This extraordinary country is home to iconic wildlife destinations such as the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Moremi Game Reserve, Savuti, the Central Kalahari, and the Makgadikgadi Pans. It’s where you’ll witness Africa’s largest elephant herds, track elusive predators like wild dogs and leopards, and experience dramatic lion-versus-buffalo encounters.
Set at the heart of southern Africa, Botswana appears remote but it’s a destination easily experienced. Direct flights connect it with Cape Town and Johannesburg, and Botswana safaris often finish with a flourish at next-door Victoria Falls. Travellers can join guided overland tours or fly from camp to camp on a private itinerary. Safari accommodation ranges from grand riverside lodges to intimate tented camps and honeymoon hideaways; the standard of comfort, food and service is very high.
Botswana is also a very safe country to visit, having enjoyed decades of peace and stability. Botswana travel infrastructure is professional and well developed. You’ll enjoy great guiding throughout its parks and reserves with game drives taking centre stage, but you’ll have the chance to sit back on a canoe in the Okavango Delta, and cruise down the Chobe River at sunset.
Travel to Botswana’s private concessions and you’ll enjoy night drives and guided bush walks too. Home to some of the country’s best safari lodges, Botswana’s exclusive-use reserves sit in areas famous for some of Africa’s most sought-after sightings: wild dog packs and leopards plus lions that prey on buffalo and hippo in titanic battles.
The perfect destination for discerning travellers and privacy-seeking couples, Botswana is also a great for families with older children (normally 6 and older). Several camps offer four-sleeper chalets and family-oriented activities; larger, multigenerational families and groups can also be catered for at private camps. And although travellers on a tight budget may think that a Botswana Safari is out of reach, there are several overland camping options that comfortably deliver all the right places with genuine affordability.
Botswana safari itineraries usually include the classic destinations of the Chobe National Park , Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve but there are also excellent Kalahari destinations, reflected in our diverse ‘desert and delta’ safaris. On a Botswana tour you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds – game viewing by land and water.
You have the choice of staying at lodges in the parks or an adjoining private concession where you’ll be offered walking safaris and spot-lit night drives in addition to morning and afternoon game drives. And with Botswana’s Chobe River lying next-door to Victoria Falls, you can finish your safari in fine style.
We’ve showcased our most popular Botswana safaris below, designed to be booked as they are. But feel free to ask us for more ideas suited to your interests, time available and budget. We have the expertise to make the perfect Botswana tour for you.
Botswana’s uncomplicated climate – a long dry winter followed by a short wet summer – makes deciding when to travel to Botswana a question of your priorities.
The best time for game viewing is generally considered to be the May to October dry season. Temperatures are mild to warm with cold nights in mid-winter; September and October however can be extremely hot. Animals are easier to see at this time: concealing vegetation is much reduced and animals are increasingly concentrated around water.
The onset of the rains may deter some potential visitors but travellers to Botswana in early summer can expect some of the year’s most dramatic game viewing. Thousands of baby antelope are born, attracting the attention of predators. Migrations begin too. Elephants, buffalo and zebra move into the Kalahari and bird watching is at its best across the country.
Our team of destination experts will design a holiday to meet your budget and interests. Let’s start planning your tailor-made African safari today!
Travel to Botswana and supersize your African experience by adding on other iconic African destinations. Victoria Falls lies on Botswana’s doorstep and is the entry point to Zambia and Zimbabwe, both superb safari destinations. Namibia, home to oceans of desert sand and amazing wildlife, is one flight away and you can connect with South Africa equally easily.
Fly straight to Cape Town for all the attractions of the Mother City or hop across to the Kruger Park via Johannesburg. Families might want to reward their children with a beach holiday after Botswana – try the Garden Route or KwaZulu Natal for the best ones.
