Prime 10 Ideas for Planning a Botswana Safari

Planning a Botswana safari and questioning the place to start out? Then you definately’ve come to the suitable place!

Right here’s 10 unbelievable ideas that condense all the important thing data you’ll have to plan and prep your journey of a lifetime.

Positioned in Southern Africa, bordering Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa, Botswana has change into one of many prime safari locations throughout the continent, with even Hollywood stars and English royalty paying a go to to this particular place.

And it’s straightforward to see why!

With exceptional nationwide parks famed for his or her distinctive ecosystems and wealthy concentrations of wildlife, a Botswana safari actually is the journey of a lifetime.

Safaris right here might be loved independently, within the type of self-drive choices, or as a part of a tour and, whichever possibility you go for, it pays to know that Botswana safaris might be a number of the most reasonably priced in Africa.

Add to this the truth that Botswana is each a secure and secure African nation and also you’ve received your self a winner!

So right here’s all it’s essential to know in relation to planning your wonderful Botswana safari expertise…

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#1 The place to Safari in Botswana?

There’s 2 predominant spots in Botswana that almost all guests, trying to expertise the safari of a lifetime, head for on this nation.

The primary is Chobe River Nationwide Park.

Positioned within the north east of the nation, very close to the Zimbabwe border, Chobe River is understood for its spectacular elephant inhabitants, which means sightings of those gray giants listed below are mainly assured. 

You may also get pleasure from boat safaris on the river in Chobe – a really perfect sundowner possibility!

The opposite predominant place most safari seekers in Botswana head to is the Okavango Delta.

Additionally positioned within the north of the nation – which suggests it’s not too far to journey to or from Chobe – this well-known delta is UNESCO world heritage listed and was named one of many 7 wonders of Africa in 2013.

Seasonal flooding right here brings an enormous plethora of animals and birds to this watery world and safari journeys amidst the Okavango usually contain using in native dugout canoes, referred to as mokoro, to go to a number of the delta’s islands, in addition to stand up shut and private with some wonderful wildlife.

 

 

#2 When to Safari in Botswana?

One of many first issues it’s essential to take into account when planning a safari journey to Botswana is what time of yr to go to.

Whereas Botswana has two seasons, the beauty of safaring on this nation is that you could get pleasure from an excellent journey there all yr spherical.

If it’s assured recreation recognizing and safari massive hitters you’re after in your journey, then the dry season can be the only option on your go to to Botswana.

Though the nation’s parks are recognized for wonderful recreation recognizing all yr spherical, you’re more likely to tick extra iconic African wildlife off your bucket record for those who go to throughout Botswana’s winter months from April to October.

It is because, not like many water sources in Southern Africa, Botswana’s prolific Chobe River and Okavango Delta don’t dry up in the course of the winter season.

As such, big numbers of animals are drawn to those treasured sources looking for much-needed water at this arid time of yr.

That mentioned, it’s price making an allowance for that the primary parks on this nation can get very busy throughout peak safari season (which runs from July to October), so for those who’d wish to have a quieter, extra intimate expertise, visiting exterior of those months is advisable.

The opposite level to think about is that it additionally will get extremely popular in August and September, so you could wish to skip visiting throughout these months too for those who wrestle with humidity.

In spite of everything, one of many sensible issues a couple of safari in Botswana is that, even exterior of peak season, you’re nonetheless more likely to see loads of native wildlife throughout your journey.

If you happen to’re a eager twitcher and it’s the nation’s wonderful birdlife you actually wish to see, then it’s really greatest to go to throughout Botswana’s summer season months.

Lots of this area’s chicken species are migratory, making the hotter, wetter months (particularly December by means of March) the perfect time of yr for chicken watching right here.

That is significantly true within the Okavango Delta, when the seasonal floods flip this spot right into a birder’s heaven!

Getting clear in your safari priorities will assist make sure you go to this nation on the proper time of yr and get all the pieces you need out of your Botswana safari expertise.

Study extra on this publish I wrote in regards to the greatest time to go to the Okavango Delta.

 

#3 How Lengthy to Spend in Chobe & Okavango Delta?

With a lot to see, you’ll wish to spend at the very least a couple of days in each the Okavango Delta and Chobe Nationwide Park.

The prime recreation viewing occasions listed below are in the course of the early morning and late afternoon, so that you’ll have to spend at the very least an evening or two in, or close to, the parks to catch these recreation drive slots.

Then you definately’ll even have to slot in a sundown river boat cruise and a mokoro journey too!

Don’t miss the riverside space of Chobe and the chance to take a ship safari on the water to see the serene sights of the Serondela, which consists of lush floodplains and dense forests that appeal to big numbers of elephant and buffalo.

Then, when you’ve got time, you’ll additionally wish to see the Savuti space of this park too.

This space is taken into account by many safari specialists to be Botswana’s ‘predator capital’, which means that if you wish to see the notorious African massive cats in motion, you’ll need at the very least sooner or later right here.

Throughout within the Okavango Delta, it’s fashionable to depart the primary settlement of Maun and head out to spend an evening or 2 tenting within the Delta itself.

This provides you with a singular perception into the wildlife right here, together with a strolling safari, in addition to how native folks have lived alongside the ever-changing panorama for hundreds of years.

 

#4 The best way to Get There?

On the subject of travelling to Botswana, it’s helpful to know that Kasane Worldwide Airport is lower than a 10-minute drive from the gates of Chobe River Nationwide Park, making it one of many best methods to entry your safari right here.

Kasane Worldwide Airport is simple to succeed in from Johannesburg in South Africa, with each day flights connecting the 2 locations, which means you possibly can fly to Kasane from wherever that permits a Johannesburg connection.

As at all times, I take advantage of Skyscanner to search out the perfect costs.

Alternatively, it’s also possible to fly to Victoria Falls Airport to succeed in Chobe Nationwide Park.

Simply 2 hours by street from Chobe, arriving at Victoria Falls may even assist you to make an epic cease on the world’s largest waterfall in your strategy to Botswana.

Given Vic Falls’ breathtaking and iconic standing, many individuals go for a safari package deal that begins in Victoria Falls and ends at Kasane – a straightforward and reasonably priced strategy to wrap each these magical locations into one epic Southern African journey.

For those who wish to journey to the Okavango Delta, you possibly can both drive the 200km ish distance from Chobe River Nationwide Park, or else enter Botswana from Namibia – the right resolution for those who’ve been visiting Etosha Nationwide Park on this nation.

 

#5 What Safari Actions Can You Get pleasure from in Botswana?

One of many causes Botswana makes the right alternative for an epic safari journey is as a result of there’s a lot to do there!

From epic morning recreation drives because the solar rises and the nation involves life, to savouring sundowners from the deck of your sundown river boat safari, as you watch the world glide by, the nationwide parks on this nation provide all of it.

Strolling safaris and conventional canoe rides will also be loved within the Okavango as you glide (safely) previous hippos and spot elephants within the distance!

The eager birders amongst it’s also possible to get pleasure from particular birdwatching excursions in Chobe and the Delta, and specialised wildlife images safaris are additionally accessible to these eager to seize the park’s wonderful creatures on movie.

 

#6 What Animals Can You See on a Botswana Safari?

Recognizing animals is not going to be a problem on a Botswana safari!

Fortunately there are a variety of animals on this nationwide park and, in relation to safari bucket lists, this place has all of it!

With the very best focus of elephants in Africa, Botswana can also be among the best locations to see the continent’s iconic massive cats, with lions, cheetahs and even the elusive leopard, usually being noticed.

You may also stand up shut with ingesting water buffalo, bathing hippos and crocs (from the security of a ship!) and seeing giraffe, wildebeest, warthog, zebra, impala, baboon and hyenas can also be widespread.

Sadly, like most locations, the rhino inhabitants in Botswana has been in sharp decline lately.

Nevertheless, the excellent news is these wonderful animals are being efficiently reintroduced into some personal areas of nationwide parks, so it’s hoped their numbers will quickly be on the rise once more.

 

#7 The place to Keep?

The place to remain throughout your Botswana safari largely will depend on the extent of consolation you’re looking for and your finances.

Botswana is famed for its luxurious lodges and, consequently, this nation is among the most unique safari locations in Africa.

If you wish to splash out on a high-end expertise, there are numerous choices accessible.

In fact, not everybody has the finances for a luxurious lodge nevertheless, so many Botswana safari parks embrace all kinds of lodging choices which can be tailor-made to a variety of budgets and are located each inside and near the park, together with tenting.

 

#8 Is a Botswana Safari Secure?

Botswana is taken into account one of many most secure nations in Africa to journey to and has a robust financial system and secure authorities.

Consequently, tourism is well-established and welcomed right here.

Nevertheless, as at all times with journey to Southern Africa, do be sure you seek the advice of probably the most up-to-date journey recommendation earlier than arriving.

Chobe lies in a high-risk malaria zone, so it’s advisable to think about taking antimalarial treatment.

Insect repellent and protecting up within the night are additionally strongly suggested.

All the time converse to your well being practitioner earlier than planning your Botswana safari journey.

On the subject of insurance coverage World Nomads presents easy and versatile journey insurance coverage. Purchase at house or whereas travelling and declare on-line from wherever on the earth.

Alternatively, for those who’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent distant employee looking for journey well being cowl, take a look at Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance coverage insurance policies.

 

#9 What to Pack for an Epic Botswana Safari?

When it comes to what to put on on a Botswana safari, you’ll need mild unfastened cool clothes that may shield you from the warmth of the solar.

Go away your brightly colored clothes at house and select muted colors as an alternative, so that you don’t scare off the animals you’re attempting to identify.

Shorts are high-quality to put on within the bush, nevertheless it’s extra socially acceptable to put on lengthy trousers when in native villages.

Deliver heat layers for the cooler evenings, and for those who’re travelling within the moist season, you’ll additionally desire a mild waterproof.

It’s good to notice that laundry amenities are sometimes included in Botswana lodge stays, so you possibly can pack mild and wash alongside the best way.

Different stuff you received’t wish to overlook are a superb digital camera (to get these snaps of a lifetime!), binoculars for birding, a solar hat and sunscreen (the solar is robust!) and a few insect repellent (bugs are plentiful within the bush, particularly round water sources).

Study extra in his full Botswana packing record I put collectively.

 

#10 Finest Botswanan Safari Excursions

Whereas many individuals select to self-drive in Botswana, there’s additionally plenty of nice excursions that embrace each Chobe River Nationwide Park in addition to the Okavango Delta and sometimes embrace Victoria Falls too.

Many safaris additionally embrace journey onto Namibia – and mixing these 2 international locations makes for among the best safari journeys possible!

Excursions are good for solo travellers particularly (they’ll usually work out cheaper and also you’ll meet like-minded folks), in addition to for those who don’t really feel assured renting or driving a automobile in Botswana.

Excursions additionally take the trouble out of planning a visit, together with nationwide park bookings, lodging analysis and any visa necessities.

Try these nice Botswana safari excursions for those who’re on the lookout for extra choices.

In any other case, why not attain out to African Price range Safaris, who can assist you with self-drive choices in Botswana.

Simply point out my identify they usually’re positive to take care of you!

 

SAVE THIS TO PINTEREST!

 

So there’s the lowdown on certainly one of Africa’s prime spots and all it’s essential to know for an epic Botswana safari expertise!

If you happen to’re contemplating a visit right here and have any extra questions, then don’t hesitate to drop them into the feedback field beneath. I’d love to listen to from you…