27 Absolute Best Botswana Camping Safari Tips

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Planning a Botswana camping safari? First of all, Excellent choice!. In this article, I share the best Botswana camping safari tips that every safari enthusiast should know about, especially if you are travelling to Botswana.

Planning a safari trip to Botswana is exciting, and camping in Africa is a thrilling experience. So if you are anything like me, you are probably doing all the research you can to ensure a smooth and unforgettable trip. In this post, I share all the best Botswana camping safari tips from a native’s perspective.

You will learn about Botswana camping safari tips and tricks, and more.

After reading this article, you will be equipped with the knowledge to help you plan an unforgettable safari in Botswana.

This post is all about Botswana camping safari.

Best Botswana camping safari tips

1. Do your research about the country well in advance

It always helps to do a bit of research well in advance, especially if you are visiting for the first time. It enables you to avoid feeling overwhelmed just before the trip. Imagine having to learn about Botswana currency, the language spoken, and Botswana safari logistics in your last week before travel, and you’ll probably feel overwhelmed. Just research the basics.

2. Choose the correct location for camping

Most people go camping to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of life and reconnect with nature. If you are going on a Botswana camping trip, you are in luck because Botswana campsites are generally remote. However, you want to choose the right campsites that will work well with your Botswana safari itinerary. I encourage you to check the camping facilities available before you book. From my observation, guests seems to love Chobe camping safari and of course Okavango Delta.

Pro tip – Contact two companies that cater for your chosen campsite and make a reservation in advance.

3. Choose your camping style

There are different styles of camping in Botswana. We have Botswana mobile camping safari, Botswana tented camp safari, self-drive camping and more. As a traveller, choose the kind of camping safari that best suits you and your budget since Botswana camping rates vary according to your camping style and location.

4. Botswana camping safari: Get the essential gear

Camping requires thorough preparation. Keep in mind that you will be in Botswana’s wilderness; therefore, you will have limited access to everyday items. Here are the items you should not leave behind,

A camp tent- Obviously!
Sleeping bag and blankets – Although Botswana has hot weather, it can get very cold at night.
Camping chairs
Camping stove
Food
Camping utensils

5. Manage your expectations

Most safari parks in Botswana are remote; therefore, you will be in the middle of the bush, so don’t expect WiFi, electricity, or an en-suite bathroom. Also, cellphone coverage is either poor or nonexistent in some areas, so you might want to let your family back home know so they don’t think that you are missing. Although some campsites offer these amenities, they are not the norm. On the other hand, this is the perfect opportunity to get off your phone and relax under the stars.

6. Botswana camping safari: Pack smart

I always suggest packing for comfort and practicality, especially since you will be in a dusty environment. When organising your Botswana Safari Packing List, opt for neutral-coloured clothing and breathable fabrics. It helps you blend in with the bush nicely.

7. Do not get out of your tent at night

Camping in Africa? This is the most important tip to take away from this post. It is extremely dangerous to leave your tent at night because animals roam around the campsite at night, so stay inside your tent!. Remember that Botswana camp sites are unfenced; moreover, predators become active at night, so when they see you, their hunting instincts kick in.

Pro tip – If you can, choose the tour company that has ensuite tents. Have a look at Planet Safari to see what that might look like. This is the company that I personally know that provide ensuite tents.

8. Practice safari tent pitching in advance

To avoid a lot of frustration, I suggest you practice pitching a tent in advance. Additionally, research and practice your setup in advance.

9. Refine your wild camping culinary skills

You will be cooking in the wild, so refine your skills.

10. Botswana camping safari: Pack your food

There will be no shops at the campsite, so please pack your own food. In fact, I suggest you make a meal plan in advance. Additionally, throw in some canned foods in there, they last long, and you can eat it straight from the can if you have to..eww! I know …buy you don’t want to run out of food in the middle of nowhere.

One more thing, the foods you pack should be easy to cook, and they should cook fast, it just makes the whole trip easier.

11. Botswana camping safari: Bring a trash bag

Make sure you bring a trash bag with you; the campsite operators are strict about littering. Also, get the trash bag inside the tent or to the designated areas; otherwise, the animals will go through the bags at night and litter everywhere.

12. Botswana camping safari: Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated while on Botswana road trip is extremely important because Botswana has a hot, dry weather; therefore, you can easily get dehydrated. I suggest you top up on water at every stop. This is because you can be driving for a long time without a water source. For example, if you are doing a self-drive camping safari in the Kalahari, the stops are few and far between. In short, have more water than you think you’ll need.

13. Test your equipment in advance

Imagine planning the perfect camping safari in the Okavango Delta, only to find out the stove is not working when you are already there? I recommend testing out everything.

14. Respect camping rules

Respect the campsite rules; these rules are in place for your safety and the safety of others. Each campsite comes with its own rules and regulations; however, some rules apply to all the camps. For example, camping in designated areas only, not feeding the animals, not littering and keeping the environment clean.

15. Purchase Botswana tourist map

These maps are packed with helpful information. Get one! You’ll thank me later. The Botswana safari camp map is particularly helpful with the park layout, coordinates, Botswana safari destinations, and more. You can find it at any of the national park gates, reception, or Botswana wildlife offices.

16. Get a reliable 4 x 4 safari vehicle

If you are going to be self-driving in Botswana, you need a high-rise safari vehicle which is in good condition. This is a must because the roads are not suitable for regular cars; they are rough and bumpy. Additionally, always have vehicle recovery gear; you never know when you might need it.

17. Stay quiet on game drives

You don’t want to startle animals with too much noise, because they might see that as a threat and attack to defend themselves.

18. Embrace the sound of the night

The African wilderness comes alive at night, expect to hear lions roaring, hippos honking, a chorus of frogs and all kinds of noises at night. Just keep in mind that it is the animals in their natural habitat doing their night routine; therefore, stay in your tent and you will be fine. Animals view your tent as harmless; however, they may become curious and sniff around it.

19. Be ready to wake up at the crack of dawn

If you are looking to spot African predators, be prepared to go to bed early and wake up early, by waking up early, as in like 4:30, because these animals are most active early in the morning and at night. Overall, the best time to spot animals is early in the morning or late afternoon.

20. Botswana camping safari: Remain calm at all times

Going for Botswana camping safari? Welcome to the jungle! . So in the jungle expect to have animal encounters, close encounters even, however, we must always remember to remain calm.. I know… it can be terrifying, and your first instinct will be to run, but don’t. As scary as it sounds, no human can outrun a lion!

21. Spotting the Big Five is not guaranteed

Although you stand a high chance of spotting the Big 5, it is not guaranteed that you will be able to see all of them. Also, that is hugely dependent on when and where you camp. However, you are guaranteed to see elephants, obviously, after all, Botswana is the home of elephants. You will also be able to see lions and buffalos. On the contrary, leopards and rhinos are difficult to spot. There was a time we waited for three hours near a tree where we thought the leopard lived, but the leopard did not show up, you can imagine.. 3 hours of waiting and still nothing!

Also, be aware that due to extremely low numbers of rhinos and how endangered they are, they have all been moved to Khama Rhino Sanctuary, where they are being monitored 24/7.

22. Botswana camping safari: Always have a bit of cash

I highly recommend you always have some money on you in local currency, most campsites accept card payment, but some don’t. Additionally, Botswana network coverage can be really poor in certain camps, and the card might not be working.

23. Do not swim in the lagoons or streams

While tent camping in Africa, do not attempt to swim in any water bodies. It is highly dangerous due to crocodiles and hippos.

24. Do not drink, bathe or use water from still water bodies

Due to the high risk of bilharzia, do not use water in the wild for bathing or drinking, or even just washing hands.

25. Extinguish your campfire at the end of the evening

At the end of a long adventurous evening, extinguish your campfire, this is to prevent causing a fire.

26. Do not camp/sleep on animal paths

Stay out of the animals’ paths, especially that of elephants. They have their routine, and following their path is one of the routine. If you are in their way, they will want to move you themselves, thus putting you in serious danger.

27. Do not walk in the bush alone

Due to safety reasons, don’t stray far from the campsite especially if you are alone. I highly recommend going on a walk with a qualified guide.