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Botswana
Botswana
Botswana
Botswana
Botswana
Botswana
Botswana

The Okavango's waterways are often crystal clear; great for a tranquil mokoro trip.

The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are the bed of an ancient lake

All of our fishing in the Okavango is done catch-and-release

Floating papyrus reed beds create a new experience for every boat trip

A leopard will exploit every possible advantage when hunting

Animals in Botswana's protected areas are generally relaxed around safari vehicles

The Gomoti River forms part of Moremi Game Reserve's southern boundary.

Botswana

Botswana safari holidays

Safaris & Holidays including Botswana

Botswana lies in the heart of southern Africa and offers many different options for unforgettable safari holidays.

The country has a variety of vegetation zones, from the arid Kalahari in the south to the well watered forest glades in northern Botswana. This variety of ecosystems attracts the large quantities of big (and small) game for which Botswana safaris are famous. For example, huge herds of elephants and buffalos gravitate to the Okavango and other permanent rivers, whilst cheetah and other dry-country species inhabit the central Kalahari.

Even more impressive than the wildlife on a Botswana holiday is the wilderness: endless pristine areas almost untouched by human influence. The feel of remoteness in the middle of stunning landscapes combined with the constant presence of wildlife make safari holidays here unique.

Look through the ideas below, then talk to us to create a unique Botswana safari holiday for you.

Botswana
Showing 1-12 of 28
Name
Duration
Cost
Itinerary image

Aardwolf Safari

5 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Two sister-camps within private concessions bordering Moremi Game Reserve offer access to excellent game, varied landscapes and a range of land and water-based safari activities. A great-value safari in one of Botswana’s best wildlife regions.

US$4,400 - US$7,660 per person

Itinerary image

African Jacana Safari

7 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

An adventurous introduction to Botswana blending prolific wildlife, incredible landscapes and varied activities staying at relaxed camps in the Chobe Enclave, a community-owned reserve bordering the Moremi, and Makgadikgadi Pans.

US$7,540 - US$11,910 per person

Itinerary image

Black-backed Jackal Safari

6 days • 2 locations
KASANE AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

A classic Botswana safari to Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta. Staying at highly rated tented camps with strong guiding teams, this trip delivers game viewing and is excellent value.

US$4,920 - US$10,640 per person

Itinerary image

Bushbuck Safari

8 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Discover three of Botswana’s best game-viewing regions with stays in the private Linyanti, Chitabe and Vumbura reserves. Intimate, smart camps offer a range of activities by which to discover these stunningly varied habitats.

US$12,250 - US$26,620 per person

Itinerary image

Great Egret Safari

12 days • 4 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

A wonderfully varied adventure to Botswana and Zimbabwe combining three fantastic safari areas, a luxury river cruise and the mighty Victoria Falls.

US$8,480 - US$15,020 per person

Itinerary image

Ground Squirrel Safari

7 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Experiencing the wilderness with an engaging guide whilst staying in a private mobile camp is often the highlight of a safari. Combine that with a charming camp overlooking the Okavango Delta and you’re onto a winner!

US$6,430 - US$9,450 per person

Itinerary image

Honey Badger Safari

6 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Two smart sister camps offer access to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and the heart of the Okavango Delta. Experience a spectacular range of habitats and wildlife through diversely exciting safari activities.

US$5,560 - US$8,300 per person

Itinerary image

Kudu Safari

7 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

A luxury Botswana safari exploring the Okavango Delta staying at Nxebega Camp and the stunning Sandibe Lodge, with excellent guiding and some of the most prolific wildlife viewing anywhere in Africa.

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

Itinerary image

Large-spotted Genet Safari

9 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

A luxury safari exploring the Okavango Delta and Linyanti–Savuti, two of the best wildlife viewing areas in Botswana, staying at three top camps renowned for their guiding for a first-class experience.

US$10,150 - US$20,540 per person

Itinerary image

Leopard Safari

13 days • 4 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

Victoria Falls, Botswana and Cape Town – a classic southern African itinerary combining luxury, wilderness, safari and culture. We can't think of a better way to spend two weeks.

US$9,220 - US$13,040 per person

Itinerary image

Mopane Squirrel Safari

6 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Visit two wildlife-rich private reserves in an exploration of the Okavango and Kwando regions. Sister camps Splash and Lagoon camp provide a range of immersive activities, and their long-stay discounts make for an excellent-value safari.

US$5,600 - US$10,190 per person

Itinerary image

Pangolin Safari

8 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Three relaxed, local feeling camps in pristine settings – the Kwando Reserve and Okavango Delta. Guided by a driver and tracker at each, this a great trip for spotting Botswana’s top predators.

US$7,380 - US$13,710 per person

Showing 1-12 of 28

10 most recent reviews of our Botswana safaris

All are published in full; none have been edited.
Click the button below to browse all 1239 reviews.


99%
1239 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
1180
Good
48
Average
9
Poor
2
Terrible
0
David and Sammy from SF

Arrived 2 Apr 2023, 12 nights

"My Apr 2023 trip"

"Megan was patient, prompt, friendly and very helpful. …" Read David and Sammy’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Hoong from Malaysia

Arrived 12 May 2023, 3 nights

"My May 2023 trip"

"Would gladly come back again. …" Read Hoong’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr P from Sussex

Arrived 20 May 2023, 11 nights

"My May 2023 trip"

"Excellent throughout. An amazing country to visit. …" Read Mr P’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Jan and David from Wales

Arrived 19 May 2023, 10 nights

" Third visit to Botswana. It was wonderful"

"We would thoroughly recommend Kwando and Expert Africa to all travellers …" Read Jan and David’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr D from Surrey

Arrived 4 May 2023, 14 nights

"My May 2023 trip"

"Excellent. Super trip, extremely well organized …" Read Mr D’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs H from Lisvane

Arrived 2 May 2023, 12 nights

" May 2023 - Central Kalahari and the Salt Pans"

"...we will remember the diverse topography and amazing landscapes. …" Read Mr & Mrs H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

michael and susan from us

Arrived 21 Apr 2023, 17 nights

"My Apr 2023 trip"

"..the service and attention to detail is outstanding..We will always use them... …" Read michael and susan’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr D. from London

Arrived 15 Mar 2023, 13 nights

"My Mar 2023 trip"

"All the guides and trackers were cheerful motivated and knowledgable. …" Read Mr D.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Party of 4 from Islington

Arrived 5 Apr 2023, 11 nights

"My Apr 2023 trip"

"...a wonderful time in Botswana and will have many happy memories of our trip. …" Read Party of 4’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs P. from United Kingdom

Arrived 16 Mar 2023, 11 nights

"My Mar 2023 trip"

"We really liked the suggested itineraries on the Expert Africa website. …" Read Mrs P.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Botswana reviews

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Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

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Wildlife sightings on our Botswana safaris

Click on a species to learn where your best chances of sightings are - based purely on real travellers' reports; see how we work this out.


Lion

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

2,403 sightings from 2,971 observations

Where to see lion in Botswana

Leopard

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.

46% SUCCESS

1,537 sightings from 3,315 observations

Where to see leopard in Botswana

Cheetah

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.

31% SUCCESS

787 sightings from 2,530 observations

Where to see cheetah in Botswana

Wild dog

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.

32% SUCCESS

702 sightings from 2,215 observations

Where to see wild dog in Botswana

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.

53% SUCCESS

1,671 sightings from 3,146 observations

Where to see spotted hyena in Botswana

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.

16% SUCCESS

196 sightings from 1,219 observations

Where to see brown hyena in Botswana

Meerkat

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

74 sightings from 333 observations

Where to see meerkat in Botswana

Elephant

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.

90% SUCCESS

2,886 sightings from 3,195 observations

Where to see elephant in Botswana

Buffalo

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.

82% SUCCESS

2,022 sightings from 2,461 observations

Where to see buffalo in Botswana

Giraffe

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.

85% SUCCESS

2,766 sightings from 3,237 observations

Where to see giraffe in Botswana

Hippo

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

2,096 sightings from 2,359 observations

Where to see hippo in Botswana

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.

30% SUCCESS

477 sightings from 1,590 observations

Where to see black rhino in Botswana

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.

43% SUCCESS

387 sightings from 907 observations

Where to see white rhino in Botswana

Oryx

Oryx

Oryx sp.

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

1,068 sightings from 1,524 observations

Where to see oryx in Botswana

Eland

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.

47% SUCCESS

1,110 sightings from 2,368 observations

Where to see eland in Botswana

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.

22% SUCCESS

370 sightings from 1,667 observations

Where to see roan antelope in Botswana

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.

21% SUCCESS

355 sightings from 1,669 observations

Where to see sable antelope in Botswana

Sitatunga

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.

17% SUCCESS

47 sightings from 277 observations

Where to see sitatunga in Botswana

Wildebeest

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.

67% SUCCESS

1,952 sightings from 2,935 observations

Where to see wildebeest in Botswana

Zebra

Zebra

Equus sp.

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

3,046 sightings from 3,627 observations

Where to see zebra in Botswana

Pangolin

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.

2% SUCCESS

43 sightings from 2,657 observations

Where to see pangolin in Botswana

Aardvark

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.

2% SUCCESS

64 sightings from 2,717 observations

Where to see aardvark in Botswana

Let us help you customise your trip

Like all of our holidays on this site, this is just an idea. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you.


Talk to an Expert

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Set up your itinerary

Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.

Prepare for your trip

The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.

Travel with peace of mind

After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.

When you return

We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.

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