Wishlist
Bespoke Botswana & Vic Falls
A Place Like No Other
INTRODUCTION TO BOTSWANA
Botswana is a land of pristine wilderness, offering some of the world's most exciting wildlife encounters. Its diverse ecosystems range from the lush, winding waterways of the Okavango Delta to the expansive sands of the Kalahari. While the Moremi Game Reserve marks the edge of the Delta, animals roam freely into neighboring regions, like the massive Chobe Park and the neighboring concessions.
Botswana safari are organized on an individual basis. Camps and lodges are selected based on what activities you would like to participate in, your comfort level and species you are interested in seeing.
Solo Travelers: Botswana is an ideal destination for a solo traveler as you will join others on safari activities and meals.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN CAMPS?
Botswana’s main water source is the Okavango Delta. Off of the main delta are channels that feed the many safari areas. Terrain will vary, as well as what each location offers.
When and where to visit on your Botswana safari can be daunting. The right combination of water (wet) and land (dry) camps are essential. Born Free knows Botswana, and we will assist in recommending the right combination of camps and locations for your safari.
Dry Camps are located on larger islands or the drier peripheries of the delta. Their focus is on traditional land-based game viewing activities in open vehicles and guided walking safaris, which are ideal for tracking big game.
Wet Camps are situated in areas that are primarily focused on water-based activities, such as exploring the waterways. If you are primarily interested in big game, we do not recommend island camps or camps that only provide water-based viewing.
Mixed Camps (#1 experience) provide a combination of both water and land activities, often adapting their offerings seasonally as water levels rise and fall, providing the ideal delta experience.
WHY IS BOTSWANA SO EXPENSIVE?
- Small exclusive properties: Limited guests; food and service extremely high. There are a few more modest properties but generally those areas are not as prime.
- Logistics and Remoteness: Travel between areas relies on bush flights rather than roads. Many camps are located deep within pristine wilderness expanses and require light aircraft flights between areas. All commodities are flown into camps.
- All-Inclusive Pricing: Most luxury Botswana safaris are all-inclusive packages that cover internal flights, accommodation, meals, drinks, laundry, and daily guided activities.
- Limited Season: Although some camps are open in green season, May to October is the prime travel time. This is when safari viewing is most productive and weather pleasant.
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL:
Born Free suggests visiting Botswana and Victoria Falls between late May and early October. Keep in mind that while this window is ideal for the safari, the water volume at Victoria Falls begins to significantly decrease. Off season is not suggested for Botswana, although you can secure lower rates in May.
SAFARI REGIONS
- OKAVANGO DELTA – Wetlands; a phenomenal wildlife region, covers the heart of the country. Within its waterways are island camps, bordering reserves, and private concessions where all of the "Big Five" can be found. Game viewing is often by boat or mokoro (canoes).
- THE CHOBE NATIONAL PARK – Highest concentration of elephants and the largest park. Closest to Victoria Falls; fairly crowded with travelers and not that rich in predators. Adjacent areas with excellent wildlife sightings are Savute and Linyanti.
- SAVUTI (SAVUTE) REGION OF CHOBE –Located on the south end of Chobe, this area is extremely game-rich and exceptional for predator sightings. Large prides of lion hunt on the grasslands; leopards and wild dogs can be seen as well.
- MOREMI GAME RESERVE – Combines land and water experiences. Located within the Okavango Delta, this is one of the most reliable game viewing areas. On game drives, travel across wild open grasslands and into the lion territory. Elephant gather on the riverbanks, and leopards can be seen in the branches of the trees.
- CENTRAL KALAHARI, MAKGADIKGADI PANS, & NXAI PAN PARK – Remote area, awe-inspiring; made up of open grassland punctuated by wooded valleys and moonscape salt pans. Visit with San bushmen. Wildlife is seasonal.
- PRIVATE CONCESSIONS - Exclusive, community land that is adjacent to the Okavango and Chobe. The wildlife travels freely between dedicated parks and concessions. Each offers intimate experiences with limited visitors, as well as varied activities, including walking, off-road drives, and night drives that are not allowed in the public parklands.
BORN FREE SAFARIS' BOTSWANA PARTNERS
All camps and locations can be combined for the ideal safari; however, sticking with a single partner – like African Bush Camps or Desert & Delta – usually unlocks multi-night financial specials.
PLATINUM STANDARD: Premium luxury level, wide selection of properties in prime locations.
- Great Plains Conservation Company
- Wilderness Destinations
- &Beyond - Botswana
- Belmond Botswana Camps
GOLD STANDARDS: High comfort level, wide selection of locations and style of camps. Below partners also have Platinum properties in their portfolio.
- African Bush Camps
- Desert & Delta
- Natural Selection
- Kwando
MOBILE & EXPEDITION LEVEL – For those seeking comfort but adventure, there are mobile and semi-permanent camps. They will all have proper toilets ensuite, camp-style hot showers, proper bedding. Nothing is left behind on guiding or food service. Many times, we mix with standard safari lodges.
Highlights
- Choice of Game viewing areas and accommodations
- Sample itinerary shown
- Scenic Flights between remote wildlife areas
- Small limited participation safaris
- All Wildlife Viewing Activities included in Botswana
- Game drives in Open Vehicles
- Motorboat or Canoe in Water Camps
- Nature Walks as offered by Properties
- Victoria Falls - Zambezi Sundowner Cruise
- Private walking tour of Victoria Falls
- Most beverages are included in Botswana
- Laundry in Safari Camps
- Excellent Choice for the Solo Traveler
Is this your dream trip?
Botswana is a destination for the wildlife enthusiast. It is not for the traveler who is interested in seeing villages and meeting the local people. It is a premium destination and more costly than other safari areas. If you decide this is your dream safari and have a realistic budget, then the extraordinary await!
Tailor-Made Itinerary: All trips to Botswana are tailored to suit your vision. Each camp is carefully selected to give you a balance of experience and a variety of wildlife sightings. You can select your camp preferences, and we will custom-design your trip. This does not cost more than selecting a set itinerary. Botswana camp activities are organized by each property.
