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Botswana Safaris, Botswana Tours, Vacations to Botswana Safari Trips
Botswana safaris/Botswana tours & safaris are among the best African safaris you can enjoy. These vacations to Botswana safari trips, allow you to explore most of Southern Africa’s abundant culture and wildlife natural treasures!
Safaris to Botswana trips give you a chance to visit the amazing unattached wilderness, scenic landscapes, and rich wildlife most travelers are always interested in.
What makes Botswana famous?
During your Botswana safari, expect to spot thousands of game animals counting the big cats and Big Five (Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard, and Rhinos). Other big game includes large herds of Zebras, Giraffes, Hippos, and Wildebeests. Various antelopes and rare animals like the brown Hyena are also common.
Most game-watching safaris in Botswana take place in the great Okavango Delta– the biggest inland delta on Earth, known as Africa’s last remaining Gardens of Eden!
While in Okavango, you’ll enjoy a scenic game drive and hot-air balloon expeditions. Water safaris (rides in dugout canoes) through flooded plains are also possible!
Among other areas for game-watching safari tours in Botswana include Chobe National Park, much known for its viable population of the magnificent Kalahari Elephants! Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana’s “Predator Capital” is also worth visiting! Here, you’ll spot Leopards, Cheetahs, Lions, and endangered painted dogs.
On your African Botswana vacations, you can further experience memorable cultural encounters with the Bushmen, as well as Quad biking and horse-riding safaris, etc.
All year round you can undertake African safari tours in Botswana, but the best time to visit Botswana is during the dry months.
You can combine your Botswana African safari tours with the Zimbabwe or Zambia tours to visit the great Victoria Falls, a breathtaking natural wonder worth exploring!
Accommodation on Botswana safari tours is ideal for every traveler. It includes lodges, tented camps, & hotels, etc.
Top Fascinating Thing to Do in Botswana – What Do in Botswana?
In Africa, Botswana ranks top among the countries offering notable adventures!
Here are the top captivating things to do in Botswana:
Undertaking Classic Wildlife Viewing Tours
For world-class wildlife viewing tours in Africa, Botswana is the best place to go!
This beloved country holds thousands of game animals that most travelers are always interested in encountering. Among these include Lions, Leopards, Rhinos, large herds of magnificent Elephants, Cape Buffalo, Zebras, Giraffes, Hippos, etc. Cheetahs, Hyenas, painted dogs, and Antelopes.
For the best Botswana safari tours you can undertake, game drives in safari vehicles are done to spot most game animals. Hot air balloon safaris, boat cruises, Helicopter drives, and horseback riding are also possible for remarkable game viewing tours in Botswana.
The best spots for spotting game animals in Botswana include:
OKAVANGO DELTA IN NORTHERN BOTSWANA
On your Botswana safari, Okavango Delta (UNESCO world heritage site) is the best place for game viewing adventures.
This picturesque, protected area boasts all the big game, the Lion, Cape Buffalo Leopard, African Elephants as well as Rhinos (both black & white Rhinos). African wild dogs, Giraffes, wildebeests, and Zebras are also present in the Okavango area.
On your tour in Okavango Delta, expect to spot Lion prides or African wild dogs hunting. Most of the Okavango Delta’s animals are spotted while on game drives.
Horseback riding & walking safaris are also possible. You’ll take a boat cruise to explore the Chief’s Island.
CHOBE NATIONAL PARK
Chobe National Park is also one of the top places to visit in Botswana for notable game watching tours.
This park boasts abundant wildlife however, the safari highlight in Chobe National Park is the large Elephant herds. Game drives in safari vehicles are also possible here.
A dry season offers the best experience in Chobe National Park as game animals can easily be spotted on Chobe Riverbanks during a boat cruise. The mighty Chobe River is the main water source in this park.
For the best Botswana safari tours, you can also visit:
- Moremi Game Reserve
- Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
- Central Kalahari Game Reserve- Much known for its black-maned Kalahari Lions and other rare animal sightings counting African wild dogs.
2. Bird Watching Tours
Although Botswana is known for classic game-watching safaris, it’s also a paradise for bird lovers. This beloved country boats over 614 bird species counting most of the species birders are interested in!
Key birds to look for on your birding safaris in Botswana:
- Carmine bee-eaters
- Abyssinian Ground Hornbills
- Kori Bustard
- African Fish eagles
- Pelicans
- Flamingos
- Kingfishers
- Ostriches
- Oxpeckers
- Black Egrets
For the best Botswana safari tours, the best spots for birding include Lake Ngami, the Okavango area, Chobe NP around River Chobe, and Moremi Game Reserve. It’s also possible in Makgadikgadi Pans NP as well as Central Kalahari Game Reserve.
Birding tours in Botswana can be done on nature walks, or a game drive using safari vehicles.
Walking With San Bushmen in Kalahari Wilderness
This is among the best Botswana safaris a must not miss on your visit! The renowned Bushmen, the San are the oldest people to live in Southern Africa about 20,000 years ago.
These amazing people, the Bushmen are great hunters and fruit gatherers that have a great knowledge about this wilderness.
During this remarkable walking adventure with the Bushmen, you’ll learn about their amazing unique culture, and hunting skills, as well as their extraordinary knowledge of medicinal and poisonous plants.
Keen safari goers will get a golden chance to learn about the life of one of the oldest cultures on Earth! It’s one of the wonderful things to do in Botswana.
Exploring Scenic Ancient Rock Art
The ancient rock art in Tsodilo Hills is a must-visit on top of your game watching safaris in Botswana. These captivating paintings indicate cultures and people who lived over 1000 years ago across the African continent.
Situated in the far northwest of the country, Botswana Tsodilo Hills holds one of the most captivating rock paintings in the world. According to UNESCO, it boasts over 4,500 pieces of art in just a 10km2 area.
This picturesque rock art is thought to date from the Stone Age period which began around 3.4 million years ago to the 19th century. It depicts traditional dances, as well as the incredible wild animals they used to hunt.
For history buffs, this lovely sacred place is one of the prominent attractions in Botswana.
Try Out Camping in the Wilderness
For adventure safari goers, this is a memorable experience worth undertaking. It allows you to see the lovely night sky of Botswana which is unaffected by light pollution.
In this country, some accommodation facilities offer sleepouts on a platform with a guide nearby for safety.
This adventure can be ideal for travelers on a honeymoon. Imagine that romantic feeling of falling asleep under the beautiful stars!
Hang Out with Meerkats
On your Botswana safari, this is also a wonderful adventure you shouldn’t miss for a great experience. Although Meerkats are cute and cuddly, they’re fearless creatures with an amazing social structure and lookout system.
The fact that Meerkats are so fearless, they can easily be habituated to human presence!
This memorable adventure can be experienced in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park in Kalahari. This picturesque park with a vast complex of salt pans holds numerous Meerkats families.
Hot Air Balloon Experiences in Okavango Delta
For notable game watching tours in Botswana safari tours, it’s ideal for you to try out a hot air balloon experience in Okavango Delta. It allows you to explore the scenic picturesque wild places in Okavango Delta with a bird’s eye about 1000ft above sea level.
While in this light aircraft, you’ll enjoy floating above serene oxbow lakes, and the eye-catching meandering river. You’ll also enjoy views of golden grasslands, and numerous wild game counting fascinating Hippo pods, cape Buffalos, Elephants, Lion, and Zebras, below.
This adventure is ideal for travelers on Botswana group tours as well as honeymooners!
Game Viewing on a Horse Ride
Horseback riding in a park is one of the unique thrilling ways of watching game animals in Botswana. However, note that this adventure is only recommended for experienced horse riders only!
Horseback riding safaris in Botswana are commonly done in the Okavango area. On this adventure, you’ll enjoy riding through untouched acacia trees as well as floodplains looking for the elusive Sitatunga, Lechwe as well as the horse’s cousin, Zebra.
There’re lodges that offer horse riding tours for inexperienced riders and beginners and among these include Jack’s Camp, and San Camp.
Quad Biking on Vast Salt Pans
ATVs are commonly known as Quad bikes! On your Botswana safari, this captivating adventure is best experience in Nxai Pan as well as Makgadikgadi Pans National Parks.
During a ride in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, expect to spot some amazing game animals as well as explore its vast salt pans. These amazing salt pans are considered to be one of the largest salt flats in the world.
Does Botswana Have the Best Safari? | Does Botswana Have Good Safaris?
Although there are different types of safaris in Botswana, game watching safaris rank as the best! Majorly, game viewing tours in Botswana take place in the Okavango area, Chobe National Park, and Moremi Game Reserve.
Other vacations to Botswana include birdwatching, horse riding, and cultural encounters.
Which Is Better for Safari Tanzania or Botswana? | Which Is Better Botswana or Tanzania?
Safari Botswana vs Tanzania, to many, this is a draw! Both countries offer classic game viewing opportunities will all the Big Five (Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard, Rhino), plus other big games.
The unique thing about Botswana game watching safaris is that it allows you to spot the black-maned Lion of the Kalahari. Unlike Botswana, game viewing safaris in Tanzania offer you a chance to encounter the Wildebeest Great Migration event in Masai Mara Game Reserve.
Tanzania Masai Mara is one of the most famous parks on earth for its Wildebeest Great Migration.
Which Is Better to Visit Namibia or Botswana? | Which Country Is Better Botswana and Namibia?
Although both countries offer memorable wildlife safaris as well as other adventures, Botswana is more! It holds rich wildlife in numerous renowned parks counting Okavango Delta as well as Chobe National Park.
If you’re an adventure lover interested in sand dune hiking, desert walks, sky diving in the Namib desert, and self-drive tours in a private vehicle await you. Classic game viewing is also possible in Namibia in Etosha National Park, a scenic desert park.
Is Botswana or South Africa Better for Safari? | Is Botswana Better Than South Africa?
In comparison, Botswana is a purer wildlife destination than South Africa! For instance, its mighty Okavango Delta and Chobe NP have a more unique natural setting and game animals.
However, South Africa holds also the mighty Gruger National Park, home to all the Big Five and thousands of game animals. South Africa, boasts more developed accommodation facilities counting lodges, hotels, tented camps, etc. South Africa’s parks are more accessible.
Attractions in Botswana | Best Places to Visit in Botswana- Which Tourist Attraction Is Found in Botswana?
There are numerous amazing attractions in Botswana worth visiting during your Africa tours.
Below are the prominent tourist attractions in Botswana:
Okavango Delta
Best place for Botswana wildlife tours, expect to spot all the big cats counting big Lion prides.
Chobe National Park
It’s also a must-visit place for game viewing safaris in Botswana and all the big cats are present here. Also, Lion prides are common here.
Moremi Game Reserve
This is one of the top attractions in Botswana. It boasts a viable concentration & abundant wildlife in its scenic acacia trees like the Black-maned Kalahari Lion, Puku, and Red Lechwe.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Known for its black-maned- Lions, and other rare game animals like the stripped Hyena, brown Hyena, Honey badger, and Bat-eared Fox can be spotted in its acacia trees.
The Kalahari Desert
It’s known for lovely walking safaris with the Bushmen. It also holds some parks e.g. the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.
Beautiful Birds
For example, Carmine Bee-eaters, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Ostriches, Kori Bustard, Pelicans, Kingfishers, and African Fish eagles.
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans Park
It’s an ideal site for Quad riding tours in Botswana
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
It’s also one of the best national parks in Botswana. This great park holds scenic sand dunes, and salt pans, plus a variety of wildlife counting migrating herds of Wildebeests, and numerous Antelopes.
Khama Rhino Sanctuary
Set up to conserve the endangered Rhinos. Other wildlife here includes Cheetahs, Leopards. Game drives, Rhino tracking on foot is possible.
Nxai Pan National Park
It’s part of Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. It’s a picturesque wilderness known for its vast dazzling landscape holding beautiful sand dunes, towering Baobab trees, and salt pans. Quad biking is the key adventure here.
Packing List for A Trip in Botswana – What to Pack for Your Safari Tour in Botswana?
As you plan to travel to Botswana for a trip, it’s suggested that you set yourself up for this trip by getting some essentials.
Here is the packing list for your holiday trip to Botswana:
- Sun protection gear, is a must-have even on your wildlife safaris in Zimbabwe Hwange National Park.
- Insect repellents are ideal as you go out to view wildlife in the wilderness.
- Trip gadgets like a cell phone, camera, & binoculars.
- A pack bag is so ideal as you get out to view wildlife.
- Travel documents like a passport, Yellow Fever Vaccination Card, as well as travel insurance.
- A rain jacket in case rain gets you in a jungle while on nature walks.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- ü Eco-friendly clothes (kaki, brown and grey color is ideal)
Best Botswana Souvenirs – What to Buy on Your Trip in Botswana?
For memorable safaris in Botswana, it’s always nice you buy yourself a souvenir of your trip. Also, you can take this knick-knack to your friend as a gift from your African trip!
Here are the top souvenirs from Botswana:
- Lovely wickerwork, which includes woven baskets, hats, mats, etc.
- Amazing traditional pottery, for example, handmade pots.
- Attractive fabrics
- Wonderful wooded masks
- Wonderful wooden bowls such as bowls, cups, and spoons.
- Bone carving
- Bushmen’s handicrafts for instance a fire-making stick, beaded jewelry, musical instruments, belts, as well other leather items.
Accommodation in Botswana – Where to Stay on Your Botswana Safari Tours?
During your holiday safaris in Botswana, there’s a range of accommodation classes to use. These include budget tented camps, midrange as well as luxury safari lodges, etc.
Here are the:
a) Recommended Luxury Lodges on Your Botswana Safari
- Jao Camp- is one of the popular lodges used on luxury safari trips in Botswana.
- Chief’s Camp
- Mombo Camp- ranks among the best luxury lodges in Botswana
- Jack’s Camp- it’s one of the popular luxury accommodations in Botswana.
- Eagle Island Lodge- Also, it’s a famous lodge for luxury safari tours in Botswana.
- Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp- commonly used luxury accommodations in Botswana
b) Top Midrange Lodges in Botswana
- Camp Savuti
- Gunn’s Camp
- Mashatu Main Camp
- Nxai Pan Camp
- Mashatu Tented Camp
c) Best Budget Botswana Safari lodges
- Mokolodi Chalets
- Sitatunga Camp
- Leopard Plains
- Camp Savuti
- Chobe Sunset Chalets
Please note that most accommodation facilities have free internet access for their guests. BoFiNet (one of the world’s largest network for internet) is commonly used.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Botswana? | What Is the Best Time of Year to Go on Safari in Botswana?
What is the best time of the year to visit Botswana and why? You can travel to Botswana year-round, but, the best time to visit Botswana is during the dry season in June-October. In this period, little summer rains can be received which hardly inconvenience wildlife safaris
In the dry season, wildlife watching in Botswana is at its best in the golden grasslands. For example in Okavango Delta, game animals can be easily spotted around the meandering waterways.
Also during game drives in Chobe National Park, wildlife can easily be spotted around along Chobe River banks during a boat cruise.
What Is the Best Month to Go to Botswana? | What Is the Best Month to Visit Botswana?
What are the best months for safaris in Botswana? June-October are the best months to travel to Botswana. During these months, (June, July, August, September, and October) there’re little summer rains to inconvenience while on game drives, nature walks, etc.
However, note that this is the peak season for tourism in Botswana and parks tend to be crowded!
November-May is the wet season and normally, some tracks get flooded and muddy. In this season, parks are crowd free. Also, tourism products such as accommodation (tented camps) are relatively cheaper. Therefore, this can also be the best time to travel to Botswana.
Traveling to Botswana – How to Travel to Botswana?
Most travels to Botswana will have a stopover in South Africa. From here, you’ll have a direct flight from Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg or Cape Town International Airport.
Botswana’s main airport (romantic getaway) is Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, situated 11km, north of Gaborone capital city. Normally, tourists fly to Maun Airport and Kasane Airport.
For travelers combining a safari to Botswana with a visit to Vic Falls on the Zambezi River, it’s common to fly into Maun and depart from Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe or Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Zambia.
Usually, local tour operators in Botswana pick up travelers from the airport and further arrange their transportation.
Botswana Travel Guide – What Do I Need to Know Before Traveling to Botswana?
As it is while traveling to all countries like South Africa Cape Town, among others, you will need some travel documents to enter Botswana!
Below are the required travel documents to Botswana:
- Tourist visa
- A passport valid for 6 months from your arrival date
- Your passport should be having at least 3 blank pages
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: If you’re traveling from a yellow fever-infested country.
- Round-trip ticket
Is Botswana a Good Place to Go? | Is It Worth Going to Botswana?
Among countries on African land, Botswana ranks top among the charming destinations worth visiting.
Here are the top fascinating reasons why tourists travel to Botswana:
- Botswana holds an array of wildlife counting the Big Five and thousands of other classic game animals.
- This great country boasts numerous famous national park counting Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, etc.
- For bird lovers, Botswana is a paradise for you! It holds a rich birdlife counting the most sought-after birds in the African region.
- This country is home to most of the rare game animals on African land. For example, the Black-maned Lion, brown Hyena, painted dogs, etc.
- The country offers one of the best unique amazing cultural experiences in Africa. An encounter with the Bushmen of Kalahari desert.
- Also, Botswana holds several amazing game viewing adventures such as classic game drives, hot air balloon experiences, horseback riding, etc.
Is Botswana Safe to Travel to? | Is Botswana Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
Is Botswana safe for American tourists? Botswana is safe for all travelers from all corners of the world! In fact, this country ranks top among the safari destinations to travel to on the African continent.
Please note that some petty crimes like pick pocketing and robbery have been registered however, these rarely happen to tourists. But, you should be vigilant!
Here are the safety measures during your Botswana vacation holidays:
- Avoid moving at night while on your Botswana safari tours
- Never leave your valuables unattended
- Avoid flashing money while in public like a bar
- It’s wise to keep car doors locked and windows up.
- Moving with expensive gadgets is not wise especially, on busy roads.
- You’re advised to purchase travel insurance as it helps in case of any mishap
- Never go in a park without a game ranger on your Botswana trip.
How Much Is A Safari Trip to Botswana? | How Much Does It Cost to Go on Safari in Botswana? | How Much Do Safaris Cost in Botswana?
Although this is a common query, you note that there’s no fixed cost for safaris in Botswana. This is because it’s determined by several factors!
Below are the determinants of Botswana vacation safari cost:
- Activities you’ll undertake
- Duration of your Botswana safari tour
- The number of people on your trip
- Accommodation class you decide to use
- The type of vehicle you’ll use, etc.
Therefore, the costs of your trip depends on your travel style!
Note that per day:
Average budget safaris in Botswana costs about $200 per person, mid-range $500, and a luxury trip costs over $1,000.
Is Botswana Cheap or Expensive? | Is It Cheap to Visit Botswana?
Among destinations such as Tanzania, and South Africa, Botswana is one of the most expensive countries to travel to.
Regardless of the above factor, it rarely misses on the bucket list of most safari goers.
Tour to Botswana trips are categorized into budget, midrange, and luxury safari tours. Therefore, they’re welcome to every class of a traveler.
Why Is Botswana Safari So Expensive? | Why Are Botswana Safaris So Expensive?
Since Botswana offers exclusive tours in terms of game watching, it explains why it’s an expensive destination to travel to. Most safaris in Botswana are tailored to your needs. They can include a private guide, luxury lodges, as well as exclusive access to wildlife.
Exclusivity alone is a critical factor why African safari tours in Botswana are so expensive!
How Many Days Do You Need for Botswana Safari? | How Many Days Do You Need in Botswana?
There are no fixed days for safari tours in Botswana but, this depends on your budget and needs. For a notable experience, about 5-10 days are enough to visit most of the key attractions in Botswana counting national parks.
Best Travel Agencies in Botswana
Not all tour operators in Botswana are reliable! For a safe and enjoyable trip, it’s advisable to book yourself with a dependable tour company.
Below are some of the best tour operators to book with:
- Prime Safaris & Tours Ltd
- Wild Gorilla Safaris
- Africa Safaris Tours
Top Botswana Safari Packages
Here are some of the popular tour packages in Botswana:
- 4 Days Okavango and Moremi Game Reserve Mobile camping tour- On this tour, you fully explore Botswana’s Okavango while moving with your ensuite tented camp.
- 5 Days Chobe Park Tour- During this tour, the safari highlight is a tranquil boat cruise on River Chobe. Expect to spot large Elephant herds along the river banks. It’s one of the top fascinating adventures in Botswana.
- 12 Days Botswana Camping Trip- It takes you to visit some of Africa’s prominent attractions. For example, Moremi Game Reserve, Chobe NP, Chobe River, and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe as well charming local communities.
- 16 Days Namibia, Botswana, & Victoria Falls Tour- This amazing trip allows you to explore key attractions in southern Africa like Etosha National Park, Okavango Delta, Chobe River in Chobe Park as well as Vic Falls on Zambezi River Zimbabwe.
- 12 Days Luxury Flying Trip in Botswana- Covers notable sites counting Vic Falls, Chobe NP, Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Makgadikgadi National Park, etc.
To wrap it up, African safari tours in Botswana offer the most memorable experience among African countries. On your visit, you’ll enjoy classic game viewing trips allowing you to spot most of the game animals on African land. Bird watching, exciting cultural encounters, and horse rides are also possible.
For a safe and enjoyable trip, book with us now an affordable trip in Botswana!