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Botswana Safari Holidays

Botswana is Africa's most exclusive safari holiday destination for good reason. Almost 30% of Botswana's land is a protected area and the country's commitment to its wildlife is unsurpassed. With an enduring democracy, conservation minded president and careful considered development, Botswana is home to some of the world's most endangered species of large mammals, such as cheetah, white and black rhinoceros, African wild dog and striking black maned lions. For those lucky few some people may also see more unusual species such as the elusive aardvark, brown hyena and aardwolf.

Why Natural World Safaris for your Botswana safari?

Natural World Safaris has a long-established pedigree in Africa, starting in 2005 after our CEO and Founder Will Bolsover had spent many years guiding on the continent. We maintain close relationships with our partners on the ground, from lodge owners to frontline conservationists, affording our clients access and opportunities that nobody else can match. When you share with us your interests, we'll match you to in-country specialists and experts for in-depth insights and fascinating campfire conversations.

Wildlife remains our primary focus and we ensure accommodation is carefully selected as the very best places to stay for front-row wildlife spectacles for the time of the year you are travelling. Safaris are meticulously planned to be seamless in terms of quality and service, with private transfers available throughout. We want you to experience wild Africa at its very best, listening out at night for the saw-like grunt of a leopard, or the deep bone trembling roar of lions and exploring some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.

How much does Botswana cost?

Botswana has adopted a conservation strategy based on high-end, low-volume tourism, which means it's free of crowds and large resorts; camps and lodges are small and intimate and the wildlife areas truly unspoilt and exclusive. This obviously comes at a price; we recommend a starting price of £7000 per person. If you are looking to stay in some of Botswana's most iconic and best loved camps and lodges you'll need to increase the budget to £15000 per person, while £30000 per person will allow for private transfers and vehicles, and a few extra surprises along the way! A bespoke Botswana safari holiday really is one of the most luxurious experience on offer.

Botswana Wildlife

A guide to wildlife encounters in Botswana

Botswana African Leopard

Where to Go

A guide of where to go in Botswana

Botswana Baobabs Makgadikgadi Pans Kubu Island Hannes Thirion

Where to Stay

Top 10 camps & lodges in Botswana

Botswanna Chobe Game Lodge Pool

Botswana Safaris


CAT St Botswana Chobe National Park Lion Shutterstock Fotografie Kuhlmann

Classic Botswana Safari

With around a week to spend in Botswana we suggest combining Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta, staying in both a 'wet' camp and 'dry' camp in the Delta to really get a feel for the iconic landscapes of Botswana. You'll get to explore this vast area that includes wide-open floodplains, waterways, marshes and lagoons. This may also include an example of what you may do on days, like two or three nights in Chobe National Park, two or three nights in the Okavango Delta, and two nights in another camp in the Okavango Delta.

From 7500 per person
4

Ultra-luxury Botswana Safari

A luxury Botswana safari taking in a selection of award-winning luxury camps combined with world-class game viewing. Look out for wild dogs, lions and large herds of elephants from mokoros, game vehicles, boats, hot air balloons, light aircraft and on foot.

From 15000 per person
Botswana Dining Sunset Letaka

Small Group Classic Camping Safari

Spend 10 days on this small group tour heading through Botswana staying in fully serviced en-suite tented camping, throughout the Moremi Game Reserve and exploring the fringes of the Delta by mokoro, explore the Khwai floodplains during the day and night looking for elephant, lion and leopard.

From 3620 per person
Botswana Black Mane Lion Stephanie Periquet

Talk to a Botswana Destination Specialist

The Botswana Safari Experience

Botswana is an exclusive destination and many of the camps and lodges are situated on private concessions affording the opportunity to the explore in a number of different ways.

You may wish to include the following in your Botswana itinerary:

  • Take to the skies by helicopter to appreciate the sheer diversity of the country. We suggest a 60-minute helicopter flight over the remote islands of the northern Okovango Delta.
  • Explore the waterways in a mokoro, a traditional wooden, dug-out canoe and glide silently through the Okavango Delta and Linyanti regions for eye-level wildlife encounters.
  • Conservation - Learn about conservation work in Botswana with world-renowned researchers. Experience the spectacular migration of zebra and wildebeest, the second biggest in Africa Explore the Kalahari on foot alongside authentic Zu/’hoasi Bushmen

Where to stay in Botswana?

As one of the most renowned safari destinations on the African continent, the question of which are the best Botswana safari camps is rather pertinent. This also raises the question of what "best" means: is this the most exclusive, the most scenically located, the best for wildlife-viewing, the best for families, the best for honeymooners. Discover our top 10 places to stay in Botswana.

When to go to Botswana?

The best time to visit Botswana is during the dry season between May and October when game viewing is at its peak and the weather is generally dry and cooler. Wildlife congregates around water sources, making it easier to spot during game drives. The Okavango Delta is at its peak water levels during the dry season, offering excellent opportunities for water-based activities. Read more on when to visit Botswana.

Botswana Stories & Inspiration

Botswana Okavango Delta River Elephant Gaston Piccinetti

Okavango Delta Floods

One of Nature's Great Events. Witness the water flood into the desert to create a vibrant wetland. The hot, dry Kalahari Desert appears as an uninhabited wasteland unable to support life.

Read more about the floods
Botswana Nxai Pan Zebra Brian Divelbiss

Nxai Pan National Park

Similar to Makgadikgadi Pans, Nxai Pan National Park is part of the Kalahari ecosystem, yet so different to the game reserve.

Read more
Botswana Okavango Giraffe Ondrej Prosicky

Okavango Delta

Encapsulating the heart of wild Africa with its evocative scenes of wildlife and natural beauty, a journey into the untouched Okavango Delta is one of jaw-dropping big game viewing, peace and tranquility.

Read more

What to expect from a trip to Botswana

Plan your visit

Client Reviews

Rated 4.9/5 based on 8 customer reviews
  • africa-botswana-susan-pirie

    Every trip I have done with NWS has been impeccable. I love the meet and greet at the airport. Accommodations are always great. This whole safari exceeded my extravagant hopes!

    4 out of 5

  • africa-botswana-victoria-cox

    We had an amazing trip to Botswana with some fantastic wildlife sightings and accommodation throughout our stay. The team was very responsive and gave me valuable advice and assistance during the booking process.

    5 out of 5

  • africa-botswana-jill-house

    The most magical vacation- everything went so smoothly and all of the accommodations, food, services were beyond our wildest imagination! Bravo!

    5 out of 5

  • africa-botswana-diane-migliori

    Daniel was knowledgeable and VERY patient. He listened to my concerns and preferences, and was instrumental in pointing me in the right direction for a wonderful experience!

    5 out of 5

  • africa-botswana-paul-matthews

    Ellen was knowledgeable, enthusiastic, positive and reassuring in all the advice she gave, and very patient when answering what were probably stupid questions probably asked by everybody. She quickly seemed more of a knowledgeable friend rather than a travel agent just doing a job.

    5 out of 5

  • africa-botswana-john-davies

    Fantastic trip, amazing camps and seamless transfers.

    5 out of 5

  • africa-botswana-kelly-mcilvenny

    Ellen was easy to work with, responsive to my emails and questions, and put together a great itinerary. I don't have a single complaint about my trip. Not a thing went wrong, and it exceeded expectations in every facet. In terms of wildlife, I saw more than I could have realistically expected to see – and wildlife was the reason for my trip. Accommodations were great across the board. NWS were professional, knowledgeable, accommodated my requests, and stayed engaged throughout the entirety of my trip. Great customer service.

    5 out of 5

  • africa-botswana-sarah-stuart

    Ellen was very helpful answering all my questions. It was a very well-designed trip with two safari camps, ending up at the spectacular Victoria Falls. The staff were all marvellous and the wildlife we saw was amazing. We managed to see many different species – only the leopard remained elusive.

    5 out of 5

Botswana Safari Holidays FAQs

Is Botswana Safe for Travelers?

Botswana is widely acknowledged as a secure and hospitable destination for tourists. With its stable political climate, low crime rate, and commitment to animal conservation, it offers travelers a safe and rewarding experience. This serene southern African country boasts breathtaking landscapes like the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, where visitors can explore diverse flora and fauna with the guidance of knowledgeable safari operators. Local communities warmly embrace tourists, encouraging cultural exchanges and enhancing overall safety. However, it is always wise to stay informed about any travel advisories and to take standard safety precautions while relishing Botswana's natural splendor and friendly hospitality.Can I drink tap water in Botswana?

Can you drink tap water?

In short, no. Make sure you avoid drinking tap water in Botswana, it is not safe to drink. In urban areas the water is chlorinated and local people may drink it, however we very strongly advise you drink bottled water at all times. Water outside of the urban areas is contaminated. Ensure that ice cubes, drinking water and even the water for brushing your teeth is bottled. During your safari, bottled water is readily available.

Do I need vaccinations or malaria tablets?

We always recommend you speak to your doctor or a health professional about vaccinations and malaria tablets well in advance of your safari. There are specialist travel clinics that are trained in the area, and they can keep you up to date with the current advice as it often changes. At present, certain areas of Botswana are affected by malaria. For up to date information, please head to one of the following sites:

What languages are spoken in Botswana?

The official language of Botswana is English, yet most of the population also speak Setswana as well. Conversing with the locals is easily and happily done in English, your game drives and other activities will be conducted in the English too. If you need your guide to speak a language other than English, it is worth contacting us to see what we can do to help.


How do I get around in Botswana?

Travel in Botswana can be done in many ways; including combining game drives and small charter flights. The only way to reach a majority of the camps in areas such as Chobe, Okavango Delta, Central Kalahari and the Moremi Reserve is by private charter flight. Many accommodations have private landing strips on location, or just a short game drive away. Scheduled light aircraft depart from Maun and Kasane, handling all inter-camp transfers as well. These flights give you an incredible perspective on Botswana’s beautifully diverse landscapes, saves a lot of time, and can be quite a thrill.

Light aircraft usually have a luggage restriction of 15kg. Bags must be in soft, squash-able bags so they can be easily handled and fit into the aircraft. You are also allowed 5kg of hand luggage.

Is Botswana good for families?

A Botswana safari here can be educational, inspiring and just amazing fun for all the family; however as a truly wild destination, many camps are unfenced. Children need to be of an age where they can be trusted not to run around outside alone, or at night. Our recommended age for children on safari in Botswana is 12, however there are lodges that specifically cater for families under this age - these lodges can provide you with a private vehicle, usually at extra cost. We are happy to advise you on what could be best for your family, as we know every single family is unique.