Botswana Safaris: What Are Your Options?

There are a variety of safaris available in Botswana, from privately guided experiences to fly-ins to the top attractions. The safari style and the activities you want to partake in during your journey are two major factors that determine the total cost. Game drives, nature hikes, cultural exchanges, boat safaris, and even mokoro (dugout canoe) trips are available to all guests at most campgrounds and hotels. Keep in mind that depending on the hotel, some activities, such hot air balloon safaris, horseback activities, quad bike excursions, and even desert sleepouts, may incur additional costs.

• Fly-in Safaris & Charters: When visiting some of Botswana’s more remote and picturesque areas, a light aircraft charter may be the most convenient means of transportation. The isolated Savute area and the Linyanti are two such examples.
• Classic Safaris: In this type of safari, guests stay at a camp or lodge and are escorted on daily drives around the area, which can be a public or private concession, reserve, or national park, by game vehicles and professional trackers. Usually, visitors would be collected from a nearby airport and transported to their preferred lodge or camp in a 4×4 vehicle or small bus.

How Much Does a Botswana Safari Cost?

The average cost of a Botswana safari ranges from $1,650 to $3,520 per person, per night (based on double occupancy), with the exact amount depending on factors like season and degree of luxury. During peak season, you can find mid-range options starting around $1,650 and 5-star experiences going over $3,520. The location, season, and activities included in your safari, as well as your preferred mode of transportation (traditional lodge vs. fly-in), determine the total cost.

Please Note: All prices are approximate and based on one person sharing a room during high and low season. Foreign flights, visas, and extracurricular activities are not included. Keep in mind that conservation levies, taxes, and permits can and will alter. Typically, the busiest times of year are between July and October, as well as throughout the holidays and new year.

Botswana Accommodation Costs

The lodgings in Botswana are, without a question, among the best in all of Africa. Comfort, luxury, and exclusivity are usually what make them famous, particularly in the more distant areas. It’s not surprising that there is a wide range of related expenses depending on variables like location, service level, camp or lodge size, and availability of private automobiles. Everyone may find the perfect safari experience, whether they’re looking for a rustic lodge with a touch of luxury, a more classic colonial-style camp that transports them to another era, or the pinnacle of safari accommodations.

Please Note: All prices are approximate and based on one person sharing a room during high and low season. Foreign flights, visas, and extracurricular activities are not included. Keep in mind that conservation levies, taxes, and permits can and will alter. Typically, the busiest times of year are between July and October, as well as throughout the holidays and new year.

How the time of year affects the cost of a Botswana Safari

Because it is the most popular period to visit Botswana, high season (also known as peak season) is also the most expensive. Though it begins in May and continues through October, many people think that the months of June through April are the best for exploring due to the milder weather and decreased likelihood of malaria.

That doesn’t mean low season (sometimes called green season) safaris aren’t worthwhile; in fact, they are, particularly for people interested in birds and who want to shoot beautiful pictures against verdant backgrounds. The longer grasses and thicker bushes can make wildlife spotting a bit more difficult, but there are still plenty of wonderful sightings to delight in. The time of year, the traveler’s safari goals, and their budget all play a role in determining the best Botswana tour or safari for them.

Additional Costs To Consider

You should know that “all-inclusive” isn’t necessarily the most exhaustive definition. When planning a safari in Africa, it’s important to be clear what is and isn’t included in the package. To start, you might want to check out our blog post about African countries that do not require a visa for US citizens. That could solve one problem with the prices right there. Are there any potential hidden expenses that you might encounter? Below is our list for your perusal:

• International flights / getting to the country – as a rule of thumb, consider this excluded.
• Getting from place to place – internal transfers may be included with some accommodations, however, some others may be at your own cost. Most take place via charter flight.
• Vaccinations – certain destinations require vaccinations prior to arrival like yellow fever. These are excluded and you will need to contact your healthcare professional to ensure the requirements are met.
• Tipping is always optional but highly recommended. It’s always worth carrying cash during your travels as it’s the easiest way to go about this. Consult our tipping guide for more information.
  Personal and travel insurance.
• Additional activities – anything over and above the included activity offerings at an accommodation, which typically extends to hot air balloon safaris, certain sunset cruises, horseback safaris, and so on.
• The exchange rate – international card payments will likely incur a small fee for paying in a different currency. Botswana operates on the Pula but dollars are widely accepted in camps and lodges.

If you would like to consult with one of our Africa Safari Experts about your upcoming trip, they can help you plan every detail, including the transfers, so that your trip goes off without a hitch. However, keep in mind that delays are sometimes inevitable when travelling, so it’s best to plan ahead if you can.