Botswana is a jewel of Africa, renowned for its pristine wilderness, diverse ecosystems, and remarkable wildlife. From the lush waterways of the Okavango Delta to the arid beauty of the Kalahari, Botswana offers unparalleled safari experiences. This blog explores the top five attractions in Botswana, detailing the best safari camps and lodges in each, with highlights of their unique offerings.
Okavango Delta.
The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest inland deltas. Its network of channels, lagoons, and islands creates a haven for wildlife and a paradise for safari lovers. The Delta offers a mix of water and land-based activities, making it a versatile safari destination.
Top 5 Accommodations in the Okavango Delta:
1. Mombo Camp
Situated on Chief’s Island, Mombo Camp is synonymous with luxury and exceptional wildlife experiences. Known as the “Place of Plenty,” it offers some of the best game-viewing opportunities in Africa.
Mombo camp affords a more traditional under-canvas safari experience in the world-famous Okavango Delta floodplains. Setting it apart from any other camp in the region, Mombo prides itself on customer satisfaction and love of the job.
The personalised service ensures your every need is anticipated, while the friendly, expert guides’ passion for wildlife is evident on every game drive.
Highlights:
- Located on Chief’s Island, offering access to the Delta’s most game-rich areas.
- Luxurious tented accommodations with private decks.
- Exceptional opportunities to see the Big Five.
- Personalized service and gourmet dining.
- Conservation-focused, supporting local wildlife initiatives.
Activities: Morning and evening game drives, birdwatching, and photography safaris.
Best For: Wildlife enthusiasts, luxury travelers, and conservation-focused visitors.
2. Vumbura Plains Camp
Nestled in a private concession, Vumbura Plains Camp seamlessly blends contemporary luxury with the pristine beauty of the Okavango Delta.
The camp has a laidback, calming atmosphere. Only when you step onto the elevated deck to take in the striking views of the Delta’s floodplain do you recall that you’re on safari in the heart of the African bush.
Highlights:
- Contemporary design blending seamlessly with nature.
- Offers both water and land-based safari experiences.
- Mokoro rides through tranquil Delta waters.
- Opportunities to spot rare species like sitatunga and lechwe.
- Spacious suites with private plunge pools.
Activities: Mokoro safaris, boating, game drives, and guided nature walks.
Best For: Honeymooners, photographers, and adventure seekers.
3.Eagle Island Lodge
Perched on Xaxaba Island, Eagle Island Lodge is an oasis of comfort in the heart of the Delta. It’s a haven for water-based safari lovers.
Eagle Island Lodge ditches the 4X4 vehicles in favour of motor boats, barge cruises and mokoro safaris to get you up-close to the elephants, buffalo, hippo, crocodiles and big cats that call this area home.
Highlights:
- Situated on Xaxaba Island for exclusive water-based safaris.
- Scenic helicopter flights over the Delta.
- Luxury accommodations with plunge pools and Delta views.
- Activities include mokoro excursions and fishing.
- A perfect spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.
Activities: Fishing, mokoro rides, birdwatching, and scenic helicopter tours.
Best For: Birdwatchers, couples, and adventure enthusiasts.
4. Little Kwara Camp
Little Kwara Camp is a hidden gem offering privacy and an authentic safari experience in a game-rich private concession.
This exclusive camp is located within the game rich Kwara concession, which borders the Moremi Game Reserve on the northern edge of the Okavango Delta.
Highlights:
- Intimate camp with only five tents, ensuring privacy.
- Located in a private concession for exclusive wildlife encounters.
- Offers night drives and guided walking safaris.
- Excellent predator sightings, including lions and cheetahs.
- Rustic charm combined with modern comforts.
Activities: Night drives, walking safaris, and mokoro excursions.
Best For: Small groups, wildlife enthusiasts, and photographers.
5. Duba Plains Camp
Known for its thrilling lion-buffalo interactions, Duba Plains Camp offers luxury with a touch of adventure.
Highlights:
- Famous for dramatic lion-buffalo interactions.
- Luxurious suites with private verandas and views of the floodplain.
- Emphasis on photographic safaris with professional guides.
- A commitment to sustainability and eco-tourism.
- Exceptional dining experiences in a serene setting.
Activities: Game drives, photography safaris, and birdwatching.
Best For: Adventure seekers, photographers, and luxury travelers.
Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park is famed for its large elephant herds and diverse wildlife. The Chobe River adds a unique dimension to the safari experience, with boat cruises providing incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Top 5 Accommodations in Chobe National Park:
6. Chobe Game Lodge
As the only permanent lodge within the park, Chobe Game Lodge combines eco-friendly practices with luxury.
Chobe Game Lodge invites guests to experience one of Africa’s premier safari destinations in the lap of luxury. Exceptional views of the wildlife-frequented Chobe River are complemented by the contemporary design and opulent comforts offered by the lodge.
Coupled with outstanding service and fine dining of the highest standard, you’ll forget that you’re in the untamed wilderness and not an upscale hotel.
Highlights:
- 5-star lodge in one of Africa’s prime safari parks
- Offers eco-friendly luxury with solar-powered facilities.
- Stunning river views from every room.
- Activities include river cruises and guided game drives.
- Dedicated to sustainable tourism practices.
- Guaranteed elephant sightings
Activities: Boat cruises, game drives, and nature walks.
Best For: Eco-conscious travelers, families, and first-time safari-goers.
7. Savute Safari Lodge
Situated in the predator-rich Savuti region, this lodge offers a front-row seat to dramatic wildlife interactions.
Savute Safari Lodge is celebrated for its elegant accommodation and exceptional viewing of Africa’s largest elephant herds. The lodge’s strategic location offers a luxurious gateway to the wild, providing a serene backdrop for an unforgettable safari experience.
Highlights:
- Located in the wildlife-rich Savuti region.
- Elevated decks for uninterrupted views of the Savuti Channel.
- Regular sightings of predators like lions and leopards.
- Luxurious chalets with private patios.
- A focus on cultural experiences alongside game viewing.
Activities: Game drives, birdwatching, and stargazing.
Best For: Wildlife lovers, couples, and photographers.
8. Ngoma Safari Lodge
Overlooking the Chobe River, Ngoma Safari Lodge offers a serene escape with a focus on river-based safaris.
Located in the Chobe Forest Reserve in Western Botswana, the private Ngoma Safari Lodge is located on the edge of a plateau, offering endless views over the seasonal Chobe flood plain. It also bears witness to magnificent sunsets – the ultimate way to celebrate the end of another perfect African day.Â
Highlights:
Elevated views of the Chobe River and floodplains.
Boutique accommodations with private plunge pools.
Sunset boat cruises for unique wildlife viewing.
Guided bush walks to explore the park on foot.
Personalized service in a tranquil setting.
Activities: Boat cruises, guided walks, and cultural visits.
Best For: Couples, birdwatchers, and those seeking tranquility.
9. Muchenje Safari Lodge
Located on the quieter western side of Chobe, Muchenje offers panoramic views and exclusive activities.
Muchenje Safari Lodge is situated high on an escarpment on the quieter western side of Botswana’s Chobe National Park. With wonderful views of the Chobe River and the seasonal flood plains, its position means that it is far away from the bustle of Kasane yet just two hours from the magnificent Victoria Falls.
Highlights:
- Stunning location on an escarpment overlooking the Chobe floodplains.
- Day-long game drives with picnic lunches.
- Night drives for nocturnal wildlife spotting.
- Family-friendly accommodations and activities.
- Dedicated cultural tours to nearby villages.
Activities: Game drives, village visits, and boat cruises.
Best For: Families, small groups, and cultural enthusiasts.
10. Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge
Set in the heart of the Savuti region, this lodge offers exceptional opportunities to witness Botswana’s famous elephant herds.
Highlights:
- Luxurious tents with private plunge pools.
- Exceptional game viewing in the Savuti Channel.
- Regular predator sightings, including wild dogs and leopards.
- Eco-friendly design with solar power.
- On-site hide for up-close wildlife photography.
Activities: Game drives, birdwatching, and stargazing.
Best For: Wildlife photographers, eco-conscious travelers, and luxury seekers.
Moremi Game Reserve.
Moremi Game Reserve is a pristine wildlife sanctuary located in the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, one of the world’s most unique and biodiverse ecosystems. Covering approximately 5,000 square kilometers, it offers a rich tapestry of landscapes, including lush floodplains, woodlands, lagoons, and mopane forests.
Top 5 Accommodations in Moremi Game Reserve:
11. Chief’s Camp
Located in the Mombo Concession of Moremi Game Reserve, Chief’s Camp is often referred to as the “predator capital of Africa.” It’s a luxury camp known for its exclusivity and prime location within one of the most wildlife-rich areas in Botswana.
Key Highlights:
- Situated in the renowned Mombo Concession.
- Incredible sightings of predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
- Luxurious pavilions with private plunge pools and decks overlooking the plains.
Activities:
- Morning and afternoon game drives.
- Bush dinners and sundowners.
- Birdwatching, with over 500 species recorded in the area.
Best For:
- Luxury travelers seeking an exclusive, wildlife-intensive experience.
- Photographers looking for exceptional predator action.
12. Camp Moremi
Nestled within a forested area near Xakanaxa Lagoon, Camp Moremi combines classic safari charm with modern comfort. Its location provides access to both water and land-based safari experiences.
Key Highlights:
- Authentic safari-style tents with elevated views.
- Scenic surroundings, offering incredible birdlife and aquatic wildlife.
- Proximity to Xakanaxa Lagoon, a hotspot for hippos and crocodiles.
Activities:
- Game drives in open 4×4 vehicles.
- Boat cruises on the Okavango Delta.
- Nature walks and birdwatching.
Best For:
- Nature enthusiasts seeking a mix of water and land-based activities.
- Couples and families looking for a tranquil safari setting.
13. Okuti Camp
Okuti Camp is set along the banks of the Maunachira River in the Xakanaxa region, offering a front-row seat to the dynamic wildlife of Moremi Game Reserve. Its design, inspired by traditional African huts, blends comfort and culture.
Key Highlights:
- Unique “mosasa”-style chalets designed for panoramic views.
- Access to the Maunachira River system.
- Family-friendly accommodations with dedicated family chalets.
Activities:
- Game drives exploring the diverse terrain of Moremi.
- Boat excursions along the waterways of the Okavango Delta.
- Cultural insights from local guides.
Best For:
- Families seeking a comfortable, immersive safari experience.
- Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
14. Xigera Safari Lodge
Xigera Safari Lodge is an iconic camp situated in the heart of Moremi Game Reserve, showcasing sustainable luxury and a deep connection to the surrounding wilderness. It is a haven for discerning travelers.
Key Highlights:
- Focus on sustainability, with solar-powered operations and eco-friendly design.
- Exceptional art and design inspired by Botswana’s culture.
- Unparalleled access to seasonal floodplains and waterways.
Activities:
- Mokoro (traditional canoe) excursions.
- Game drives and guided bush walks.
- Stargazing and photography.
Best For:
- Eco-conscious luxury travelers.
- Couples celebrating a romantic getaway.
15. Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge
Located in a private concession adjacent to Moremi, Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge offers an intimate safari experience with award-winning architecture and world-class service.
Key Highlights:
- Stunning architecture inspired by the pangolin’s scales.
- Personalized service with a high staff-to-guest ratio.
- Proximity to abundant wildlife, including elephants and predators.
Activities:
- Day and night game drives.
- Guided nature walks.
- Village visits for cultural immersion.
Best For:
Travelers desiring a balance between adventure and luxury.
Honeymooners seeking exclusivity and romance.
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, located in northeastern Botswana, are among the largest salt flats in the world, spanning an area of over 12,000 square kilometers.
Despite the harsh, desolate landscape during the dry season, the pans transform dramatically in the wet season. Seasonal rains fill the pans with water, attracting a variety of wildlife, including flamingos, pelicans, and other migratory birds. The surrounding grasslands also become a temporary haven for zebras, wildebeests, and their predators during the annual migration.
Top 5 Accommodations in Makgadikgadi Salt Pans:
16. San Camp
San Camp is a serene and luxurious camp located on the edge of the Ntwetwe Pan in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Known for its minimalist white canvas tents, it offers a truly immersive experience in one of Africa’s most otherworldly landscapes.
Key Highlights:
- Iconic vistas of the endless salt flats.
- Authentic cultural encounters with the San Bushmen.
- Luxurious yet eco-conscious accommodations.
Activities:
- Bush walks with the San Bushmen to learn about their culture and survival techniques.
- Game drives to spot unique desert wildlife like meerkats, brown hyenas, and aardwolves.
- Stargazing under one of the clearest night skies in the world.
- Horseback safaris (seasonal).
Best For:
Romantic getaways, cultural enthusiasts, and travelers seeking tranquility and exclusivity.
17. Jack’s Camp
Jack’s Camp is a legendary safari camp steeped in history and style, offering vintage charm with Persian rugs, four-poster beds, and a stunning pool pavilion. It is one of the oldest and most famous camps in the Makgadikgadi region.
Key Highlights:
- Unique blend of luxury and adventure.
- Meerkat encounters and views of the expansive pans.
- Rich historical and cultural significance.
Activities:
- Quad biking across the salt pans (dry season).
- Game drives to spot desert-adapted wildlife.
- Sundowner experiences on the pans.
- Visits to Chapman’s Baobab, one of the oldest trees in Africa.
Best For:
Luxury seekers, history enthusiasts, and families looking for adventure with a touch of elegance.
18. Leroo La Tau
Perched on the cliffs overlooking the Boteti River, Leroo La Tau offers an exceptional safari experience with stunning views and access to the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. It is a prime location for seasonal zebra migrations.
Key Highlights:
- Elevated position offering panoramic river views.
- Witness the annual zebra and wildebeest migration.
- Rich game viewing opportunities along the Boteti River.
Activities:
- Day and night game drives.
- Boat safaris (seasonal, during high water levels).
- Cultural visits to local villages.
- Birdwatching along the river.
Best For:
Wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking a combination of water and land-based safari experiences.
19. Camp Kalahari
Camp Kalahari is an affordable and family-friendly camp located on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. It blends traditional safari charm with a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a rustic yet comfortable experience.
Key Highlights:
- Charming thatched tents offering comfort and simplicity.
- Opportunity to explore the wilderness with expert guides.
- Intimate atmosphere with fewer guests.
Activities:
- Guided walks with Bushmen to learn survival skills.
- Sleepouts on the salt pans under the stars.
- Interaction with habituated meerkats.
- Horseback safaris and quad biking adventures.
Best For:
Budget-conscious travelers, families, and those seeking a casual, authentic safari.
20. Nxai Pan Camp
Located in Nxai Pan National Park, this camp offers a unique desert experience, showcasing the beauty of Botswana’s lesser-known wilderness. It is known for its seasonal zebras and iconic Baines’ Baobabs.
Key Highlights:
- Stunning views of open plains and salt pans.
- Proximity to the famous Baines’ Baobabs.
- Seasonal zebra migrations and predator sightings.
Activities:
- Game drives to explore the Nxai Pan National Park.
- Visits to Baines’ Baobabs for historical and scenic experiences.
- Birdwatching, especially during the wet season.
- Stargazing in the tranquil desert environment.
Best For:
Adventurers, nature lovers, and travelers looking to experience Botswana beyond the traditional Delta safari.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR)
The CKGR, located in the heart of Botswana, is one of the largest game reserves in the world, spanning over 52,000 square kilometers. This remote and pristine wilderness is characterized by vast open plains, rolling sand dunes, and salt pans, interspersed with thorny scrubland and acacia trees.
The CKGR is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including lion, cheetah, giraffe, springbok, oryx, and brown hyena, as well as over 250 species of birds. It is especially famous for the black-maned Kalahari lions and the seasonal migrations of herbivores, which thrive after the summer rains.
Top 5 Accommodations in Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR)
21. Deception Valley Lodge
A luxurious lodge located on a private reserve near the northern boundary of CKGR, Deception Valley Lodge offers a serene base for exploring the vast Kalahari landscape.
Key Highlights:
- Spacious chalets with modern amenities and a traditional African ambiance.
- Stunning views of the Kalahari plains.
- Private reserve for exclusive game viewing.
Activities:
- Guided nature walks with San Bushmen for cultural insights.
- Game drives to explore diverse wildlife, including predators like lions and cheetahs.
- Birdwatching, especially during the rainy season when migratory birds arrive.
Best For:
- Travelers seeking cultural immersion and luxury.
- Wildlife enthusiasts interested in unique ecosystems.
22. Kalahari Plains Camp
Situated in a remote corner of CKGR, this eco-friendly camp offers spectacular views of the desert landscape and seasonal wildlife abundance.
Key Highlights:
- Solar-powered and sustainable design.
- Rooftop sleep-outs for stargazing.
- Access to the best game viewing areas during the green season.
Activities:
- Game drives with chances to spot black-maned Kalahari lions and cheetahs.
- Cultural experiences with San Bushmen.
- Stargazing under one of the clearest skies in Africa.
Best For:
- Eco-conscious travelers.
- Couples or families looking for a secluded retreat.
23. Evolve Back Kalahari
A luxury safari lodge combining modern comfort with traditional design, offering an immersive desert experience.
Key Highlights:
- Spacious suites with private plunge pools and outdoor decks.
- Breathtaking desert views.
- Exclusive and intimate setting with personalized service.
Activities:
- Bush walks with San Bushmen.
- Day and night game drives for diverse wildlife sightings.
- Scenic sundowners in the vast Kalahari.
Best For:
- Luxury seekers and honeymooners.
- Photographers looking for dramatic desert landscapes.
24. Tau Pan Camp
One of the first permanent camps in CKGR, Tau Pan Camp provides exceptional views of Tau Pan and surrounding plains.
Key Highlights:
- Elevated chalets with panoramic desert views.
- Environmentally conscious design using solar power.
- Positioned near wildlife hotspots.
Activities:
- Guided game drives in CKGR to see desert-adapted wildlife.
- Nature walks for a close look at flora and smaller fauna.
- Educational sessions on Kalahari ecology.
Best For:
- Adventure enthusiasts looking for authentic safari experiences.
- Visitors wanting to experience the Kalahari year-round.
25. Haina Kalahari Lodge
Nestled in a private concession bordering CKGR, Haina Kalahari Lodge blends comfort with traditional safari style.
Key Highlights:
- Thatched chalets with elegant interiors.
- Stunning setting on the edge of the reserve.
- Relaxing pool and communal areas for downtime.
Activities:
- Bushman cultural walks.
- Game drives with opportunities to see giraffes, springboks, and predators.
- Night drives to spot nocturnal animals.
Best For:
- Families and groups looking for a blend of comfort and adventure.
- Travelers interested in cultural experiences and wildlife.