Plan your Dream Botswana Safari on a Budget in 7 Easy Steps

With so many magnificent wildlife areas to choose from, planning a Botswana Safari requires some difficult choices. Luckily it's easier with a bit of expert guidance. Here's how to plan the best Botswana Safari on a tight budget. 

The minimum Botswana Safari duration we recommend is 5 days. If possible stretch your time and budget to 7 days at least. This diverse and highly rewarding African safari destination is worth the extra investment.

Let's get planning, so you can enjoy your dream Botswana Safari on a budget!

1. Best Places to Visit in Botswana

Step one is to research where to go on your Botswana Safari and create a shortlist of your top places to visit.

Our favorite Botswana safari itineraries combine 3 of the county's finest destinations – Chobe, the Okavango Delta, and Makgadikgadi Pans. All three are located in northern Botswana, relatively close to each other. This makes it viable to visit all three on one safari trip, without breaking the bank.

The other top Botswana destination well-worth considering is the Kalahari Desert. This one is a must for desert lovers, African culture enthusiasts, and those wanting to get away from it all.

1. Chobe (Savute & Chobe River) - Northeastern Botswana 

The Chobe National Park area is Botswana's top game-viewing region. Safari activities in Chobe include 4x4 game drives and the scenic boat cruises Chobe is famous for. The Chobe Riverfront area is the most easily accessible and affordable section of Chobe National Park.

Chobe Safari Highlights:

• The largest continuous elephant population in Africa
• One of the highest concentrations of wildlife found in Africa
• Plenty of large mammals, from elephants and lions to buffalos and leopards
• Boat-based game viewing and bird watching on the Chobe River 
• Prime game viewing in the Savuti Channel area, hosting numerous predators
• Annual zebra migration in the Savute and Linyanti areas 

Best time to visit Chobe National Park

The best time to visit Chobe is during the dry season from about May to October. For the zebra migration in Savute and Linyanti, the best times are November to December and February to March.

• Compare affordable Chobe Safaris in Botswana

2. The Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve & Khwai River Area - Northwestern Botswana

The pristine Okavango Delta is the top wilderness area in Botswana, home to diverse wildlife and bird species. This is an incredibly beautiful part of Botswana, incorporating a range of aquatic and terrestrial habitats. The camps on the fringes of the delta and in the Khwai River area are the easiest to access and usually more affordable.

Okavango Delta, Moremi & Khwai Highlights:

• An untamed natural environment offering a wild safari adventure
• Exploring by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) with a local guide
• Bush walks on the secluded islands of the unspoiled delta
• Exploring the winding delta channels and lagoons by motorboat
• Scenic flights over the world's largest inland delta
• Wildlife sightings, including elephants, buffalos, hippos, zebras, and lions
• Abundant predators in Moremi, a wild dog stronghold 
• Remote camping experiences and crowd-free game viewing

Best time to visit Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve & Khwai River Area

This wetland region is best visited in winter when the lodges and camps are accessible, malaria risk is lower and temperatures are cooler. Aim for June to August or September to early November.

• View our budget-friendly Okavango Delta Safaris.

3. Makgadikgadi Pans & Nxai Pan - Northeastern Botswana

The vast complex of salt pans in northern Botswana is an unforgettable place to visit. Top activities include wild camping, seeing the zebra migration, raising a toast to the spectacular sunsets, and gazing at the starry night skies in awe. The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans complex is easily accessible with several budget accommodation options and safari packages available.

Makgadikgadi Pans Highlights:

• The vastness of one of the largest salt flats (salt pan systems) in the world
• Migratory game (zebras, wildebeest, and more) and predators after the rains
• Birdlife including ostriches, flamingoes, and migratory species in the rainy season
• Uninhabited space in an untamed place, free of human development and crowds
• Surreal landscapes that stretch out endlessly 
• Solitude, quietude, and excellent stargazing

Best time to visit Makgadikgadi Pan

The best time to visit Makgadikgadi Pan for some game and bird spotting is from late November to late March, in the wet season. If you want to catch the zebra migration in action, visit at the start or end of the rainy season. 

• Browse our budget Makgadikgadi Pans Safaris and our Nxai Pan Safaris in Botswana.

4. The Kalahari Desert - Central Botswana

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is the largest game reserve in Botswana and one of the biggest in the world, covering a vast inland region. Top activities in the Kalahari Desert include wild camping, spotting rare animals and plants, and interacting with the ancient San people.

Kalahari Desert Highlights:

• A remote and wild place ideal for solitude and time away from the crowds
• Silent and pristine desert of open landscapes and sparse vegetation
• Spectacular sunsets and dazzling stargazing at night
• Game viewing to spot unusual desert-adapted animals
• Famous black-maned Kalahari lions and Deception Valley
• Meeting the traditional Kalahari San (Bushmen) communities

Best time to visit the Kalahari Desert

The best time to visit is from December to April when the Kalahari Desert is less dry.

• Find affordable Kalahari Desert Safaris here.

Best Botswana Safari combo on a budget

Chobe and the Okavango Delta with a short stop at Makgadikgadi Pans is our winning combination of Botswana safari destinations. If your budget allows add Moremi Game Reserve (located in the delta) to this itinerary, as it can easily be included.

If time and budget allow, add the Kalahari Desert. Unless you're a desert fundi in which case the Kalahari is a must.

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2. Bucket List Botswana Activities - your best things to do

Which of these activities float your boat? Pick a few of your favorites to help you plan your safari.

• Mekoro (Canoe) Trips - glide along the winding channels and tranquil lagoons of the Okavango Delta in a traditional canoe, poled along by a local guide
• 4x4 Game Drives - explore Chobe, Savute, Khwai, and Moremi Game Reserve on open-vehicle 4x4 game drives
• Bush Walks - walk in the untamed wilderness of the Okavango Delta, Moremi, Kalahari Desert, and southern game parks
• Scenic Flights - fly over the watery Okavango Delta to spot game and take in the sheer size of this vast natural wonder
• Desert Experiences - head into the Kalahari in central Botswana for empty spaces and harsh terrains inhabited by hardy creatures
• Cultural Encounters - meet the Kalahari San (bushmen) and learn about their unique way of life in this harsh desert environment
• Game Viewing by Boat - scenic Chobe River boat cruises for game viewing and birdwatching, and motorboat trips in the Okavango Delta

Mekoro trips and scenic flights are typically the most expensive of the activities. These will take up more of your travel budget, but they are the two top Okavango Delta activities so try to fit them into your budget. You won't regret it!

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3. Determine your safari budget

Now that you have some ideas about where you want to go and what you want to do on safari in Botswana, it's time to check your budget.

A good way to crunch the numbers is to deduct your flight prices and extra costs from your overall travel budget and see what remains for your Botswana safari package. To get a sense of the costs involved, check out How Much Does a Botswana Safari Cost?

Extra Travel Costs

- Visa costs: free for citizens of the USA, UK, and selected countries and 30 USD for other countries / see the full list of countries

- Vaccinations: Routine vaccinations are recommended / CDC recommendations / None required (except for yellow fever in some cases which costs about 40 USD)

- Travel insurance costs: Depends on your age, the duration of your trip, and your medical history / A 7-Day Botswana Safari for a 40-year-old from the USA ranges from about  US$75 for standard cover to US$120 USD for more extensive cover.

- Flights: New York to Botswana from about $1000 / London to Botswana 840 GBP / Work with our expert flight partners to find the best flights and air ticket prices.

- Optional activities: Scenic Okavango Delta Flights (30 minutes to 1 hour) from $290 per person / Helicopter flights from $325 for 30 minutes to $640 for 60 minutes per person. 

To estimate your overall travel budget, add your flight prices to the price of your safari. Then add your expenses for visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, and other extra expenses. Other expenses include optional activities, pre- and post-safari accommodation, certain meals, alcoholic drinks, and tips.

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4. Narrow down your travel date options

If you plan to visit Botswana during one of your scheduled school or work vacations then you probably have some defined date options. This makes planning a little simpler.

If you are retired, taking a gap year, or on sabbatical, then you'll have more flexibility to choose the dates that are best for your selected destinations, budget, and activities.

Either way, chat with us for guidance from one of our knowledgeable travel experts. 

As noted at the start of this post, we recommend spending at least 5 to 7 days on safari in Botswana (remember you'll need to factor in travel days for your flights too when calculating the duration of your trip).

• Cheaper Safari Season: Low season - November to April
• More Expensive Safari Season: High season - May to August
• Check out the Best Time to Visit Botswana

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5. Pick the right type of safari for you and your budget

While planning your Botswana Safari you'll notice that there are different types of safaris. This variable has a big impact on your budget. The more exclusivity and luxury you want the higher your Botswana safari prices, as a general rule. 

Picking the right kind of safari for your needs and preferences is a very important step in planning the best trip.

Before you compare Botswana Safaris take a moment to decide what safari styles are best for you and your companion/s. This is especially important for multi-generational family groups, older travelers, and couples wanting a romantic getaway.

Factors Influencing Safari Styles & Prices

• Group Size: Small (2 - 12/16 guests) to large (up to 29 guests)
• Transport: 4x4 Landcruiser to air-conditioned minivans and large overland trucks
• Accommodation: Basic to luxury tented camping and rustic to luxury lodges
• Destinations: Remote and exclusive to famous public parks
• Staff: Team of camp assistants, a private cook, and your own game ranger, to one driver/guide

Standard Camping Safaris and Africa Overland Tours are the most budget-friendly guided tour options. For large private groups, private safaris in Botswana can be very cost-effective too.

Africa Overland Tours are one of the most affordable ways to explore Botswana. Overland tours range from cheap camping to well-priced lodge, and excellent-value small-group, options. Camping overland tours are generally the cheapest safaris around and these typically travel in large groups by overland truck. The price of accommodated safaris varies widely depending on the lodges or tented camps used, along with the group size and other factors.

The safari you choose will depend not only on time and budget but also on who you are and what you want out of your Botswana safari experience. Are you a young and active traveler who wants to travel in a big group? Are you a mature traveler looking for some extra comfort? Are you going on a safari as a family with children? From large social group safaris with rustic accommodations to exclusive small group tours staying at remote luxury camps – there is a safari to suit every traveler!

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6. Compare Botswana Safaris that meet your criteria

The final and most important planning step is choosing the best safari for you and your travel companion/s.

It's time to use those lists of yours– 1) Top places you want to visit, 2) Bucket list activities, 3) Estimated budget, 4) Your travel dates and duration, and 5) Preferred travel styles.

• Quick & Easy:

​Send us a message to have an African safari expert gather the best options for your needs and wants (at no extra cost). Simply pop your lists into our inquiry form and hit send.

• Middle Road:

Compare affordable Botswana Safari Tours or use our tour filter to narrow down your search by dates, duration, prices, top destinations, etc. Working with the budget and time you have for your Botswana Safari is a good place to start. You can search for safari tours based on price range and duration, from a few days in Botswana to two months across Southern and East Africa, including Botswana.

• Long Route:

Search for Botswana Safaris online and compare the endless different options with various safari companies. Contact them for quotes and research them to check that they're legit and trustworthy.

• Private Tours:

Talk to one of our travel experts that specializes in tailor-made, custom safaris for private groups. Be it you and the love of your life, your family, colleagues, or friends, we can design your ideal Botswana safari on a budget.

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7. Book your safari or talk to an African travel expert

Go ahead and book your Botswana safari! 

If you're still not 100% sure about the safari you've chosen, chat with an African travel expert.

Note: This is a revised article that was first published in March 2014. The above article was updated in April 2023.

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