Ultimate Guide for Booking Botswana Safari Tours
Botswana offers more than wildlife. Its history shapes daily life across the country. Botswana gained independence in 1966, and diamond mining and agriculture built much of its economy since.
The country has stayed peaceful and stable, with good infrastructure that makes travel around Botswana easy and comfortable. If you are planning a trip to Botswana, this guide covers what you need to know before you book.
Why Go on a Botswana Vacation?
Here are some of the top reasons to book a Botswana safari tour.
Much More Than a Classic Safari Destination
Botswana combines desert, open grassland, and papyrus lined water channels in one country, giving every Botswana safari a mix of wildlife and water based experiences.
Expect a blend of luxury and adventure, even in the most remote areas, on an all inclusive Botswana safari built around your pace. Many trips here create memories that last a lifetime.
The Okavango Delta ranks as one of the largest deltas in the world and one of the most sought after safari destinations. It is the only major delta found inside a desert, which makes it a rare sight on its own. From here, most itineraries continue to Chobe National Park, home to one of the highest animal concentrations in Africa.
Desert, delta, rivers, baobabs, rare species like the lechwe and sitatunga, strong bird watching, and an annual zebra migration all combine to give Botswana one of the most complete African safari tours available.
One-of-a-Kind Botswana Safari Activities
Botswana boasts wide diversity in both wildlife and landscape, which supports a wide range of safari activities.
You will find something new on every Botswana safari, whether this is your first trip or your tenth. Botswana ranks among the most peaceful and welcoming countries in Africa.
From exploring the Okavango Delta to spending time with the Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert, a Botswana safari gives you an adventure to remember for a lifetime.
Game Viewing Safaris All Year Round
Botswana’s mild climate supports wildlife viewing almost any time of year at destinations like the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and Moremi Game Reserve. This makes it possible to book a great Botswana safari tour in any season.
A Botswana safari gives you a strong chance to see the Big Five: elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion, and leopard.
You can also spot rarer species such as the wild dog, brown hyena, lechwe, and sitatunga, along with some of the largest elephant herds in Africa across the country’s conservation areas.
Some of the Finest Safari Lodges & Camps in Africa
Most Botswana safari camps sit in remote areas and on private islands, giving guests a mix of comfort and a true sense of the wild. Some of the best Botswana safari lodges combine this remote setting with genuine luxury.
Expect amenities like spas, gyms, outdoor bathtubs, and private plunge pools, whether the lodge sits in thick vegetation or the open Kalahari Desert.
Botswana has repeatedly ranked among Africa’s top luxury safari destinations, thanks to exclusive lodges and camps that put you close to wildlife while keeping your stay private.
Activities include guided safaris, nature walks, and night game drives, along with boat cruises and scenic flights over the delta.
The Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Safari Destinations
Botswana’s safari destinations range from the Okavango Delta to the rolling savanna plains, the Savuti region, and the Makgadikgadi salt flats. The Okavango Delta sits at the heart of most Botswana safaris and is best explored by boat.
The vast open spaces of the Kalahari offer a real escape from the modern world, along with the chance to meet and learn from the Bushmen, one of the few communities that still lives much as their ancestors did.
Easy Logistics & Convenient Add-Ons
Good transport links, including well maintained airstrips, make it easy to reach the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park safely and comfortably. Additional airstrips across the country keep logistics simple wherever your safari takes you.
With flight options across the region, you can combine your Botswana safari with South Africa, Namibia, or Zimbabwe, adding stops like Cape Town, Victoria Falls, or the Namib Desert to your itinerary. This makes Botswana a strong base for wider African safari tours across Southern Africa.
Botswana People & Culture
Botswana has a population of about two million, making it one of the least densely populated countries in Africa, with a largely homogenous culture. Most of the population is Christian, and while Setswana is the national language, English is widely spoken as well.
Bushmen communities in the Kalahari Desert still follow traditional ways of life. Most of the rest of the population lives in cities and towns, with Gaborone as the capital and largest urban center. Much of the rest of the country remains sparsely populated.
Religion in Botswana
Most Batswana follow a mix of traditional beliefs and Christianity, including Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, and Zionist churches, especially in villages.
Smaller Methodist, Dutch Reformed, Lutheran, and Anglican congregations exist alongside expatriate Muslim, Quaker, Hindu, and Bahai communities, mostly in major towns.
Social Conventions in Botswana
As in much of Africa, Botswana’s communities hold conservative core values and traditions. Visitors are welcome to hold their own beliefs, as long as they show respect for local customs.
Casual dress is common in urban areas, but dress more conservatively in rural and remote communities.
Photography & Filming
Avoid using cameras or binoculars near government buildings, and always ask permission before photographing people.
Language in Botswana
English serves as Botswana’s official language, while Setswana is the national language. Minority languages such as Kalanga and Sekgalagadi are also spoken.
Botswana Landscape & Wildlife
Most of Botswana consists of dry, flat desert, alongside areas of acacia trees and savanna grassland. The northern region gets the most rainfall and supports woodland vegetation.
Wetlands around the Okavango Delta, Chobe River, and Linyanti Swamps also hold rich concentrations of wildlife.
A hunting ban introduced in 2013 has strengthened conservation across the country. More than half of Botswana’s land falls under national parks and conservation areas, with Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta, and Moremi Game Reserve making up the largest share.
You can see wildlife in both desert and savanna settings, including the Kalahari, the largest desert in the region. Botswana holds one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, along with wild dogs, lions, and hippos.
Geography
Botswana is a landlocked country, bordered by South Africa to the south and east, Zimbabwe to the northeast, and Namibia to the west and north, with a short border touching Zambia near Victoria Falls.
The Kalahari Desert covers the central and southern regions. The country’s core wildlife areas include the Okavango Delta in Botswana, the largest inland delta in the world, along with Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park.
The Savute and Linyanti Marshes add to the wildlife map, along with the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the far southwest, jointly managed with South Africa.
Best Botswana Safari Destinations
Botswana offers a wide range of safari activities across its wetlands, rivers, and woodland environments, along with the Kalahari Desert, home to both wildlife and sun baked salt pans.
Each destination in Botswana offers a different experience, and pairing a few of them is the easiest way to build the best Botswana safari itinerary for your trip. Here are the top spots to include:
Okavango Delta: The Kalahari’s Green Oasis
The Okavango Delta sits in the middle of the Kalahari Desert, making its green wetlands a sharp contrast to the surrounding dry landscape. A mix of woodland habitats supports a wide range of wildlife here.
As the largest inland delta in the world, the Okavango Delta also delivers one of Botswana’s best safari experiences. Activities include nature walks, game drives, boat rides, and canoe safaris. Moremi Game Reserve, a privately managed conservation area, covers the largest section of the delta.
Chobe National Park: Elephants & Predators
Chobe National Park ranks as Botswana’s most sought after safari destination, thanks to its high wildlife concentration and large elephant population. A Chobe National Park safari gives you some of the best game viewing in the country. The best time to see game here runs from June to September, when wildlife gathers around the Chobe River. Expect close sightings of hyenas and lions during this period.
The Kalahari: Unique Parks & Thriving Wildlife
The Kalahari offers vast sand covered land with scattered wooded grassland. Parts of the desert flood during the rainy season, which helps wildlife thrive here. As one of Botswana’s most popular safari destinations, the Kalahari pairs well with a combined itinerary that includes Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta.
Linyanti, Selinda & Kwando: Exclusive Wetland Reserves
These reserves offer a highly exclusive and private safari experience, with several airstrips providing easy access. The wetlands here support strong birding and a peaceful, memorable safari. Visit between June and October, the driest months of the year, for the best experience.
Tuli Block: A Hidden Gem
The Tuli Block ranks among Botswana’s least known destinations, though it offers plenty to see. Located along the Limpopo River, the area combines varied landscapes, large baobab trees, and big elephant herds within several private conservation areas. Tuli Block also offers some of the best night game drives in Botswana, with good chances of spotting elusive animals like leopards.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Botswana?
You can visit Botswana at any time of year, though June to October, the dry season, is generally considered the best time to travel. Wildlife concentrates more heavily around water sources during these months, making game viewing easier.
Malaria risk also drops during the dry season, adding another reason to plan your Botswana holiday for this period.
Visiting between January and April offers a different experience, especially in Chobe’s Savuti region and the Kalahari Desert, where you can see migrating animals.
Climate:
- Rainy season: October/November to March/April
- Average summer temperatures: 18°C to 38°C
- Average winter temperatures: 6°C to 27°C
Money & Spending
Botswana’s official currency is the Pula, one of the stronger currencies in the region. The US dollar is also widely accepted at hotels and major restaurants across the country.
Forex exchange services are available in major towns, and most hotels accept credit and debit cards along with traveler’s cheques.
Banking hours run 8:30am to 3:30pm Monday to Friday, and 8:30am to 11am on Saturday. Full banking services are limited to major towns, though ATMs continue to expand across the country.
Tipping
Tipping is not required, though it is a good way to show appreciation for good service. You can tip in local or foreign currency, and the amount usually depends on group size.
A standard tip runs around 10% of the total bill, though you are welcome to tip more based on your experience.
Packing List for Your Botswana Tour
Pack for the season you travel in. Consider bringing:
- Shorts and t-shirts for hot days
- Long sleeved shirts to protect against sun and insects
- Neutral colored clothing, since bright colors can attract insects
- Insect repellent and a hat for sun protection
- Layered clothing for cooler months, so you can adjust from cold mornings to hot afternoons
- A rain jacket for wet season travel
Flights & Getting Around
Gaborone: Sir Seretse Khama International Airport serves as the main gateway, with regular flights to and from Johannesburg.
Maun: Daily flights connect Maun with Johannesburg and Cape Town, making it an easy gateway to the Okavango Delta. Charter flights are also available to fit your schedule.
Kasane: This airstrip serves as the gateway to Chobe National Park from Johannesburg, Gaborone, or Maun. From here, you transfer to the Chobe area by road, with access to Savute and Linyanti as well. Victoria Falls sits about 100 km away.
Charter flights connect most destinations across Botswana, and we can arrange transfers from the airstrip to your lodge or activity.
Visa & Passport Requirements
Your passport should have at least six months of validity remaining. Citizens of the EU, Commonwealth countries, the USA, South Africa, Switzerland, Israel, and Norway do not need a visa to enter Botswana.
Tourist entry allows a stay of up to 30 days. Visas for neighboring countries are also available in Gaborone.
Safety in Botswana
Botswana ranks among the safer destinations in Africa, though normal precautions still apply, as with any destination. Keep valuables secure, stay alert in busy areas and traffic, and avoid isolated areas at night.
While on safari, always follow your guide’s instructions. Wildlife is unpredictable, so stay with your group and avoid separating from your guide in national parks.
Roads in Botswana are well maintained, with a speed limit of about 120 km/h. Visitors can drive using an international driving permit for up to 90 days, though local driving habits vary, so stay alert behind the wheel.
Traveling with Children
Children under 18 who travel with only one parent or a guardian may need written consent from the other parent or legal guardian.
Vaccine Information for Botswana
Check with your doctor or a travel clinic before your trip, since vaccine recommendations change. COVID-19 vaccination is not mandatory but recommended. Yellow fever vaccination may be required depending on your travel history, so confirm current requirements before you travel.
Botswana carries some risk of hepatitis B and E, insect borne diseases, and bilharzia, along with a low risk of meningitis. Your doctor can advise on the right vaccines and preventive medication for your trip.
Nightlife in Botswana
Botswana’s nightlife stays low key compared to other African countries, though cities offer cinemas, restaurants, and bars. Many venues host live music, making for a relaxed evening after a day on safari.
Where to Stay: Best Botswana Safari Accommodation and Lodges
Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta, and Moremi Game Reserve rank as Botswana’s top safari destinations, and each offers some of the country’s best accommodation options.
Choose from luxury, mid range, and standard options, including tented camps with en-suite facilities, all well located and professionally managed.
Dining, guiding, and service standards run high across Botswana, and several lodges rank among the most luxurious in Southern Africa. Contact us to find the right lodge for your Botswana safari.
Frequently Asked Questions About Botswana Safaris
When is the best time to visit Botswana for a safari?
June to October is the best time, since it’s the dry season and wildlife gathers around water sources like the Okavango Delta and Chobe River. Malaria risk is also lower during these months.
How much does a Botswana safari cost?
Cost depends on trip length, group size, accommodation type, and guide choice. Contact us for a custom quote based on your travel dates and preferences.
Do I need a visa to visit Botswana?
Citizens of the EU, Commonwealth countries, the USA, South Africa, Switzerland, Israel, and Norway do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 30 days. Requirements can change, so confirm before you book.
What is the best national park in Botswana?
Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta rank as the top choices, each offering a different experience. Chobe is known for large elephant herds, while the Okavango Delta offers boat safaris through a unique inland delta.
Is Botswana safe for tourists?
Botswana ranks among the safer countries in Africa to visit. Normal travel precautions apply, such as securing valuables and following your guide’s instructions in national parks.
What wildlife will I see in Botswana?
Expect the Big Five (elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion, and leopard), plus rarer species like wild dogs, brown hyenas, lechwe, and sitatunga. Botswana also holds one of the largest elephant populations in Africa.
How do I get from the Okavango Delta to Chobe National Park?
Most travelers fly between the two on small charter or scheduled flights, since road travel is slower. We can arrange these transfers as part of your itinerary.
What should I pack for a Botswana safari?
Pack neutral colored clothing, a hat, insect repellent, and layers for cool mornings and hot afternoons. A rain jacket is useful if you travel during the wet season.
What vaccines do I need for Botswana?
Requirements vary by traveler and travel history, so check with your doctor or a travel clinic before your trip. Yellow fever vaccination may be required depending on where you’re arriving from.
Can I combine a Botswana safari with other countries?
Yes, Botswana pairs well with South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, including stops like Victoria Falls and Cape Town. Ask us about combined itineraries when planning your trip.
What currency is used in Botswana?
The Pula is Botswana’s official currency, and it’s one of the stronger currencies in the region. US dollars are also widely accepted at hotels and major restaurants.
Do I need to tip on a Botswana safari?
Tipping is not required but is appreciated for good service. A standard tip runs around 10% of the total bill, in either local or foreign currency.
What is the Okavango Delta known for?
The Okavango Delta is the largest inland delta in the world and the only major delta located inside a desert. It offers boat rides, canoe safaris, game drives, and nature walks.
Can children travel on a Botswana safari?
Yes, though children under 18 traveling with only one parent or a guardian may need written consent from the other parent or legal guardian. Check current entry requirements before booking.
What languages are spoken in Botswana?
English is the official language, and Setswana is the national language. Minority languages such as Kalanga and Sekgalagadi are also spoken.
What type of accommodation is available in Botswana?
Options range from luxury lodges with private plunge pools to mid range and standard tented camps with en-suite facilities. Most camps sit in remote areas or private islands close to the wildlife.
Is Botswana a good destination for a luxury safari?
Yes, Botswana ranks among Africa’s top luxury safari destinations, with exclusive lodges that combine comfort with privacy and easy wildlife access.
How do I get to the Okavango Delta?
Most travelers fly into Maun, which has daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town, then connect to the delta by light aircraft. Charter flights are also available.
What is the Kalahari Desert like?
The Kalahari covers the central and southern parts of Botswana, with vast sand covered land, scattered wooded grassland, and areas that flood during the rainy season. It’s home to the Bushmen, one of the few communities still living a traditional way of life.
What is the weather like in Botswana?
Summer temperatures average 18°C to 38°C, and winter temperatures average 6°C to 27°C. The rainy season runs from October/November through March/April.
Ready to explore Botswana? As a trusted Botswana safari tour operator, we build Botswana tour packages around what you want to see, from Chobe and the Okavango Delta to the Kalahari and beyond. Contact us for current Botswana safari prices and let our team put together an itinerary suited to your budget and travel dates.
