Botswana is a key highlight in many of our all-encompassing Africa safari itineraries, often paired with South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It’s an excellent choice for a 3-5 day extension, and we also offer dedicated Botswana tours featuring must-visit destinations such as:
- Chobe National Park is home to vast herds of elephants, buffalos, giraffes, hippos, zebras, impalas, and the elusive white rhino.
- Santawani Concession & Mopane Forest, where elephants roam alongside a variety of antelope species, including kudus, tsessebes, wildebeests, and zebras.
- The Okavango Delta and Khwai River, are perfect for adventurous families looking to experience Botswana’s stunning wetlands and abundant wildlife.
- Victoria Falls, is one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls, offering an unforgettable experience for travelers eager to witness its breathtaking power.
- Hwange National Park in neighboring Zimbabwe, where you can embark on open-air game drives, guided walking safaris, and immersive nature walks with experienced professionals.
Did You Know…?
- Chobe National Park boasts the world’s largest concentration of African elephants.
- 38% of Botswana is dedicated to national parks, wildlife preserves, and conservation areas, making it a true haven for nature lovers.
- The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest inland river delta on the planet.
- The Makgadikgadi Pans cover over 12,000 sq. km, ranking among the largest salt pans in the world.
- While English is the official language, Setswana is the national language and is widely spoken throughout the country.
- The Botswana-Zambia border is the shortest international border in the world, measuring just 150 meters.
- Due to its remote location and higher travel costs, Botswana remains an exclusive safari destination, offering breathtaking wildlife encounters without the crowds.
How Much Does a Tour to Botswana Cost?
Botswana offers an incredible travel experience with breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife. Tour prices typically start at around $1,000 for a 5-day trip and can go up to $16,500 for a 17-day adventure, depending on the level of luxury and itinerary.
There are several safari options to choose from, including:
- Classic safaris – Ideal for those seeking an authentic wildlife experience.
- Luxury safaris – Offering high-end lodges, exclusive game drives, and personalized service.
- Safari & cruise combinations – Blending game viewing with scenic river cruises for a unique experience.
Your choice will depend on your budget, time, and travel preferences. If you need assistance selecting the perfect itinerary, Adventure Life’s travel experts are ready to help you plan your ideal Botswana safari.
Animals to Look for in Botswana (by Region)
Botswana is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, with different regions offering unique sightings. Here’s what you can expect to see in each area:
Chobe / Caprivi
- Buffalo, Cheetah, Elephant, Kudu, Hippo, Leopard, Lion, Wildebeest
Moremi / Okavango
- Buffalo, Cheetah, Elephant, Kudu, Hippo, Leopard, Lion, White Rhino, Wild Dogs, Wildebeest
Linyanti / Selinda / Kwando
- Buffalo, Cheetah, Eland, Elephant, Kudu, Hippo, Leopard, Lion, Wild Dog, Wildebeest
Savute (Southwestern Chobe)
- Cheetah, Elephant, Kudu, Leopard, Lion, Wild Dog, Wildebeest
Whether you’re searching for big cats, massive elephant herds, or endangered wild dogs, Botswana’s diverse landscapes offer some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa.
Best Time for a Botswana Safari
Botswana offers an exceptional safari experience year-round, thanks to its varied landscapes and abundant wildlife. However, the best time to visit depends on what you want to see:
- Dry Season (May – October): Best for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources, and vegetation is sparse for better visibility.
- Wet Season (November – April): Ideal for birdwatching and lush scenery, with many animals giving birth, though game viewing may be more challenging due to dense vegetation.
Lodges & Safari Camps
We’ve handpicked some of the finest safari lodges and tented camps in Botswana for an unforgettable stay:
- &Beyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp – Located in the heart of wildlife-rich grasslands.
- Gomoti Plains Camp – Offers excellent access to the Gomoti River system.
- Machaba Camp – Situated in the Okavango Delta, near Moremi Game Reserve in the Khwai area.
- Beyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp – A private retreat on its own delta island.
- Zarafa Camp – Located in an area renowned for large predator populations.
Best Botswana River Cruise Lines for 2025-2026
For a unique safari experience, consider a luxury river cruise along the Chobe River, which offers stunning wildlife viewing from the water.
- AMA Waterways – Features an African cruise and safari program centered around Chobe River cruises, with additional travel options to Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Their 28-passenger Zambezi Queen provides a refined onboard experience tailored for safari-style river cruising.
- CroisiEurope – Offers Chobe River cruise safaris, with shore excursions including full-day jeep safaris in Chobe National Park, home to one-quarter of Africa’s total elephant population. Their African Dream river cruise provides an intimate and immersive exploration of Botswana’s breathtaking waterways and wildlife.
Botswana is an extraordinary destination, whether you explore by land or water. From thrilling game drives to scenic river cruises, it’s the perfect place for a once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure!
