Botswana Safari Vacations

Botswana safaris range from around £3,500 to over £10,000 per person, depending on the season, style of accommodation and flight arrangements. The country focuses on low-impact, high-quality travel, so it’s not the cheapest destination – but it offers incredible value for an exclusive and wildlife-rich experience.

To be honest, that’s a hard one to answer, as it depends on your specific interests. The dry season from June to October is considered the best time to visit Botswana, especially for game viewing and witnessing the seasonal water arriving in the Okavango Delta. Shoulder season in May or November can also offer great value and fewer visitors. If you’re a keen birder, then the green season of January-April can be a truly spectacular time to visit. 

See Best time to visit Botswana 

We recommend spending 7–10 days in Botswana, ideally split across two or three locations such as the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and Linyanti. This gives you time to enjoy the variety of landscapes and wildlife without feeling rushed.

Yes. Botswana is home to the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino – though rhino sightings are rarer and mostly limited to certain reserves. You’ll also see species like wild dogs, cheetahs, hippos, and a huge variety of birdlife.

Botswana has a dry winter (May–October) with cooler nights and warm, sunny days – ideal for safaris. The wet season (November–April) brings afternoon rains, dramatic skies, and lush scenery. Wildlife is still present year-round, but some areas may be harder to access.

Stick to light, neutral-coloured clothing for game drives, along with a fleece or jacket for cooler mornings and evenings. Pack a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes. Many camps offer complimentary laundry services. See our Africa Packing Guide

Accommodation ranges from simple guest houses, luxury tented camps, boutique lodges to exclusive safari houses. Many camps are small and intimate, offering outstanding service and guiding. We’ll help match you to camps that suit your style and interests.

Yes – Botswana pairs well with South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe (especially Victoria Falls), and beach destinations like Mozambique or Mauritius. We’ll handle the logistics to ensure smooth connections between regions.

Top highlights include the Okavango Delta, Chobe River safaris, the wildlife-rich Linyanti region, and seasonal zebra migrations in the Makgadikgadi Pans. The diversity of experiences – from water-based safaris to predator tracking – is a real draw.

It depends on what you’re after. Botswana is more exclusive and water-based than the Serengeti, with fewer crowds and more remote camps. Compared to Namibia, it offers denser wildlife but less dramatic desert scenery. All three are exceptional in different ways.

We recommend checking the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice page for Botswana. You can also speak to our team for the latest on entry requirements, safety, and local conditions.

We advise speaking to your GP or a travel health clinic well in advance. Common vaccinations include hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus. Botswana is also a malarial area, so antimalarials are usually recommended.

Absolutely. Botswana offers one of Africa’s most authentic and unforgettable safari experiences – from gliding silently through the Okavango Delta in a mokoro to spotting lions from a remote game drive. Its commitment to conservation and quality makes it truly stand out.

The Delta’s annual flood is a natural wonder where waters from Angola transform the dry plains into a vast oasis. Arriving between May and July, it brings life to the region and attracts incredible wildlife. This unique seasonal event allows for mokoro safaris, boating, and a mix of land and water activities unlike anywhere else in Africa.

A mokoro is a traditional dugout canoe, now usually made of fibreglass. Guided by a local poler, you glide silently through narrow Delta channels, surrounded by reeds and lilies. It’s peaceful, but wildlife encounters can be close; elephants, antelope, and colourful birdlife are often seen. It’s a must-do activity that showcases the magic of the Okavango Delta.

Botswana is renowned for its small, exclusive camps. Options range from traditional tented safari camps to ultra-luxury lodges with private plunge pools. Most camps are unfenced and located in remote concessions, meaning fewer people and more wildlife. Whether you prefer rustic charm or high-end indulgence, Botswana offers an excellent range of accommodation across the Delta, Chobe, and Kalahari.