The best lodges & camps for walking safaris in Botswana
While it’s not widely known for walking safaris, this is largely due to national guiding regulations that don't require specialist walking qualifications. As a result, only a handful of camps meet the high standards we look for at Expert Africa. Those few that we do recommend offer superb, safe and deeply rewarding experiences on foot.
Water levels in the Okavango Delta also mean that walking isn’t practical everywhere, but where it is possible, the rewards are exceptional. Whether you’re looking to learn ancient tracking skills, explore desert ecosystems up close, or simply stretch your legs in a pristine wilderness, we can point you to the very best spots.
Kudu Safari
7 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
US$8,760 - US$20,120 per person
Sandibe Safari Lodge
Sandibe focuses primarily on day and night game drives, but they also offer guided walking safaris, with specialist walking guides based in camp. You'll learn about the Delta's ecosystem, plant life, the 'small five' and how to read the tracks and signs left by animals.
Ground Squirrel Safari
7 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
US$8,840 - US$11,190 per person
Kanana
For a walking safari in Botswana, Kanana offers bush walks with an experienced, armed guide who will explain tracks and signs. Often following old hippo paths, these are usually slow walks, with a view to giving visitors a deeper understanding of the environment.
Tsessebe Safari
7 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
US$8,240 - US$11,410 per person
Kanana
For a walking safari in Botswana, Kanana offers bush walks with an experienced, armed guide who will explain tracks and signs. Often following old hippo paths, these are usually slow walks, with a view to giving visitors a deeper understanding of the environment.
Sable Self-drive Safari
12 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
US$8,470 - US$9,380 per person
Onguma Camp Kala
Want a break from Namibia's bumpy roads? Why not stretch your legs on a walking safari, accompanied by a guide from Onguma Camp Kala? It's a great way to see another side of the bush.
Nkasa Lupala
Experience the lush environment of the Caprivi Strip on a walking safari from Nkasa Lupala. Led by a professional guide and an armed community ranger this is a great opportunity to experience the bush from a different perspective.
Rock Hare Self-drive Safari
20 days • 12 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
US$7,470 - US$8,450 per person
Ongava Lodge
Expertly trained, armed guides lead walking safaris from Ongava Lodge in the Ongava Reserve. The focus of these walks is often on tracking white rhino, although you may also see some of the reserve's wide variety of other game species.
Kazile Island Lodge
Led by a professional guide a walking safari from Kazile Island Lodge is great opportunity to focus on the small things and see things often missed from a 4WD.
1 of
Best camps & lodges for Walking safaris in Botswana

Okavango Walking Safari
The Okavango Delta Walking Safari is the only multi-day walking trail offered in Botswana. You’ll stay in a very comfortable mobile camp, with one night in a more adventurous fly-camp, in a secluded wilderness where there are few roads - led by a top expert guide and a Bushman.

Sandibe Safari Lodge
Sandibe focuses primarily on day and night game drives, but they also offer guided walking safaris, with specialist walking guides based in camp. You'll learn about the Delta's ecosystem, plant life, the 'small five' and how to read the tracks and signs left by animals.

Kanana
For a walking safari in Botswana, Kanana offers bush walks with an experienced, armed guide who will explain tracks and signs. Often following old hippo paths, these are usually slow walks, with a view to giving visitors a deeper understanding of the environment.

Shinde Footsteps
Shinde Footsteps is a great place for walking safaris in Botswana. Led by excellent and experienced guides, walks are in a remote wilderness area, and focus on the small things: the plant life, the tracks left by animals, and the Delta's fascinating ecosystem.

Karangoma
Karangoma is a small and classic tented camp which has great herbivore densities, especially zebra and elephants in the surrounding areas; it offers walking and San tracking – and is a good camp for walking safaris in Botswana.

Okavango Explorers
Okavango Explorers is a small, tented camp in a great area for wildlife and birds, which offers reliably good walking safaris at a relaxed pace with good guides. It’s one of Botswana’s better camps for walking safaris.

Selinda Explorers Camp
Selinda Explorers is a small, smart tented camp in a first-class area for big game; it offers walking and canoeing – and is an excellent camp for walking safaris in Botswana.
Walking safaris elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Walking safaris in other countries.

Kenya
Explore wildlife-rich valleys alongside Maasai, embark on guided overnight trails, or take a hike ...

Namibia
Namibia has some of Africa's most dramatic scenery and many great hikes and walking trails: it's ...

Rwanda
Best known for gorilla trekking, Rwanda also invites you to step quietly into its misty forests ...

Tanzania
From walking with Maasai guides on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater to tracking chimpanzees in ...

Zambia
Zambia offers Africa's widest choice of reliably excellent walking safaris. Strict guiding exams ...

Zimbabwe
Walking can be a big part of a safari in Zimbabwe. Exceptionally high guiding standards due to ...
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
3,674 sightings from 4,539 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
2,370 sightings from 5,037 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
1,289 sightings from 3,855 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
1,049 sightings from 3,322 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
2,632 sightings from 4,798 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.
16% SUCCESS
292 sightings from 1,867 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
103 sightings from 507 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
4,431 sightings from 4,871 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
3,100 sightings from 3,738 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
4,282 sightings from 4,994 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
3,224 sightings from 3,619 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
758 sightings from 2,501 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
618 sightings from 1,417 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
1,614 sightings from 2,334 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
1,768 sightings from 3,572 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
601 sightings from 2,430 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
578 sightings from 2,440 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
78 sightings from 407 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.
68% SUCCESS
3,008 sightings from 4,452 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
4,654 sightings from 5,533 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 4,029 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
82 sightings from 3,987 observations

Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
Inspire meOther styles of holiday in Botswana
Discover all that Botswana has to offer

Birdwatching
Diverse habitats, discreet hides and superb guiding.

Cultural Experiences
Get authentic insight into Africa's cultures, communities and history.

Family holidays
Our collection of incredible family safaris

Honeymoons
Romantic safaris and castaway island retreats.

Luxury
First-class service, scenic vistas and unparalleled comfort await you during these carefully selected luxury holidays.

Photography holidays
Great holidays to suit the keen photographer.

Private villas & houses
Enjoy Africa with just your friends & family

Riding holidays
Explore Africa's wilderness on horseback.

Solo safaris
Trip ideas ideally suited for a solo traveller.

Walking
Explore Africa's most scenic hiking trails on foot, with or without a guide.

Walking safaris
Discover Africa's wildlife and wilderness on foot.

Wellbeing
Wellness escapes in stunning locations

Wildlife safaris
These trips include incredible wildlife and elusive species, as well as superb guiding and a variety of diverse ecosystems.