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Botswana offers a range of safari experiences to suit all comfort levels, from budget to uber-luxury accommodations, each providing unique opportunities to explore this Southern Africa Safari gem.
While we don’t partner with every property in Africa, we ensure diversity in our offerings to cater to various budgets, experiences, and locations.
Our partnerships are chosen and cultivated to avoid mass-market travel and irresponsible wildlife encounters. We carefully select our properties, partners, and ground handlers for their commitment to responsible practices that benefit and uplift local communities.
When planning your trip, remember that international flights are a significant part of the overall cost and are not included in the quoted safari prices.
Key Factors for Setting Your Budget
At Discover Africa, we ensure that our pricing is clear and straightforward, with no hidden fees.
Inclusive Estimates, No Hidden Fees
Our Safari Cost Estimator provides all-inclusive estimated pricing for Botswana, covering park fees, conservation fees, and all necessary levies. Our expert travel consultants are on hand to help you determine your exact safari budget based on your expected levels of comfort and safari experience.
This allows you to plan your safari with confidence, avoiding unexpected expenses.
Destination:
Costs can vary based on the region you choose to visit in Botswana, influenced by factors such as seasonality, popularity, and accessibility.
For example, safaris in the Okavango Delta during peak season (June to October) cost more due to the high demand and ideal wildlife viewing conditions. Travelling during the green season in the Central Kalahari, without compromising on an exclusive experience.
Accommodation:
Accommodation in Botswana is a major factor for your safari budget and significantly affects your overall costs.
A budget safari in Botswana could start at $525 per person per day in the low season, all the way to Luxury high season costs of $3,000 per person per day.
We have a wide selection of stays, depending on what you want to experience. The iconic Okavango Delta, with its pristine waterways and abundant wildlife, is a must-visit.
Chobe National Park, renowned for its majestic elephant herds and stunning riverfront views, offers another exceptional experience.
The vast Kalahari Desert, the surreal Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, and the wildlife-rich Moremi Game Reserve each promise unique and luxurious adventures. Botswana is truly a top destination for an extraordinary safari.
Time of Year:
Peak season travel (June to October) is more expensive due to the high demand and ideal conditions for wildlife viewing.
However, travelling during the low season (December to March) can reduce costs by up to 50% and provide a more intimate experience with fewer tourists.
The shoulder season, which includes November, April and May, offers mid-range pricing and a balance of good wildlife viewing and fewer crowds.
Duration:
The length of your safari directly impacts the total cost.
While a longer stay increases accommodation costs, it can enhance your overall experience by allowing more time to explore the major drawcards of Botswana.
It’s useful to note that some of our preferred partner lodges offer a reduced nightly rate when staying more than 5 nights, especially during the low season.
Cost can also increase if you travel to different destinations, as you will have to pay for more transfers and flights between destinations. Sometimes staying longer at one camp, offering both water and land activities is actually the best way to experience value for money, even during high season.
Group Size:
Who you choose to travel with can impact your budget. If you are travelling alone, expect to pay a single supplement, which can add up if you visit a few lodges.
Shared game drives and transfers help lower costs, while private safaris offer a more personalised experience at a higher price point. Our travel experts will be able to help you find the perfect fit.
Type of Safari:
The type of safari you select, whether a guided tour, or private safari, will affect the price relevant to your chosen destination.
For Botswana, group travel is predominantly booked for mobile safaris. This is where you join a small group of typically 8 people. Guided group safaris are typically more affordable, while private safaris offer a bespoke experience at a premium.
Our experts are skilled in planning various safari types to suit different budgets and can help you understand the difference.
Activities and Excursions:
We only work with partners who include daily game activities such as boating, mokoro, walking safaris and game drives, where relevant, as part of your package to provide a seamless experience.
Guests can also pay for a private game drive, if you prefer. Other paid activities to consider include a helicopter transfer between camps or an additional day excursion to visit an elephant orphanage or to hike in Tsodilo Hills.
These activities typically range from $100 to $500 per person, depending on the activity and location.
Park Fees and Permits:
Entry fees for Botswana’s national parks and reserves vary and this cost will be included in your quote so you know what to expect.
For example, park fees for Chobe National Park or the Moremi Game Reserve fees start at $30 per person per day, all contributing to conservation efforts to leave a positive impact on the destination.
Keep in mind that some outfitters add their own conservation and community levies, which will be in addition to the quoted price, depending on the camp. These fees are compulsory and are added directly.
Travel and Transfers:
When budgeting, consider the cost of both international and domestic flights, as well as transfers between lodges and parks. Internal flights within Botswana, which are often necessary due to the country’s vast wilderness areas, can add to your overall budget, typically ranging from $200 to $400 per person per leg. Road transfers may cost around $100 to $400 per trip.
Meals and Drinks:
Accommodation packages may include meals and drinks, but it’s important to clarify what’s covered. Our travel consultants can help ensure you know what you’re paying for.
All-inclusive lodges offer the most comprehensive coverage, minimising additional expenses.
Expect full board options to include three meals a day, while luxury lodges often include selected drinks and additional services like laundry.
Travel Insurance:
Comprehensive travel insurance is essential to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events during your safari.
We do not sell travel insurance directly but our travel experts can provide guidance if needed. Travel Insurance costs can range from $100 to $300 depending on coverage and length of stay.
Tipping and Gratuities:
While not compulsory, tipping in Botswana is voluntary and should depend on the quality of the service. We encourage guests to see this as a way to show appreciation and support for the community. Our guidelines suggest $10 to $20 per person per day for guides and about US$5 to 10 per guest per day for the general staff (tips are usually split amongst the staff).
Most places have a ‘tip box’ for staff (excluding guides), allowing you to leave a collective tip and tip your guide separately. Tip once at the end of your stay at each lodge or camp.
Visas and Vaccinations:
There are currently no vaccinations required to enter Botswana, but be sure to check for related information depending on your nationality, including whether you have visa-free access.
Botswana requires a valid yellow fever certificate for all visitors over 1 year old coming from or transiting through infected areas (Republic of Congo, Kenya and Uganda).
Additionally, consider any necessary vaccinations for malaria prophylaxis, to safeguard your health during your trip.
Personal Expenses:
Include a budget for souvenirs, personal items, and incidental expenses to ensure a worry-free safari experience. This could range from $100 to $500 depending on your preferences and planned activities.
