Botswana safari – fly-in or mobile safari

Types of Botswana safaris

Different types of safari in Botswana

In the days before organised camps and lodges, the traditional Botswana safari was a mobile safari – enthusiasts driven around by a professional guide, the camp's equipment travelling with them. Although such trips are still possible, more recently travellers to Botswana can also explore a combination of environments on a tailor-made fly-in safari or even on a self-drive holiday.

Fly-in safaris to Botswana

In recent years, with increased travel by light aircraft, most travellers visit Botswana on a fly-in safari. Flight transfers between camps are quick and easy, typically taking only 30 to 90 minutes from tent to tent. Thus visitors minimise their travelling time, and maximise their time on safari. Using short flights you can hop between different environments in minutes, swiftly covering large distances across difficult terrain – and come to appreciate Botswana's remarkable geography in the process.
An itinerary can be tailor-made and may include a selection of two to four safari camps that fit your requirements. See a typical fly-in safari, or a full list of ideas for Botswana Safaris.

Self-drive holidays in Botswana

Many of the roads into Botswana's wildlife areas are sandy and remote. Combined with the lack of accurate maps and little or no backup in the event of a problem, means visiting large parts of Botswana becomes an expedition rather than a relaxing holiday. Having said that, the main trunk roads through the country are easily driven by visitors who prefer a more independent style of holiday, and areas such as the Okavango Panhandle, Nxai Pan and Chobe Riverfront can combine with Namibia's Caprivi Strip for a great self drive safari.

Guided safaris around Botswana

Mobile safaris remain an enjoyable and popular way to travel around Botswana. Safari itineraries and accommodation styles vary, but all the trips we offer have staff to do the work, spacious tents – often with private facilities, and fine cuisine.

Small-group guided safaris are a great way to travel around with a knowledgeable guide and other like-minded travellers. Groups vary in size from six to twelve passengers travelling in an open-sided 4WD safari vehicle. Our Wild about Africa programme has a great selection of these safaris to Botswana; spending time in both private and public reserves. (See examples of comfortable camping and luxury tented small-group safaris to Botswana… )

Private guided safaris are the ultimate in small-group safaris: they're organised just for you and your family or friends. Choose between comfortable and luxury camping options and build your own itinerary. Because each safari camp is private and the guide is at your disposal you set the activity schedule, doing as little or as much as you like each day. Again, you'll find the widest choice under the banner of our Wild about Africa programme. (See examples of private guided safaris to Botswana… )

Our top picks for holidays to Botswana

We'll always tailor-make your Safari for you. Here are some of our favourites to inspire you.

Wild Dog Safari

13 days • 5 locations
KASANE AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

An in-depth discovery of northern Botswana’s wilderness, from Chobe and the private Kwando Reserve to the Moremi and iconic Okavango Delta with a great variety of activities and wildlife.

US$12,230 - US$21,930 per person

Porcupine Safari

11 days • 4 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Visit dramatically contrasting landscapes boasting a variety of species during this exploration of Botswana’s top-safari destinations. A combination of national parks and private reserves allows for a range of activities.

US$10,710 - US$16,860 per person

Spring Hare Safari

9 days • 3 locations
KASANE AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

An authentic and diverse safari to Botswana combining the Chobe Forest Reserve, Savuti Marshes and the Okavango Delta. Strong wildlife viewing, a variety of activities and excellent value camps.

US$7,290 - US$13,320 per person

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$10,930 - US$23,640 per person

Red Lechwe Safari

9 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Superb guiding from three fabulous camps full of character in three contrasting areas for a fabulous safari to the Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert.

US$10,800 - US$28,240 per person

Steenbok Safari

9 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

A classic Botswana safari exploring the Moremi, Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta. Excellent wildlife viewing and a variety of activities from three of our favourite traditional tented camps.

US$7,260 - US$13,480 per person

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$9,870 - US$16,440 per person

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$13,570 - US$31,740 per person

Reedbuck Safari

8 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Focussing on the Okavango Delta and combining the crème de la crème of Botswana’s camps – Zarafa, Vumbura Plains and Mombo – this is one of the finest safari experiences in Africa.

US$18,160 - US$36,280 per person

Tsessebe Safari

7 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Visit three sister-camps in and around Moremi Game Reserve during this thorough exploration of the Okavango Delta. A range of activities provide excellent opportunity to observe the local birdlife, mammals and fauna.

US$8,240 - US$11,410 per person

View all holidays in Botswana

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

Inspire me