The most frequently asked questions about safari in Botswana
Whether you dream of an adventurous safari, a comfortable vacation, or an active holiday in Botswana, we’re happy to share our knowledge with you. In this FAQ, we answer the 17 questions we get asked most about your ideal Botswana trip. From the best time to travel to the things you absolutely must not forget. Start planning here and get inspired! And if any questions remain, feel free to get in touch.
1. Is Botswana safe to travel?
The honest answer: yes! Botswana is considered one of the safest countries in Africa to travel to. Politically stable, a welcoming population, and well-organized parks and accommodations. Of course, the usual precautions apply, such as storing valuables and avoiding night-time travel in cities.
Whether you choose a self-drive safari or a guided fly-in safari in Botswana: at Botswana Specialist, we prepare you well and keep in touch during your trip. Safe and relaxing travel through Botswana? That starts with good tailored advice.
2. Is Botswana touristy?
No, Botswana is fortunately not very touristy yet. That’s why we also call it ‘the secret of Africa’.
The government of Botswana implements a low volume, high-cost policy regarding tourism. This makes Botswana an exclusive destination. The big advantage? No crowds in the national parks. And in the private concessions, there’s a good chance that you’ll encounter no one else during the game drives.
Tourism significantly contributes to the conservation of nature and the local community. It creates jobs, which has resulted in many growth and training opportunities in recent years. A positive development. The local community realizes that the preservation of nature is vital for both wildlife and people. The best part is that you get to know the local people and experience their pride in their beautiful country.
Most land in Botswana is owned by the government or the community. The safari camps lease the land to conduct their business. A great advantage is that the local community votes on the terms and reaps the benefits of the fees and contributions lodges pay to the community.
Because most lodges are self-sufficient through solar energy and spring water, the footprint is kept as low as possible. Additionally, lodges may only be constructed in such a way that they can be completely removed without leaving building debris in nature. In this case, it is a win-win situation for nature, the community, and tourists!
3. What are the transportation options in Botswana?
In Botswana, you travel in unique ways: by 4×4, bush plane, helicopter, or even by boat. Driving yourself or going on a mobile safari is fantastic if you love adventure and camping. You drive through the wilderness, and wildlife can appear at any moment. Some areas are also accessible via comfortable vans or open safari vehicles, depending on the route.
If you want to go deeper into the Okavango Delta, you travel by bush plane or helicopter. This way, you reach remote lodges with their own airstrip, often after a few short stops. Upon arrival, your guide will be ready for you. Helicopters fly lower, provide stunning views, and are private. Do keep in mind light luggage: max. 15 kg in a soft travel bag. Of course, we are happy to help with planning what fits best into your route.
4. Can you travel with children in Botswana?
Of course! Take a look at our family safari in Botswana: A Family Affair.
Botswana offers beautiful safari experiences for families. In the bush camps and lodges, the general minimum age for children is 6 years. Some camps accept younger children under special conditions, while most hotels accept children of all ages.
It is good to note that even if a lodge welcomes young children, certain activities (particularly guided walks and mokoro excursions) may be limited and are at the discretion of the guide. Depending on the camp or lodge, special conditions may apply, such as private vehicles and limited activities.
An increasing number of lodges are building family rooms, but these are typically limited to one per accommodation, so early booking is essential. There may be discounts for children, but these do not always apply depending on the lodge and the time of year.
In general, accommodations in Chobe (Botswana), Makgadikgadi & the Kalahari, Victoria Falls (on both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides), and Mozambique are more flexible regarding the minimum age for children.
Age guidelines
5. What is the best time to travel for a safari in Botswana?
The best time to travel for a Botswana safari? It entirely depends on what you’re looking for in a safari. Botswana has four seasons, and each offers something special. We have regularly visited Botswana in all four seasons, but honestly, we can’t choose a favorite. Therefore, we would like to share this information with you:
- Transitional season (Apr-May): peaceful safari moments, pleasant temperatures, and fresh beauty.
- Dry winter (Jun-Sep): clear days, abundant wildlife, and perfect conditions for safaris in the Delta.
- Hot & dry (Oct-Nov): it can’t get more exciting! Animals gather at scarce water.
- Green summer (Dec-Mar): young wildlife, thousands of birds, and a vibrant green landscape full of life.
What you most enjoy ultimately determines your best time to visit Botswana. We are happy to help you choose: check out our extensive information pages about Botswana or contact us for personalized advice. Botswana Specialist is here to assist you.
6. Do you need a visa for a holiday to Botswana?
Good news: as a Dutch or Belgian citizen, you do not need a visa for a round trip in Botswana, at least for a stay of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after arrival and must have at least two blank pages for stamps.
Note: if you are traveling with underage children in Botswana, extra rules and documents apply. We would be happy to inform you about this when planning your trip.
Everything arranged down to the last detail? We are happy to help with that at Botswana Specialist. We would be pleased to personally answer all your questions.
7. How much does a round trip through Botswana cost?
How much does a round trip through Botswana cost? The price of a round trip through Botswana depends on your travel style and desires. A self-drive with a rooftop tent is possible from around €3,500 per person for two weeks. If you opt for a comfortable lodge safari, prices start around €6,500 per person, depending on the season and the level of comfort.
Typically included are overnight stays, meals, game drives, transfers, and sometimes domestic flights. We ensure clear, transparent quotes without surprises afterwards.
By the way, at Botswana Specialist, we tailor every safari to your needs and wishes. We also consider your travel budget for Botswana. So let’s meet for a casual introduction.
8. Why is Botswana an expensive destination?
Botswana is an expensive destination; sadly, we cannot avoid that. Botswana’s largest source of income is diamond mining, which makes the economy less dependent on tourism. The government of Botswana has therefore opted for a “high cost – low volume” policy. This has made Botswana the most exclusive safari destination in Africa, with its stunning unspoiled nature.
Let’s take the Okavango Delta as an example. The Delta is 15,000 square kilometers in size, which is about half the surface area of Switzerland. In this entire area, there are about 60 lodges, averaging only 8 tents each. This indicates very small occupancy levels and means that during safari activities, you often encounter little to no other tourists. The lodges are also responsible for employment for the local community & nature conservation.
Because most lodges are so remote, they can often only be reached by bush plane or helicopter. This naturally incurs additional costs. Your stay at the lodges generally includes all meals, drinks, and activities. The service level is high, and the quality of safari activities is superb. The rooms, often in the form of tents, range from adventure accommodation with bucket showers to a premier stay with a 150-square-meter tent including a plunge pool and air conditioning.
In the national parks like Chobe, Makgadikgadi, Nxai Pan, Central Kalahari Game Reserve, and Moremi Game Reserve, the Department of Wildlife is responsible for nature conservation. These national parks are often accessible for self-drive travelers and mobile safari camps. Thus, it can be busier in national parks, but even so, this is on a very small scale.
In short, due to the limited availability, Botswana is exclusive. The nature is untouched, and the wildlife is unparalleled. There is a price tag associated with this, which is more than logical. If your budget allows, there is no better safari destination than Botswana.
9. Can I drive myself during a safari in Botswana?
Absolutely! Self-drive trips through Botswana are the best way to experience the country at your own pace and rhythm. You drive a 4×4 (with or without a rooftop tent), follow tracks through the national parks, camp in the bush, or drive from lodge to lodge.
Driving is quite doable, as long as you are prepared. We provide complete on-site instruction, clear GPS routes, a satellite phone, practical tips, and local assistance when necessary.
Curious if self-driving in Botswana is right for you? We would love to explain it to you in an introductory conversation.
10. What are the highlights of a safari in Botswana?
Sure, that’s a very difficult question to answer. For us, Botswana is one big safari highlight, with landscapes and wildlife found nowhere else in the world.
But let’s nonetheless list a few of our favorites for you. Think of:
- The wet beauty of the Okavango Delta;
- The wildlife-rich Moremi Game Reserve;
- Savuti, known for impressive lion and hyena battles;
- Scenic flights with a private helicopter;
- The silent emptiness of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans;
- A horseback safari through Botswana.
Every area and adventure has its own character and magic. We are happy to help you choose the right mix for your safari.
Check out our inspirational journeys or work with us to create your ultimate Botswana safari.
11. Do you need vaccinations for Botswana?
For a trip to Botswana, vaccinations for DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and polio) and Hepatitis A are recommended. If you are coming from or through a yellow fever area, a vaccination against yellow fever is mandatory. Malaria prevention is also advised for certain areas, such as the Okavango and Chobe.
Be sure to consult a travel doctor or public health authority well in advance. We are here to assist you in planning a route that is also medically responsible.
Botswana Specialist will help you with a trip plan that is medically sound.
12. What should you bring on safari in Botswana?
Packing for a Botswana safari? Think practical AND light. We already wrote a comprehensive blog about it, but below are the most important items:
- Clothing in neutral colors (beige, green, khaki)
- Warm layers for cool mornings
- Binoculars & a good camera
- Sunblock, sunglasses, and a cap
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Travel adapters and power bank
- Reusable water bottle
- Good hiking shoes
- Your passport!
For self-drives, we will also provide you with a comprehensive packing list tailored to your travel style and the season.
But no matter what type of Botswana safari you choose, we also help you pack your suitcase!
13. Can I combine Botswana with other countries?
Yes, and that makes your round trip to Botswana even more versatile!
Popular combinations:
- Zambia or Zimbabwe for a visit to the Victoria Falls
- Namibia, perfect for a desert & wildlife contrast route
- South Africa, for example via the Kalahari or Kruger
Thanks to short border crossings and regional flights, these combinations are easy and safe to arrange. We ensure a smooth crossing and local contact along the way. Combining Botswana? We make it easy.
14. How does payment work in Botswana?
The currency of Botswana is the Pula (BWP). In cities like Maun and Kasane you can withdraw cash with a bank card or credit card. Credit cards are often accepted at lodges and shops, but it’s always good to carry some cash, especially if you’re camping or visiting local markets.
15. How far in advance should you plan a trip to Botswana?
Botswana is not into mass tourism. This means that availability is scarce. In the Okavango Delta, covering 15,000 square kilometers, there are about 60 lodges with an average of 8 tents or accommodations. This means that if everything is fully booked, there are only about 1000 guests in the entire area.
What also plays a role in planning your trip is the season in which you travel, whether you’re traveling with children, and what your budget is. The months from June to September are the busiest; for these months, we recommend starting to plan your adventure a year in advance, especially if you are traveling with children. This way, you have more choices and the lodges with the best price/quality ratio are often still available. The months of April, May, October, and November are generally quieter and it is somewhat easier to find availability. In the green season months from January to March, it is often not a problem to plan your trip a bit shorter in advance, with the advantage that there are often good deals and rates available.
For the more luxurious premier accommodations, availability can generally be found.
We ourselves have visited over 60 lodges and have a fantastic local network. We know how to find the gems. We always do our utmost to plan a great adventure, but the earlier you plan, the wider the choice is.
16. Can you go on safari in Botswana alone?
Going on safari in Botswana alone? That’s perfectly fine. The lodges are small-scale and social, making it easy to connect with other travelers. During game drives and activities, you usually travel together, and you decide how much you share or prefer to be on your own. Botswana is also a safe and welcoming country with good facilities and reliable logistics.
For solo travelers, a mobile safari is also a great option: you travel in a small group from camp to camp, deep into the bush. Sometimes there is a single supplement, but we know the places and periods where this is not or hardly applicable. We are happy to help and ensure that your adventure perfectly matches your wishes.
17. Which travel agency specializes in trips to Botswana?
Which travel agency specializes in trips to Botswana? Botswana Specialist is the Dutch travel agency that focuses entirely on Botswana. Not a side issue, but pure passion.
We, Ebe & Nancy, have crossed the country dozens of times, sleep in the lodges we offer, and work only with reliable local partners.
With us, you won’t find standard packages, but tailored safaris. From adventurous self-drives to luxury lodge trips: your Botswana dream trip starts here.
Plan your safari with experts who know the country inside and out.
