Tailor-Made Botswana Holidays
Best Time To Go:
Year Round
Time Difference:
GMT +1 hour
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.
Botswana is one of the remotest and wildest parts of Africa, and going on a luxury safari here stimulates all the senses. Botswana has embraced the concept of high quality, low impact tourism, which is reflected in the experience. Small, intimate safari lodges and low visitor numbers, combined with vast area of untouched wilderness and one of the most wildlife dense regions on Earth give a feeling of exclusivity and adventure.
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. The jewel in Botswana’s crown has to be 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, on foot or by small boat, all with expert guides for maximum exposure.
Signature Safari Experiences
Water-based wildlife encounters
Glide silently through the waterways by mokoro or boat, spotting wildlife from a completely different perspective and experiencing the Delta at its most serene.
Walking safaris & night drives
For a deeper connection to the bush, guided walking safaris focus on tracks, plants and the smaller details often missed from a vehicle. Night drives reveal nocturnal wildlife and offer a rare insight into Botswana after dark, when the landscape takes on a different energy.
Desert & open-landscape experiences
In regions like the Kalahari and Makgadikgadi, safari experiences shift away from waterways to vast open spaces, dramatic skies and unique desert-adapted wildlife.
Talk to our Africa Specialist - Elliot
Shortly after joining the travel industry in 2013, Elliot had his first taste of Africa, with an unforgettable safari in Tanzania. The raw, untamed wildness and unique beauty had him hooked from day one. He has since explored a dozen African countries in depth, mostly in Southern and East Africa. Elliot proposed to his wife in Botswana and they honeymooned in Uganda.
ITINERARY INSPIRATION FOR BOTSWANA
Explore a curated selection of Botswana safari itineraries, each designed to highlight a different way of experiencing this remarkable destination.
Ultimate Luxury Botswana
A refined safari journey with private game drives, exceptional lodges and personalised service throughout.
7 nights from £9,275 per person
Authentic Botswana Mobile Safari
An immersive mobile safari that follows wildlife patterns, offering unfiltered wilderness experiences.
10 nights from £3,775 per person
Botswana & Mozambique Honeymoon
A romantic blend of safari and beach time for couples seeking both wildlife adventure and intimate escape.
12 nights from £6,690 per person
Ultimate Botswana Desert & Delta
A striking safari experience that contrasts arid desert landscapes with the lush waterways of the Okavango Delta for incredible wildlife encounters.
8 nights from £8,295 per person
Year Round Botswana
A flexible itinerary that showcases Botswana’s wildlife highlights in every season.
9 nights from £5,865 per person
Beach and Beyond
Botswana
WHERE TO VISIT IN BOTSWANA
Okavango Delta
Chobe National Park
Kalahari Desert
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
OUR FAVOURITE HOTELS IN BOTSWANA
Kanana
Okavango Delta
5 Star
Chobe Game Lodge
Chobe National Park
5 Star
Camp Moremi
Moremi National Park
5 Star
Eagle Island Lodge
Okavango Delta
5 Star
TOP TIPS FOR 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 AND START PLANNING
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