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Tours to Botswana

Ways to explore botswana, discover our botswana tours.

Whether you’re looking for a  Botswana safari  holiday  or a wild  family adventure , our  small group tours  cover a variety of activities that take you beyond the beaten track.

Get close to nature and go in search of the  Big Five in the vast game reserves of Chobe National Park. Watch herds of trumpeting elephant gather at the water’s edge to drink and keep an eye out for zebra, cheetah, impala, giraffe and buffalo. Immerse yourself in the thriving ecosystem of Botswana's Okavango Delta with a stay on board a houseboat and explore a labyrinth of channels to spot submerged pods of hippo, and crocodile basking in the shallows of the riverbanks.

Considering a trip to Botswana but new to Explore? We've answered some of the most-asked questions about our small group adventures .

Our most popular tours in Botswana

Botswana wildlife safari.

Botswana's Premium Safari

Family Botswana and Zimbabwe Safari Adventure

Highlights of Botswana

Solo Travel

If you're  travelling solo , all of our Botswana adventure holidays are a great way to travel. Our small group tours are popular with couples, families and single travellers alike, so you'll be in good company and will most likely make new friends during your trip. Furthermore, all of our tours are under the guidance of one of our handpicked  tour leaders . They will show you all of the must-see sights of Botswana, as well as some of the lesser-known hidden gems for an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime trip.  

Best time to go to Botswana

For the best chance of spotting the Big Five, head to Botswana during the dry season from May to October, when animals will congregate at the watering holes to drink and bathe. You can expect lovely sunny days at this time of year, but it will feel chilly in the morning and evening so bring a few layers to keep warm on early morning safari drives. 

If you want to avoid the crowds, a trip in March or November will be much quieter, and flights are cheaper too. You may experience a few showers in the afternoon, but the game reserves will be vibrant and lush. These are also good months to catch sight of newborn animals, and you might even spot a few migratory birds.  

For a festive holiday with a difference, head to Botswana in December when the safari parks will be much quieter. Rainfall will be more prevalent with thunderstorms in the afternoon, but dusty plains transform into a verdant oasis of leafy acacia trees and grassy meadows. Keep a look out for antelope calves and a plethora of exotic birdlife. 

An adventure travel company you can trust

Unforgettable experiences.

From big wows to hidden gems, our tours leave you feeling that you've really explored.

Expert tour leaders

Chosen for their great knowledge of your destination and a passion to make your trip extraordinary.

Small groups

Average groups of 11; solos, couples and friends, united by a desire for authentic experiences.

Responsible at heart

How we operate sets us apart; our flexible booking policy, our loyalty scheme & sustainable approach.

Botswana tour reviews

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Need some inspiration for your Botswana tour?

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Few travellers make it to this icy continent, but the lucky ones who do get to explore a frozen Eden ruled by the elements and teeming with wildlife.

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G adventures sailing & cruises, g adventures private travel.

Whether it’s a family retreat or a girls trip, you can surround yourself with a hand-picked crew and customize a tour that fits you all perfectly.

The Geluxe Collection

Our new line of premium active adventures is officially here. With perfectly paced itineraries, one-of-a-kind accommodations and elevated dining, this is adventure at its finest.

National Geographic Journeys

Go deeper into the cultures and habitats of the places we explore. More is included and you’ll enjoy greater hands-on exploration, interactions with local experts, and freedom to roam.

National Geographic Family Journeys

Are you an adventure-loving family in search of meaningful ways to discover the world together? These tours are specially designed for travellers seven and up and their inquisitive families.

Jane Goodall Collection

Step deeper into the animal kingdom while respecting all of its inhabitants. Our incredible collection of wildlife-focused tours is endorsed by the world-renowned ethologist.

Roamies by Hostelworld

The thrill of adventure. The awesomeness of hostels. Get ‘em both on these immersive small group trips for 18 to 35-year-old travellers.

Why choose us

As the leader in small group travel for 30 years, we know how to do it right: flexible itineraries, freedom to roam, safety, peace of mind, and locally based guides.

Change the world just by having the time of your life. When you travel with us, you become a force for good by acting responsibly and creating positive impact.

Together with our non-profit partner, Planeterra, we ensure local communities touched by our tours benefit from our visits in as many ways possible.

Trees for Days

Leave your destination even greener than you found it! For every day on tour, we’ll plant a tree in your honour and ensure that our forests get to live their best lives.

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Botswana Tours

Botswana tour of a Wild kingdom

A land of wild tablelands, verdant grasslands, arid salt pans, and the mighty Kalahari Desert, landlocked Botswana is prime safari country. Wildebeest and antelope roam Botswana's savannas, while the world's largest inland delta, the Okavango, is home to everything from elephants to zebra and more birds than you can shake a camera at. With numerous parks and reserves, a Botswana safari is a natural choice for wildlife enthusiasts. If it's the Africa of nature shows you're looking for, this is the place.

What our travellers are saying about Botswana tours

Recommended tours, botswana tour photos from our travellers.

Deals of the Week   Solo is the new black   Up to 50% OFF

Fully Guided Tours & Trips in Botswana

Find the right fully guided tour for you in Botswana. There are 112 trips to choose from, that range from one day in length, up to 18 days. The month with the most departures is August, making it the most popular time to visit Botswana.

112 Fully Guided tour packages in Botswana with 365 reviews

• Wildlife Trekking
• Christmas & New Year

Premium Botswana (3 destinations)

• Photography
• Wildlife & Nature Photography

Moremi Hippo safari

The tour was absolutely perfect and exceeded our expectations. Our guide was so knowledgeable and was interested in getting to know us. The chef (Chandolo) was brilliant - his food was amazing and he was also a really warm, welcoming person. The whole team worked great together and I would 100% recommend!

• Overland Truck

Botswana Safari

Beautiful places, great food, very welcoming

Tailor-Made Botswana Adventure to Okavango Delta with Daily Departure

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Tailor-Made Botswana Tour with Mobile Camping Safari, Daily Departure

8 Days Safari tour itinerary for Makgadikgadi Pan, Maun & Nxai Pan National Park: Unite With The Wild Side Of Botswana

We had a wonderful time! Rocky, Jimmy, and Simba were excellent as drivers, guides, cooks, and problem solvers. We ate very well indeed. I will comment that the tour we took was quite different from the stated description of it. For example, we did not go to the salt pan. It seems that Rocky, the boss of the crew, received a different itinerary than what we thought we would be doing. How did that happen? The places we did go were terrific, and it was not until the second last day of the trip, that we realised the discrepancy. Rocky offered us a way to go to the salt pan, but for a couple of reasons, we declined that offer. Please note that I am not complaining about Rocky, Jimmy, and Simba. They followed the information they had received. I will also say that while we were accepting of the situation, some people could have reacted differently, and that would not have been fair to our crew. To summarise, we loved the trip! Credit to Rocky, Jimmy, and Simba for looking after us so well and sharing their beautiful country with us. Sincerely, Arthur George Busch

Botswana and Falls Overland: Wildlife Walks & Safari Drives

I was hesitant to book this tour because I have never been to Africa before. I was afraid for my safety and there were too many preparations (such as vaccines/camping equipment) for a week-long trip. However, this whole experience changed my mind and my preconceptions about Africa. We had an epic time with Patrick and Helms. They are both rockstars! Patrick is an exceptional person and a natural leader. He is an all-around guide, entertainer, cook, driver, doctor, foot splinter-remover etc. He made sure to accommodate everyone's needs, especially those with dietary restrictions. He immersed us in African culture by teaching us the phrases from different languages and singing songs. There is not a day that we do not sing "Jambo Bowana" except the first day he taught it to us because we all just woke up from our naps. Helms is the sweetest person on this tour! He is a reliable driver with a mechanic background. Our vehicle, Lando, had popped a tire and sparked a fire. His split second decision to stop and evacuate all passengers has prevented serious/lethal injuries. The Lando was not equipped with proper emergency gear and we had to ask passing vehicles for their fire extinguisher and jack. Helms remained calm and focused on fixing the Lando. Unfortunately, the damage was worse and the Lando could not continue on. We had to wait for a couple of vans that took 5 hours to get to us. Helms was left behind to watch over the vehicle for the next 3 days ALONE in a highway where lions roam at night. He prioritizes our safety and comfort. Throughout the entire trip, I know that I can trust this man with my life! I hope G Adventures would develop concrete/feasible back up plans for situations like these to protect their employees. The people of Africa are welcoming and kindhearted. My favourite part was to see the Okavanga Delta people. It was a wholesome, humbling and heartwarming time. Despite their limited resources (i.e., food/water), they still carry an optimistic outlook. This is an unforgettable experience! It saddens me that this tour had come to an end, but I am filled with joy to have seen Africa with such a great company. And I would do it all over again if I can have the Patrick and Helms! I can't name a better duo. Thanks guys!

5-Day Okavango Delta & Boteti River Camping Safari

I loved the trip. We had so many memorable experiences. The staff, lead by Beneh, Dominic and Annah, were delightful. As a 69 year old I found the heat and the long drives over rough roads challenging but worthwhile. We saw so many eautiful

• €30 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Moremi reserve and Chobe NP Photographic Safari

8 Days Safari tour itinerary for Botswana: Venture Into The Untamed Wilderness Of Africa

Chobe National Park Short Break

Kwalpe safari lodge was less central than the hotel mentioned on original booking - room was good, staff was great and included food was great. Did some tours privately which were a bit better than included ones.

Game Drive, Boat and Safari Walks Experience

Botswana's wonders 8 Days Top Luxury Safari (Chobe NP & Okavango Delta)

Okavango Delta Highlights 5Days/4Nights (Comfort)

Kwai,Moremi Game Reserve,Savuti and Chobe National Park 09Days/08Nights

What people love about fully guided tours in botswana.

The Absolute Africa 6 day safari was quite an adventure. My wife and I were, to be honest, a little daunted by the prospect of camping and bush camping but due to the efforts of guide Joe, driver Emmaus(EMI) and especially a very welcoming group of travellers, despite our ages of 61 and 66, we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The tents were durable and easy to erect, the sleeping mats reasonably comfortable and the briefings each night informative. Chobe NP and the Okavango Delta were clear highlights with game drives and cruises providing excellent opportunities to observe the abundant wildlife. The mokoro trips in the delta were an absolute highlight. Big 5 and ‘Pretty 5’ all spotted repeatedly. We believe there should have been more insight offered to the nature of the safari in terms of joining a group briefly who had already been travelling together for 50+ days and whilst it was made clear we would be helping with meals, packing etc. it was not clear in our package we would be actually shopping, cooking, cleaning the bus, packing, doing ‘security’ etc. and a cook would have been an important and welcome addition. To be fair to our crew the groups functioned really efficiently, we have heard that is not always the case. We also believe the group size was too large for best outcomes. In short, due to the personnel and the itinerary, it was a terrific and memorable safari.

Regions in Botswana

• Okavango (97)
• Chobe National Park (75)
• Moremi Game Reserve (69)

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• Botswana Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
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TOP DESTINATIONS

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East africa, indian ocean islands, top experiences.

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• Big Five Safaris
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50 Best Botswana Tours for 2024/2025

Comfort level, trip length.

50 match of 210

Horse Riding Safari on the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

Botswana Makgadikgadi Pans

Price on Request

Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park Discovery

Zimbabwe Victoria Falls Botswana Chobe Chobe River Southern Africa

From $ 2130 /USD

Affordable Victoria Falls & Chobe Safari

Zimbabwe Victoria Falls Botswana Chobe Southern Africa

From $ 2340 /USD

Elephant Kingdom with a Chobe – Savute Safari

Southern Africa Botswana Chobe Savuti

From $ 2500 /USD

Short Victoria Falls and Chobe Experience

Zambia Livingstone Victoria Falls Botswana Chobe

From $ 2600 /USD

Value For Money Botswana Safari

Botswana Chobe Chobe River Moremi Southern Africa Okavango Delta

From $ 2740 /USD

Botswana Mobile Safari

Botswana Moremi Okavango Delta Southern Africa

From $ 2745 /USD

Affordable and Authentic Botswana Safari

Southern Africa Botswana Moremi Okavango Delta

From $ 3100 /USD

Popular Botswana Safari Through the Delta

Botswana Okavango Delta

From $ 3140 /USD

Victoria Falls, Chobe and Moremi Affordable Safari

Southern Africa Zimbabwe Victoria Falls Botswana Chobe Okavango Delta

From $ 3200 /USD

Affordable Chobe and Delta Explorer

Southern Africa Botswana Chobe Okavango Delta

From $ 3345 /USD

Photographic Tour of Botswana

Botswana Chobe Moremi Okavango Delta Southern Africa

From $ 3615 /USD

Livingstone and Botswana Encounter

Southern Africa Livingstone Victoria Falls Botswana

From $ 3648 /USD

Exclusive Okavango Delta Safari

Southern Africa Botswana Moremi Selinda Game Reserve Okavango Delta

From $ 3700 /USD

Botswana Safari in Savuti and Chobe

Southern Africa Botswana Savuti Chobe

From $ 3740 /USD

Botswana & Zimbabwe's World Wonders

Southern Africa Botswana Okavango Delta Chobe Zimbabwe Victoria Falls

From $ 3760 /USD

Mashatu Land of the Giants Safari

Southern Africa Johannesburg Botswana Mashatu Game Reserve

From $ 3900 /USD

From Namibia to Victoria Falls - Marvels of Sou...

Southern Africa Namibia Swakopmund Sossusvlei Twyfelfontein Etosha

From $ 4420 /USD

Experience the Wonders of Africa with a Botswana Safari Tour!

When it comes to incredible places in Africa, a Botswana tour stands out as you can experience a thrilling safari tour or a luxurious getaway trip in Botswana.

From its diverse wildlife and unique experiences, like a mokoro ride while touring the Okavango Delta marshes , to its vibrant culture and delicious cuisine, this wonderous African country is truly worth exploring. Let’s take a deeper look at all that a Botswana tour has to offer and why it should be your next travel destination.

A Safari Tour Experience Most Don’t Know About

A trip to Botswana isn’t complete without an unforgettable safari adventure. There are so many exciting activities available for tour travelers in the region, including:

• Game watching
• Tracking animals on foot or by vehicle
• Nighttime wildlife spotlighting tours
• Hot air balloon safari tours
• Mokoro excursions (traditional dugout canoe rides)
• Hunting trips
• Fishing tours
• Birding safaris
• Photographic safaris

During your travels, you can expect to see an array of stunning wildlife like:

• Wildebeests

See these animals in their natural habitats and explore some of Africa’s most remarkable landscapes.

Perhaps even more exciting than the animal sightings are the cultural immersion opportunities Botswana tours offer travelers. From encountering indigenous people who have lived in harmony with nature for centuries to learn about their fascinating history and culture, you will gain insight into the way of life in Botswana.

Let us take care of all your travel arrangements and make your next Botswana safari one of the greatest adventures you will ever experience. Contact us today to start planning your dream African getaway!

Great Cuisine on a Botswana Tour

Diners will also appreciate the delicious local meals that showcase traditional flavors from across Africa, foods like:

• Seswaa (a meat dish cooked in a pot over hot coals)
• Pap (mashed cornmeal porridge), there is so much to experience beyond safari activities
• Vegetables stew
• Decadent desserts like chocolate cake with custard sauce

The Different Types of Travelers That Botswana Tours Are Ideal For

Botswana Safari Tours offer something for every type of traveler, from outdoor adventurers and adrenaline seekers to luxury travelers looking for a memorable getaway, as well as photographers searching for amazing shots of wildlife and landscape vistas.

No matter what type of traveler you are or what kind of experience you’re seeking out during your visit to this amazing part of Africa, a safari in Botswana has something extraordinary waiting for you.

Professional Guides On A Botswana Tour make your trip spectacular

If you’re looking for an unforgettable vacation filled with adventure and exploration, a trip to Botswana should be at the top of your list! Experts who have explored this country agree that it has some of the best natural beauty combined with a rich culture, making it a top destination for tours and safaris.

From wide-open savannas full of wildlife, to the majestic Okavango Delta, there are countless outdoor attractions to explore. Make sure you check out the Botswana vacation packages for an amazing experience you won’t regret!

Visitors can take tours to see various animals in the wild or on horseback during the day, and go stargazing at night for an unbeatable experience. One of Bostwana’s major points of attraction is Motswari Game Reserve, a unique conservation area that spills into an ancient volcanic crater with incredible geographic features and sights.

Given all that Botswana safari tours have to offer, it is no surprise they remain one of the most popular options when selecting Botswana vacation packages.

The Animal Enthusiast

For the animal enthusiasts out there, a safari experience in Botswana is a must-do. From game drives, to mokoro rides, to walking tours of National Parks & reserves; the possibilities are endless when it comes to taking in a unique array of locals and breathtaking views on your African adventure.

Game drives give visitors a chance to view herds of wildlife first-hand from the safety and comfort of an open-air vehicle. After your drive, you can mount (pardon the pun) a more classically traditional safari experience with a ride in mokoro -a dugout canoe – down some of Africa’s beautiful rivers.

Walking tours are also an incredible way to get close to nature and observe the awe-inspiring landscape up close. Whatever tour you choose, you’ll be sure to take away lasting memories from this lifetime experience!

Where to go for the best Safari Tours in Botswana

For any true safari enthusiast, Botswana safari packages are not complete without a visit to:

• Chobe National Park: Chobe National Park, located in Botswana, is one of Africa’s premier safari parks, featuring an amazing array of wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. The Kalahari is a desert paradise, where visitors can explore bushman cave paintings and witness lions on their nightly prowls.
• Kalahari Desert and the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans: The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are some of the largest in the world, and Botswana Safari Tours visitors can take in the beauty of this white salt crust, covering one-tenth of Botswana’s landmass. Botswana Tours are the perfect way to explore this amazing landscape.

An experience at these stunning safari destinations will leave you feeling breathless and fulfilled, making your tour in Botswana unforgettable.

Adventure seekers will love our Botswana safari packages

Enjoy tours of the African bush on a mobile safari or trekking up towering mountains. Photographers can capture stunning portraits of African wildlife in some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes.

If you’re interested in culture and history, Botswana tours offer a unique opportunity to learn about traditional life and decipher ancient San Rock Art, always making sure to see some of the animals that inspired this art when you go on Botswana safari tours.

For luxury travelers, private tours provide exclusive experiences tailored to your preferences with specially designed lodges overlooking serene scenery. Whether you want to relax or explore, Botswana provides it all – making it a top destination for travelers of any kind! With tours available from Discover Africa Group who specialize in planning tours and safaris, you can easily experience this diverse and beautiful country.

Discover Africa offers Botswana tour packages that range from exploring the more iconic spots in the country such as Chobe National Park, to going off the beaten track, discovering hidden gems such as the Makgadikgadi salt pans, or visiting remote villages.

No matter what your interests are, there is something special in Botswana just waiting to be discovered, so consider it your next trip to Botswana with Discover Africa!

Why travel with us?

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Enquire now and a Travel Expert will get back to you within 24 hours.

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• Cape Town Holidays
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• Transformative Journeys: From South Africa’s Red Desert to Antarctica’s Crystal Glaciers
• Travel News Digest, 10 May: Airlines Warned to Cease Greenwashing, Free Wi-Fi at Victoria Falls
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• Travel News Digest, 3 May: Flooding in the Maasai Mara, Turtles Rescued in Cape Town

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Botswana Tours and Trips 2024/2025

The beautiful African country of Botswana is one of the world’s best locations for wildlife safari tours. The nation’s Chobe National Park is home to a large population of lions, or you can plan a trip to the Okavango Delta to see hippos, elephants and crocodiles. Many tours depart from the town of Maun , where you’ll also find a museum on local culture and crafts.

• Botswana Travel Guide
• Best Time to Visit Botswana

33 Trips in Botswana with 94 Reviews

• Starts Maun, Botswana
• Ends Maun, Botswana

Wildlife & Wilderness of Botswana

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities Wildlife & Wildlife safaris and game drives Wildlife , Wildlife safaris and game drives & Safari 'data-more-tripid='8002'>+1 more
• Accommodation Camping & Lodge
• Transport Flight & 4WD Jeep
• Age Range 16-95 yrs
• Operated in English
• Brochure Price: US$ 4,498
• Special Deal (5%): - US$ 223
• Total Price from: US$ 4,275
• May 26 Only 3 seats left
• Jun 16 Only 4 seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

Botswana Wildlife Safari

• Activities Active and outdoor & Wildlife Active and outdoor , Wildlife , Cruise , Explorer , Adventure & Safari 'data-more-tripid='22266'>+4 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Hut, Camping, Guest House & Tent
• Transport Boat, 4WD Jeep & Flight
• Brochure Price: US$ 4,790
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 470
• Total Price from: US$ 4,320
• May 16 Only 1 seat left
• May 25 Only 4 seats left

• Starts Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
• Ends Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls & Chobe National Park 4 D/ 3 N Package

• Free cancellation
• Trip customizable
• Tour Type Private Tour
• Activities Wildlife safaris and game drives & Adventure Wildlife safaris and game drives , Adventure & Cruise 'data-more-tripid='2987'>+1 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Resort & Lodge
• Transport Boat & 4WD Jeep
• Age Range 5-99 yrs

Botswana's Premium Safari

• Activities Wildlife & Active and outdoor Wildlife , Active and outdoor , Cruise , Explorer & Safari 'data-more-tripid='17338'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Guest House & Tent
• Age Range 16-79 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 6,720
• Special Deal (4%): - US$ 270
• Total Price from: US$ 6,450
• May 27 Only 3 seats left
• Jun 10 Only 1 seat left

• Starts Cape Town, South Africa
• Ends Pretoria, South Africa

25-day Cape Town to Victoria Falls Kruger Camping

• Activities Explorer & Desert safaris
• Accommodation Camping, Lodge & Tent
• Transport 4WD Jeep, Ferry & Flight
• Age Range 18-75 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 4,175
• Special Deal (20%): - US$ 835
• Total Price from: US$ 3,340
• May 25 10+ seats left
• Jun 08 10+ seats left

Family Botswana and Zimbabwe Safari Adventure

• Activities Family & Active and outdoor Family , Active and outdoor , Wildlife , Explorer , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Safari 'data-more-tripid='17223'>+4 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Camping, Guest House & Tent
• Transport Boat, 4WD Jeep & Minibus
• Age Range 7-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 4,160
• Special Deal (5%): - US$ 200
• Total Price from: US$ 3,960
• Jul 13 Only 3 seats left
• Jul 20 Only 3 seats left

Botswana Delta and Wildlife Explorer

• Activities Wildlife safaris and game drives & Adventure
• Accommodation Hotel, Lodge & Sleeper Bus
• Transport Flight, Overland Vehicle, Boat & 4WD Jeep
• Age Range 18-99 yrs
• Jun 22 10+ seats left
• Jul 06 10+ seats left

• Starts Kasane, Botswana
• Ends Xakanaxa, Botswana

Botswana Highlights: Nine Nights

• Activities Wildlife safaris and game drives & Nature and bush walks Wildlife safaris and game drives , Nature and bush walks , Camping , National parks & Wildlife 'data-more-tripid='32175'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Lodge, Eco Lodge & Tent
• Transport 4WD Jeep
• Age Range 6-85 yrs

• Starts Chobe National Park, Botswana
• Ends Livingstone, Zambia

2 Days and 1Night Camping Safari

• Activities Wildlife safaris and game drives
• Accommodation Camping, Hotel, Tent & Lodge

Botswana Leopard Trail & Kalahari

• Activities Wildlife safaris and game drives & Adventure Wildlife safaris and game drives , Adventure & Walking tours 'data-more-tripid='16216'>+1 more
• Accommodation Lodge, Camping & Tent
• May 16 10+ seats left
• Jun 20 10+ seats left

Botswana & Zimbabwe Safari

• Activities Safari & Wildlife
• Accommodation Hotel, Lodge & Tent
• Transport Boat, Private Vehicle & 4WD Jeep
• Age Range 12-95 yrs
• May 24 Only 1 seat left
• Jun 21 Only 1 seat left

• Starts Zambezi River, Tanzania

Victoria Falls & Okavango Delta: 8 Days

• Activities Wildlife safaris and game drives & Natural landmarks sightseeing Wildlife safaris and game drives , Natural landmarks sightseeing & National parks 'data-more-tripid='40940'>+1 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Lodge
• Transport 4WD Jeep, Boat & Flight
• Age Range 8-99 yrs

• Starts Windhoek, Namibia
• Ends Windhoek, Namibia

Namibia & Botswana Self-Driving Trip: 17 Days

• Activities Wildlife safaris and game drives & Self-drive or vehicle rental Wildlife safaris and game drives , Self-drive or vehicle rental , National parks & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='27429'>+2 more
• Accommodation Guest House, Hut & Sleeping Hut
• Transport Private Vehicle & 4WD Jeep
• Age Range 1-80 yrs

Into the Okavango - 6 days

• Activities Explorer
• Accommodation Camping & Tent
• Age Range 18-80 yrs
• May 23 Only 7 seats left
• Jul 18 Only 7 seats left

Traveling to Botswana? Chat with a local travel specialist in Botswana who can help organize your trip.

Botswana Tour Reviews

Botswana - tour highlights and travel tips.

Small on population and big on wildlife, that’s Botswana! Most parts of the Great Kalahari Desert lie within the borders of this exotic country and it is also home to the ancient bushman tribe, San. Wildlife ranks among the biggest attractions of Botswana. Those savannahs are scattered with all kinds of game lodges and the country is famous for hosting some of the best African safaris. Two of the best destinations for checking out Botswana’s wildlife are the Okavango River Delta and the Northern Tuli Game Reserve. Botswana is truly one of the most extraordinary places in the world, making a holiday in Botswana truly unforgettable. It ranks among the top travel destinations in Africa and always promises a memorable experience.  

Tour Highlights

• Ride in a mokoro (a traditional Botswanan canoe) through the grasslands of the Okavango Delta
• See all the wildlife your heart desires at Chobe National Park
• Take in natural beauty and rich history at the same time with a visit to the Tsodilo Hills
• Learn about the country’s culture and tradition with a visit to the Bahurutshe Cultural Lodge
• Get lost in the labyrinth of the Gcwihaba Caves, an underground UNESCO World Heritage site
• Experience Botswana’s warm hospitality and ancient culture in the city of Maun

Travel Tips

• Don’t expect your visit to Botswana to be a cheap one. This is one of Africa’s most affluent countries, with prices to match!
• ‘Pula’ is not just the name of Botswana’s currency - it is a term of pure delight! ‘Pula’ is literally translated into ‘rain’, and chants of ‘pula’ in this often-dry country mean something good has happened.
• Botswana has a unique musical culture, best experienced at the Maitisong Festival. This annual festival occurs at the end of March and features some of the country’s top choirs, marimba bands, and theatre performances.
• Looking for tranquility? A tour to Botswana is for you! Botswana is one of the world’s least densely populated countries, and 40% of its land is dedicated to wildlife parks.
• To make the most of your time in Botswana, consider skipping Gaborone, the capital city. The city is continuing to develop and there isn’t much to offer in terms of sightseeing.

Botswana has seasonal weather so please do check up on the best time to visit Botswana before planning your tour. 

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Popular Destinations

• Chobe National Park Tours

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Botswana Safaris

Africa’s ultimate safari destination.

Experience Botswana as few travelers do, on a mobile camping safari—a true immersion in the untamed beauty of Africa. Designed to bring you away from the crowds and close to wildlife, our journeys explore the game-rich savannas of Chobe and Moremi on exhilarating game drives and by private boat, and head out on exciting bush walks and mokoro canoe excursions in the Okavango Delta. At journey’s end, experience one of the natural wonders of the world—Victoria Falls!

All Trips to Botswana

Small Group Adventure

Botswana Wildlife Safari

Botswana, Zimbabwe

From $9,895

Botswana: Kalahari Explorer

From $11,395

Botswana: Okavango Explorer

Ultimate Namibia and Botswana

Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia

From $11,595

Great Elephant Migration Safari

From $9,295

Private Journey

Botswana and Victoria Falls Private Safari

From $8,495

South Africa, Victoria Falls, and Botswana Private Safari

Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa

From $8,595

What Makes Our Botswana Safaris Special?

• Explore Africa the way few travelers ever do with  private mobile camps and boutique lodges  that get you close to the wildlife and away from the crowds.
• Expert  naturalist guides lead your entire safari  (no handing you off from lodge to lodge); and a staff-to-guest ratio of 1:1 in camp.
• Epic game viewing and great variety:  4WD vehicle, bush walks, private riverboat, canoe, and scenic charter flights.
• Custom-built 4WD safari vehicles  with guaranteed window seats and roof hatches with 360-degree views.
• Experience  Botswana’s phenomenal landscapes:  the Okavango Delta, a World Heritage Site, exquisite Moremi Game Reserve, and Chobe National Park, with its massive herds of elephant.
• We offer  a Botswana safari for every season,  from our classic 11-day journey that includes Victoria Falls to our 14-day in-depth adventures in the Okavango Delta or the Kalahari Desert.

Everything You Need to Know

There is no wrong time to go on safari in Botswana, however, it is generally accepted that the best game viewing period is from late March to October. Because of the minimal rainfall during this season, the bush turns golden brown and in many areas is beaten flat, so game viewing is easier and animals concentrate around major water sources.

There is simply no experience that compares to a mobile safari. A world apart from lodge-based, our mobile camps immerse you deep in Botswana’s most magnificent and wildlife-rich terrain in absolute comfort.

• Spacious tents are equipped with comfortable beds (no cots!), and en suite private bathrooms with washbasins and hot showers.
• A private guide, chef, camp manager, tent steward, and camp team stay with you throughout your mobile safari. Our staff-to-guest ratio is 1:1 for the highest quality of service.
• Thrilling game viewing: our mobile camps have you out in the heart of the parks and close to the wildlife—no long drives back and forth on dusty lodge roads.

With its wide-open, sparsely populated countryside, Botswana has set aside more land for national parks and game reserves than any other country in Africa. It is a landlocked nation covering an area slightly smaller than the state of Texas. In essence, Botswana is a sandy plateau situated at an average elevation of 3,000-3,500 feet above sea level. Its most dominant geological feature is the Kalahari Desert, which covers roughly 80% of the country. At the northern edge of this arid area lies the Okavango Delta—the “Jewel of the Kalahari”—where the Okavango River is tamed by the semi-desert and spills over an area the size of Switzerland, and then disappears into the sand, never reaching the ocean to the south. It is the largest inland delta in the world. With its permanent supply of water, the Okavango Delta supports what is probably the most diverse profusion of plant and animal life in Southern Africa.

Setswana is the main language in Botswana, understood by about 90% of the people. Although you can manage well without knowing any of the language, it is always fun (and appreciated) when you try to use a few words.

Hello (to man/woman) —  Dumela mma/rra Hello (to a group) —  Dumelang Goodbye (person leaving) —  Tsamayo sentle Goodbye (person staying) —  Sala sentle Please —  Tsweetswee Thank you —  Kea itumela Yes/No —  Ee/Nnyaa Excuse me —  Intshwarele OK/No problem —  Go siame How are you? (morning) —  A o tsogile? How are you? (evening) —  O tlhotse jang? My name is… —  Leina la me ke… I’m from…. —  Ke tswa kwa… Come in! —  Tsena!

The earliest recorded inhabitants of Botswana were the Basarwa, sometimes called Bushmen, although their proper name is San, meaning “people.”” Only about 3,000 full-blooded Basarwa still follow their traditional way of life, hunting and gathering in the harsh northern Kalahari. There are nearly 50,000 other Basarwas in Botswana and neighboring countries who have adapted more modern-day lifestyles. The migration of Bantu-speaking peoples from the north came later, and they brought their cattle herds with them.

In 1817, the English missionary Robert Moffat arrived and established a mission station at Kuruman. He set the Setswana language into written form and translated the bible into Setswana. The Boers swept through the land in 1835 and acquired vast tracts of land regardless of prior claims or inhabitants. In 1841, Dr. Livingstone befriended Robert Moffat and married his daughter Mary at Kuruman. Livingstone’s earlier explorations had brought him through Kolobeng to Lake Ngami in the Maun area (he was the first European to see the lake) and on to the Chobe River, the Zambezi, and Victoria Falls. After 1860, the Boers, Germans, and British carved up large tracts of land among themselves.

The British Government made Bechuanaland (Botswana) a British Protectorate in 1885. Cecil Rhodes tried to take over with his British South Africa Company in 1894, but failed. British Rule lasted 70 years. The 1960s saw the formation of the first political parties in Bechuanaland. In 1963, constitutional talks began and the machinery for self-rule and the establishment of the new capital city, Gaborone, was started. The first general elections were held in 1965 and independence was declared on September 30, 1966. Today, Botswana has one of the fastest growing economies in the African continent. The long tradition of kgotla (tribal assembly where there is freedom of speech and debate) has translated easily into a multi-party parliamentary democracy.

Experience Botswana

Extend Your Trip

Okavango Delta Safari Extension

From $4,795

REVIEWS FROM OUR CLIENTS

An extraordinary trip. The tent camping experience and the lodges were outstanding. The assurance that we were truly experiencing the world as the animals (and birds) do made it an intensely rewarding experience.

The small number of participants with Wilderness Travel makes a much more intimate interaction with the areas visited. It was wonderful being in a small group of ten. Our guide’s ability to spot things in the bush was pretty incredible—he found leopards for us (with their kills), lions we would never have seen, and every bird everywhere. Great personality, too!

We were very excited to be going on safari and all of our expectations were met and exceeded. This was the adventure of a lifetime! Top quality in every way.

The entire trip was first class. The service from the trip team was outstanding. I felt like I was at a five-star hotel rather than out in the African Bush.

The itinerary and pace of the trip was perfect. I saw more wildlife than I have seen on previous trips to Africa. Camp was charming and very comfortable with attentive and helpful staff. Kay, the cook, was amazing!

Great schedule with a focus on seeing every inch of the territory, animals, birds, learning about the terrain and the history of Botswana. A wonderful, well-run operation and very well planned and executed.

This was one of our best trips ever. We are still on a high a month after the trip, having had wonderful guides, camp crew, and co-travelers. It was the right mix of comfort and authentic experience and we saw so much more than anticipated.

This trip truly exceeded our expectations and made it the trip of a lifetime. We saw far more wildlife, up front and personal, beyond our imagination.

Talk to an Expert

Our Africa Specialists know every detail about our Botswana safaris. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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Botswana Safari Tours & Vacations

• Destinations
• Botswana Safari Tours & Holidays

It really is a zoo out there

Ever wanted to watch migrating zebras run across the African plains or feel dwarfed as a herd of elephants passes you on the highway? On  safari in Botswana, experience the brilliance of the natural world up close as you fill up your camera roll with exotic wildlife, beautiful sunsets and the breathtaking natural landscape of Africa . With some of the world's most renowned game reserves such as Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta , Botswana has a spectacular variety of birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and aquatic life that call it home. So grab your binoculars, keep the lens off your camera and buckle in because you're not going to want to miss a second. 

Our Botswana safari tours

Okavango Experience

10 days from 1647.

Tour through Johannesburg, Maun, Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta and Victoria...

Explore Southern Africa

18 days from 3416.

Spend some time exploring Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe with included safari...

Cape Town to Vic Falls

22 days from 2750.

Spend three weeks exploring South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, from Cape...

Botswana Highlights

9 days from 2518.

Discover the culture, wildlife and waterways of Botswana on this upgraded adventure...

Experience Southern Africa

16 days from 4235.

Visit Africa and travel through southern Africa's beautiful regions. Visit South Africa...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

Botswana Adventure

10 days from 4544.

Visit Africa and travel through Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe on a tour from Windhoek...

Highlights of Botswana safari tours

Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park is probably what you picture when someone says 'safari in Africa'. Located near the  Okavango Delta , the park sits alongside the Chobe River and is home to what is thought to be the largest concentration of African elephants in the world. The majestic mammals often come to drink and bathe in the waters alongside other wildlife friends (and foes) including the cape buffalo, impala, hippos, lions, leopards and cheetahs. There are so many ways to spend your time here. Go on a 4x4 game drive, hop on a sunset cruise along Chobe River or simply sit back and listen to the noises of the great outdoors.

Makgadikgadi Pans

Get a first-hand glance at one of the largest salt pans in the world in what used to be Lake Makgadikgadi. The Makgadikgadi Pans are a beautiful mixture of baobab trees, salt flats and grassy plains, best explored in a 4x4. However, if the scenery alone doesn't tempt you, then hopefully you’re more swayed by its residents. Arguably the cutest animal on safari, the meerkat is native to the Ntwetwe salt pan and is often found huddling in mobs by the sand dunes. You'll also be among some of the world's largest animals such as the elephants and giraffes as well as some of its pinkest as the area is home to a flamboyance of flamingoes.

Boteti River

The Boteti River is a must for die-hard zebra lovers as over 25,000 zebras are known to migrate here from the neighboring game park. Due to the numbers and their stripey coats, it’s likely you’ll see them if you’re there in the migrating season. Since the Boteti River is the only permanent water source in the area, there’s always likely to be a number of animals perusing its shores. And it doesn’t matter whether you’re more interested in the prey or the predators, you’ll likely see them all. Find leafy-green eaters such as giraffes, springboks and oryx enjoying the lush vegetation and the toothy species, namely the lions, cheetahs and wild dogs, lurking hungrily nearby.

Khama Rhino Sanctuary

While not quite as fanciful as their mythical cousins the unicorn, rhinoceros sightings are almost as rare these days due to their near-extinct status. Luckily, places like the  Khama Rhino Sanctuary  have homed and rehabilitated rhinos since 1992 and are now home to both black and white rhino residents. The sanctuary has a successful breeding program and is protected with anti-poaching patrols. The continuing goal for the KRS is to reintroduce as many rhinos as possible back into their natural wild habitats, so visiting this amazing place is definitely worth the animal sightings, not to mention supporting their mission.

When is the best time to visit Botswana?

Winter (April through August) is a good time to visit Botswana. The days are usually mild and wildlife is generally quite easy to spot. The summer can bring frequent rain, which can make it difficult to travel around some of the national parks. Wildlife also tends to disperse during the summer rains, making animals a little harder to spot.

Read more about the best time to visit Botswana

Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to join an Intrepid trip?

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 policy

Do I need a visa to travel to Botswana?

Australia: No visa required

Belgium: No visa required

Canada: No visa required

Germany: No visa required

Ireland: Yes - visa required

Netherlands: No visa required

New Zealand: No visa required

South Africa: No visa required

Switzerland: No visa required

United Kingdom: No visa required

USA: No visa required

Citizens of countries not listed above, including most EU countries, should check with the relevant consulates as to whether a visa is required. For passengers requiring a visa to Botswana, application forms can be downloaded from the  Botswana Government website,  as well as instructions for applying.

Entry Requirements - Yellow Fever Certificate:

A valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required for all passengers over one year of age who arrive or are transiting through Botswana, from a country or region listed by the World Health Organization as infected by yellow fever. Travelers who are unable to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate issued at least 10 days before arrival will be refused entry. There is no option for travelers without a vaccination certificate to be vaccinated on arrival. Please note this also includes transiting through an infected country or region.

Children travelling to Botswana:

Please note that if you’re traveling to Botswana with a person under the age of 18 then you need to provide a certified copy of the child’s full unabridged birth certificate in order to enter the country (the one listing the child’s details and both parents’ details. - the short birth certificate which only lists the child’s details won’t be accepted).

Additionally, if the child is traveling with only one parent, with neither biological parent, or is unaccompanied, then they must provide an affidavit of the consent of the parent(s) that are not traveling, to prove that the trip is made with both parents' consent. Please contact your nearest Botswanan Embassy if you have further questions regarding this.

Can I drink tap water in Botswana?

Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Botswana. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found, some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

What are the best animals to see on safari in Botswana?

Some of the top animals to see in Botswana include the big five (lion, leopard, elephant, black rhino and buffalo) as well as giraffes, antelopes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos and crocodiles.

What is ATM access like in Botswana?

You will be able to find ATMs in the big cities, airports and regional towns of Botswana. Rural areas, national parks and small villages will have limited to no ATMs, so be sure to carry other payment options before traveling out of the big cities.

Read more about Botswana

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Tours to Botswana

Ways to explore botswana, discover our botswana tours.

Whether you’re looking for a  Botswana safari  or a wild  family adventure , our  small group tours  cover a variety of activities that take you beyond the beaten track.

Get close to nature and go in search of the  Big Five   in the vast game reserves of Chobe National Park. Watch herds of trumpeting elephant gather at the water’s edge to drink and keep an eye out for zebra, cheetah, impala, giraffe and buffalo. Immerse yourself in the thriving ecosystem of Botswana's Okavango Delta with a stay on board a houseboat and explore a labyrinth of channels to spot submerged pods of hippo, and crocodile basking in the shallows of the riverbanks.

Considering a trip to Botswana but new to Explore? We've answered  some of the most-asked questions  about our small group adventures.

Our most popular tours in Botswana

Botswana wildlife safari.

Botswana's Premium Safari

Family Botswana and Zimbabwe Safari Adventure

Highlights of Botswana

Solo Travel

If you're  traveling solo , all of our Botswana adventure vacations are a great way to travel. Our small group tours are popular with couples, families and single travelers alike, so you'll be in good company and will most likely make new friends during your trip. Furthermore, all of our tours are under the guidance of one of our handpicked  tour leaders . They will show you all of the must-see sights of Botswana, as well as some of the lesser-known hidden gems for an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime trip.  

Best time to go to Botswana

For the best chance of spotting the Big Five, head to Botswana during the dry season from May to October, when animals will congregate at the watering holes to drink and bathe. You can expect lovely sunny days at this time of year, but it will feel chilly in the morning and evening so bring a few layers to keep warm on early morning safari drives. 

If you want to avoid the crowds, a trip in March or November will be much quieter, and flights are cheaper too. You may experience a few showers in the afternoon, but the game reserves will be vibrant and lush. These are also good months to catch sight of newborn animals, and you might even spot a few migratory birds.  

For a holiday season with a difference, head to Botswana in December when the safari parks will be much quieter. Rainfall will be more prevalent with thunderstorms in the afternoon, but dusty plains transform into a verdant oasis of leafy acacia trees and grassy meadows. Keep a look out for antelope calves and a plethora of exotic birdlife. 

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Unforgettable experiences.

From big wows to hidden gems, our tours leave you feeling that you've really explored.

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Chosen for their great knowledge of your destination and a passion to make your trip extraordinary.

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Average groups of 11; solos, couples and friends, united by a desire for authentic experiences.

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How we operate sets us apart; our flexible booking policy, our loyalty scheme & sustainable approach.

Botswana tour reviews

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Need some inspiration for your Botswana tour?

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Top 20 Best Botswana Safaris - Compare 372 Tours

7-Day Luxury Botswana Safari Tour

$6,329 to $8,565 pp (USD)

Botswana: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Tented Bush Camp

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Central Kalahari GR, Okavango Delta, Chobe NP, Kasane (End)

4.9 /5  –  149 Reviews

11-Day Northern Explorer Trip

$6,655 pp (USD)

Botswana: Private tour Mid-range Camping & Lodge

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Khwai (Okavango Delta) , Savuti (Chobe NP) , Kasane (End)

Wild For Game Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

5.0 /5  –  17 Reviews

7-Day Central Kalahari and Okavango Delta Safari

$6,075 to $7,720 pp (USD)

Botswana: Private tour Luxury+ Tented Camp

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Central Kalahari GR, Okavango Delta, Maun Airport (End)

Gondwana Tours & Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

5.0 /5  –  78 Reviews

9-Day Incredible Journey

$4,846 to $8,081 pp (USD)

Botswana: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Okavango Delta, Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Savuti (Chobe NP) , Maun (End)

Safari Online

5.0 /5  –  115 Reviews

3-Day Thrilling Vacation in Chobe National Park

$990 to $1,210 pp (USD)

Botswana: Private tour Mid-range Lodge

You Visit: Kasane (Start) , Chobe NP, Kasane (End)

5.0 /5  –  122 Reviews

6-Day Your Unforgettable Botswana Tour

$2,618 pp (USD)

Botswana: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle) Budget Camping

You Visit: Kasane (Start) , Chobe NP, Savuti (Chobe NP) , Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Maun (End)

Tony Mobile Safari   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

5.0 /5  –  81 Reviews

6-Day The Perfect Botswana Family Safari

$2,156 to $2,398 pp (USD)

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Okavango Delta, Makgadikgadi Pans NP, Maun (End)

5.0 /5  –  42 Reviews

8-Day Botswana North Best Highlight and Victoria Falls

$2,717 pp (USD)

Botswana & Zimbabwe: Private tour Mid-range Camping & Lodge

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Okavango Delta, Khwai (Okavango Delta) , Savuti (Chobe NP) , Chobe Riverfront (Chobe NP) , Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls Airport (End)

Skytheme Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

5.0 /5  –  3 Reviews

3-Day Mokoro Overnight-Okavango Delta

$572 to $589 pp (USD)

Botswana: Shared tour (max 15 people per group) Budget Camping

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Okavango Delta, Maun (End)

Mosu Safari Tours   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

5.0 /5  –  31 Reviews

3-Day Okavango Delta & Boteti River Tented Safari

$677 to $748 pp (USD)

Botswana: Shared tour (max 10 people per group) Luxury Lodge

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Boteti, Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Maun (End)

The Mzansi Experience

4.7 /5  –  64 Reviews

7-Day Okavango Delta, Khwai and Chobe Wildlife Safari

$2,734 pp (USD)

Botswana: Private tour Budget Camping

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Okavango Delta, Khwai (Okavango Delta) , Savuti Channel (Chobe NP) , Chobe NP, Chobe River, Kasane (End)

Shipungo Safari & Tours   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

5.0 /5  –  54 Reviews

7-Day Botswana Mobile Safari - Moremi Expedition

$2,200 to $2,800 pp (USD)

Botswana: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Budget Camping

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Maun (End)

Kingfisher Safaris

4.7 /5  –  51 Reviews

12-Day Camping - Moremi/Okav/Khwai/Savuti/Chobe/Vic Falls

$6,336 pp (USD)

You Visit: Victoria Falls (Start) , Chobe NP, Savuti (Chobe NP) , Khwai (Okavango Delta) , Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Maun Airport (End)

Savanna Safaris and Tours   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

5.0 /5  –  16 Reviews

4-Day Victoria Falls & Chobe Safari

$1,007 pp (USD)

Botswana & Zimbabwe: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle) Mid-range Lodge

You Visit: Victoria Falls (Start) , Chobe NP, Victoria Falls Airport (End)

Africa Incoming

4.7 /5  –  13 Reviews

7-Day Kalahari Explorer's Tour

$3,661 pp (USD)

Botswana: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle) Budget Camping

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Nxai Pan NP, Makgadikgadi Pans NP, Central Kalahari GR, Maun (End)

Reflect Africa Expedition   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

5.0 /5  –  13 Reviews

8-Day Victoria Falls, Chobe and Moremi Affordable Safari

$3,280 to $4,500 pp (USD)

Botswana & Zimbabwe: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Victoria Falls (Start) , Chobe Riverfront (Chobe NP) , Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Maun Airport (End)

Discover Africa Safaris

4.9 /5  –  420 Reviews

8-Day Okavango Delta, Chobe and Victoria Falls

$2,750 pp (USD)

Botswana & Zimbabwe: Shared tour (max 4 people per vehicle) Budget Camping & Hotel

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Khwai (Okavango Delta) , Savuti (Chobe NP) , Chobe NP, Victoria Falls, Kasane (End)

Kalahari Marsh Safari Holidays   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

5.0 /5  –  37 Reviews

10-Day Botswana Camping Safari

$4,455 pp (USD)

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Khwai (Okavango Delta) , Chobe NP, Victoria Falls (End)

Impala Tours   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

4.8 /5  –  70 Reviews

5-Day Botswana Tour

$1,788 pp (USD)

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Okavango Delta, Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Maun (End)

Walking Stick Travel & Tours   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

4.8 /5  –  74 Reviews

4-Day Into the Okavango - Moremi Game Reserve

$2,035 to $2,239 pp (USD)

Nalange Mobile Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

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Customers rate Zicasso's travel referral service  5  on a scale of 1 to 5 based on  1541  reviews on Trustpilot

We match you with top tour companies that specialize in the trip you want,  whether it's a customized private tour or a group tour.

Adventure into an untamed world where famous wild animals roam thrilling landscapes and play out nature’s greatest script. With over 3,000 personalized itineraries planned to date, custom Botswana safaris introduce you to many of Africa’s most iconic experiences from the oasis of the Okavango Delta to the charismatic Chobe National Reserve and the revered Big 5. Unveil the raw beauty of the top experiences and the top tips for visiting by exploring more on our Botswana guide.

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7  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $5,910

From blazing campfires in Moremi Game Reserve under the starry night sky to safari drives and motorboat cruises across the pearl islands of the Okavango Delta, Botswana's beauty is yours to behold during your adventures over this tailormade 7-day tour. Discover the marvelous wilderness wonders stretching from the heart of the delta to its furthest corners, embracing safari in Botswana like never before.

9  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $12,865

Visit the untamed wilderness of Botswana with this 9-day luxury safari experience. This itinerary leads you from the vast salt pans of the Makgadikgadi to the lush forests, plains, and waterways of the Okavango Delta. The wildlife is abundant, and other humans are rare in these private concessions. Here, hospitality, comfort, and barefoot luxury are promised by each boutique safari camp.

11  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $11,226

Visiting the colossal pounding streams of the Victoria Falls and then continuing to Botswana’s breathtaking reserves, this handcrafted 11-day safari tour is bound to share many remarkable encounters with marvelous animals and vivid birdlife, among other spectacular wilderness scenes. From Chobe National Park to the Central Kalahari, explore the phenomenally diverse environments, teeming with beautiful life, that sweep across the country.

You will find the true jewel of a Botswana safari on your 9-day Okavango Delta tour over the land and water. Your exclusive luxury safari will take you on guided excursions through the canals lined with towering reeds and over captivating emerald grasslands. You can discover wildlife grazing by the waterside and bask in luxury accommodations set beneath the stars for an unparalleled experience on your Botswana safari.

Dynamic pricing from  $7,015

Bask in some of the best game viewing available on this accessible 9-day Botswana safari. It starts with a bang in the heart of the Okavango Delta. This seasonally flooded inland delta, with its lush plains and meandering waterways, is a protected haven for a vast array of wildlife, such as antelopes, elephants, lions, leopards, and wild dogs. Begin in the Moremi Game Reserve before transferring to Savuti and the Chobe River in Chobe National Park. This adventure gives you access to three distinct and unique environments and a variety of excellent game-viewing opportunities.

10  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $7,795

Join like-minded explorers and amateur photographers on an exploration that captures the wild of Botswana during this 10-day mobile safari. Led by a photographer safari guide, you can experience and capture the amazing wildlife of the Okavango Delta in addition to basking in the sounds and smells of the bush from your tented camp.

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Benefits of Using Zicasso

Dynamic pricing from  $14,295

Revel in the luxuries of Botswana’s immaculate safari resorts and cherish encounters with the wondrous wildlife inhabiting the country’s untouched reserves on this glamorous ten-day adventure along the Chobe River, within the Selinda Reserve, and across the Duba Plains Private Reserve. Every destination and activity is tailored to sharing opulence within the wilderness and will unveil the beauty of this beloved country.

Pristine ecosystems, untouched wilderness, and enchanting wildlife will bring your dream to life during your luxury 11-day African safari in Botswana and Zimbabwe. Travel the legendary branches of the Okavango Delta on a traditional moko in search of thirsty elephants, and then follow your private guide through the grasses of the Mana Pools for close encounters with playful wild dogs and grazing buffalo. From game drives to fishing excursions, specialist guides to opulent safari camps, your trip of a lifetime will immerse you in the unparalleled splendors of an African safari as you celebrate the spirit of the wild.

8  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $10,187

Embrace the balance between exciting wildlife excursions and opulent, secluded accommodations during this 8-day luxury Botswana safari. Expert guides will help you to uncover signs of elusive wildlife. Whether listening to twittering birds on a walking safari or meeting rehabilitated elephants, this adventure allows you to experience the iconic beauty of Botswana.

Dynamic pricing from  $8,965

Surreal landscapes and endless excitement await you on your 10-day Botswana family safari. You can cross immense salt pans on quad bikes and explore the savanna with local Bushmen, cruise along waterways searching for elephants and wind beneath the forest canopy to find sleeping leopards. Your tailored family adventure will take you deep into the wilderness to unveil the depth and wonder of Botswana.

12  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $9,355

From walking across the Makgadikgadi salt pans with San Bushmen to a treehouse above the Okavango floodplains, this 12-day journey uncovers the safari secrets of Botswana. You’ll spend three nights at a mobile tented camp in Chobe, four days exploring the Delta on land and water, and three nights on the surreal mirage of the pans. Explore by canoe, discover the wildlife world after dark, and then complete the journey by cruising along the Zambezi River and taking in the legendary Victoria Falls.

14  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $14,555

Botswana’s epic landscapes compel and confound, rolling beyond horizons with their untamed authenticity. This intimate 14-day safari adventure provides the perfect getaway; there’s the freedom to be alone in the breathtaking Okavango Delta, and the romantic luxury to elevate every experience. Three inimitable stops immerse you in a secluded world of private camps and nonstop wild game. Then iconic Cape Town and idyllic Barazuto Archipelago offer the perfect contrasts to start and end the trip.

13  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $6,755

From elegant wine to regal lions and colorful flowers to lively penguins, discover the grandeur of the wilderness and wildlife during this 13-day Southern African highlights tour. Delight in game drives that reveal treasured sightings of the Big Five, bask in stunning panoramas that sweep across lush vineyards, witness Victoria Falls’ thundering rushing water, and indulge in the splendors of private game reserves.

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Dynamic pricing from  $9,277

Discover a wonderful mixture of wilderness, wildlife, and culture during your 15-day family African safari that takes you to South Africa, Zambia, and Botswana. Immerse your family in savannah and wild riverbanks as you search for elephants, rhinoceroses, and lions. From witnessing the roar of Victoria Falls to penguins lounging on a beach outside of Cape Town, you will build everlasting memories on your African family safari.

Dynamic pricing from  $12,514

Elephants have good taste. Almost 100,000 of them march around Northern Botswana, their path coinciding with some of the continent’s best accommodations and most elegant safari experiences. This unique 9-day itinerary follows the natural movement of elephants, combining unique nature with the style and comfort demanded by the most discerning traveler. And it’s not just about elephants. Get ready for big cats, hippo pods, thunderous waterfalls, and opulent river cruises.

Dynamic pricing from  $9,940

Elevate a romantic getaway with this idyllic 9-day safari honeymoon. Be alone in Africa’s most beautiful wilderness, indulge in the continent’s finest secluded camps, and only share the experience with the inimitable wildlife. This itinerary offers the privacy and charm demanded by every honeymooning couple, yet it’s wonderfully blended with unforgettable experiences and an unadulterated immersion in the wild.

Dynamic pricing from  $15,010

Botswana's heart beats to nature's seasonal rhythm, and this 11-day itinerary highlights the seasonal wonders. From June to September, the landscape is dusty and scorched, idyllic dry season conditions for game viewing. But during this time, distant rains rumble down and flood the Okavango Delta, crafting a surreal oasis of color and migrating wildlife. So on a dry season Botswana safari, you explore two distinct yet interconnected worlds, the iconic desiccated wilderness, and the lavish waterways.

Dynamic pricing from  $10,473

Few natural spectacles can rival the Okavango Delta; big cats prowling on evocative floodplains, hippos yawning along lush watery channels, and elephants using their trunks as snorkels. Celebrating the very best of the 1,000th UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 13-day signature safari is handcrafted for travel from June to September, when the lush waterways provide a dreamy journey through authentic Africa. Expect mokoro canoes, exceptional accommodations, and inspiring wildlife encounters.

Dynamic pricing from  $7,905

Lose yourself in Botswana's beauty and gently slip into its inimitable rhythm with this 10-day safari itinerary. Botswana's immense wilderness seems to stretch on forever. There are no roads, no people, and no settlements. There are just untamed landscapes and abundant wildlife, evocative paintings and the calls of the wild. Suitably relaxed? Now watch as nature's beguiling spell slowly unfolds before your eyes.

Dynamic pricing from  $8,185

Experience Africa's greatest secret with this unique 10-day immersion in Botswana's zebra migration. Approximately 30,000 sets of hooves kick up dust and splash through the floodplains as they journey south in the early months of the year. Watch the action unfold from private verandahs, get up close with walking safaris, game drive past galloping herds, and discover the chaperoning big cats. But don't go telling everyone. This surreal phenomenon is blissfully devoid of other tourists.

Dynamic pricing from  $8,055

Botswana's ancient land radiates secrets. Indigenous tribes preserve traditions while wildlife perennially migrates with nature's cycles. Mystique fills these wild lands, and most can only glimpse at its complexities. This unique itinerary has been tailored to take your family closer, inspiring everyone with a mix of safari activities and bush skills. You'll learn about living life in the wilderness while also intimately discovering the iconic big game of Botswana.

Dynamic pricing from  $8,575

From the jaw-dropping wildlife paradise that is Hwange National Park to the otherworldly spectacles of Victoria Falls and the sweeping scenes encompassing Chobe National Park to the breathtaking wildlife discoveries of Moremi Game Reserve, appreciate the immaculately diverse habitats spreading across Zimbabwe and Botswana on this riveting 11-day African safari. The stage is set to spotlight the continent’s rich tapestry of wilderness environments through iconic African safari experiences.

Dynamic pricing from  $15,595

This dreamy Okavango safari blends decadence with authentic wildlife experiences. Relax with soothing massage treatments while watching buffalos roam; lion prides reveal themselves on a nighttime safari, as elephants march across the Delta. Featuring private concessions, opulent camps, and unique activities, this 11-day adventure showcases why the Okavango is Africa’s most revered luxury safari destination. It’s a journey of indulgence through one of the world’s greatest wildernesses.

Dynamic pricing from  $28,595

Discover the wonders of Okavango’s untouched wilderness and throw yourself into the relaxation shared across Seychelles’ breathtaking shores as you indulge in the finest experiences across the African continent. From memorable game drives showcasing the fascinating wildlife to cultural immersion in the township of Soweto and revitalizing spa therapies in the forests of Mahe Island, treat yourself to 11 days of glamor in Africa.

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Popular Botswana Safari Styles

The best time for a safari in Botswana is during the dry season, from June to September, which is winter in the Southern Hemisphere.

The dry season offers the best game viewing opportunities. Rainfall will rarely impact your safari experience, and the animals are more active. There is also greater visibility for seeing the wildlife as the trees lose their leaves and create openings in the bush. While the weather dips in the evenings, the days are mostly clear and sunny, creating the perfect conditions for game drives.

While Botswana’s winter is an excellent time of the year, it is also the most popular for safaris. To avoid the crowds, you could travel in late spring, May, or early fall, September. The Southern Hemisphere’s summer, from December to January, is an ideal time to see Botswana, from Chobe National Park to the Okavango Delta, when the greenery is flourishing.

Regardless of when you plan to go on safari in Botswana, we can help you find a time that suits your preferences, and you can use our guide on the best time to visit Botswana for inspiration.

From the Okavango wetlands, a web of waterways weaving through the bush, to Chobe National Park, a safari spot with tens of thousands of elephants, Botswana’s best safari destinations offer something for every wilderness adventure. Here are our best places to visit in Botswana on safari :

• Okavango Delta : Supporting abundant wildlife wandering the lush inland delta, the Okavango is a game-viewing paradise with unique safari experiences. From cruising the waterways by mokoro to seeing the landscape from above on an aerial safari, the Okavango Delta offers endless opportunities for adventure.
• Moremi Game Reserve: In the heart of the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve offers access to the breathtaking wilderness from luxurious lodges and tented camps. From wetlands to floodplains, woodlands to savanna, explore the unique landscapes in search of elusive wildlife.
• Chobe National Park: The game-viewing crown jewel of northern Botswana, Chobe National Park, offers an abundance of animal encounters in the untouched wilderness. Enormous herds of elephants roam the bush, leopards look out from lofty branches, and lions find a spot of shade beneath the trees.

The Okavango Delta is a lush wetland area in northwestern Botswana consisting of waterways carving through the landscape and draining into the Kalahari Desert. The inland delta is a paradise for wildlife escaping the heat and wallowing in the cool waters. Visiting the delta is a surreal wilderness experience, and you can experience it in a number of unique ways.

Luxury safaris in Botswana begin and end in exquisite accommodations, from 5-star tented camps to private lodges surrounded by the wilderness. You can access the delta’s waterways from these sites in game reserves circling the Okavango wetlands. To explore the wetlands, a guide can take you along the waterways by traditional mokoro , a dugout canoe. Or, you can take a seasonal motorized boat cruise, explore on foot, or search for wildlife on a game drive.

From private cocktails and canapes in the heart of the delta to guided night drives in search of big cats, there are many sensational ways to experience the beauty of the Okavango Delta.

Explore Botswana’s Okavango Delta wetlands by mokoro , see the Big Five on private game drives, and view the landscape from above on a light aircraft safari. These are just a few highlights for your safari in Botswana. Here are some of our top things to do on safaris in Botswana :

• Enjoy game drives and nighttime drives in search of big cats
• Stay at luxurious tented camps in the heart of Botswana’s top reserves
• Discover Botswana’s diverse landscapes, from the desert to the delta
• Explore the Okavango Delta wetlands by traditional mokoro or on a sunset cruise
• Take to the skies on an aerial safari by light aircraft to see Botswana from above

From big cats to the entire Big Five, elusive wild dogs to hyenas, the animals in Botswana are yours to discover on Botswana safari packages. Here are some of the rare and common sightings to expect as you search the bush or cruise the Okavango Delta:

• Black rhinos
• White rhinos

When planning Botswana safari tours, we recommend packing additional essentials for a comfortable experience. Below, we share some options to consider adding to your African safari packing list when preparing for your adventure:

• Neutral, light-colored, or beige clothing
• Lightweight, waterproof raincoat
• Long pants for walking safaris
• Hiking boots or comfortable shoes for bush walks
• Camera with a zoom lens, spare batteries, and memory cards
• Mosquito repellent
• Sun protection, including but not limited to sunscreen, hats, lip balm, and sunglasses

Botswana safaris are safe.

Your guides will help you navigate the wilderness safely, and we encourage you to listen to their instructions and advice as you search for wild animals.

Because the Okavango Delta is a malaria risk, we advise consulting your travel doctor to discuss options to ensure you travel risk-free. Petty crime, though possible, is also very rare in Botswana’s top national parks and game reserves.

The best Botswana safari itinerary will take you to the top national parks and reserves to explore the wilderness and experience highlights like water safaris in the Okavango Delta. Here are our best Botswana safari itineraries, which you can customize with our travel specialists:

• Our 7-Day Classic Delta Tour is a brief but brilliant introduction to the wonders of Botswana’s wilderness, from Moremi Game Reserve into the heart of the Okavango Delta and Shinde Private Concession.
• For an immersive wildlife safari highlighting the wilderness, explore our Premier Botswana Safari: Exclusive Paradise which takes you to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Okavango Delta, and Linyanti Concession.

Our Bucket List Botswana: Victoria Falls, Chobe, Moremi and Central Kalahari safari brings you to Moremi, Chobe, and the Central Kalahari with an added stop in Zimbabwe to see the mighty Victoria Falls.

Explore more information in our frequently asked questions about planning a safari in Botswana and inspiration in our Botswana safari guide .

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Your Botswana Safari starts here

Authentic safari holidays in Botswana's wilderness areas

Explore Botswana with us

We take you on authentic journeys across Botswana – we not only plan and book your trip, but are on the ground, right where you need us.

Guided Lodge Safaris

Travel with your local guide and stay at personal camps and lodges.

Guided Mobile Camping Safaris

Explore Botswana's wilderness areas in style on luxury camping trips.

Small Group Safaris

Benefit from lower rates while having a grand safari experience.

Private Safaris

Travel your way: a unique and tailor-made experience, just for you.

Guided Luxury Safaris

Enjoy remoteness and privacy on exclusive journeys across Botswana.

Self-Drive Tours

Travel at your own pace and go on an epic cross-country road trip.

THE ICONIC SAFARI DESTINATION IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

You hear the sound of water splashing against your small boat as a large family of elephants wades into the majestic Chobe River and makes its way across. The young, tucked safely in the middle of the herd, submerged by water, only show the tip of their wrinkled trunk. As they arrive on the banks on the other side, you hear them munching on the long, green grass. It’s a day like any day in Botswana, but it’s a day you’ll never forget. Botswana is known for exclusive and authentic safari experiences in some of the most iconic wildlife destinations on Earth. Excellent professional service by safari guides and lodge staff, remote and personal camps and lodges as well as a range of activities have made Botswana one of the most sought-after safari holiday destinations. Take a break from the rest of the world and join us in Botswana!

We want to share with you what we love, because we know that you will love it too. Our team of safari guides will take you on a journey of discovery and let you see Botswana’s wilderness areas through their eyes.

DISCOVER BOTSWANA’S WILDERNESS AREAS

Meandering waterways crisscross the lush and romantic Okavango Delta while an exhilarating feeling of isolation fills you when watching the sun set at the horizon of the vast and desolate Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and the call of a hyena travels through the cold night air in the Moremi Game Reserve. Botswana’s wilderness areas are spectacular places of natural beauty. On your Botswana safari holiday, we’ll take you from the popular northern game parks to the remote protected areas in the South.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve

A wide and vast land of untamed wilderness and natural beauty.

Chobe National Park

Where elephants take a bath in the river and safari dreams come true.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

A place for adventurers: remote, unforgiving, spectacularly beautiful.

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Where barren salt pans transform into flourishing wildlife habitats.

Moremi Game Reserve

The Big Five safari destination in the Okavango Delta.

Okavango Delta

Where promises of romantic safari adventures come true every day.

Tsodilo Hills

A mystical site of ancient rock art that let’s you travel back in time.

DISCOVER ALL BOTSWANA HAS TO OFFER

Why travel with us.

You will plan your journey together with experienced travel consultants. So you spend less time researching, worrying and comparing, and more time living the experience.

You will travel with professional local guides who share their knowledge with you. So you can see your surroundings through the eyes of locals, who do so much more than drive your safari car.

You will stay at intimate and hand-selected accommodations. So you are welcomed as guest, not as room number.

You will travel along a tailor-made route, created individually for you. So you will have the unique experience you were looking for.

You will receive a fair price for your trip. So you can rest assured we’re not cutting corners and get an experience in return that’s worth more than you would ever expect.

Trips To Inspire

Some of our most popular trips to inspire your very own Botswana safari adventure. From luxury lodge to authentic bush camping – you can take a break from the rest of the world on your Botswana safari holiday!

Chobe & Okavango Delta Safari

Places Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Savuti Region, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls

from 6,050 USD per person sharing

Fascinating Botswana

Places Chobe National Park, Flood Plains & Forest Reserve, Savuti Region, Moremi Game Reserve

from 3,750 USD per person sharing

The Great North Route

Places Moremi Game Reserve, Khwai Area, Savuti Region, Chobe National Park

from 5,250 USD per person sharing

Botswana Fly-In Safari

Places Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, Khwai & Mababe Region (Moremi), Okavango Delta

from 4,890 USD per person sharing

Highlights of Namibia and Botswana

Places Kalahari, Sossusvlei, Etosha NP, Okavango Delta, Chobe NP, Victoria Falls

from 6,450 USD per person sharing

EXPERIENCE MORE WITH BOTSWANA-EXPERIENCE

Guided Safaris

Self-drive Trips

Things To Do

Travel Advice

Experience Botswana with us

Speak to one of our local advisors, let's start planning your trip.

We will get back to you within 2 working days.

19 things to know before visiting Botswana

Oct 22, 2023 • 9 min read

These top tips can help you make the most out of a visit to Botswana © wetraveltolive / Shutterstock

Having driven alone around Botswana and across most of southern Africa, I've learned a few things from traveling as a female . The most important lesson? Just go.

From Botswana’s arid south to the Okavango Delta and bountiful Chobe region beyond, this peaceful country is a joy to explore. Here are the top things to know before you visit Botswana.

1. Getting around is a challenge, and you'll probably need a 4WD vehicle

Botswana's best adventures are wild and far from civilization – but public transport will only get you so far. It’s possible to plan a sedan-friendly road trip on paved roads, but Botswana is known for the allure of its remote wilderness rather than its big cities.

If you’re traveling independently and national parks are on your bucket list, you need a 4WD vehicle and must understand seasonal road conditions.

A fully equipped 4WD is typically rigged with rooftop tents. This means you can sleep higher up away from dangerous animals, and it comes with all the necessary camping gear for a self-sufficient adventure. These rugged vehicles can be picked up in Maun , Kasane , or Johannesburg (South Africa) and rented from companies such as Bushtrackers Africa . They generally cost US$150 per day.

Ask the rental company about the best times to visit specific areas (the answer will often be in the dry season) and explain their emergency protocols and recovery support. For example, do they have an office and spare parts in Maun?

Driving through Botswana's national parks and game reserves is not to be underestimated. As a rule, it's safest to travel with a satellite phone in case of a breakdown or with at least one other vehicle.

2. Plan for roads to be in bad condition

The back roads in Botswana generally aren’t in good condition – and neither are some of the main highways. If you see a track or dirt road to the left of the main route, the road ahead is likely horribly potholed. As a rule, it’s almost always best to take the unofficial detour.

Whether paved or not, don't be fooled by short distances. Plan extra time into your itinerary to account for these slow-going conditions – potholes, rutted roads and deep sand – and breathing room to stop and snap more photographs. Refer to Tracks4Africa  and download the Maps.Me app. This is the most accurate way to judge time over a given distance for Botswana's best off-road routes. Having paper maps, especially ones that include dirt roads and tracks, is useful as well.

3. Book campsites and lodges in advance during Botswana’s peak season

Luxury stays in faraway fairytale locations and self-drive expeditions between remote campsites both require a decent amount of advance booking – especially when traveling in peak season between June and September.

July and August are the busiest months in Botswana when campsites fill up with intrepid travelers from overseas and safari-loving South Africans enjoying a winter bush break. Campgrounds inside the national parks are limited and run by different private operators. Call directly to book and start planning well in advance. Typically, response times over email are prolonged.

4. Carry physical proof of your booking

There is very little cellular signal and connectivity in these wonderful wilds, meaning you won’t be able to search your inbox easily. Print out proof of booking before your journey and draw cash in the local currency (pula) to pay the park fees. Expect to be turned away at the park's gate if there is no space (and it's invariably a long trip back to the nearest town).

5. How long should I spend in Botswana?

Most safaris start either in Maun or Kasane and circuit from there. With a week or less, maximize your time by flying into a lodge or camp. It's easy to reach most far-flung lodges and camps by charter flight on the six-, nine- and 12-seater Cessna planes. You’ll touch down in the middle of nowhere (between 20 to 50 minutes’ flight time from Maun), where wildlife wanders across the runway. Spending three nights in one place will best compensate for the travel time (and airport waits) between locations.

If you have 10 days or more, discover Botswana on a road trip, although the journey will feel rushed if you try to cram in all the wildlife hotspots, especially with the added toils of camping every day. Two weeks is a more reasonable duration to soak up the gorgeous diversity of the Delta and the desert and to make an overnight sightseeing stop at Victoria Falls.

6. Travel solo outside of peak safari season, but don’t drive alone

Solo supplements are often waived outside peak season, and this is the easiest time to nab a last-minute booking. The cheapest time to visit Botswana is between November and February, and you can still spot wildlife then. The landscape is lush, green, dramatic with epic cloud formations, and brimming with colorful birds, blooms, and butterflies. However, this “green season” can also be the trickiest period to self-drive because the national parks and campsites have more mud and water, making some tracks impassable.

Instead, it’s a superb time to fly into a high-end lodge. Many companies waive the single supplement for solo travelers in the low season, too – and you’ll find plenty of company. Dinner is frequently enjoyed around a communal table to compare sightings with other guests and learn more about life in Botswana from local camp managers or your guide. Another plus? More daylight hours to enjoy it all.

7. Just remember, you can't hop into a mokoro at any time of the year

Water levels are generally at their highest in the Okavango Delta during July and August (which is also the priciest time of year to go on safari). Ask about the seasonality of gliding in a mokoro (traditional canoe) and time your trip to guarantee an outing on the water. For a fun weekend and more traditional insight into the importance of the mokoro , tie your trip with a visit to the annual Nkashi Classic festival .

8. Greet people in Setswana

The Batswana emphasize extensive greetings. Before asking for help, salutations go a long way and it’s respectful to greet everyone present, starting with the elders. If you are addressing a woman, say “Dumela, mma” and to a man, “Dumela, rra”. For a group of people, a simple “Dumelang” will do. Asking how a person is doing and whether they slept well will score even more points.

9. Dress respectfully in rural areas

While most tourist haunts adhere to Western dressing norms, this isn't the case everywhere, particularly in rural areas. Women in Botswana typically dress modestly and wear skirts that cover the knees. It's best to follow this custom when visiting an office, police station, or government building and when meeting distinguished members of society, such as the chief.

10. You don't have to wear khaki on safari

Any neutral-toned clothing will do as long as it's comfortable and lightweight and your shirt isn't too brightly colored. The only time beige and blending in is genuinely preferred is during a walking safari .

11. Pack a warm coat, but also a bathing suit

It's essential to layer up because Botswana experiences chilly mornings and evenings. Game drives and morning activities can be cold. In winter, temperatures can drop below freezing in desert areas, but then the mercury climbs with the sun and you can frequently take a dip in the pool come afternoon.

12. A pair of binoculars will revolutionize your safari

Unless you’re on safari in a private reserve where guides can off-road into the bush, you'll probably witness wildlife from a distance. Bring a good pair of general-purpose binoculars (specifications 8x40 or 10x42) and a decent zoom camera lens.

13. How to leave a tip in Botswana

It's customary to tip lodge staff and safari guides, providing the service was good. Travel agents advise giving roughly US$15 per guest, per day directly to the guide and $10 to the rest of the staff, which usually goes into a collective kitty. The US dollar is widely accepted at lodges and hotels throughout the country.

14. Is Botswana a conservative country?

Women traveling alone can expect to be asked if they have a husband or boyfriend. It's still not common to see independent travelers, and a band on your wedding finger can deter unwanted advances. It's even less common to see same-sex relationships. Homosexuality was decriminalized in 2019 but it is still stigmatized, and public displays of affection could attract negative attention.

15. Whatever you do, avoid driving at night

Obstinate donkeys, roaming elephants, goats, wayward cattle and ostriches are just some of the wildlife that walk the roads of Botswana. Drive with extreme caution and avoid driving at night.

16. Your shoes might carry disease

Beef is a valuable export and cows are a treasured signifier of cultural wealth in Botswana. To prevent the spread of disease, specifically foot-and-mouth, fences have been erected to separate domestic beasts from wild animals (admittedly, not always effectively). Farmers, families, and industry face financial catastrophe if cattle succumb to this infectious disease.

It’s illegal to transport raw animal products or select fruits and vegetables from wilderness areas (mainly in the north) to rural areas (mostly in the south). Always stop at the official fence boundaries and road gates, even if they appear abandoned. Sometimes, an official sitting in the shade nearby will wave you through, but every vehicle is subject to inspection.

Ready the cooler boxes and make fridges accessible for checks. You'll also need to disinfect your shoes and stamp them in a sanitizing station to stop the potential spread. Keep all shoes aside or in crates to prevent the disinfectant from covering other gear.

17. You can drink the tap water in Botswana, but...

Tap water in towns is usually fine but probably not what you're used to, which can cause stomach upsets. At tourist lodges, the tap water is filtered. Many campsites do not have water at all, but grocery stores stock big bottles for overlanders.

18. Pack insect repellent and use it for a peaceful sleep

Malaria is present in Botswana and widespread in the north. Consult your doctor about the latest anti-malaria precautions before you travel. Use insect repellent liberally. Most lodgings supply an insect repellent called Peaceful Sleep, which locals use to keep unwanted buzzing and biting at bay.

19. Watch out for petty theft

Although crime is rare in Botswana, petty theft and sometimes pickpocketing can occur in the cities. As you would in most cities, be vigilant with your valuables and avoid walking alone at night or in poorly lit areas.

There has also been a spate of midnight thefts at campsites near safari pit stops. Thieves typically smash the windows of a car to snatch valuables. Do not leave your passport, camera, wallet, or phone visible or within reach.

This article was first published Sep 7, 2022 and updated Oct 22, 2023.

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Botswana Safaris & Tours

Botswana is one of Africa’s top wildlife destinations and renowned for its pristine wilderness areas and unsurpassed game encounters . Wilderness areas are home to huge herds of African wildlife, roaming unrestricted between the Kalahari and the Okavango Delta.

The fact that 38% of Botswana’s land area is devoted to national parks, reserves and wildlife management, guarantees a superb big game safari experience. 

Botswana’s famous wildlife areas include Chobe National Park , Savute , Linyanti , Moremi Game Reserve , Okavango Delta , Nxai Pan National Park , Makgadikgadi Pans and the Kalahari Desert . 

The eXplore Plus Travel team visits Botswana regularly to keep up to date with all this country has to offer. Join one of our group safaris or use our itineraries as a baseline for planning one of many custom Botswana safari holidays.

Our knowledgeable team would love to assist you in realizing your vision and we are ready to answer your questions, and assist in creating the best Botswana Tours and Safaris experience.

Botswana Safari Ideas 

• Group safaris in Botswana – Explore Botswana's legendary wildlife hotspots with a group of like-minded travellers. We will visit two to three of Botswana's best safari destinations: the Savute region, the Khwai area near Moremi or the Okavango Delta.
• Private safaris – Every safari is uniquely designed keeping your interests, preferred standard of accommodation and specific travelling date in mind.
• Combination tours – For more safari adventures, end your trip with a visit to the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. You can also choose to take a Botswana/Zimbabwe combined trip that will surely be a most rewarding experience!

Experience The Parks Of Botswana

• Chobe National Park is an elephant mecca as it contains the largest density of elephants in Africa. Chobe offers adventures such as game drives and river cruises with excellent birdwatching and exceptional photographic opportunities.
• The Savuti is part of Chobe National Park. This area is famous for its predators ranging from leopards to large lion prides sometimes hunting elephants right in front of you – behaviour not generally witnessed anywhere else.
• The Okavango Delta is also known as “The river that never finds the sea”. It is a vast wildlife haven that is home to an impressive number of animals and birdlife. Its waterways are filled by annual floods and offer you the opportunity to explore the area with a mokoro canoe or boat. 
• The Moremi Game Reserve is part of the Delta. It has a healthy population of predators including leopards and wild dogs, alongside vast elephant herds, buffaloes, antelopes and birds.
• The Khwai Concession is next to the Moremi Game Reserve and is one of the best places in Botswana to see wild dogs and other predators. Safaris within these concessions allow for more flexibility with walking, mokoro canoe rides and night game drives on offer.
• The vast Makgadikgadi Pans is a lunar-like landscape inhabited by unique, desert-adapted species. During the summer rains these shallow dry pans fill with water and attracts a large number of wildlife and migratory birds. 
• The biggest draw to Nxai Pan National Park are the zebras that migrate by the thousands to this area. It is the second largest land animal migration in Southern Africa. This salt pan is also known for its ancient, towering baobab trees called “Baines baobabs”.
• The magnificent expanse of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a not to be missed. The reserve is famous for the Kalahari black-maned lions and large concentrations of meerkats.

Travel Highlights

• One of our Botswana adventure tours involves exploring the Okavango Delta wetlands by mokoro (traditional canoe) or by boat. Choose between dry camps which also offer game viewing by vehicle and wet camps that only offer water-based activities.
• Walking ancient paths through the Central Kalahari Desert with Bushmen.
• Enjoy a houseboat safari or a sundowner cruise on the Chobe River .
• The rare opportunity to go on night drives to spot big cats in the Khwai area.
• Experience Africa's largest concentration of elephants in the Chobe National Park .
• Take a helicopter flight over the Okavango Delta . Botswana’s landscape is uniquely picturesque and seeing the Delta from the air is not to be missed.
• Opportunities to visit the mighty Victoria Falls . This is a must-see wonder.

MOREMI & OKAVANGO DELTA SAFARI

GROUP SAFARI

SA RESIDENT SPECIAL

7 days / 6 nights

Highlights:  Moremi Game Reserve / Okavango Dalta

Valid until:  26 Mar - 01 Apr 2024

HIGHLIGHTS OF BOTSWANA

6 Days / 5 Nights

Highlights:  Moremi Reserve / Okavango Delta

Valid until:  31 March 2024

BELMOND SAVUTE & KHWAI SAFARI

Highlights:  Savute Channel / Khwai Conservation Area 

Dates:  Private Safari

ZEBRA MIGRATION & KHWAI SAFARI

Highlights:  Nxai Pans / Khwai Concession

Date:  Private Safari

CHOBE HOUSEBOAT SAFARI

4 Days / 3 Nights

Highlights:  Houseboat / Chobe NP

Valid until:  28 Feb 2025

ZAMBEZI QUEEN HOUSEBOAT

2 OR 3 Nights

Highlights:  Luxury Floating Hotel / Chobe NP

CHOBE GAME LODGE

4 days / 3 nights

Highlights:  Chobe River Boat Cruises

Valid until:  20 Nov '24

What Our Clients Say About Our Safaris & Tours

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Experience Botswana with us

Botswana tours and safaris.

Embark on the ultimate adventure with our diverse range of Botswana Tours and Safaris, designed to cater to every traveller’s preferences. Whether you seek the rustic charm of glamping under the African stars or the epitome of luxury indulgence, our Botswana safaris are tailored to meet your desires. Cruise the pristine and crystal-clear waterways of the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unique ecosystem and abundant wildlife. Walk on the hallowed grounds of Chiefs Island, where every step immerses you in the heart of Botswana’s wilderness, and engage in exhilarating game drives in the famed Moremi Game Reserve, Savuti, and Chobe National Park.

Botswana, renowned for its conservation efforts, has adopted a low tourism model, ensuring the preservation of its pristine wildlife areas. The Okavango Delta, a jewel in Botswana’s crown, boasts some of Africa’s finest lodges. Here, every need is anticipated, from world-class guiding by experts rooted in local communities to lodges exuding elegance and charm. Enjoy sweeping views of the Delta’s beauty, accompanied by fascinating tales and experiences shared by guides intimately familiar with the bush.

For a more immersive and affordable experience, consider our Mobile Safaris and small group tours. These options provide an authentic taste of the wild spaces while staying within budget.

With Botswana Safari options as vast as its savannahs, our curated trips offer just a glimpse of the adventures awaiting you in this remarkable country. Book your journey today and experience the magic of Botswana, where nature and luxury harmoniously coexist, by choosing from our array of meticulously crafted safari experiences.

Contact us for expert advice for your Botswana Safari!

From us$8500, savuti & okavango delta safari  .

Explore some of the most pristine wildlife areas in Africa on this 9 night Botswana Safari with Wilderness Safaris. Visit the Savuti-Linyanti Area, the iconic Okavango Delta and the game-rich Chitabe area.

From US$5869

Authentic botswana safari.

Visit the Chobe National Park and enjoy boat cruises along the Chobe River. Experience big game country in the Savuti area and the Moremi Game Reserve. End this epic 10-night safari to Botswana in the iconic Okavango Delta.

From US$3700

In-depth okavango delta  .

Spend 6 nights uncovering the secrets of the Okavango Delta. Cruise crystal clear waterways in a traditional dugout canoe (mokoro), enjoy game drives in the Moremi Natgame Reserve and take boat cruises to the lagoons of the Delta.

From US$7080

Luxury linyanti, khwai & okavango safari.

This remarkable 9-night journey visits three diverse areas in the heart of Botswana at distinctive and iconic camps. Visit the northern Linyanti, the Khwai Community and the Okavango Delta and enjoy outstanding game viewing and excellent guiding.

From US$6325

Fly me around botswana.

An exceptional itinerary and offer from andBeyond is a week-long Fly me around Botswana safari. This trip combines their camps in Botswana for an epic 7-night safari. Visit the crystal clear waterways of the Okavango Delta, and see the big game in Savuti and the large herds of elephants in Chobe National Park. 

From US$3100

Comfortable okavango and khwai safari.

This 6-night Okavango and Khwai Safari combines the best of both worlds: water-based and big-game safaris. This itinerary showcases two distinct safari camps, ensuring you experience the Okavango Delta’s beauty without breaking the bank. Your safari begins at Mopiri Camp, nestled at the heart of the permanent delta’s waterways and ends at in the drier Khwai area at Nokanyana Camp.

From US$9900

Victoria falls to botswana luxury safari.

Combine a visit to the mighty Victoria Falls with your safari to Botswana! Take a guided walking Tour of the Falls and a sunset cruise on the Upper Zambezi River. From there you will visit the Savuti-Linyanti Area, spend time in a water paradise in the Okavango Delta and enjoy outstanding game viewing at Qorokwe Camp. This is Wilderness Safaris’ at its best!

From US$8400

Machaba safaris highlights of botswana.

Spend 11 nights on a classic Machaba Safaris trip. Starting on the bank of the Chobe River, enjoy game drives and boat cruises. You will then fly to the game-rich Khwai concession with a range of activities and wildlife to view. Fly to the Gomoti Concession where game viewing is incredible. And end this safari in a remote area of the Okavango Delta where the views are breathtaking.

From US$5990

Mesmerising botswana safari.

This fantastic Botswana Safari takes you to the game-rich southern Okavango and Khwai Private Reserve as well as the water paradise of the deep channels of the Okavango Delta. Combing the classic camps of Mma Dinare, Little Sable and Setari, this trip will tick all the boxes for your safari to Botswana

From US$15,000

Luxury okavango & makgadikgadi pans safari.

This wonderful 9-night safari adventure takes you to three distinct regions: the Khwai Private Concession, the Okavango Delta, and the Makgadikgadi Pans. Each location promises a unique and immersive safari experience, showcasing the incredible diversity of Botswana’s wildlife and ecosystems with outstanding wildlife.

From US$6100

Best of kwando safari .

On this 7 night Kwando safari to Botswana, you will spend 4 nights in the Kwando area, where there are no other safari camps. Then fly to the Okavango Delta to the Kwara Concession where you will embark on daily game drives, boat cruises and mokoro trips.

From US$16646

Simply the best of botswana safari .

This safari to Botswana takes you not only to 3 diverse and incredibly rewarding areas but to 3 of the best safari lodges in Africa. Visit Great Plains’ Duba Plains and Selinda Camp before flying to the simply gorgeous Xigera Safari Lodge.

From US$3400

Affordable okavango delta safari.

This Affordable Botswana Safari is a 6 night Okavango Delta Safari, showcasing the beauty of the waterways in the Okavango Delta, staying in 2 different areas. This safari is about unplugging from the real world and immersing yourself in the wilds of Africa. Think walking, mokoro trips and motorised boating. The safari camps on this trip do not have WIFI, are run with solar power and offer a truly immersive safari experience. 

Contact Us to book Botswana Tours and Safaris

ORGANIZED SELF-DRIVE SAFARIS TO BOTSWANA

Explore botswana offers organised self-drive trips to botswana.

Botswana is wild! Therefore, good preparation and some advance planning are essential. We will arrange your accommodations, whether you wish to stay in lodges and guesthouses, on campsites or both. Explore Botswana offers organized self-drive holidays and you can go on an adventure in a fully equipped vehicle of your own choice.

HAPPY CUSTOMERS

NATIONAL PARKS

Length: 14 Days (customizable)

Price from: €1.079,- EUR

Length: 20 Days (customizable)

Price from: €1.779,- EUR

Length: 21 Days (customizable)

Price from: €1.162,- EUR

Experience an unforgettable self-drive safari to Botswana

To make it easier for you, Explore Botswana offers a variety of itineraries. You can book these, or you can use them for inspiration to build your own, tailor-made adventure. You will be the driver of a fully equipped rental vehicle of your own choice; and are not just part of an organized group. Explore Botswana will always make sure that you will experience the journey of your dreams!

Self-drive Inspiration Botswana & Namibia

Catch some Botswana vibes and self-drive inspiration by watching our videos. A true insight to our adventures travels.

Organised 4×4 Self-Drive Holidays in Botswana

Namibia 4×4 Car Hire

Organised 4×4 Self-Drive Holidays in Namibia

Botswana Tailor-made Travel Advice

Every traveler has their own preferences. Need help deciding to make sure you make the right choice, we’re here to help! Together we fully customize the tour to your personal preferences, wishes and budget. We can assist you in many different ways. Our team of friendly and service-minded Tour Consultants is available in Europe and Africa to assist you making a personalized tailor-made travel proposal and to answer all questions you might have.

Exploring the Wild Heart of Africa: A Self-Drive Safari in Botswana

Discover spectacular botswana.

We guarantee that all our vehicles are in excellent condition and well serviced.

What is included:

Accommodation (hotels, guesthouses, lodges or campsites)

Unlimited kilometres

Complete camping equipment (camping trip)

Car insurance with standard excess

Third party insurance

Most accommodations are booked with breakfast and camping is self-catering

Personal travel App for cell phone

24-hours emergency service

Tips and route information

Airport/hotel transfers

What is not included:

International Flights

Park fees, entrance fees to museums

Personal expenses

Additional activities and excursions, e.g. game drives, boat trips, etc.

Meals (unless indicated as included)

Travel and cancellation insurance

Why Explore Botswana?

Years of experience.

Explore Botswana is part of Explore Namibia, which is a dynamic and professional company located in Namibia, founded in 2006 by the Dutch couple, Marco and Elise. Both have travelled through Africa extensively and they simply love it. When the opportunity occurred to go on an adventure to Africa, they did not hesitate, quit their jobs in Europe and moved 10.000 km South. And still today, after all these years they still love what they do – Explore Namibia & Botswana and help others do the same! In 2018, Julia joined Marco and Elise on this adventure. Julia was born and raised on a guest-farm in Namibia, was always closely involved with visitors from all over the world and fascinated by their passion for these southern African countries.

Ultimate Self-Drive Safari to Botswana

Our service.

Our thoughtful team of knowledgeable experts are here to take care of every need, from the second you contact us to when you return

Efficient & friendly service

Our team of friendly and service-minded Tour Consultants is available in Europe and Africa to assist you making a personalized tailor-made travel proposal and to answer all questions you might have. You can reach us by phone, e-mail and chat. We can set-up a (digital) meeting to discuss all your wishes and preferences. Feel free to contact us anytime!

Qualified staff with local knowledge

When you travel into amazing, wild and exhilarating Africa, there is one thing you must surely have properly arranged beforehand. A safari holiday requires back-up of a local expert who has inherent knowledge of the local African situation. This can either be our local support office in case of self-drive or your personal guide in case of a private guide safari trip.

Sustainable mindset

We understand that our activities have a positive, but can also have a negative, impact on the surroundings; positive by creating (local) employment and social development, but we also realize that our tourists might have another impact on the environment. We attach great importance to reducing the pressure that tourism exerts on the natural and social living environment of our travel destinations, and we see it as our corporate responsibility, and are committed to, constantly improve in the field of responsible, and maintaining sustainable travel.

24-hours support

We are close by while you are traveling and always reachable. Should you feel uncertain along the way or hit a “bump along the road” you can easily contact us, and we will gladly assist you to make your trip and stay in Botswana as enjoyable as possible with little or no interruptions.

Book With Confidence

Reliable and trustworthiness.

We are, amongst others, proud member of the ATTA (African Tour Operator Association), the ANVR (Dutch Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators) and SGR (Dutch guarantee fund for prepaid travel money). This means we offer reliability and security towards our clients, as we work according to the ANVR travel and booking conditions, agreed with the European Consumers Association. The SGR label also provides financial certainty in case of possible bankruptcy.

Self-Drive Safari to Botswana with your own vehicle for the ultimate Adventure!

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North Island Okavango Brings Spacious Luxury Tents to One of Botswana’s Most Wildlife-rich Regions

Set on a private island, North Island Okavango offers safaris by boat, locally-sourced cuisine, and just three intimate tents.

Jeff Chu is an editor-at-large at Travel + Leisure .

Food and Drink

• Activities and Amenities

Family-friendly Offerings

• Accessibility and Sustainability

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

Jeff Chu/Travel + Leisure

Partway through our first afternoon game drive at North Island Okavango, a new luxury camp in northwestern Botswana, our guide, Diesel Tshosa, said, “I can be quiet because I can get lost in the concentration of tracking animals, so ask me a question if you want.”

My 15-year-old nephew, Caleb, who had dreamed of going on safari since he was 5, responded, “I like quiet.”

The quiet wasn’t all that quiet: We could hear the grunts and snorts of warthog, often before we could see the funny creatures, which would stare at us as we passed them in our safari vehicle and then suddenly burst into a sprint. So many other sounds filled the air: the trumpet of a mother elephant beckoning its calf to draw nearer; the whoosh of water as it closed over a sinking hippo, leaving only a couple of oxpeckers visible on its submerged back; the calls of Cape turtledoves and laughing doves, followed by the whirring of their wings as they beat a quick retreat; the hooves of wildebeest and zebra as they trundled across the savanna. I heard a strange squawk as we passed a stand of trees. “What kind of bird is that?” I asked. “It’s a tree squirrel,” Diesel replied. “Why are you calling, Mr. Tree Squirrel?”

North Island Okavango is precisely as its name describes: The three-tent camp sits in the shade of towering ebony trees on a slight rise of land that the locals call Xuxuga. It’s in the neck of the Okavango Delta; to the south, the giant, slow-moving river fans out across the land. With few other camps nearby, a trip here feels particularly special. (Among those drawn by this privacy: the actor Will Smith, who was North Island’s first guest.) 

So, too, the architecture: The camp sits on a series of wooden decks lining a lagoon frequented by hippos and elephants. The aesthetic is spare but elegant, emphasizing contemporary African craft — woven rugs, rich woods, baskets, and pottery. While the details are lovely, their understatedness allows the natural beauty of the setting to shine.

A day at North Island begins early. I was already up when Diesel rapped on our door a little after 5 a.m. the following day. I hadn’t slept well, not because the bed wasn’t comfortable — it was sumptuous — but because my ears weren’t used to the nocturnal soundtrack of moans, groans, and roars. I recognized the chorus of frogs, but as I tried to describe what else I’d heard to Diesel, he chuckled through my pathetic imitations. Still, he deciphered everything: That wail? A male lion. Those grunts? A family of elephants nearby. What sounded like a chorus of baritone kazoos? Those hippos in the lagoon.

After breakfast — eggs cooked to order, cereal, yogurt, fruit, and beautifully strong coffee — we headed for a game drive. The list of animals we saw quickly grew longer and longer: lion, baboon, water buffalo, an African fish eagle, a horned antelope called the Southern reedbuck, a kudu doe and fawn. As the sun rose in the sky, drying the morning dew, the crisp air smelled fruity, almost herbal — like citrus and dried sage. We lingered awhile in the company of a family of spotted hyenas before returning to camp for lunch and a nap.

In the afternoon, tea was served, followed by another drive. Two rare highlights: a regal secretarybird, an endangered bird of prey that looks as if you took the body of an eagle and plopped it atop the long legs of an ostrich, and a leopard, which crossed our path just as the sun began to set. Neither Caleb nor I had ever seen a leopard in the wild. It was smaller than the creatures of my imagination, yet somehow also more imposing. “Wow,” I kept whispering. “Wow. Wow. Wow.”

As dusk dipped into the night, we drove back to camp with only the rustle of the breeze and the sound of the truck in our ears, punctuated occasionally by the call of this creature or that somewhere out there in the bush. Neither Diesel nor Caleb nor I had anything left to say. We just sat in the gorgeous quiet of wonder — wonder at the glory of nature, the wild diversity of the land, the chance to witness such beauty firsthand.

Here’s what you need to know about North Island Okavango.

North Island Okavango

• North Island Okavango's “tents” are comfortable, expansive, and elegant.
• With just three tents, the camp feels intimate and exclusive.
• The area of the Okavango Delta surrounding North Island abounds with wildlife, and because of its remote location, you’ll encounter few other safari vehicles.
• One never needs to go hungry — or even feel semi-full — at North Island Okavango because the food and drink are abundant and tasty.

Courtesy of North Island Okavango

The tents at North Island Okavango are really canvas-roofed luxury suites. Each has more than 850 square feet of indoor space, including a separate living room, a bar area with a Nespresso machine, and one and a half bathrooms, including an expansive ensuite with double vanities, soaker tub, and wood-lined, river-stone-paved shower. Each tent has an additional 650 square feet of outdoor space, including decking with lagoon views, a private plunge pool, and an outdoor shower.

Jeff Chu/Travel + Leisure

The cuisine at North Island Okavango is best described as abundant and eclectic. Going for a morning game drive? Your guide travels equipped with an array of fresh-baked cookies, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Evening game drive? A traveling bar — with snacks so you don’t drink on an empty stomach.

Meals are served family-style. After cocktails by the fire pit, everyone gathers around the long, wooden dinner table. The chef, Mr. T, told us he sources local and regional ingredients whenever possible. He often dishes up soup as a starter; during our visit, his richly spiced butternut-squash soup warmed us on a chilly evening. My nephew delighted in an ostrich stew — weird, perhaps, to eat a creature we’d seen just hours before on a game drive, but we comforted ourselves in the knowledge that it was not the same bird. It was served alongside a fish curry (which would make little sense printed on a menu, but on the plate, it turned out to be delicious), lentil dal, couscous, and fluffy white rice.

Activities and Amenities 

Two game drives per day are included. Optional activities include fishing, hot-air balloon rides, and helicopter excursions.

Because of its unique location, North Island offers the opportunity to do water-based safaris year-round, either by mokoro , the dugout canoes long used by locals to travel the Okavango’s waters, or by motorboat. We opted for the latter one shimmering morning because Diesel said it would be quicker and we’d likely see more wildlife.

As our boat captain and guide, Zone, helped us into our lifejackets, we could see women at the water’s edge, harvesting turpentine grass traditionally used for thatching roofs. “I grew up cutting grasses and taking them to the village on mokoro,” Zone recalled.

As we motored down the river, which the locals call Xamoku, Zone pointed out birds: whistling ducks, which look as if they’re wearing white face masks across their black heads; pied kingfishers; Egyptian geese. We saw a pod of hippos — “There must be more than 50,” Zone said — and plenty of day waterlilies, their blossoms beginning to open in the morning sun. “People collect the roots. It tastes like chicken and also like a potato,” Zone said. “A chicken-flavored potato is so nice.”

On the banks, a group of fishermen was trying to catch bream. One shouted out to Zone that a hippo was downriver: “A very aggressive one.” It stayed hidden under the water's surface, but we did see one enormous crocodile sunning itself.

Tents can be set up to accommodate two adults and two children. Children over six are welcome — and the camp is especially suitable for an extended family traveling together.

Accessibility and Sustainability 

Environmental regulations require a light eco-footprint, so North Island Okavango’s design means that it can be entirely disassembled, leaving no permanent marks on the land. The camp is entirely solar-powered, and while there is no air conditioning, each tent has an over-the-bed Evening Breeze cooling system, which uses 75 percent less electricity than a conventional air-conditioner.

A local community trust controls the concession in which North Island Okavango sits, and revenues generated by tourist activity benefit the residents of five nearby villages. 

The gateway to the Okavango Delta is Maun International Airport in Botswana. From Maun, travelers must take a small charter flight — just under an hour — to the airstrip at Kadizora on Mack Air.

North Island Okavango is part of the Natural Selection family of lodges and camps. Like most Natural Selection properties, North Island Okavango offers honeymooners 50 percent off the nightly rate for one spouse. (The offer is available for 12 months from the wedding date.) During the shoulder season (April, May, November, and the first half of December), guests staying six nights or more will receive a 10 percent discount.

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How to Plan a Safari in Botswana, According to Experts

A beginner's guide to safari vacations in Botswana.

An African safari ranks high on the wish list of many a world traveler. Of the millions of adventurers who make the trek here annually, the (ahem) lion’s share will end up in the game reserves of Kenya, South Africa, and Tanzania — enduringly popular destinations for wildlife viewing in Africa. But in recent years, Botswana has been nipping at the heels of those countries. 

Botswana is home to diverse landscapes that span delta to desert, and the local culture is vibrant and inviting. The Botswana bush is teeming with majestic fauna, including Africa’s largest population of elephants — they are protected by a government focused on conservation, and tour operators committed to the same. And a safari here means you get to enjoy all of the above with far fewer humans than in its aforementioned continental counterparts.  

“Botswana is an anomaly in Africa,” said Ian Proctor, president and managing director of Ultimate Africa Safaris . “It is considered one of the safest and most stable democracies on the continent.” 

Proctor has been preparing customized itineraries for safari-going clients since 1996, and during that time he estimates he’s personally enjoyed more than 250 experiences across the African continent. Botswana has become his go-to destination, and in no small part because of the modernization of its government.

“Citizens receive free universal healthcare, and LGBTQ+ communities are legally recognized,” he cited as examples. “And with a very small population, its wilderness areas are unparalleled — and, importantly, uncrowded.”

Ready to pack your bags? Here’s how to plan your Botswana safari, along with insight from experts on what you can expect along the way.

How to Get to Botswana 

The most common way to get to the Botswana bush is by way of Safarilink flights out of Maun National Airport (MUB), in the northwestern part of the country. Midsized runways here can’t accommodate jumbo jets, so you won’t find direct service here from the U.S. That’s a mixed blessing, though. The added stop you’ll need — in either Johannesburg or Cape Town — weeds out those tourists who aren’t willing to brave nearly 16 hours of total flight time. 

Really, it’s not nearly as arduous as it seems. American carriers now offer multiple direct options per day into South Africa from New York and Atlanta. And if you work with an outfitter like Ultimate Africa Safaris , you can bookend your safari with well-curated layovers in those connecting cities. 

Best Times to Go to Botswana

Weather-wise, Botswana is at its most inviting from early May through the end of September. Temperatures are more moderate during these winter months, and malaria is less prevalent. Things start to get somewhat wet come mid-October, but if birding is your thing, the rainy season is precisely when you want to arrive. The Nata Bird Sanctuary along the northeastern edge of the massive Makgadikgadi Salt Pans is the world’s largest breeding ground for Lesser and Greater Flamingo. This ancient, Switzerland-sized lakebed is a shrimp-infested food source for the birds, which pass through by the hundreds of thousands from November through March. 

Best Places to Stay  

When it comes to world-class safari camps, this part of Africa is chockablock with options. They run the gamut from rugged to ultra-luxe, and are scattered across every corner of the country’s dynamic terrain. You’ll want to allot ample time to explore the Okavango Delta. This massive marshland in northern Botswana boasts a footprint of nearly 8,000 square miles and is regarded as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. From there, you can transfer by bush plane to the outskirts of the Kalahari Desert to enjoy a wholly different landscape. 

“Botswana dedicates so much space for wildlife — we are actually in the top 10 percent in the world for wildlife conservation,” said Super Sande, a native of Botswana who has been a guide in the country for 32 years. “Between the wet and dry parts of our country, the diversity of game that you see is like nowhere else. You can be surrounded by thousands of zebra and wildebeest and be the only car there. It’s so special.”

Logistically, it’s easiest to take all of these wonders in by booking an all-inclusive package with a tour operator. One such example is Natural Selection's “Botswana Explorer” package, which covers multitudes of terrain over 10 days, including an overnight on a Delta houseboat and luxe stays in private game reserves. The program starts at $8,235 per person, which includes a guide, transfers, and meals along the way. 

As for individual standouts, Jack’s Camp is king of the desert. The legendary outpost along the edge of the salt pan underwent a full rebuild in 2021, and it now boasts rooms with private plunge pools and bedside air conditioning. Its common area is the aesthetic equivalent of stepping into the late 19th century, anchored by a Persian tea tent and a full bar with a comprehensive collection of cultural artifacts. Prices at the year-round lodge range from $1,450 to $2,495 per night, depending on room size and time of year. 

In the Delta, a similar level of luxury can be found at Tuludi . The seven-room property sits on the Khwai Private Reserve — 772 square miles of floodplain awash with wildlife. Suites feature outdoor baths and plunge pools. Don’t be surprised if you’re visited in the evening hours by the local herd of elephants who enjoy feeding on foliage here once the sun has set. 

Later this year, Tawana Camp will become the newest option in the Okavango, and the only camp located within the protected Moremi Game Reserve. This exclusivity is owed to a first-of-its-kind partnership between Natural Selection and the BaTawana nation — who have stewarded the land since the late 18th century (the camp takes its name from the nation's current ruler). It will feature all the trappings of five-star living, including butler service and its own gym. The whole camp is positioned alongside a gently rolling river crowded with hippos, lions, and zebra.

What You’ll See in Botswana

If you stay on a riverfront camp such as Duke’s , you can head out into the water on traditional canoe-like vessels known as mokorom, and from this vantage point, you’ll spy African fish eagles and saddle-billed storks along the shore. You’ll also likely paddle past hippos, whose eyes hover menacingly just above the waterline. Back on dry land, lions prowl in outsized prides, leopards carry slain impala into the trees, and baboons scamper across the plains by the dozen. 

Elephant fans will want to book a stay at Hyena Pan , hidden among the thick mopane forests of Khwai Private Reserve. A short game drive from here brings you to a repurposed shipping container abutting a watering hole. This is the Elephant Hide, and it affords the most intimate spectacle imaginable of the largest living land animal, which congregate just a few inches from a narrow viewing slot fashioned into the side of a steel wall. 

In the salt pan, you can marvel at colorful creatures of all shapes, sizes, and speeds. The edge of the ancient lakebed is inundated with meerkats, Cape hares, aardwolves, hyenas, and cheetahs, to name but a small cross section of species.

“I see the most interesting things here at night, especially,” Sande said. “I just recently saw two honey badgers fighting off some jackals. No two game drives are ever the same.”

A lot of a safari experience depends on good fortune, of course. But luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity, and the difference between a good guide and a great guide is careful planning, according to Kagisano Bapute, who steers guests towards unforgettable game viewing in and around Tuludi Camp. 

“You have to stay up to date with everything going on from day to day, and from season to season,” Bapute added. “You’re always checking in with a network of trackers, and you have to be working around the clock, so you’re not just going out there blindly once you have guests with you.” 

What You’ll Eat and Drink 

While staying at any high-end safari camp, you can expect robust meals that rotate regularly, often featuring staples of Western cuisine. At Tuludi, for example, elegant pasta dishes are mainstays on the menu. Sable Alley has its own pizza station. 

While it’s easy to gravitate toward the familiar — and there are certainly some great hamburgers to be enjoyed in the bush — if you’ve come all this way, do as the locals do and save room for seswaa . The flavorful beef stew is frequently served for supper along with local bread, phapatha . Vegetarians can keep an eye out for morogo , a spinach dish studded with onions and tomatoes. 

When it comes to cocktails, gin is king here, and Okavango even has its very own. The award-winning eponymous offering is distilled with local botanicals, including the mopane seed. At Sable Alley, the bar staff is working it into the Bluebird: two parts gin, one part blue curaçao, and a splash of simple syrup, garnished with a slice of lemon. 

Alternatively, book a stay at San Camp and you’ll drive into the heart of the Kalahiri for cocktail hour. A makeshift bar is set up atop the pale, crusted earth, just in time for sunset. Once it gets dark, a multi-course feast is prepared by campfire, with nary another soul in sight. For dessert, gaze up at the most dazzling star-scape you’ll ever see.

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Welcome to African Elegance Safaris Namibia - your reliable tour operator for tailor-made tours in Namibia, Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe. We are an experienced incoming agency and offer you unique travel experiences that are perfectly tailored to your individual wishes and needs. 

As a multi-destination DMC, we have specialised in the region and therefore offer you comprehensive know-how and unparalleled expertise. Trust in our passion for Africa and let us inspire you - experience the beauty and elegance of Africa up close!

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The Best Places to Travel This July, From Key West to Montenegro

By Caitlin Morton

School’s out, the sun is shining, and it’s officially time to plan a proper summer vacation . The best places to travel in July are all about making those OOO days really count, even if it means venturing a bit off the radar—think diving tours off the coast of Bonaire, multi-day hiking trips through central Iceland, and Olympic Games viewing parties some 9,700 miles outside of Paris (more on that later). And if you’d rather fill your trip with more relaxing and less adventuring, fear not: We have plenty of destinations for you as well.

We know you’re probably itching for a spectacular holiday as much as we are, so we’ve gathered up a list of places that cover the geographical gamut. Whether you want to make an easy trip to one of the coolest cities in the US (we reveal that answer below) or take multiple flights to reach your final once-in-a-lifetime destination, here are 11 of the best places to travel in July.

This article has been updated since its original publish date.

Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park is one of the best places to travel in July for one major reason: wildflowers . While you might consider spring to be the best time to see colorful flowers, the park’s northern location in Montana means the blooms reach their peak in July and August. Hike along the Garden Wall Trail to see fields of white beargrass, pink fireweed, and yellow glacier lilies as far as the eye can see.

When you’ve had your fill of hiking (and your phone is full of photos), head back to The Resort at Paws Up , a sprawling, 37,000-acre working cattle ranch in western Montana. Their safari-style canvas tents will make you feel like you’re in the Wild West, while locally sourced meals and spa treatments are worthy of a five-star hotel.

It’s not easy to find an uncrowded beach in Europe during the summer months, but the country of Montenegro is one of your best bets. It takes up less space than Connecticut and has a lower population than Stockholm , but the tiny Balkan nation should not be overlooked—especially since it’s quieter and more untouched than neighboring Croatia and Greece. Beyond the beaches, you can take advantage of the country’s historic Old Towns, UNESCO-protected parks, and lakes begging for a swim.

The country also happens to be home to Mamula Island Hotel , a former 19th-century fortress that was reimagined and unveiled in April 2023. Situated on its eponymous island in Boka Bay, this knockout property features sea-facing rooms, three dining venues, and a beautiful glass-covered internal courtyard. Try to book one of the contemporary panoramic suites in the crown of the main tower, complete with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and terraces equipped with telescopes for stargazing.

The Pantanal

Stretching across parts of southeastern Brazil , Paraguay, and Bolivia , the Pantanal is the world’s largest floodplain and boasts the highest concentration of wildlife on the entire South American continent (yes, even more than the Amazon). Here you can spot ultra-rare jaguars, crocodiles, monkeys, anacondas, and some 650 species of birds; and the dry season from July to October boasts the best visibility.

Note that reaching the Pantanal takes a bit of work: You must first fly to São Paulo (a great excuse to stay overnight at the São Paulo Rosewood ), then fly to the Campo Grande Airport in Mato Grosso, then either drive or take a chartered flight to your lodge. And that lodge should definitely be the upscale Caiman Ecological Reserve , a 204-square-mile refuge known for its luxury villas and local conservation efforts. Between visiting jaguar sanctuaries and horseback riding through the jungle, rest up at the reserve’s hammock garden, take a dip in the pool, or enjoy the starry sky from your private balcony.

Only 50 miles from Venezuela, Bonaire is the farthest east of the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao). Since it sits outside the Hurricane Belt—and since its relatively remote location means its never as crowded as other Caribbean islands—there’s not really a bad time to visit; but July is one of the best months to spot animals both above and below sea level. The Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary on the southern end of the island is home to more than 10,000 flamingos (July marks the tail end of breeding season), which you can spot from the road or nearby Pink Beach. 

But the most beautiful parts of Bonaire can be found just below the surrounding waters. The entire coral reef around the island is a national park (Bonaire National Marine Park), with brightly colored coral and wildlife ranging from nurse sharks and seahorses to friendly green turtles. There are 85 dive sites within the park and dozens of tour operators on the island, so there’s really no excuse to stay exclusively on dry land. 

Shannon McMahon

Chris Schalkx

Mark Ellwood

Alex Erdekian

Oaxaca, Mexico

Far from the coastal spring break hot spots of Cancún and Cabo San Lucas, Oaxaca , in south-central Mexico, is one of the most important cultural hubs in the Americas. Explore the region’s craft revolution led by female entrepreneurs, secure a table at Alejandro Ruiz’s Casa Oaxaca for traditional dishes and cocktails, then head to the streets for delicious tlayudas and tacos served from food trucks (our favorites for each: Tlayudas La Chinita, and Lechoncito de Oro, respectively).

An extra special reason to visit in July is the vibrant Guelaguetza Festival, which takes place on the last two Mondays of the month. The festival celebrates the 16 different ethnolinguistic groups of Oaxaca with folk dancing, traditional clothing, mezcal fairs, and concerts.

We named Mongolia one of the best places to travel in 2024 for several reasons, chief among them being the country’s relatively recent accessibility. Last year, Mongolia opened up visa-free travel for an additional 34 nationalities—bringing the total up to 61—in an effort to become a more popular tourist destination. (The campaign is set to run until 2025.) There are also talks of a direct US–Mongolia flight launching later this year.

July is an especially exciting time to visit Mongolia. This time every year, the country throws its annual Naadam Festival (July 11-13), an ancient-style version of the Olympics with horse racing, wrestling, and archery. The event appears on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list for its intrinsic connection to “the nomadic civilization of the Mongols,” and the competitions truly are a sight to behold. You can watch the opening ceremony in Ulaanbaatar’s National Sports Stadium then stick around for the archery and wrestling games; you’ll have to head to the Khui Doloon Khudag field outside of town to watch the horse races.

While people around the world are flocking to Paris this July for the 2024 Olympic Games, we suggest heading to Tahiti for a more tropical—but still sports-oriented—summer vacation. The southern coastal village of Teahupo’o will host the Olympic’s 10-day surf competition this year starting on July 27, and visitors can watch the event on giant screens set up in parks, beaches, and marinas across the island. This leg of the games is particularly exciting this year: It’s only the second time surfing has appeared on the Olympic program (it debuted in Tokyo in 2020), and Teahupo’o’s famous break is often dubbed one of “the deadliest waves in the world.” Surf’s up, indeed.

After all those secondhand adrenaline rushes, you’ll probably want to rest up in an impossibly luxurious resort—something Tahiti has in spades. The InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa has all the makings of a classic French Polynesian property, from thatched-roof overwater bungalows to holistic spa treatments. But if you have some extra time, consider hopping on a 20-minute flight north to Tetiaroa, home to The Brando . This ultra-remote, ultra-polished resort plops guests down on a private atoll surrounded by white sand and shallow, turquoise water. It’s just you and nature—with a spa, multi-course dining experience, and villa with a private plunge pool thrown in.

If you’ve spent any time in Chicago , you probably aren’t surprised that our readers consistently vote it the best large city in the United States . And if you haven’t spent time here? We suggest booking a trip to the Windy City stat. There are tons of summer activities for both first-time and seasoned travelers, including visiting the beaches along Lake Michigan, taking Chicago River boat tours, watching the fireworks at Navy Pier, and attending festivals like the Southport Art Fest (July 6 to 7) and Pitchfork Music Festival (July 19 to 21).

There’s no shortage of great hotels in the city , but do yourself a favor and book a few nights at The Peninsula Chicago , consistently voted one of the best properties in town by both our readers and editors. There are many reasons why this decades-old hotel has continued to impress, from that iconic 19th-floor spa to those epic marble bathrooms. We also have our eyes on citizenM Chicago Downtown —the hotel opened in late 2022, and its high-tech features and colorful, offbeat decor still feel delightfully fresh.

There really is no wrong time to visit Iceland, but we’re particularly fond of chasing the midnight sun during July—the more daylight hours for exploring, the better. The summer months also make certain parts of the country accessible that might not be in the winter, including the 34-mile Laugavegurinn hiking trail in the Central Highlands. The mountain huts and campsites along the trail are only open between late June and early September, giving you a small time window to experience the hot springs, black lava fields, and multicolored mountains along the path.

If the term “mountain hut” makes you cringe a little, fear not: Iceland has some luxury stays that might be more up your alley. The Reykjavik Edition opened in the nation’s capital a couple of years ago, featuring custom furniture, local treats in the minibars, and incredible city and harbor views. Making a splash further off the grid is Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll , a remote property with tons of accommodation options (hotel rooms, A-frame huts, campsites) and summer activities ranging from guided hikes to hot spring soaks.

Ernest Hemingway lived in Key West for the entirety of the 1930s, and the tiny island has been honoring him ever since—most notably with the Hemingway Days celebration held every July (this year’s dates are July 16-21). This annual event is piling on extra festivities this year, which marks the author’s 125th birthday anniversary. You can expect prose and poetry readings, a three-day marlin fishing tournament, and special museum exhibits, as well as the festival’s showstopping Hemingway Look-Alike Contest. Because what’s better than one Ernest Hemingway? Answer: 140 Ernest Hemingways.

Even if your trip doesn’t overlap with the exact Hemingway Days dates, you can still glimpse a piece of the author’s life at the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum. Take guided tours of the house where For Whom the Bell Tolls was penned, then stroll through the surrounding gardens and try to spot the famous six-toe cats who roam the property. In terms of accommodations, you have many excellent hotels to choose from (our readers love The Marker )—or opt for something a little cheekier and book a room at the adults-only, clothing-optional Island House Key West Resort .

June–August marks the dry winter season in Botswana , which many consider to be the perfect time to visit. Not only are weather conditions at their best (no rain, lower risk of malaria), but these months offer prime wildlife viewing opportunities as animals tend to stick around watering holes. The country also happens to be one of our favorite safari spots in Africa. While you’re sure to spot wildlife in Kenya’s Maasai Mara or in South Africa’s Kruger, you’ll also be in the company of a couple dozen other jeeps filled with tourists; in Botswana, it feels like it’s only you and nature.

This year is a particularly exciting time to visit, because you’ll get the chance to be one of the earliest guests at North Island Okavango . This intimate micro-camp (and 2024 Hot List winner) occupies its own floating patch of land in the Okavango Delta, which means you have 24/7 lagoon views of hippos, elephants, and other wildlife. Suites with wraparound decks and walkways leading directly out onto the water let you get even closer to the action.

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The Pride of South Africa • Botswana Namibia • Zimbabwe

Trip Dates:  Saturday, January 14, 2023 - Saturday, January 28, 2023

Leader Name:  David B. Miller, Associate Professor, Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences

Trip Pricing: 

• Double occupancy cabin start at $7,995 per person
• Single occupancy cabins start at $13,495

Trip Details & Highlights

Travel with us on an incredible journey to experience the wonders of four nations of southern Africa, where nature’s spectacle is at its  most dramatic, history is rich, the culture is diverse and the “Big Five” game viewing in pristine natural habitats is extraordinary. Witness the remarkable achievements of the young nations of Namibia and Botswana, striking in their culture and home to one of the densest game populations on the planet. Walk in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela in South Africa, and behold the majestic natural beauty of Zimbabwe.

Few experiences can match this exclusive, in-depth itinerary and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel the breadth of southern Africa. A highlight of your journey is a three-night river safari aboard the exclusively chartered Five-Star m.s. Zambezi Queen, an intimate river vessel featuring only 14 beautifully appointed Staterooms. On the legendary Chobe River in Namibia, enjoy naturalist-guided excursions by small watercraft, a unique alternative to traditional land safaris and an exceptional perspective from which to observe the magnificent wildlife along the Chobe’s shores. Your itinerary also includes the classic land safari—enjoy superb game viewing aboard four-wheel-drive safari vehicles in seldom-visited Botswana, a haven for nearly all of the southern African mammal species. Follow Mandela’s long road to freedom from Soweto to Robben Island and on to Johannesburg and the presidency of South Africa, “the rainbow nation.” Savor glorious Cape Town, dramatically situated between Table Mountain and its stunning harbor, while enjoying your stay in the historic, Five-Star Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel. Revel in spectacular seaside views, visits to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope and enjoy a scenic drive through South Africa’s winelands to view the distinctive Cape Dutch architecture. Visit three UNESCO World Heritage sites, including one of the world’s Seven Natural Wonders—Zimbabwe’s incomparable Victoria Falls. Stay steps away from “the smoke that thunders” in the legendary, Five-Star colonial Victoria Falls Hotel.

Contact Information

Sarah Doody  904.432.3141 [email protected]

Trip Terms and Conditions

Luminary Society Members

CWRU’s Luminary Society members may receive additional discounts on CWRU Educational Travel programs. For further information on Luminary Society travel discounts only, please contact The Office of Strategic Giving at 216.368.4460.