Botswana Elephant Safari: The Safari You'll Remember Forever

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Are you planning a visit to Botswana and interested in learning about Botswana elephant safari? Well, if you are a huge elephant fan, you are in the right place.

This article shares all the information about the best Botswana elephant safari that every safari traveller must know.

Planning a safari of a lifetime is a thrilling task, but it can quickly become overwhelming, especially if you’re visiting a particular country for the first time.

If you have been dreaming of a Botswana elephant safari, you probably are doing all the research to make sure you get the most out of your holiday in Botswana.

As an elephant enthusiast myself, I share all I know about Botswana elephant safari.

You are also going to learn about Botswana elephant, Botswana elephant population, Botswana safari animals, Botswana elephant species,Botswana elephant safari cost and more.

After learning all you need to know about the Botswana elephant safari, you will be extra prepared to embark on your African adventure and have a memorable time.

This post is all about Botswana elephant safari info and tips that every first-time traveller needs to know.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BOTSWANA ELEPHANT SAFARI

Why Botswana Elephant Safari?

If you love elephants and you want to see them in large numbers, head over to Botswana.

Botswana elephant population is astounding, the largest in the whole of Africa, with a population of over 130 000.

With this many elephants in one country, you will be sure to see an elephant on your safari in Botswana.

When you think of Botswana safari animals, an elephant will come at the top of the list.

You might be wondering why there are so many elephants in Botswana compared to other African countries. This is because Botswana elephant conservation is strict and firm, and elephants are a protected species in the country.

Best places for Botswana elephant safari

Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park is the hotspot for large herds of elephants. Elephants can easily be seen in the park and along the riverfront, offering excellent viewing and photography opportunities.

For elephant viewing, Chobe riverfront is the best place to go. We had an amazing sighting on our Chobe river safari last time we went, and it is one of the activities I highly recommend.

Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is another top place to view elephants. It is rich in wildlife, including a lot of elephants.

I truly believe the Okavango Delta is not given enough credit for its elephant safaris.

In fact, I saw more elephants in the Okavango Delta than in Chobe National Park. It was a part of a safari package, and I loved it.

Savuti

Savuti is situated within the Chobe National Park, but on a more remote side. It’s about a 4-hour drive from the Chobe River Front, which is one of the best places to see elephants in large numbers.

Linyanti

Linyanti is lesser known than Chobe and the Okavango Delta, but it is just as magical. It is situated between Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta, which makes it the best of both worlds.

It offers more intimate safaris as it is less crowded than Chobe National Park. Large herds of elephants gather here, especially during the dry months. Also, Linyanti will make an excellent safari experience for honeymooners.

Moremi Game Reserve

Located within the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve is one of the best areas for elephants. Elephants are a major draw for safari lovers.

The good news is that Moremi Game Reserve has a large elephant population, especially around the water sources.

In addition, Moremi Game Reserve is home to some of the best Botswana luxury safari lodges.

Botswana elephant safari cost

The following is a typical example of what your safari costs in Botswana will be if you visit for an elephant safari.

The reason why I can’t give you a definitive cost breakdown is that prices range depending on the lodge, tour company, season, the safari package and so on.

For example, a 4-night stay at Chobe Safari Lodge will cost around $3000 per person. There are exceptional Chobe National Park safari packages you can choose from.

If you opt for mobile safaris, budget around $600 per person per day.

Botswana elephant safari: Best time to go

For an excellent opportunity to see large herds of elephants, timing is crucial; you don’t want to visit in the middle of the rainy season.

Chances are you’ll still be able to see elephants, but the dry season is just better.

For insane sighting opportunities, visit during the dry season (May to September). During this time, water sources decrease, and elephants gather in large numbers along the Chobe River front and at other water sources.

Best Botswana safari lodges for elephant viewing

When choosing a lodge in Botswana, you will be spoiled for choice. Botswana has a lot of these lodges and camps.

The following are some of the best lodges to stay in for a Botswana elephant safari; some are my personal favourites.

Chobe lodges Botswana

Chobe safari lodge
Chobe river lodge
Chobe safari lodge
Chobe elephant camp
Chobe marina lodge

Okavango Delta

Abu camp
Vumbura plains camp
Xigera safari lodge
Mombo camp
Pom pom camp

Savuti

Savuti safari lodge
savuti elephant lodge
Savuti camp

Linyanti

Duma Tau
Little Duma Tau
Kings pool camp
Linyanti bush camp

Moremi Game Reserve

Mombo camp
Camp Moremi
Okuti camp
Belmond Khwai River lodge

How to get to your safari destination

I’m assuming your next question will be, well, how do I get to these safari lodges and destinations, given that they are so remote.

So, to get to the Botswana safari destination, it’s a combination of international flights (for international travellers, of course!), local flights and 4 x 4 safari vehicle transfers.

For international travellers, your entry point will be Maun or Kasane airport, or sometimes Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone.

Some destinations, like Chobe National Park in Kasane, require only a road transfer.

However, in other destinations, you definitely need the bush flight because they are incredibly remote. I have grouped safari destinations and the easiest way to get to them below,

Best tips for elephant viewing

1. Choose the right time and location to visit – Choosing the right time and location is an obvious one. As we talked about before, visiting during the dry season is best.

2. Keep a safe distance – This is especially important for your safety. Keeping too close to the animal can agitate them, and they might attack.

We don’t want your safari to be ruined by animal attacks or worse, your life being at risk. In addition, ensure you keep the noise level to a minimum.

3. Go with a safari expert – For first timers, I will suggest a guided safari.

4. Go for a boat cruise and observe the elephants from the river. I promise you, you will enjoy it.

Professional photographers, check if the company you choose is suitable for your needs. Chobe Safari Lodge offers photography-focused boat cruises.

5. Ensure your camera works, ensure you have backup batteries and memory cards. Above all, be present and immerse yourself in this magical experience.

Botswana Elephants facts

Botswana is home to these gentle giants with the largest population of elephants in Africa.

Although there are two types of African elephant species, Botswana is home to the African bush elephant, also known as Loxodonta africana.

The other species, the African forest elephant, is found in western or central Africa, in countries such as Gabon and Congo.

Elephants live in herds led by the oldest female, known as the matriarch. Other elephants respect her for her leadership and experience in the African savanna.

Elephants are natural swimmers; you will spot them at the Chobe River or the Okavango Delta.

In addition, elephants are known to be brilliant animals with excellent memories and a long lifespan of up to 70 years. They remember water holes, paths, tracks, and past friendships, and the matriarch is entrusted with this task.

African savanna elephant weight is massive; adult male weight ranges from 4500-6800 kg, while adult female weight ranges from 2700- 3600kg.