First Time Botswana Safari Surprises: 17 Things No One Tells You About

This post may contain affiliate links. View the disclosure for more information.

Thinking of going on your first African safari, and Botswana happens to be at the top of your list? First of all, excellent choice; however, before you pack your bags, here are some of the first time Botswana safari surprises you might not have heard of.

Botswana is a dream safari destination for obvious reasons, but it comes with its own “bush surprises”. If this is your first safari, you are probably doing all the research on what to expect on a safari in Botswana, and that is great, but there are first time Botswana safari surprises you wont find on a guide book.

In this post, I share with you the common first time Botswana safari surprises including my personal experiences on my first Botswana safari.

After learning about this, you will be prepared and have the knowledge to ensure you have the best safari experience, regardless of what the wilderness throws at you.

This post is all about first time Botswana safari surprises.

First Time Botswana Safari Surprises

1. No locks on doors (If you have a door at all)

My safari tent at Sable Alley

If you are someone who takes tight security seriously and you are going on a Botswana safari, buckle up, because there are no locks on doors, that is, if you have a door to begin with. Your safari accommodation might be a tent with just a zip, and if you live in a permanent safari lodge, the doors do not have locks.

This might look a bit risky, but Botswana safaris are safe. The camps are so remote, and the staff are trustworthy. In regard to the wild animals, they see your tent as a harmless object, and they will not be bothered by it.

2. Limited WI-FI or none at all

The lack of Wi-Fi might shock you, but it can sometimes end up being a beautiful surprise because it forces you to put your devices down and soak in the beauty of the wilderness and enjoy the silence.

Although some camps have wi-fi, it is usually limited to the reception area, however, some camps have full coverage even at the rooms.

I was pleasantly surprised by excellent wifi coverage in all areas at Sable Alley on my last safari..

3. Air Horn as your emergency alarm

The one thing that shocks everybody on their first safari is the emergency system used. Botswana safari lodges and camps will provide you with an air horn and it is used to call for help incase of an emergency during the night. Additionally, you can use it to scare animals away if they get too close to your tent.

This one really took me by surprise and i was a little concerned on my first safari since I am a solo traveller, but, with time I have gotten used to it and have not had any issues so far.

4. There are no phones in your safari tent

Another surprising thing is that there are no phones in your tent. This is mainly because of network coverage, which is not that good in most Botswana safari locations.

Don’t worry, you have the air horn to alarm staff if you need help, it is so loud and will definitely get their attention.

5. You will fly in tiny planes

You will fly in one of the tiniest planes you have ever seen. We call these bush lights “monang”, meaning mosquito, because of how light and small they are.

Botswana has a vast land mass, and driving between camps and different safari locations can be challenging, and these bush fights come in handy. However, they come with a hefty price tag; I mean, you will pay USD 100 for a 15-minute ride.

On the other hand, if this is your first safari holiday, go for the plane rather than driving. Plus, it is an exhilarating experience on its own.

Heads up! The ride can be a little bumpy, every bump feels 10 times worse, but the views are worth it. You soon realise that you are flying low enough to see wildlife from above.

On my last ride, I was able to see herds of elephants gathered around a water hole. I also saw giraffes not far from the airport.

6. First time Botswana safari surprises: You will eat a lot

Here is one thing no one tells you about Botswana safaris, you will eat a lot. I mean a lot! It’s not just about wildlife adventure; it’s a feast in the bush.

If you are staying in a safari lodge, rest assured, you will be well fed, you will have five meals a day, including light meals and sundowners.

You can even request for more if you want, as there will be plenty of delicious food around.

The best steak and pizza I have ever had was on a safari in Botswana. Speaking of steak, if you are an international guest, make sure to try it. Not to be biased, but Botswana beef is one of the best in the world.

7. You will get very close to African predators

Close encounter with a dangerous African predator

Dangerous African predators can get so close to the vehicle that it send a chill down your spine. Although scary, it is the most thrilling experience you’ll have on a game drive.

Animals can get so close to your vehicle that you can almost touch them, or an elephant can walk right up and get so close that you start to hear your own heartbeat.

I found myself holding my breath several times on a game drive in the Okavango Delta because a lion got so close, looked right at me, and an elephant mock-charged us. Heart-stopping moments yet exhilarating!

8. You will learn a lot about wildlife

Botswana safari guides possess a wealth of knowledge about the wilderness and its wildlife, and they will share that knowledge with you. You will be amazed at how much you will learn in a short period of time.

9. You will wake up at the crack of dawn

If you’re not a morning person, prepare yourself because you’ll be waking up very early, but I promise you, it is worth it. The morning game drive is the best time to spot the wildlife, especially predators, as they return from their night’s hunt. In fact, I have always had the best wildlife sighting on a morning game drive.

I always say, if you are tired and cannot do two game drives, miss the afternoon game drive instead.

10. First time Botswana safari surprises: Sunsets are magical

The golden hour is one of the first time Botswana safari surprises because of how magical it is. You will witness the most beautiful sunsets, especially if you are in the Okavango Delta.

11. First time Botswana safari surprises: Outdoor showers

Botswana luxury safari lodges come equipped with both indoor and outdoor showers; at least you have a choice there. However, if you are on a Botswana camping safari, you might have to improvise when it comes to bathroom arrangements.

12. First time Botswana safari surprises: The silence

Another thing that might surprise you is the silence. Between roaring lions and trumpeting elephants, the African bush can be very silent and peaceful, and you will soon realise how loud our modern world is.

13. You will make unique observations about the wild animals

Another surprise will be the wild animals themselves; you will notice little details you never read about or thought of. For example, how an African Buffalo will always look at you like you owe them something or how small the eyes of elephants are. Tiny details!

14. Botswana camps use solar power

Botswana safari lodges and camps uses solar power for everything however they usually have a back up generator for power emergencies. Don’t worry! There will be enough power for you to charge your phone and camera, the lights will be on and if you happen to have air-con, (which is a luxury in the bush) you can run it overnight.

15. First time Botswana safari surprises: It can get cold

Although Botswana is a hot country in general, you’ll be surprised by how cold it can get. You can have hot days, and cold nights. A little advice, be sure to include a light jacket on your Botswana safari packing list even if you are travelling in summer.

16. You can sleep outside( On a sky bed of course!)

This is one of the most jaw-dropping, immersive safari experiences in Botswana. Do you have the heart to sleep in an open area, with only a mosquito net as a barrier?Oh! the platforms will be raised about five metres high so you wont be left in harm’s way.

Sky beds are perfect for a honeymoon or an anniversary. The safari lodges and camps limit the rooms, making it even more exclusive, hence intimate.

17. You will have a happy hour in the bush

The legendary sundowners, this is pretty much a Botswana safari tradition. As the sun starts to dip, your safari guides will find a beautiful stop where you will be able to get out of the vehicle, have some drinks and snacks as you watch the sunset and it is magical.