This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

  • Australian Dollars
  • British Pounds
  • Namibian Dollars
  • New Zealand Dollars
  • South African Rands
  • U.S. Dollars

Talk to an expert +44 203 405 6666 Lines open now

Wildlife safaris in Botswana

Botswana wildlife safaris

Best wildlife safaris in botswana.

  • Lions : top of many lists, and seen frequently from almost all the camps. Huge black-maned lions are a real attraction in the Kalahari.
  • Leopards : mainly nocturnal, so best seek them on private concessions, which offer 4WD night safaris.
  • Cheetahs : occur across Botswana, but are never common. Your best chances are around the Xakanaxa area and the private reserves north and north-west of there: Kwara, Vumbura, Kwando and Selinda.
  • Wild dogs : need vast areas to hunt, and Botswana has probably Africa's best remaining population of them. Found across Botswana, but for your best chances of seeing them, head for the Linyanti, Selinda, Kwando, Kwara and Vumbura reserves.
  • Elephants : occur throughout northern Botswana, gathering in their greatest concentrations at the end of the dry season, beside rivers like the Chobe, the Kwando and the Linyanti. When wet they disperse into the mopane woodlands and Kalahari bushveld.

Slaty Egret Safari

4 days • 2 locations MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

US$7,000 - US$14,130 per person

Chitabe Camp

The Chitabe concession has regular lion and leopard sightings but reasonably constant wild dog sightings over the last few years have really been the highlight. There are also good levels of plains game here.

Little Vumbura

Little Vumbura offers some of the best wildlife safaris in Botswana. It's in one of the Okavango's prime game areas, with a real depth and range to the wildlife. In our last few visits here, we have had good sightings of lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog.

Pangolin Safari

8 days • 3 locations MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

US$7,760 - US$16,190 per person

If you’re looking for a wildlife safari in Botswana that focuses on predators, look no further. Kwara’s game and environments are varied, with plenty of tsessebe, impala, zebra, red lechwe, reedbuck, kudu, giraffe, buffalo and elephant – as well as the big cats and wild dogs.

Lagoon Camp

Lagoon Camp excels at sightings of the large predators, particularly wild dog, lion and cheetah, making it a good addition to a wildlife safari in Botswana. The best time for dogs is in June/July, the denning season, or within two or three months of that, when the pups are too young to move far.

African Jacana Safari

7 days • 3 locations MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

US$7,770 - US$12,280 per person

Camp Kalahari

For a wildlife safari in Botswana, Camp Kalahari is pretty unusual. Visiting one of the families of habituated meerkats is an exceptional experience. Lion, brown hyena and other predators frequent this area, and during the rainy season, zebra can sometimes be seen here in their thousands, along with many wildebeest.

Khwai Lediba

With access to both the Khwai Community Concession and Moremi Game Reserve, Khwai Tented Camp is arguably in one of Botswana's greatest wildlife areas (though it can get busy). Sightings are good year round, with lion, leopard and wild dog seen regularly, as well as elephant and many other species.

Bushbuck Safari

US$13,570 - US$31,740 per person

Chitabe Lediba

The Chitabe area is renowned for its wild dog population, which has formed the subject of a book by the camp’s owners. Also worth noting are regular sightings of lion, leopard and even the odd cheetah, along with tsessebe, blue wildebeest, giraffe, zebra, reedbuck and steenbok.

Wild Dog Safari

13 days • 5 locations KASANE AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

US$12,230 - US$21,930 per person

Savute Safari Lodge

Savute Safari Lodge enjoys a prime location directly on the Savute Channel, which is absolutely pumping with elephant, giraffe, hyena and other game during the dry season – ideal for a wildlife safari in Botswana. Wildlife also concentrates at the camp’s two pumped waterholes.

Xakanaxa Camp is right in the middle of the Xakanaxa area of the Moremi Game Reserve, one of the best areas for wildlife safaris in Botswana. With excellent densities of game and birdlife, the only drawback is that you will often have to share game sightings with other vehicles.

Wattled Crane Safari

5 days • 2 locations MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

US$4,690 - US$8,310 per person

Kudu Safari

7 days • 2 locations MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

US$7,840 - US$18,400 per person

Sandibe Safari Lodge

Sandibe is situated in an excellent area for consistent big-game viewing. A variety of predators are regularly seen, alongside a good number of plains game. This is definitely a camp to consider for those wanting good year-round game viewing.

Spotted-necked Otter Safari

6 days • 2 locations MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

US$7,930 - US$14,800 per person

Tubu Tree Camp

Tubu Tree Camp has access to both land- and water-based activities, so offers the biggest diversity of game viewing within the Jao concession. There are good numbers of elephant and other plains game on the island, plus hippo in the deeper channels nearby.

Honey Badger Safari

US$5,790 - US$10,150 per person

Mopane Squirrel Safari

US$5,890 - US$11,770 per person

Wildlife safaris elsewhere in Africa

Our top ideas and inspiration for Wildlife safaris in other countries.

Wildlife safaris in Kenya

Kenya is the country where the word 'Safari' (Swahili for 'journey') actually comes from. Close ...

Wildlife safaris in Malawi

Don't expect spectacular game on a wildlife safari in Malawi, instead come for a relaxed safari ...

Wildlife safaris in Mozambique

Mozambique is best known for its wonderful beaches and marine life, not its 4WD safaris. There ...

Wildlife safaris in Namibia

Wildlife safaris in Namibia can be outstanding. The country has Africa's highest cheetah population, ...

Wildlife safaris in Rwanda

Having walked since dawn, you're tired but your senses are alive. You hear them grunt before you ...

Wildlife safaris in South Africa

South Africa

Expert Africa covers only the western side of South Africa, including the Cape and Kgalagadi. Within ...

Wildlife safaris in Tanzania

Tanzania offers a winning combination: some of Africa's best wildlife safaris plus stunning tropical ...

Wildlife safaris in Zambia

For all of the Zambia specialists at Expert Africa, wildlife safaris are the core of what we do: ...

Wildlife safaris in Zimbabwe

If watching wildlife from a 4WD is not close enough for you, then go on a wildlife safari in Zimbabwe! ...

Where to see wildlife species in Africa

Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite African animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.

Lion

Panthera leo

Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.

81% SUCCESS

2,942 sightings from 3,613 observations

Where to see lion in Africa

Leopard

Panthera pardus

The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.

47% SUCCESS

1,879 sightings from 3,999 observations

Where to see leopard in Africa

Cheetah

Acinonyx jubatus

The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.

33% SUCCESS

1,014 sightings from 3,059 observations

Where to see cheetah in Africa

Wild dog

Lycaon pictus

African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.

31% SUCCESS

841 sightings from 2,685 observations

Where to see wild dog in Africa

Spotted Hyena

Spotted Hyena

Crocuta crocuta

The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.

55% SUCCESS

2,105 sightings from 3,812 observations

Where to see spotted hyena in Africa

Brown Hyena

Brown Hyena

Parahyaena brunnea

This largely solitary scavenger is one of the more elusive and little-known of Africa’s carnivores. Shaggier than its spotted cousin, it occurs only in the arid southwest of the continent.

17% SUCCESS

239 sightings from 1,448 observations

Where to see brown hyena in Africa

Meerkat

Suricata suricatta

These highly sociable little mammals have an endearing appearance and comical antics. Found in the drier areas of Southern Africa, close encounters are a sought-after experience.

22% SUCCESS

85 sightings from 395 observations

Where to see meerkat in Africa

Elephant

Loxodonta africana

By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.

91% SUCCESS

3,515 sightings from 3,861 observations

Where to see elephant in Africa

Buffalo

Syncerus caffer

One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.

83% SUCCESS

2,482 sightings from 2,995 observations

Where to see buffalo in Africa

Giraffe

Giraffa camelopardalis

The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.

86% SUCCESS

3,386 sightings from 3,924 observations

Where to see giraffe in Africa

Hippo

Hippopotamus amphibius

The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.

89% SUCCESS

2,570 sightings from 2,885 observations

Where to see hippo in Africa

Black Rhino

Black Rhino

Diceros bicornis

The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.

610 sightings from 1,973 observations

Where to see black rhino in Africa

White Rhino

White Rhino

Ceratotherium simum

The white rhino is the largest and most numerous of the world’s five rhinoceros species. They are larger, easier to see and generally more approachable than the black rhino.

44% SUCCESS

478 sightings from 1,086 observations

Where to see white rhino in Africa

Oryx

Oryx are impressive antelopes, with a powerful physique and elegant markings set off by rapier-like horns. They cut a distinctive dash in some of Africa’s harshest landscapes.

70% SUCCESS

1,272 sightings from 1,825 observations

Where to see oryx in Africa

Eland

Taurotragus oryx

Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.

49% SUCCESS

1,414 sightings from 2,888 observations

Where to see eland in Africa

Roan antelope

Roan antelope

Hippotragus equinus

Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings, roan are wary of people, but renowned for their bravery against predators.

23% SUCCESS

457 sightings from 1,959 observations

Where to see roan antelope in Africa

Sable antelope

Sable antelope

Hippotragus niger

Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.

436 sightings from 1,953 observations

Where to see sable antelope in Africa

Sitatunga

Tragelaphus spekii

The sitatunga is the most aquatic of Africa’s antelopes and specially adapted to its swampy habitats. Though widespread across Africa, only a handful of places offer reliable sightings.

19% SUCCESS

60 sightings from 316 observations

Where to see sitatunga in Africa

Wildebeest

Connochaetes sp.

Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.

68% SUCCESS

2,390 sightings from 3,533 observations

Where to see wildebeest in Africa

Zebra

The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.

84% SUCCESS

3,693 sightings from 4,379 observations

Where to see zebra in Africa

Pangolin

Smutsia sp.

Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.

52 sightings from 3,214 observations

Where to see pangolin in Africa

Aardvark

Orycteropus afer

The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.

67 sightings from 3,219 observations

Where to see aardvark in Africa

Inspire me

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link

New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team

  • Travel Guides Plan your adventure
  • Destinations Our favourite places
  • Tours Book a trip
  • Travel Companies Independent specialists
  • Travel Guides
  • Destinations
  • Travel Companies

Safari in Botswana

An expert guide to botswana's best safari reserves, camps and experiences.

Anthony Ham

Anthony Ham

  • In this guide

Okavango Delta

Chobe national park, central kalahari game reserve, makgadikgadi pans national park.

  • Where to go
  • Need to know
  • Getting around
  • How it works

Of all the places I’ve been on safari in Africa, I think Botswana tops the list. There is so much to enjoy and, unlike in bigger safari destinations, in Botswana you’ll see a lot more wildlife than other travellers.

Botswana is where I went on my first self-drive safari, and, to this day, it remains my pick as the best place to drive yourself out into the wild in Africa. All but the inner reaches of the Okavango Delta are accessible in your own 4WD, and the experience of driving out into, and sleeping overnight in, lion country, or the amazing world of elephants, or miles from the nearest human being, remains my favourite way of going on safari.

At the heart of Botswana’s appeal are its signature wildlife destinations whose names – the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Central Kalahari Game Reserve – read like a roll-call of storied wildlife kingdoms. And it’s not just the wildlife. From the deep greens and blues of the Delta in flood to the yellows and reds of the Kalahari, or the blinding whites of the salt pans, there is something elemental about Botswana’s call to the wild. In the following pages I’ll explain some of my Botswana safari highlights, and how you can see them for yourself.

featured botswana safaris

botswana safari trailfinders

Popular Botswana Safari Through the Delta

botswana safari trailfinders

Discover Botswana

Explore the okavango delta, kwando, the kalahari and chobe.

botswana safari trailfinders

Best of Botswana Lodge Safari

botswana safari trailfinders

Makgadikgadi Pans & Okavango Delta Safari Adventure

botswana safari trailfinders

Botswana's Northern Highlights

10 day small group tour.

botswana safari trailfinders

Okavango Delta horse riding safari

Discover botswana's amazing wildlife.

botswana safari trailfinders

Affordable Victoria Falls & Chobe Safari

botswana safari trailfinders

Chobe Camping Safaris

botswana safari trailfinders

Okavango Kayaking Expedition

Unique camp-to-camp safari adventure.

botswana safari trailfinders

Botswana Wildlife Camping Safari

Where to go on safari in botswana, our expert's top picks, botswana's hidden gems.

Unlike Africa’s safari giants like Kenya , Tanzania , and South Africa , Botswana remains blissfully under the radar. Yet, it too faces the travel industry's irritating habit of focusing on the popular easy sellers at the expense of everywhere else. Botswana's safety and accessibility make exploring its many hidden gems easier than in much of Africa. Here are some well-known, and some of my favourite lesser-known, Botswana safari spots.

Explore water world in the Okavango Delta

Explore water world in the Okavango Delta

This is a world without fences and, because of the water levels, human settlements are mostly restricted to the Delta’s perimeter, leaving the rest to wildlife.

In the southern part of the Delta, including in Moremi Game Reserve and Khwai Community Concession, expect a mix of luxury tented camps and budget campsites catering mostly to those on self-drive safaris. The deeper you go into the Delta, the more the crowds thin, with entire concessions given over to the exclusive lodges and tented camps that are such a feature of a safari in Botswana. For most of the tourist season, many of these camps and lodges can only be reached by small plane. Out here, I’ve had the wildlife entirely to myself.

See elephants and more in Chobe National Park

See elephants and more in Chobe National Park

Chobe incorporates two distinct regions: Chobe River (close to the Zimbabwe and Zambia borders), famous for its large elephant herds; and Savute (in the west), where a juxtaposition of contrasting habitats and handful of pumped water holes sustain a melting pot of species.

Chobe in general, but especially the riverfront, has one of the highest elephant densities in Africa and close-up sightings are almost guaranteed. Lions and leopards are also possible here, with giraffe, zebra, buffalo, hippo and crocodiles all commonly seen.

Game drives are the order of the day in Savute where wildlife-viewing is good year-round. Savute is known for its predators – I’ve always had luck with lion, leopard and cheetah here, and on my last trip I spent an afternoon watching a highly active den of African wild dogs. As with the rest of Chobe, elephants are everywhere in Savute.

Taste true wilderness in the Central Kalahari

Taste true wilderness in the Central Kalahari

Measuring 52,000 square kilometres, I think this vast wilderness is a signature Botswana safari experience. Known for its golden grasslands, salt pans, sand dunes covered in vegetation and wide former river valleys, it’s a soulful experience that’s custom-made for a self-drive safari.

The mammal density and diversity are not quite a match for the northern parks making it less well-suited to first-time safari travellers but for the feel of a true African wilderness, CKGR is tough to beat.

Hugging the park’s northern boundary, the Hainaveld consists of a handful of compact, segregated, privately-owned reserves. The denser habitat means the landscape is less scenic than inside the park, but pumped waterholes concentrate the game in the dry season. Several of the lodges employ local Kalahari bushmen with legendary tracking skills, who will also teach you about their way of life on a guided walk.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

In the far south of Botswana, this transfrontier park spills over into South Africa. The Botswana side of the park receives far fewer visitors than the South African sections across the border.

The scenery here consists of a dense scrubland and some of the loveliest salt-pan scenery anywhere in Botswana. With a number of hills overlooking these pans, they’re spectacular places, especially at sunset, and many of the self-drive campsites take full advantage of these hilltop positions.

Kgalagadi is known for its classic Kalahari wildlife, and aside from the usual oryx (gemsbok), giraffe and wide range of antelope species, I’ve always had luck with the extravagantly horned greater kudu, lion, cheetah and even a fleeting glimpse of meerkats.

The park provides habitat for nearly 300 different bird species, and I was particularly thrilled when the elusive Kalahari scrub robin and the vivid violet-eared waxbill visited my campsite one evening.

Ancient history in the Tsodilo Hills

Tsodilo Hills

Ancient history in the tsodilo hills.

Rising from the barren, sandy plains of the Kalahari in a remote corner of north-western Botswana, these four hills project a certain kind of magic. Sacred to the indigenous San people and reputed to possess mystical powers (as Laurens van der Post found in the 1950s on a visit that formed the centrepiece of his classic The Lost World of the Kalahari), the Tsodilo Hills are best known as one of the world’s finest galleries of ancient rock art. More than 4,500 artworks – mostly paintings, but engravings, too – adorn the rock walls of the range, and some date back thousands of years.

Walking trails lead past the artworks that range in subject matter from whales and penguins (despite Tsodilo Hills being more than 1000 km from the ocean) to lions and human figures. I highly recommend you visit with a local guide to greatly enhance your visit.

Unless you’re self-driving and staying at one of the campsites in the shadow of the Tsodilo Hills, there is no accommodation nearby.

Spot the flamingoes of Makgadikgadi Pans

Spot the flamingoes of Makgadikgadi Pans

Makgadikgadi Pans is famous for hosting one of the largest zebra migrations in Africa. Every year, tens of thousands of zebra migrate east-west through the park, between the pans in the east and the Boteti River out west. From high on the riverbank at the latter, I’ve watched zebras swarm down to the water’s edge in a haze of raised dust, dizzying stripes and distinctive zebra barks.

I’ve also seen flamingos away on the eastern pans in flocks so vast that they seem to move as a single entity. And I’ve drawn near to habituated meerkats just outside the park, and seen brown hyenas and aardvarks close to sunset.

Northern Tuli Game Reserve

Northern Tuli Game Reserve

In the far southeastern corner of the country and formerly divided into a number of segregated farms alongside the Limpopo River, NTGR is now one of the largest privately-owned conservation areas in southern Africa. The spectacular landscape, featuring rolling hills, basalt cliffs, ancient riverbeds and towering granite kopjes , is unlike anywhere else in Botswana. In fact, when combined with its impressive portfolio of wildlife, it remains a mystery to me why more people don’t visit this remarkable place.

Expect regular sightings of elephant, giraffe, lion, leopard and cheetah as well as less common species like eland and klipspringer, and over 350 bird species. Ground-level photographic hides, ancient archaeological ruins and a choice of horse-riding, walking or even cycling safaris complete a chocolate box-assortment of activities.

Linyanti, Kwando and Selinda Reserves

Kwando Reserve

Linyanti, kwando and selinda reserves.

Scattered along the northern waterways of the perennial Linyanti and Kwando rivers, and the seasonal Selinda spillway, the camps in these three neighbouring private concessions operate in a similar manner to those inside the [Okavango Delta].

Game-viewing is as good as in the Okavango, with predator-tracking a particular specialty of the Kwando camps. Most camps offer game or wildlife drives, mokoro boat trips, and sunset boat excursions.

What you see in these parts depends very much on the time of year you visit. In Linyanti, for example, from May to October, expect to see lots of elephants, while zebras migrate through the area, usually from February to April. At other times, wildlife can be very scarce, although the November-to-April wet season is excellent for birding in all three concessions, with migrants from Europe and North Africa here en masse.

Okavango Panhandle

Okavango Panhandle

Although not a big game destination, the broad and meandering Okavango River in the northwest of the country is a birder’s paradise, with over 350 recorded species including several iconic Okavango specialties. It is also popular among anglers, particularly around September, when the receding flood waters concentrate huge shoals of baitfish, attracting a melee of catfish, tiger fish, bream and birds. Activities are mostly by boat or on foot.

Other wildlife is far less common, and you’d be lucky to see much more than a crocodile or hippo in the river’s waters.

Nxai Pan National Park

Nxai Pan National Park

I’ve always loved Nxai Pan – it’s never busy, my sightings of lion, elephant and cheetah seem perfectly framed by these big horizons, and the baobabs by the salt pans here are a striking presence. With a handful of campsites (including at remote Baines’ Baobabs, a remarkable cluster of seven ancient baobabs (named after explorer and painter, Thomas Baines) and just one upmarket lodge, there’s rarely more than a couple of other vehicles at any sighting.

As well as plenty of elephant, and a good chance of seeing lion and cheetah, Nxai Pan has a couple of other wildlife highlights to draw you here. After the rains, thousands of zebra migrate here from the Chobe and Linyanti rivers after the rains forming part of Africa’s longest zebra migration. And for reasons unknown, Nxai Pan is the only place in Botswana where you can see springbok and impala in the same place.

The best safaris in Botswana

Popular highlights & hidden gems.

On either a self-drive safari or an organised tour, your itinerary will almost certainly include the Okavango Delta plus Chobe and perhaps the Kalahari. Try to make time for some of the following lesser-known corners, too. Trust me: you'll be glad you did.

Chitabe & Qorokwe concessions

Chitabe & Qorokwe concessions

In 25 years of African travel, I’ve never seen as much high-quality wildlife as I have in these fabulous Okavango concessions. Over two recent days, I saw leopards, nearly 30 lions, dozens of elephants, a pack of 20 wild dogs, and a cheetah mother with six sub-adult cubs.

Okavango kayaking expedition

Okavango kayaking expedition

Pretty much every Okavango tour itinerary will include a paddle on a traditional mokoro canoe. For something very different, set out on a multi-day, camp-to-camp kayaking expedition through the Delta. Paddle the gentle water spotting the planet's greatest wildlife and camp each night under the stars. Truly unique.

Splash Camp

Splash Camp

Rory Sheldon

Rory Sheldon

Splash Camp is a small camp in the private Kwara Reserve. Operated by Kwando Safaris who have better responsible travel credentials than most: locally based, no greenwashing, and supporting valuable community projects.

Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Botswana doesn’t have many rhinos but most of them are here in this small, little-known sanctuary, in Paje, east of Central Kalahari Game Reserve. On a recent visit, I was waylaid for nearly an hour by two male black rhinos fighting for dominance right along the main track.

See the baobabs of Kubu Island

See the baobabs of Kubu Island

For the best of the pans, Kubu Island is a glorious ‘island’ of baobabs south of Makgadikgadi. This was the first place I ever camped in Botswana, and the magic has never left me.

Camp out in Khutse Game Reserve

Camp out in Khutse Game Reserve

The southern extension of the CKGR, Khutse gets very few visitors (except on weekends). I love its remote campsites (I once slept here, 40 km from the nearest person), its classic Kalahari scenery, and its lions, leopards and so much more.

Nata Bird Sanctuary

Nata Bird Sanctuary

Out in the east of the Makgadikgadi Pans, the pans of this rarely visited community sanctuary draw up to 250,000 flamingos and other waterbirds from November or December until March or April.

Planet Baobab

Planet Baobab

A budget-friendly option with self-drive access, offering all the activities of its more expensive sister camps on the edge of the pans.

Savute Under Canvas

Savute Under Canvas

Easily the pick of the mobile camps in Chobe, &Beyond’s tented camp moves around the park almost weekly and captures the spirit of a mobile camp at its best.

botswana safari trailfinders

Botswana Camping Safaris

botswana safari trailfinders

Into Botswana & Zimbabwe

15 day small group tour.

Aerial view okavango delta botswana

Aerial view of the vast Okavango Delta, one of the best safari destinations in Africa

Botswana safaris: Need to know

Everything you wish you'd known before you booked, inside tip: self-drive safaris.

Much is made of Botswana aiming for high-end, low-density safari tourism and it’s not uncommon for a luxury camp in the Delta to cost well over US$1,000 per person per night in high season. But it’s actually the mid-range, rather than budget, traveller that finds it difficult to build a reasonably priced safari in Botswana.

Much as the Botswana government prefers not to publicise the fact, it has a fantastic network of campsites around the country. Some are privately run, others are run by the Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP). Standard camping fees are USD $50/25 per adult/child. You can book directly through the park authorities or the private operators of the campsites, but you're better off booking through an agent. Renting a 4WD camper can seem expensive, but a two-week self-drive safari could end up costing the same for two people as one day on a fly-in, fly-out safari.

The best times for safari in Botswana

My favourite time to visit Botswana is during the dry season, June to September. During this time, most 4WD tracks are open, water levels in the Delta are ideal for mokoro trips and wildlife watching.

This period also corresponds with the high tourism season (which usually starts in June or July), so it’s also the busiest (and most expensive) time of year. During these months, it can also get extremely cold overnight and early morning throughout much of the Kalahari.

May or October can be a good compromise, although there’s a risk that the rains could linger or arrive early.

Access to the Delta may be limited, but the best months for birding are from November to March or April, when hundreds of migratory species arrive from Europe and North Africa.

Getting there & around

Although Gaborone is the capital of Botswana, the overwhelming majority of safari visitors to Botswana fly into Maun, in the country’s north-west. Maun is right alongside the Okavango Delta and not far from the Kalahari, and it has lots of safari companies, hotels, camps and restaurants and places to stock up on supplies making it the ideal gateway town.

Those heading to Chobe National Park may fly into Kasane, in the north-east. Kasane receives fewer international flights than Maun, but its proximity to Victoria Falls (84 km away by road, across the border in Zimbabwe) makes it well worth considering.

How a Botswana safari works

There are two main ways to go on safari in Botswana. One is to fly into Maun or Kasane (perhaps stay overnight, perhaps not) and then fly into one of the airstrips of the Okavango Delta or Chobe National Park. There you’ll be picked up by your accommodation, and then fly in and out of however many tented camps you’ll be staying in.

You can book all of this yourself, but most international visitors tend to book it via a tour operator.

The other option is a self-drive trip. You can fly into Maun or Kasane (or even Johannesburg) and pick up a 4WD, which will usually have a rooftop tent or other camping equipment. You’ll then drive yourself from one campsite to the next. Road and driving conditions in Botswana are significantly better than elsewhere in Southern Africa, but you’ll need to take obvious precautions such as driving during the day time and ensuring you’ve got sufficient supplies for long journeys.

Safari in the Okavango Delta

About the author.

Safari in Botswana

Anthony is a renowned travel journalist and guidebook author and is one of the world's leading authorities on Africa safari, wildlife and conservation. He has been travelling to Africa for more than two decades to research Africa safari guidebooks for Lonely Planet. He is widely published in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, The Monthly, Virginia Quarterly Review (VQR), National Geographic Traveler, BBC Wildlife, Lonely Planet Traveller, Africa Geographic, The Independent, Travel Africa, among many others.

Featured tours

Popular Botswana Safari Through the Delta

Okavango Honeymoon

Luxury honeymoon in botswana.

The Fantastic Family Safari

The Fantastic Family Safari

Family-friendly adventure exploring victoria falls and chobe national park.

Botswana Camping Safaris

Other guides you might like

Safari in kenya, kenya's best safari reserves and camps.

Stuart Butler

Stuart Butler

Gorilla safaris, an expert guide to seeing gorillas in the wild.

Philip Briggs

Philip Briggs

South africa safari, an expert guide to safaris in south africa, wildebeest migration safaris, an essential guide to planning a migration safari in tanzania and kenya.

Hans Cosmas Ngoteya

Hans Cosmas Ngoteya

Safari in zambia, an expert guide to zambia's best safari parks, camps & lodges.

Sarah Kingdom

Sarah Kingdom

Safari in tanzania, tanzania's top safari parks and game reserves, where and how to see the big 5 on safari in africa, safari in africa, our travel writers' top africa safari picks, zimbabwe safaris, an expert guide to the best safari camps in zimbabwe, chimpanzee trekking, an expert guide to seeing chimpanzees in the wild, namibia safari, an expert guide to the best safaris in namibia.

Melanie van Zyl

Melanie van Zyl

Featured tours view all.

Popular Botswana Safari Through the Delta

Why Horizon Guides?

Impartial guidebooks

Impartial travel guides

Our guides are written by the leading experts in their destinations. We never take payment for positive coverage so you can count on us for impartial travel advice.

Expert itineraries

Expert itineraries

Suggested itineraries and routes to help you scratch beneath the surface, avoid the tourist traps, and plan an authentic, responsible and enjoyable journey.

Specialist advice

Specialist advice

Get friendly, expert travel advice and custom itineraries from some of the world's best tour operators, with no spam, pressure or commitment to book.

Our guides are 100% impartial and are written by independent, professional travel journalists. We make money by charging carefully-screened travel companies to list their business on our website. Our advertisers have no influence on our editorial content and we never accept payment for positive coverage.

Read more about how we work and what we believe in here .

  • Travel guides
  • Work with us

Sitemap , Privacy Copyright © 2024 Horizon Guides

SafarisAfricana

Botswana Safaris

Botswana safari guide – where & when to go, and what to see.

Botswana safaris are truly special. The country doesn’t see as many tourists as most other countries in Southern and East Africa, but this in no way diminishes the quality of the game viewing and safari experience Botswana has to offer – and in many ways, it’s a bonus. Rural Botswana is an inhospitable place for humans, but a country that manages to support an incredible diversity and density of animals. Botswana wildlife is hands down some of the best anywhere in the world.

Botswana is a large, wild country (approximately the size of France) with a decent – but very limited – road network where only the major roads are tarmacked. This makes Botswana a safari destination for the intrepid. If you’re planning on doing an independent, self-drive safari in Botswana a high-clearance 4WD vehicle and spirit of self-reliance are essential to get the most out of your visits to the national parks. The country is easily accessed from South Africa, with the capital Gabaronne just a few hours’ drive from Johannesburg.

Self-drive safaris are a big thing in Botswana and are popular with overland tours and independent travellers alike. You’ll need a rugged 4WD to access all areas, and be confident that you’re totally self-sufficient if camping on your own in the bush. If this safari-style doesn’t appeal then browse our guide to  safari companies in Botswana to speak to a professional.

Geographically Botswana is covered in scrub brush and savannah grasslands, with the occasional impressive geographic feature such as the Okavango Delta and adjoining Chobe National Park, huge salt pans, and the brutally picturesque Kalahari Desert. The country is landlocked and lies at a fairly consistent average elevation of 1,000m. The windswept and sand-based Kalahari Desert covers over 80% of the country in the south, west, and centre. To the north lies 15,000 km sq of the Okavango Delta, fed by the Okavango River and forming the northern border with Namibia .  To the east lie the great salt and clay desert of the Makgadikgadi Pans and occasional deciduous forests towards the Zimbabwe border.

One of the most impressive African rivers for wildlife, Okavango River supplies year-round water to much of northern Botswana, and ends in the inland Okavango Delta, support a vast array of Southern African mammal species. These include the big five , wild dogs , hippos , hyenas , honey badgers , and a broad range of gazelles and hoofed mammals.

Each year Botswana is home to one of Africa’s largest annual migrations , featuring huge herds of wildebeest, zebra, and other wild animals as they move from their winter ranges in the Makgadikgadi plains to the summer feeding grounds of the Nxai Pan region. Not as large in scale as the East African ‘ great migration ‘, but there are also far fewer tourists around to take away from the experience. This lack of tourists, the sheer scale of the wilderness and the abundance of game in Botswana’s national parks come together to make Botswana a safari destination that’s hard to better, wherever you visit in Africa.

botswana flag

Useful resources

Book a Botswana safari

Botswana wildlife

Botswana Tourist Board

Bostwana guidebooks

Botswana safari highlights

Okavango delta botswana, fly-in safari.

fly in safari over Okavango Delta

Safaris don’t come much better or more luxurious than an all-inclusive fly-in safari deep in the Okavango Delta . Take a four-seater flight over the wetlands, wildlife spotting as you’re flown to an exclusive, out-of-the-way lodge for a few days of game drives, safari walks , and boat trips .

Big five spotting

Male lion with large mane in Botswana

Go big game spotting at Chobe National Park – perhaps Botswana’s most famous national park . Boat safaris are a big draw here, with a waterfront teeming with wildlife… but you’ll have to be very lucky to see all big five from a boat – game drives in a 4X4 jeep are more the order of the day.

Leopard spotting in Moremi

leopard lies on the branch of a sparse tree, with blue sky behind

The east side of the Okavango Delta Moremi Game Reserve is regarded as one of the top African leopard hangouts. On the fringes of the delta where water collects in small lagoons and fills grassy floodplains, antelope (and all sorts of other wildlife) are plentiful. Perfect leopard country.

Mokoro safaris on the water

man standing in mokoro on Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta offers ample opportunities to get out on to the water for some top-class wildlife viewing. Traditional wooden mokoros are a fun and eco-friendly way to head out on a canoe safari , though propeller boats are on offer too, and can easily be combined with superb walking safaris .

Best time to safari in Botswana

May to August is the best time to organize a safari in Botswana, as during this winter season the days are cool and sunny, and the lack of water drives the wildlife to congregate around permanent water sources. At this time getting around the country is fairly straightforward, with dust rather than water being the main obstacle. During winter months wildlife spotting is easy – simply find a river or watering hole and dig in to wait for the action. Bear in mind is that July and August is school holiday time, meaning more tourists than usual, higher prices for safari accommodation and tours, and busier national parks.

October to April is summer season in Botswana but brings with it severe heat and the rains – occasionally in extreme amounts. Getting around the country by road during summer can be disrupted by flooding, as many of the secondary roads are not tarmacked. Wildlife is also more dispersed and harder to spot, hidden by lush vegetation. An exception to this is in parts of the Okavango Delta where there’s so much flooding that many islands form, trapping wildlife which can be viewed from a boat – though vegetation still causes a problem.

Flights To Botswana

Search, track and book flights to Botswana, from anywhere in the world.

Botswana Accommodation

Find safari accommodation in Botswana – from budget campsites to luxury lodges.

Botswana Car Hire

Considering a self-drive safari? Research and book car hire in Botswana.

Activities in Botswana

Search and book things to do in Botswana – tours, excursions and activities.

National parks in Botswana

All national parks in Botswana are run by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP), based in Gaborone, who enforce a strict no driving after dark rule in the parks. ( See this great article on driving in Botswana .)

Whilst not actually a national park or reserve, Botswana is renowned worldwide for the Okavango Delta region in the north of the country, providing water and supporting an incredible array of African wildlife.

Top Botswana national park picks

  • Moremi Game Reserve

Botswana safaris: Lion with buffalo herd

The only part of the Okavango Delta that’s officially a national park, Moremi covers almost one-third of the delta, and is packed with wildlife. There’s no public transport so you’ll have to get yourself there, but the trade-off is fewer tourists to share the plethora of wildlife with.

  • Chobe National Park

Elephant on edge of Chobe River, viewed by boat safari

Chobe National Park was Botswana’s first national park at an impressive 11,000 km sq. There’s easy access for spectacular game viewing from a boat on the Chobe river and the network of dirt and gravel roads. The Savuti area in south west Chobe is recognised as having one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa.

Makagadikgadi Nzai Pan National Park

Flamingo flock at Makagadikgadi Nzai Pan National Park

Feel the unfettered freedom of driving through the never-ending parched-white salt pans, or plan your trip for the when the rains come and bird life and herd animals abound, including one of Africa’s largest migrations .

Central Kalahari National Park

Sun set at Central Kalahari National Park

One of Africa’s largest protected area at a whopping 52,000 km sq. Braving the tough conditions of Central Kalahari National Park in your own 4WD may reward you with viewings of hyena packs and prides of lions in the unforgiving desert.

All national parks in Botswana

Use the map to locate all national parks in Botswana. Click the icons for more info.

Get Directions

  • Central Kalahari Game Reserve
  • Makgadikgadu National Park
  • Nxai Pan National Park
  • Okavango Delta

Botswana safari resources

Botswana safari companies.

Buffalo herd at sunset

Though Botswana has a relatively low number of inbound tourists each year, a very high proportion of these come for the wildlife. Around the capital Gabarone and also Maun – the de-facto capital of the Okavango Delta – there are numerous safari tour companies to suit all budgets. Check out our reviews of safari tour companies in Botswana .

Botswana safari lodges

Luxury safari lodge

Botswana has a focus on low-impact, high-end safaris, and the accommodation on offer reflects this. Luxury safari lodges are the primary accommodation in Botswana, though there are also mid-range accommodation in the tourist enclaves of Maun and Gabarone. If you have your own tent most safari lodges have an area where you can pitch up for the night, along with decent washing and BBQ facilities as standard. Search and book safari lodges in Botswana , or find all accommodation in Botswana below.

Search all Botswana accommodation

Botswana Safaris 2

Read safari guides to all countries

Botswana safaris , Namibia safaris , Rwanda safaris , South Africa safaris , Tanzania safaris , Uganda safaris , Zimbabwe safaris

Do you have any experience of planning or going on safari in Botswana?

We’d love to hear any feedback or tips you may have – please get in touch , or add to the comments below.

Top countries for safaris

  • Botswana safaris
  • Kenya safaris
  • Namibia safaris
  • South Africa safaris
  • Tanzania safaris
  • Uganda safaris

Safari basics

  • Safari animals
  • How to find the right safari company
  • When to go on safari
  • What to take on safari
  • Safari clothing – what to wear
  • Safari rules & etiquette
  • Wildlife spotting tips

Most read articles

  • All about the ‘big five’ animals
  • Collective nouns for animals
  • Safari movies to watch before you go
  • The world’s fastest land animals
  • Apex predators
  • 10 Fascinating African tribes
  • The biggest animals in the world
  • 17 Epic hybrid animals
  • The world’s ugliest animals
  • Why are flamingos pink?

Africa’s best game reserves

  • Chobe National Park, Botswana
  • Etosha National Park, Namibia
  • Kruger National Park, South Africa
  • Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
  • Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
  • Okavango Delta, Botswana
  • Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Session expired

Please log in again. The login page will open in a new tab. After logging in you can close it and return to this page.

TOP DESTINATIONS

  • Kruger Park
  • Okavango Delta
  • Serengeti National Park
  • Victoria Falls

TOP COUNTRIES

  • South Africa

TRAVEL DEALS

View All Travel Deals

SOUTHERN AFRICA

East africa, indian ocean islands, top experiences.

  • Beach Holidays
  • Family Safaris
  • Honeymoon Safaris
  • Desert Safaris
  • Luxury Rail Safaris
  • Multi-Generational Safaris
  • Positive Impact Safaris
  • Photographic Safaris
  • Walking Safaris

WILDLIFE SAFARI

  • Big Five Safaris
  • Birding Safaris
  • Gorilla Trekking Safaris
  • Migration Safaris
  • Mobile Camping Safaris
  • Horseback Safaris

FEATURED EXPERIENCES

Comfort levels, property types.

  • Tented Camps
  • Boutique Hotels

Featured Safari Collections

  • African Anthology
  • The Safari Collection
  • Desert & Delta

GET TO KNOW US

  • Meet The Team
  • Pricing Explained
  • Traveller Reviews
  • Traveller Stories
  • Why Book With Us?
  • HerdTracker
  • Safari Cost Calculator
  • South Africa In 360
  • Trusted Safari Partners

What are you looking for?

  • Safaris & Tours
  • Destinations
  • Experiences
  • Accommodations
  • Why book with us?

Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.

Alternatively, we recommend...

Schedule a phone or Zoom call with one of our safari planners

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

botswana safari trailfinders

The Top 25 Best Safari Lodges and Camps in Botswana

Matthys van Aswegen

Author: Matthys van Aswegen - 16 February 2023

Last Update: 16 February 2024

Part of the Botswana Safari Vacation & Travel To Botswana & African Safari Collection

Botswana is consistently rated as one of the best places in Africa to go on a safari. It’s home to the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park , as well as the hidden gems of the Kalahari and Linyanti. You’ll find ample opportunities to spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) as well as a wide assortment of other exciting wildlife. 

Planning to go on a safari in Botswana? Get inspired with this round-up of the top 25 best safari lodges and camps in Botswana.

Mombo camp delivers authentic tented safari camping at its most luxurious in the world-renowned Okavango Delta floodplains. The camp puts a strong focus on customer experience and your every need is anticipated. Friendly and experienced guides make every game drive a trip worth remembering. 

Devotion to your satisfaction is a part of every experience at Mombo, and the deeply personalized service will leave you feeling pampered and cared for from every angle.

botswana safari trailfinders

Highlights include:

  • A photography hide
  • Reliable Big Five sightings
  • Scenic helicopter flights

Ideal for: Photographic safaris

Savute Safari Lodge

Nestled within Chobe National Park, Savute Safari Lodge is celebrated for its elegant accommodation and exceptional viewing of Africa’s largest elephant herds. The lodge’s strategic location offers a luxurious gateway to the wild, providing a serene backdrop for an unforgettable safari experience.

  • A well-stocked library with views of watering holes
  • Elevated decks for uninterrupted game viewing
  • A refreshing swimming pool overlooking the Savute Channel
  • Evening bonfires in a traditional boma setting

Ideal for: Birding safaris

Delightfully isolated San Camp is a must-go for anyone wanting to escape to the middle of nowhere and be immersed in the miracles of the African bush. Ensconced in the rolling golden grasslands and salt pans of the Kalahari desert, billowing white tents shaded by palm trees deliver a sense of the romantic.

This seasonal camp (November to March) is dedicated to making the most of the dry season in Makgadikgadi Pans and places a strong focus on the striking views of the salt pans and a game-loaded savannah, all of which can be scouted by horseback and quad bike (ATV).

botswana safari trailfinders

  • Delicious and innovative cuisine
  • Meerkat interactions
  • Bushman walks
  • Tented yoga and meditation deck

Ideal for: Honeymoon safari

Tuludi Camp

Tucked away in the famous Khwai Private Concession and constructed in partnership with the local community, Tuludi camp is the ideal base if you’re looking to explore the fascinating Okavango Delta. When you’re done spotting elephants, hippos, lions, and leopards, settle into the stylish and polished camp to admire the breathtaking views of the spectacular wilderness in the shade of acacia trees.

botswana safari trailfinders

  • Private vehicle and guide with the family suite
  • Mokoro safaris
  • Night drives
  • Excellent big game viewing

Ideal for: Family safaris

Jack’s Camp

Jack’s Camp is an iconic destination, offering a glimpse into an ancient landscape untouched by time. Set against the vastness of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, this camp is a sanctuary for those looking to step off the beaten path and into a world of exploration and wonder.

botswana safari trailfinders

  • Opulent safari tents with indoor and outdoor showers
  • A plush, Persian rug-adorned mess tent for communal dining
  • A refreshing pool pavilion for relaxation in the desert heat
  • Private, guided walks to ancient baobab groves
  • A specialist spa tent offering traditional treatments

Ideal for: Luxury safaris

Chobe Chilwero

Overlooking the sparkling Chobe river and limitless bushveld, Chobe Chilwero is a dreamy riverside retreat on the edge of the Chobe National Park. Whether you choose to explore the plains on a game drive or make your way along the waters in a boat, you can look forward to incredible wildlife encounters with lions, leopards, hippos, wild dogs, and buffalo.

Of course, no trip is complete without spotting the majestic elephants the area is famous for. A stay at Chobe Chilwero is everything you could hope for from a Botswana safari.

botswana safari trailfinders

  • Spa treatments in a treetop room
  • A kids’ safari program
  • Reliable elephant sightings
  • Boat cruises on the Chobe river
  • A tour of Victoria Falls in neighboring Zimbabwe

Ideal for: Family safari

Xugana Island Lodge

Xugana Island Lodge is a jewel within the Okavango Delta, offering an intimate setting for those wishing to connect with nature. Surrounded by water, this lodge is a haven for bird enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility in a lush, aquatic environment.

botswana safari trailfinders

  • Overwater chalets with panoramic delta views
  • An elegant dining area set on a wooden deck above the water
  • Sundowner cruises on the Xugana Lagoon
  • A private bird hide for ornithology enthusiasts
  • An open-air boma for atmospheric dining under the stars

Ideal for: Water-based safari

Situated in the heart of the Moremi Game Reserve, Okuti camp’s one-of-a-kind domed suites are built using wood, reeds, and canvas. Beneath the exterior of these masasas (houses of reeds) lies a lush interior with comfy furnishings. Each suite is raised on a wooden deck with rooms overlooking the tranquil Maunachira channel and Moremi’s flourishing wetlands. Expect views guaranteed to instill a sense of wonder and inner peace.

botswana safari trailfinders

  • Exploring the Delta by motorboat
  • Custom safari vehicles for unparalleled game viewing
  • Abundant birdlife

Ideal for: Birding safari

Sanctuary Baines’ Camp

The elegant and stylish Baines’ Camp delivers the classical African safari experience with a twist of romance. Perfectly suited to couples, the camp offers a range of intimate activities from candle-lit dinners under the Milky Way to languid sunset mokoro rides on the Delta, dips in the star bath, and peaceful nights in a star bed where you can drift off counting shooting stars.

Sanctuary Baines Camp in Botswana | Photo credits: Sanctuary Baines Camp

  • Eco-friendly camp
  • Boat cruises

Ideal for: Romantic safari

Leroo La Tau

Perched above the western bank of the Boteti River, Leroo La Tau offers a panoramic vista of the Makgadikgadi Pans. This lodge is a sanctuary during the dry season, as herds of zebra and wildebeest congregate at the river, offering an unparalleled wildlife spectacle.

botswana safari trailfinders

  • Cliff-edge chalets offering expansive views of the Boteti River
  • A floodlit waterhole attracting nocturnal wildlife
  • A serene infinity pool with panoramic wilderness views
  • Themed cultural evenings with traditional music and dance
  • An observatory deck for stargazing sessions

Ideal for: Zebra migration safari

Vumbura Plains

Somewhere between a beach house and a log cabin, each Vumbura Plains suite tucked away in the African wilderness delivers a light and airy escape from it all. The camp exudes a relaxing and tranquil atmosphere with an elevated deck that lets you take in the awe-inspiring views of the Delta’s floodplain. Guaranteed to have you soaking up the magic of the African bush with every breath.

botswana safari trailfinders

  • Walks safaris
  • Hot-air balloon rides (April to September)

Ideal for: Mokoro safari

Moremi Crossing

Moremi Crossing, a pioneer in eco-friendly camping, stands on a palm island, offering a sustainable way to experience the heart of the Okavango Delta. Emphasizing conservation and community involvement, this camp invites guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the delta.

Moremi Crossing in Botswana | Photo credits: Moremi Crossing

  • A lounge and dining area built around ancient trees
  • Spectacular sunset views from the elevated deck
  • A variety of dining settings, including private bush dinners
  • Nature walks led by experienced guides focusing on conservation

Ideal for: Affordable Okavango Delta safari

Xigera Safari Lodge

Be pampered at Xigera safari lodge, where comfort and style are the name of the game. Enveloped in the tranquil waters of the Okavango Delta and its riverine forests, this 5-star destination will have you relaxing in the lap of luxury. From gourmet dining to top-class spa treatments, every aspect of your stay is designed to maximize well-being and deliver an unforgettable safari experience.

botswana safari trailfinders

  • Wellness center
  • Fine dining
  • Photographic safaris

Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp

Rustic meets elegant at this spellbinding destination, where you have uninterrupted views of lush mopane woodlands and flooded grasslands. Nxabega is everything you’d expect from a 5-star hotel, from its opulent comfort to personalized service. Enjoy gourmet dishes or grab a coffee from the in-house barista before you retreat to your hanging daybed to soak up the wonders of the bush.

botswana safari trailfinders

  • Catch-and-release fishing trips
  • WILDchild activities for kids

Ideal for: Kid friendly safari

Nestled on a remote island in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Jao Camp oozes opulence and is only accessible by air. Built on a couple of levels rising into the tree canopy, this awe-inspiring safari destination incorporates natural materials and unique construction to deliver an out-of-this-world setting.

With floor-to-ceiling glass panels, you’re guaranteed awe-inspiring views of the verdant bush, while contemporary furnishings blend with local art and carvings for a sophisticated feel.

botswana safari trailfinders

  • Seasonal star-beds for nights under the Milky Way
  • A one-of-a-kind spa
  • Exclusivity in a private concession

Ideal for: Luxury Okavango Delta safari

Eagle Island Lodge

Positioned in the Delta’s stunning Xaxaba Island, Eagle Island lodge delivers a safari experience quite unlike any other. Here, timeless luxury meets Africa’s unique water-based experiences, skipping the rumbling 4×4 vehicles in favor of mokoro rides and barge cruises. Expect up-close sightings of wildlife like hippos, elephants, buffalo, crocodiles, and all the big cats at this one-of-a-kind destination.

botswana safari trailfinders

  • Horseback riding
  • Fish Eagle Bar on the water

Ideal for: Horseback safari

Selinda Camp

Located on the banks of the Selinda Spillway, Selinda Camp incorporates traditional African materials of wood, thatch, and canvas to blend in with its pristine surroundings. Unique and contemporary design meets the highest levels of luxury, with jaw-dropping views of the Selinda Reserve’s endless wilderness.

Keen photographers will be blown away by the resident hide’s spectacular views of wildlife and the custom-built safari vehicles that make sure you can capture those amazing shots.

botswana safari trailfinders

  • Reliable sightings of African wild dogs and lions
  • One-of-a-kind architecture
  • Walking safaris
  • Boat cruise

Ideal for: Walking safaris

Chobe Game Lodge

Moorish architecture and mind blowing decor make a stay at Chobe Game Lodge an unforgettable experience. As one of Africa’s premier safari destinations, this remarkable feat of design delivers the ultimate in luxury stays. Outstanding views of the wildlife-packed Chobe River are coupled with excellent levels of service, fine dining, and opulent accommodations. With such an upscale experience, you’ll be forgiven for forgetting you’re in the middle of the wilderness!

Chobe Game Lodge in Botswana | Photo credit: Chobe Game Lodge

  • Eco-friendly electric safari boats

Ideal for: Chobe river safari

Camp Moremi

Go off-grid without leaving behind the creature comforts of the modern world. Camp Moremi delivers the classic African safari experience with classy thatch and canvas safari tents, guaranteed seclusion, and opulent levels of service. Moremi Game Reserve plays host to daily game drives, sunset cruises on the Xakanaxa Lagoon, and leopard-spotting excursions.

botswana safari trailfinders

  • Privacy and hyper exclusivity
  • Boating safaris
  • Incredible views of the Xakanaxa Lagoon

Ideal for: Xakanaxa safari

Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge

Tucked away in the depths of the Okavango Delta, Sandibe is ensconced in the forest canopy and tranquil waterways. The ultra-luxurious setting, unmatched levels of service, and awe-inspiring views combine to deliver a safari experience you’ll remember forever. Cool off in the plunge pool between game drives spotting wildlife like elephants and lions while the friendly staff anticipates your every need.

botswana safari trailfinders

  • Distinctive architecture
  • WILDchild kids’ program
  • An interactive kitchen

Ideal for: Luxury safari

Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp

Taking its inspiration from the plentiful water lilies of the Delta, Xaranna’s blend of chic yellows, lily pinks, and olive greens creates a calming atmosphere that will have you feeling at one with nature in no time. Unwind in comfort and soak up your time away from society while the staff takes care of your every need. Xaranna is the perfect place for couples and families looking to escape the hustle and bustle and reconnect with the miracles of the wilderness.

botswana safari trailfinders

  • Kids’ activities

Ideal for: Family safari in the Okavango Delta

Tucked away in a verdant riverine forest surrounded on all sides by open floodplains, Abu camp focuses on heart-stopping encounters with its resident population of African elephants. This ultra-luxury camp gets its name from a local bull elephant and the camp’s light grey color palette goes even further to entrench the aesthetic. If you’re looking for a completely unique getaway, Abu Camp won’t disappoint.

botswana safari trailfinders

  • Star-bed sleepouts under the African sky
  • Water-based safaris
  • Elephant experiences

Tubu Tree Camp, situated on the remote Hunda Island in the Okavango Delta, offers guests a unique blend of water and land-based safari experiences. With its diverse habitats, the camp is renowned for its leopard sightings and varied wildlife. Each of the eight luxurious tents provide stunning views of the floodplains. 

botswana safari trailfinders

  • Wildlife viewing hide

Ideal for: Photographic safari

King’s Pool Camp

With breathtaking views of the King’s Pool Lagoon and the wildlife-packed Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, you’ll feel like royalty at this idyllic destination. 5-star accommodations and service meet the quintessential African safari experience, and spacious, elegantly decorated suites will have you unwinding in no time. Extensive use of thatch and wood blend in seamlessly with the wonders of the bush, creating an atmosphere of sublime relaxation.

botswana safari trailfinders

  • Reliable predator sightings
  • Opulent suites

Chief’s Camp

Safari chic meets tranquil luxury at Chief’s Camp. Situated in the heart of the Delta’s Moremi Game Reserve, here you’ll experience the very finest of what Botswana has to offer. Enjoy incredible views of the Piajio floodplain and all the creature comforts you’d expect from a 5-star hotel. Reliable predator sightings and Big Five game viewing combine to deliver a safari experience you’ll remember forever while unmatched levels of service anticipate your every need.

botswana safari trailfinders

  • A children’s play area
  • Reliable rhino sightings

Ideal for: Big cat safari

The Top 10 South African Safari Lodges to Visit in 2024

The Resurgence of Solo Safari Travel in a Post-Covid World

Related Safari Tours

These popular itineraries can be customised to match your budget and how many people you're planning to travel with..

botswana safari trailfinders

Photographic Tour of Botswana

Botswana Chobe Moremi Okavango Delta Southern Africa

From $ 3615 /USD

botswana safari trailfinders

Young Explorers Safari in Botswana

Botswana Central Kalahari Game Reserve Moremi Okavango Delta

From $ 8900 /USD

botswana safari trailfinders

Zimbabwe and Botswana Ultimate Safari

Southern Africa Zimbabwe Victoria Falls Mana Pools Hwange Botswana

From $ 15700 /USD

Why travel with us?

Recent reviews from travellers who planned and booked their africa trips with discover africa safaris, one stop shop with good recommendations for activities, transport and stay..

Los Angeles to South Africa – Safari Review

Ram Reddy, United States 09 Aug 2023

Promptly reliable.

2 Day Kruger Safari Review

Sonal Patel , United States 05 Apr 2023

Way above our expectations and we felt sad to leave.

Family Holiday Tanzania Review

Sushila Sivaretnam, Malaysia 21 May 2019

Memorable trip to namibia - fantastic accommodations.

Namibian Safari Review

Kristen R., United States 20 Aug 2018

Masai mara goodness. thank you discover africa for your amazing planning.

Great Migration Holiday Review

Jates and Hil Oettle, South Africa 01 Aug 2013

Superb organization, couldn't ask for any better.

Holiday in Africa Review

Justin Vanning, United States 01 Jan 2013

Registered Members of these Organizations

USEFUL LINKS

  • African Safaris
  • African Safari Tours
  • African Safari Lodges
  • Why Book with us?
  • Content Collaborations
  • Safari Cost Estimator Tool
  • Wildebeest Migration
  • Privacy Policy
  • Website Terms of Use

POPULAR COUNTRIES

  • View All Countries
  • South Africa Safaris
  • Botswana Safaris
  • Kenya Safaris
  • Tanzania Safaris
  • Namibia Safaris
  • Rwanda Safaris
  • Uganda Safaris
  • Zambia Safaris
  • Zimbabwe Safaris

POPULAR DESTINATIONS

  • View All Destinations
  • Cape Town Holidays
  • Kruger Safaris
  • Victoria Falls Safaris
  • Masai Mara Safaris
  • Serengeti Safaris
  • Etosha Safaris
  • Chobe Safaris
  • Okavango Delta Safaris

TRAVEL BLOGS

  • South Africa’s Mega Landscapes Plan: Conservation Boost or Nature Risk?
  • Rwanda vs Uganda: Which is Better for Mountain Gorilla Trekking?
  • Kruger’s New Gate to Grow Tourism + SA’s Top Parks to Visit in 2024
  • East Africa’s Safari Experiences: A Photographer’s Paradise
  • Horseback Safari in Africa: Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Experience

DISCOVER AFRICA SAFARIS

  • 2nd floor, Tygervalley Chambers One, 27 Willie van Schoor Avenue, Bellville, Cape Town , 7530

Namibia & Botswana Itinerary: Ultimate 3-Week road trip from the Dunes to Safaris

March 18, 2024

Paula Martinelli

If you evern dreamed about planning a self-drive camping safari advanture, you are in the right place. This is the Ultimte Namibia and Botswna itinerary will take you to the must see spetacular parts of both countries – from the tallest dunes in the world in Namibia to the remote safaris of Botswana.

My Namibia and Botswana itinerary covers the best places to see and includes safaris in Etosha National Park in Namibia, and Chobe, Moremi, and the Okavango Delta in Botswana.

Here is a complete guide for my 20-day Namibia and Botswana itinerary self-drive and camping, covering 11-days Namibia Itinerary and a 10-days Botswana itinerary .

Namibia and Botswana are the countries custom-made for self-drive exploration and safari with mostly easily navigable gravel roads, minimal traffic, and an impressively low crime rate.

It took me several months of planning this Namibia and Botswana itinerary, and I finally settled on a road trip route that took me through some of Namibia and Botswana highlights from the capital Windhoek, to the desert sands of Sossusvlei, to the misty Skeleton Coast, to some of the best safaris on the African continent from Etosha, to Chobe to Okavango Delta.

From the desert to the bush and the coast, I was blown away by the variety of sights and scenery on this journey and I list this experience as one of the top road trips on our Planet!

For anyone thinking of the Namibia and Botswana road trip, I have shared my day-by-day itinerary and self-drive route below, with all the information you need to make your adventure the journey of a lifetime.

Namibia and Botswana itinerary

Namibia and Botswana Itinerary Overview

This Namibia and Botswana itinerary covers some of the most amazing landscapes, a taste of the wildlife, and also a cultural experience with some of the beautiful local people. I have also added alternative routes to give you options while planning your own itinerary.

Please note that I used a combination of  campsites in Namibia with some budget accommodations along the way  – Here I am also making recommendations for the best options for accommodations.

I have also prepared a Complete guide on 20 Essentials tips on  how to self-drive safely in Namibia  that I recommend you to read before your trip, and  How to Rent a car in Namibia  is also a must-read.

Botswana Travel Guide

Nambia & Botswana Itinerary Map

Namibia and Botswana Itinerary | Day-By-DayNAMIBIA &

Arrival in windhoek | start your namibia and botswana itinerary.

If you arrive in the morning, you are ready to start your Namibia and Botswana itinerary today. If your flight arrives in the afternoon or evening, make sure you spend the night in Windhoek before you start driving. Driving at night is too dangerous for you and the animals.

I arrived at the airport in the morning. Between immigration, buying a cell phone SIM card at the airport, and meeting the car rental person that was there to pick me up was less than 1 hour. After arriving at the  Zambezi rental car , it took around 1 hour for the explanations about the truck,  how to use it, and to sign the contract.

I stopped at the mall in Windhoek  for breakfast, grocery shopping, bought towels, sheets for the tent, and bug spray – all in one stop and I was ready to go!

The amazing 3-week self-drive to Namibia and Botswana begins! All packed, supplies in place, both gas tanks completed with fuel,  my camera in my hands, and the windows down. While keeping an eye on the road and others on the side road to see if I could spot any animals – yes, you can start to spot animals as soon as you leave the airport. Welcome…you are in Namibia!

Namibia and Botswana itinerary

DAY 1 OF MY NAMIBIA AND BOTSWANA ITINERARY: DRIVE TO KEETMANSHOOP AND VISIT THE QUIVERTREE FOREST

  • TRAVEL: from Windhoek to Keetmanshoop
  • DISTANCE: 308 miles | 5 hours
  • HIGHLIGHT: Stunning first views of Namibia / Quivertree Forest
  • DRIVING: The drive from Windhoek to Keetmanshoop is long but easy. The entire drive is on paved roads with a 120 kph speed limit. On this route, you will pass several towns with good options for gas and basic necessities.
  • Best options for accommodations in Keetmanshoop

The first day of your Namibia and Botswana itinerary can be tiring, especially because of the long trip to Namibia, but it is exciting as you start to feel familiar with driving in the desert and see what the landscape looks like.

Arriving in Kepmanshoop I had the chance to watch the sunset from the Quivertree Forest, and this place is stunning – a great introduction to the unique landscape in Namibia. The trees are actually aloe plants and they can grow as high as 10 meters and can be as old as 300 years old.

PRO TIP: I recommend picking up your supplies in Windhoek before you start your Namibia self-drive trip. But don’t worry if you forgot to buy something in Windhoek, as you will have the chance to do a few stops along the way. I had 2 stops for a cold drink and also for fuel. Watch for people wanting to “take care of your car” for some money.

Namibia and Botswana itinerary

DAY 2: VISIT THE GHOST TOWN OF KOLMANSKOP AND HAVE LUNCH AT THE COASTLINE TOWN OF LUDERITZ

  • TRAVEL: from Keetmanshoop to Luderitz | from Luderitz to Helmerighausen
  • DISTANCE: 175 miles (3 hours) | 145 miles (2.5 hours)
  • HIGHLIGHT: Ghost town of Kolmanskop | Luderitiz coastal town | Wild horses
  • DRIVING: The drive to the Luderitz area on B4 (paved roads) is beautiful but at the same time, it can be a little challenging, as strong winds blow and the sand can obscure visibility. Just respect the speed limits and take extra caution while driving if the wind starts blowing the sand across the road. Leaving Luderitz, you will backtrack along B4 before turning north on gravel roads to reach Helmringhausen and NamibRand Nature Reserve. You will slow down a little on the gravel roads and you will also want to decrease the pressure in your tires to avoid getting flats and improve handling.
  • Check here for best options for accommodations around Helmeringhausen

Start your second day of your Namibia and Botswana itinerary by visiting the ghost town of  Kolmanskop , located in the Forbidden Zone in the Namib Desert –  one of the most fascinating things about abandoned places in the absence of life, but the profound sense of curiosity it creates to know what its whole story is.

From diamonds to dust – What one day was a wealthy town, where diamonds could easily be found, because of intensive mining, it depleted the area and by 1956 it was abandoned. Now the dunes fill the rooms of the town with banks of sand creating an intriguing landscape and a paradise for photographers.

Namibia road trip to the desert itinerary

After visiting Kolmanskop in the morning, it is only 15 minutes driving to the next destination,  Luderitz , a cool and often foggy coastal town where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Namib Desert. It is a great stop for a fresh seafood lunch, and to visit the colorful German architectural building.

In your driving from Luderitz to Aus, you can also see some of the only  Wild Horses  in Africa. These horses were brought by European colonists, who found a new home in the Namib desert in an area known as the Garub.

I chose to spend the night at Helmeringhausen since it was a good distance to my next destination. This was my first night camping, how exciting!

PRO-TIP: Note that if you are visiting Kolmanskop, the gate closes at 1:00 PM every day, and you will need to reserve at least 2 hours to explore the whole town.

wild horses in Namibia self-drive

DAY 3: DRIVE TO SOSSUSVLEI AND START EXPLORING THE DESERT (2 OVERNIGHTS)

  • TRAVEL: from Helmeringhausen to Sossusvlei
  • DISTANCE: 100 miles | 2.5 hours
  • HIGHLIGHT: Amazing views of Sesriem Canyon | Sossusvlei | Deadsvlei
  • DRIVING: On the third day of this Namibia self-drive itinerary the driving will be on gravel roads on C27. The scenery is an amazing introduction to the drive in the desert, it is desolated and a great opportunity to already start spotting some animals. I saw many ostrich, zebras, oryx, and springbok . While the road is not bad at all, I ended up getting 2 flat tires on my way to Sossusvlei. While it doesn’t require a 4WD to get to Sossusvlei, some skills are required to drive on this road.
  • Check here for the best options for accommodations in Sesriem

Sesriem is the town at the gate of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, and here is a great opportunity to fuel up with gas and shop for any food and water. I arrived mid-afternoon, checked in at my campsite, and went to explore the park and watch the sunset from the dunes.

Once you are inside the park, you can start driving on what one day was a riverbed, and today serves as roads among some of the tallest dunes in the world. Visiting Sossuvlei was the highlight of my trip to Namibia, and it was one of my bucket list places to visit on our planet – and I was right, it didn’t disappoint me as it is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited in my life.

Climb some of the dunes and hike across the desert. I chose to visit the dune adjacent to Dune 45, as there was no one there and offered me spectacular views and a great opportunity for taking stunning pictures.

PRO-TIP: Make sure your tires are between 1.6 and 1.8 bar as it will most likely save you from a flat tire (I learned the hard way). Higher pressure is better gas mileage, but it is also easier for rocks to puncture.

Namibia and Botswana itinerary

DAY 4 OF MY NAMIBIA AND BOTSWANA ITINERARY: VISIT THE SURREAL DEADVLEI AND CLIMB DUNES IN SOSSUSVLEI

  • TRAVEL: From Campsite to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei
  • DISTANCE: Your discretion
  • HIGHLIGHT: Amazing views of the Dunes | Sossusvlei | Deadvlei
  • DRIVING: Driving: Upon entering the park there is a tar road for about 45 minutes, at which point there is a car park for vehicles who can’t/prefer not to make the short 4×4 trip to Deadvlei and Sossusvlei.  I did see drivers getting stuck in the deep sands so take care to follow the tracks carefully and avoid any parts which look too deep. If you’re not comfortable driving a 4×4 off-road it may be wise not to attempt the deeper sand and use the shuttle instead. You absolutely need a 4×4 once you reach the end of the gravel road at Sossusvlei/Deadvlei. Here I put my truck in 4-low and drove through the deep sand to a dirt parking lot with a sign that said, “Deadvlei 1.1 km, follow the markers”. I could not find any markers to follow, and with the sand storm, I decided to drive around a little bit and explore the area. The storm died down eventually, and I was able to go back to the Deadvlei parking.

I woke up at 4:30 AM as the park gate opens 5 AM – and drove to Deadvlei for the sunrise. It is very rewarding to watch the shades of the petrified trees grow as the sun rises, and the dunes change shades of orange color. The scenery changes at the same speed I could continue to click the button on my camera.

namibia in 25 photos in Deadsvlei

I left the lodge an hour before sunrise to arrive at the park gate for opening and made a beeline for Deadvlei, the open plain where the isolated and long-dead camel thorn trees stand. The drive from the park gate to Deadvlei is about 50 minutes.

After the spectacular sunrise, I headED back to Dune 45 and climbed it. Climbing a dune is harder than I predicted and for each step, I would take upward, I felt that I would slide 2 steps back…and it started to get hot. December is summer in Africa and the mid-day temperatures can get extremely hot, this is when I realized it was over 100 degrees. I decided to head to the are lodge and have lunch and sip cold water, until the temperature dropped a little so I could continue to explore the desert.

PRO-TIP: If you want to see sunrise or sunset at the dunes note that only visitors who stay within the park are able to access it for sunrise or sunset as the park gates are otherwise closed for outside visitors. It can be very windy so be aware and I recommend having a scarf to cover your face from the sand. Mind your belongings because my hat flew away and I had to run to get it. Also, be aware of your electronic equipment, they really do not like sand.

namibia travel guide

DAY 5: DRIVE TO THE ATLANTIC COAST AREA OF WALVIS BAY (2 OVERNIGHTS)

  • TRAVEL: from Sossusvlei to Walvis Bay
  • DISTANCE: 227 miles | 6 hours
  • HIGHLIGHT: Solitare for photos | Walvis Bay for flamingos
  • DRIVING: It’s a 4-hour drive from the Sossusvlei area to Walvis Bay on a gravel road. A large portion of the drive passes through a long and straight road in the Namib-Naukluft National Park – You will drive in the desert then the landscape starts to change dramatically and you will drive among canyon and rock formations. Approaching Walvis Bay and the Atlantic Coast you start to see the ocean and perhaps some mist.
  • Check here for the best options for accommodations in Walvis Bay

This is another early morning of your Namibia and Botswana itinerary. Start the day by watching the sunrise in Sossusvlei, and again, another rewarding view. I returned to the Deadvlei again, as it is a popular place to capture the first sunrise of the day while spotting some dunes, including the tallest one, Big Daddy just in front of your eyes.

Time to have some strong coffee, roll out the tent and hit the road again, it’s time to leave the desert and make the journey towards the Atlantic Coast, driving on the very dusty and open roads.

Along the way drive to Solitaire, take some pictures of the old burnt cars, and try the “best apple pie in Namibia” from Moose McGregor’s Desert Bakery.

Namibia road trip in the desert

I was not very impressed with the industrial port town of Walvis Bay, with offshore oil rigs and salt companies marking the horizon, until I started to explore the beauty that this area offers.

One of the highlights is visiting the flamingo colony, where you can spot thousands of guess what? pink and white flamingos, as well as many other birds.

PRO-TIP: Solitaire is home to the only gas station between Sossusvlei and Walvis Bay so fill up if you need to!

Namibia itinerary to Walvis Bay road trip

DAY 6 OF MY NAMIBIA AND BOTSWANA ITINERARY: ADVENTURE IN SANDWICH HABOUR & EXPLORE SWAKOPMUND

Today was off the beaten track and absolutely one of my favorite things I have done in Namibia ever!

I drove to Sandwich Harbour – it is so amazing that the best description I have is “Where the desert meets the ocean” – I could not even imagine a landscape like existed. Driving over golden dunes nestled beside the Atlantic Ocean. I passed some seals, jackals, and jackals eating seals.

This experience was exhilarating and I highly recommend this excursion. The drive is not for the faint of heart, and there is a high probability of getting stuck in the sand along the beach. If the tide comes in, you could be in trouble. Don’t hesitate to hire a guide for this trek. It will be less stressful and more enjoyable.

Namibia desert

In the afternoon I visited  Swakopmund,  the largest coastal town in the country and the perfect stopover between the desert and the Skeleton Coast. Also here is where the locals go for their vacation, and it makes the perfect stop to eat some good German food and relax while stocking up on supplies!

Swakopmund is an adventure hotspot such as driving on the dunes, quad biking, sandboarding, and skydiving. It is also a very popular destination to fish in the ocean.

PRO-TIP: If you decide to self-drive to Sandwich-Harbor, note that a minimum of preparation is required. Have a proper 4×4, have great driving skills/experience in deep/soft sand, buy your permit to enter, and know the tide table before you go. I recommend booking the tour with a professional local tour company.

DAY 7: DRIVE THE SKELETON COAST AND VISIT THE SEAL COLONY AT CAPE COAST

  • TRAVEL : from Walvis Bay to Khorixas
  • DISTANCE: 200 miles | 4 hours
  • HIGHLIGHT: Swakopmund Town | Seal colony | Damaraland and cave painting
  • DRIVING: While along the coast, you will be driving in the mist created by the phenomena of having the heat of the dunes and the cold Atlantic ocean. The gravel roads that traverse the region can be both challenging and slow but are generally suitable for 2WD and 4WD vehicles, and today is the journey into the wilderness. Heading east towards Khorixas, the roads are wide dirt/gravel that can be quite dusty in the dry season. The roads are well maintained though you will want to make sure you are running lower pressure (1.8 bar) in your tires to avoid flats caused by the gravel.
  • Check here for the best options for accommodations in Khorixas

One of the most dreamed destinations in Namibia is  Skeleton Coast , named for the whale bones that once littered this stretch of coastline, and spot many of the shipwrecks claimed by rough seas and harsh weather. Drive to Henties Bay, stopping en route to admire the wreck of the Zeila.

Along the Skeleton Coast, it is very misty in the morning, and the temperatures are much lower than in the desert, around 17-20 C. At Henties Bay, the road to Damaraland turns sharply inland. The cold, moisture-laden air of the coast melts away, to be replaced by the hot desert sun.

Then head to Cape Cross to visit the seal colony. You will see thousands of Cape fur seals, what is considered the largest aggregations in the world. Just watching the furry faces, and catching some sun while pups milk from their mom was a very special moment and a great place to visit. Yes, it can smell very strong, but after a few minutes I just got used to the smell and it didn’t bother me any longer.

PRO-TIP: If you desire to visit the shipwrecks,  I recommend having the areas marked in advance, as while you are driving on the road, the mist makes it hard to see anything from the road.

Skeleton Coast in Namibia

DAY 8: IMMERSION AT HIMBA VILLAGE AND DRIVE TO ETOSHA

  • TRAVEL: from Khorixas to Etosha National Park
  • DISTANCE: 165 miles | 4 hours
  • HIGHLIGHT: Visit Himba Village | First day of safari in Etosha
  • DRIVING: For the first half of the drive toward Etosha C39 is a wide gravel road. You will then turn north at Outjo on C38 (paved road) to head to the Okaukuejo Gate inside Etosha National Park.
  • Check here for options for accommodations in Etosha National Park

Visiting the Himba Village was one of the highlights of my trip to Namibia!

Between my drive from Khorixas to Etosha, I saw these Himba ladies on the side of the road, and I stopped to make some donations and to check on some local items they were selling. Pow! I end up spending my whole plan for today and skipping one day of safari in Etosha. But hey, I was so happy with this opportunity since I wanted the opportunity to have an ethical encounter with the local tribes, and this was the perfect opportunity.

They took me to their village, dressed me as the “Himba Paula” and shared some of the amazing traditions of the Himba people. I ended up spending an amazing half day with them before I insist they would allow me to leave to continue my journey.

PRO-TIP: If you also want to have a real authentic experience with the Himba people, keep an eye and try to make connections. You will see them around this area and you can ask them if they would accept your visit to their village, and they will charge you a small amount to show you their homes, traditions and amazing hand-made clothes.

The drive to Etosha was 4 hours. I checked in at the hotel outside the gate and headed to the National Park to buy my permit. I did a 3-hour safari since the gates close at 7 pm in the summertime. I had the chance to see many animals in the park, as at the end of the day it is a great time to spot animals. The best ”catch” of the day was to watch the king lion passion right in front of my car without even looking at me.

During dinner time at the lodge, I had the pleasure to watch the first rain of the season…a stunning moment!

Get inspired to travel to Namibia and visit te Himba people

DAY 9: ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK SELF-DRIVE SAFARI

  • TRAVEL: from Etosha to Grashoek
  • DISTANCE: 300 miles | 5 hours
  • HIGHLIGHT: Amazing number of animals at Etosha National Park
  • DRIVING: Etosha National Park was designed for self-drives to easily navigate the park, and the park has all the structures provided by the government such as campsites, bathrooms, and gas stations. A 4×4 is not required to drive in Etosha.
  • Check here for options for accommodations in Etosha

Etosha is the most renowned wildlife area of Namibia with a salt pan so large it can apparently be seen from space. It is considered one of the best safaris on the planet, and it is very well known for the water holes, which are magnets for wildlife, Etosha is one of the highlights of any destination on a 3-week Namibia and Botswana self-drive itinerary.

Start your day very early, as chances to view the wildlife is best!

If you visit Etosha during the high season, your chances are to see the wildlife just congregated around the waterholes. I visited during the low season, which means there is more water in the park, therefore, the animals are more spread around the park, and not only around the waterholes, which makes it more difficult to spot the animal, but I still saw many animals, including giraffe, elephants, zebras, wildest and I even saw a white rhino.

After 10 hours of self-drive safari, I headed to my next destination and spent the night at the Bushman campsite, and guess what? They are really in the bush and there is no electricity or water at the campsite…but surely I had a lot of excitement to make up for it.

PRO-TIP: If you have the chance, spend at least 2 nights in Etosha, as the wildlife is vast and the landscape is from another planet.

Namibia safari itinerary in Etosha

DAY 10: ACTIVE DAY IN THE BUSHES WITH THE BUSHMAN

  • TRAVEL: from Grashoek to the Caprivi Strip
  • DISTANCE: 290 miles (7 hours)
  • HIGHLIGHT: Spend the day with the Bushman
  • DRIVING: Be ready as today is a long day driving! You will leave the Living Museum and drive on gravel roads until you get to B8 towards the Caprive Strip. B8 is in great condition. There is also a lot of activity happening along roads – you will pass a lot of villages, see kids playing, people walking to go collect water and just be aware of the animals (goats, cows, donkeys…) they can really cross in front of the car at any moment. Now you are making your way to the Caprivi Strip and Bostwana.
  • Check here for options for accommodations at Caprivi Strip

I spent the day with the bushman (San people) at the Living Museum of Ju/’Hoansi-San  and it was one of the highlights of my trip to Namibia I highly recommend this activity.

As a  big supporter of responsible and ethical traveling , the good news is that the Living Museum is a very ethical and a cultural highlight in Namibia as well as a good example for sustainable development, as the visitors give back to the local community and help to support Preservation of their culture.

Besides social work, we have an opportunity to learn a lot about the traditional culture and the original way of living of the San, and to participate in many activities that can be offered in a visit as short as half-day up to 3 days.

A the end of my activities with the Bushmen, it was time to head back to the road toward the Okavango delta panhandle in the western Caprivi strip.

The San People inspires to travel to Namibia

DAY 11: CAPRIVI STRIP & CROSSING FROM NAMIBIA INTO BOTSWANA ITINERARY

  • TRAVEL: from Ngepi Campsite (Namibia) to Kasane (Botswana)
  • DISTANCE: 280 Miles / 5 Hours
  • HIGHLIGHT: Driving the Caprivi Strip/ Visiting villages along with the road/ Huge number of animals on Chobe River Front
  • DRIVING: After driving in the desert, the Caprivi Strip region is an oasis, and you will start to see enormous trees and the high biodiversity of the area. It requires a stop at the Trans Kalahari border control for immigration between Botswana and Namibia. The roads are excellent and the border crossing was quick and painless when we crossed.  DO NOT drive at night like cattle, elephants, and other livestock are frequently encountered
  • Check here for options for accommodations in Kasane

Today I drove the Caprivi Strip from Namibia to Botswana. First, take a break and  look at the location of the Caprivi Strip on the map – It is a 280-mile-long panhandle only 20 miles (32 kilometers) wide, a very interesting place on the map, and of course, to drive.

Keep in mind that if you’re crossing into the country overland and in your own (or rented) car, when you pass through immigration, they will search for fresh meat, fresh fruit, and dairy products, most of which will be confiscated if found. Knowing that I stopped along the road to donate all my food (meat, fruits, and vegetables) that cannot enter from Namibia to Botswana. It is also a great opportunity to get to know some local people, and also, they will appreciate you sharing the food with them.  Check here for more information about entry and exit of Botswana. 

PRO-TIP: I need to give a shout to the campsite today, as Negepi was the coolest, funniest, and most creative campsite during my whole trip. They even have the world-famous funky ablutions – a selection of very unique outdoor showers and toilets! Plus they offer homemade meals, plenty of activities, and a full bar with free Wi-Fi and a great location if you are heading to Botswana.

Caprivi Strip from Namibia to Botswana

DAY 12 NAMIBIA AND BOTSWANA ITINERARY: SAFARI AT CHOBE RIVERFRONT – THE ELEPHANT ENCOUNTER

  • TRAVEL: Safari on Chobi Riverfront
  • DISTANCE: As many hours/miles as you like
  • HIGHLIGHT: Self-drive safari along the river – lots of animals
  • DRIVING: A 4WD is required to drive on the Chobe River Front, as some spots have deep sand. Depending on the period you may be able to drive along the riverbed or not. Enter at the Ngoma Gate end and enjoy a leisurely drive to Ihaha Camp, also the best spot to see lions.

Chobe River Front was THE BEST SAFARI I ever have done! For all the details about the Best safaris in Botswana , visit this complete article.

I did a 10-hour self-drive safari and saw hundreds of zebras, waterbok, giraffes, springboks, and elephants – at around 1:30 PM I parked at a mud hole close to the Elephant Grave to watch a herd of elephants when suddenly I was surrounded by hundreds of elephants. It was one of the highlights of my whole trip

At sunset, I was back to the camp to watch the sunset from the infinity pool while also watching herds of elephants drink water from the camp water hole. It was the best Christmas Eve!

PRO-TIP: I recommend buying the Chobe National Park tourist map sold at the gate. They have tons of good information about how to self-drive the park, including very detailed maps.

Botswana camping in remote areas

DAY 13: SEARCH FOR THE BIG CATS IN SAVUTI NATIONAL PARK (2 OVERNIGHTS)

  • TRAVEL: from Chobe Riverfront to Savuti
  • DISTANCE: 75 Miles / 7 Hours
  • HIGHLIGHT: Landscape in Savuti/ Wildlife diversity/ Encounter with lions
  • DRIVING: This was the only part of driving my 3-week self-drive in Namibia & Botswana trip that I really felt nervous about. It is and fell very isolated, I drove 7 hours without seeing another car. Roads are typically thick sand and very tricky to drive, even with lowered tire pressure it is a very uncomfortable drive and I had a flat tire. The distance is not too long, but you will drive around 15-20 km/h. When it rains, you cannot drive along the marsh roads as the wet black cotton soil becomes completely unnavigable and you will get badly stuck.
  • Check luxury options for accommodations in Savuti

Landscape in Savuti/ Wildlife diversity/ Encounter with lions

Savuti National Park is considered one of the best places to spot predators. Lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, hyens, and leopards are the main reason visitors drive to this remote part of Chobe National Park.

Besides the excitement to see a lion eating its kill under the bush from a very close distance, I didn’t spot any other big cat. But I did visit the park as it offers a big variety between the baobab trees, rock painting, and driving on the river channel which remains dry for about 70 years.

Also, Savuti is well known as lions prey on elephants, and I could see signs with so many skeletons on the ground.

Savuti National Park in Botswana

DAY 14: SAFARI DAY IN SAVUTI & THE LIONESSES AND THEIR CUBS

I call it a “winner day” when you see 2 lionesses and 9 cubs first thing in the morning. Yes, I sat for over an hour watching a family of lions just living their everyday lives at Savuti.

I also saw many other animals, but no more cats. But it was still one of my favorite safaris during my 3-week self-drive in Namibia & Botswana.

PRO-TIP: Lions are normally active early in the morning or in the evening, during the day they normally hide under bushes and it is almost impossible to spot them.

Botswana best camping is in Savuti

DAY 15: SAFARI IN KHWAI & ENCOUNTER WITH HIPPOS

  • TRAVEL: from Savuti to Khwai
  • DISTANCE: 40 Miles / 3.5 Hours
  • DRIVING: The dirt roads are unforgiving and progress is slow, but that is why you are on a safari. Caution and patience are needed to wind your way along the trails, dodging potholes, mud pits, and deep sand.
  • Check here for the best accommodation options in Khwai

The drive from Savuti ti Khwai is a safari in itself. After passing through Khwai Gate and paying the entry fee, the landscape changes and it becomes much more evident that you are in the Okavango Delta. This area is known for its abundance of water and the life that it supports.

The Khwai Campsite is located in the area called Dombo Hippo Pools. Hippos are easy to find in the safari drive near the campsite. I also saw herds of zebra and quite a few elephants. I went on a long game drive to explore this region. There are large tracts of Mopane forest with pools and floodplains interspersed.

The area is challenging to drive as there are deep mud pools on many of the trails and some wet areas that make it impossible to pass.

PRO-TIP: If you are going on a self-drive in Botswana, most of the driving will be off-road. I recommend carrying a backpack as it will protect your belongings on bumpy roads. Check here the Review on Top Backpacks on the market today.

Safari at he Okavango Delta

DAY 16: SAFARI XAKANAKA & DEAD TREE ISLAND

  • TRAVEL: from Khwai to Xakanaka
  • DISTANCE: 28 Miles / 2 Hours
  • DRIVING: The dirt roads/trails are quite challenging to drive. Keep one eye on the trail and the other eye open for wildlife. The scenery is amazing and the trails will keep you weaving. Don’t underestimate the fatigue from navigating the truck all day long, and keep hydrated and nourished to maintain your resilience.
  • Check here for best accommodation options in Savuti

The drive to Xakanaka took around 2-hours and it was also very challenging. The roads are rutted and winding. During the rains, it is almost impossible to drive, with some very deep waterholes in the road and the journey can take up to 4-hours.

The game reserve in this area is phenomenal – but a day doing a self-driving safari is exhausting – the vegetation is very dense and there are a lot of dead trees on the ground. Also, there are so many holes with water and mud, which makes the driving very challenging if you are trying to spot animals, take pictures, and drive. 

Xakanaxa occupies a narrow strip of land surrounded by marshes and lagoons . At night you can easily hear the animals, especially elephants, or be serenaded by hippo grunts. 

This area is one of few offering a year-round land and water game-viewing experience, possible to explore by car or powerboats.

On a day of safari in this area , it is easy to spot a large variety of animals such as elephants, buffalo, hyena, giraffe, hippo, wildebeest, kudu, lechwe, and if you are lucky, lion and leopard, among many others.

After a whole day of self-drive safari –  with a 1-hour break for a nap under a tree in the middle of the day – time to go back to the camp, cook dinner, and get some rest. 

wild safari in Botswana

DAY 17: THIRD BRIDGE

  • TRAVEL: from Xakanaka to Third Bridge
  • DISTANCE: 10 Miles / 1.5 Hours
  • DRIVING: The trails are bad in the good season, and terrible in the rainy season. Driving is extremely rough and slow. You can expect to average ~10-15 MPH while dodging mud holes and potholes. After Second Bridge the sandy trails are very bumpy and difficult to navigate.
  • Check here for best accommdoation options

The wildlife in this section of Okavango Delta is incredible for safari, and you feel all the time that you are truly amongst the wildlife.

At lunchtime, I was back at the campsite to skip the mid-day sun and cool down in the shade of the trees, while cooking lunch. When a herd of elephants had the same idea and I had to share my shade with them. It was a magical moment, and one of the highlights of my trip to Botswana. 

PRO-TIP: Make sure you pack lots of water, as you will be very isolated in this part of Botswana. I thought I had enough water, but with the hit and humidity, I ran out of water 2 days earlier than I had planned and I had to boil water from the Okavango Delta to drink. It is smart to also pack some portable water filters.

Namibia and Botswana itinerary

DAY 18: THIRD BRIDGE & WATER SAFARI

The second day of my Third Bridge safari was one of my favorite safaris.

Today I tried a water safari, taking a 2 hour (it turned into a 3) boat from the Third Bridge Camp. I spotted an amazing variety of birds, some baby crocodiles, and the kings of the water in Okavango, lots of hippos!

Our boat engine stopped working when we arrived at the far end of the Second Lagoon, which has around 60 hippos that live there. Being surrounded by the most aggressive animal in nature, during sunset (it means, getting dark) was terrifying. But our guide was very good and managed to call on the radio for help and they sent another boat to rescue us. I survived another adventure at Okavango Delta.

Safari at Okavango Delta in Botswana

DAY 19: LEAVING OKAVANGO DELTA DRIVE TOWARD NAMIBIA

  • TRAVEL: from the Third Bridge to Maun to Ghanzi
  • DISTANCE: 90 Miles / 5 Hours | 177 Miles / 3.5 Hours
  • HIGHLIGHT: Reaching civilization and being able to refuel and restock – and eat at a restaurant
  • DRIVING: Leaving Third Bridge and following the bumpy dirt road out of the Game Reserve, you will then reach a paved road to get to Maun. This is an easy drive and a chance to refuel after your week in the bush. The drive west from Maun to Ghanzi is paved and straight.
  • Check here for best accommodations options in Ghanzi

Departing Third Bridge was such sweet sorrow. I was running out of fresh water and my gas tanks were low. The past week had been intense off-road driving and unforgettable animal encounters. It was time to leave Okavango behind and head back to civilization.

On my way out of Third Bridge, I passed a larger herd of zebra. They watched as I drove by as if to say farewell. The trail leaving Third Bridge was well worn and less bumpy than the previous days’ drives. After passing through South Gate, it was a short drive to A3 and on-road driving. It was such an incredible feeling once I hit a paved road again. On the pavement, I made good time to Maun.

Arriving in Maun , I made a stop for lunch at a restaurant and enjoyed my first real sit-down meal in over 1 week. It was a simple meal, but it may as well have been a feast for me. Following lunch, I gassed up the truck and picked up some essentials at a local grocery store. Knowing that I needed to make my way back to Namibia, I did not spend much time in Maun.

Driving east in the early afternoon I made it as far as Ghanzi before nightfall. This was a great mid-way point for my trip back to Windhoek. I spent my first night in a real bed in over 1 week and had a nice meal in the hotel restaurant.

Namibia and Botswana itinerary

DAY 20: WINDHOEK LODGE & RECOVERY DAY

  • TRAVEL: from Ghanzi to Windhoek
  • DISTANCE: 350 Miles / 7 Hours
  • HIGHLIGHT: Enjoy the scenery along the road and reminisce on the adventures you just had. Relax at the Daan Viljoen Game Park Lodge and enjoy the small game reserve.
  • DRIVING: Ghanzi to Windhoek follows the well-paved A2 / B6 Trans Kalahari Highway. The border towns near Namibia are notorious for speed traps and police will not hesitate to stop you for even 1km over the limit. Allow yourself time to pass through customs before crossing back into Namibia.
  • Check here for best accommodation options in Windhoek

I very rarely spend money on lodges, but to celebrate the end of this amazing 3 weeks road trip in Namibia & Botswana, and also, it was New Year – Oh boy! It was a great way to recharge from the long drive on bumpy roads and to lay down in a comfortable bed before I start my journey back home.

The Daan Viljoen Game Park is located on the outskirts of Windhoek and makes a great place to stay before heading to the airport for your return flight. The park is 40 square km of wildlife, camping and picnic sites, and a lodge. You can relax by the pool, continue your safari or enjoy a nice meal in one of the restaurants.

I spent this last night of my Namibia and Botswana itinerary with a big smile on my face remembering climbing the dunes in Sossusvlei and seeing so many animals in their natural habitat.

Lodge at Namibia road trip

DAY 21 OF MY NAMIBIA AND BOTSWANA ITINERARY: WINDHOEK AND DEPARTURE DAY

And this is the grand finale of my Namibia and Botswana itinerary adventure!

I returned my 4WD and headed to the Hosea Kutato International Airport. Arriving early at the airport I was able to check-in and browse some of the small souvenir shops. I grabbed a coffee and a light meal at the airport restaurant and thumbed through my pictures before getting on the plane, exhausted but exhilarated.

Savuti Camp

Travel Insurance for your trip

I never leave my home without travel insurance which is designed to help cover your expenses if something goes wrong on your trip. Things can go wrong, and you don’t want to get stuck paying tons of money if you get sick or have an accident without travel insurance. 

World Nomads Travel Insurance  has been designed by travelers for travelers, to cover their trip essentials. Especially if you are like me, travel insurance is ideal for adventurous travelers. Travel smarter and safer – You can do your quick quote below and find out how little you can pay for the essential benefit of Travel Insurance for your next trip!

Namibia and Botswana Itinerary | Trip Resources

Renting a car for a namibia road trip.

You will need to have a 4×4 vehicle to go on your Namibia road trip. It can be confusing renting a car in Namibia since there are different providers, offering different rental car options.

First of all, you will need to decide if you will rent a 4×4 truck or a 4×4 truck with a tent on top (if you are planning to camp around the country).

You can save on your rental car when you book through this site . I use and recommend Discover Cars because it is the most reliable rental car source, and it allows you to compare the prices of different places.

Self-drive safari Botswana

SELF-DRIVING IN NAMIBIA & BOTSWANA ITINERARY

*Self-drive conditions may vary between wet (November to March) and dry (April to October) seasons. Your self-drive itinerary will need to be tailored respecting the time of the year that you are visiting. 

Driving in Namibia is relatively easy. There are only a few roads that are paved and have a speed limit of up to 120 km/h and the majority of the roads have different levels of gravel road, which some are really good and you still can drive at 100 km/h.

Others can be challenging and too bumpy and/or sandy, and driving slowly with extra caution is required. Make sure to go over your rental car company and follow all the instructions they will give you, such as pressure on the tire, speed limit, and what you should do when you get stuck in deep sand.

NOTE: Check here for Everything you need to know about driving in Namibia

If you are driving in the National Parks in Botswana, a 4×4 is essential, since there are both, deep sand and clay.

Especially if you are self-driving in the Okavango Delta region, the best time to visit is during the dry season. The only public roads in this region are the western and eastern sides of the Panhandle and Moremi Game Reserve.

Botswna safari at Okavango Delta

NAMIBIA TAILOR-MADE TOUR

A popular alternative to visiting Namibia is to hire an expert local company. They can incorporate any destination into your travels or even any animal species that you hope to see.

You can create a bespoke itinerary, and design your ultimate safari to match your interest, budget, and travel dates. I highly recommend Wild Wonderful World , as they put together incredible itineraries, and part of the profits are used on amazing conservation efforts in Africa

** NAMIBIA TOUR DISCOUNT ALERT **

I have great news for my readers, I used and I recommend Wild Wonderful World – I partnered with them to offer a discount to you! Just sign in below to receive a discount code directly in your email.

MORE TIPS TO SELF-DRIVE IN NAMIBIA & BOTSWANA ITINERARY

  • Currency:   Namibia uses Namibian Dollar – check here for the current exchange rate. Botswana uses Pula – check here for the current exchange rate. Different from some other countries, you will need to carry the local cash with you, an ATM can be found in the cities.
  • Fuel: Since you will be driving long distances, fuel regularly in the major towns as there can be long distances between stations. Credit cards are accepted in the larger stations but many smaller stops were cash only.
  • Supplies: Snacks and drinks are available at most of the fuel stops and the bigger towns had a well-stocked Spar.
  • Maps/GPS: Our rental car came with a GPS and it worked wonders, even in remote areas. I also kept a paper map in the glove box just in case!
  • SIM cards: it’s easy to pick up a pay-as-you-go SIM in the MCT store at the airports as well as local mobile network stores.
  • Internet/Wi-Fi: In Namibia, I found it easier to find camping with Wi-Fi available. I didn’t have an internet connection during my trip to Botswana.

Namibia and Botswana itinerary

My Namibia and Botswana itinerary in Conclusion

This is my very detailed Namibia and Botswana itinerary, and I hope this can help you to plan your adventure trip!

Namibia and Botswana are safe countries to visit and drive to, you just need to make sure you have a good itinerary and a map with you. I also recommend renting a 4×4 truck, as you will be driving off-road, as well as on paved roads.

If you are looking for a tour operator to plan a trip for you, I highly recommend   Wild Wonderful World , and part of the profits is used on amazing conservation efforts.

If I forgot to cover something, or if you have any additional questions, please leave your comment below and I will be thrilled to get back to you.

WHAT I WOULD DO THE SAME

I planned my whole trip itinerary months in advance to make sure I would visit the places I absolutely wanted to see. I would recommend a pre-planning if you are going to self-drive in Namibia and Botswana. The area is very remote and the distances can be longer than what the Google Maps shows. Do your research and understand the destinations that will help you to have successful travel.

WHAT I WOULD DO DIFFERENT

It is hard to say because I absolutely love my 3-week self-drive in Namibia & Botswana trip, but of course, there is always something we would change to make the perfect trip, be perfection. If I had the chance to change something, knowing what I learned from this trip, I would spend 2 fewer days in Okavango Delta and dedicate one more day at Etosha and one more day to Chobe Riverfront – as I think these places are highlights for spotting animals, and I didn’t spend enough time on these locations.

I also found myself out of cash and out of water during my Okavango Delta excursion. Towards the end of the safari, I did not have the cash to pay the entry fees at the Game Reserve gates, and they could not accept credit cards. I wound up paying for the entry fee at the government office in Maun, but I wish I had brought more cash with me (including to pay for a boat safari or any other opportunity). I would have also definitely brought more water – more is better. I made do by boiling water from the campsite faucets.

If you are planning a trip to Namibia, make sure you check out my other posts:

  • Namibia Road Trip itinerary
  • Botswana Road Trip Itinerary
  • Best safaris + Camping sites in Botswana
  • How to Self-driving in Namibia – 20 Essential tips
  • How to rent a car in Namibia
  • 15 Must-visit places in Namibia: A photo journey

Namibia self-drive road trip

Follow + Share

If you found this guide useful, follow me on Instagram to stay up to date with my travels & Subscribe to my YouTube Channel to keep you with my workout videos.

I would love it if you could follow me on Pinterest and share this guide on my social media.

Plan your Trip

You can plan your trip with this easy guide and have access to the best services I recommend and you can get discounted prices.

Road trips quotes

Self-Driving in Namibia: 22 Essential Tips to Drive in Namibia

Namibia self-drive road trip map

Namibia Self Drive Itinerary: Ultimate Namibia Road Trip + Map

Namibia car rental

7 Essential Tips to Safely Rent a Car in Namibia

9 thoughts on “namibia & botswana itinerary: ultimate 3-week road trip from the dunes to safaris”.

What an amaaaaazing trip! I love the contrast between your time in the sand dunes compared to seeing all that incredible wildlife. I have never seen anything like Quivertree Forest – those trees are incredible!

p.s. Thanks for the tips about the cash. I am always worried about carrying too much cash (now everything here is paid with cards.) So it is good to know to bring plenty!

Whoaaa! That is such a comprehensive travel guide. I doubt if there is anything else that anybody would have to check out about the destination.

This is an amazing trip guide and such a detailed itinerary. I’ve always wanted to visit the Okavango Delta & I couldn’t get there when I was in Africa so it’s been on my list for a while now. Namibia looks amazing too. Thanks so much for sharing! I’m saving this for future reference.

Wow, the detail of this itinerary is astounding! What an incredible adventure and inspiration. I’ve completely fallen in love with the wild horses of Namib and the fur seals!

It looks like an amazing road trip! I have always been fascinated by the desert in Namibia and I was in awe with the flamingos! I will make sure to read your tips again if I can ever make it there 🙂

This post is super helpful as we are currently trying to plan our trip down to Namibia/ Botswana ourselves. May I ask, what time of year did you do this trip? We are currently considering April/ May but the delta and some other Botswana roads might be challenging then… Thank you!

Hello Svenja,

I’m so glad you found this guide helpful. When I was preparing for my trip to Namibia and Botswana, I had a hard time planning my itinerary because the information available on the web was very limited. That’s why I decided to share my experience along with all the tips I gathered.

I visited in December, and even though it was a bit risky due to the rainy season, I was fortunate not to encounter much rain. This allowed me to explore Okavango Delta. I would recommend being extra cautious with your planning and remaining flexible once you’re there. It’s a good idea to have both a Plan A and Plan B, depending on the weather conditions. During heavy rain, travel options may be limited depending on your location.

It’s important to note that there are no GPS routes available in Botswana when you’re driving off-road, so we had to rely on coordinates to find our way.

This looks amazing and definitely so helpful. A question….would you have added Victoria Falls to your itinerary? Thanks

Hello, I am glad you found my article helpful. If I had the time, yes, I would had added Victoria Falls. But my priority was to do as many safaris as I could, so I had to skip the falls this time. But since you are going to be very close to the fall, it is a good option to visit it.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

  • Botswana Tourism
  • Botswana Hotels
  • Bed and Breakfast Botswana
  • Botswana Holiday Rentals
  • Flights to Botswana
  • Botswana Restaurants
  • Botswana Attractions
  • Botswana Travel Forum
  • Botswana Photos
  • All Botswana Hotels
  • Botswana Hotel Deals
  • Last Minute Hotels in Botswana
  • Things to Do
  • Restaurants
  • Holiday Rentals
  • Travel Stories
  • Add a Place
  • Travel Forum
  • Travellers' Choice
  • Help Centre

Trailfinders/Kuoni or expert Africa for Botswana - Botswana Forum

  • Africa    
  • Botswana    

Trailfinders/Kuoni or expert Africa for Botswana

  • United Kingdom Forums
  • United States Forums
  • Europe Forums
  • Canada Forums
  • Asia Forums
  • Central America Forums
  • Africa Forums
  • Caribbean Forums
  • Mexico Forums
  • South Pacific Forums
  • South America Forums
  • Middle East Forums
  • Honeymoons and Romance
  • Business Travel
  • Train Travel
  • Traveling With Disabilities
  • Tripadvisor Support
  • Solo Travel
  • Bargain Travel
  • Timeshares / Holiday Rentals
  • Africa forums
  • Botswana forum

' class=

Planning trip to Botswana in 2 lodges 3 nights each in July - anyone advise between Trailfinders or Kuoni or expert Africa?

' class=

Why not use a reputable local agent such as Lelobu Safaris or Safari Lifestyles.We have used the former as have others on this forum. Anton (LS) and Roger (SL) both contribute posts here and provide valuable local advice.An agent located in the country you are visiting is a major plus in my view and if there are are unforeseen issues they can be dealt with quickly and you haven't got to worry about time zones if you need to get in contact.

botswana safari trailfinders

expert africa is considered very reputable in the safari industry. the other 2 appear to be not exclusive in safari but that doesnt mean much since your trip is rather simple (no complicated cross-country logistics) and you already know what you want.

if price is roughly similar then it is down to 3 things

1. change/cancellation policy

2. who will be there for you when things go wrong

3. who is willing to further reduce price

make sure you review #1 carefully

I would not be recommending any tour operator or agent that I had not checked out in detail and researched thoroughly so I find your comments to be somewhat supercilious. Anyone looking into using an agent would be well advised to do as much detailed investigation as possible, to check out the bona fides of staff/ company no matter if they are small independent operators or large international organisations.

Both Safari Lifestyles and Lelobu have had very positive reviews and favourable comments in this Forum and elsewhere. Doing the groundwork is essential as the devil is in the detail !

' class=

that's for sure above and beyond. and to have chris in the mix too... a personal touch all the way from the top. a glance at EA booking policy reveals it to be quite generous. they probably could negotiate that due to their strong ties with lodges/camps.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

  • Tour operator - Khaki & Dust Safaris 03:57
  • Help with planning! 20:39
  • Namibia vs Kenya vs Botswana ?? 19:16
  • Mid-May questions 21 March 2024
  • Okavango Flood 2024 update 21 March 2024
  • Delta in late April 2024 21 March 2024
  • Trip Report- Jan 2024 20 March 2024
  • What do you think our itinerary in June Botswana... 20 March 2024
  • What’s is the wildlife viewing actually like? 19 March 2024
  • Etosha from Windhoek - is a 4x4 required? 18 March 2024
  • October: Savute? Chobe? Lynanti? 18 March 2024
  • Okavango Delta water level 2024 17 March 2024
  • Choosing an Okavango Delta camp for May 2025 16 March 2024
  • Maun Lodge 14 March 2024
  • Totally confused about the best time to visit Botswana 14 replies
  • Is Botswana Safe to visit... 14 replies
  • Safari Binoculars 10 replies
  • Africa Travel Co - reviews 7 replies
  • electric plugs in botswana & zambia 5 replies
  • Botswana vs. Tanzania 18 replies
  • Intrepid Travel Review - South Africa, Botswana & Zimbabwe 40 replies
  • Yellow Fever Vaccine, South Africa, or Botswana 14 replies
  • Rabies Vaccination? 10 replies
  • Self drive in Botswana? 45 replies

Botswana Hotels and Places to Stay

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

  • Off The Map
  • Environmental Pledge
  • Ecosystems Supported
  • Destinations
  • Experiences
  • Best time to travel
  • Five-year plan
  • Donor Travel
  • Climate Emergency
  • Potted History
  • Home Visits

experiences

Helicopter safaris across botswana.

botswana safari trailfinders

Images courtesy Helicopter Horizons

Home / Experiences / Helicopter Safaris across Botswana

Given Botswana’s hugely varied habitat – the Okavango Delta, the Linyanti River, the swamps and plains of Chobe National Park, the Makgadikgadi Pans – the opportunity to see it from the air is something of a rare privilege.

botswana safari trailfinders

Based in the Okavango Delta , at one of its luxury lodges, your helicopter safari will take you into the Angolan highlands, to the source of the delta, before flying south-west across the delta, the river front and the waterways of Selinda and Savuti, and then on to the flat white pans of the Kalahari. Along the way, and from the relatively unthreatening position of the sky, you will have the opportunity to see elephant, lion, hippo, crocodile, spotted hyena, leopard, blue wildebeest, zebra, impala, wild dog, buffalo and red lechwe. Seen either via open side doors or specially constructed viewing floors, this is safari at its most unique.

As well as unparalleled access to a variety of habitat and animal, your journey by helicopter will take you to the inaccessible, to areas that would otherwise be impossible to visit: lunch, for example, on a delta island, followed by sundowners on the beautifully bleak Nxai Pan, all in the same day, most exclusive of safari experiences.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Travel ideas, conservation stories and the latest from our exploration team

What best describes you?

Email address

SafariBookings

  • You are here:
  • Tour Operators

Trailfinders Africa Safaris

botswana safari trailfinders

Happy clients on their first safari

  • Company  Profile
  • Destinations

Tour Company operating Tours and safaris, Mountain Trekking and Beach Holidays. Wildlife Tours, Cultural and Bird watching are some of the activities we offer. Daily Group Tour and Private safaris departs any day clients need.

Safaris & Tours 0 – Offered by Trailfinders Africa Safaris

No safaris offered by Trailfinders Africa Safaris on SafariBookings at the moment.

Reviews 33 – About Trailfinders Africa Safaris

Latest user review.

France

A great safari !

I recommend the 6 days safari with Trailfinders. I travelled with my wife, we enjoyed a lot the experience. We saw all the animals. The sunset in the masai mara was just amazing. The food and accomodations was very good.

Full Review

  • All corporate and/or tour info is provided by Trailfinders Africa Safaris, not SafariBookings

IMAGES

  1. Botswana Wildlife Safari Tour

    botswana safari trailfinders

  2. Botswana Wildlife Safari

    botswana safari trailfinders

  3. Botswana: the Most Desirable Safari Destination in the World

    botswana safari trailfinders

  4. Botswana: the Most Desirable Safari Destination in the World

    botswana safari trailfinders

  5. Botswana Holidays

    botswana safari trailfinders

  6. Botswana: the Most Desirable Safari Destination in the World

    botswana safari trailfinders

COMMENTS

  1. Botswana Holidays 2024/2025

    Best of Botswana & Victoria Falls. Fly In Safari. 7 days / 6 nights. The combination of spectacular Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park and water-based game viewing in the Okavango Delta, make this encompassing safari a fantastic option. Guide Price: £2,839 pp.

  2. Botswana Wildlife Safari

    Explore Botswana's finest game reserves of Chobe and Moremi during safari on exciting game drives. Search for water-dwelling wildlife and exotic birds in the remote area of the Okavango delta, staying in an exclusive refurbished houseboat. Explore Chobe National Park, world famous for its huge elephant population. Speak to a Africa Tours Expert.

  3. Botswana: the Most Desirable Safari Destination in the World

    The other (and possibly most important) reason for Botswana being such a unique safari destination is the ability to view wildlife different perspectives - like nowhere else in Africa. ... Sophie has worked at Trailfinders since 2001 and has travelled to 63 countries. Her favourite destinations include Italy, Tanzania and the Maldives. ...

  4. Botswana Holidays & Tours

    Style: Guided Small Group Adventure Tour. £3,395. per person (based on 2 adults sharing) Highlights: Explore Botswana's finest game reserves of Chobe and Moremi during safari on exciting game drives. Search for water-dwelling wildlife and exotic birds in the remote area of the Okavango delta, staying in an exclusive refurbished houseboat.

  5. Safari Holidays 2024/2025

    Safari Holidays from Trailfinders, the Travel Experts. Plan your private and group safari holidays in East and Southern Africa with our award-winning team. 0%. ... Savuti is the ultimate exclusive safari experience in Botswana. Leopard, Lions, Giraffe, the list could go on, are all spotted throughout this remote area. ...

  6. Wildlife & Wilderness of Botswana

    Day 11 Chobe NP to Moremi Game Reserve. Pass through a variety of habitats including the Mbabe depression and Mopani Forest en route to Moremi Game Reserve. Known as the jewel in Botswana's wildlife crown, Moremi is made up of waterways, marshland and islands that help to protect the Okavango Delta. Day 12 Moremi Game Reserve.

  7. Botswana In Style

    This trip combines two areas of the Okavango Delta and both land and water-based* activities to offer a varied game experience. Highlights: Elephants of Chobe National Park. Wildlife rich waterways of the Okavango Delta. Luxurious Safari lodges. Scenic flight transfers. Speak to a Africa Tours Expert. 020 7084 6507.

  8. Wildlife safaris in Botswana

    13 days • 5 locations. Savute Safari Lodge. Savute Safari Lodge enjoys a prime location directly on the Savute Channel, which is absolutely pumping with elephant, giraffe, hyena and other game during the dry season - ideal for a wildlife safari in Botswana. Wildlife also concentrates at the camp's two pumped waterholes.

  9. The Best Safaris In Botswana: An Expert Guide

    At the heart of Botswana's appeal are its signature wildlife destinations whose names - the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Central Kalahari Game Reserve - read like a roll-call of storied wildlife kingdoms. And it's not just the wildlife. From the deep greens and blues of the Delta in flood to the yellows and reds of the Kalahari ...

  10. 334 Botswana Safari Tours (Offered by 57 Tour Operators)

    7-Day Luxury Botswana Safari Tour. $6,367 to $8,617 pp (USD) Botswana: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Tented Bush Camp. You Visit: Maun (Start), Central Kalahari GR, Okavango Delta, Chobe NP, Kasane (End) Wayfairer Travel. 4.9 /5 - 149 Reviews.

  11. Botswana Safaris: A Complete Guide To Safaris In Botswana ️

    Geographically Botswana is covered in scrub brush and savannah grasslands, with the occasional impressive geographic feature such as the Okavango Delta and adjoining Chobe National Park, huge salt pans, and the brutally picturesque Kalahari Desert. The country is landlocked and lies at a fairly consistent average elevation of 1,000m.

  12. The Top 25 Best Safari Lodges and Camps in Botswana

    Jao Camp. Nestled on a remote island in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Jao Camp oozes opulence and is only accessible by air. Built on a couple of levels rising into the tree canopy, this awe-inspiring safari destination incorporates natural materials and unique construction to deliver an out-of-this-world setting.

  13. ELEPHANT TRAILS SAFARI CO.

    A Safari to Africa will enlighten you in many ways and have you longing to come back time and again." 'For over 20 years I have been taking groups of artists and photographers out to Botswana on safari with the Elephant Trails Safari Company, which is owned by the well known naturalist and professional tour guide Guy Symons.

  14. Top 20 Best Botswana Safaris

    9-Day Victoria Falls, Chobe and Okavango Fly-in Safari. $5,098 to $7,838 pp (USD) Botswana & Zimbabwe: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Tented Camp. You Visit: Victoria Falls (Start), Chobe NP, Okavango Delta, Maun Airport (End) Wayfairer Travel. 4.9 /5 - 149 Reviews.

  15. Namibia & Botswana Itinerary: Ultimate 3-Week road trip from the Dunes

    My Namibia and Botswana itinerary covers the best places to see and includes safaris in Etosha National Park in Namibia, and Chobe, Moremi, and the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Here is a complete guide for my 20-day Namibia and Botswana itinerary self-drive and camping, covering 11-days Namibia Itinerary and a 10-days Botswana itinerary .

  16. Botswana Safari & Hiking Tour

    Botswana Trips. Africa. Okavango Delta Safari. Duration 11 days. Activity Level Level 3. Experience the magic of the Okavango Delta in the authentic way - under canvas, on foot and by waterway, with a few comforts of home thrown in too! Trip Start: Maun Trip End: Victoria Falls. view trip USD $9999 /pp.

  17. Botswana Safari Holidays 2024/2025

    While there's never a bad time to take a Botswana holiday, we recommend travelling between May and October during the dry season, when you can expect warm, sun-drenched days and cool evenings with clear, starlit skies. It's perfect weather swapping stories over sundowners around the campfire. Most luxury safaris in Botswana are tent-based ...

  18. Trailfinders/Kuoni or expert Africa for Botswana

    2. Re: Trailfinders/Kuoni or expert Africa for Botswana. expert africa is considered very reputable in the safari industry. the other 2 appear to be not exclusive in safari but that doesnt mean much since your trip is rather simple (no complicated cross-country logistics) and you already know what you want. 3.

  19. Helicopter Safaris across Botswana

    Helicopter Safaris across Botswana. Given Botswana's hugely varied habitat - the Okavango Delta, the Linyanti River, the swamps and plains of Chobe National Park, the Makgadikgadi Pans - the opportunity to see it from the air is something of a rare privilege. Based in the Okavango Delta, at one of its luxury lodges, your helicopter safari ...

  20. Botswana & Victoria Falls Adventure

    Botswana & Victoria Falls Adventure Tour from Trailfinders, the Travel Experts; book your Botswana & Victoria Falls Adventure Tour with confidence and let us create your perfect tailormade holiday ... Opt for a sunset wildlife safari drive or bush walk in the area. Watch elephants drink from the camp's watering hole at night. Day 6 Nata to Kasane

  21. Botswana in Depth

    Botswana in Depth Tour from Trailfinders, the Travel Experts; book your Botswana in Depth Tour with confidence and let us create your perfect tailormade holiday. 0%. 01 881 4984 Botswana Specialists; Find my local ... Later head out on a safari cruise on the Chobe River.

  22. Reviews of Trailfinders Africa Safaris (Kenya)

    All corporate and/or tour info is provided by Trailfinders Africa Safaris, not SafariBookings. Average rating: 4.8/5 stars, based on 33 reviews. Tour Company operating Tours and safaris, Mountain Trekking and Beach Holidays. Wildlife Tours, Cultural and Bird.