Planning a Botswana Safari? Here's Everything You Need to Know Before Booking a Botswana Safari
A Safari Guide to Botswana
Everything You Need to Know Before Booking a Botswana Safari
Botswana is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most exclusive and rewarding safari destinations. With vast, unfenced wilderness areas, extraordinary wildlife concentrations, and a pioneering low-volume tourism model, a Botswana safari offers an experience that feels deeply personal, immersive, and untouched.
Whether you are planning your first African safari or returning for a more refined wildlife journey, this guide covers everything you need to know before booking a Botswana safari — from the best time to visit and wildlife you can expect to see, to safari styles, accommodations, and how to plan the right itinerary for you.
When is the Best Time to Go on a Botswana Safari?
Botswana is a year-round safari destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to experience.
Dry Season (May - October)
The dry season is considered the best time for wildlife viewing. Vegetation thins out and animals gather around permanent water sources, making sightings more frequent and dramatic.
- Cooler temperatures, especially from June to August
- Exceptional game viewing in the Okavango Delta, Chobe, and Moremi
- Peak safari season from July to October (advance booking recommended)
Green Season (November - April)
Also known as the wet season, this time of year transforms Botswana into a lush, green landscape.
- Fewer travelers and more competitive pricing
- Outstanding birding and dramatic scenery
- Calving season and the zebra migration in the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan areas
- Best months: March and April, when rains subside but landscapes remain vibrant
Wildlife You Can Expect to See in Botswana
Botswana is home to some of the most diverse and abundant wildlife populations in Africa.
The Big Five
Botswana offers the opportunity to see all members of the Big Five, especially in the Moremi Game Reserve and Okavango Delta:
- Lion
- Leopard
- Elephant
- Buffalo
- Rhinoceros (in select regions through conservation efforts)
Elephants
Botswana has the largest elephant population in Africa, particularly in Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta, where herds often number in the hundreds.
Other Iconic Wildlife
- Cheetah and African wild dog
- Giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and antelope species
- Hippos and crocodiles in riverine areas
- Over 500 bird species, making Botswana a paradise for bird enthusiasts
Botswana Safari Experiences (Beyond Game Drives)
A Botswana safari is about far more than traditional game drives.
- Mokoro excursions: Glide silently through the Okavango Delta’s waterways in a traditional dugout canoe
- Walking safaris: Explore the bush on foot with expert guides
- Boat safaris: Ideal for birdlife and river wildlife
- Desert safaris in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve
- Specialty experiences: Horseback riding, quad biking in the Makgadikgadi Pans, and sleep-outs under the stars
Botswana’s low-volume tourism model ensures that even iconic wildlife moments feel private and unhurried.
Choose the Right Botswana Safari for You
Botswana is the ultimate safari destination and no two Botswana safaris are alike. The right itinerary depends on your interests, travel style, and expectations.
- First-time safari travelers: Focus on iconic regions like the Okavango Delta and Chobe
- Wildlife enthusiasts: Combine multiple ecosystems for varied sightings
- Families and multigenerational groups: Choose private concessions and flexible camps
- Seasoned safari travelers: Add walking safaris, horseback experiences, or remote desert regions
A custom-tailored itinerary to Botswana, our Destination of the Year 2026, ensures the experience aligns perfectly with your goals.
How Long Should a Botswana Safari Be?
Most travelers find that 7–14 days is ideal.
- 7–10 days: Perfect for focusing on one or two key regions
- 10–14 days: Allows for deeper exploration across contrasting landscapes
Longer itineraries provide a more relaxed pace and richer wildlife experiences.
Where You'll Stay on a Botswana Safari
Botswana is known for its exceptional safari accommodations, ranging from luxurious safari lodges in Botswana to intimate tented camps.
What to expect:
- Spacious en-suite accommodations
- Exceptional service and gourmet dining
- Camps located on private concessions
- Low guest numbers for maximum exclusivity
Each camp is carefully positioned to offer outstanding access to wildlife and landscapes.
What to Pack on a Safari in Botswana
Packing smartly enhances your safari experience.
Essentials include:
- Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing for daytime
- Warm layers for early mornings and evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- Binoculars and a good camera
Temperatures can vary significantly between day and night, so layering is key. Find our full list of recommendations with our men's and women's safari packing list.
Booking a Botswana Safari with Ker & Downey
A safari in Botswana is a once-in-a-lifetime experience — and thoughtful planning makes all the difference.
Ker & Downey specializes in custom-tailored luxury Botswana safaris, drawing on decades of experience and long-standing relationships with the country’s top camps and guides. Every itinerary is handcrafted to match your preferences, travel style, and interests.
From selecting the ideal regions and accommodations to coordinating seamless logistics, our designers ensure your safari is effortless, immersive, and unforgettable.
Start Planning a Botswana Safari with Ker & Downey
Botswana offers one of the most authentic and exclusive safari experiences in Africa. With its remarkable wildlife, diverse ecosystems, and commitment to conservation, it is a destination that rewards thoughtful planning.
Contact a Ker & Downey designer today to start planning your Botswana safari or peruse our suggested Botswana safari itineraries.
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