Botswana River Safari: Quick Guide That Will Inspire You

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Botswana river safari is one of the best ways to explore Botswana’s rich wildlife. In this article, I share everything you need to know about Botswana river safari.

Planning a safari is exciting, yet it can be stressful, especially if you are an international traveller. It becomes even more challenging if you are visiting the country for the first time. As a Botswana-born safari enthusiast, I share all you need to know about Botswana river safari.

You are going to learn about the best places for Botswana river safari, Chobe river safari, Botswana river safari cost and more.

After reading this article, you will have all the knowledge you need to book the perfect Botswana river safari.

This post is all about Botswana river safari

Best places for Botswana river safari

1. Chobe River Safari

Going for a safari in Botswana? Make sure to take a safari river cruise, you’ll thank me later. Chobe River is the best place to do that in particular sunset cruises. Above all you will find a high concentration of elephants in this area.

I have written a detailed guide about about Chobe river safari, it will be so helpful to you when planning the Chobe river cruise.

Not only are you going to see these African giants, there is a variety of wildlife here, especially during the dry months. Expect to find hippos, crocodiles, lions, leopards, giraffes, and more.

Furthermore, if you are a bird lover, this will be paradise for you. Watching the animals from the river gives you a unique perspective and view, making you feel like you are part of nature’s rhythm. Oh! Sundowner drinks are a must-do activity.

2.Okavango Delta

The Okavango has it all, whether you are looking for a land safari or a water safari. The Okavango Delta is extraordinary, and river cruises are a popular activity in this region.

In addition, the Okavango Delta offers larger boat cruises that cover a wider area of the lagoon, allowing you to spot elephants, hippos, and crocodiles while feeling safe at the same time. I highly recommend you add safari river cruise to your bucket list.

3. Linyanti

You may have heard of the famous Chobe and Okavango Delta, but what if I were to tell you about a hidden paradise called Linyanti? Linyanti is perfectly situated between Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta, hence offering the best of both worlds. Linyanti is the land of marshes, rivers, and streams, making it perfect for a Botswana water safari.

With its tranquil river system and secluded location, Linyanti will be perfect for honeymooners and couples. Additionally, you will have excellent wildlife sighting opportunities, and vast herds of elephants gather along riverbanks, especially during the dry season.

Botswana River Safari Costs

Chobe river prices vary greatly depending on the river cruise line you are using, the experience, duration and the season. Even the Okavango Delta and Linyanti prices range depending on the company you are using. Here is a the average prices to expect,

Zambezi Queen – expect to pay around $700 per person for a 2-night stay, whereas for the Chobe Princess, you can expect to pay around $650. Rates typically include all meals, drinks, transfers, guided village tours, and park fees. I have left a link for you to see real-time rates at Chobe Princess By Mantis.

Pro tip, if you want a more affordable options, book directly with smaller local tours. There are several of them and they offer daily excursions.

Best Botswana river cruise lines

Zambezi Queen

The Zambezi Queen is well-known for its Chobe River safari, and for good reason. It is luxurious, featuring beautiful interior cabins. It comes with smaller boats, so during the river cruise, you will be transferred to a smaller boat to get closer to the shore. This gives you the chance to get close to the animals.

It is one of the best Chobe river cruise. For Zambezi Queen rates, check out their website at Zambezi Queen Collection. All in all, Zambezi Queen is the best choice for an unforgettable river safari.

Chobe Princess

Chobe Princess is an excellent choice. Similar to Zambezi Queen, its houseboats are equipped with en-suite cabins, plunge pools, and lounge bars. It’s a truly relaxing way to enjoy the safari. If you were wondering, is the Chobe river cruise worth it? I say absolutely yes!. I recommend it for couples or small groups.

Okavango Delta Cruises

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more tranquil river boat safari, you can pick one of the Okavango Delta cruises. The boats are smaller; however, the atmosphere is more intimate. You have two options, either mokoro or small boat. I recommend doing both.

You can even go fishing in the Okavango Delta – how cool will that be!. Keep in mind that certain areas in the Delta offers this experience when the water is high, however other areas do all year round river safaris.

Chobe Boat Cruises

Chobe boat cruises offer a range of motorboats in Kasane. People who love sunset river cruises usually pick this one. Moreover, it provides short excursions and full-day trips. For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, this one will be a great choice. Botswana river cruises become increasingly popular during the festive season, therefore if you plan to visit in December, be sure to book in advance.

Botswana River Cruise: Best Botswana Safari Lodges To Stay

Chobe

The following are some of the best lodges you can stay at in Chobe while on your Botswana river safari; however, since all these excursions are in a nd around Kasane, you have the option of staying at affordable accommodations and booking a tour for the day. Unlike the Okavango Delta and Linyanti, where the accommodation options are limited, you don’t have to stay at these lodges.

Chobe Game Lodge
Chobe Safari Lodge
Chobe Marina Lodge

Okavango Delta

The following are some of the best camps in the Delta for Botswana water safari. Firstly, when you choose a camp, check if they are offering river safaris at that time

Xigera safari lodge
Jacana
Pom Pom

Linyanti

Linyanti is a beautiful, lesser-known area, making it quite exclusive and an intimate location for a boat safari. I always recommend Linyanti for couples and honeymooners. In short, Linyanti is a romantic place. Here are some the best lodges to stay at,

Duma Tau
King’s pool

Namibia Botswana River Safari

One of the reasons why Chobe is the best place for a boat safari is that you are not confined to one country. You can go beyond the border. The Chobe River forms a border between Botswana and Namibia. So part of the river is in Botswana, and the other part is in Namibia.

If you are in Chobe, I recommend taking a day trip to Namibia, as it is pretty common with visitors, and they love it. The trip doesn’t go deep into Namibia; it is a visit to a nearby Namibian small village.

This type of excursion offers a unique and different perspective on your African safari. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to interact with the locals, observe their way of life, and learn about their culture.

Best time to go

The best time to visit Botswana is during the dry season, typically from April to September. However, if you are planning a Botswana river cruise in the Okavango Delta, check in advance whether the camp or tour company you are using offers this activity, as some camps don’t include river cruises as an excursion, while others offer seasonal river safaris.

Tips for your river cruise

1. Don’t want a photo bomber? Sit on the edge of the boat; that way, no one is obstructing your view, and you’ll come back with great pictures.

2. Dress in a practical, comfortable way because as part of the adventure, there will be embarking and disembarking into smaller boats to get close to the river shore

3. Book in advance, especially if you are visiting during the peak season

4. Bring spare batteries, a memory card and binoculars.

5. Do a sunset cruise. You can take the cruise at any time you want; however, for a breathtaking view, consider extending it to sunset.

6. If you can, consider an overnight stay on the boat because that is quite the experience on its own.

7.Be patient and above all, marvel at the beauty of Botswana

8.Do both river and land safari and see which one you like best. You’ll definitely enjoy both.

FAQ

1. What is the dress code for Zambezi Queen? – Although Zambezi Queen is a luxury houseboat, the dress code is casual. However, for sunset cruises and dinners, you can wear smart casual.

2. Why is the Okavango Delta so expensive?- Because it’s remote, luxurious, exclusive and supports conservation and communities.

3. Is Namibia or Botswana better for a safari? – Although they are both stunning, they offer different safari atmosphere. Namibia is best suited for landscape photographers and self-driving safari enthusiasts, while Botswana, on the other hand, is for luxury seekers who want exclusivity and to safari in style. Wildlife density is very high in Botswana which makes Botswana a better choice!

4. Which is better safari Zambia or Botswana? – They are both incredible in their own right. Botswana safaris are exclusive and luxurious, while Zambia safaris are adventurous with a rustic charm.

5. Where to fly into Botswana for safari? – Kasane international Airport and Maun International Airport