Africa's premier luxury safari destination — pristine wilderness, low-impact tourism, and the extraordinary Okavango Delta where water meets the Kalahari Desert.
The dry season from May to October is peak safari time when animals concentrate around permanent water sources. The Okavango Delta floods between June and August, creating a unique water-based safari experience just as the surrounding Kalahari dries out. The green season from November to April brings rain, migratory birds, and the zebra migration in the Makgadikgadi. Many camps offer significantly reduced green season rates. The Kalahari transforms into a lush grassland with predator-prey dynamics shifting dramatically.
Botswana is Africa's most expensive safari destination by design — the government's high-value, low-impact tourism policy means few budget options exist. Luxury fly-in camps in the Okavango Delta cost $800-3,000+ per person per night all-inclusive. Mid-range mobile camping safaris start from $350-600 per person per day. Self-drive camping through Chobe and the Makgadikgadi is the most affordable option at $50-150 per person per day. Park fees range from $12-50/person/day depending on the area. A classic 7-10 day Botswana safari covering the Okavango Delta, Moremi, Chobe, and optionally the Makgadikgadi costs $5,000-15,000 mid-range or $10,000-30,000+ luxury per person.
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone and Maun Airport (MUB) are the main entry points. Maun is the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Kasane Airport serves the Chobe area. Most nationalities receive 90-day visa-free entry. Bush flights from Maun to Delta camps take 20-40 minutes and are typically included in camp packages. Self-drive is possible in Chobe and the Makgadikgadi but requires a 4x4 and experience with sand driving. The Delta itself is only accessible by light aircraft or mokoro (dugout canoe).