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3 Day Botswana Safari

Botswana is situated in Southern Africa and is a landlocked country. The country has a flat topography and the Kalahari Desert covers roughly 70% of its area.

Botswana is one of the world’s nations with the lowest population densities. Gaborone, the nation’s capital and largest city, is home to around 11.6% of the total population.

The Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta, which transform into a lush animal home during the periodic floods, define Botswana’s landscape. Giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas, and wild dogs are among the many creatures that call the vast Central Kalahari Game Reserve, with its fossilised river valleys and undulating grasslands, home.

Botswana boasts vast areas of protected wilderness, pristine landscapes, and a rich diversity of wildlife. It is a popular safari destination.

You can’t spend just three days in Botswana and see all of its beautiful wildlife, different landscapes, and rich culture, since it is fairly big.

But, if you only have time for a three-day trip, it’s best to focus on one place and try to see as much as you can in that area.

To make the most of your safari, carefully consider your route and choose a competent guide from a trustworthy tour company.

What to Expect from a 3-day Safari in Botswana

If you just have three days available for a safari in Botswana, you can expect to visit one of the following attractions:

Northern Botswana is where the Okavango Delta is located as well. It is well known for having large grassy areas that sporadically flood, fostering a flourishing wildlife habitat. 

In this region, dugout canoes are used to navigate around crocodiles, elephants, and hippos. Some of the most threatened large mammal species in the world, including the cheetah, white rhinoceros, black rhinoceros, African wild dog, and lion, can be found in the Okavango Delta.

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.

The third-largest national park in Botswana is Chobe National Park. It is located in northern Botswana, roughly an hour’s drive from Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls. The park is renowned for having large populations of elephants. The Chobe River is where you’ll find the highest concentration of species, making it the finest location for viewing game.

Best Time to Go on a 3-day Safari in Botswana

The best time to go on a 3-day safari in Botswana is during the winter season, which last from May until October. During this time the weather is pleasant during the day with temperatures between 22°C to 35°C, and the nights are cool.

The water levels in the Okavango Delta are also at their peak, which gives way too many rivers and channels to navigate in.

 

As he foliage dies back, the wildlife is concentrates around the few remaining waterholes, making them easy to find.  The carnivores are also much busier during the day.

Two Typical Itineraries of the Best 3-day / 2-Night Botswana Safari Packages

Itinerary 1 – Central Kalahari Game Reserve Camping Safari

  • Day 1 – Your starting point travelling to Central Kalahari Game Reserve will be Maun.
  • You will wake up early and have breakfast or be picked up from the airport. Your guide will transport you to the game reserve which is approximately 250km away and will take around 4 and a half hours.
  • You will unpack when arriving at your destination, have a light lunch and relax until the game drive late afternoon.
  • After your drive, you’ll have time to freshen up before dinner is served.
  • Day 2 – You will wake up early.
    • Breakfast will be served and you will go on your second game drive through the park and return for lunch.
    • Now you will have some to relax in the amp before tea is served and you’ll go on another game drive.
    • Dinner will be served next to a roaring campfire before you retire for the night.
  • Day 3 – You will wake up early.
    • Breakfast will be served and you will go on a short game drive while the staff breaks up camp.
    • You will be transported back to Maun.

Itinerary 2 – Chobe National Park Camping Safari

  • Day 1 – You will enter the park from Victoria in Zimbabwe. You trip will start early morning when you will be picked up from your accommodation or the airport in Victoria and taken to board a boat on the Zambezi River. It will be a three-hour boat cruise to the Chobe National Park.
    • The river cruise will be one of the highlights of your trip.
    • You will dock at Kasane and be treated to a meal at any of the restaurants in town.
    • Do some last minute shopping and commence with your travel to your accommodation in Chobe National Park.
    • You will still have time for a game drive before dinner is served.
  • Day 2 – You will be woken at dawn and the staff will provide you with a basin with warm water to wash in.
    • You will be served light breakfast with tea or coffee.
    • You will then go on a morning game drive.
    • You will return to your accommodation late morning and enjoy lunch.
    • After lunch will have time to relax before tea is served and you go on another game drive.
    • You return with ample time to freshen up before supper.
  • Day 3 – You will rise early.
    • After a cup of tea or coffee you’ll go on a short morning game drive and return for a brunch.
    • You’ll have some time to enjoy the camp and surrounds before packing and returning to Victoria.

Budget vs Luxury 3-day Safaris in Botswana

On a 3-day budget safari in Botswana, you will probably stay in a lodge or camp that is simple but safe. You’ll still stay in accommodation with en-suite bathrooms but may have to go without some other luxuries.

Your mode of travelling will most probably be by bus or open safari vehicle.

On a Luxury 3-day Safari in Botswana, you will probably stay at a luxury lodge.

Most of the time, the accommodation will be of the best quality, with private bathrooms and all possible comforts. You’ll eat gourmet food and be spoiled in many ways.

What Should I Pack for a 3-day Safari in Botswana

For a 3-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 3-day Safari in Botswana

When you plan your trip, think about what exactly it is you want to see on your 3-day trip. Botswana has many different attractions, so make sure you pick one that fits your needs.

Botswana can be hot and sticky, so pack carefully and bring only what you need since you will travel long distances.

 

Bring a camera with you to capture your memories.

Selecting a Tour Operator for a 3-Day Safari in Botswana

If you want to go on a safari in Botswana, the first thing you should do is find a good tour operator.

You need to discuss your needs and wishes in depth and know exactly what you’re paying for. A short safari will still be expensive, so you should be able to get all of your questions answered.

Make sure you know what you want to get out of your trip. Is it the animals or the scenery that you want to see the most?

FAQ’s

What will I be able to visit during a 3-day safari in Botswana?

During a 3-day safari in Botswana you will most probably visit a game park where you can enjoy one or two game drives and perhaps a safari walk. You could also go on a trip in a mokoro.

 

What must-see wildlife viewing locations in Botswana will I be able to visit on a 3-day safari?

On a 3-day safari in Botswana you may only be able to visit the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Chobe National Park or the Okavango Delta.

 

What kind of accommodations can I expect while on a 3-day safari in Botswana?

You can expect accommodation options that range from basic camping to luxurious safari lodges, depending on what you can afford.

 

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.

 

Is a 3-day safari feasible in Botswana?

No, a 3-day safari in Botswana is not really feasible. It will only allow you to visit one or two of the country’s iconic attractions. Due to vast distances, you should ideally spend at least 7 days to explore most of the tourist attractions.

 

Rhulani Safari Lodge
Jaci’s Lodge