Savile Row Travel

Introduction to Botswana

Experience the untamed beauty and raw wilderness of Botswana, a jewel in the crown of Africa’s natural heritage. Botswana is an unspoilt haven for wildlife, home to the world’s largest population of elephants and a diverse array of animal and plant species. Immerse yourself in the enchanting landscapes of the Okavango Delta, where the tranquillity of pristine waterways coexists with the dynamic rhythms of the African bush. Venture into the heart of the Kalahari Desert, a sublime expanse that is as harsh as it is beautiful, offering a unique insight into the survival and resilience of its inhabitants. From the thundering spectacle of the Victoria Falls to the tranquil beauty of the Chobe River, Botswana embodies the spirit of Africa’s wild heart, captivating the soul and stirring the imagination. Whether you’re on a thrilling game drive, a serene mokoro ride, or simply taking in the awe-inspiring vistas under the vast African skies, Botswana promises an adventure that will etch itself into your memory, forever.

Highlights of Botswana:

Okavango Delta: this is one of the highlights of the entire African continent, with good reason. Annual floods bring a tremendous variety of life to this huge oasis in the sands of the Kalahari, producing viewing spectacles like no other.

Kalahari Desert & the Basarwa people: an arid semi-desert savannah which supports an eclectic selection of wildlife and is home to the indigenous Basarwa people. Spend time with one of the last few remaining indigenous groups of people in the world and experience their culture and traditional skills.

Elephants in Chobe National Park: around 70,000 individuals live in this region and this is one of the very best places to see them in the world.

Zebra migration: approximately 20,000 animals migrate between the Boteti River and their summer breeding grounds of Nxai/Makgdadikgadi Pans each year. This is a spectacle not to be missed and well worth timing your visit to see this.

Mokoro canoe rides through the delta: one of the best ways to experience the delta is to drift along in a dugout canoe, known as a mokoro. It’s one of the best ways to get up and close with wildlife in a serene and peaceful way.

African wild dogs: you are more likely to see these rare animals in Botswana than anywhere else.

Great reasons to visit:

More wildlife than people: Botswana has around 2 million human inhabitants in a country the same size as France. This means vast swathes of unpopulated wilderness and incredible landscapes.

Safety: Botswana is one of Africa’s most stable countries with democratic elections held since gaining independence from Great Britain in 1966. Threats from terrorism are low.

Low-volume safari-based tourism: the country has actively pursued a policy of low volume/low impact tourism. This can mean that Botswana can be expensive, although as every tour we create is bespoke this isn’t necessarily always the case, but it does mean that the country is better able to conserve its wilderness for future generations and it makes visiting without crowds an absolute pleasure.

Variety: Botswana offers an incredible range of ways you can experience this country such as on horseback, on foot, on game drives and by canoe. Accommodation choices range from super-luxury eco lodges to mobile camping trips and everything in between.

Standards of service: these are generally very high in Botswana. Safaris are recognised as an important source of income for the country and high standards are set and maintained.

Tours of Botswana

When to visit

Dry season: April to October | Wet season: November to March

For Botswana in general: game viewing is best between May and November, particularly from August onwards. This is because although the landscape can look parched and harsh at this time, grasses have either died or been eaten so game viewing is easier.

Okavango Delta: this floods annually from April to June so we recommend visiting between May and September.

Kalahari desert: game-viewing is better here during the wet season when game is concentrated on the open plains and around the pans. During the dry season you find that the game is very widely dispersed.

Temperatures: Botswana is temperate in April and late August/September. May to late August is fresh with clear sunny days but very cold in the evenings and early mornings. From late September onwards it can get very hot with daytime temperatures exceeding 35°C. Once the rains arrive temperatures fall a little however December to March can be very hot and humid.

“Botswana is simply top of the tree when it comes to Safari destinations. It’s an absolute favourite of mine, and keeps me coming back as there is so much to explore.  The experience of being deep in the wilderness is profound, the Government has deliberately kept tourist numbers low so you’re going to see more wild creatures than other people”

Lucie Thaxter, Savile Row Travel Africa Specialist

Botswana Travel Advice

Visa & Passport Requirements

For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, find Botswana specific travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth office here. For more information please visit the Botswana Embassy

Health & Vaccination Information

We advise that you seek advice on recommended vaccinations and precautions from a health professional – either a GP, a practice nurse, a pharmacist or a travel health clinic – ideally at least eight weeks before departure. Visit NHS Fit for Travel for Botswana specific guidance.

Please note, the links given on this page will take you to sites outside of Savile Row Travel. If you click these links, you will leave our website and we are not responsible for the content of the third party site.

Map and Travel Information

Flight Information

The easiest and most direct way to reach Botswana from the UK is via Johannesburg (11 hours) and then onwards to Maun in Botswana (1 hour 45 minutes) or Livingstone in Zambia (1 hour 40 minutes).

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Speak to our team:

+44 1491 575 987

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Saturday: 10am – 4:00pm

1 Market Place Mews, Gardiner Place,
Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2AH