8 Day Budget Botswana Safaris

No other African nation comes close to Botswana in terms of conserving its natural riches. Nearly 40% of the country’s total land, 581,740 square kilometres, is made up of wildlife habitat.

Botswana is one of the most well-liked safari destinations in Africa. There are many well-known parks there, including Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta, and Moremi Wildlife Reserve.

The primary draw of Botswana is its immense wilderness. It is the ideal vacation destination for individuals looking for pristine natural landscape, with everything from the palm-fringed islands of the Okavango Delta to the saltpans of the Makgadikgadi region.

Road travel in Botswana, which includes early morning and late afternoon game safaris, calls both an adventurous spirit and a tolerance for the weather due to the nation’s challenging geography.

Even though Botswana saw the opening of several more opulent safari lodges after the 1980s, the majority of tourists still opt for the more conventional tent camping. Nowadays, lodge-based safaris are the norm in Botswana, while mobile tented safaris are more of an exception.

It could be difficult to find a cheap safari in Botswana. Safaris and other upscale tours have received significant advertising in this nation.

But one of the best places to go if you want to go on a safari is Botswana. Many companies provide affordable safari packages that can take you to some of the best game reserves in Botswana.

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

Chobe National Park, that includes the Savuti region.
Tuli Block, a narrow fringe of land at Botswana’s eastern border squeezed between Zimbabwe in the north and east and South Africa in the south.
The Okavango Delta, specifically in the Moremi Game Reserve or even the western region. The Delta’s northern reaches are dominated by private, luxury concessions.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve.
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

Some of the budget lodges and camping spots are:

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

What to Expect on an 8 Day Budget Safari in Botswana

On an 8-day budget safari in Botswana, you may visit one of the following most popular safari destinations:

Stay a day or two 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.
Navigate the many waterways in the Okavango Delta in a mokoro (dugout canoe).
Walks with Bushman in Central Kalahari who will teach you about their culture and survival in this harsh environment.
Game drives in Chobe or the Okavango Delta in search of elephants, hyena, and lions among others.
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.

Types of budget accommodation available in Botswana

The best safari locations may be expensive to visit, and safari camps in Botswana are not an exception to the rule, but like with anything else, if you know where to look, you might be able to uncover ways to save money.

There are many different hostels in Botswana where you can book a dorm room for as cheap as R200. These are a fantastic option for travellers on a limited budget.

A private room in a guesthouse with use of a shared bathroom costs about R810 per night. Guesthouses frequently offer a more personal atmosphere than hostels and connect visitors with locals.

Some of Botswana’s numerous campgrounds offer camping for as little as R700 per night. This is a terrific alternative for individuals on a limited budget who still want to spend time in nature.

Backpacker lodges are another form of housing that prioritises serving budget-conscious travellers. There are both private rooms and dorms (with communal bathrooms) available.

Best Time for an 8 Day Budget Safari in Botswana

The rainy season, which lasts from October to April, is when there is a lot of wildlife, but certain off-road trails can be unusable, and some low-water bridges might have collapsed. Additionally, there are an abundance of mosquitoes.

Although the months of July through October are perfect for safaris because to the dry weather and superb visibility, you should expect more people and higher prices during this season.

May and June are the ideal months to visit Botswana on a low-cost safari. Even though temperatures are starting to drop quickly and it is not peak season, the weather is ideal.

What to Pack for an 8 Day Budget Safari in Botswana

It is recommended that you pack the following:

A few sets of shorts and t-shirts.
Some long pants for the chilly evenings.
Raincoat
Warm jacket
Sandals
Comfortable shoes with thick soles for hiking
Cap or sunhat
Camera and binoculars
Personal items
Insect repellent

Tips for a successful 8 Day Budget Safari in Botswana

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

Book your flights and accommodations well in advance. By doing this, you can get cheaper tickets, save money, and guarantee availability.
Because camping is so cheap, it’s a great way to travel. It is always less expensive than staying in lodges or guesthouses.
Take advantage of the country’s free activities like swimming, hiking, and biking.
Another way to cut costs is to pack and prepare your own food.
Steer clear of expensive ventures like air flips and hot air balloon rides.
Travel at off-peak hours.
Stick to just one or two places. Don’t try to cram as many towns and camps as you can into the space.
Try something novel. For a very affordable price, several camps offer guests multi-day mokoro safaris with overnight stays on various islands each night.
You might also embark on a horseback safari that takes you to the hidden areas of the Delta on a cost-effective Botswana safari with a twist.

Selecting a Tour Operator for an 8 Day Budget Safari in Botswana

Use a reliable travel company to plan a budget-friendly eight-day safari in Botswana. This safeguards that your expedition will be planned and carried out by a dependable operator.

Tour companies frequently provide package offers and other discounts that are unavailable to lone travellers. That may enable you to travel for less money.

Tour guides are well-versed in the area, so you may benefit from their knowledge. They are familiar with the best restaurants, hangouts, and activities.

Popular Itineraries for an 8 Day Budget Safari in Botswana

Itinerary 1 – Chobe, Moremi, Makgadikgadi Pans

Day 1 and 2 – You will be picked up at the Kasane airport and transferred to Chobe Game Lodge where you will stay the next two nights. You will have the option to go on boat cruises, game drive and game walks. And even some star gazing.
Day 3 to 5 – You will get an early morning wake up call, enjoy breakfast and pack. You will be transferred to Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta. Here you will spend three nights and participate in water safari’s on mokoros or boats and game drive safari’s. Birding in spectacular in this region.
Day 6 and 7 – The next two nights will be spent at Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. Go on game drives or walks or spent some time relaxing and enjoying the activities at the camp.
Day 8 – You last day of your safari. You will transfer back to Maun.

Itinerary 2 – Chobe, Linyanti and Okavango Delta

Day 1 and 2 – You will be picked up in Kasane and transfer to a camp in Chobe National Park where you will stay the next two nights. Activities offered are mokoro or boat cruises, game drives and game walks.
Day 3 to 5 – After an early rise and breakfast you will travel to Linyanti. Walking safaris is the top priority in this area as well as game drives. The floodplains of Linyanti stretch out towards the Namibia Caprivi strip and is rich with a diversity of game.
Day 6 and 7 – Today you travel to the Okavango Delta for the last two nights of your safari. The Delta offers a wide range of activities, such as game drives, boat cruises and mokoro canoe safaris.
Day 8 – Your safari has come to an end and after breakfast you will return to Maun.

FAQ

What type of accommodation is available for campers in Botswana?

Accommodation at these regions range from, lodges, self-catering, guest houses, tented camps, bed and breakfast, safari camps, camping and caravanning, backpackers, houseboats, and mobile camps.

How can I visit Botswana cheap?

Planning an affordable Botswana safari is to check your dates of travel. June to September is the peak season and costly. The less expensive season falls in April/May and October/November, or even the green season in January to March.

How safe is it to go on a budget safari tour in Botswana?

It is fairly safe to go on a safari in Botswana due to the presence of knowledgeable and experienced guides and the presence of strict safety regulations.

What do I need for camping in Botswana?

If you choose to go camping on your own in Botswana, you will need a fully equipped 4×4 vehicle with some basics for survival, such as a tent on top, cooking gear, a refrigerator, and an emergency radio.

Can I pay with Rands in Botswana?

Botswana official currency is the Botswana Pula (BWP). It does except the South African Rands in cash.