There's a reason Botswana keeps pulling people back. It's not just the elephants, though there are more of them here than almost anywhere on Earth. It's not just the Okavango, though the world's largest inland delta is about as close to paradise as land allows. It's something less definable: a wildness that gets into you and doesn't quite leave.
We've spent years guiding guests into Botswana's remote heart, and we're still finding new corners to love. So if you're wondering how to plan a Botswana safari that goes beyond the obvious, here's our honest, unfiltered guide.
Why Botswana Stands Apart
Botswana made a deliberate choice decades ago: protect its wilderness by keeping visitor numbers low and conservation standards high. The result is one of the most exclusive and rewarding safari experiences in Africa.
From the waterways of the Okavango Delta to the predator-rich concessions of Linyanti and Selinda, Botswana offers an extraordinary diversity of experiences. Few places allow you to glide through the Delta by mokoro in the morning and head out on a game drive that same afternoon.
"I love everything about Botswana. I love the diversity of activities. I love being on the water and being on a game drive on the same day. I love the wilderness, I love the space. Some of those concessions have the lowest vehicle densities in Africa. I love going out for four hours tracking leopards and not seeing another vehicle. I've said it for 20 years, you can't beat the Okavango Delta."- Brett Horley, BHS
For travellers seeking exceptional guiding, extraordinary wildlife, and vast landscapes that still feel genuinely wild, Botswana remains one of Africa's greatest safari destinations.
Where to Go: Botswana's Key Safari Regions
The Okavango Delta
The crown jewel. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Okavango is a water labyrinth of channels, islands, and floodplains fed by rains from Angola's highlands. Arrive by light aircraft and let it blow your mind. Water-based safaris here are unlike anything else on the continent, mokoro (dugout canoe) glides through lily-choked channels, feet from hippos and sitatunga. Land-based activities reveal big cats and wild dog packs. The combination is extraordinary.
Best camps: Remote, intimate, and perched on private concessions. Think Butler's Drift, Abu Camp, and the legendary Mombo, each offering something different but equally transformative.
Chobe National Park
Home to the highest density of elephants in Africa, Chobe's riverfront is a sensory overload in the best possible way. Watch thousands move to the water at sunset while fish eagles call above. Combine boat safaris along the Chobe River with game drives into the Savute area for an unbeatable double act.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
This is Botswana for the truly adventurous. The CKGR is vast, remote, and hauntingly beautiful, a moonscape of ancient riverbeds and salt pans where black-maned Kalahari lions roam. Fewer visitors, bigger skies, and a profound sense of solitude. Not everyone's first Botswana safari, but possibly the most unforgettable.
Linyanti & Kwando Concessions
Where wild dog sightings are among the most reliable on the continent. Linyanti is off-the-radar for most first-time visitors, which means it rewards those who seek it out with an intimacy that the more famous regions can't always offer.
When to Go
The dry season (May to October) is peak Botswana time. Wildlife concentrates around water sources, vegetation thins out for better sightings, and temperatures are pleasant. July and August bring the coolest nights and the most competitive game viewing. October heats up but still delivers extraordinary predator action around shrinking waterholes.
The green season (November to April) transforms Botswana into a lush, bird-rich paradise. Baby animals everywhere, dramatic thunderstorm skies, and significantly lower rates. The tradeoff: dense vegetation and some roads that require 4WD expertise. We love it for return guests chasing something different.
"I always tell first-timers: don't overthink the timing. Any month in Botswana beats most places on a good day. But if you ask me personally, September. The light is extraordinary, and the predator activity is insane." - Jo Cooper, BHS Guide
How Long Should You Spend?
A minimum of six nights is our recommendation, split across at least two regions. This gives you time to settle into the rhythm of the bush, build a relationship with your guide, and stop clock-watching. The guests who rush to Botswana almost always come back to do it properly.
Ten to fourteen nights is the sweet spot for a full Botswana circuit , Okavango, Chobe, and either Linyanti or the Kalahari. We've done this trip more times than we can count, and it never gets old.
Safari Planning Tips from Brett & Jo
• Book twelve to eighteen months ahead for peak season. Botswana's best camps fill up fast and with good reason.
• Fly between regions. Road distances are significant and flying by light aircraft is part of the experence. The aerial views over the delta are jaw-dropping.
• Pack light. Bush aircraft have strict luggage limits (typically 20kg in soft bags). We send our guests a detailed packing guide when they book.
• Budget for the full experience. Botswana is a serious investment. But the camps are all-inclusive, meaning game drives, meals, and drinks are included. You'll spend less on safari than you might think.
• Tell your guide what you want. Whether you're chasing leopards or learning bird calls, a great Botswana guide will shape the experience around your curiosity.
FAQs About Botswana Safaris
Why is Botswana considered one of Africa’s best safari destinations?
Botswana offers an exceptional combination of exclusivity, wildlife density, and pristine wilderness. Its low-impact tourism model creates a safari experience that feels private, immersive, and deeply connected to nature.
What is the best area to visit in Botswana?
The Okavango Delta is Botswana’s most iconic safari region, known for its waterways, mokoro safaris, and extraordinary wildlife. Chobe, Linyanti, and the Central Kalahari each offer completely different but equally rewarding experiences.
When is the best time to visit Botswana?
The dry season from May to October is best for game viewing, with wildlife gathering around water sources. September is particularly popular for predator activity and beautiful golden light.
How many days should you spend in Botswana?
We recommend at least six nights across two safari regions. Ten to fourteen nights allows for a more complete Botswana journey combining the Delta, Chobe, and either Linyanti or the Kalahari.
What animals can you see in Botswana?
Botswana is famous for elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and some of Africa’s best wild dog sightings, particularly in the Linyanti region.
What makes the Okavango Delta unique?
The Okavango is the world’s largest inland delta, creating a maze of floodplains, islands, and channels in the middle of the Kalahari Desert. Exploring it by mokoro canoe is one of Africa’s most iconic safari experiences.
Is Botswana suitable for first-time safari travellers?
Yes, especially for travellers seeking a more exclusive and authentic safari experience. The quality of guiding, camps, and wildlife encounters is consistently exceptional.
Is Botswana an expensive safari destination?
Botswana is considered a premium safari destination because of its low-volume, high-quality tourism model. While costs are higher, most camps are fully inclusive, and the overall experience is among the finest in Africa.
Ready to Plan Your Botswana Safari?
We know these camps. We know these guides. We know which rooms have the best views and which concessions are tracking wild dogs right now. Reach out to the BHS team - we'd love to help you plan the Botswana safari you've always imagined.
For more information or to begin planning your journey, contact us at hello@bhs-safari.co or WhatsApp +27 63 298 6442
