9 Genius Steps To Plan A Botswana Safari From UK Without Losing Your Mind

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Want to know the genius way of planning a Botswana safari from UK without getting overwhelmed? These are the best steps every safari lover or enthusiast should know about.

Planning the perfect Botswana safari from UK can be overwhelming. If you’re a thorough planner like me, you’re conducting all the necessary research to ensure that nothing gets in the way of your long-awaited adventure.

As a safari lover and a thorough planner, I am sharing the best safari-planning steps I swear by.

In this post, you are going to learn about the essential steps of planning the best Botswana safari from UK,

After learning about these genius steps of safari planning, you will be able to plan the safari of your lifetime like a pro.

This post is all about the genius steps of planning a Botswana safari from UK

Genius steps of planning a Botswana safari from UK

1. Botswana safari from UK: Choose the best time to go

When deciding to go for your Botswana holiday, timing is everything. To ensure you enjoy your holiday in Botswana, avoid travelling during the peak of the rainy season.

Especially because thunderstorms accompany the rainy season in Botswana.

I’ve experienced that myself, and you don’t want that, especially if you are travelling from far away, like the UK.

The best time to visit is from May to September. That is enough window to work around your home schedule, such as school holidays and leave of absence.

Why do I say May to September? Because it’s the best time for wildlife viewing, animals gather around water sources during these months, providing the best viewing opportunities.

In general, June, July, and August are the peak months and the priciest months to visit. It is also drier and cooler.

As someone who grew up in Botswana, I can attest that the country can get extremely hot during the summer months; temperatures can easily reach 40 degrees Celsius.

However, if you prefer to travel during the off-season, consider visiting from November to April.

These months are considered the green season, prices are lower, there are fewer tourists, and it is rainier.

2. Decide your safari type

When deciding to go for your Botswana safari vacation, you are spoiled for choice. Botswana offers a variety of safaris, from all inclusive safari, affordable Botswana safaris, and luxury safaris.

Additionally, you can go for a Botswana self drive. This type of safari is common with experienced safari-goers who are familiar with the wild.

Mobile tented safaris are a classic, designed for those seeking a genuine bush experience and serious adventure.

As for luxury safaris, they are perfect for individuals who want to experience the African bush in comfort, ease, and style, and Botswana is particularly outstanding for them.

If it’s your first time, I highly recommend a lodge-based safari for comfort and ease. As you gain more experience, you can go on a self drive safari.

3. Choose the safari region

As sparsely populated as Botswana is, it has a vast land mass. It is best to choose your Botswana safari destination well in advance.

The following are beloved destinations for international tourists: the iconic Okavango Delta, of course! Chobe National Park, Moremi Game Reserve, Makgadikgadi, and Linyanti.

To get the best out of Botswana, I highly recommend a Botswana holiday itinerary that combines at least two destinations.

4. Botswana safari from UK: Set a budget

At this point, you have to do the research on the Botswana safari cost, and Botswana safari packages, which I always recommend.

Botswana is not an inexpensive destination, but you do get what you pay for. Botswana safari cost per person vary from lodge to lodge.

For a mid-range safari, expect to pay around £ 3,000-£5,000 per person for seven to ten days. For a luxury safari, expect to pay £6,000 to £10,000 for the same period.

In order to get the best Botswana safari deals, book six to twelve months in advance.

In addition, understand what is included and not, most of Botswana safari lodges are all inclusive. That includes all the meals, drinks, laundry services, and activities such as game drives and boat cruises. Remember to check with the lodge of your choice.

However, safari operators don’t usually include souvenirs and extras like scenic flights. Some safari camps do not include bush flight transfers.

As I mentioned, this varies depending on your safari.

5. Choose a reputable tour company

If you are visiting Botswana for the first time or have no experience with African travel, consider working with a specialist safari planner.

They can handle all the logistics, including flights, transfers, and lodge bookings, making the whole planning stress-free. A UK safari package is a great option.

This not only reinforces your safety as a tourist in Botswana but also alleviates the stress of planning an African safari on your own, which can get really overwhelming.

Safari.com is a perfect example of a company to help with that. They can tailor your safari trip to suit your style and budget, and you can show up to have the time of your life.

If you are a Brit looking for a UK-based tour company, look for a safari specialist who has actually been to Botswana.

The UK has several tour companies that specialise in Botswana safaris. Audley Travel is one option. They specialise in bespoke Botswana safari travel.

6. Botswana safari from UK: Book your flights

Now is the time to book flights, exciting! You can book your flights by yourself, both international and regional. You can use Google Flights or Skyscanner to book international flights.

The common connecting airport is Johannesburg, South Africa, to Maun (Botswana) for the Okavango Delta or other safari destinations.

For fly-in safaris, such as those from Maun to the Okavango Delta, your safari operator should be able to handle that for you.

Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to book international flights. For fly-in safaris, such as those from Maun to the Okavango Delta, book directly with your safari operator.

Furthermore, if you travelled from Johannesburg to Gaborone and want to book a flight from Gaborone to Maun or Kasane (the closest small cities/towns to the safari camps), in that case, you can book directly through Air Botswana or use a travel booking service like Skyscanner.

7. Sort out travel documents

As the travel date approaches, sort out the travel essentials, such as your passport. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date.

Not a UK citizen? Check if you need a Visa.

Additionally, if you are travelling through multiple countries, please check whether you need a yellow card; it is not required for UK tourists.

8. Organise health and travel insurance

Botswana is a malaria-risk country, particularly in its northern regions, where safaris are commonly located.

I highly recommend that you take your malaria prophylaxis. Other vaccinations to consider include typhoid, hepatitis and tetanus.

Please speak to your GP about vaccinations, and do not forget to get a refill for your regular medication. Keep those in their original packages when you travel.

You can also include a small first-aid kit with antihistamines, pain relief, and anti-diarrheal medication in your safari packing list.

Buy travel insurance!. It is best to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers safari activities, small aircraft, and medical evacuation.

9. Time to pack

I recommend you try to be as much of a light traveller as possible; it will save you so much hassle. For instance, on bush-plane flights for a fly-in safari, only 15 kg of luggage is allowed.

In addition, bush planes require soft-sided luggage. So, get yourself a good-quality duffel bag.

Once all the logistics are sorted, it’s time to embark on an adventure of a lifetime in Botswana and fully immerse yourself in the experience. Let the wild mesmerise you. Botswana will leave you in awe.