellers for centuries.
An intoxicating land of stark emptiness, this semi-desert savannah is still home to an astonishing array of wildlife, including elephants, antelopes, and giraffes, making it an unforgettable location for Botswana safaris.
Fast facts
- Population 2 million – highest GDP per capita in Africa
- 950 meters above sea level, 600 km from the nearest coast
- 70% of the country is Kalahari desert – flat and arid
- 40% of the country is dedicated to wildlife areas
- Ranked 28 out of 163 on the 2016 Global Peace Index, the region has a safe, stable and friendly environment
Unique Safari Experiences in Botswana
Botswana, a land of untouched wilderness and diverse landscapes, offers many safari experiences unlike any other in Africa.
From the luxury lodges dotting its expansive reserves to the intimate walking safaris that bring you face-to-face with nature, Botswana’s unique safari experiences cater to various preferences and styles.
Whether you’re gliding through the waterways of the Okavango Delta, tracking wildlife on foot, or enjoying the exclusivity of a private safari, each experience in Botswana is crafted to offer an unparalleled connection with the wild.
Botswana Luxury Safaris
The nation is world-famous for its luxury safari lodges. It is one of the most sought-after destinations in Africa for higher-end safaris. A Botswana luxury safari is world-class and hard to beat elsewhere in Africa, as most of the top luxury lodges in Botswana come with exclusive private concessions.
Those travelling in style have the combination of a small luxury lodge and exclusive access to some of the most incredible wildlife areas on the continent. This intimacy, privacy, luxury and wilderness combined make this the ultimate destination for a luxury safari.
As a result, Botswana has adopted a ‘low volume, high cost’ model, which means these luxury lodges come with a sizable price tag. Although costly, a Botswana luxury safari is perfect if you want exclusivity, luxury, and the best.
Botswana Walking Safaris
Botswana’s walking safaris are a must for those who crave a closer connection with nature. Led by experienced guides, these safaris let you tread the same paths as the majestic wildlife of Botswana.
Feel the ground under your feet, hear the rustle of leaves, and immerse yourself in the bush. Walking safaris in Botswana offer an intimate and authentic experience, allowing you to appreciate the more miniature wonders of the ecosystem often missed on vehicle-bound tours.
Botswana Mobile Safaris
Aside from luxury safaris, Botswana is also an excellent place for adventure safaris, and our favourite means for this is a Mobile Safari.
This involves you exploring some of the most iconic wildlife areas with your private tented camp and crew, who do all the heavy lifting of setting up, cooking delicious meals, and moving the base for you, leaving you to relax and learn from your expert guides on extended game drives and unparalleled game viewing.
Botswana River Safaris
Take to the water for a different perspective on safari. Botswana’s river safaris are a serene and spectacular way to explore. Glide through the Okavango Delta’s intricate network of channels and lagoons, where you can encounter hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of birdlife.
These safaris offer a peaceful yet exhilarating way to view wildlife, all from the unique vantage point of a boat or traditional mokoro canoe.
Botswana Private Safari: Exclusivity at Its Best
For those seeking a more personalised experience, a Botswana private safari offers exclusivity and flexibility. You can tailor your safari to your interests, whether focusing on certain wildlife, visiting specific regions, or engaging in preferred activities.
Private safaris offer a more intimate experience with the wilderness. They are often accompanied by expert guides who cater solely to your group.
Locations in Botswana
Central Kalahari
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Makgadikgadi Pans
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Maun
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Northern Botswana
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Northern Tuli Mashatu Game Reserve
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Okavango Delta
View locationBotswana Safaris
Mobile Safari
8 Nights
Price indicator
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$9,475 USD
How Much do Botswana Safaris Cost?
While the cost of a Botswana safari can vary, remember that you’re investing in a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The safaris’ pricing in Botswana reflects exceptional service, unparalleled wildlife encounters, and high standards of accommodation and safety.
Suppose you want a luxury lodge experience or a bespoke mobile camping adventure. Botswana offers options for various budgets without compromising on the quality of the experience.
What is the Best Time to Visit Botswana for a Safari?
Botswana has something to offer all year round, each season delivering extraordinary adventure and unique wildlife experiences. When planning your trip, consider what you hope to get from your Botswana safari.
If you’re a bird watcher, the wet season would be best for you. However, the dry season would be the ideal time to visit if you’re looking for large herds of buffalo and elephants.
Wet Season (November to April)
Rains are short-lived but very heavy, with temperatures soaring at the beginning of the wet season before petering out towards the end to maintain warm evenings towards the end of the season.
Thunderstorms move through the region quickly, spectacularly lighting the landscape and revealing a lush landscape rich with wildlife and greenery.
Dry season (May to October)
During the dry season, the rainwater that has fallen in the Angola highlands starts to flood down through the Okavango Delta, creating an oasis of wetlands and forests which attracts one of the largest concentrations of animals anywhere on the planet.
The season starts with warm days and cold nights (May to August), which leads to October being the hottest and driest month.
Learn more
Read more about best seasons to travel to different regions in Africa.
| jan | feb | mar | apr | may | jun | jul | aug | sep | oct | nov | dec | |
| Central Kalahari |  |  |  | | | | | | | | | |
| Makgadikgadi Pans | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Maun | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Northern Botswana | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Northern Tuli Mashatu Game Reserve | | | | | | | | | | | | |
= Best
= Good
= Mixed
Wildlife and Conservation in Botswana Safaris
Botswana is not just a safari destination; it’s a beacon of wildlife conservation. The country’s commitment to protecting its natural heritage is evident in its vast, untouched landscapes and thriving wildlife populations.
Diverse Wildlife
Botswana is home to some of the most iconic African species. The country’s conservation areas are teeming with elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, and numerous bird species. The Chobe National Park, for instance, has one of the largest concentrations of game in Africa, particularly elephants.
Conservation Efforts
Botswana’s wildlife management and conservation approach is a model for other countries. It includes anti-poaching initiatives, community-based natural resource management, and ecotourism, which contributes to preserving species and their habitats.
Impact of Conservation on Safaris
By choosing Botswana for your safari, you’re supporting these conservation efforts. The country’s eco-conscious approach ensures that your visit contributes to the sustainability of wildlife populations and the well-being of local communities.
Cultural Experiences in Botswana Safaris
Botswana’s cultural heritage is as rich and diverse as its wildlife. When you visit Botswana, you can immerse yourself in the local culture and learn about the people’s traditions. Here are some of the many options available when visiting one of our many Botswana safari destinations:
Engage with local communities and learn about their way of life. Visit the villages of the San people, known for their deep connection with the land and ancient bushcraft skills.
Participate in cultural tours that showcase traditional dances, music, and arts. These tours often include visits to local markets, where you can find handcrafted souvenirs and support local artisans.
Explore Botswana’s culinary landscape. Sample traditional dishes like seswaa, a meat-based local favourite.
Experiences That Speak: Testimonials From Botswana Safari Travellers
Discover the enchanting experiences of travellers who have journeyed through Botswana with us. Their stories and testimonials glimpse the captivating adventures and unforgettable memories created on our safaris.
Andreas Caviezel’s Botswana Adventure
Andreas Caviezel shares his thrilling experience on a Botswana adventure safari. From encountering the majestic wildlife to navigating the diverse landscapes, his story is a testament to our safaris’ exhilarating and transformative nature.
Lisa Pfitzer’s Unforgettable Journey
Join Lisa Pfitzer as she recounts her extraordinary adventure in Botswana. Her narrative captures the essence of the country’s wild beauty. It highlights the personal growth and joy experienced on this journey.
A Wild and Original Self-Drive Safari
Delve into the thrilling account of a self-drive safari through Botswana. This story showcases the independence and excitement of navigating some of Africa’s most iconic landscapes and encountering wildlife up close.
Tip
The high Season in Botswana is from mid-June to mid-October. If you can travel outside of this period, it may be more cost-effective and more rewarding with fewer travellers.
Exploring Botswana Safaris
In Botswana, you are spoilt for choice. From the flooded plains of the Okavango Delta Moremi Game Reserve and its exuberant animal life to the Chobe National Park and its vast trains of elephants, a Botswana safari is challenging to match.
If you’re looking for luxury, then Botswana safari tours have long established themselves as world leaders. With tented camps that will stir the Out of Africa in us all, private concessions and unparalleled service and guiding, it won’t take long to understand why Botswana is the luxury safari capital of the world.
LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN!
Lets work together to create the safari of your dreams!
