Botswana’s nature offers an unforgettable experience through unspoiled wilderness, where rich ecosystems and abundant wildlife highlight the very best of Africa’s natural beauty.
What can I expect on a Botswana safari?
A safari in Botswana is more than a chance to see wildlife: it’s a journey into vast, unspoiled landscapes. Botswana offers some of the most unforgettable safari experiences in the world. From elusive leopards and massive elephant herds to lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and hippos, the wildlife here is as rich and varied as the scenery itself. These animals roam through expansive, open landscapes that offer breathtaking views and exceptional opportunities for wildlife photography.
Botswana safari tours are as varied as its terrain, ranging from mokoro canoe trips through the Okavango Delta and guided bush walks to night drives, boat safaris, birdwatching, photography sessions, and cultural visits to local communities. To protect its pristine ecosystems, Botswana carefully limits the number of lodges and visitors, meaning that many camps are exclusive and remote; offering not just seclusion, but a truly tranquil connection with nature.
How do I choose the best safari in Botswana?
With its diverse ecosystems, Botswana offers countless safari options. This can make choosing the right one feel a bit overwhelming. To help you find the perfect fit, here are a few important factors to consider:
1 What are the best regions for a safari in Botswana?
Botswana is home to 10 national parks, along with numerous game reserves and wildlife management areas that together protect vast tracts of unspoiled wilderness and support rich biodiversity. Among the most renowned destinations are:
- Okavango Delta: A UNESCO world heritage site and the world’s largest inland delta. Known for its seasonal floods, rich biodiversity, and serene mokoro canoe trips. Wildlife includes elephants, lions, hippos, and countless bird species.
- Chobe National Park: Renowned for its massive elephant herds and riverside scenery, Chobe offers boat safaris, game drives, and excellent birding opportunities. It’s one of Africa’s top wildlife destinations.
- Moremi Game Reserve: Situated in the eastern Okavango Delta, Moremi is a diverse and scenic reserve combining lagoons, forests, and plains. Expect sightings of lions, wild dogs, giraffes, and prolific birdlife.
- Makgadikgadi Pans National Park: Home to vast salt flats and surreal landscapes, this park is ideal for unique adventures like quad biking, meerkat encounters, and witnessing the zebra migration.
1.1 Why the Central Tuli region is the ‘hidden pearl’ of Botswana?
While Botswana’s northern parks draw most of the attention, the Central Tuli region in the far southeast shows a different side of the country. Following the Limpopo River where Botswana meets South Africa and Zimbabwe, Central Tuli is a landscape of rolling hills, vibrant woodlands and rocky outcrops. The area is rich in wildlife, yet it remains quiet and little-visited.
The Central Tuli region is a broad area of privately managed conservation zones. The Northern Central Tuli Game Reserve protects 71,000 hectares of wilderness, with several reserves working together to safeguard wildlife. Mashatu Game Reserve lies within Northern Central Tuli and is one of the largest private reserves in southern Africa. Nearby, the Central Tuli Game Reserve offers similar habitats and species. Together, these reserves form an ecological corridor linking Botswana’s wildlife with the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area across South Africa and Zimbabwe.
2. What’s the best way to connect Botswana’s safari regions?
While Botswana is having a lot of iconic safari destinations, they are geographically far apart and differ significantly in terrain and travel logistics. Connecting Safari regions requires thoughtful planning, but the reward is a rich contrast in safari experiences: from the lush, water-filled channels of the Delta to the rugged, sandstone ridges and baobab-dotted savannas of the Central Tuli region.
Traveling by air is the fastest and most convenient option, especially for those on a luxury or time-sensitive itinerary. Small charter flights link Maun (gateway to the Okavango) with Limpopo Valley Airfield near the Central Tuli Block. Flights offer incredible aerial views of Botswana’s changing landscapes and take around 2–3 hours, depending on routing and stopovers.
Overland journeys between the Delta and Central Tuli are more time-consuming but ideal for adventurous travelers interested in a road trip that showcases Botswana’s interior. The drive takes roughly 12–15 hours and is best done over several days, with possible stops at Makgadikgadi Pans or Nxai Pan to break up the journey. A 4×4 is essential, and travelers should be well-prepared for long distances, remote stretches, and varying road conditions.
At The Africa Experience, we help create seamless connections between several parts in Botswana and South Africa. Should guests wish to combine South Africa with the Central Tuli Game Reserve, driving by car is the best and fastest option. Central Tuli is only a 6 hour drive away from Johannesburg. This dual-region approach allows guests to witness the full spectrum of Botswana’s wildlife and landscapes in a single, unforgettable safari. We are more than happy to facilitate your stay at our beautiful lodges in The Central Tuli Game Reserve.
3. Self-drive vs. organized safari: what’s the best choice?
Another key decision is whether to join an organized safari tour or go on a self-drive adventure. Self-drives offer independence and are suited to experienced travelers who enjoy setting their own pace and navigating Botswana’s wild terrain. Organized tours, on the other hand, are perfect for those who prefer expert planning, guided excursions, and seamless logistics.
3.1 How does a self-drive safari work?
Self-driving in Botswana offers an exciting way to explore the country’s stunning wilderness, with incidents being rare, though good preparation is always advised. While some national park roads can be rough and challenging, a sturdy 4×4 vehicle ensures a comfortable and adventurous journey through unpaved stretches and beautiful landscapes. Perfect for confident and well-prepared travelers, self-drive safaris provide the freedom to discover Botswana’s incredible wildlife and scenery at your own pace.
At The Africa Experience, we create unforgettable journeys by combining self-drive adventures in South Africa with the exclusive charm of our camps in Botswana. Explore breathtaking landscapes at your own pace and follow one of our inspiring routes, from coastal roads to Bush Safaris.
- Green route: connecting Johannesburg with Botswana, specifically the Central Tuli wilderness area.
- Blue route: combining our Koro Camps with Kruger National Park through Mapungubwe National Park and via the tripoint of Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
- Yellow route: taking you from our Koro Camps through Platjan to the Hoedspruit-Phalaborwa area of Kruger National Park.
- Red route: combining Kruger National Park with the beach in Machangula, Mozambique.
- Perfect Bush Beach Combination: taking you on a roundtrip through Botswana, South Africa and Mozambique.
3.2 How to prepare for a self-drive safari?
Planning a self-drive or camping trip in Botswana is an exciting adventure, but it does require thorough preparation. You’ll often be heading into remote areas, only accessible by four-wheel drive, where roads are sandy and rough, and essentials like water, fuel, and food may not be available.
Vehicles drive on the left-hand side, and you’ll need to carry a valid international driver’s license along with vehicle registration documents at all times. While main roads are generally paved and in good condition, a 4×4 or High Clearance car is essential for exploring national parks, game reserves, and off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Make sure to bring enough supplies: at least 20 litres of water per person (more for desert trips), food for your entire stay, and around 100 litres of fuel. Don’t forget spare vehicle parts and at least one spare tyre: breakdowns in the bush can be part of the journey!
With numerous car rental companies (widely available in major tourist hubs, airports, and hotels), you can pick a vehicle that suits your needs and budget. But opting for a reliable and well-maintained High Clearance or 4×4 is essential to ensure a smoother and safer journey. Renting a 4×4 in Botswana costs around €100–€200 per day, depending on for example the car model and whether it’s equipped or not. With the right preparation, exploring Botswana’s wild beauty is an unforgettable experience!
What does a Botswana safari cost?
Botswana safari tours are renowned for their high quality, with prices varying based on e.g. the exact destination, accommodation style, camp type, and overall experience offered. Here’s a general breakdown:
- Budget safaris: From $200–$400 per person per night
- Mid-range safaris: $500–$900 per person per night
- Luxury safaris: $1,000–$2,000+ per person per night
In addition to the nightly rates, travelers should also take into account extra costs, such as international flights, domestic transfers, travel insurance, park entry fees (paid in cash at the gate) and 4×4 vehicle rental if opting for a self-drive safari. Planning ahead and understanding these costs can help ensure a smooth and rewarding safari experience in Mozambique.
Enquire the rates of our lodges for more information about staying with us!
What accommodation style should I choose?
When planning a Botswana safari tour, choosing the type of accommodation is an important part of tailoring your experience. Each accommodation style presents a unique way to experience Botswana’s landscapes and wildlife.
For those seeking luxury and comfort, Botswana offers high-end lodges, providing an indulgent and relaxing stay. If you prefer a closer connection to nature without sacrificing comfort, tented camps are an excellent choice. For the adventurous traveler eager to explore multiple regions and follow wildlife on the move, mobile safaris provide a dynamic experience, with stays in temporary camps set in remote wilderness areas.
What is the best time for a safari in Botswana?
The best time to visit Botswana depends on what you want to experience. The dry season runs from May to October, bringing clear skies, minimal vegetation, and excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather around waterholes.
The rainy season lasts from November to April, transforming the landscape into a lush, green paradise with slightly cooler temperatures. However, wildlife is more dispersed during this time, and the increased chance of rain can make spotting animals more challenging.
What is the philosophy of The Africa Experience?
The Africa Experience is the vision of founder Albert Hartog, entrepreneur and investor in green and environmental technologies, who has dedicated over 15 years to the conservation of leopards and the protection of endangered species. Backed by a passionate team of expert trackers, guides, chefs, managers, and technical staff, The Africa Experience delivers authentic, personalized safaris rooted in deep respect for both nature and local culture.
All profits are reinvested through the Timbo Afrika Foundation, supporting long-term conservation and community development in Botswana and Mozambique, guided by the belief that sustainable tourism must grow hand-in-hand with empowered local communities.
What are camps in Botswana operated by The Africa Experience
These are the camps we offer; each thoughtfully designed to reconnect you with nature in comfort and seclusion. Whether by river, beach, or deep in the bush, every location offers an intimate, immersive escape into the wild.
- Koro River Camp: is a secluded safari retreat in the Central Tuli Game Reserve, set along the wild Limpopo River and designed for personal reflection and reconnection with nature. With just 7 spacious tented suites, private decks with plunge pool, and personalized service from local staff, it offers an intimate escape.
- Koro Island Camp: is a remote, explorer-focused safari camp uniquely located on an island in the Limpopo River, accessible only by suspension bridge. With 4 en-suite Meru tents and a tented lounge, it offers an intimate base for private groups, mountain bikers, and birders to connect with the ancient Central Tuli landscape and its abundant wildlife.
- Harena Trails Camp and Harena River Camp: in partnership with the Molema Community Trust, we’re launching the Molema Safari Experience: two new luxury camps—Harena Trails and Harena River Camp—in the untouched wilderness of Central Tuli. This 5,000-hectare area will host the region’s first multi-day walking safaris, offering close encounters with iconic wildlife, stunning landscapes, and remote, ever-changing campsites.
This webpage was written by Henriette Wyers, the Sales & Marketing Representative of The Africa Experience. This article was last updated on October 20, 2025. The following sources were consulted in the creation of this webpage: nationalparksassociation.org, notugre.com, botswanatourism.co.bw. If you have any questions about this content, please contact us at +27 82 3164363 or send an email to reservations@the-africa-experience.com.
