3 Day Budget Botswana Safaris

Botswana is a great country to go on a wildlife safari in Africa. It features notable parks such as Chobe and Moremi, which have large elephant populations, and the Okavango Delta, which is famous for its migrations.

Botswana’s greatest attraction is its vast wildness. From the endless palm-covered islands of the Okavango Delta to the saltpans of the Makgadikgadi region, it’s the ideal spot for anyone looking for unspoilt, unfenced landscapes.

Botswana’s commitment to preserve its wildlife heritage is unparalleled in Africa. Protected wildlife habitat covers around 40% of the country’s total size of 581,730 square kilometres.

Many rustic safari camps sprang up in the 1980s, but a Botswana safari was still mostly a tented camping experience. This began to alter in the 1990s, when new lodges sprouted up and hunting was effectively halted. These lodges grew to resemble South African luxury lodges. Botswana safaris are now primarily lodge-based, with mobile camping safaris being the exception rather than the rule.

Travelling by vehicle through Botswana, which includes early morning and late afternoon game drives, necessitates an adventurous mind set and a tolerance for the elements due to the country’s difficult topography, which also includes plenty of dust, heavy sand, and seasonal flooding.

A low-cost safari in Botswana can be tough to come by. With its excursions and safari options, this country has extensively targeted the high-end market. Botswana, on the other hand, is an excellent destination for a wildlife safari. Many tour operators provide low-cost safari packages that will take you to some of the best wildlife-viewing areas in southern Africa.

A few of the areas to go to on a safari are:

Chobe National Park, including the Savuti region.
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
Central Kalahari Game Reserve.
The Okavango Delta, particularly in the Moremi Game Reserve or in the west, although the Delta’s northern reaches are dominated by private, luxury concessions.
Tuli Block, which is a narrow fringe of land at Botswana’s eastern border wedged between Zimbabwe in the north and east and South Africa in the south.

Some of the budget lodges and camping spots are:

Kwa Nokeng Lodge (Tuli Block)
Woodlands Stop Over and Lodge (Francistown)
Jack’s Camp (Makgadikgadi)
Chobe Bush Lodge (Chobe)
Maun Lodge (Maun)
Kalahari Trails (Kalahari)
Muchenje Campsite and Cottages (Chobe)
Khwai Tented Camp (Moremi)
Xakanaxa (Moremi)
Pom Camp (Okavango Delta)
Machaba Camp (Moremi)
San Camp (Central Kalahari)
Kwalape Safari Lodge (Chobe)
Camp Kalahari (Makgadikgadi)
Meno a Kwana (Makgadikgadi)
Hyena Pan (Okavango Delta)

What to Expect on a 3 Day Budget Safari in Botswana

On a 3-day budget safari in Botswana, you may visit one of the following most popular safari destinations:

Spend some time in Maun, the tourist capital of Botswana, visiting museums and animal sanctuaries in the surrounding area. From Maun you can also go on day trips into the Okavango Delta.
Spend time in Francistown, a city in east Botswana, near the Zimbabwean border. A 19th-century gold rush town, its history is chronicled at the Supa Ngwao Museum, which also has traditional wood carvings and cultural exhibits on the local Kalanga people.
Game drives in Chobe or the Okavango Delta in search of that ever eluding wild animal.
Walks with Bushman in Central Kalahari who will teach you about their culture and survival in this harsh environment.
Navigate the many waterways in the Okavango Delta in a mokoro (dugout canoe)

Types of budget accommodation available in Botswana

A safari to the most prestigious safari sites in Botswana can be costly. We’ve all heard stories about Botswana camps that cost more than a month’s rent. However, if you know where to look, you can save money just like anywhere else in the world.

Guesthouses can be an inexpensive option for travellers, with prices starting from R810 for a private room with access to a communal bathroom. Guesthouses, as opposed to hostels, often provide a cosier atmosphere and allow you to meet locals.

There are several hostels in Botswana that provide shared rooms for as cheap as R200 per night. These are an excellent choice for travellers on a tight budget.

Botswana has a wide range of campgrounds, with some offering camping for as little as R700 per night. This is an excellent choice for individuals, couples, and families on a tight budget who want to be immersed in nature. Bathrooms, showers, and even laundry rooms are available at the majority of campgrounds.

Backpacker lodges are another sort of housing that only caters to budget guests. You have the option of staying in a private room or in a dormitory and using the public bathrooms.

Best Time for a 3 Day Budget Safari in Botswana

May and June are ideal months for a low-cost safari in Botswana. Although temperatures begin to drop, the weather is still great for an outdoor safari, and these are not peak months.

High season runs from July to October and is perfect for a safari due to the dry weather and superb visibility, but you will pay high-season costs and face more visitors.

The rainy season lasts from October to April, so there are lots of birds and animals, but certain off-road trails may be difficult to manage, and low-water bridges may have spilt. Mosquitoes are out in force as well.

What to Pack for a 3 Day Budget Safari in Botswana

Pack three sets of shorts and t-shirts for a three-day budget safari, as well as long trousers for the evenings. Pack hiking sandals or shoes with sturdy soles, as well as a cap or sunhat. For the cooler nights add a hooded windcheater, and don’t forget a rain jacket. Remember to bring your personal ablution belongings as well as sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent.

Tips for a successful 3 Day Budget Safari in Botswana

Take note of these tips to ensure a hazard-free budget safari in Botswana:

Limit yourself to one or two locations. Don’t try to cram in as many regions and camps as possible.
Try something new. Taking a break from the usual Botswana safari in 4WD vehicles and fully-catered resorts can save you money while also providing a terrific experience. Some camps provide multi-day mokoro safaris with overnight stays on multiple islands for a very reasonable fee.
You might go on a horseback safari that will take you into the Delta’s hidden corners on an economical Botswana safari with a twist.
Plan ahead of time for your flights and accommodations. This allows you to receive fare savings and save money while also ensuring availability.
Camping is an inexpensive choice and a terrific way to save money while travelling through the African bush.
Avoid costly activities such as hot air balloon trips or any type of air flip.
Take advantage of free activities accessible in Botswana, such as swimming, hiking, and bicycling.
Camping is always cheaper than staying in resorts or guesthouses.
Another option to save money is to pack and prepare your own food.
Travel during the off-season.

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

To begin, select a reliable travel operator for a 3-day budget safari in Botswana. Your journey will be planned and executed by a reputable operator.

Tour operators frequently offer discounts and packages that you would not be able to purchase on your own. This can help you save money on trips.

With their local knowledge, tour operations can help you make the most of your vacation. They can recommend the best sites, restaurants, and activities.

Discuss your requirements with your tour operator, because even a short stay can be costly, and you have the right to know what you are paying for.

Popular Itineraries for a 3 Day Budget Safari in Botswana

Itinerary 1 – Okavango Delta

Day 1 – Travel from Maun deep into the Delta. Arrive mid-afternoon at your mobile camp. Afternoon activities include a mokoro trail and a guided walk.
Day 2 – Wake up at dawn and explore that area on foot. Go on a mokoro trail, do some bird watching or relax in the camp.
Day 3 – Wake up early, have breakfast and pack. Travel back to your collection point in a mokoro and travel back to Maun.

Itinerary 2 – Chobe National Park

Day 1 – You will arrive in Kasane and book in at your camping next to Chobe National Park. There are no specific activities planned for your first day so take the time to explore Kasane or relax at you tent.
Day 2 – You will have a full day in Chobe and start with a morning game drive. This will be followed by a boat cruise towards the Chobe River. You also have the option to cool down in the swimming pool at the camp.
Day 3 – Wake up early and either enjoy a hearty breakfast or embark on an optional game drive before you book out.

FAQ

Is a 3-day safari enough to explore Botswana?

No, it is not enough? Five to 10 days will allow you to truly explore the country’s many safari regions.

How much should I budget for a budget safari?

A safari budget typically falls between $300 to -$500+ per person per night.

What time of year is cheapest for a safari in Botswana?

The peak period is June through to September, so traveling in the low season, especially the month of November is a great opportunity to make the most of competitive low prices.

Can you see the Big 5 in Okavango Delta?

Yes, you can see the Big Five in the Okavango Delta.

Is Botswana safari worth it?

Botswana is famous for its spectacular natural beauty, amazing wildlife and rich lineage to early African anthropology and culture. This makes Botswana a must for all African safari enthusiasts.