Budget Travel Tips for Exploring Botswana

Although Botswana is one of the most expensive destinations to visit in Africa, it’s on every safari-goer’s bucket list for some very good reasons: its vast swathes of untamed wilderness, fence-free national parks, and wealth of wildlife.

The country has adopted a conservation strategy based on high-end, low-volume tourism, which means it’s free of crowds and mass-market resorts. There is no shortage of expensive lodges: butlers to draw your bath, tasting menus to rival Michelin-star restaurants, and well-stocked wine cellars that wouldn’t look out of place in either London or New York. However, with some savvy planning, Botswana doesn’t have to break the bank.

Daily Costs in Botswana

• 4WD rental per day: from US$150
• Camping in national parks and reserves: from US$20 per person
• Camping in a campsite: around US$30 per tent
• Double room in a campsite (self-catering): from US$50
• Double room in a mid-range lodge (half-board): from US$100 per person
• Double room in a four-star lodge (all-inclusive): from US$500 per person
• Suite in a luxury lodge (all-inclusive): from US$1000 per person
• Intercity bus: from US$25
• Coffee: US$2.50
• Sandwich: US$4
• Dinner for two: US$22
• Beer/pint at the bar: US$3
• Scheduled flight from Maun to Kasane: around US$65
• Scenic flight in the Okavango Delta (45 minutes): around US$100
• Canoe trip in the Okavango Delta: around US$100

Travel to Luxury Lodges During the Safari Shoulder Season

Good deals are rarer than black rhino sightings during Botswana’s peak season (June and September). Consider traveling in the shoulder season instead (April–May and October–November). This is when you can bag a bargain on accommodations and 4WD car rentals. The weather can be unpredictable as the seasons change from wet to dry and back again; however, Botswana has no shortage of wildlife action, especially around permanent water sources.

Moreover, ensure you check the flight distance of your chosen luxury lodge from Maun. It’s faster to fly, but the further your lodge, the more fuel and the pricier the return ticket. To bring the costs down, you can drive to some luxury stays in the southeastern delta and Khwai areas, or even ask about boating access between camps.

Embrace the Rainy Season for Great Botswana Deals

The green season (aka the wet rainy season) from December to March is cheaper still, as some lodges slash their rates by up to 40% – though some shut entirely, especially in the wettest months of January and February. Roads and tracks can become difficult to navigate, but the rains bring lush landscapes and the zebra migration commences at Nxai Pan National Park. Areas like Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta are so jam-packed with wild creatures that it really doesn’t matter which time of year you go.

Set Off on a Self-Drive Safari and Save

If you’re confident behind the wheel of a 4WD, a self-drive safari is one of the most wallet-friendly ways to explore Botswana: a week’s rental can cost less than a night in a luxury lodge. As a bonus, you can go from desert to delta at your own speed. If you want to spend a couple of hours watching a playful pride of lions or staking out a wild dog den, it’s no problem.

Nevertheless, you still need to be fully prepared. Plan your route (no driving after dark) and arrange your campsite reservations and national park permits in advance. Download an offline map and consider renting a satellite phone for any off-the-grid emergencies.

Join a Small-Group Adventurous Mobile Safari

Joining a small-group 4WD tour allows you to set up camp in different bush locations while eating under the stars and leaving no footprint. You’ll be surrounded by the wilderness from the moment you unzip your tent, and you’ll travel with a top-notch guide who makes wildlife spotting easy.

If you’re happy being hands-on – pitching and taking down your tent, washing dishes, and helping dismantle and set up camp – a semi-participation safari is the cheapest option. Otherwise, you can upgrade to a fully serviced mobile safari – still a fraction of the price of a high-end lodge.

Hop Onto a Mokoro Canoe Campout from Maun

Most luxury lodges in the delta organize mokoro (canoe) trips, but you can also arrange your own mokoro adventure from Maun. The Okavango Kopano Mokoro Community Trust is an overarching association for all local polers and operates in the eastern Okavango. Outings range from day trips to affordable multi-day camping excursions on islands encircled by floodwaters, which makes careful planning an absolute must.

Board an Overland Truck to Tick Off Major Sights

Group safaris come in all shapes and sizes: if you’re time-rich and cash-poor, overlanding in a purpose-built truck is a time-honored way to explore the African continent. Botswana is often teamed up with neighboring countries for budget-friendly itineraries, offering a great way to meet fellow travelers.

Choose a Drive-In Instead of a Fly-In Camp

Because of Botswana’s sheer size, select camps that can be easily reached by road, such as the wildlife-rich Moremi Game Reserve and Khwai area. This choice can significantly reduce your travel costs while still providing you with an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Focus on One National Park or Reserve

You don’t have to dip into different national parks and reserves to experience a range of habitats and wildlife. Focusing on a single region can help cut down on vehicle rental or transfer costs. Decide your priorities: if you’ve got an urge to see elephants, head to Chobe; if you want to mingle with meerkats, head to Gweta and the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.

Swap a Luxury Lodge for a Tent

While wild camping is illegal in Botswana, the country has brilliant campsites available. Opt for an unfenced area of a national park or reserve where you can expect to encounter numerous wild visitors. You can also choose lively campsites with amenities, like Planet Baobab, where you can enjoy social activities.

Save Money by Basing Yourself in the Urban Jungle

While it might not be as atmospheric as wilderness camping, basing yourself in Maun or Kasane will give you access to more wallet-friendly accommodations, grocery stores, and local restaurants. Use the money you save to splurge on day-long game drives, sunset cruises, and scenic flights.

Look Out for Budget-Friendly Lodges in Five-Star Locations

Travelers can still save money on their trip to Botswana by seeking accommodations located near luxurious lodges. These budget-oriented digs may not have all the amenities but will share the same stunning landscapes and wild encounters.

Wildlife Watching Can Be Done from the Road

With no fences keeping wildlife contained, it’s not uncommon to encounter elephants, giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife while driving between major highways in Northern Botswana. This opportunity allows for fantastic sightings even before entering a national park.