Safari Holidays to Botswana
Botswana Safari Holidays
Botswana is a place where the wild still rules — vast landscapes untouched by mass tourism, where animals roam free and travellers become quiet observers in nature’s great theatre. With its pioneering conservation model and low-impact tourism approach, Botswana offers some of Africa’s most exclusive and ethical safari experiences.
Whether you’re gliding silently through the Okavango Delta in a mokoro canoe, watching elephants splash across Chobe’s riverbanks, or camping under the stars in the Kalahari, Botswana safari holidays promise raw beauty, real adventure, and moments that stay with you forever.
A Selection of our Botswana Safari Holidays
Safari Lodge
Location
This is paragraph text. Click it or hit the Manage Text button to change the font, color, size, format, and more. To set up site-wide paragraph and title styles, go to Site Theme.
Safari Lodge
Location
This is paragraph text. Click it or hit the Manage Text button to change the font, color, size, format, and more. To set up site-wide paragraph and title styles, go to Site Theme.
Safari Lodge
Location
This is paragraph text. Click it or hit the Manage Text button to change the font, color, size, format, and more. To set up site-wide paragraph and title styles, go to Site Theme.
When is the Best Time to Go on Botswana Safari Holidays?
The dry season (May to October) is considered the best time for safaris in Botswana, especially from June to September, when water levels rise in the Okavango Delta and wildlife concentrates around rivers and waterholes. The weather is cool and clear — perfect for game drives, walking safaris, and mokoro excursions.
The green season (November to April) brings lush landscapes, dramatic skies, and excellent birding. While some areas become inaccessible due to rains, it’s a magical time with fewer tourists and vibrant scenery — ideal for photography and quieter safari experiences.
What Wildlife Can You See on Botswana Safari Holidays?
Botswana is home to all of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), along with abundant herds of zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, and antelope. The country has one of Africa’s largest elephant populations — particularly around Chobe and the Delta.
You’ll also have the chance to see African wild dogs, cheetahs, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species. Boat safaris offer excellent sightings from the water, and the Delta’s network of channels brings you eye-level with wildlife in a way few places can match.
Top Safari Destinations in Botswana
Each of Botswana’s reserves has its own character — from wetlands and floodplains to salt pans and dry savannah. These regions offer remote, deeply immersive experiences away from the crowds.
Okavango Delta
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders, the Okavango Delta is a lush oasis teeming with life. Explore by mokoro (traditional dugout canoe), walking safari, or 4x4, with elephants, hippos, leopards, and birds at every turn.
Chobe National Park
Famous for its riverfront wildlife and massive elephant herds, Chobe is ideal for boat safaris and dramatic game drives. Sunset cruises often bring you face-to-face with elephants swimming, crocs sunning, and herds coming to drink.
Moremi Game Reserve
Located within the Okavango Delta, Moremi is a patchwork of lagoons, woodlands, and floodplains. It offers incredible biodiversity and is one of the best places to spot leopards and wild dogs.
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
A surreal landscape of salt pans and open skies, Makgadikgadi is home to seasonal zebra migrations, meerkats, and ancient baobabs. It’s perfect for travellers seeking something unique and otherworldly.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Vast, silent, and remote, the Kalahari offers sightings of black-maned lions, springbok, gemsbok, and brown hyenas. Cultural experiences with San Bushmen add depth to this off-the-grid safari.
The Types of Botswana Safari Holidays That We Offer
At Awake in the Wild, our Botswana safari holidays are designed to be intimate, flexible, and deeply connected to nature.
- Water & Land Safari Combos – Mix game drives with mokoro excursions and boat safaris for a full immersion.
- Mobile Camping Safaris – Journey through multiple parks with comfortable, fully-serviced tented camps set up just for you.
- Fly-in Safaris – Access remote Delta camps by light aircraft for a seamless, scenic adventure.
- Family & Private Safaris – Enjoy exclusive lodges or camps with activities tailored to your group’s pace and interests.
- Green Season Journeys – Take advantage of lower rates, lush scenery, and magical wildlife during the quieter months.
Why Book Your Botswana Safari Holiday with Awake in the Wild?
Botswana is wild, remote, and rewarding — but it takes thoughtful planning to get it right.
At Awake in the Wild, we work with hand-picked local partners, guides, and camps to make sure your experience is seamless, ethical, and unforgettable.
We don’t push packages or shortcuts — we listen to what you want and build your trip around you.
Whether you’re after adventure, serenity, or a bit of both, we’ll design a safari that makes you feel truly awake in the wild.
We’re also fully ATOL and PTS protected, so you can book with total peace of mind.
Where to Stay on a Botswana Safari
Botswana is known for its low-volume, high-quality safari model. Accommodation options include luxury tented camps, eco-lodges, and mobile safari setups — all designed to blend into the landscape and limit environmental impact.
Many lodges are located on private concessions, offering exclusive access to pristine wildlife areas and the flexibility to do activities not permitted in national parks (like walking safaris and night drives). Whether you’re seeking canvas-and-lantern charm or modern comfort with a view, we’ll help you choose the perfect place to stay.
Combine Your Safari With...
Botswana’s central location makes it easy to pair with nearby destinations for a longer, more varied journey:
- Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe or Zambia) – Just a short transfer from Chobe, this natural wonder is a popular add-on.
- Namibia – Combine Botswana’s wetlands with the deserts, dunes, and stark beauty of Namibia.
- South Africa – Start or end your trip with time in Cape Town, the Winelands, or Kruger National Park.
- Mozambique or Mauritius – For a beach break after safari, head to the Indian Ocean for relaxation and reef exploration.
Travelling from the UK to Botswana
There are no direct flights from the UK to Botswana, but reaching this iconic safari destination is easy with one or two smooth connections. Most travellers fly from London Heathrow or Manchester via hubs like Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, or Doha, arriving into Maun, Kasane, or Gaborone, depending on your itinerary.
Maun is the primary gateway for safaris in the Okavango Delta and Moremi, while Kasane serves travellers heading to Chobe National Park and Victoria Falls. Typical journey times from the UK range from 15 to 20 hours, depending on the route and layovers.
Our team will tailor your flights and transfers to fit your safari seamlessly — whether you’re flying into the bush by light aircraft or crossing borders overland. Leave the planning to us and focus on the adventure ahead.
Start Planning Your Botswana Safari Holiday
Dreaming of the Okavango? Watching elephants at sunset? Waking to lion tracks near your tent? Let’s make it happen.
Call us today or complete our short enquiry form to start planning your tailor-made Botswana safari holiday with Awake in the Wild.
Send an Enquiry
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please try again later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to travel to Botswana from the UK?
No, UK passport holders do not currently need a visa for visits of up to 90 days. You’ll just need a valid passport with at least six months’ validity. We’ll keep you updated on any changes before you travel.
When is the best time to go on safari in Botswana?
The dry season (May to October) is best for game viewing, especially in the Okavango Delta and Chobe. The green season (November to April) is quieter and more affordable, with lush scenery and excellent birdwatching.
Can I do both land and water safaris in Botswana?
Yes — that’s what makes Botswana safari holidays so unique. Game drives, boat safaris, and mokoro excursions (traditional dugout canoe rides) are all possible depending on the region and water levels.
Where is the best place to see elephants in Botswana?
Chobe National Park is known for having one of the largest elephant populations in Africa. The Chobe Riverfront is ideal for close-up sightings — especially during the dry season.
Is Botswana suitable for first-time safari travellers?
Absolutely. Botswana is ideal for travellers looking for high-quality, low-impact safaris. The camps are well-run, guides are excellent, and itineraries can be tailored to suit beginners or seasoned wildlife lovers alike.
What kind of accommodation can I expect?
Accommodation ranges from luxury tented camps to mobile safaris and remote eco-lodges. Many are located in private concessions, offering more flexibility with activities like walking safaris and night drives.
Is Botswana a safe travel destination?
Yes — Botswana is one of Africa’s safest and most politically stable countries. As always, travelling with a reputable operator ensures extra peace of mind and local support throughout.
How do I get to Botswana from the UK?
There are no direct flights, but it’s easy to reach Botswana via Johannesburg, with connections to Maun, Kasane, or Gaborone. Total travel time is typically 14–18 hours including layovers.
What wildlife will I see in Botswana?
Expect to see elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, giraffes, crocodiles, zebras, antelope, and sometimes African wild dogs. Birdlife is abundant, especially in the Okavango and during the green season.
Can I combine Botswana with Victoria Falls or another country?
Yes — Victoria Falls (Zambia or Zimbabwe) is easily combined with Chobe. You can also pair Botswana with Namibia, South Africa, or Mozambique for a more diverse trip.
