Exploring Botswana: Safari Adventures and Travel Tips

Botswana is famed for its enormous expanses of pristine wilderness that have been devoted to fence-free national parks and private game reserves, allowing its abundant wildlife to roam free. However, what’s the best way to explore this stunning country?

Public transport will only get you so far. To reach lodges or campsites in national parks, game reserves, and private concessions, you’ll need to either self-drive, be driven in a 4WD, or hop on a light aircraft.

Here’s what you need to know about getting around Botswana.

A Mobile Safari will Get You Up Close to Wild Nature

If you long to be surrounded by the rustle and hum of the wilderness but don’t prefer to drive yourself, then a mobile safari offers a fantastic option. Join a small group 4WD tour, and you’ll set up camp in diverse bush locations, dine under the stars, and minimize your environmental impact. Each tour includes a driver-guide and cook, entrance and camping fees, meals, and activities. The total cost will depend on the luxury level of your experience in Botswana.

If you’re willing to get your hands dirty, a participation safari is a budget-friendly option – you’ll help prepare meals, wash dishes, and assist in setting up and dismantling camp. Simply bring a sleeping bag to share a tent and use shared bush facilities. You’ll spend more time on the move rather than in a fixed campsite.

For a more luxurious experience, upgrade to a fully serviced mobile safari, where your accommodations are provided, including walk-in tents with camp beds and ensuite bathrooms for added convenience. Additionally, you’ll enjoy a longer stay at each site, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Botswana’s breathtaking landscapes, all while still being more cost-effective compared to upscale lodges.

For larger groups seeking wallet-friendly options, consider traveling on an overland truck and staying at a combination of campsites and lodges. For those with a tighter budget or time constraints, a half- or full-day game drive from local hubs like Kasane or Maun is always available.

Self-Driving: An Adventurous Way to Explore

On a self-drive safari, you can navigate through Botswana’s vast and varied landscapes at your own rhythm. This approach represents the ultimate wilderness adventure, but it’s not ideal for the fainthearted or unprepared. It’s crucial to be confident in your driving skills, especially while maneuvering a 4WD, as you’ll encounter unique landscapes and wildlife.

A 4WD camper typically comes equipped with rooftop tents and a fully fitted kitchen. While wild camping is illegal, rental companies can tailor your itinerary and handle campsite reservations and national park permits for a nominal fee.

If you opt for independent driving, meticulous route planning is essential (campsites and park permits require advance booking, especially from June to September). Notify a trusted contact of your itinerary and consider downloading offline maps to stay on track.

Even with a local SIM card, phone signal may not always be reliable. Therefore, renting a satellite phone for emergencies is advisable. Essential supplies such as spare tires, a jack, sand ladders, and a tow rope should always be included in your travel gear. Additionally, knowing how to remain safe in challenging situations is crucial.

Major towns like Kasane and Maun provide plenty of opportunities to stock up on drinking water, food, and fuel, essential for your journeys through renowned areas like Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve.

Let the Plane Take the Strain

The distances in Botswana are vast, often necessitating charter flights on nine- and 12-seater Cessnas to reach remote lodges and camps. These flights are typically organized by local tour companies and can deposit you right in the heart of the wilderness, where wildlife often mingles with the runway.

Air Botswana operates a scheduled network, including direct flights connecting Maun, Kasane, Gaborone, and Johannesburg in South Africa, offering seamless travel opportunities within the region.

Alternative Water Adventures for Wildlife Viewing

For a unique perspective of the wildlife, consider a trip in a mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe, now often made from fiberglass) on the shimmering waterways of the Okavango Delta. As you glide along, the sounds of nature surround you, while colorful kingfishers and majestic eagles spice up the view.

Alternatively, enjoy a boat safari on the Chobe River, particularly stunning at sunset when the landscape turns into a golden spectacle. Look out for elephants along the banks, using their trunks as snorkels, along with massive Nile crocodiles relaxing in the sun.

Exploring the upper Okavango Delta via houseboat can also provide an unforgettable experience, departing mainly from the panhandle region, ideal for family or friend groups. You can pack in activities like birdwatching and visiting Tsodilo Hills during a multi-night stay; enjoy the thrill of spotting hippos and crocodiles, or try your hand at fishing.

Saddle Up for a Low-Carbon Horseback Safari

For an eco-friendly option, experienced horseback riders can journey through striking landscapes of Botswana, from arid deserts to lush deltas. Horses can access areas where 4WDs can’t, all while enjoying the tranquility of nature without the noise of engines. Thus, you’re likely to see long-lashed giraffes, herds of zebras, and skittish wildebeests up close.

Consider a multi-day horseback adventure in the scenic Tuli Block or even a short afternoon ride starting from Maun.

Use Buses for Intercity Travel

Buses offer a budget-friendly means of traversing between major towns, allowing you to interact with locals. However, be prepared for long, noisy, and potentially uncomfortable rides that don’t reach remote areas.

Seabelo is a long-distance bus company with regular services from Kasane, Maun, and Gaborone, likely offering a more efficient and faster alternative compared to minibuses that follow similar routes.

Accessible Travel in Botswana

Travelers with limited mobility can request specially modified vehicles for transfers, game drives, and river cruise boats, some of which are equipped with hydraulic lifts and can secure wheelchairs. For travelers with hearing and vision impairments, options are also available. Endeavour Safaris specializes in accessible safari experiences, and local operators can recommend suitable accommodations.

This article was first published on August 3, 2022, and updated on October 30, 2023.