Botswana
Botswana is one of Africa’s top safari destinations, known for its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and strong conservation ethos. It’s a place where you can really experience the wild without the crowds. The Okavango Delta, with its winding waterways and lush floodplains, is perfect for exploring by mokoro or boat, while Chobe National Park is a must for its huge elephant herds and riverfront game viewing. Then there’s the Makgadikgadi Pans and Central Kalahari, offering something totally different, vast open spaces, desert-adapted wildlife, and a real sense of remoteness. Whether you’re after classic game drives, guided walks, or water-based safaris, Botswana has a lot to offer. It’s a destination that feels both authentic and carefully protected, making it ideal for travellers looking for a deeper kind of safari experience.
Lodges & Camps
We tailor every aspect of your travel – your itinerary, private guides, accommodations, & activities – to create the trip you’re dreaming of. With deep in-country knowledge, our team is able to craft your trip precisely the way you want. Request a custom itinerary below.
1. Make an Enquiry
Submit an enquiry online.
2. Speak to a Local Expert
Discuss your travel plans with your own dedicated Africa specialist.
3. Receive a Quote + Itinerary
We craft your dream itinerary and send you a quote.
4. Book Your Trip
Once every detail is just right, we confirm your booking.
Frequently Asked Botswana Questions:
When is the best time to go on safari in Botswana?
- The dry season (May to October) is considered the best time to visit. During these months, wildlife is easier to spot as animals congregate around waterholes and the vegetation is less dense. June to August offers cooler temperatures and great game viewing, especially in the Okavango Delta, Chobe, and Moremi. The green season (November to April) has fewer tourists, lush landscapes, and excellent birding, but wildlife can be harder to find and some areas may be inaccessible due to flooding.
Where are the best places to go on safari in Botswana?
- Okavango Delta – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a unique inland delta full of wildlife and stunning scenery.
- Moremi Game Reserve – Part of the Delta, it offers exceptional wildlife encounters.
- Chobe National Park – Famous for its huge elephant herds and river-based safaris.
- Makgadikgadi Pans & Nxai Pan – Vast salt pans with zebra migrations and dramatic landscapes.
- Central Kalahari Game Reserve – A remote desert ecosystem with black-maned lions and seasonal wildlife.
What makes Botswana safaris different from other African destinations?
- Botswana offers uncrowded, exclusive wilderness experiences thanks to its policy of low-impact tourism. It’s also one of the only places where you can experience water-based safaris, and it has some of the largest populations of elephants and wild dogs in Africa. The sheer size and remoteness of its protected areas make it ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the crowds.
Is Botswana a safe destination for safari?
- Yes, Botswana is one of Africa’s safest and most politically stable countries. It has a low crime rate and excellent infrastructure for tourism. That said, common-sense precautions are advised. On safari, always follow your guide’s instructions, especially around wildlife.
Do I need a visa to visit Botswana?
- Citizens of many countries including the USA, UK, EU nations, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. However, always check with your local Botswana embassy or consulate for the most current information.
What type of safari options are available in Botswana?
Botswana is famous for mobile tented safaris, fly-in safaris, luxury lodges, and self-drive safaris. Unique options include:
- Mokoro safaris – Dugout canoe safaris in the Delta.
- Walking safaris – Especially in private concessions.
- Photographic safaris – With specially equipped vehicles.
- Horseback safaris – Offered in certain Delta areas
Do I need vaccinations to travel to Botswana?
Yes. Recommended vaccines include:
- Hepatitis A & B.
- Typhoid.
- Tetanus.
- Rabies (for long stays or remote areas).
- Yellow fever (only if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever)
Malaria prophylaxis is strongly advised, especially from November to June, as Botswana is a malaria-risk country.
Is malaria a concern in Botswana?
- Yes, particularly in northern Botswana (Okavango, Chobe, Moremi) during the wet season. Travelers should take antimalarial medication, use insect repellent, and sleep under mosquito nets (which are standard at most camps).
How do I get to Botswana?
The main entry points are:
- Maun – Gateway to the Okavango Delta
- Kasane – Near Chobe National Park and Victoria Falls
- Gaborone – The capital city, mostly for business travel
You can fly into Botswana from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Windhoek, or Victoria Falls. Light aircraft flights are commonly used to reach remote safari camps.