Botswana Safari Cost: From Pure Indulgence To Shoestring Budget

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Botswana safari cost comes at the top of every safari traveller’s list when planning their trip. Botswana is a premier safari destination; as a result, it is considered an expensive country to go on safari.

As high as Botswana safari cost can be, there are different safari pricing, depending on where and how you lodge, and your time of visit. As a safari enthusiast who has gone on a Botswana safari, I share what you can expect to pay for your Botswana trip.

In this post, you will learn about Botswana safari cost, Botswana safari prices, affordable Botswana safaris, Botswana safari cost per person, and more.

After reading this post, you will know the wide range of Botswana safari options and their costs, enabling you to plan and budget accordingly.

This post is all about the Botswana safari cost.

Botswana safari cost

Botswana safari cost: Luxury

The cost of Botswana safari varies depending on when you visit, the region, and whether it’s a package. Obviously, the itinerary matters as well. It can be anything from USD 1000 – USD 4000 per night. I get it, that’s a huge range, so here are different real examples and scenarios with Botswana safari prices.

8 Day Ultra Luxury Safari

This particular safari package will cost you USD 28794. You read that right, twenty-eight thousand!. What’s included? Expertly handpicked 5-star safari lodges, all activities, meals, transfers and everything else in between.

To give you an idea, your itinerary will include regions like Linyanti, the Okavango Delta, and the Makgadikgadi Pans. Furthermore, the itinerary is completely customisable. This is a super luxurious package.

7 Days Botswana safari

safari pricing — Luxury safari dining area, Tuludi Camp

For a week safari, you will pay USD 7170, if you visit during the shoulder season, from April to May, whereas during the peak season, the same safari package will cost you USD 9395.

The cheapest months are January to March, when you will pay USD 5635 for the exact package. I paid an extra charge as a solo traveller, so if you are travelling alone, I would recommend checking this beforehand. However, these extra charges applied only when I was travelling during the peak season.

Furthermore, this itinerary covers the iconic Okavango Delta, Khwai, and Linyanti, all exceptional safari regions with a lot to offer.

11 Day safari

The cost of this 11-day luxury safari in Botswana is USD 11,079. Botswana is an expansive, multi-faceted safari destination, and if you want to explore this country thoroughly, I highly recommend the 11-day package.

For this price, top-rated safari accommodation, activities, and all meals are included. Additionally, you will visit some of the most pristine safari locations, including Moremi Game Reserve, the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Savuti, and more.

Chobe Princess

First things first, this is a unique kind of safari. This luxury houseboat sails the legendary Chobe River. For this floating safari lodge, you will pay around USD 500 per person per night.

The price includes all meals, drinks, and activities. Furthermore, this type of safari is best suited for birdwatchers, photographers, or those who just want a relaxed water-based safari.

Interested? Chobe Princess only takes a small group of guests, so I think you should book in advance.

10 Day Chobe, Okavango Delta, Vic Falls

Botswana on a budget — Dudu Mogale in Khwai, Botswana

For those travellers who want to combine Botswana with Victoria Falls, visiting Chobe and the Okavango Delta before Victoria Falls as the last leg of your journey, you will pay £6000 to £10000, depending on the time of your travel.

This itinerary is so comprehensive, hitting all the top spots, where you will cruise on the Chobe River and view the much-loved elephants in the area. Additionally, you will have a mind-blowing game viewing in the Okavango Delta, witnessing the Okavango big cats, all the way to the tranquil Vic Falls.

Botswana safari cost: Mid-range

Ok, wildlife warriors and adventure seekers who want comfort but prioritise the wildlife experience more than luxury, this section is for you. Firstly, what is a mid-range safari? You might ask. These will look like a lovely safari lodge with en-suite tents and private decks, but will be less luxurious than ultra-luxury safari lodges.

Here are the real-life mid-range safari lodges in different destinations.

5-day Muchenje Chobe safari

Muchenje is considered an upper-midrange safari lodge, but make no mistake: this lodge is stunning and luxurious. In my view, it deserves to be classified as a luxury lodge. Anyway, for a 5-day all inclusive safari, you will pay USD 3680 during the peak season and USD 2240 during the low season.

This safari price includes all meals, gourmet meals, and transfers to and from Kasane airport. In terms of activities, you will have the classic game drives, Sedudu boat cruises, mokoro excursions, and more.

Chobe Safari Lodge

Ideally located right next to the Chobe National Park, this safari lodge is a classic mid-range lodge widely considered one of the affordable Botswana safari lodges, given its location and amenities.

The damage? This safari lodge will cost you £400 to £450 per person sharing. Furthermore, if you are visiting Kasane only, you can easily book this lodge directly; it is very accessible. On top of that, there are direct flights from Maun and Gaborone.

Meno a Kwena

Meno a Kwena, sitting on the eastern edge of Makgadikgdi Pans, is a beauty. It will cost you between £465 and £955. This gem sits right on the Betti River, attracting animals, making wildlife sightings easy.

Furthermore, the safari price includes all meals, activities, park fees and more.

Mma Dinare

Botswana safari low cost — Magical Okavango sunset, worth every penny!

This exquisite high-end mid-range Botswana lodge is located in the Okavango Delta and offers unparalleled views of the Delta wilderness. How about the Botswana safari cost per person?

Well, this stunning under-the-radar lodge will cost you £600 to £1235. The price is heavily influenced by the season you travel in.

Chobe Under Canvas

How much? £510 to £855

Chobe camping is a highly regarded, much-loved activity. The setting, location and experience deliver the wild wonder. Wild camping is exhilarating, although, on this safari, you won’t be roughing it. You’ll have gorgeous tents, comfortable en-suites, open-air dining and communal dining space. The whole ‘glamping’ setup

Botswana safari cost: Budget safari

Going on a Botswana holiday on a smaller budget? Here are the prices you can expect to pay on a budget safari.

Firstly, A budget safari typically entails small mobile tents with beds, just basic but fit for purpose. Additionally, you will have flush toilets and showers. The showers, however, are usually the bucket drop showers.

As for the cost of the safari, you will pay USD 200 –USD 400 per day. This price includes lodging, shared game drives, and meals. Needless to say, it is cheaper if you visit during the low season.

The likes of Planet Safari and Letaka Safaris are a great starting point.

Botswana safari cost: Camping safari

Looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure, something wild, a tranquil escape, all rolled into one. Try a Botswana camping safari!. The majority of campers are self-drivers, though you can hire a driver who will also guide. However, self-driving on a camping safari is the absolute cheapest way to go on a safari in Botswana.

This kind of adventure will cost you around USD 300 per day. This will include camping ground fees, food, and fuel.