A breathtaking destination, Botswana is wild and unspoilt, with a wealth of game viewing opportunities – from ‘mokoro-ing’ (canoeing) along the winding waterways of the Okavango Delta, watching the great herds of elephant swim across the mighty Chobe River, to witnessing spectacular predator action, and quad biking across the wide open salt pans.
Often referred to as ‘Land of Giants’ due to the ancient Baobab Trees and roaming elephant herds, Botswana’s contrast between arid desert and wetland paradise, creates a completely unique landscape, able to offer both land and water safaris.
The world famous Chobe National Park is Botswana’s first National Park and home to the world’s largest remaining herds of Elephant. Bordered by the winding Chobe River that provides a permanent source of water, this area teems with wildlife. In the drier season, from May through to October, the Chobe Riverfront is a major watering spot for large breeding herds of elephant, giraffe, sable and Cape buffalo. It is also the only area where the puku antelope can be seen.
Sunsets on the Chobe River are breathtaking – listening to the call of the Fish Eagle and the grunt of the many hippos getting ready to emerge and graze for the evening. Guests could be lucky enough to watch elephants as they swim across the river to reach the islands in the centre. The Chobe Riverfront, from the town of Kasane through the northernmost section of the park, is undoubtedly the most visited area, as it is within easy access of Victoria Falls. Activities in this area include boat cruises on the Chobe River, game drives in the Chobe National Park as well as catch-and-release fishing. Notably, the area is also renowned as a bird watcher’s paradise.
The Okavango Delta is an oasis in the Kalahari Desert of Botswana, fed by the catchment waters from the Angolan Highlands. The Okavango River does not have an outlet into the sea, but rather flows into Botswana and fans out into through the Delta, filling up the waterways with the levels rising and falling through the seasons.
Covering almost a third of the Okavango Delta is the Moremi Game Reserve – land declared by the BaTawana people in 1963 and the first wildlife sanctuary to be created by an African tribe in their own area. At the centre of the Delta, and forming part of the Moremi is Chief’s Island, arguably the most exclusive wildlife area in Botswana and currently the only area in the country that supports rhino.
Surrounding the Moremi are private concessions which offer the guests more diverse activities having more flexibility than the game reserve including walking safaris, night drives and mokoro trails. Expect herds of impala and tsessebe, buffalo, wildebeest and elephant, and sightings of lechwe and sitatunga on the reed banks as well as excellent opportunities to see lion, leopard, cheetah and the elusive African wild dog. The Okavango Delta teams with birdlife and rings with the sound of the hippos calling in the pools – a true paradise for safari adventure.
Khwai Private Reserve is 200 000 hectares of pristine wilderness. The reserve itself is within Botswana’s most talked about region, the Okavango Delta. It actually sits just to the north east of the Delta, adjacent to Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park, and the landscape is one of the most diverse.
The Khwai Private Reserve is positively bursting with game. Wildlife moves freely from the neighbouring Moremi Game Reserve and you’ll see buffalo, zebra, reedbuck, red lechwe, sable and roan antelope, and waterbuck dotted over the landscape. Predators are plentiful and lion and leopard hide in the mopane bush, whilst cheetah and wild dog frequently cross the open plains.
The wetlands and rivers host impressive quantities of hippos and crocodiles, whilst on dry land, big cats lurk along treelines and sometimes right through camp. Sable, roan, impala, and kudu dot the grasslands, alongside giraffe and zebra, an abundance of elephant and buffalo, and of course, the occasional jackal. The birdlife is fantastic and guests can expect everything from giant eagle owls to lilac-breasted rollers. Khwai also has an excellent reputation for the rarer species of the African savannah including wild dogs, serval cats, honey badgers, and the elusive pangolin.
The Makgadikgadi Pans is an area of 4 600 square miles, part of the Kalahari Basin and one of the largest series of salt pans in the world; a remnant of what was once one of the biggest inland lakes Africa has ever had. During years of good rain, the two largest pans – Sowa in the east and Ntwetwe in the west – flood and attract zebras, wildebeest and vast flocks of flamingos. No vegetation grows on the pans but they are fringed with grasslands, palms and ancient baobabs, all of which present a visually stunning landscape.
Early explorers like David Livingstone risked their lives exploring this wilderness on oxcarts with little to navigate by, and there are even tales of local San children getting lost in the mirages on the pans. In the wet season these areas can have large herds of grazing animals that make their way westwards on migration towards the Boteti River, followed by a whole host of predators. Other animals to look for include elephants, brown hyenas, meerkats and desert adapted and nocturnal species.
Planning a luxury safari in Botswana offers one of Africa’s most exclusive and untouched wildlife experiences. From the iconic Okavango Delta to Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana is renowned for low-impact, high-end safaris.
This Botswana travel information guide answers the most important questions about visas, health, packing, currency and weather – helping you prepare for a seamless safari.
At Safari Africa Travel, we design fully tailored Botswana safari itineraries for travellers from the USA, UK, Europe, Australia and beyond, ensuring every detail is expertly handled.
Many travellers visiting Botswana for a luxury safari holiday can enter visa-free for short tourist stays, although requirements vary depending on your nationality. If your itinerary includes multiple Southern African countries, entry requirements should be confirmed for each destination before travel.
Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates and contain sufficient blank pages for entry and exit stamps. You may also be asked to provide proof of onward or return travel and adequate funds for your stay.
Safari Africa Travel will guide you through all visa and entry requirements as part of your itinerary planning process.
Travellers should consult their doctor before visiting Botswana to review recommended vaccinations and general travel health precautions.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is only required if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever risk country.
Malaria risk exists in northern safari regions, including:
This risk is higher during the summer months (November to April), and preventative medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary.
Travellers should:
Safari Africa Travel can advise on seasonal considerations and tailor your safari accordingly.
Packing for a Botswana safari should be lightweight and practical, particularly as most itineraries include light aircraft transfers with strict luggage weight limits and soft-sided bag requirements.
Recommended items include:
Additional essentials:
Most safari camps offer daily laundry services, allowing you to pack minimally while remaining comfortable.
Safari Africa Travel will provide specific packing guidance based on your lodge and flight logistics.
Botswana operates on a 230V power supply, typically using plug types D, G and M, so an international travel adapter is required.
Many luxury safari camps in Botswana are located in remote wilderness areas and operate using:
As a result:
This limited connectivity is part of Botswana’s appeal – offering a truly immersive, off-grid safari experience.
The local currency is the Botswana Pula (BWP).
Travellers are advised to carry small amounts of cash for:
As always, notify your bank before travelling and use secure ATMs or official exchange services where possible.
Tipping is customary and appreciated throughout Botswana’s luxury safari industry.
Typical guidelines:
Tipping is always voluntary and should reflect the level of service received.
Safari Africa Travel provides clear tipping guidelines within your itinerary to ensure a seamless experience.
Yes — comprehensive travel insurance is essential when travelling to Botswana, particularly due to the remote nature of many safari camps.
Your policy should include:
Many Botswana safari camps and charter flights have strict cancellation policies, making insurance an important safeguard for your travel investment.
Botswana has a semi-arid climate with excellent safari conditions throughout the year.
Seasonal overview:
May to October: Dry Season
Sunny days, cool mornings and evenings
Best for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources
Ideal time to visit the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park
November to April: Green Season
Warmer temperatures with occasional afternoon thunderstorms
Lush landscapes and excellent birdlife
Fewer visitors and exceptional photographic opportunities
Botswana offers a rewarding safari experience year-round, depending on your wildlife preferences and travel style. Safari Africa Travel will recommend the best time to visit based on your specific safari goals.
Planning a Botswana safari requires careful coordination of flights, camps and seasonal conditions, particularly due to the remote and exclusive nature of many lodges.
At Safari Africa Travel, we specialise in designing bespoke Botswana safari itineraries, combining iconic destinations such as the Okavango Delta, Moremi and Chobe with seamless logistics and expert guidance
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