Botswana Safari Tours – Experience Africa's Ultimate Wilderness
Dreaming of an African safari that goes beyond the ordinary? Our Botswana safari tours transport you to one of the world’s last true wildernesses, where elephants roam by the thousands, lions hunt under star-filled skies, and the legendary Okavango Delta creates a water wonderland in the heart of the Kalahari Desert.
Why Choose Botswana for Your Safari Adventure?
Botswana isn’t just another safari destination – it’s Africa’s conservation success story and the continent’s premier wilderness experience. While neighboring countries have embraced mass tourism, Botswana has deliberately chosen a different path: low-volume, high-value tourism that protects its pristine ecosystems while delivering unmatched safari experiences.
Based in the UAE with deep roots in Southern Africa, Botes Safaris specializes in crafting exceptional Botswana safari holidays that combine authentic wilderness experiences with the comfort and service our Middle Eastern clients expect. From gliding silently through the Delta’s waterways in a traditional mokoro canoe to watching massive elephant herds cross the Chobe River at sunset, we create moments that define the African safari experience.
What makes Botswana extraordinary:
Africa's highest wildlife densities
Over 130,000 elephants, incredible predator populations, and the world's largest remaining wild dog packs call Botswana home.
Exclusive wilderness access
With 40% of the country protected as national parks and reserves, and tourism numbers intentionally limited, you'll often have wildlife sightings completely to yourself.
The Okavango Delta miracle
Nowhere else on Earth will you find a massive river delta in the middle of a desert, creating one of Africa's richest ecosystems and most unique safari experiences.
Pristine and uncrowded
You won't find traffic jams of safari vehicles competing for lion sightings. Botswana's wilderness remains authentically wild.
Political stability and safety
One of Africa's most stable democracies with excellent infrastructure and a genuine commitment to conservation.
Diverse experiences
From water-based safaris in the Delta to desert adventures in the Kalahari, from luxury lodge comfort to authentic mobile camping under the stars.
Botswana's Safari Destinations
The Okavango Delta
Imagine a river that doesn’t flow to the ocean but instead disappears into the Kalahari Desert, creating the world’s largest inland delta.
Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park is legendary for one simple reason: elephants. With over 120,000 elephants – the largest population on Earth – Chobe delivers spectacles that belong in wildlife documentaries.
Moremi Game Reserve
Located within the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve is where serious safari enthusiasts come for world-class predator viewing.
Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pan
The Makgadikgadi Pans are otherworldly – vast salt flats stretching to the horizon, remnants of an ancient super-lake that once covered most of Botswana.
Savuti
Savuti is Botswana’s wildest region – remote, rugged, and famous for some of Africa’s most dramatic predator action.
The Okavango Delta - A Natural Wonder
Imagine a river that doesn't flow to the ocean but instead disappears into the Kalahari Desert, creating the world's largest inland delta. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is pure magic – a 15,000 square kilometre oasis where water channels wind through papyrus-lined channels, palm-fringed islands rise from crystal-clear lagoons, and wildlife thrives in abundance.
The Okavango is Botswana's crown jewel, offering safari experiences you simply can't find anywhere else on Earth.
The Mokoro Experience
Gliding through the Delta in a mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) is quintessential Botswana. Your expert poler stands at the stern, silently propelling you through narrow channels lined with papyrus. Hippos grunt warnings from nearby pools. Fish eagles call from overhanging trees. Elephants emerge from the treeline to drink. The only sounds are birdcalls and the gentle splash of the pole pushing through water.
This peaceful, intimate way of experiencing African wilderness connects you to the environment in ways vehicle safaris can’t match.
Wildlife Paradise
The Delta’s permanent water attracts incredible wildlife:
- Elephants wading through channels, swimming between islands
- Lions and leopards thriving in the permanent game-rich environment
- Buffalo herds numbering in the hundreds
- Red lechwe – water-adapted antelope found only in the Delta
- Sitatunga – shy, semi-aquatic antelope rarely seen elsewhere
- Wild dogs – the Delta is one of Africa’s most important strongholds for these endangered predators
Birdwatcher's Paradise
Over 500 bird species call the Delta home, including:
- African fish eagles
- Malachite kingfishers darting along channels
- Saddle-billed storks stalking the shallows
- Pel’s fishing owls (rare and spectacular)
- Massive colonies of breeding herons and egrets
The Private Concessions
The Delta’s exclusive private concessions offer ultimate luxury and privacy:
- Limited guest numbers (often just 2-3 camps per vast area)
- Off-road driving to follow predators
- Night drives spotting nocturnal species
- Walking safaris with armed professional guides
- Some of Africa’s most luxurious safari lodges
Did you know?
The Okavango Delta never reaches the sea. Its floodwaters travel over 1,000 km from Angola and disperse into the Kalahari Desert, sustaining one of the richest ecosystems on Earth.
Best Time to Visit
May to October for optimal water levels and concentrated wildlife viewing
Chobe National Park – The Land of Giants
Chobe National Park is legendary for one simple reason: elephants. With over 120,000 elephants – the largest population on Earth – Chobe delivers spectacles that belong in wildlife documentaries. During the dry season (May to October), thousands of elephants migrate to the Chobe River, creating scenes that will stay with you forever. Picture 300+ elephants gathering at the riverbank as the sun sets, herds crossing the river with babies swimming alongside their mothers, playful youngsters spraying water while matriarchs keep watch.
The Chobe Riverfront
The park’s famous riverfront section offers Africa’s most accessible and dramatic wildlife viewing. Game drives along the river edge reveal:
- Massive elephant herds coming to drink throughout the day
- Buffalo super-herds numbering 500-1,000 animals
- Hippo pods – hundreds occupy the river channels
- Lions and leopards hunting along the treeline
Crocodiles – some of Africa’s largest specimens
Chobe River Cruises
Sunset cruises on the Chobe River rank among Africa’s most magical experiences. Boarding a comfortable boat, you drift along watching wildlife come to drink as the sun paints the sky in spectacular colors. Elephants wade in chest-deep, hippos surface curiously, fish eagles dive for prey, and buffalo herds thunder down to the water’s edge.
With a sundowner in hand and Africa’s giants all around, this is safari perfection.
The Savuti Region
Chobe’s remote Savuti section offers completely different experiences:
- Ancient San rock art in Gubatsa Hills
- Dramatic predator action (Savuti’s lions are famous for hunting elephants)
- Mysterious Savuti Channel (sometimes dry, sometimes flowing)
- Rugged wilderness far from crowds
- Zebra migrations during the wet season
Did you know?
Chobe is home to the largest elephant population on the planet, with over 120,000 individuals, many gathering in herds of several hundred along the riverbanks.
Best Time to Visit
May to October for elephant concentrations, year-round for variety.
Moremi Game Reserve – Predator Paradise
Located within the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve is where serious safari enthusiasts come for world-class predator viewing. This 5,000 square kilometre reserve combines the Delta's water-rich environment with permanent wildlife populations that rival anywhere in Africa.
Wild dogs
Moremi is one of Africa’s most reliable destinations for these endangered predators. Packs of 10-20 dogs hunt cooperatively with military precision, their success rate far exceeding lions or leopards. Watching a wild dog hunt is one of nature’s most spectacular events.
Big cats
Moremi’s lion prides are legendary. These are powerful, successful hunters that have learned to take advantage of the Delta’s concentrated prey. Leopards thrive in the riverine forests, often hauling kills into massive sycamore fig trees.
Diverse landscapes
Unlike parks with monotonous scenery, Moremi constantly changes: open floodplains where predators hunt, mopane woodland sheltering elephants, permanent lagoons filled with hippos, palm-fringed islands creating paradise settings.
Exclusive access
Visitor numbers are strictly controlled, meaning you’ll rarely encounter multiple vehicles at sightings. This is intimate, authentic safari at its finest.
The Chiefs Island Concession
Moremi’s private concessions offer even more exclusivity:
- Night drives tracking leopards and lions on the hunt
- Walking safaris experiencing the Delta on foot
- Off-road driving following predators into the bush
- Luxury camps with exceptional guiding
Did you know?
Moremi is one of Africa’s most reliable locations for spotting African wild dogs, whose hunting success rate exceeds that of lions and leopards.
Best Time to Visit
May to October for optimal wildlife viewing and dry-season concentrations.
Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pan – Desert Dreamscapes
The Makgadikgadi Pans are otherworldly – vast salt flats stretching to the horizon, remnants of an ancient super-lake that once covered most of Botswana. These seemingly lifeless white expanses transform during the wet season into wildlife magnets hosting one of Africa's last great migrations.
The Zebra Migration
Each year (typically December to April), over 25,000 zebras migrate from the Okavango to the Makgadikgadi’s fresh grasslands – Africa’s second-largest migration after the Serengeti. Accompanying them are wildebeest, eland, and predators following the herds.
Meerkats
The pans are famous for habituated meerkat families. Walking among these charismatic creatures as they stand sentry, play, and go about their lives is utterly charming.
Black-maned Kalahari lions
Adapted to desert life, these magnificent lions have developed darker manes and incredible endurance, hunting across vast open spaces.
Flamingos
When the pans flood, thousands of flamingos arrive, creating pink carpets across the water.
The Night Sky
With zero light pollution and endless horizons, Makgadikgadi offers some of Earth’s most spectacular stargazing. The Milky Way stretches across the sky so vividly you feel you could reach up and touch it.
Cultural Connections
The region is home to the San Bushmen, Africa’s oldest culture. Cultural visits offer insights into traditional tracking skills, bush survival techniques, and ancient ways of life that have sustained these people for thousands of years.
Did you know?
The Makgadikgadi salt pans are remnants of an ancient super-lake once larger than Switzerland—today hosting Africa’s second-largest zebra migration.
Best Time to Visit
December to April for migration, year-round for meerkats and unique landscapes.
Savuti – Raw Wilderness and Big Cats
Savuti is Botswana's wildest region – remote, rugged, and famous for some of Africa's most dramatic predator action. This ancient landscape of fossil riverbeds and open savannah has witnessed incredible wildlife dramas captured in countless documentaries.
The Savuti Lions
The Mysterious Channel
The Savuti Channel follows its own mysterious rhythm, sometimes flowing with water, sometimes remaining dry for decades. When flowing, it transforms the region into a wildlife paradise. When dry, it creates different dynamics where survival depends on ancient waterholes.
Migration Spectacles
During good rainfall years, massive zebra and wildebeest herds migrate through Savuti, followed by predators capitalizing on the abundance.
Ancient Heritage
Gubatsa Hills contain San rock art thousands of years old, depicting hunting scenes and spiritual ceremonies that connect visitors to Africa’s deep human history.
Did you know?
Savuti’s lions are globally famous for developing the rare behaviour of hunting young elephants, an adaptation seen in very few places worldwide.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round destination. May to October offers pleasant weather for hiking and rhino tracking. November to April brings lush vegetation and dramatic storm clouds perfect for photography.
Our Botswana Safari Packages
Planning an African safari from the UAE requires expertise, reliability, and understanding of Middle Eastern travel preferences. Our Botswana safari packages are specifically designed with UAE clients in mind, handling every detail so you experience only the magic of Africa.
Classic Botswana Safari (7-10 Days)
Perfect for first-time visitors wanting Botswana’s highlights:
- Okavango Delta (3-4 nights) – Mokoro experiences and game drives
- Chobe National Park (3 nights) – Elephant encounters and river cruises
- Victoria Falls option – Easily added for the complete experience
This itinerary balances water-based Delta adventures with Chobe’s elephant spectacles, providing comprehensive Botswana experiences without rushing.
Ultimate Botswana Explorer (12-14 Days)
For travelers wanting deeper immersion:
- Okavango Delta (4 nights) – Private concession luxury
- Moremi Game Reserve (3 nights) – Predator paradise
- Chobe National Park (3 nights) – River and game viewing
- Savuti or Makgadikgadi (2-3 nights) – Desert wilderness
This comprehensive package covers Botswana’s diversity from wetlands to deserts, luxury lodges to authentic bush camps.
Luxury Botswana Experience (10-14 Days)
Premium accommodations and exclusive experiences:
- Private concessions throughout
- Luxury tented camps and lodges
- Private game vehicles
- Helicopter transfers between camps
- Exclusive activities including private mokoro trips
- Personalized guiding and service
Ideal for honeymooners, special celebrations, or travelers seeking ultimate comfort in the wilderness.
Botswana Self-Drive Adventure (10-14 Days)
For independent spirits:
- Fully equipped 4×4 camper rental
- Comprehensive route planning
- Camping equipment and supplies
- GPS navigation and park maps
- 24/7 support throughout your journey
Experience Botswana’s wilderness at your own pace with complete flexibility.
Botswana + Victoria Falls Combination
The perfect pairing:
- Chobe National Park (2-3 nights)
- Victoria Falls (2-3 nights) – Just across the border
- Okavango Delta (3-4 nights)
Combine Botswana’s wilderness with one of the world’s natural wonders in one seamless journey.
What Makes Botes Safaris Your Best Choice?
UAE-Based Expertise with African Knowledge
We bridge two worlds – based in the UAE with deep Southern African expertise. This means:
Direct UAE contact – Reach Liander (+971 56 101 0279) or Bevan (+971 56 455 2384) during UAE business hours for immediate assistance.
Cultural understanding – We know Middle Eastern travel preferences, dietary requirements, and communication expectations.
Seamless planning – Handle everything from UAE: flights, visas, transfers, accommodation, activities.
On-ground support – Our Southern African team ensures smooth operations throughout your safari.
Authentic Botswana Experiences
We don’t just book lodges – we craft experiences:
- Expert route planning – Optimal timing and locations for your interests
- Premium partnerships – Relationships with Botswana’s finest camps and lodges
- Flexibility – Every itinerary customized to your preferences
- Photography focus – Special positioning for serious photographers
- Family options – Age-appropriate safaris for traveling families
Quality Without Compromise
Professional guiding – Botswana’s guides rank among Africa’s finest Reliable vehicles – Modern 4×4s designed for African conditions
Safety priority – Comprehensive insurance and emergency protocols Transparent pricing – No hidden costs or surprise charges
When to Visit Botswana
Dry Season (May to October) – Peak Safari Time
Best for: Wildlife viewing, Okavango Delta, photography
Highlights:
- Animals concentrate around permanent water
- Excellent predator viewing
- Pleasant weather (warm days, cool nights)
- Chobe’s famous elephant gatherings
- Optimal Delta water levels (May to September)
July to October are absolute peak months with best wildlife viewing but highest prices and advance booking essential.
Green Season (November to April) – The Secret Season
Best for: Bird watching, migrations, lower rates, dramatic landscapes
Highlights:
- Makgadikgadi zebra migration (December to March)
- Over 500 bird species including summer migrants
- Lush, green scenery perfect for photography
- Newborn animals everywhere
- 20-40% lower rates
- Fewer tourists
The green season offers exceptional value while delivering unique experiences unavailable during dry months.
Practical Information for UAE Travellers
Visa Requirements
UAE passport holders receive visa on arrival in Botswana (free for tourism up to 90 days). We provide all necessary documentation support.
Flights from UAE
Multiple routing options:
- Dubai/Abu Dhabi → Johannesburg → Maun/Kasane
- Dubai → Addis Ababa → Gaborone/Maun
- Dubai → Nairobi → Maun
We handle all bookings and internal charter flights between safari destinations.
Health Considerations
- Malaria prophylaxis recommended for northern Botswana
- Excellent medical facilities and evacuation insurance
- Very safe country with low crime rates
- Professional guides ensure wildlife safety
Currency & Payments
Botswana Pula (BWP) and US Dollars widely accepted. Most lodges are fully inclusive, so minimal cash needed.
Ready for Your Botswana Safari Adventure?
Your journey to Africa’s last true wilderness begins with a conversation. Whether you’re dreaming of gliding through the Okavango Delta at sunrise, watching elephant herds cross the Chobe River, or sleeping under the Kalahari’s infinite stars, we’ll create the perfect Botswana safari tour for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Botswana Safari Tours
How much do Botswana safari packages cost?
Botswana safari costs by category:
- Budget camping: $250-400 per person per day
- Mid-range lodges: $500-800 per person per day
- Luxury safaris: $800-1,500 per person per day
- Ultra-luxury: $1,500-3,000+ per person per day
What’s included: Accommodation, all meals, game drives, mokoro trips, boat safaris, park fees, professional guiding, internal transfers, and most beverages.
Not included: International flights, visas (free for UAE passport holders), travel insurance, optional activities (helicopter flights, hot air balloons), gratuities, and personal expenses.
Why is Botswana expensive? The country deliberately maintains “high-value, low-volume” tourism with limited bed capacity, exclusive concessions (only 2-3 camps per vast area), and higher park fees that fund conservation. You’re paying for exclusivity and pristine, uncrowded wilderness.
Save money by: Traveling green season (November-April) for 20-40% discounts, booking longer stays, choosing mobile camping over lodges, joining group departures, or self-drive camping.
What's the best time to visit Botswana?
Dry Season (May-October) – Peak Time
Best for: Wildlife viewing, photography, Okavango Delta, first-timers
- Animals concentrate at water sources
- Excellent visibility (vegetation thins)
- Pleasant weather (25-30°C days, cool nights)
- July-October: Best wildlife viewing, highest prices
- May-June: Good viewing, fewer crowds, better rates
Green Season (November-April) – Value Season
Best for: Bird watching, zebra migration, budget travelers, photography
- 20-40% lower prices
- Makgadikgadi zebra migration (25,000+ zebras, December-March)
- Over 500 bird species
- Lush landscapes, newborn animals
- Fewer tourists
- Wildlife more dispersed
By destination:
- Okavango Delta: May-September (best water levels)
- Chobe elephants: June-October (massive gatherings)
- Makgadikgadi migration: December-March
Book in advance: 6-12 months for peak season (July-October), 2-3 months for green season.
How do I get from UAE to Botswana?
Most common route: Dubai/Abu Dhabi → Johannesburg → Maun/Kasane
Travel time: 12-16 hours including layover
Alternative routes:
- Via Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines)
- Via Nairobi (Kenya Airways, Emirates)
Botswana’s main airports:
- Maun: Gateway to Okavango Delta and Moremi
- Kasane: Gateway to Chobe and Victoria Falls
Internal travel: Light aircraft charters between safari camps (luggage limited to 20kg soft bags) or 4×4 road transfers.
We handle: All flight bookings, meet-and-greet services, internal transfers, charter flights, and timing coordination.
Do I need a visa for Botswana from UAE?
No visa fee required. UAE passport holders receive FREE visa on arrival valid for 90 days.
Requirements at immigration:
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Return/onward ticket
- Accommodation confirmation (we provide)
- Yellow fever certificate (only if arriving from endemic countries)
Processing time: 10-15 minutes at airport
Multi-country visas:
- KAZA Univisa ($50): Covers Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia for 30 days
- Useful if visiting Victoria Falls or combining countries
We provide complete documentation and pre-departure briefing.
What animals will I see on a Botswana safari?
Virtually Guaranteed:
- Elephants – 130,000+ in Botswana; Chobe has 10,000+ during dry season
- Buffalo – Massive herds (hundreds to thousands)
- Hippos – Abundant in all water systems
- Zebras – Common; 25,000+ migration in Makgadikgadi
- Giraffes, impala, warthogs – Daily sightings
- Crocodiles – Large populations in rivers
Very Likely:
- Lions – Thriving populations in Moremi, Chobe, Savuti
- Leopards – Regular sightings, especially on night drives
- Wild Dogs – Botswana hosts 40% of Africa’s remaining population; best viewing at Moremi
- Hyenas, kudus, waterbuck – Common
Good Chances:
- Cheetahs – Savuti and Nxai Pan
- Sable and roan antelope – Present but less common
- Sitatunga – Rare Delta swamp antelope
Birdlife: Over 590 species including fish eagles, Pel’s fishing owls, carmine bee-eaters, lilac-breasted rollers
Big 5 status: Four of five present (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo abundant; rhinos mostly absent due to historical poaching)
What’s special: Wild dogs (Africa’s best viewing), 130,000 elephants, uncrowded sightings (often completely alone), swimming elephants in Delta
What's included in Botswana safari packages?
Standard Inclusions:
Accommodation: All nights as per itinerary with en-suite facilities
Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, tea/coffee)
Activities: Game drives (2 daily), mokoro trips, boat safaris, walking safaris, night drives (private concessions)
Guiding: Professional guides throughout
Transport: 4×4 vehicles, internal transfers, light aircraft charters
Beverages: Local beers, house wines, spirits, soft drinks, water
Other: Laundry, park fees, emergency evacuation insurance, 24/7 support
Not Included:
- International flights (we can book)
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities (helicopter flights $150-450, hot air balloons $400-550)
- Premium/imported alcohol
- Gratuities ($10-20/day for guides, $5-10/day for staff)
- Personal expenses, spa treatments, shopping
Can I do a self-drive safari in Botswana?
Yes! Botswana is excellent for self-drive adventures.
We provide:
- Fully equipped 4×4 (Toyota Hilux/Land Cruiser)
- Roof tent(s) and camping equipment
- GPS navigation, recovery gear
- 12V fridge, cooking gear, bedding
- Pre-departure briefing and route planning
- Campsite bookings
- 24/7 emergency support
Popular routes:
- Northern Circuit (10-14 days): Maun → Moremi → Khwai → Savuti → Chobe
- Kalahari & Pans (7-10 days): Makgadikgadi → Nxai Pan → Central Kalahari
- Ultimate circuit (14-21 days): Comprehensive coverage
Requirements:
- Valid driver’s license (international recommended)
- 4×4 driving experience (sand driving ideal)
- Basic mechanical knowledge
- Navigation skills
- Physical fitness for bush camping
Costs (10 days, 2 people):
- Vehicle rental: $2,000
- Camping fees: $600
- Park entry: $300
- Fuel: $200
- Food: $600 Total: ~$3,700 = $185 per person per day
Compare to $500-1,500/day for guided lodge safaris.
Safety: Wildlife walks through unfenced camps; stay in vehicle near dangerous animals; carry extra fuel, water, and supplies; night driving prohibited in parks.
Is Botswana safe for tourists?
Yes, Botswana is one of Africa’s safest countries.
Bottom line: Botswana is very safe with professional management. Wildlife is wild and commands respect, but serious incidents are exceptionally rare.
Political/social safety:
- Africa’s oldest continuous democracy
- Very low crime rates
- No terrorism concerns
- Stable government
- Safari areas extremely safe
Wildlife safety:
- Professional licensed guides
- Armed guides on walking safaris
- Clear safety protocols
- Incidents extremely rare
- Camps have emergency procedures
Health considerations:
- Malaria present (northern areas) – prophylaxis recommended
- Good medical facilities in Maun/Gaborone
- Flying doctor services available
- All lodges have evacuation insurance
What we provide:
- Comprehensive safety briefings
- 24/7 emergency support (UAE and African teams)
- Medical evacuation coordination
- Emergency contact numbers
Safety tips:
- Follow guide instructions always
- Never exit vehicle near dangerous animals
- Don’t walk alone after dark at camps
- Stay in designated areas
- Keep tent zipped (elephants investigate camps)
Insurance: We recommend comprehensive coverage including medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and activity coverage.