Nicest private villas & houses in Botswana
For other camps that can be booked for exclusive use please talk to us for more details!
Best camps & lodges for Private safari camps & lodges in Botswana
Duba Plains Camp
The two-bedroom Duba Suite is perfect for those looking for exclusivity on a Botswana safari. Set almost in a world-class wildlife reserve, it combines luxury with a traditional style, and benefits from a private guide and game vehicle, a private chef and a butler.
Duke’s Camp
Duke’s East is a small, intimate camp with just three double/twin tents and one two-bedroom family unit. This beautifully situated camp can be booked on a private basis for exclusive use when travelling with extended family and friends on safari.
Splash Camp
For small groups or families of six or more people the exclusive use Splash Enclave acts as a camp within a camp complete with it own plunge pool, dining area, lounge, bar and private activities is the perfect way to enjoy the Delta in privacy.
Zarafa Camp
The Zarafa Dhow Suite is one of the most luxurious private options in Botswana, offering opulent accommodation and privately guided activities for families or small groups in one of northern Botswana's most prolific wildlife areas.
Shinde Camp
While still part of the main camp Shinde Enclave has its own private main area including a bar, lounge, dining room, mini library, outside fire deck and sun lounger area making it a perfect private get away in the Okavango Delta.
Little Tubu
Although not a villa or a house, with just three tents Little Tubu can easily be booked out on an exclusive basis for groups or families wanting a little privacy on their Botswana safari.
Selinda Camp
A satellite of the main camp the Selinda Suite is a luxurious exclusive use two-bedroom villa offering guests their own private vehicle, safari guide, chef and hosting team.
Private safari camps & lodges elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Private safari camps & lodges in other countries.
Where to see wildlife species in Botswana
Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.
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
3,752 sightings from 4,635 observations
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.
47% SUCCESS
2,417 sightings from 5,144 observations
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.
33% SUCCESS
1,313 sightings from 3,945 observations
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
1,073 sightings from 3,391 observations
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.
55% SUCCESS
2,674 sightings from 4,894 observations
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.
15% SUCCESS
297 sightings from 1,917 observations
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.
20% SUCCESS
104 sightings from 522 observations
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.
91% SUCCESS
4,526 sightings from 4,976 observations
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.
83% SUCCESS
3,157 sightings from 3,811 observations
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.
86% SUCCESS
4,362 sightings from 5,094 observations
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
3,296 sightings from 3,696 observations
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
766 sightings from 2,550 observations
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.
44% SUCCESS
629 sightings from 1,444 observations
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.
69% SUCCESS
1,635 sightings from 2,380 observations
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.
49% SUCCESS
1,788 sightings from 3,630 observations
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.
25% SUCCESS
612 sightings from 2,486 observations
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.
24% SUCCESS
593 sightings from 2,501 observations
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.
19% SUCCESS
82 sightings from 430 observations
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
3,065 sightings from 4,544 observations
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
4,749 sightings from 5,650 observations
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
70 sightings from 4,111 observations
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
83 sightings from 4,066 observations
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