Botswana is a safari destination that delivers serious wow-factor without the crowds.
Think vast salt pans, waterways teeming with wildlife, and some of the most exclusive safari lodges on the continent. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic getaway, a once-in-a-lifetime family adventure, or planning a multi-generational trip to connect across generations, Botswana ticks all the boxes.
Why Choose Botswana for an African Safari?
If you’re after the kind of safari where you actually feel like you’re in the wild – no traffic jams of safari vehicles, just elephant herds crossing floodplains at sunset – then a Botswana safari is for you. The country has prioritized low-impact, high-quality tourism, which means fewer visitors but higher-end experiences. That translates to exclusivity, luxury, and unrivalled wildlife viewing.
And yes – Botswana is very good for safari. In fact, it’s arguably one of the best safari destinations in the world. Between the lush waterways of the Okavango Delta, the elephant herds in Chobe National Park Botswana, and the surreal landscapes of the Kalahari Desert, this is a destination where you’ll truly experience the wild.
What Is the Best Month to Go on a Botswana Safari?
The best time to visit depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. The dry season, from May to October, is prime safari time. Wildlife gathers around water sources, making for exceptional sightings. June to August is particularly popular – cool mornings, sunny days, and clear skies.
However, don’t overlook the green season from November to March. This is when Botswana transforms into a lush, green paradise, filled with baby animals and migrating birds. Photographers love this time of year for the vivid colors and dramatic skies.
Where Is the Best Safari in Botswana?
This is where it gets tricky – because Botswana has several safari hotspots, each with a different offering.
- Okavango Delta Botswana: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a true natural marvel. Game drives, mokoro (dugout canoe) rides, walking safaris – you name it. Expect to see lions, leopards, hippos, elephants, and more.
- Chobe National Park Botswana: Famous for having one of the highest concentrations of elephants in Africa. Sunset boat cruises along the Chobe River are the stuff of safari dreams.
- Moremi Game Reserve: Located in the Delta, Moremi is a predator hotspot – big cats, wild dogs, and hyenas roam here.
- Central Kalahari and Makgadikgadi: If you’re looking to experience the Botswana desert landscape and unique species like the brown hyena or meerkat colonies, this is your spot.
So, where is the best safari in Botswana? The truth is, it depends on what you want to see and how you want to travel. Chat with us at Explorer Safari and we’ll help you map out your ideal route.
What Is the Big Five in Botswana?
Like many African safari destinations, Botswana is home to the iconic Big Five: lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino. While sightings of elephants and lions are common, rhinos are a little more elusive and often require a trip to protected reserves. The good news? Botswana’s commitment to conservation has helped protect its rhino population, and sightings are becoming more frequent.
How Much Does a Botswana Safari Cost?
Here’s where Botswana sets itself apart – it’s not a mass-market destination, and the experiences reflect that. The cost of a Botswana African safari varies depending on where you stay (luxury tented camp vs. ultra-premium lodge), how you travel (fly-in safari vs. guided tour), and what’s included.
You’re looking at a premium experience with most Botswana safari packages including accommodation, meals, game drives, and transfers. For the best value and customization, it’s best to chat directly with us at Explorer Safari. We’ll tailor your trip to your travel style, whether you’re going solo, as a couple, or with the whole extended family.
Planning a Multi-Generational Safari in Botswana
Traveling with grandparents, parents, and kids? Botswana is a fantastic choice for a multi-generational holiday – especially when you book the right lodge. Many Botswana lodges offer private guides, family suites, and flexible safari activities to suit all ages.
Imagine the kids learning to track wildlife with a San Bushman guide, while the grandparents sip wine and watch elephants at the waterhole. Game drives can be tailored to be shorter or more relaxed, while in-camp experiences like cultural storytelling or cooking classes keep everyone engaged.
Let us help you find Botswana holiday packages that offer something special for every generation – because memories like these deserve to be shared.
What to Expect from a Botswana Luxury Safari
Luxury in Botswana doesn’t just mean thread-counts and plunge pools – although you’ll definitely find both. It means intimate camps in remote locations, personalized service, and guides who’ve grown up in the bush. Think starlit dinners in the open air, gliding silently through the Delta in a mokoro, or hearing a lion’s roar echo across the plains from your tented suite.
With the right Botswana safari tours, you’ll explore areas where wildlife viewing is nothing short of extraordinary, and the only other people around are your fellow travelers at camp. It’s raw Africa – with style.
Expert Tips for Your Safari Trip to Botswana
- Book early: Because Botswana focuses on low-impact tourism, space is limited, especially in high season.
- Pack layers: Mornings can be chilly even in the dry season, but afternoons warm up quickly.
- Consider combining destinations: Add a few days in Victoria Falls or Cape Town to your Botswana tour packages for even more wow-factor.
- Travel light: Charter flights between camps often have strict baggage limits, so soft-sided luggage is key.
- Don’t skip the Delta: A visit to the Okavango Delta Botswana is essential for a full safari experience.
Ready to Explore Botswana?
From the wild waterways of the Delta to the dramatic silence of the salt pans, Botswana is more than just a safari trip – it’s an experience that will stay with you forever. Whether you’re planning a bucket-list safari honeymoon, a first-time African adventure, or a family safari vacation across three generations, we’re here to help you get it just right.
Chat with Explorer Safari today to tailor your Botswana travel packages. We’ll help you choose where to stay, what to see, and how to build an unforgettable journey that matches your pace, preferences, and travel dreams.