Southern Africa · Botswana safaris
Wilderness, water and very few vehicles.
Low-density, high-value safari in private concessions — the Okavango Delta, Linyanti and the Kalahari, connected by light aircraft.
Photo by Getty Images
Best for
- ●Couples wanting exclusivity
- ●Repeat safari-goers
- ●Water + land combinations
- ●Walking and night drives
Our honest take
Botswana is among Africa's most expensive destinations — deliberately. Where it earns that is privacy: off-road driving, night drives and very few other vehicles.
When to go
Jun – Oct
Peak dry season. Delta flood at its highest, superb game concentrations, highest rates.
Apr – May, Nov
Shoulder months. Excellent value with fewer guests.
Dec – Mar
Green season. Kalahari comes alive, dramatic skies, lower prices.
How it works
Fly-in safari between small camps on light aircraft with soft-bag luggage limits. Most camps host 8–20 guests.
Key regions
Okavango Delta
Mokoro, boating and island game drives.
Photo by Getty Images
Linyanti & Kwando
Big elephant herds and wild dog.
Photo by NuVia Safaris
Central Kalahari
Vast open pans, a striking contrast.
Photo by Alan J. Hendry
The open plains and their wildlife sit alongside the delta and the Kalahari on a Botswana journey.
Photo by NuVia Safaris
Signature experiences
What makes Botswana special
Mokoro through the Delta
Poled dugout canoes glide quietly along papyrus-lined channels.
Off-road and night drives
Private concessions allow following sightings off-road and searching after dark.
Walking safaris
Guided walks on islands in the Delta for a close-up view of tracks and smaller life.
Linyanti and Chobe river life
Large elephant herds gather along the rivers in the dry season.
Kalahari and the salt pans
Vast open spaces, meerkats and enormous skies — a contrast to the water-rich north.
Scenic flights
Light-aircraft hops between camps reveal the Delta's channels from above.
How long to stay
Seven to ten nights across two or three camps, ideally mixing water-based and land-based areas.
Pairs well with
Botswana pairs with Victoria Falls, Cape Town or Namibia.
Illustrative itinerary · 9 nights
Water and wildlife
3 nights
Okavango water camp
Mokoro and boat trips, birding and island walks.
3 nights
Okavango land or mixed camp
Game drives focused on predators and big herds.
3 nights
Linyanti or Kwando
Elephants along the river, a different landscape, often with private concession activities.
Transfers: Light aircraft from Maun or Kasane between each camp, usually 20–45 minutes. Soft bags only, with strict weight limits. Easy to finish at Victoria Falls.
An example of pacing, not a fixed package — every trip is tailored.
Budget guidance
What a Botswana safari costs
Most Botswana trips sit around $2,000 – $3,500+ per person per night
Usually included
- — Accommodation, meals and most drinks at safari camps
- — Shared game drives and camp activities
- — Park or conservancy fees (confirm per quote)
- — Mokoro, boating and walks where offered
Usually extra
- — International flights
- — Visas and travel insurance
- — Gratuities
- — Premium drinks and optional extras
- — Light-aircraft flights between camps (often quoted separately)
Assumptions: Two adults sharing, mid or peak season, three camps with flights between them. Guideline only; it varies by season and camp.
Why similar trips cost differently
Two Delta trips can look identical yet cost very differently: season (green season vs flood peak), private concession vs shared area, camp size and the number of flights all move the price. A green-season trip with two camps can cost much less than a peak-season trip with three.
Reserve & camp trade-offs
Water camp vs land camp
Water camps excel at mokoro and birds; land camps at predators. Combining both gives the full Delta.
Green season vs dry season
December–March is lush, cheaper and great for birds; June–October brings high floods and concentrated game.
Two camps vs three
Fewer camps reduces flights and cost; three gives more variety.
Works especially well for
Repeat safari-goers
Low-density, wilderness-focused safari.
Photographers
Open floodplains, private concessions and off-road driving.
Honeymooners
Small, remote camps and water activities.
Botswana FAQs
When is the Okavango flood?+
Floodwaters usually arrive from April–May and peak around June–August, after the local rains have ended.
Why is Botswana expensive?+
Its low-volume, high-value model limits guest numbers, and most camps are fly-in only.
Can children go?+
Yes, but many camps set minimum ages, especially for mokoro and walks.
First safari? Perfect.
You don't need to know Botswana from Tanzania yet. Tell us how you like to travel — we'll make the five pieces fit.
Read the first-safari guide: what to pack, when to go, how to book →