How Much Does a Botswana Safari Cost & How to Save on Expenses?

Dreaming of the Okavango Delta, the elephants of Chobe National Park, or the wide-open spaces of the Kalahari Desert? Are you ready for the vacation of a lifetime, visiting one of the best safari destinations in Africa? Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-timer dreaming of an unforgettable Botswana adventure, there are many factors to consider when planning your perfect African safari getaway. In this blog post, we will explore all that goes into estimating the cost of a Botswana Safari – from choosing dates that fit your budget to finding accommodation that suits your comfort levels. We'll also address factors such as safari group size, and transport options which can all influence the final costs.

Botswana safari budget

Factors that Influence Your Botswana Safari Costs

When planning a safari in Botswana, there are a few important variables that you need to consider. These include flights, the time of year you plan to travel, the type of accommodation and services you choose, the level of comfort you want to experience, exclusivity, and extra activities. Each one of these factors can influence your safari budget. In the past, Botswana developed a reputation for high-end luxury safaris. While it is more expensive than other southern African safari destinations, due to high demand, the budget safari sector has been growing steadily. To help you get the most out of your Botswana safari budget, we have compiled a guide to a few safari booking basics.  

While we try to get it right, this blog is meant as a rough guide to get you on the right track. For accurate and up-to-date information, talk to one of the African Budget Safaris consultants who can walk you through the process step by step. 

Giraffe on Botswana safari

Getting to Botswana 

There are no direct flights to Botswana. This means that before you get to Botswana’s capital city, Gaborone, you will need to transit through Johannesburg in South Africa. Because of this extra connection, flying to Botswana will be more expensive than flying directly to other African safari destinations like South Africa or Kenya.  

In addition to the extra connection, international flight prices tend to fluctuate with demand. For example, flying over the festive season in December will be more expensive than flying in mid-March, this all comes down to booking your safari at a certain time of year, which can affect not only your safari experience but also your safari budget. 

Botswana Visa Costs:
Botswana is visa-free for up to 90 days within a 12-month period for a number of nationalities.  These countries include the United States of America (USA), The United Kingdom (UK), Countries from the European Union (EU), Australia, Canada, and South Africa.  Passports must be valid for at least 6 months or more.

Okavango Delta safari costs, Botswana

Best Time of Year  

The best time to visit Botswana depends on where you want to go. The high season coincides with the best game viewing in the most popular parks. The Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, and Chobe National Park are Botswana’s flagship destinations. The best time to visit them is from May to September during the dry, winter months when game viewing is at its best. While January to March is the rainy season, and may not offer the best safari conditions in the delta, this is a great time to visit the Kalahari Desert as the pans are full and animals gather to drink and hunt. 

Prices are at their highest during the dry winter months when safari conditions are at their best, and demand is high. While peak months run from May to October, April to June, and November to December are considered shoulder seasons, and while safari conditions are still good, it is possible to find some budget deals. The 'low season' or wet season runs from January until March, which is often cheaper due to lower demand, but spotting wildlife tends to be harder in this period due to heavy rainfall, dense bush, and dispersed animals. The exception to this rule is of course the Kalahari, which comes into its own at this time of year.

Khoisan of Botswana

When planning your Botswana safari, decide what your priorities are. Because Botswana is less touristy, overcrowding is seldom an issue whenever you visit. If game viewing or photography is your top priority, then consider travelling during the peak season but looking for budget accommodation or even camping, so that you can splurge on extra safari activities or stay longer. If you’d rather stay in better accommodation, and game viewing is incidental, a shorter trip, or booking in the shoulder or low season may be the right option for you. 

Knowing what kind of experience you want to have, makes planning your trip a little easier. Our experienced safari consultants are always available to help tweak your experience to tick all your boxes.  

Botswana Weather at a Glance
Winter is from April to October and will be dry with cold early mornings, evenings, and nights.  Summertime runs from November to March. It can be very wet, and at times very humid, and hot.

Botswana safari costs

Botswana Safari Accommodation  

Accommodation is one of the major factors affecting the cost of a Botswana safari. Botswana has a reputation for luxury safaris. While to some extent this is still true, there are budget options available. However, compared to South Africa which has an extensive budget traveller network, Botswana has comparatively fewer accommodation options. 

The most affordable way to see Botswana is by hiring a 4x4 vehicle, self-driving, and staying in campsites. A public campsite will cost you as little as US$ 3 per person per night. Children between 8 and 18 are half-price, while those under 8-year-olds go free of charge. Camping allows you to experience Botswana in its rawest form as you sleep directly under the stars, erect your own tents, make your own food, and do your own dishes. This DIY approach is not for everyone, and there are guided camping safari options that will take some of the stress out of being in the African bush.

Botswana safari cost

Camping safaris can be anything from a basic shared two-man tent with shared facilities (bring your own sleeping bag), to a luxury air-conditioned tent with a private bath, and a plunge pool. Experience something truly special with a mobile camp where you will enjoy luxurious tents complete with en suite bathrooms, varying dining experiences, and amazing safari activities all without compromising on comfort. For this reason, don’t expect 'camping' to mean cheap or rough, and keep the option open as Botswana camping safaris can be hugely rewarding. 

Deception Valley Lodge, Botswana

Some 7-Day Botswana Safari Tours 

African Budget Safaris has 22 7-day packages ranging from US$ 932 to US$ 4,840. They range from overland camping to tented camps, and luxury lodges. 

• Heavy Budget: Camping Safari for 12 people at US$ 932 pp. Accommodation is a shared 2-person dome tent, and the safari visits Chobe National Park, Hwange National Park, Kasane, Matobo National Park, and Victoria Falls. 
• Mid-range: Budget Lodge safari for 12 people at US$ 1,899 pp. Accommodation is a combination of lodges and camping, and the tour starts at Victoria Falls, visits the Okavango, Chobe, and the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, before concluding in Johannesburg. 
• High End: Fully serviced luxury camping for 10 people at US$ 4,840 pp. Accommodation is in comfortable tented camps. Private concessions, remote fly-in destinations, and incredible wildlife in Moremi, the Okavango Delta, and the Savuti Marsh in Chobe.

Kalahari gemsbok, Botswana

For those wanting a few creature comforts or travelling with a family, private lodges are a popular option offering air-conditioned rooms and private bathrooms. The private lodges also come in all manner of shapes and sizes, from budget-friendly to luxury accommodations.

If you would like to experience a little bit of everything, many safari packages work on the ‘mixed accommodation model’ so that you can experience it all, from camping in the Kalahari to a luxury pad deep in the Okavango. No matter which accommodation option suits your pocket, be prepared to be amazed at what Botswana has to offer! 

Botswana Safari Park Fees:

Chobe and Moremi Game Reserve charge US$ 20, while all other parks charge US$ 14. This is payable* per person per day. In addition to the entry fee, vehicle fees range between US$ 5 and US$ 115, depending on the size of the vehicle. One of the advantages of booking a package tour is that all costs are included in the overall package.   *If you are going it alone, remember that park fees are often payable in Botswana Pula (BWP) at the gate. Plan accordingly.

Leopard on Botswana safari

Safari Group Size & Safari Costs

Group size is an important consideration. If you are looking for a romantic getaway for two people to the Okavango Delta, then you are going to take on ALL the costs, from transport to game drives, accommodation, guides, and food. On the other hand, 57 days on an overland truck travelling from Nairobi to Cape Town with 28 intrepid adventurers at US$ 126 per day, is a result of sharing costs. 

• 7-day mobile-tented safari, an exclusive small group safari for 7 people, visiting Moremi, Khwai, and the Delta costs US$ 2,825 per person.  
• 7-day, mixed accommodation safari for 20 people, travelling from Zimbabwe to Namibia, and including the Okavango, costs US$ 1,682 per person. 

Luckily, there are many options in between, and it is a sliding scale. There is also a sweet spot between exclusivity and conviviality. A small group safari usually caters to between 7 and 12 people. While the longer overland tours can fall anywhere between 12 and 29. If you like large groups and meeting new people then these group safaris are an excellent option. On the other hand, if you want a more intimate experience, why not organize a Botswana safari for you and your extended family or for a close group of friends, thus avoiding travelling with people you don’t know? 

Chobe safari elephants

Botswana Travel Extras

Vaccines: Though there are no mandatory vaccinations, it is recommended that you have malaria medication, and as a precaution consider yellow fever, DTPP, hepatitis, and typhoid vaccines. Visit a travel clinic for up-to-date information and include this in your safari budget.  Travel Insurance for safaris is mandatory: Going on a safari to Africa has its risks, and as a safety precaution, travel insurance is mandatory. Visit our Travel Insurance Guide to find out more. 7 days in Botswana for a solo traveller is around US$ 77 for standard cover or US$ 125 for comprehensive insurance. 7 days for a family of 4 (2 dependents) will be around US$ 270 for basic or US$ 435 for comprehensive.

Hippo in Okavango Delta

Average Prices for Different Types of Botswana Safaris  

It is possible to find safari packages to suit different budgets and needs – from budget options for those looking for an affordable adventure to luxury accommodation for those wanting the ultimate comfort. Below is a brief budget guide for African Budget Safari tours. Tours are grouped according to duration, 4-6 day packages, 7-9 day tours, and 10-13 day safari adventures. This is just a sample. There are longer tours available too, and for a comprehensive list, you can visit the African Budget Safaris Botswana tours page.

• A 4-6 day safari will cost anywhere between US$ 1,200 and US$ 4,000 per person, depending on the type of package you choose.  
• For a 7-9 day Botswana safari adventure you might expect to pay anywhere between US$ 1,000 and US$ 5,000.  
• 10-13 day packages range in price from as little as US$ 1,500 to US$ 7,500 depending on the comfort level and accommodation that you select. 

Prices do change across different seasons, and it is possible to find safari discounts. The prices above are for tours offered by African Budget Safaris, and we recommend that you speak with one of our safari consultants to find out where to find the best value for your money.

Mokoro trip, Botswana safari 

Botswana Safari Activities & Extra Costs 

The benefit of booking an all-inclusive safari package is that you get one all-inclusive price. However, even if you book a luxury package with high-end activities included, it is still a good idea to budget for tips for your guides and bush staff, as well as curios, gifts, and other safari mementoes. 

Depending on where you are on the budget scale, your Botswana safaris may include a game drive into the Kalahari, a mokoro boat ride into the Delta, or even a helicopter trip over the Okavango’s pristine wilderness for a bird’s eye view. However, whatever your package includes, there are often gaps or free-time slots left in the itinerary to allow visitors to explore on their own. Botswana has a range of amazing safari activities that might tempt you. It is a good idea to budget for these safari extras. 

For a start, alcoholic drinks are seldom included, so if you are partial to a sundowner or two, plan accordingly. Mokoro canoe trips, gently paddling through the Delta’s waterways, is a hugely popular activity. These trips are often included but can be purchased as additional activities for around US$ 80. Scenic flights over Delta start at around US$ 325 and have add-ons like champagne stopovers, all at an additional cost. 

Mokoro in Delta, Botswana safari cost

Botswana Activity Prices

Mokoro Canoe Ride: From around US$ 80 minimum 2 people, including pickup and some beverages.   Helicopter Flight Per Person: US$ 325 for 30 minutes / US$ 490 for 45 minutes / US$ 640 for 60 minutes. Watch out for extra costs not included, like departure tax.   Horse Riding: US$ 600 to US$ 1,000 per day  **These are sample prices and are meant as a guide. If you want to include any of these activities, check the up-to-date prices and availability with your experienced safari consultant.

Your safari booking agent will know exactly what activities are on offer, and have access to up-to-date price lists. When you book your Botswana safari, check through your itinerary carefully to see what is, and what is not included to help avoid any disappointment. 

Okavango Delta painted wolves

Book Your Botswana Safari

Botswana is an amazing place to visit with plenty of safari options for those looking for the perfect African adventure. Whether you pay for a luxury experience or take a budget break, there are options available to suit all needs and wallets. It helps to familiarize yourself with the different factors that impact the cost of a Botswana Safari and look for ways to combine them to get the most value for your money. At African Budget Safaris, we specialize in budget safari packages and are always available to help with your budget safari needs. Talk to one of our consultants today, to plan a Botswana Budget safari of a lifetime.

Get an overview of African safari costs and compare safari prices in different countries - see our comprehensive African Safari Cost Guide which is updated regularly.