Explore the Wild Beauty of Botswana Safari Holidays
With diverse ecosystems, outstanding wildlife, and a strong focus on conservation, a safari in Botswana promises both adventure and exclusivity.
Visiting Botswana on holiday offers one of Africa’s most rewarding and memorable safari experiences. Known for its commitment to low-impact, high-quality tourism, the country provides access to pristine wilderness areas with minimal crowds and exceptional wildlife encounters. Whether gliding silently through the Okavango Delta in a mokoro canoe or watching lions on the hunt in the Savuti, Botswana delivers nature at its most raw and spectacular.
Much of the country is made up of national parks, private concessions, and protected reserves, allowing for immersive safaris in remote, unfenced areas. You can expect expertly guided game drives, walking safaris, and boat trips, often from small luxury camps that blend seamlessly into the landscape. Wildlife sightings are superb year-round, with huge elephant herds, big cats, wild dogs, and diverse birdlife among the highlights.
Botswana also offers striking contrasts - from the lush wetlands of the Delta to the vast salt flats of the Makgadikgadi and the dry savannah of Chobe. This variety makes it ideal for multi-stop itineraries that showcase the full breadth of its ecosystems.
What sets Botswana apart is not just the wildlife, but the sense of space, exclusivity, and connection to nature. For couples, families, or solo adventurers seeking something truly special, Botswana offers a holiday that’s both exhilarating and deeply grounding.
I've lived in Botswana — I’d love to help you plan your trip.
Exploring Botswana: Chobe, Khwai & Makgadikgadi Safari
- Chobe National Park
- Khwai Concession
- Makgadikgadi Pans
This journey really highlights the variety of what Botswana has to offer, from the riverine Chobe National Park to the game-rich Khwai Concession and the stark but beautiful Makgadikgadi Pans.
Botswana Trip Inspiration
Ruth, Senior Africa Specialist, says:
“As someone who’s spent years exploring Botswana’s wild places, I can say there’s nowhere quite like it. From the stillness of the Delta at dawn to the raw beauty of the Makgadikgadi, every corner offers something truly special. It’s a country that rewards curiosity and delivers unforgettable moments time and again.”
When to go to Botswana
Find out the best time to visit Botswana with our month-by-month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is the heart of the wet season, with heavy downpours usually in the late afternoons, which is a great excuse to watch the storm from the luxury of your camp or lodge. Much of the wildlife is still there it may just take a little longer to find as its more dispersed due to the surrounding surface water. This time of year is hot, and aside from the rainshowers it's sunny. This is the best time to see the Zebra and Wildebeest migration as well as large flocks of flamingos down in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Rates are lower during the wet season.
February
February is also one of the warmer months, and is defined by both sunshine and heavy storms, which making it another great time for photography. It's now that the Central Kalahari begins waking up, with herds of game coming to graze the lush grassland. Again the peak migration should be in the Makgadikgadi now with large herds of wildebeest and zebra in the area. Game viewing is still great in many areas of the Okavango Delta with many of the dried camps on the western side top choice.
March
The wet season slowly comes to an end, leaving hot, drier days. There is still some rain, but only for short periods during the afternoon. Enjoy the green scenery and the lower accommodation rates. Towards the end of March the wildlife in the Central Kalahari really begins to pick up as large numbers of plains game head in the pans and Valleys. This is a great time of year to combine the Central Kalahari and Okavango Delta.
April
April is a fine month to visit Botswana, as the nights become cooler and sleeping is easier. Breeding season is underway for plains game, so keep an eye out for the clashing males attempting to woo the females out on the savannahs. Along with the breeding season comes more predator activity as the young animals are easy pickings. This is peak game viewing time in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve making it an integral part of any itinerary.
May
With the rainy season at an end, the temperature falls, making bush excursions more pleasant. Nights can be a little chilly, so you'll probably need an extra layer if you're heading out on an evening game drive. Skies become clearer and there are fewer mosquitoes. This is one of our favourite months to travel and also marks the final month before the peak season rates kick in in most camps.
June
June is the middle of winter in Botswana, and is one of the best times to visit the country. Days are pleasantly warm, and nights are spent tucked up cosily in your camp or lodge. Wildlife becomes concentrated around waterholes making it easier to spot. This is a great time to visit the Okavango Delta, Moremi and Chobe.
July
With warm sunny days, and cool nights, July is the perfect time to be in Botswana. Although this is the dry season, it's a great time to enjoy a traditional mokoro canoe trip as floodwaters begin to rise in the Okavango Delta, flowing down from the highlands of Angola.
August
The temperature begins to rise again in August, but it's still a superb time for game viewing, and the Makgadikgadi Pans are now accessible through until October. Water is now scarce in many of the parks, making game viewing easy. It's a good time to visit Savute and Linyanti.
September
Days in September are hot with sunny blue skies, and the nights are no longer cold. It does get quite dusty out in the bush thanks to many months without rain, and game viewing is excellent as predators and prey alike hunt to find water.
October
October is warmer, and safari activities take place during early mornings and late afternoons to avoid the worst of the heat. This is one of the final month before the rains come and the ground is at its driest making for exceptional game viewing. If you don’t mind hot days this is one of the peak game viewing months
November
November remains hot, but the rains return mid-month, bringing the plains and forests back to life. If you want to see young animals being born, and lots of predator action, this is the month to come. With rates dropping in November and the rains often falling later on in the month the first 2 weeks of November are a very popular time to travel. It also ties in nicely with great weather in Cape Town and the garden route.
December
The rainy season is now in full swing with often short heavy down pours int he evening, days are still mostly sunny. landscapes are lush and there is plenty of wildlife activity as the newborns flourish.
Types of Botswana vacations
Where to go in Botswana
Top places to go in Botswana
Best places to stay in Botswana
FAQs About Your Botswana Holiday
Planning a holiday to Botswana? Our experts share advice on everything from what to pack, when to go, to tips for families, covering the questions we get asked the most.
How much does a Botswana safari holiday cost?
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.
When is the best time to visit Botswana?
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.
How many days do I need for a Botswana safari?
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.
Does Botswana offer Big Five safari experiences?
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.
What is the weather like in Botswana throughout the year?
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.
What should I pack or wear on a Botswana safari holiday?
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
What types of accommodation are available in Botswana?
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.
Can I combine Botswana with other African countries on one trip?
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.
What are the must-see highlights of a Botswana holiday?
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.
Is Botswana better than the Serengeti or Namibia for a safari?
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.
Where can I find up-to-date travel advice for Botswana?
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.
Do I need any vaccinations to travel to Botswana?
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.
Is a Botswana safari worth it?
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.
What is the Okavango Delta flood?
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.
What is a mokoro safari?
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.
What types of accommodation are available in Botswana?
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.
Read more about Botswana on our blog
Speak to a Botswana expert today
and start planning your tailor-made vacation
Alistair
