4-day Botswana Safaris
Botswana is located in southern Africa and is a landlocked nation. It has a low terrain, and the Kalahari Desert occupies approximately 70 percent of its land area.
Botswana has one of the lowest population densities in the globe. Gaborone, the nation’s capital and largest metropolis, contains approximately 11.6% of the population.
Botswana’s landscape is defined by the Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta, which transform into a verdant animal habitat during periodic floods. Numerous animals, including giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas, and wild dogs, call the immense Central Kalahari Game Reserve with its fossilized river valleys and undulating grasslands home.
Botswana is home to immense stretches of protected wilderness, pristine landscapes, and an abundance of wildlife species. It is a popular destination for safaris.
Due to Botswana’s size, four could be sufficient to explore some of the country’s stunning wildlife, diverse landscapes, and rich culture, however, to really experience everything the country has to offer, four days are not enough.
To get the most out of your safari, meticulously plan your route and select a knowledgeable guide from a reputable tour company.
What to Expect from a 4-day Safari in Botswana
If you just have four days available for a safari in Botswana, you can expect to visit one of the following attractions:
Okavango Delta and Moremi in Northern Botswana. It is well known for having large grassy areas that sporadically flood, fostering a flourishing wildlife habitat. The Moremi Game Reserve offers excellent game viewing all year-round and stunning landscapes.
The Makgadikgadi Pans National Park which is situated south of the Nxai Pan National Park and forms with its huge salt pans an impressive surreal landscape.
Chobe National Park is seen as one of the best safari destinations and located in northern Botswana. You can experience the magic waters of this area via Mokoro. In this region, dugout canoes are used to navigate around on the river.
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is Botswana’s biggest reserves and is situated in the middle of the Kalahari Desert. The area is untrammeled wilderness and although the inhospitable desert habitat doesn’t support the variety of game found in greener destinations, the sightings in this arid landscape are also special.
Best Time to Go on a 4-day Safari in Botswana
The winter season in Botswana, which runs from May until October, is considered to be the ideal time to embark on a safari. The weather during this time of year is very comfortable throughout the day, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 35° degrees Celsius, while the nights are cold.
The water levels in the Okavango Delta have reached their highest point, and as a result, there are an excessive number of rivers and channels to negotiate.
As the vegetation begins to die back, the animals will gather around the few waterholes that are still present. This will make it easier to locate them. During the day, the carnivores are also much busier than they are at night.
Two Typical Itineraries of the Best 4-day / 3-Night Botswana Safari Packages
Itinerary 1 – Okavango Delta & Moremi Camping Safari
Often referred to as a ‘Garden of Eden’, the Moremi Game Reserve offers excellent game viewing all year-round. You can immerse yourself in one of Africa’s most game-rich concentrated wildlife areas.
- Day 1 – Your starting point will be in Maun where you will be picked up from the airport or hotel and meet your ranger and guide for your stay.
- Depending on your time of arrival at the Boteti Tented Safari Lodge just outside the Okavango Delta, you’ll have a light lunch and have a chance for a dip in the pool.
- You can explore the lodge’s natural surroundings before departing on a 2-hour sunset mokoro safari on the Boteti River that includes a stop at one of the banks for some refreshments.
- Back at the lodge, you’ll have time to freshen up before enjoying supper around the open fire.
- Day 2 – You will wake up early.
- You will wake up, pack your bags and enjoy breakfast. Your guide will brief you on the happenings of the day after which you will depart for Moremi Game Reserve, which is about a 3 to 4-hour drive.
- Snacks will be served as you enter Moremi and your safari will begin. You will be on a game drive through the park.
- Supper will again be served around the open fire and you will overnight at Moremi.
- Day 3 – You will wake up early.
- You will enjoy coffee or tea and then some time to freshen up before breakfast.
- For the rest of the day your safari will continue and your will visit various places of interest while enjoying the wildlife and nature. Lunch will be serve during the safari.
- You will return to camp late afternoon and served a traditional dinner.
- You overnight in Moremi.
- Day 4 – You will wake up early.
- You will enjoy coffee or tea and then some time to freshen up before breakfast.
- You will have another opportunity to go on a safari.
- Shortly after lunch, your start on your return trip to Maun.
- You will be dropped off at the airport of your choice of accommodation.
Itinerary 2 – Nxai Pan National Park in Makgadikgadi
Nxai Pan National Park has several huge pans in Makgadikgadi. Nxai Pan is a waterless fossil pan with grass and acacia islands, unlike Makgadikgadi’s salt-encrusted pans. After the summer rains in December, large herds of migrating zebra and wildebeest arrive to eat the new grasses.
- Day 1 – You will be picked up in Maun at the airport of hotel of choice and depart for Nxai Pan National Park and enjoy lunch on your way.
- Arriving at Nxai Pan you will be driven over the pans that were once salt lakes. Your guide in inform you about the history of the region and the wild life that you will spot.
- You will stop at a waterhole when sun set before taken to camp, where you will be shown to your accommodation.
- You have time to freshen up before enjoying dinner around the fire.
- Day 2 – You will be woken at dawn.
- You will be served breakfast and then go on a morning drive.
- You will return to camp for some relaxing time before going on a late afternoon drive.
- During both game drives, you will have the opportunity to spot various wild life as well as visit the remains of the Baines Boababs.
- If you are lucky, you might experience the zebra migration.
- You return with ample time to freshen up before supper.
- Day 3 – You will rise early.
- After breakfast you will head out to the bush for more game spotting.
- You will be served lunch on the way and return to camp late afternoon.
- Dinner will be served under the night sky.
- Day 4 – You will rise early.
- After breakfast you will pack your bags and leave for Maun.
- You will be dropped off at the airport or your hotel.
Budget vs Luxury 4-day Safaris in Botswana
A 4-day Botswana budget safari would likely include a basic but safe resort or camp. You’ll get en-suite bathrooms but may have to forgo other amenities.
Travelling by bus or open safari vehicle is likely.
Luxury lodges are unlikely on a 4-day Botswana safari. Luxury hotels provide private bathrooms and all the amenities. Gourmet food and pampering await.
What Should I Pack for a 4-day Safari in Botswana
For a 4-day safari you will basically only need to pack the following:
- Clothing that will be suitable for the weather conditions.
- Walking shoes.
- Lightweight jacket.
- Sunscreen and bug repellent.
- A hat and sunglasses.
- Binoculars and camera.
- Any medication needed.
Tips for Going on a 4-day Safari in Botswana
Consider carefully what you want to see throughout your four-day journey when you arrange your trip. Choose an attraction in Botswana that best meets your needs since there are many different options available.
Because you will be travelling a long distance and Botswana can be hot and humid, pack lightly and only carry what you need.
Take a camera with you so you can record your experiences.
Selecting a Tour Operator for a 4-Day Safari in Botswana
Finding a reputable tour company is the first step to going on a safari in Botswana.
You must have a thorough conversation about your wants and needs and be fully aware of the costs involved. You should be able to get all of your queries answered because even a brief safari will be pricey.
Make sure you are clear on the purpose of your vacation. Which do you want to see more, the scenery or the animals?
FAQ’s
What will I be able to visit during a 4-day safari in Botswana?
During a 4-day safari in Botswana you will probably visit the Okavango Delta or Chobe National Park where you can enjoy game drives and perhaps safari walks.
Is a 4-day safari feasible in Botswana?
A 4-day safari in Botswana can be feasible especially if you spent the days in one location. To visit more of Botswana’s tourist attractions, you will need at least 7 days to properly enjoy what the country has to offer.
What can you expect from a 4-day safari in Botswana?
The pace of a safari is much slower with time spent slowing down and enjoying the smaller details. Wildlife sightings may not be as frequent as on a South African safari or in East Africa but they are more exclusive, most often only shared with those on your safari vehicle.
Is a 4-day Botswana safari expensive?
A 4-day safari can be costly unless you decide on a budget package and opt of cheaper accommodation. A 7-9 day Botswana safari adventure will obviously be much more expensive.
How long does it take to travel between destinations in Botswana?
It can take from a few hours to a whole day to travel between the popular tourism destinations in Botswana.
