What Makes a Botswana Safari So Expensive
Written by Jess Tyrrell
Botswana is a hidden gem in southern Africa known for its diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and luxury safaris. With its variety of safari experiences and top-notch lodges, it's no surprise that Botswana safaris can be both expensive and exclusive. In this blog post, we’ll look at why safaris in Botswana are pricier than elsewhere, what you can expect to get according to budgets, and some ideas of where to stay per price-class category.
What influences the cost of a safari in Botswana
For many, Botswana safaris are an investment — but one worth making for the unique experience and memories they can provide. Botswana is especially popular as a honeymoon destination — and for good reason.
Here is a rundown of the main factors influencing the cost of a Botswana safari (each are explored in depth later):
The remoteness of Botswana is part of its charm, but also inescapably makes it more expensive – the further away a destination is, the more it will cost to get there.
The logistics of getting around can also add to the cost. The roads in Botswana are often dirt tracks, and many lodges and camps are inaccessible by car or airstrip, necessitating transfers by light aircraft.
Botswana’s commitment to conservation — a top priority for the government — means that safaris here must adhere to strict regulations and are often small, private tours.
The prices for travel to Botswana vary significantly between the high and low seasons. During the high season, animal viewing is at its best, and the weather is usually pleasant. During the low season, prices are much lower, but the animal viewing is not as good, and the weather can be unpredictable.
This exclusivity, combined with the vastness of the untamed bush that makes up much of Botswana, means that the experience of an African safari here is more intense and wild than elsewhere.
Costs (for 1 week)
| 7 days at different cost points | Prices, excluding flights | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level | From €1.000 per person | This price excludes flights, and likely excludes game drives into national parks, park conservation fees, activities, meals, and drinks. Some stays may offer full-board, included activities and transfers. |
| Mid-range | From €2.000 per person | Depending on the stay, it may exclude activities — including game drives — conservation fees, meals and drinks. Some stays may offer full-board, included activities and transfers. |
| High-end | From €10.000 per person | These stays are generally situated within national parks where the highest densities of wildlife are, are full-board, and include all activities, such as game drives. |
| Luxury | From €20.000 per person | These stays are generally all-inclusive, situated within remote and private areas of national parks where the highest densities of wildlife are, are full-board, and include all activities, such as game drives. |
Why safari experiences in Botswana are so expensive compared to elsewhere in Southern Africa
Remoteness
The remoteness of Botswana is a major contributing factor to why safaris can be so expensive in the country. With limited access to the rest of the world, travellers must often find alternative, longer and more costly routes to get to the country. Furthermore, the cost of travelling to and from the wildlife reserves within Botswana — such as the Okavango Delta, Makgadkgagi Pans, Chobe, and the Kalahari — is also increased due to its remoteness.
Since transportation is limited, travellers must often pay for specialised vehicles, such as 4x4s, to traverse the terrain. The cost of these vehicles, combined with the high cost of fuel and the extra time it takes to reach the wildlife reserves, leads to an increase in the overall cost of a safari. Additionally, due to the limited number of tour operators in the area, the cost of hiring professional guides and safari lodges is often higher than in other parts of the world. All of these factors combine to create a safari experience unlike elsewhere in southern Africa.
Sustainability and Conservation
Botswana has committed to protecting its wildlife and the environment, making it one of the most sustainable destinations in the world. This has led to the implementation of strict policies and regulations to protect the land and its inhabitants. The emphasis on sustainability and nature conservation has directly affected the price of safaris in Botswana. These rules and regulations ensure that the environment is not over-exploited and that wildlife populations remain healthy. For example, the construction of lodges and camps must comply with strict environmental standards, including using renewable energy sources, introducing waste management systems, and maintaining a low environmental footprint. This is why Botswana features some of the world most sustainable stays.
Furthermore, government regulations mandate that trained and qualified guides must conduct safaris and that vehicles must be designed to reduce environmental impact. Botswana also has some of the highest conservation fees in Africa, contributing to the cost of a safari. Botswana's parks and game reserves are some of the most well-protected in the world, and this protection comes at a cost. These fees are used to maintain the parks, protect wildlife, and provide employment to local communities. All these factors contribute to a higher price tag for safaris in Botswana, as operators must adhere to strict regulations. Ultimately, by investing in sustainability and conservation, Botswana protects its wildlife and the environment for future generations.
Logistics
The logistics of a safari in Botswana can significantly contribute to the cost of the trip. For example, visitors may need to fly to one airport and then take a transfer to another airport for the next part of the safari. This can increase the trip cost as flights and transfers can quickly add up. Additionally, if the safari involves switching between lodges, camps, and other accommodations, the additional cost of transfers, accommodation fees, and other associated expenses must be considered. Another factor that can add to the cost of the safari is the need to hire a guide or a driver to take visitors to various destinations. Hiring a guide or a driver can be expensive, especially when the safari involves multiple destinations and transfers. These factors can make a Botswana safari costly, as the logistics of moving around and the associated fees go hand-in-hand with a well-planned trip.
Exclusivity
Botswana offers several exclusive safari experiences. These safaris are tailored to individual needs and can include private guides, luxury lodges, and exclusive access to wildlife. Exclusivity is consequently a critical factor in making Botswana safaris so expensive. Those seeking to experience Botswana’s wildlife are given access to private guides and lodges, allowing for more personalised experiences.
Botswana's safari camps and lodges are renowned for their luxury and comfort. This means that the accommodation cost is often higher than in other parts of Africa. The high-end lodges and camps also come with various amenities and services, such as luxury suites, private pools, private safari vehicles, daily game drives, and personal chefs, all contributing to the overall cost of a Botswana safari. These services offer quality and privacy that cannot be found elsewhere, making them highly sought after. Additionally, many of these safaris provide exclusive access to some of Botswana’s most remote areas, allowing visitors to truly connect with the land and its inhabitants. With all of these luxuries, it is easy to understand why these safaris come with a hefty price tag.
Experience
A Botswana safari is unlike any other. From the breathtaking sunsets of the Kalahari Desert to the abundance of wildlife in the Okavango Delta, a trip to this untouched and pristine wilderness is sure to create memories that will last a lifetime. The cost of such an experience reflects the unique and exclusive nature of the safari. From the luxurious lodges and camps to the expert guides and knowledgeable staff, the cost reflects the uncompromising quality of the experience.
Additionally, the price of a Botswana safari includes the cost of entry into some of the world's most protected parks and reserves, providing visitors with the opportunity to witness some of the world’s most awe-inspiring and rare species, including packs of African wild dogs, elusive cheetahs, the largest concentration of elephants in the world, and many more. All of these factors contribute to why safaris in Botswana are so expensive, but the experience they provide cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world.
Seasonality
Peak season in Botswana is during the dry months of June to October when the weather is most favourable, and animal viewing is at its best. During this time, the country is bustling with visitors, and safari lodges tend to book quickly. This, in turn, causes the prices of safari packages to increase due to the high demand. The less busy season in Botswana runs from November to April, the wet months. During this time, the country is less crowded, and animal viewing is more difficult due to the rain and harder to traverse roads. As such, the demand for safaris is lower than during peak season, and the prices of safari packages tend to decrease accordingly. In the rainy season, prices can vary from mid-season to about 20%, whereas the peak season prices are easily 50% higher than the low or less busy season. All in all, seasonality is a major factor in why safaris in Botswana can be so expensive.
Where you can expect to stay according to your budget
Entry-level (From €150/person)
Important to note: these stays are not in nature reserves or game reserves
Boteti Tented Safari Lodge
Situated on the banks of the Boteti River, a tributary originating in the core of the Okavango Delta, lies the Boteti Tented Safari Lodge. This vital river maintains its flow throughout the dry season when most other river systems are dry, resulting in spectacular game concentration. There are standard outdoor tents and beautifully appointed large en-suite tents, including outdoor seating decks where you can absorb your the sights and sounds of the African bush.
Khwai Guest House
Nestled in the traditional village of Khwai, Khwai Guest House is right on the edge of Moremi Game Reserve and the famous Khwai Community Concession. Blending a traditional African feel with a modern touch, the guest house comprises 10 en-suite bungalows, 2 of which are family units. All rooms are en-suite with a shower. Khwai Guest House’s tented main area boasts a spacious lounge and a swimming pool. Guests can sit to group meals in the open-sided dining area or enjoy al fresco dining by the campfire.
Chobe Mopani Forest Lodge & Campsite
Chobe Mopani Forest Lodge is situated in one of the best game viewing areas of the northern Chobe region, close to Kasane and on the doorstep of Chobe National Park. This eco-lodge offers a secluded escape in the heart of the African bush. There are 20 standard rooms, 2 stand-alone en-suite Meru chalets, and 9 campsites with private showers and ablution blocks on an elevated deck. The Lodge has a traditional boma to enjoy delicious meals in the evenings, a waterhole viewing deck, a swimming pool, and game drives into the surrounding national parks.
Mid-range (From €300/person)
Chobe Elephant Camp
Chobe Elephant Camp is located high on the edge of a rocky ridge overlooking the famous Chobe River. This uniquely designed lodge has been built to take advantage of the incredible views overlooking the sweeping floodplains while offering a comfortable refuge from the harsh African conditions. It houses 10 rooms, 1 family room and can sleep 24 guests. Activities include viewing the region's spectacular wildlife from open safari vehicles and by boat on the Chobe River. Chobe Elephant Camp's boat jetty is about a 1-hour drive from camp, close to Ihaha in the heart of the Chobe National Park.
Pelo
Wilderness Pelo lies in a wetland area of the Okavango Delta, teeming with wildlife. The camp's tented dining area and lounge nestle under impressive trees, and an inviting plunge pool offers refreshment in the midday heat. There is an outdoor boma for evening meals, and a raised viewing platform for the perfect for sundowners. The 5 intimate guest tents, complete with covered verandas, have en-suite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers. Wilderness Pelo is a light-footprint camp, built using natural materials, operating on 100% solar power, and offering low-impact, carbon-neutral activities.
Camp Kalahari
Natural Selection’s Camp Kalahari is one of only three camps in a 1 million-acre private wildlife reserve, with just 12, Meru-style tents set amongst the palms. Several activities include horseback riding, bushman walks, and traditional game drives. Camp Kalahari is an excellent camp for families, and children of all ages are welcome. Enjoy lazy siestas in the swimming pool pavilion and, in the dry season, watch the elephants come to drink. Between January and April, you can watch 50.000 zebra and wildebeest migrate through the area.
High-end (From €1.500/person)
Tuludi
Natural Selections’s Tuludi Lodge is a high-end safari lodge located in the heart of Botswana's Okavango Delta. Perched on the edge of a wide floodplain, the lodge enjoys stunning views of the surrounding waterways and its frequent animal visitors. Set within the 200.000-ha Khwai Private Reserve, all proceeds from the lodge go towards the concession's local eco-tourism projects. You can expect exclusive accommodation, exquisite cuisine, and exceptional game viewing.
San Camp
Immerse yourself in the Makgadikgadi scenery at Natural Selection’s solar-run San Camp, where stylish tents offer 360-degree views of never-ending natural vistas. By staying at San Camp, you directly support various initiatives centred on conservation and community upliftment. Take in the tranquillity of scenery from the yoga pavilion or go on a bush walk with the Zu/’hoasi San people. Next, have a 3-course meal at the magnificent tent and wind down at the tea tent. The starry night sky is a wonder to behold after watching a panoramic sunset.
Sable Alley
Natural Selection’s Sable Alley is a light, bright and beautiful lodge in the animal-rich floodplains of Khwai Private Reserve in the Okavango Delta. Sable Alley sits perched on the banks of a large glimmering lagoon, home to lazy hippos and frequently visited by buffalo and elephants. Guests can enjoy sightings of the lagoon from the veranda at the main lodge or even from their rooms. The reserve offers unforgettable uncrowded safari sightings of animals such as lions, leopards, and wild dogs. Additional proceeds from the lodge go to Khwai village community projects.
Luxury (From €2.500/person)
Jack’s Camp
Natural Selection’s Jack's Camp is one of Africa's most iconic camps and just one of 3 in a 1 million-acre private wildlife reserve. This is the only camp in Africa with a swimming pool and tea tent of this kind! The luxurious tented rooms are equipped and styled for royalty, with no details spared. You can go horseback riding, bushman walks, and traditional game drives with some of Botswana's best and most experienced guides. Wildlife includes zebra, wildebeest, springbok, elephant, brown hyena, oryx, Kalahari lion and cheetah. The camp also has one of Botswana's most comprehensive collections of ancient artefacts.
Mombo
The luxurious Wilderness Mombo camp maintains its pristine environment's integrity through natural materials, minimal human footprint, and 100% solar status. Elevated on wooden decks, Mombo overlooks a spectacular floodplain teeming with wildlife. The 8 elegant, expansive guest suites celebrate the history and traditions of the legendary original camp. Each suite offers an indoor lounge area, separate bathroom, indoor and outdoor showers, and an outdoor private sala with a double day bed, private plunge pool, and wrap-around veranda.
Vumbura Plains
Wilderness Vumbura Plains is an artful, contemporary balance of wood, glass, and canvas, reflecting the colours of the Delta. A year-round luxury camp in the Okavango Delta, explore the area and spot exciting wildlife like leopards and wild dogs. There are 14 large raised luxury tented suites with private plunge pools and outdoor salas from where you can view the never-ending wildlife parade. Expect a one-of-a-kind dining experience, with seasonal and locally-grown ingredients. As a part of the Okavango Community Trust, Vumbura champions local communities and partners with 5 local villages.
Despite the higher cost, safaris in Botswana are a unique and special experience, offering something other African countries can’t match. Botswana is the perfect destination for anyone looking for an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Viatu has several exhilarating trips to Botswana that you can customise to your liking, be it budget-friendly – for Botswana’s standards — or luxe, with all the above-mentioned stays on offer. A trip to Botswana will ignite, inspire, and change you like no other destination in Africa, we assure you.
