What’s the Difference Between a Safari in Botswana and Namibia?
Written by Courtney Drysdale
Namibia and Botswana are 2 popular destinations in Southern Africa for safari enthusiasts and for very good reason. Both countries offer unique wildlife, stunning scenery, and an uncrowded, unpretentious safari experience. However, there are several differences between the 2 when it comes to animal sightings, scenery, privacy, types of stays available, access to cities, and experiences. In this blog, we will explore these differences to help you decide whether Namibia or Botswana (or both) are best for your next safari adventure.
Table of Contents
Wildlife
Both Namibia and Botswana have an abundance of wildlife, but the types of animals you will see can vary.
In Namibia, you will find a mix of desert-adapted and savannah animals, such as leopards, cheetahs, and giraffes. However, the highlight of a Namibia safari is the chance to see the elusive desert-adapted species, such as the black rhino, lion, endemic dune lark and elephant. Etosha National Park is the perfect place to spot 4 out of the Big 5 and is home to an abundance of wildlife. Namibia also boasts the lush northern Zambezi region where you can spot buffalo (completing the Big 5) and plenty of spectacular birds.
In Botswana, you can expect to see a wide variety of animals, and what makes it different from other safari destinations is the sheer abundance of wildlife. With the largest population of elephants in the world, Botswana also boasts a mega pride of lions in the Savuti in Chobe, together with other predators like cheetah and leopard, as well as the rest of the members of the Big 5 and the famous wild dog, all within her borders. The Okavango Delta is a highlight of Botswana safaris, where you can spot predators and plains game alike, along with hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. The Kalahari and Makgadikgadi Salt Pans also boast unique wildlife like the bat-eared fox, aardwolf and black-maned lion.
Best time to visit
Namibia and Botswana both offer unique, travel experiences, but the best time to visit each country largely depends on what you want to see and do.
Botswana's dry season (April to October) is the best time to view wildlife, as the animals are more active during this time and the vegetation is thinner. However, the rainy season (November to March) is also a great time to visit, with plenty of predator activity and newborn baby animals, though some camps in the Okavango Delta may be closed during this time.
As a desert country, the best time to visit Namibia is also roughly the same as Botswana — between May and October — which is during the dry season and animals flock to water sources. As winter falls in the middle of the year — between May and July — it is important to note that although daytime temperatures can be quite pleasant, it can become very cold during the night and so, always pack a warm layer. During the rainier months — between November and December — birds are aplenty and you can also spot loads of baby animals. The wet season (November to April) sees the landscape change into a far greener mix of vegetation and overcast days can be common, along with dramatic thunderstorms and even flooding in the desert.
Costs
Namibia is more cost-effective. Travel costs range depending on your budget and the time of year you would like to travel. Here is a brief overview of costs you can expect per person, per night that does not include activities (with the exception of activities included in higher range safari lodge prices):
Entry-level: From €50/person
Mid: €100/person
High: From €500/person
Lux: €1.500/person
Some factors that can affect prices include how remote the location is and if the stay is situated in a private game reserve.
To read more about what to expect on a Namibia trip, check out our Namibian Pocket Guide.
Botswana is more expensive, but this is due to a range of factors. It can also stand up to the costs by offering unparalleled experiences and wildlife viewing, as well as top-of-the-line luxury stays. Here is a brief overview of possible costs, per person, per night that does not include activities (with the exception of activities included in higher range safari lodge prices):
Entry-level: From €300/person
Mid-range: From €1.000/person
High: From €1.500/person
Lux: €2.500/person
Something very important to note is that prices differ enormously depending on the seasons. In the rainy or ‘low’ season, prices can differ from mid-season by about 20%, whereas the peak season prices are easily 50% higher than the low season.
However, don’t be put off, as there are some other more cost-effective options to be found, but usually sit outside of game parks.
To read more about what to expect on a Botswana trip, check out our Botswana Pocket Guide.
With regards to both destinations, even if the price may seem steep, you can pretty much guarantee that the experience will live up to what you pay for. Think massive elephant herds, tracking packs of wild dogs, mighty sand dunes, hot air balloon safaris, and much more.
Experiences
Both Namibia and Botswana offer unique and unforgettable experiences, but the type of experience you have will vary depending on your interests. Both are considered ‘big sky’ countries and offer unparalleled stargazing. You can also find exceptional fly-in safari options in both, reducing time spent on the road.
In Namibia, you can go on guided walks with the San Bushmen, visit the Himba people, and explore the ancient rock art of Twyfelfontein. The country is also home to the famous Etosha National Park, where you can spot desert-adapted elephants and rhinos. In the north of the country, the Zambezi Region boasts plentiful birdlife, a variety of magnificent waterfalls and a lush landscape. Windhoek and Swakopmund offer a peek into Namibia’s amalgamated histories of German colonisation and local influences. Damaraland boasts a range of dramatic landscapes including Spitzkoppe and Brandberg. Sossusvlei offers the chance to summit colossal sand dunes like Big Daddy or gaze upon the dramatic Dead Vlei. Last but not least, the Skeleton Coast includes large wrecked ships and dramatic seaside vistas.
In Botswana, the highlight is the Okavango Delta, where you can go on mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) rides, take guided walks, and enjoy game drives with professional ranger and tracker teams. The country is also home to the Chobe National Park, known for its large elephant herds and river cruises. The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans is a moonlike pan where one can witness the large zebra migration or go animal tracking with a San Guide or meet a habituated colony of meerkats. The Kalahari offers dramatic landscapes seeped in tones of ochre and yellow and is home to a myriad of unique wildlife.
Sustainability
Both Namibia and Botswana are true exemplars of sustainable development.
Some statistics highlighting why Namibia is a sustainable country:
As per the Environmental Sustainability Index (ESI) ranking, Namibia sits as the highest-ranked desert country in the world.
Approximately 17% of the land is protected in the form of national parks and the country is home to 79 community conservations that total 20% of the total area.
Namibia boasts the largest free-roaming black rhino population on the African continent and the largest cheetah population in the world.
Some points highlighting why Botswana is a sustainable country:
Botswana encompasses a few of the largest intact ecosystems in the world, including the Okavango Delta, Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Moremi Game Reserve, the Chobe Region, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and many more.
Botswana is home to 2 UNESCO heritage sites, the Okavango Delta and Tsodilo Hills, a sacred space for the San people
Nearly half of Botswana’s area is under some sort of environmental management.
Both Namibia and Botswana place equal importance on community and wildlife conservation as essential elements for achieving sustainable development within their countries.
Scenery
Namibia is known for its stark and stunning landscapes, from the towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei to the rugged mountains of Damaraland. The country is also where you can find the stunning Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa. The Skeleton Coast, with its shipwrecks and desert-adapted wildlife, is another unique attraction in Namibia.
Botswana, on the other hand, is famous for the Okavango Delta, a vast wetland that is a UNESCO World Heritage site and teems with wildlife, offering some of Africa's best safari experiences. The Chobe is also equally rich in its wildlife, as are the desert regions of the country ranging from the ochre sands of the Kalahari and vast salt pans of the Makgadikgadi.
Accomodation
Namibia and Botswana offer a range of accommodation types, from luxury lodges to budget-friendly backpacker options.
In Namibia, you can stay in luxury lodges that offer stunning views of desert landscapes, or you can opt for camping in the wilderness for a more immersive experience. There are also plenty of mid-range and budget options available.
In Botswana, luxury lodges are the norm, and many of them are located in prime wildlife areas, offering stunning views and exclusive access to wildlife. To find out more about why Botswana is considered more expensive, check out our blog post here. However, there are also mid-range and budget options available, so don’t let it deter you from exploring this place. Take note that the more cost-effective options are usually not located within nature reserves or game reserves and are often just outside of them.
In both countries, you can get access to some of the finest lodges and best immersive experiences on the continent, thanks to forward-thinking and conscious luxury groups like Natural Selection and Wilderness.
Privacy
Both Namibia and Botswana are large and sparsely populated countries that offer mostly uncrowded safari experiences (perfect for honeymoon getaways), but the level of privacy can vary depending on the locations you visit.
In Namibia, you can explore the vast desert landscapes with little to no other tourists around, making for a truly private and intimate safari experience. However, popular spots such as Etosha and Sossusvlei can get a bit busy in the high season. However, even in these places, you can access private game reserves or lodges, where you can have exclusive access to wildlife and guides.
In Botswana, the situation is much the same. Many camps in the Okavango Delta are secluded by design and there’s always a way to pick more remote stays that guarantee ultimate privacy. However, again, in the popular seasons to travel, locations can get a bit busy. One example of this is the sundowner boat cruise on the Chobe River out of Kasane. Overall, however, in both countries, even when it is busy, your ability to see wildlife will not likely be disturbed by crowds due to just how many animals outnumber people.
Ease of travel
Visa requirements
In both Botswana and Namibia, most commonwealth countries do not need a visa to enter. Find out the exact requirements for Namibia here and for Botswana here.
How to get around
Namibia boasts an impressive and comprehensive road network, making it perfect for first-time self-drive safari goers.
Botswana also has a decent road system, but more remote destinations in the country such as the salt pans and the Kalahari, are more challenging and require some 4x4 vehicle expertise.
Both countries are large and sparsely populated, so it is always important to notify others of your route and carry extra supplies such as water and at times, fuel. Both countries have good cell service, however, more remote locations may not have signal. It is always advisable to carry a sum of cash on your person for emergencies. To find out more about specific tips and tricks for planning your safari to either country, check out our Namibian and Botswana Pocket Guides.
So, where will you explore next?
All in all, both Namibia and Botswana both boast equally unique and unforgettable safari experiences.
Namibia offers a focus on desert-adapted wildlife and stunning landscapes. Botswana is best for those looking for a diverse range of wildlife, and the opportunity to explore the famous Okavango Delta. Although Botswana is often considered more expensive and Namibia is often seen as better for those going on their first safaris, the truth is that each cover these points very well and ultimately, the choice between the two destinations will depend on your interests and preferences.
Explore our trips or get in touch to figure out exactly what safari is the very best for you, or even how you can combine them. You can also check out our Namibian and Botswana safari guides for an even deeper dive into each destination.
