Best Time To Go:
March to November
Time Difference:
GMT +1 hours
Flight Duration:
11 hours approx
Airports:
Maun (MUB)
Ever since Laurens van der Post captivated readers with his tales of the Lost World of the Kalahari, Botswana has loomed large in the imagination of the would-be explorer. And you can still live out those fantasies today.
A land of fewer than 2.5 million souls in an area of 600,000 square kilometres, Botswana is one of the remotest parts of Africa. Going on a luxury safari here stimulates all the senses, from the top-class safari lodges pitched to the close-up encounters of one of the densest wildlife populations on Earth.
As well as the Kalahari desert, a magnet for antelope and, thus, the big predators, the Chobe National Park in the north of Botswana is not to be missed. Here, you’ll also find the Okavango: an inland river delta that seasonally floods the plains. And of course, where there is water, there are animals. You can get some spectacular sightings of buffalo, giraffe, elephant, hippopotamus and many other species, all drawn by the water and the lush pasture. In this African terrain, a canoe safari can give you a different outlook; elsewhere, tours can happen on four wheels or on foot, with expert guides, for maximum exposure.
Browse our suggested Botswana holiday highlights and trip itineraries below, and get in touch for a tailor-made quote for your Botswana safari holiday in 2025, 2026 or beyond.
Tell us more about your Botswana travel plans, and we'll create a tailor-made holiday, just for you.
Call us: 01442 617 777
POPULAR ITINERARIES FOR BOTSWANA
Family Safari in Botswana
Wildlife & Waterways
Botswana & Mauritius
Camping in Botswana
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN BOTSWANA
Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta in Botswana is one of the world’s most unique and pristine wilderness areas. This lush inland delta is a UNESCO World Heritage site, where seasonal floods transform the landscape into a vibrant maze of channels, lagoons, and islands. The Delta offers exceptional opportunities to see Africa’s Big Five, as well as a wealth of bird species and other wildlife.
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, straddling the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Known as the "Smoke that Thunders", this colossal waterfall is over a mile wide and drops more than 350 feet, creating a spectacular sight and a thunderous roar. Visitors can marvel at the falls from various viewpoints or experience the rush of adrenaline with activities like bungee jumping, white-water rafting, and helicopter rides.
Makgadikgadi Pans
The Makgadikgadi Pans is a vast and otherworldly landscape of shimmering salt flats, remnants of an ancient lake. This stark yet stunning environment offers a unique safari experience, where guests can explore desert-adapted wildlife such as meerkats, wild dogs, and large herds of zebra and wildebeest.
Moremi Game Reserve
Moremi Game Reserve is one of Botswana’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries. Covering both dry land and wetlands, the reserve boasts a rich variety of habitats, from wooded savannahs to lush floodplains. It's renowned for offering excellent game viewing, including the Big Five, and is home to large populations of elephants, lions, leopards, and wild dogs.
TOP LUXURY HOTELS IN BOTSWANA
Kanana
Okavango Delta | 5 star
Chobe Game Lodge
Chobe National Park | 5 star
Camp Moremi
Moremi National Park | 5 star
USEFUL INFORMATION FOR PLANNING YOUR HOLIDAY TO BOTSWANA
When is the best time to visit Botswana?
The best time to visit Botswana for a safari is during the dry season from May to October. During this period, wildlife is more concentrated around water sources, making for excellent game viewing. The wet season (November to March) is ideal for birdwatching, with lush landscapes and fewer tourists.
What are the top safari destinations in Botswana?
Botswana is home to some of the best safari destinations in Africa. Key areas include the Okavango Delta, known for its waterways and abundant wildlife, Chobe National Park, famous for its large elephant herds, and the Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the largest salt flats in the world.
What wildlife can I expect to see in Botswana?
Botswana is renowned for its incredible biodiversity. Visitors can expect to see elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, zebras, hippos, and a variety of antelope species. The Okavango Delta is also home to rare species like wild dogs and over 500 bird species.
Can I combine a Botswana safari with other destinations?
Yes, many travellers combine a Botswana safari with nearby destinations. Popular combinations include Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe/Zambia, Namibia’s deserts, or the wildlife-rich areas of South Africa. Botswana’s location makes it easy to incorporate into a multi-country African itinerary.
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Botswana?
Before travelling, we recommend to have vaccinations for yellow fever, hepatitis A, thyphoid and tetanus, however we always recommend consulting your doctor before travelling.
Do I need a visa to travel to Botswana?
Visa requirements for Botswana vary depending on your nationality. Citizens of many countries, including the USA, UK, and EU, can enter Botswana visa-free for stays up to 90 days. It’s always best to check the latest entry requirements.
Is Botswana a family-friendly safari destination?
Yes, Botswana is an excellent destination for families, especially those looking for a wildlife adventure. Some lodges and camps cater specifically to families with children, offering activities like junior ranger programs and guided nature walks. Be sure to choose camps that welcome children, as some have age restrictions.
How safe is Botswana for tourists?
Botswana is considered one of the safest countries in Africa for tourists. Crime rates are relatively low, and it has a stable political environment. As with any destination, it’s important to follow basic safety precautions, especially in cities and remote areas.
What should I pack for a holiday to Botswana?
For a safari holiday in Botswana, pack lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing to blend into the natural environment. Don’t forget sunscreen, binoculars, a hat, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes. Temperatures can drop at night, so pack a jacket or fleece for cooler evenings.
How long should I plan to stay in Botswana?
For a well-rounded holiday in Botswana, it’s ideal to plan a stay of 7 to 10 days. This allows you to experience the country’s diverse landscapes and wildlife. A typical itinerary might include a few days in the Okavango Delta, time exploring Chobe National Park for its elephant herds, and a visit to the Makgadikgadi Pans or Moremi Game Reserve.
Speak to a Botswana Expert to Start Planning your Tailor Made Holiday
Speak to a specialist today to tailor make your holiday to Botswana. Give us a call on 01442617777 to arrange a video call for advice or fill out the contact form below.
WHY BOOK WITH TAILORED JOURNEYS?
AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES
Every holiday is tailor made to the finest detail to match your preferences
We offer unique experiences to help create truly rewarding memories
Your interests are our priority and we handpick activies accordingly - whether its cycling through rice fields in Vietnam or a special dinner under the stars for your honeymoon
HANDPICKED HOTELS
All hotels are handpicked based on individual specifications
The hotels we choose are ones where we have either personally stayed or visited
We make sure that you will have some of the most incredible views from your hotel that will surely stay in your memory forever
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
All of us here are from, have lived and/or worked in your chosen destination
Our local, qualified guides are courteous, knowledgeable and always willing to go the extra mile for every Tailored Journeys client
We have built special relationships with incredible people who help us bring an authentic element to our holidays
SUPPORT & TECHNOLOGY
You will have the same specialist look after your trip from start to finish
You will have the support of a local office in each destination and access a 24 hour mobile number here in the UK
You will also have access to an interactive app so you can view your itinerary offline