A Botswana Travel Guide

Botswana is a land where the wild remains truly wild. Where untamed rivers carve through ancient deserts, and elephants gather in numbers that defy imagination. For 2026, Ker & Downey World Travel names Botswana our Destination of the Year. Here, luxury safaris, untouched landscapes, and exclusive experiences converge for an unforgettable journey.

Why Choose a Botswana Safari in 2026?

Botswana is a pioneer in sustainable luxury travel and low-volume tourism. This model was designed to protect its pristine landscapes while offering travelers unparalleled exclusivity. Here, you won’t find crowds. Rather, travelers to Botswana find vast, untouched terrain and private concessions that feel like your own personal wilderness.

From the shimmering waterways of the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the golden sands of the Kalahari Desert and the elephant-studded plains of Chobe National Park, Botswana is a masterpiece of contrast and diversity. Add in thriving wildlife populations of lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, and many more, and you’ll see why we, and discerning travelers, call this the ultimate African safari destination.

Signature Botswana Safari Experiences

A Botswana luxury safari is more than a vacation; it’s an immersion in Africa’s raw beauty. At Ker & Downey World Travel, every experience is crafted exclusively for you by our expert travel designers. Here’s just a few experiences that make a Botswana safari extraordinary:

• Mokoro Safaris – Glide silently through lily-dotted channels of the Delta in a traditional dugout canoe as fish eagles call overhead.
• Walking Safaris – Explore on foot with expert guides and discover the secrets of the bush up close.
• Horseback Adventures & Quad Biking – Gallop alongside giraffes or cross the surreal Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.
• Hot Air Balloon Safaris – Soar above the Okavango Delta at sunrise for breathtaking views.
• Starbed Sleepouts – Sleep beneath a canopy of stars on your private deck.
• Family and Multigenerational Safaris - With intimate camps and low guide to guest ratios, Botswana is an ideal family safari destination.

Botswana is a year-round safari destination, but the dry season (May–October) is best for big game viewing as wildlife gathers at water sources. For birdwatching or the Zebra Migration, visit during the lush green season (November–April). No matter when you go, Botswana delivers extraordinary safari moments.

Luxury Lodges and Camps in Botswana

Botswana’s safari lodges redefine luxury in the wild. Expect private plunge pools, treehouse-style dining overlooking lagoons, and exclusive-use camps where your family or group enjoys total privacy.

A Ker & Downey World Travel safari in Botswana supports vital conservation efforts and community initiatives. From wildlife conservation projects to partnerships with local communities, your journey helps preserve Botswana’s wilderness for future generations.

In 2026, we are partnering with Bana ba Letsatsti to help build a new classroom block. You can read about this exciting new partnership here. 

Each of our safaris to Botswana are handcrafted by our travel designers and tailored to your desires and preferences. These sample journeys simply serve as inspiration for your luxury Botswana safari. We take your preferences and build out a custom trip using lodges and camps, activities, and adventures suited specifically for you. Whether with your family or on your first safari, these are our favorite Botswana journeys. 

• A Tourist Visa is not required for U.S. citizens for stays up to 90 days. A passport with at least six months of validity remaining is required. 

• For families traveling with minors, a certified copy of the child's birth certificate and a valid passport with at least one blank page per entry is required.

• A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are entering from a country where yellow fever is endemic. No other vaccinations are required for Botswana. 

For the most up-to-date information regarding visas and entry requirements, visit travel.state.gov. For more information regarding vaccination requirements, visit the CDC.

Plan Your Botswana Safari for 2026

This is more than a safari—it’s a statement. A chance to experience Africa’s last great wilderness in complete comfort and privacy. For 2026, make Botswana your story of adventure, exclusivity, and discovery.

Start planning your Botswana safari today with Ker & Downey—Destination of the Year 2026.