
Know Before You Go: Botswana Safaris
Why Should I Choose a Botswana Safari?
Botswana offers one of Africa’s most exclusive and conservation-focused safari experiences. Known for its thriving wildlife, protected ecosystems and commitment to sustainability, Botswana is a top choice for nature travelers.
Although much of the country lies within the arid Kalahari Basin, Botswana is home to some of the continent’s most diverse ecosystems. The stark beauty of the desert contrasts with the lush Okavango Delta—the world’s largest inland delta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site—where seasonal waterways support elephants, lions, hippos, crocodiles and hundreds of bird species.
A Botswana safari takes travelers deep into remote wilderness. Experiences include:
Small-group wildlife viewing
Eco-luxury lodges that support conservation and communities
Paddling a mokoro canoe through the Okavango Delta
Tracking big cats in the Kalahari
Viewing huge elephant herds in Chobe National Park
Botswana sets the standard for conservation in Africa, with vast protected areas and wildlife-friendly, low-impact tourism. When you take a safari in Botswana, you become part of its vital conservation efforts.
Trip Highlights
Exclusive Itineraries
Our exclusive itineraries, private vehicles, and special innovations create awe-inspiring nature experiences you won't find anywhere else
Small Groups
Our small groups facilitate more intimate connections with nature and wildlife while creating bonds with like-minded travelers
Unique Accommodations
Our remote accommodations immerse you in nature and get you closest to wildlife sightings
Botswana Safari Guide

When is the best time to go on a Botswana safari?
Botswana is a year-round safari destination. The dry season (May–October) offers peak wildlife density, while the green season (November–April) brings lush landscapes, migrant birds, newborns and fewer travelers.

Where should I go on safari in Botswana?
Botswana’s diverse safari regions—Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Central Kalahari, and Makgadikgadi Salt Pans—offer exceptional wildlife, desert and delta landscapes, and cultural heritage year-round.

What wildlife will I see on a Botswana safari?
Encounter the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino—as well as elusive wild dogs, cheetahs, abundant antelope herds, hippos, crocs, countless predators and more.

Where will I stay on a Botswana safari?
From luxury safari lodges in the Okavango Delta to remote bush camps and mobile camping deep in the bush, Botswana offers a range of accommodations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I pack for a Botswana safari?
Pack lightweight, neutral-colored clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, comfortable walking shoes and layers for cool mornings and evenings. Include sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and a good camera. Soft-sided luggage is required due to aircraft weight limits.
Do I need a special visa, vaccinations, or malaria medication for Botswana?
U.S. and Canadian travelers do not need a visa for stays under 90 days. Routine vaccinations are recommended. Botswana is a malaria-risk area, so speak with your doctor about antimalarial medication before travel.
Are Botswana safaris suitable for families?
Yes, many Botswana safari camps welcome families with children over a certain age. Family-friendly safaris offer flexible schedules, private guides and accommodations suited for small groups. Wildlife viewing is exciting for kids and adults alike.
What is a typical day like on safari in Botswana?
Days start early with a morning game drive at sunrise, followed by brunch and rest time at camp. Afternoon tea leads into an evening safari, often ending with sundowners in the bush. Dinner is served back at camp, sometimes around the fire.
How safe is a Botswana safari?
Botswana is one of Africa’s safest safari destinations. Camps follow strict safety protocols, and experienced guides lead all activities. Wildlife encounters are managed with expert care, and remote locations mean low exposure to crime or health risks.
What’s the luggage limit for my safari?
On light aircraft flights in Botswana, the luggage limit is typically 44 pounds (can vary depending on specific trips) per person, including carry-ons. Bags must be soft-sided to fit into small cargo compartments.
What kind of vehicles are used for game drives?
Game drives use open 4x4 safari vehicles designed for optimal wildlife viewing and photography. Vehicles are custom-built with tiered seating, and some include a canopy for shade. Private vehicles may be available on request.
Can you combine a Botswana safari with Victoria Falls or Namibia?
Yes. Many travelers pair a Botswana safari with Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or Zambia, or with Namibia’s desert landscapes. Regional flights make these combinations convenient and seamless.
What type of food will be served on a Botswana safari?
You’ll enjoy hearty, fresh meals prepared daily by camp chefs. Menus include international dishes and regional specialties, with accommodations for dietary restrictions. Meals are often served al fresco, surrounded by nature.
Will there be Internet connection or cell service on my Botswana safari?
Most remote safari camps have limited or no Wi-Fi and poor cell coverage. Some offer spotty satellite Internet in the main area. Safaris are a great time to unplug and fully immerse in nature.
Is tipping expected on safari in Botswana?
Tipping is customary and appreciated. Guidelines vary by camp, but gratuities are usually given to guides and staff at the end of your stay. A recommended amount is included in your pre-trip materials.
What is the best way to get to Botswana to start my safari?
Most travelers fly into Maun via Johannesburg, South Africa. From there, light aircraft transfers or overland travel connect you to your safari camps.
Can Nat Hab help me book a hotel if I want to arrive early?
Yes. If you’d like to arrive before your safari begins, we can assist with booking a pre-night hotel near your arrival airport or in Johannesburg.
I want to stay and explore more of Africa—can Nat Hab help me plan a trip extension?
Absolutely. Nat Hab offers custom trip extensions to places like Victoria Falls, Namibia, Cape Town or Kenya. Our team can tailor post-safari travel to match your interests.
Nat Hab's Botswana Safaris

Secluded Botswana Safari
Our flagship Botswana safari—for just seven guests! A truly exclusive wilderness immersion in the Okavango Delta's best private wildlife reserves and beyond, plus Victoria Falls.

Southern Africa Odyssey
This romantic adventure combines luxury boat-based exploration on Lake Kariba with classic land safaris in premier national parks of Zimbabwe and Botswana—plus Victoria Falls!

Botswana Explorer Safari
A classic tented safari exploring Botswana's wildlife-rich Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert, with exclusive adventures from small camps on remote private reserves.

Botswana: Kalahari, the Delta & Beyond
Witness the spectacle of Botswana during the green season under changing skies, as the desert bursts forth with life, wildlife thrives with seasonal water, and new births fill the plains.

Family Botswana Safari
Create memories that span generations on an expertly guided family safari filled with abundant wildlife encounters and diverse activities designed to delight all ages.

Epic Botswana & Namibia Safari
From Namibia's towering dunes to Botswana's wildlife-rich Okavango Delta and on to the huge game and predator populations of the Linyanti, this luxury expedition is Southern Africa's ultimate safari.
What is it like to be on a Nat Hab Botswana safari?
Travel Stories

Why Botswana Is a Model for Ecotourism Around the World
—By Michelle Peters
Nat Hab has redefined the definition of a sustainable safari by focusing on the “4 Cs”: commerce, conservation, community and culture. Let’s take a closer look at ecotourism in Botswana and how it relates to your experiences in the heart of wildest Africa!

KAZA: How a Shared Vision for Conservation Became the World’s Largest Transboundary Protected Region
—By Joel Centano
Southern Africa’s Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area showcases convergence, confluence and coexistence. Discover how this unprecedented effort benefits wildlife, communities and travelers—and how travelers on Nat Hab’s Secluded Botswana Safari can help advance KAZA’s mission.

Chasing Dreams and Wild Dogs in Botswana: A Safari Travel Story
—By Valerie Gleaton
“I felt a connection to Botswana that I really can’t explain—there’s just something about it,” Jan says. “There’s a certain kind of happiness when you’re in a place that touches you so deeply that you cry. It’s powerful.” “Every day was new and every day was great,” Dennis adds. “It was our dream trip.”

Meet the Pioneering Women Changing the Face of the African Safari Industry
—By Lavanya Sunkara
Women aren’t just breaking barriers; they’re paving the way for others to follow. They’re working as guides, security officers, head chefs and managers, and saying, “anything a man can do, we can do, too.”

World Elephant Day: Elephants Abound on a Southern Summer Safari
—By Samantha Miller
Celebrate these majestic mammals during Botswana's green season, where mothers and babies abound in Chobe National Park, home of the largest surviving elephant population in the world.

Celebrate World Rhino Day Alongside Nat Hab Conservation Hero Richard de Gouveia
—By Megan Brief
On September 22, conservation scientists and animal advocates join forces in recognition of our planet’s five species of rhino. Learn how Richard saves species as a Sony Ambassador and Expedition Leader for Nat Hab & WWF.

The Land of The Giants: Chobe National Park
—By Megan Brief
Known as ‘The Land of The Giants’—Chobe National Park, nestled in the north of Botswana—is home to Africa’s largest population of elephants. Travel with Nat Hab & WWF and watch these mammoth mammals bathing and playing in the water as you cruise the Chobe River’s marshy channels and visit local communities to see their conservation initiatives in action!

Nature: The Currency of a Life Worth Living
—By Jesse Marcus, WWF
The time I spent in Southern Africa seems like a dream now. But even though the memories may fade, they remain the gift that keeps on giving. That is what it means to be enriched by an experience. It stays with you. It changes you. It makes you a part of it. Forever.

Africa’s Amazing Birdlife
—By Laura Kiniry
Game drives, it turns out, don’t have to be all about lions and elephants. Some of the world’s smallest (and often, not so small) winged wonders are often fluttering about right before our eyes. Here are eight extraordinary avians to keep an eye out for on your next African safari with Nat Hab.

Traveling to Victoria Falls—5 Facts to Know Before You Go
—By Emily Goodheart
Victoria Falls is the Eden of Africa. Spray from the cataract creates a multitude of rainbows and forms a rainforest microclimate, with lush greenery growing along the canyon sides. The thunderous, iridescent water is astounding to behold—learn more about one of Earth’s greatest natural wonders.

Searching for the Lions of Botswana
—By Nat Hab traveler Debra Eliezer
Often times the excitement of the search is just as thrilling as spending time with wildlife on an African safari. Experience what it’s like to search for and see lions in the wild in this first-hand account!

6 Reasons to Go on a Botswana Safari During the Green Season
—By Jon Jared
The green season in Botswana falls between late October and March. It’s a time when rain showers turn arid landscapes green, animals migrate from their winter watering holes to the salt flats of the south, and new life appears around every corner.