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Botswana

Botswana is a premier safari destination, renowned for its pristine wilderness, commitment to conservation, and extraordinary wildlife experiences. From the vast, wildlife-rich landscapes of the Okavango Delta, one of the world’s natural wonders, to the elephant-filled plains of Chobe National Park, Botswana offers diverse ecosystems and unparalleled game viewing.

Botswana is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Okavango Delta and Tsodilo. The Okavango Delta, located in north-west Botswana, is a breathtaking area of permanent marshlands and seasonally flooded plains. As one of the few major interior delta systems that doesn’t flow into a sea or ocean, it remains almost completely intact, offering a unique wetland ecosystem. Meanwhile, Tsodilo, often called the “Louvre of the Desert,” is home to one of the world’s highest concentrations of rock art. The striking Tsodilo Hills rise dramatically from the Kalahari, housing over 4,000 ancient paintings that are well-preserved and highly recommended for any visitor.

Travelers can immerse themselves in the serenity of the Kalahari Desert, explore the striking Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, or embark on traditional mokoro trips through winding delta channels. Whether you’re seeking luxury lodges or authentic bush adventures, Botswana is an exceptional choice for those craving an unforgettable African experience.

  • Chobe National Park – located in Northern Botswana, Chobe is well known as one of the best wildlife parks in the world. The Chobe safari area is split between the river frontage of Chobe and the Savuti Marsh. Within easy driving distance from the Iconic Victoria Falls is the the Chobe River which runs through an old safari area, often visited by David Livingstone in the 1850hrs. This area attracts some of Africa’s largest elephant herds, as well as being known for their huge Cape Buffalo herds and the large prides of lions. Birdlife on the Chobe River is excellent with up to 460 species being recorded in the park. Notably the Chobe river is  also known for its sizable  pods of hippos and crocodiles.  There are a number of camps along the river frontage and within the Chobe forest area’s joining the river.
  • Okavango Delta –  This spectacular marshland has varying scenery and habitat. Choose a variety of camps to experience the water and land based activities for the ultimate “delta experience”
  • Makgadikgadi Pans – This salt pan, located in the middle of Botswana, is one of the largest salt flats in the world and is famous for the Baines baobabs, its zebra migration and flocks of flamingos during the rainy season.
  • Kalahari Desert – Covering the centre of Botswana, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a large semi-arid sandy savanna with an immensity of unending space. The Kalahari Desert is well known for both its bird and wildlife and is home to the unique species of brown hyenas, Kalahari lion and meerkats.
  • Savute Marsh – Savute’s almost desert-like landscape has a mystical feeling to it as it can dry up or flood regardless of local rains. Savute is famous for its predators, especially its resident lion and spotted hyena populations.

    The Savute Channel (also spelt Savute) has a uniqe feature whereby it sometimes flows from Linyanti’s waterways into the Chobe National Park, flooding the Savute Marsh. The Marsh, even when dry , this area attracts scores of wildlife which are attracted by the nutritious grasses of the area.  The area become awash with large Zebra herds which pass through on their annual migration. Impala, wildebeest, giraffe, buffalo and elephant herds all tend to frequent this area. We have had some very most exciting lion sightings here, with large prides that defend their territories. There are also very frequent  sightings of leopard, which live in amongst the rocky kopjes. Birding is equally rewarding with large secretary birds and Kori bustards which are often around the marsh. Interesting summer migrants include Abdims storks, carmine bee eaters and even fish eagles.  

The seasons in Botswana vary depending on the area, like Zimbabwe and Zambia.

November to May is the summer wet season and comes with a few tropical thunderstorms. The average daily temperatures range from 34 – 40 degrees Celsius.

June to August is the winter season which is very dry. The average daily temperature varies depending on area but can drop at night to 0 degrees Celsius, reaching around 14 degrees Celsius in the day.

September to October is very hot and dry with average daily temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius.

Camps in Botswana vary in size. The smaller camps consisting of 8 – 10 tents are usually more expensive and exclusive. Camps and Safari Lodges located within National Parks, which have more tourist traffic, are less expensive and tend to accommodate more people. All camps in Botswana are sold on an all-inclusive basis which includes your accommodation, meals, two activities per day, National Park fees and occasionally your laundry and local drinks. Activities on offer depend on the area and include game drives, game walks, boat cruises and mokoro (canoe) excursions. Some Camps also offer local village tours.

AVERAGE NIGHTLY COST OF A SAFARI

The average cost in Chobe (depending on the size of the lodge and what is on offer) ranges from a minimum of US$350 per person per night in low season, reaching up to US$990 in the high season per person per night on a shared room basis.

The average cost in the Okavango Delta (depending on the size of the lodge and what is on offer) ranges from a minimum US$650 to US$1500 per person per night on a shared room basis and in high season from US$ 800 to US$2,755.00 per person per night on a shared room all-inclusive basis.

It is important to note that all the camps in Botswana are serviced by shared charters and this is an additional cost.

SAFARI ITINERARIES ARE ON AVERAGE ARE  7 – 14 DAYS

  • Most safari itineraries in Botswana range from 7 to 14 days with the most popular itineraries including Chobe
  • Areas most visited for first time visitors are Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta system inclusive of Khwai, Moremi, Linyanti and Savuti Marsh
  • Second time visitors will visit other National Parks including the Kalahari Desert and Makgadikgadi Pans, which is well suited to cultural interests.

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS

  • Gaborone
  • Maun
  • Kasane

Maun and Kasane airports are the gateway to all the National Parks of Botswana.

CURRENCY – Botswana Pula is the local currency used but all safaris are paid for in USD.

LANGUAGE – English and Setswana