safari botswana cheval

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Randonnées et safaris à cheval au Botswana

L'avis des cavaliers.

• Okavango, sanctuaire de l'Afrique mars 2024 CAROLINE 51 ans JUSTE WAHOO ! Une expérience vertigineuse ! Beaucoup de magie et de grandeur en tous genres... Merci ! Max et Shaqua, tous deux magnifiques avec un pied sûr. Ils adorent être sur les photos et prennent la pause ! Découvrir ce voyage équestre
• Okavango, sanctuaire de l'Afrique mars 2024 Capucine 30 ans Expérience exceptionnelle, probablement l’une des plus belle de ma vie. Le camp est tres confortable, les chevaux sont top, les guides (et tout le staff) sont également géniaux. Une semaine exceptionnelle j’espère pouvoir revenir un jour ! Centaur et HuffPuff deux chevaux exceptionnels, endurants, rapides et de bonne... Lire en entier Découvrir ce voyage équestre
• Safari African Explorer février 2024 Julie 30 ans Un voyage extra-ordinaire ! Ce voyage sur deux pays offre une belle variété de paysages, d'animaux. Les 2 équipes que nous avons eu sont top. La cuisine est très bonne. Les chevaux gentils, très bien dressés, et en très bon état ! Pour la partie ADS, j'ai eu Scoot. Un cheval adorable, très gourmand, mais qui sait... Lire en entier Découvrir ce voyage équestre
• Safari African Explorer février 2024 Céline 48 ans Un voyage hors du temps absolument extraordinaire !! Je recommande vivement, on n'en ressort pas pareil ! Ne changez rien, vous êtes au top !! J'ai eu Dante en Afrique du Sud : cheval hyper gentil, en pilote automatique, mais coquin ! Il fait celui qui n'aime pas l'eau lors des randos mais n'a pas hésité à me faire... Lire en entier Découvrir ce voyage équestre
• Safari African Explorer février 2024 Alice 21 ans Première expérience et pas des moindres, c’est extraordinaire ! Je suis partie seule mais tout était parfait et j’ai rencontré que des gens supers ! Les chevaux sont extras et les logements fabuleux : je ne m’attendais pas à si bien. Je ne peu que recommander ce voyage, les paysages varient entre les deux pays et les... Lire en entier Découvrir ce voyage équestre

Tous nos voyages

Safari African Explorer

Départs garantis.

• 30 mai 2024
• 06 juin 2024
• 09 juin 2024
• 13 juin 2024

Okavango, sanctuaire de l'Afrique

• 05 avr. 2024
• 12 avr. 2024
• 19 avr. 2024
• 26 avr. 2024

Safari itinérant au Mashatu

• 14 avr. 2024
• 03 mai 2024
• 26 mai 2024
• 07 juin 2024

Okavango Unlimited

Au fil de l'Okavango

Botswana intime, les secrets du Delta

Désert et Delta du Botswana

Safari entre Kalahari et Okavango

Mashatu & Okavango, le mythe !

Visa & santé, conseils pour l'obtention du visa, adresses des consulats, informations pays, carte d'identité du pays, données socio-économiques, peuple, culture et traditions, quelques mots d'échange, bibliographie, cartographie, littérature, bien choisir votre chevauchée.

Bien choisir son safari à cheval au Botswana.

La durée moyenne d'un safari équestre est en général de 6 à 7 jours à cheval, soit 9 à 10 jours de voyage. Le niveau requis est souvent lié à la faune présente et à l'itinérance. Ainsi la présence de lions et d'éléphants exige un niveau équestre élevé afin de pouvoir réagir rapidement. Un bon cheval de safari possède des qualités très particulières car il vit et se déplace dans un environnement où il pourrait devenir une proie. En brousse, sa relation avec l'homme le protège de ses prédateurs et particulièrement des lions. Il doit être résistant, calme. Les cavaliers ayant déjà participé à un ou des safaris à cheval ou en véhicule doivent s'interroger sur la faune et les écosystèmes différents qu'ils aimeraient rencontrés.

En milieu aquatique dans le delta de l'Okavango :

Un safari à cheval sportif à Macatoo

Un safari équestre semi-itinérant et sportif

En milieu désertique ou de savane :

• Un safari à cheval semi itinérant dans le Kalahari

Un safari à cheval rythmé et semi itinérant à Mashatu

Sur notre blog

Prolongez votre voyage.

Extension central Kalahari

Budget : 2 250 €

Extension Safari Moremi

Budget : 2 270 €

Contactez un conseiller

Cheval d'Aventure & le Tourisme Responsable

Horse Safaris Through Botswana

From the waterways of the Okavango Delta to the arid salt pans of the Makgadikgadi, Botswana is a land where the desert meets an oasis.

A land where wildlife still roams freely over vast distances and the Milky Way glitters in all its glory above. A land still home to the San Bushman, the original inhabitants of this great continent, Africa.

Nothing compares to the wealth of space in a land time forgot.

With our passion for wildlife, pristine wilderness and ancient people, join us on horseback exploring the remote areas.

We are the only company in Botswana that offer horse riding experiences in different areas of the country - the Okavango Delta , the Kalahari Desert and along the Thamalakane River . Combining these areas creates the ultimate horse safari - Desert & Delta on horseback. We would love everyone to have the chance to experience Africa from horseback and so have designed a range of horse safaris to suit everyone - from experienced riders to complete beginners.

Daily flights into Maun from Johannesburg and Cape Town provide easy access to all of these rides.

Okavango Delta Ride

Our newest safari offers fabulous Delta riding on a 7 night horse safari in the Okavango Delta.

For the first time in my life I did not want to go home.

Aateke Jansen, Holland

Your safari was just perfect - the right amount of interest, fun, amazing riding and surprises.

Sykes Group, UK

Thank you very much for giving us a riding holiday to remember. We loved the horses and the whole experience which was thanks to your kindness and knowledge.

Julia & Allison

Ailsa and I just wanted to thank you for giving us such a very special experience and one which we will never forget...

Ben & Ailsa

The kalahari, the okavango, the makgadikgadi. true wilderness., okavango delta.

Known by many as the “Jewel of the Kalahari” the Okavango Delta is one of the most extraordinary wetlands in the world.

The grasslands and salt-encrusted pans provide the perfect surface for riding with the freedom to keep on going and going and going…

Thamalakane River

The beautiful tree lined Thamalakane River, which snakes along an ancient fault line in the earth’s crust, attracts a wide variety of wildlife.

Horse Safaris

Explore botswana on horseback.

Share our passion for wildlife, pristine wilderness and ancient people and join us on horseback, exploring the remote areas of Botswana.

We are the only company in Botswana that offer horse riding experiences in different areas of the country - the Okavango Delta, the Kalahari Desert and along the Thamalakane River. Combining these areas creates the ultimate horse safari - Desert & Delta on horseback.

We would love everyone to have the chance to experience Africa from horseback and so have designed a range of horse safaris to suit everyone -  from experienced riders to complete beginners.

A range of horse riding safaris for all skill levels

“Riding and viewing the wildlife in this beautiful environment is just incredible, and the night sleeping out on the pans absolutely unforgettable.”

African Horseback Adventures

Our journey through Africa over the last 45 years has led us to Botswana, a vast country of endless wilderness and some of the highest concentrations of wildlife to be found anywhere on the continent.

There is so much to explore and many adventures ahead. We are enthralled to be able to call the Thamalakane River our home, to be riding through the huge pans that dominate the centre of Botswana and to regularly venture into the Okavango and other wildlife rich areas.

Thamalakane River Ride

Enjoy superb riding on a 3 night horse safari along Botswana’s Thamalakane River.

Enjoy superb riding on a 5 night horse safari along Botswana’s Thamalakane River.

Okavango Delta Ride

Superb riverine riding on a 7 night horse safari in the Okavango Delta, a rider's Eden.

Kalahari Ride

3 Nights - Dry Season

3 nights riding in the dry season in the Makgadikgadi Pans and the Kalahari Desert.

5 Nights - Dry Season

5 nights riding in the dry season in the Makgadikgadi Pans and the Kalahari Desert.

3 Nights - Green Season

3 nights riding in the green season in the Makgadikgadi Pans and the Kalahari Desert.

Jack's Camp Horse Safari

3 night horse riding safari at Jack’s Camp in the dry season in the Makgadikgadi Pans and the Kalahari Desert.

3 Nights - Green Season

3 night horse riding safari at Jack’s Camp in the green season in the Makgadikgadi Pans and the Kalahari Desert.

5 Nights - Green Season

5 nights horse riding in the green season in the Makgadikgadi Pans and the Kalahari Desert.

Ready to Go On a Safari Adventure?

Talk to us today and start planning your private African safari.

Thanks for your enquiry. We’ll be in touch soon.

Horse safaris in africa

Epic african horse safaris.

Discover Africa on horseback and have a wonderful horse safari riding holiday in Africa with Horizon Horseback . We have been running horseback safaris in Africa since 1993. With four african horse safaris ( Signature Safari, African Explorer, Family safari and the Tuli Safari)  to choose from in South Africa and Botswana, there is something for everyone.  Experience beautiful horses, incredible wildlife, stunning scenery and warm hospitality at our award winning and renowned horse riding operation.

We are dedicated to making sure that you and your family and friends have the most awesome horseback safari vacation possible, in the most outstanding wildlife destinations in Southern Africa.

Epic African horse safaris

Discover Africa on horseback and have a wonderful horse riding holiday with Horizon Horseback . We have been running horse safaris in Africa since 1993. With four african horse safaris ( Signature Safari, African Explorer, family safari and the Tuli Safari)  to choose from in South Africa and Botswana, there is something for everyone.  Experience incredible wildlife, stunning scenery and warm hospitality at our two internationally renowned riding operations.

We are dedicated to making sure that you and your family and friends have the most awesome horseback riding holiday possible, in the most outstanding wildlife destinations in Southern Africa.

epic african Horse safaris

Discover Africa on horseback and have a wonderful horse safari holiday with Horizon Horseback . We have been running horse safaris in Africa since 1993. With four horseback safaris ( Signature Safari, African Explorer, Tuli Safari and the Family Safari) to choose from in South Africa and Botswana – there is something for everyone. Experience incredible wildlife sightings, stunning scenery and warm hospitality at our award winning and renowned riding operation.

We are dedicated to making sure that you and your family and friends have the most awesome horse safari in Africa possible, in the most outstanding wildlife destinations in Southern Africa.

01. SIgnature safari

A Signature Safari horse riding holiday in South Africa, caters for all level of rider from experienced to complete beginner.

This horse riding safari offers an incredibly varied horseback riding experience for all levels of riders of all ages. The focus at Horizon Horseback is the horses and quality of riding. Rides are tailor made to suit our guests and we try to be as flexible as possible.

02. Tuli Safari

For the ultimate wildlife mobile african horse safari; seven nights in the Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana. Experienced riders only.

This journey embraces the true definition of a horseback riding safari: an expedition to observe animals in their natural habitat. From horseback, the beauty of the African topography, fauna and flora will unfurl.

03. African Explorer

A horseback safari combining four nights in South Africa with three nights in Botswana. For experienced  riders only.

The African Explorer is one of the most varied african horse safaris, in one trip it covers a lot of different topography and terrain, combined with excellent and wide ranging game viewing.

SIGNATURE SAFARI

From £1,736

FAMILY SAFARI

TULI SAFARI

From £2,625

AFRICAN EXPLORER

From £2,117

Horizon Horseback was voted the Best Horse Riding Safari in Africa in 2016, 2018, and 2019. The key ingredient of any horse riding safari is the quality of the horses. Our safari horses have been hand selected for their endurance, courage and responsiveness. Our horses are at ease with each other and within their environment, which generates calm and contented natures. As a result, we can offer our guests responsive, subtle and honest rides.horse 

• Beautiful Horses
• Professional guides
• Unique camps & lodges
• Prolific wildlife
• Affordable rates
• All levels of rider
• Families welcome
• Cross country jumping
• Polocrosse, swimming
• Multiple awards

Each day brought forth new and wondrous sightings and discoveries. We tracked elephant , lion and leopard and enjoyed close encounters with hyena, jackals and an abundance of wart hogs, to name but a few! An absolutely mesmerising experience.

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Choose from 4 trips in Botswana

The most outstanding feature of botswana’s geography is the flat, verdant expanse of the okavango delta, often called the jewel of africa, which flows into the pans of the kalahari desert, creating a fertile habitat for wildlife at certain times of the year..

The seasons in Botswana are reversed to ours in the United states, as it is deep in the southern hemisphere so that the warmest time there is winter here. Thus the best time to avoid the heat as well as the rainy season is April to October. Two of the world’s most acclaimed riding safaris are in the heart of the Delta: the Okavango Safari and Discover the Delta . The flat terrain is ideal for fast canters where one sometimes raises a cloud of spray in the shallow water and the area teems with wild game including many kinds of antelope, Cape buffalo, lion and crocodile.

Though the Okavango has a unique appeal there is excellent riding and game viewing in other parts of the country as well. You can spend a week on the Tuli Safari in the southwest where Botswana borders Zimbabwe and South Africa riding over a hundred miles in a huge game reserve with thriving populations of giraffe, kudu and sable antelope to name a few. There are also chances to view game like lion and cheetah from vehicles. The Kalahari Ride offers a fascinating view of another aspect of this diverse country. The wide open pans are ideal terrain for thrilling gallops and the semi-desert savannah is home to a wide array of animals from oryx to brown hyena. You can make a close approach to the charming meerkats which have become quite habituated to people. The wildlife is beautifully described in the delightful book by Delia Owens  called THE CRY OF THE KALAHARI.

Botswana is one of Africa’s top destinations for game viewing and is particularly well suited for horse riding safaris. Rated as the most politically stable, least corrupt country in Africa, it has one of the highest per capita GDPs and has probably done a better job of protecting its abundant wildlife than any other country on the continent. There is little poaching and it has the largest elephant herd in Africa which is free to roam unimpeded for hundreds of miles. Almost a quarter of the country has been set aside for national parks and tourism is an important part of the economy. A great financial advantage is rich gem diamond mines; after Russia it is the world’s largest producer.

  Peak Season

May, June, July , August, September, October

  Low Season

January, February, March, April, November, December

  Timezone in Botswana

Central Africa Time (GMT+2)

  International Airports

Maun Airport (MUB)

Climate in Botswana

The climate over most of southern Africa is temperate. Annual average rainfall is 400mm (16 inches), most of which is convectional in nature (heavy thunderstorms of short duration in the late afternoon and evening) and falls during the hot summer months (November–February).  Temperatures vary considerably on a seasonal basis.  During the winter months (May – August) early morning temps can drop as low as 41° F.  The days are, however, usually clear skied and balmy, with temperatures in the mid to high seventies. In the height of summer (October through February) midday temperatures can reach 106° F.  However, overcast and cloudy conditions typical of this time of the year, do offer some relief.  Fall (March through April) is climatically a very pleasant time of the year with moderate temperatures and perhaps a bit of rain – a leftover from the summer.

  Average Temperature

105 °F » 40 °F

Browse 4 Trips in the destination Botswana

Okavango Safari

Location: Botswana

Duration: 10 nights

A luxury safari in the Okavango delta, an oasis teeming with an astonishing variety of bird, animal and plant life. Enjoy excellent riding with amazing wildlife sighting, with every... Read more

Starting at $910 / per night

Tuli Safari

Duration: 7 nights

This is a classic point-to-point horse safari in Botswana covering approximately 120 miles in the vast Mashatu Game Reserve in the Tuli Block. Mashatu is a privately owned wildlife... Read more

Starting at $4,790 / per person

Discover the Delta

Recently declared the 1000th World Heritage Site, the unique Okavango Delta is a horse rider’s Eden: as the floodwaters spread down into the Kalahari sands, the herds and bird... Read more

African Explorer

Horseback riding in South Africa and Botswana includes good riding on two private game reserves, fine accommodations and evening meals around the campfire, making for a genuinely unforgettable African... Read more

Starting at $3,720 / per person

Loading Trips...

This vacation in Botswana was the best ever. I have worked in Glacier Park and the Grand Canyon. I have been to Ireland, England, France, Spain, Italy, Malta, China, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand. I have ridden for 43 years. I have done endurance riding and shown jumpers. This was the most fun I have ever had on a horse. The lodging was great. The horses were fun. The food was fantastic. We saw every imaginable kind of wild life. The guides knew everything. The owners made us feel welcome. I would go back tomorrow if I could. If you don't think you would like Africa, you are wrong. Once you go you will never want to go anywhere else. My wife and I took our teenage daughters. They had even more fun that we did.  

Steve Baker July 2013

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Read articles related to botswana.

Enjoying the African Explorer after Pandemic shut downs

I made my African Explorer reservation back in November of 2019 with plans to go in May of 2020, only to have Covid happen.  What at first was a 2 week shutdown, turned into 2 months and on and... Read more

Highlights from the Okavango Delta

Flying in on a helicopter it’s easy to see where the Okavango Delta begins, a startling oasis of green surrounded by stark desert. As we entered the delta from Maun, the pilot pointed out the “buffalo fence” designed to... Read more

The Incredible Tuli Ride Safari

An exceptional experience in every respect Transfers As expected, the representative of the ride safari was at the prescribed location next to the Johannesburg Airport information booth at the designated time holding a placard. Departure was delayed due to... Read more

Kalahari Bush Ride

Dr. Livingstone, I presume? Tree Lodge was the perfect location to recover from the long haul flight New York to Johannesburg and on to Maun. The charming raised tented cabins surrounded by the bush made us feel at home... Read more

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The Tuli Horse Safari in Botswana

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RELATED SAFARIS

A horse riding holiday in the land of the giants.

A thrilling expedition ride through the unspoiled wilderness of Botswana’s Tuli Block – known for huge elephant herds, ancient baobab trees and endless horizons.

This ‘Land of Giants’, well known for its baobab studded plains and large herds of elephant, is situated in some truly wild landscapes largely untouched by man. The area is home to a variety of wildlife species including lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant, a multitude of plains game like zebra, wildebeest and giraffe, as well as over 350 species of birds.

Combining both bush camping and permanent tented camps, this 7 night mobile safari allows you to soak up the wonderful luxuries of ‘glamping’ with a true African bush experiences. The permanent tented camp of Two Mashatus, offers a complete bush setting, nestled in a grove of giant Nyala berry trees and just a stone’s throw from the mighty Limpopo River.

The tents are raised on timber decks, offering a wonderful place to relax and absorb the African bush, each tent is equipped with en suites and hot showers. Weather permitting this ride offers the exciting opportunity to sleep outside under the star studded African sky in the Kgotla Boma, an unforgettable experience.

This epic journey, with its brilliant game viewing opportunities, varied and exciting scenery, wonderful accommodation, fabulous sunrises and sunsets, and of course exceptional riding, covers approximately 120 miles over the course of the week and can be scheduled any time of the year.

DATES AND RATES

There are set departures every Saturday and some Mondays throughout the year. Please get in touch, let us know when you are interested in travelling and we can check availability.

Low Season: January & December 2024

Mid-season: February & March 2024

GBP USD $0 GBP £3108 EUR €0 ZAR R0 AUD $0 per person sharing + USD $0 GBP £720 EUR €0 ZAR R0 AUD $0 transfers

High Season: April, May, June, July, August, September, October & November 2024

Low Season: January & 03 - 31 December 2025

Mid-season: February & 01 - 28 March 2025

High Season: 29 - 31 March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October & November, 01 - 03 December 2025

TRANSFERS (Subject to change)

Return Light Air Charter Flights between Johannesburg & Limpopo Valley Airstrip

2024 USD $0 GBP £720 EUR €0 ZAR R0 AUD $0 per person

2025 USD $0 GBP £800 EUR €0 ZAR R0 AUD $0 per person

CONSERVATION LEVY (Subject to change)

SPECIAL OFFERS FOR GROUPS OF 8

INCLUDES & EXCLUDES

• Accommodation at 3 different camps on a sharing basis
• All meals and drinks
• Expert guiding throughout your safari
• All horse riding activities on well-trained and responsive horses
• One Game Drive
• International flights
• Comprehensive Travel & Medical insurance
• Transfer by air from Johannesburg to Limpopo
• $70 Conservation Levy paid upon arrival which goes towards anti-poaching and protecting the reserve
• Additional Game drive with Mashatu Main Camp (USD85 per person – subject to availability)
• Gratuities for camp staff and guides
• Items of a personal nature

QUICK FACTS

SUITABLE RIDING LEVELS

• Intermediate
• Intermediate Plus

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Experience luxury Africa as well as true bush experiences, such as sleeping out under the stars
• Enjoy the unparalleled thrill of riding alongside game and becoming part of the herd
• Indulge in the true joy of riding, feeling the freedom of riding through vast open country without boundaries
• Feel a sense of achievement as you complete each ride, with at least 3 different base camps

TOUR REVIEWS

” I had the most incredible time on the Tuli safari! This is the first time I've done anything like this, but I am so hooked and already looking at where to go next. Each day, we saw tons of incredible animals and enjoyed exciting and varied riding. Each camp was amazing in its own way, and I didn't expect to be so full of yummy food the whole time. I particularly loved the kgotla camp because it was so unique. Our lead guide, Mpho, was extremely knowledgeable and respectful of the animals. He was amazing - we hadn't seen hyenas, despite hearing them our whole trip, but Mpho managed to find a couple on our very last morning! We got right up close to them, and it really capped off our experience. I rode Pumba, and I am absolutely obsessed with him. He was a perfect match - forward, responsive, and a puppy dog when it came to snacks and cuddles. He had a big beautiful stride and took care of me the whole time. I wanted to bring him home with me. The horses were clearly well cared for and happy throughout, which is super important. I will absolutely be reaching out for future trips! Lindsay Moore Tuli Safari, Botswana

SAMPLE ITINERARY

** This itinerary is subject to change – it is an example and not an exact timetable. The Tented-Camps chosen route may vary from the below example, as if there has been heavy rains recently or unusually hot days, the Kgotla boma will be swapped out for another camp.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL & INTRODUCTORY RIDE

You’ll arrive in OR Tambo (Johannesburg) Airport where you’ll meet your driver and the rest of your fellow adventurers at the information desk. You’ll then have a short drive to Lanseria Airport where you’ll board a light air charter flight to the Limpopo Valley Airfield in Botswana. Here you will be met and transferred to Two Mashatus stables. Welcomed by an alfresco lunch, taken on the edge of the usually dry Limpopo River – you will feel like you’ve entered paradise!

After lunch, head down to the stables to be introduced to your new four-legged adventure companion. Horizon takes great care to match horse to rider based on a guest’s riding experience and professed ability.  However, before the safari, you will have a simple riding test in order to ensure that you are suitably balanced in the saddle and are able to control your horse at all paces.  While the safari is not an endurance test, it does involve long hours in the saddle and, with the possibility of close encounters with elephant and the big cats, and riders need to be able to gently and confidently control their mounts. If you’re unsure of your horse, you’ll have the chance to swap horses.

Enjoy an introductory ride to check you are suited to your horse, before embarking on your first ride out to our Two Mashatus Camp – around 11km. This will be your first opportunity to experience the beauty of the Mashatu Game Reserve and view the wildlife on horseback. Mashatu Game Reserve is home to the largest herd of wild free-roaming elephants on private land in Africa, and, although not a guarantee, it is almost assured that there will be great viewing of these incredible creatures.

Cold drinks and warm showers await you at camp. As evening falls at Two Mashatu Camp, relax in the cool of the thatched lounge and dining areas, before enjoying a three-course dinner, listening to the sounds of the African bush.

DAY 2: RIDE TO TREE CAMP

Sunrise, the dawn chorus and tea or coffee which is brought to your tent, sounds the start of your first day. After breakfast, it’s time to mount and depart from the dense woodland that hugs the Limpopo River, and head towards the rocky hills that delineate the edges of the great river valley. As the ride traverses the heartland of Mashatu, you will encounter plentiful game: plains game, many giraffe and herd of elephants. Signs of the many predators that make these rich riverine environments their home are bountiful, and chance encounters possible.

Having meandered across the hills with vast views back towards South Africa, the ride arrives at Tree Camp in time for lunch. The ride typically takes between four and five hours, and riders start to form a true bond with their horses.

After a welcome rest in the comfort of the camp, nestled in the cooling shade of the majestic Mashatu Tree, a hearty tea will be served.  This is followed by a guided bush walk up the Majali River in search of crocodile and other game.  Kudu, warthog, klipspringer and eland are all present in the area around the camp, as are elephant, lion and hyena.  Waterfowl fly low past the camp and birdsong abounds.  This is a truly beautiful place and it is impossible not to immerse oneself in nature and experience the exceptional qualities of Africa’s wilderness areas.

DAY 3: RIDE TO KGOTLA & AFTERNOON GAME DRIVE

Watch the sunrise from above the trees then saddle up for another day of adventure. After a quick breakfast, riders set off on the one of the journey’s longest rides – up onto the edge of the mini escarpment and then down, through the Valley of the Elephants and on towards the distant sandstone citadels guarding the Limpopo and Motloutse Rivers.

The first part of the journey is not to be hurried, as the horses wind along well worn elephant paths, past giant baobabs and the occasional shallow watering pan.  Soon, however, the country opens up and the horses can start to stretch their legs along soft ground leading to the headwaters of a stream flowing off the ridge and down towards the Limpopo.  This is prime elephant country and the guides are always on the lookout, using all their sharpened senses.  Once the path leaves the river, the terrain is once again more open and the pace faster.

Riding alongside the banks of the Motloutse River, you’ll come across the old Leadwood ‘Kgotla’ (or enclosure used for the traditional law court of a Botswana village). This open-air enclosure forms the perfect, secure camp for a night spent under the stars.

Whilst big cat sightings from horseback occasionally happen, the best opportunities to approach lion, cheetah, leopard and spotted hyena occur whilst on game drives. In the afternoon, you’ll set off on in a vehicle in search of the area’s resident lions, hyenas, and elusive leopards. Celebrate your day’s adventure with sundowners at the ancient “Amphitheatre” rocks with some of the best views of Africa. Back at the Kgotla, dinner is cooked on the large open fire and you’ll enjoy an evening enjoying incredible food and endless conversations. The night is spent with a ceiling of stars and Africa’s night-time melody to sing you to sleep; a rare experience which is just about as far away from city life and the modern world as anyone can imagine.

DAY 4: MORNING RIDE & BAOBAB SUNDOWNERS

Another dawn beckons as you enjoy coffee and fresh bread baked on the coals of last night’s fire. The riding this day is more relaxed and tailored to the group, since a different camp does not need to be reached by nightfall.

The sandstone formations, including the famed Solomon’s Wall, one of the numerous dolorite dykes in the area, are explored on horseback. Some of the oldest civilisations in southern Africa settled in this valley. Archaeological evidence in the area includes middle and late stone age tools, rock art and the legendary Mapungubwe Dynasty. Mapungubwe means “Place of the Jackal” in the Venda language and this dynasty existed around 1220 AD. The Mapungubwe topography itself is ancient and timeless, and combined with marvellous wildlife sightings, it makes for an incredible riding experience. This afternoon enjoy a short drive to the Mmamagwa Hills.For the most visually stunning and ethereal sundowner, we visit the Mmamagwa Hills.

A short climb up the sandstone ridge, brings us to the site of the Mmamagwa Ruins. After a short climb, enjoy sundowners beneath a beautiful baobab tree with a breath-taking view of the area.

DAY 5: RIDE TO TREE CAMP

Following a light and early breakfast, set out on horseback through the Mopane bush in search of elephants. On this day the journey turns northeast and follows a series of river trails on the way back to the centre of the reserve.  Life in this arid environment is always concentrated near water, and the ride promises sightings of elephant, zebra, giraffe and wildebeest.

Home to the largest herd of wild free-roaming elephants on private land in Africa, it is almost assured that there will be great viewing of these incredible creatures! Ride through Elephant Valley along ancient trails stamped into the soil by centuries of migrating elephants. Head north towards the upper reaches of the Majale River whose banks are crowned with enormous baobab trees. After an exhilarating ride through this timeless countryside, enjoy a relaxing lunch back at Tree Camp.

This afternoon the group has a choice of an afternoon guided bush walk, or an exciting game drive in search of big cats. This opportunity, while provided at an extra cost, should not be missed as the near guaranteed sightings of lion and leopard, and sometimes of cheetah, are legendary.  The guides are very knowledgeable about the structure and whereabouts of the various prides and individuals, and failure to find them is very rare indeed.

DAY 6: RIDE TO TWO MASHATUS

With an early departure from Tree Camp, this ride offers sweeping views to the east and south. Today’s riding promises great game viewing from horseback as we explore the Pitsane River Valley. Drinking holes, dug by elephants along the course of the Pitsane, attract thirsty herds of game. An area, where history has it, there was a skirmish during the Boer war which destroyed Bryce’s Store, an old British supply post.

There was a stagecoach line, called Zeederberg’s, that ran from the towns of the Transvaal in South Africa to the newly forged settlements of Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. Those coaches crossed the broad Limpopo and followed the Pitsane River into Zimbabwe.

The final part of the ride is first across open plains with some fast canters, and then through cool riverine vegetation along the approaches to Two Mashatus Camp.   This is the original Tuli Trail camp and is beautifully situated nestled amongst giant mashatu and apple leaf trees close to the banks of the Limpopo River.  This area typically boasts the highest density of elephants in the reserve, who sometimes roam through the camp in a gentle yet determined way.  It is also excellent for lion and leopard as well as baboon, bushbuck and waterbuck.

After four to five hours in the saddle, this is the perfect place to relax.  On hot days the swimming pool is always welcoming.

DAY 7: MORNING & AFTERNOON RIDE

Set off through scenic plains between the Majale and Pitsane rivers, with abundant game and spectacular views into the Limpopo River Valley. Explore the old fort and then ride down to the cooler wetland area for a splashy canter in the Summer months. The wetland areas attract a vast number of animals and birds that you might not have ticked off your safari checklist yet. There is time to relax in camp with a book or swim, before either a slower afternoon ride or bushwalk. Spend your last night in Botswana around the campfire chatting to your forever friends that you’ve made in the bush before falling asleep in your tent.

DAY 8: LAST MORNING RIDE & DEPARTURE

The last ride in the Limpopo Valley is a great opportunity to take one last picture of elephants and enjoy a long and winding canter through the scattered Mustard bush with your guides. Arriving back at the stables and reception mid-morning, there is plenty of time for a hot shower and a tasty brunch, before saying a sad farewell to your safari companions, newfound friends, and incredible horses. You’ll have a last glimpse of the bush from the air as you fly back to Lanseria Airport, followed by a short drive back to OR Tambo International Airport. Then it’s time to wave farewell to Africa as you board your flight back home (or further afield!) Book your departure flight after 20h00 to avoid missing your flight if there are any delays.

THE ACCOMMODATION

Two mashatus camp.

This beautiful camp is built in the shade of a centurion Mashatu tree. The camp is made up of two traditionally built Lala palm rondavels, which make up the dining and lounge areas. You are accommodated in a series of A-frame walk-in tents. These large and spacious tents are situated on teak platforms, with en-suite loos and hot water showers. Each tent comes with a small deck area on which to relax during the peaceful afternoons.

The Kgotla is an old tribal court from a nearby community that was relocated to the banks of the Motloutse River on the western periphery of Mashatu. The boma is an open-air traditional African enclosure made up of leadwood logs. Guests sleep on beds around a large log fire which blazes at the centre. Fall asleep with a canopy of stars above you.

TREEHOUSE CAMP

The camp is located on a raised wooden platform, and all of the tents are in a semi-circle on the decking with the dining area in the centre. They are shaded by a beautiful canopy trees. This camp has shared (but wonderfully private and secluded) outdoor shower and separate toilet facilities.

THE DESTINATION

• Simalaha Conservancy

The Tuli Block

The Tuli Block, or ‘Land of Giants’, is located on Botswana’s eastern border, between Zimbabwe and South Africa. The area is a very protected nature reserve known as the Northern Tuli Game Reserve. Famous for its dramatic geographical and geological features, here you’ll find Solomon’s Wall by the Motloutse River, and the enchanting rock paintings left by the San Bushmen in the Tswapong and Lepokole Hills. Tuli is also known for its rich wildlife including numerous big cats, large herds of elephant, a multitude of plains game like zebra, wildebeest and giraffe, as well as over 350 species of birds.

TOUR GALLERY

Tuli Horse Safari Botswana (5)

Meet the gentle giants on horseback

Tuli Horse Safari Botswana (7)

Beautiful landscapes waiting to be discovered

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Become part of the herd

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Watching Elephants in the distance

African Horse Safaris - Tuli Horse Safari Botswana (3)

Fast canters and ever changing terrain

African Horse Safaris - Tuli Horse Safari Botswana (23)

Ride alongside giants in the Tuli

African Horse Safaris - Tuli Horse Safari Botswana (7)

African Horse Safaris - Tuli Horse Safari Botswana (17)

Ride alongside giraffe in the Tuli

African Horse Safaris - Tuli Horse Safari Botswana (1)

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Exhilarating gallops through dry riverbeds

African Horse Safaris - Tuli Horse Safari Botswana (42)

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Water canters

Tuli Horse Safari Botswana (24)

Ride with towers of giraffe

Leap over fallen logs

Tuli Giants

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Natural Jumps to leap over

Two Mashatu Camp Pool

Spot the spotted hyena

Two Mashatus Camp - Tuli Horse Safari

Enjoy evenings around the camp fire

African horse Safari - SA Horizon

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Golden Hour

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The Kgotla open air expeirence

Tuli Horse Safari Botswana (45)

Unique sundowner spot

African Horse Safaris - Tuli Horse Safari Botswana (31)

Unique Teehouse accommodation in the Tuli

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King of the plains

Sunrises and sunsets are special in Africa

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Cheetahs are adapted to this environment

African Horse Safaris - Tuli Horse Safari Botswana (25)

African Horse Safaris - Tuli Horse Safari Botswana (37)

Seeing Hyena from horseback

African Horse Safaris - Tuli Horse Safari Botswana (2)

African Horse Safaris - Tuli Horse Safari Botswana (9)

African Horse Safaris - Tuli Horse Safari Botswana (13)

How we care for our horses.

Our horseback adventures are hand-picked for their quality and care of their horses. Here’s how the horses at Horizon Horseback are kept in tip-top shape for your safaris. Our horses are on top of the hierarchy and receive very special care:

• The string of horses are as well looked after as our guests. Each horse is recognized and appreciated for his unique ability and personality and every effort is made to match him with the most suitable rider
• When not ridden, the horses are free-roaming in large paddocks during the day. They come in twice a day for grooming, checks and feeding, and spend the night in a large secure paddock or stable
• Tack is checked regularly and cleaned daily
• The horses get varied training, including jumping, polo-crosse, dressage and western games to keep them fit and responsive
• Horses have dedicated rest days and are on holiday for a few months each year

Please let us know if you have any more questions about this.

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Best of Botswana

Day 1 1 : HOME - JOHANNESBURG

Day 2 2 : johannesburg - two mashatu camp - 2 hours riding, day 3 3 : tree camp - 6-7 hours riding, day 4 4 : kgotla - 6 hours riding, day 5 5 : kgotla - 5 hours riding, day 6 6 : tree camp - 6-7 hours riding, day 7 7: mashatu - 6 hours riding, day 8 8 : mashatu - 6 hours riding, day 9 9 : mashatu - johannesburg - 2-4 hours riding, day 10 10: johannesburg - okavango delta, day 11 11 : okavango delta - 6 hours riding, day 12 12 : okavango delta - 6 hours riding, day 13 13: okavango delta, day 14 14 : camp - maun - johannesburg - 2 hours riding, day 15 15: johannesburg - home, dates & prices, price details, price includes, support team, inland transport, accommodation, additional equipment, price doesn't include, equestrian info, guide & local team, minimum riding ability, tacking ability and participation, trip conditions and requested experience, equestrian equipment, travel info, packing list, sustainable tourism.

• Travel light. It's a little known fact, but the lighter you pack, the better for the environment as heavy bags will produce higher emissions (when flying a plane or driving a car!).
• Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
• Preserve nature. Always take your rubbish with you during the ride and recycle them. Leave all the flowers or plants as you found them, and never get too close when observing wildlife. Make sure to use eco-friendly products such as body wash or laundry detergent (if camping) to protect both your skin and the environment.
• Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
• Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
• Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.

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Horse riding safari in BOTSWANA : THE BIG FIVE SAFARI

This vacation is no more available or has been updated. .

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-19.71405400569, 22.886667

The Okavango Delta is undoubtedly the most outstanding of Botswana’s natural wonders, a 15,000 square kilometer wilderness of floodplain and forest interlaced with lagoons and waterways, and teeming with game and birds. A riding safari through this spectacular wetland sanctuary is an exciting and memorable experience for experienced horse riding enthusiasts with a passion of nature and international travel. Botswana is quintessential African wilderness: A vast country of savannah, desert, wetlands and salt pans, making it an ideal and varied safari destination. While nearly three quarters of the country is covered by the magnificent Kalahari Desert, yet in the north lies the Okavango Delta, the largest wetland delta in the world and an amazing contrast to behold. Botswana's huge wildlife populations make for some of the best game viewing in all of Africa. On the safaris here, you regularly encounter elephant, giraffe, buffalo, zebra and a multitude of other plains game and the big cats! This is an extremely professional establishment, owned and operated by PJ and Barney Bestelink for more than two decades. They offer the very best in African riding safaris today; among other accolades, they have most recently been given the title, 'Winnner of Best Riding Safari Property in Africa' for 2013 awarded by 'The Safari Awards.' The safaris operate in their own private concession of the Moremi Game Reserve in the Western region of the Okavango Delta. Guests will be riding for four to six hours a day through some of the most scenic and top quality game viewing areas available in the world! The immediate area includes three major river systems of the Okavango Delta: the Xudum, the Matsibie and the Kiri. These rivers have created palm islands, grassy flood plains, mopane forests and clear streams. When the flood plains are full, the horses can wade through the water from island to island. Game viewing includes the sought after Big Five, as well as equivocal African game such as meerkats, honey badgers and red lechwe. Safari groups are kept small, which allows for a personal touch on each individual departure which usually last for five, seven or ten nights in the wilderness; your overnight accommodations will be at a selection of luxury bush camps, pending on the safaris trail chosen for the group. Kujwana Camp is the base camp with luxury tented chalets combining double or twin beds with ensuite bathrooms - each with private facilities. The other two camps - Moklowane Camp and Kiri Fly Camp - consist of dome tents or bed rolls under the stars. Meals are cooked by an expert chef and are prepared every day to suit the activities organized – saddlebag picnic breakfasts and lunches are a specialty before a three course candlelit gourmet dinner is served once back at camp. With over 50 horses schooled and brought up in the African bush, the guides can and do go to any length to make the best match of horse and rider. The game trails you follow are sometimes the same routes used by the herds of elephant or buffalo, and when lucky, you may get the exhilarating opportunity to gallop alongside the giraffe or zebras. As you will be riding in an area of dangerous game, notably the elephant, buffalo and cats – these riding safaris in Botswana can only experienced riders who are confident and capable riding at all paces. Rides are usually early in the day to avoid the most intense heat and sun, while afternoons are spent at leisure with a siesta or relaxing bird walks or mokoro rides (water levels permitting), or jeep game drives. Non-Riders are welcome here too! They can have their own guide and enjoy game drives, walks and Mokoros while their friends are out riding.

HORSEBACK RIDING SAFARI INDICATIVE ITINERARY *

Day 1: Arrival. You are met at Maun Airport before a 25 minute transfer by helicopter straight into camp, or by light aircraft to Pompom airstrip, which is then roughly an hour’s drive to camp by vehicle or boat. Once you arrive in camp you will be given time to settle in before lunch and an introduction talk with demonstration on tack and advice on game viewing from horseback. This is followed by an orientation ride (about 1-2 hours). Meals included: Lunch & Dinner Overnight at Kujwana Camp Day 2: Xudum Ride. Wake up each day is 1 hour before dawn to ensure best game viewing. After breakfast, a morning ride in the Xudum area, wading through lush green malapos that lead you from island to island, surprising a timid reedbuck out his dense cover on a heavily wooded island, or enjoy the herds of lechwe and zebra moving through the open spaces. Return to camp for lunch followed by a siesta. Afternoon game drive with sunset drinks and evening night drive with a spot light to end, returning to camp for a three course candlelit meal. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Overnight at Kujwana Camp Day 3: Kujwana to Mokolowane. Ride from Kujwana to Mokolowane camp. This is approximately 30km ride heading northwest. The route moves through open floodplains and scattered islands towards the Matsebe river system, where you will see a wide variety of game. A picnic lunch is served on a shady island followed by siesta with camp beds, maybe a swim, and then a further 2 hours ride to Mokolowane camp. Arrive at sunset and enjoy a refreshing drink as you admire the stunning views over the floodplain. The open skylines of Mokolowane camp make for great star gazing. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Overnight at Mokolowane Camp Day 4: Mastsebe River Exploration. Morning game drive. This camp is on the Matsebe river system and features wide open flood plains interspersed with Mokolowane palms, favorite food of elephant and baboon. It is also a good area for plains’ game. Alternatively take a peaceful mokoro trip up the river and enjoy the tranquility of the delta from our dug out canoes. In the afternoon head out for a 2-3 hour ride and enjoy the beautiful colours of the Delta as the sun starts to sink behind the horizon. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Overnight at Mokolowane Camp Day 5: Mokolowane to Kujwana. A full day’s ride from Mokolowane to Kujwana with a picnic lunch along the way. The ride covers around 35 km, with 4 hours ridden in the morning and two hours in the afternoon. This ride moves through a variety of game areas fording the Xudum River at numerous hippo channels. Picnic lunch en route, arriving at Kujwana at sunset. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Overnight at Kujwana Camp Day 6: Departure. Early morning game ride out of Kujwana camp if flight times permit. Guests leave after breakfast. One hour’s game drive to the nearest airstrip for transfer by light aircraft into Maun or a 20 minute helicopter ride. Meals included: Breakfast * Sample Itinerary: subject to changes.

MEETING / DEPARTURE: Transfers from Maun by helicopter (25 min) to the camp. Transfers to or from Maun must be coordinated with flights BP211 and BP212 from Air Botswana or SA8300 or SA8301 from South African Airways Land or boat transfers (depending on water levels) also available from Maun. This option takes more than 4 hours and you will not arrive at the camp in time for the day's activities. Transfers are also available from Victoria Falls or Kasane upon request. TRANSFERS:

Helicopter transfers from / to Maun: 365 US$ / person / transfer for a minimum of 2 persons (€ 620 round trip) Car or boat transfers from / to Maun: 135  US$ / person / transfer for a minimum of 2 persons (€ 240 round trip) Transfer from Kasane via plane and boat per person (min of 2), per way: 450 US$ Transfer from Kasane to Victoria Falls via vehicle: 100 US$ Transfer from Xaranna airstrip via vehicle and boat per person (min of 2), per way: 80  US$

FLIGHTS: Flights are not included in our prices because it is generally more interesting to book your flights yourself, an inclusive tvols package is generally more expensive with agency commissions. However, we are at your disposal to help you find the best rates or to offer you a trip including transport on request: free service.

2023 PRICE / PER PERSON: 01/01 to 31/03: 3955 € in 2 person shared tents 02/04 to 26/05: 4650 €  in 2 person shared tents 28/05 to 29/09: 5695 € in 2 person shared tents 01/10 to 01/12: 4650 € in 2 person shared tents 03/12 to 05/01: 3955 € in 2 person shared tents TRANSFERS:

PRICES INCLUDE:

PRICES DON'T INCLUDE:

INSURANCE (if you don’t already have one): We offer to Europe Union citizens (only) Chapka insurances : Cap Security: full insurance with cancellation. Cap Cancellation: cancellation only. See prices & information

FLIGHTS: Flights are not included because it is more interesting to book directly your ticket: a transport package included is generally more expensive with agency commissions. However, we are at your disposal to help you find the best prices or to offer you a flight included package on request (free service).

Seasons:  October, November and February are the hottest months, with temperatures sometimes peaking to 38 degrees C at midday. The rains can start in October, with the occasional thundershower. December to February are the wettest months. Autumn (March- April): Weather: Last of the rains fall during March. Temperatures start to drop toward the end of April. Temp 20 – 30 degree. Area: Normally no flood water so molapos dry. Local rains over Dec – Feb create a very green environment and top up lagoons. Rain pans holding water big attraction for game as they become more concentrated. Game: Zebra and wildebeest start their mini migration back to the delta from the rainpans. Migrant bird species start to leave. A lot of elephant in the dry area as the clay bottomed rain pans become their main source of water. Marula trees are ripe, good food for the elephant. Good sightings of hippo and crocodile in the lagoons as they await the arrival of the floodwater. May- start of dry season: Weather: One of the most interesting months. The flood usually arrives in May. Area: Dry riverbeds start flowing and the sudden growth of vegetation and sound is phenomenal. Game: Usually exceptional game viewing on the tongue of the flood as it moves through the area. Winter (June- July): Weather: Coldest months especially in the evening. Pleasant during day and dry. Temperature varies 10 –20 degree. Sun shines every day. No rain. Area: Flood normally arrives at Mokolwane mid May and Kujwana about 2 weeks later. Qwaapu receives water mid June. Exciting time to be in the delta. Watching the annual transformation of the delta. Deep wades and swimming begin. Game: Great birding with the arrival of the floods. As the molapos start to fill they attract big herds of zebra, giraffe and impala. Large herds of buffalo. Elephant start feeding on Mokolwane palms. Spring (August- October): Weather: Warming up to hot. Area: Trees start to flower. Water at its peak and starts to drop toward September and October. Molapas are green and lush. Water lilies fill the lagoons. Very pretty time of year. Game: Migrant bird species start to arrive. Carmine bee-eaters start to nest. Wattled crane are nesting and in August the elephants feed on the fruit of the palm tree. Summer (November)- start of rainy season: Weather: Temperatures reach 30 – 40 degrees. Area: Water levels dropping fast. Good ground. Game: Ungulates i.e. impala and tsessebe start to calve. Zebra start to foal. Big herds of buffalo.

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THE 10 BEST Botswana Safaris

Safaris in botswana.

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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. From Victoria Falls: Chobe National Park Small Group Tour

2. 1 Day Okavango Delta Mokoro/Canoe Daytrip

3. Chobe Full Day Safari Trip

4. Full-day Safari Tour in Chobe

5. 5-Day Explore Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana

6. Chobe Safari Day Trip From Livingstone

7. Chobe Full Day Trip From Victoria Falls

8. Chobe Extended Day Trip from Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe

9. 2 Nights 3 Days Chobe Safari ex Livingstone/ Victoria Falls

10. Chobe Full Day Trip

11. 1 Day Chobe National Park Safari Experience

12. 2 Day 1 Night Chobe Safari ex Livingstone/Victoria Falls

13. Chobe National Park from Victoria Falls

14. Chobe Safari Game Drive: Full Day

15. Moremi Full Day Trip In The World Renowned Moremi Game Reserve

16. 2 Nights Okavango Delta Mokoro WildCamping Tour, all-inclusive

17. Guided Full Day Chobe National Park Tour from Livingstone

18. Victoria Falls Day Trip from Chobe - Silver Package

19. From Victoria Falls: A Full Day Chobe Safari with Lunch

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26. 13 Day WILDERNESS TRAIL: Best Of Northern Botswana -WildCamping + Victoria Falls

27. 11Day WILDERNESS TRAIL:Okavango,Moremi&Chobe -WildCamping Safari +Victoria Falls

28. 1 Day Moremi Game Drive Safari, guided

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Safari in Botswana

An expert guide to botswana's best safari reserves, camps and experiences.

Anthony Ham

• In this guide

Okavango Delta

Chobe national park, central kalahari game reserve, makgadikgadi pans national park.

• Where to go
• Need to know
• Getting around
• How it works

Of all the places I’ve been on safari in Africa, I think Botswana tops the list. There is so much to enjoy and, unlike in bigger safari destinations, in Botswana you’ll see a lot more wildlife than other travellers.

Botswana is where I went on my first self-drive safari, and, to this day, it remains my pick as the best place to drive yourself out into the wild in Africa. All but the inner reaches of the Okavango Delta are accessible in your own 4WD, and the experience of driving out into, and sleeping overnight in, lion country, or the amazing world of elephants, or miles from the nearest human being, remains my favourite way of going on safari.

At the heart of Botswana’s appeal are its signature wildlife destinations whose names – the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Central Kalahari Game Reserve – read like a roll-call of storied wildlife kingdoms. And it’s not just the wildlife. From the deep greens and blues of the Delta in flood to the yellows and reds of the Kalahari, or the blinding whites of the salt pans, there is something elemental about Botswana’s call to the wild. In the following pages I’ll explain some of my Botswana safari highlights, and how you can see them for yourself.

featured botswana safaris

Popular Botswana Safari Through the Delta

Discover Botswana

Explore the okavango delta, kwando, the kalahari and chobe.

Best of Botswana Lodge Safari

Makgadikgadi Pans & Okavango Delta Safari Adventure

Botswana's Northern Highlights

10 day small group tour.

Okavango Delta horse riding safari

Discover botswana's amazing wildlife.

Affordable Victoria Falls & Chobe Safari

Chobe Camping Safaris

Okavango Kayaking Expedition

Unique camp-to-camp safari adventure.

Botswana Wildlife Camping Safari

Where to go on safari in botswana, our expert's top picks, botswana's hidden gems.

Unlike Africa’s safari giants like Kenya , Tanzania , and South Africa , Botswana remains blissfully under the radar. Yet, it too faces the travel industry's irritating habit of focusing on the popular easy sellers at the expense of everywhere else. Botswana's safety and accessibility make exploring its many hidden gems easier than in much of Africa. Here are some well-known, and some of my favourite lesser-known, Botswana safari spots.

Explore water world in the Okavango Delta

This is a world without fences and, because of the water levels, human settlements are mostly restricted to the Delta’s perimeter, leaving the rest to wildlife.

In the southern part of the Delta, including in Moremi Game Reserve and Khwai Community Concession, expect a mix of luxury tented camps and budget campsites catering mostly to those on self-drive safaris. The deeper you go into the Delta, the more the crowds thin, with entire concessions given over to the exclusive lodges and tented camps that are such a feature of a safari in Botswana. For most of the tourist season, many of these camps and lodges can only be reached by small plane. Out here, I’ve had the wildlife entirely to myself.

See elephants and more in Chobe National Park

Chobe incorporates two distinct regions: Chobe River (close to the Zimbabwe and Zambia borders), famous for its large elephant herds; and Savute (in the west), where a juxtaposition of contrasting habitats and handful of pumped water holes sustain a melting pot of species.

Chobe in general, but especially the riverfront, has one of the highest elephant densities in Africa and close-up sightings are almost guaranteed. Lions and leopards are also possible here, with giraffe, zebra, buffalo, hippo and crocodiles all commonly seen.

Game drives are the order of the day in Savute where wildlife-viewing is good year-round. Savute is known for its predators – I’ve always had luck with lion, leopard and cheetah here, and on my last trip I spent an afternoon watching a highly active den of African wild dogs. As with the rest of Chobe, elephants are everywhere in Savute.

Taste true wilderness in the Central Kalahari

Measuring 52,000 square kilometres, I think this vast wilderness is a signature Botswana safari experience. Known for its golden grasslands, salt pans, sand dunes covered in vegetation and wide former river valleys, it’s a soulful experience that’s custom-made for a self-drive safari.

The mammal density and diversity are not quite a match for the northern parks making it less well-suited to first-time safari travellers but for the feel of a true African wilderness, CKGR is tough to beat.

Hugging the park’s northern boundary, the Hainaveld consists of a handful of compact, segregated, privately-owned reserves. The denser habitat means the landscape is less scenic than inside the park, but pumped waterholes concentrate the game in the dry season. Several of the lodges employ local Kalahari bushmen with legendary tracking skills, who will also teach you about their way of life on a guided walk.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

In the far south of Botswana, this transfrontier park spills over into South Africa. The Botswana side of the park receives far fewer visitors than the South African sections across the border.

The scenery here consists of a dense scrubland and some of the loveliest salt-pan scenery anywhere in Botswana. With a number of hills overlooking these pans, they’re spectacular places, especially at sunset, and many of the self-drive campsites take full advantage of these hilltop positions.

Kgalagadi is known for its classic Kalahari wildlife, and aside from the usual oryx (gemsbok), giraffe and wide range of antelope species, I’ve always had luck with the extravagantly horned greater kudu, lion, cheetah and even a fleeting glimpse of meerkats.

The park provides habitat for nearly 300 different bird species, and I was particularly thrilled when the elusive Kalahari scrub robin and the vivid violet-eared waxbill visited my campsite one evening.

Tsodilo Hills

Ancient history in the tsodilo hills.

Rising from the barren, sandy plains of the Kalahari in a remote corner of north-western Botswana, these four hills project a certain kind of magic. Sacred to the indigenous San people and reputed to possess mystical powers (as Laurens van der Post found in the 1950s on a visit that formed the centrepiece of his classic The Lost World of the Kalahari), the Tsodilo Hills are best known as one of the world’s finest galleries of ancient rock art. More than 4,500 artworks – mostly paintings, but engravings, too – adorn the rock walls of the range, and some date back thousands of years.

Walking trails lead past the artworks that range in subject matter from whales and penguins (despite Tsodilo Hills being more than 1000 km from the ocean) to lions and human figures. I highly recommend you visit with a local guide to greatly enhance your visit.

Unless you’re self-driving and staying at one of the campsites in the shadow of the Tsodilo Hills, there is no accommodation nearby.

Spot the flamingoes of Makgadikgadi Pans

Makgadikgadi Pans is famous for hosting one of the largest zebra migrations in Africa. Every year, tens of thousands of zebra migrate east-west through the park, between the pans in the east and the Boteti River out west. From high on the riverbank at the latter, I’ve watched zebras swarm down to the water’s edge in a haze of raised dust, dizzying stripes and distinctive zebra barks.

I’ve also seen flamingos away on the eastern pans in flocks so vast that they seem to move as a single entity. And I’ve drawn near to habituated meerkats just outside the park, and seen brown hyenas and aardvarks close to sunset.

Northern Tuli Game Reserve

In the far southeastern corner of the country and formerly divided into a number of segregated farms alongside the Limpopo River, NTGR is now one of the largest privately-owned conservation areas in southern Africa. The spectacular landscape, featuring rolling hills, basalt cliffs, ancient riverbeds and towering granite kopjes , is unlike anywhere else in Botswana. In fact, when combined with its impressive portfolio of wildlife, it remains a mystery to me why more people don’t visit this remarkable place.

Expect regular sightings of elephant, giraffe, lion, leopard and cheetah as well as less common species like eland and klipspringer, and over 350 bird species. Ground-level photographic hides, ancient archaeological ruins and a choice of horse-riding, walking or even cycling safaris complete a chocolate box-assortment of activities.

Kwando Reserve

Linyanti, kwando and selinda reserves.

Scattered along the northern waterways of the perennial Linyanti and Kwando rivers, and the seasonal Selinda spillway, the camps in these three neighbouring private concessions operate in a similar manner to those inside the [Okavango Delta].

Game-viewing is as good as in the Okavango, with predator-tracking a particular specialty of the Kwando camps. Most camps offer game or wildlife drives, mokoro boat trips, and sunset boat excursions.

What you see in these parts depends very much on the time of year you visit. In Linyanti, for example, from May to October, expect to see lots of elephants, while zebras migrate through the area, usually from February to April. At other times, wildlife can be very scarce, although the November-to-April wet season is excellent for birding in all three concessions, with migrants from Europe and North Africa here en masse.

Okavango Panhandle

Although not a big game destination, the broad and meandering Okavango River in the northwest of the country is a birder’s paradise, with over 350 recorded species including several iconic Okavango specialties. It is also popular among anglers, particularly around September, when the receding flood waters concentrate huge shoals of baitfish, attracting a melee of catfish, tiger fish, bream and birds. Activities are mostly by boat or on foot.

Other wildlife is far less common, and you’d be lucky to see much more than a crocodile or hippo in the river’s waters.

Nxai Pan National Park

I’ve always loved Nxai Pan – it’s never busy, my sightings of lion, elephant and cheetah seem perfectly framed by these big horizons, and the baobabs by the salt pans here are a striking presence. With a handful of campsites (including at remote Baines’ Baobabs, a remarkable cluster of seven ancient baobabs (named after explorer and painter, Thomas Baines) and just one upmarket lodge, there’s rarely more than a couple of other vehicles at any sighting.

As well as plenty of elephant, and a good chance of seeing lion and cheetah, Nxai Pan has a couple of other wildlife highlights to draw you here. After the rains, thousands of zebra migrate here from the Chobe and Linyanti rivers after the rains forming part of Africa’s longest zebra migration. And for reasons unknown, Nxai Pan is the only place in Botswana where you can see springbok and impala in the same place.

The best safaris in Botswana

Popular highlights & hidden gems.

On either a self-drive safari or an organised tour, your itinerary will almost certainly include the Okavango Delta plus Chobe and perhaps the Kalahari. Try to make time for some of the following lesser-known corners, too. Trust me: you'll be glad you did.

Chitabe & Qorokwe concessions

In 25 years of African travel, I’ve never seen as much high-quality wildlife as I have in these fabulous Okavango concessions. Over two recent days, I saw leopards, nearly 30 lions, dozens of elephants, a pack of 20 wild dogs, and a cheetah mother with six sub-adult cubs.

Okavango kayaking expedition

Pretty much every Okavango tour itinerary will include a paddle on a traditional mokoro canoe. For something very different, set out on a multi-day, camp-to-camp kayaking expedition through the Delta. Paddle the gentle water spotting the planet's greatest wildlife and camp each night under the stars. Truly unique.

Splash Camp

Rory Sheldon

Splash Camp is a small camp in the private Kwara Reserve. Operated by Kwando Safaris who have better responsible travel credentials than most: locally based, no greenwashing, and supporting valuable community projects.

Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Botswana doesn’t have many rhinos but most of them are here in this small, little-known sanctuary, in Paje, east of Central Kalahari Game Reserve. On a recent visit, I was waylaid for nearly an hour by two male black rhinos fighting for dominance right along the main track.

See the baobabs of Kubu Island

For the best of the pans, Kubu Island is a glorious ‘island’ of baobabs south of Makgadikgadi. This was the first place I ever camped in Botswana, and the magic has never left me.

Camp out in Khutse Game Reserve

The southern extension of the CKGR, Khutse gets very few visitors (except on weekends). I love its remote campsites (I once slept here, 40 km from the nearest person), its classic Kalahari scenery, and its lions, leopards and so much more.

Nata Bird Sanctuary

Out in the east of the Makgadikgadi Pans, the pans of this rarely visited community sanctuary draw up to 250,000 flamingos and other waterbirds from November or December until March or April.

Planet Baobab

A budget-friendly option with self-drive access, offering all the activities of its more expensive sister camps on the edge of the pans.

Savute Under Canvas

Easily the pick of the mobile camps in Chobe, &Beyond’s tented camp moves around the park almost weekly and captures the spirit of a mobile camp at its best.

Botswana Camping Safaris

Into Botswana & Zimbabwe

15 day small group tour.

Aerial view of the vast Okavango Delta, one of the best safari destinations in Africa

Botswana safaris: Need to know

Everything you wish you'd known before you booked, inside tip: self-drive safaris.

Much is made of Botswana aiming for high-end, low-density safari tourism and it’s not uncommon for a luxury camp in the Delta to cost well over US$1,000 per person per night in high season. But it’s actually the mid-range, rather than budget, traveller that finds it difficult to build a reasonably priced safari in Botswana.

Much as the Botswana government prefers not to publicise the fact, it has a fantastic network of campsites around the country. Some are privately run, others are run by the Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP). Standard camping fees are USD $50/25 per adult/child. You can book directly through the park authorities or the private operators of the campsites, but you're better off booking through an agent. Renting a 4WD camper can seem expensive, but a two-week self-drive safari could end up costing the same for two people as one day on a fly-in, fly-out safari.

The best times for safari in Botswana

My favourite time to visit Botswana is during the dry season, June to September. During this time, most 4WD tracks are open, water levels in the Delta are ideal for mokoro trips and wildlife watching.

This period also corresponds with the high tourism season (which usually starts in June or July), so it’s also the busiest (and most expensive) time of year. During these months, it can also get extremely cold overnight and early morning throughout much of the Kalahari.

May or October can be a good compromise, although there’s a risk that the rains could linger or arrive early.

Access to the Delta may be limited, but the best months for birding are from November to March or April, when hundreds of migratory species arrive from Europe and North Africa.

Getting there & around

Although Gaborone is the capital of Botswana, the overwhelming majority of safari visitors to Botswana fly into Maun, in the country’s north-west. Maun is right alongside the Okavango Delta and not far from the Kalahari, and it has lots of safari companies, hotels, camps and restaurants and places to stock up on supplies making it the ideal gateway town.

Those heading to Chobe National Park may fly into Kasane, in the north-east. Kasane receives fewer international flights than Maun, but its proximity to Victoria Falls (84 km away by road, across the border in Zimbabwe) makes it well worth considering.

How a Botswana safari works

There are two main ways to go on safari in Botswana. One is to fly into Maun or Kasane (perhaps stay overnight, perhaps not) and then fly into one of the airstrips of the Okavango Delta or Chobe National Park. There you’ll be picked up by your accommodation, and then fly in and out of however many tented camps you’ll be staying in.

You can book all of this yourself, but most international visitors tend to book it via a tour operator.

The other option is a self-drive trip. You can fly into Maun or Kasane (or even Johannesburg) and pick up a 4WD, which will usually have a rooftop tent or other camping equipment. You’ll then drive yourself from one campsite to the next. Road and driving conditions in Botswana are significantly better than elsewhere in Southern Africa, but you’ll need to take obvious precautions such as driving during the day time and ensuring you’ve got sufficient supplies for long journeys.

Safari in the Okavango Delta

About the author.

Anthony is a renowned travel journalist and guidebook author and is one of the world's leading authorities on Africa safari, wildlife and conservation. He has been travelling to Africa for more than two decades to research Africa safari guidebooks for Lonely Planet. He is widely published in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, The Monthly, Virginia Quarterly Review (VQR), National Geographic Traveler, BBC Wildlife, Lonely Planet Traveller, Africa Geographic, The Independent, Travel Africa, among many others.

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Botswana Safari Tours & Vacations

• Destinations
• Botswana Safari Tours & Holidays

It really is a zoo out there

Ever wanted to watch migrating zebras run across the African plains or feel dwarfed as a herd of elephants passes you on the highway? On  safari in Botswana, experience the brilliance of the natural world up close as you fill up your camera roll with exotic wildlife, beautiful sunsets and the breathtaking natural landscape of Africa . With some of the world's most renowned game reserves such as Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta , Botswana has a spectacular variety of birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and aquatic life that call it home. So grab your binoculars, keep the lens off your camera and buckle in because you're not going to want to miss a second. 

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Highlights of Botswana safari tours

Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park is probably what you picture when someone says 'safari in Africa'. Located near the  Okavango Delta , the park sits alongside the Chobe River and is home to what is thought to be the largest concentration of African elephants in the world. The majestic mammals often come to drink and bathe in the waters alongside other wildlife friends (and foes) including the cape buffalo, impala, hippos, lions, leopards and cheetahs. There are so many ways to spend your time here. Go on a 4x4 game drive, hop on a sunset cruise along Chobe River or simply sit back and listen to the noises of the great outdoors.

Makgadikgadi Pans

Get a first-hand glance at one of the largest salt pans in the world in what used to be Lake Makgadikgadi. The Makgadikgadi Pans are a beautiful mixture of baobab trees, salt flats and grassy plains, best explored in a 4x4. However, if the scenery alone doesn't tempt you, then hopefully you’re more swayed by its residents. Arguably the cutest animal on safari, the meerkat is native to the Ntwetwe salt pan and is often found huddling in mobs by the sand dunes. You'll also be among some of the world's largest animals such as the elephants and giraffes as well as some of its pinkest as the area is home to a flamboyance of flamingoes.

Boteti River

The Boteti River is a must for die-hard zebra lovers as over 25,000 zebras are known to migrate here from the neighboring game park. Due to the numbers and their stripey coats, it’s likely you’ll see them if you’re there in the migrating season. Since the Boteti River is the only permanent water source in the area, there’s always likely to be a number of animals perusing its shores. And it doesn’t matter whether you’re more interested in the prey or the predators, you’ll likely see them all. Find leafy-green eaters such as giraffes, springboks and oryx enjoying the lush vegetation and the toothy species, namely the lions, cheetahs and wild dogs, lurking hungrily nearby.

Khama Rhino Sanctuary

While not quite as fanciful as their mythical cousins the unicorn, rhinoceros sightings are almost as rare these days due to their near-extinct status. Luckily, places like the  Khama Rhino Sanctuary  have homed and rehabilitated rhinos since 1992 and are now home to both black and white rhino residents. The sanctuary has a successful breeding program and is protected with anti-poaching patrols. The continuing goal for the KRS is to reintroduce as many rhinos as possible back into their natural wild habitats, so visiting this amazing place is definitely worth the animal sightings, not to mention supporting their mission.

When is the best time to visit Botswana?

Winter (April through August) is a good time to visit Botswana. The days are usually mild and wildlife is generally quite easy to spot. The summer can bring frequent rain, which can make it difficult to travel around some of the national parks. Wildlife also tends to disperse during the summer rains, making animals a little harder to spot.

Read more about the best time to visit Botswana

Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to join an Intrepid trip?

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 policy

Do I need a visa to travel to Botswana?

Australia: No visa required

Belgium: No visa required

Canada: No visa required

Germany: No visa required

Ireland: Yes - visa required

Netherlands: No visa required

New Zealand: No visa required

South Africa: No visa required

Switzerland: No visa required

United Kingdom: No visa required

USA: No visa required

Citizens of countries not listed above, including most EU countries, should check with the relevant consulates as to whether a visa is required. For passengers requiring a visa to Botswana, application forms can be downloaded from the  Botswana Government website,  as well as instructions for applying.

Entry Requirements - Yellow Fever Certificate:

A valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required for all passengers over one year of age who arrive or are transiting through Botswana, from a country or region listed by the World Health Organization as infected by yellow fever. Travelers who are unable to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate issued at least 10 days before arrival will be refused entry. There is no option for travelers without a vaccination certificate to be vaccinated on arrival. Please note this also includes transiting through an infected country or region.

Children travelling to Botswana:

Please note that if you’re traveling to Botswana with a person under the age of 18 then you need to provide a certified copy of the child’s full unabridged birth certificate in order to enter the country (the one listing the child’s details and both parents’ details. - the short birth certificate which only lists the child’s details won’t be accepted).

Additionally, if the child is traveling with only one parent, with neither biological parent, or is unaccompanied, then they must provide an affidavit of the consent of the parent(s) that are not traveling, to prove that the trip is made with both parents' consent. Please contact your nearest Botswanan Embassy if you have further questions regarding this.

Can I drink tap water in Botswana?

Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Botswana. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found, some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

What are the best animals to see on safari in Botswana?

Some of the top animals to see in Botswana include the big five (lion, leopard, elephant, black rhino and buffalo) as well as giraffes, antelopes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos and crocodiles.

What is ATM access like in Botswana?

You will be able to find ATMs in the big cities, airports and regional towns of Botswana. Rural areas, national parks and small villages will have limited to no ATMs, so be sure to carry other payment options before traveling out of the big cities.

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How to Plan a Safari in Botswana, According to Experts

A beginner's guide to safari vacations in Botswana.

Marc Stickler Photography/Courtesy of Natural Selection

An African safari ranks high on the wish list of many a world traveler. Of the millions of adventurers who make the trek here annually, the (ahem) lion’s share will end up in the game reserves of Kenya, South Africa, and Tanzania — enduringly popular destinations for wildlife viewing in Africa. But in recent years, Botswana has been nipping at the heels of those countries. 

Botswana is home to diverse landscapes that span delta to desert, and the local culture is vibrant and inviting. The Botswana bush is teeming with majestic fauna, including Africa’s largest population of elephants — they are protected by a government focused on conservation, and tour operators committed to the same. And a safari here means you get to enjoy all of the above with far fewer humans than in its aforementioned continental counterparts.  

“Botswana is an anomaly in Africa,” said Ian Proctor, president and managing director of Ultimate Africa Safaris . “It is considered one of the safest and most stable democracies on the continent.” 

Proctor has been preparing customized itineraries for safari-going clients since 1996, and during that time he estimates he’s personally enjoyed more than 250 experiences across the African continent. Botswana has become his go-to destination, and in no small part because of the modernization of its government.

“Citizens receive free universal health care, and LGBTQ+ communities are legally recognized,” he cited as examples. “And with a very small population, its wilderness areas are unparalleled — and, importantly, uncrowded.”

Ready to pack your bags? Here’s how to plan your Botswana safari, along with insight from experts on what you can expect along the way.

Courtesy of Natural Selection

How to Get to Botswana 

The most common way to get to the Botswana bush is by way of Safarilink flights out of Maun National Airport (MUB), in the northwestern part of the country. Midsized runways here can’t accommodate jumbo jets, so you won’t find direct service from the U.S. That’s a blessing in disguise, though. The added stop you’ll need — in either Johannesburg or Cape Town — weeds out those tourists who aren’t willing to brave nearly 16 hours of total flight time. 

Really, it’s not nearly as arduous as it seems. American carriers now offer multiple direct options per day into South Africa from New York and Atlanta. And if you work with an outfitter like Ultimate Africa Safaris, you can bookend your safari with well-curated layovers in those connecting cities. 

Best Times to Go to Botswana

Weather-wise, Botswana is at its most inviting from early May through the end of September. Temperatures are more moderate during these winter months, and malaria is less prevalent. Things start to get somewhat wet come mid-October, but if birding is your thing, the rainy season is precisely when you want to arrive. The Nata Bird Sanctuary along the northeastern edge of the massive Makgadikgadi Salt Pans is the world’s largest breeding ground for Lesser and Greater Flamingo. This ancient, Switzerland-sized lakebed is a shrimp-infested food source for the birds, which pass through by the hundreds of thousands from November through March. 

Best Places to Stay  

When it comes to world-class safari camps, this part of Africa is chockablock with options. They run the gamut from rugged to ultra-luxe and are scattered across every corner of the country’s dynamic terrain. You’ll want to allot ample time to explore the Okavango Delta. This massive marshland in northern Botswana boasts a footprint of nearly 8,000 square miles and is regarded as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. From there, you can transfer by bush plane to the outskirts of the Kalahari Desert to enjoy a wholly different landscape. 

“Botswana dedicates so much space for wildlife — we are actually in the top 10 percent in the world for wildlife conservation,” said Super Sande, a native of Botswana who has been a guide in the country for 32 years. “Between the wet and dry parts of our country, the diversity of game that you see is like nowhere else. You can be surrounded by thousands of zebra and wildebeest and be the only car there. It’s so special.”

Logistically, it’s easiest to take all of these wonders in by booking an all-inclusive package with a tour operator. One such example is Natural Selection's “Botswana Explorer” package, which covers multitudes of terrain over 10 days, including an overnight on a Delta houseboat and luxe stays in private game reserves. The program starts at $8,235 per person, which includes a guide, transfers, and meals along the way. 

As for individual standouts, Jack’s Camp is king of the desert. The legendary outpost along the edge of the salt pan underwent a full rebuild in 2021, and it now boasts rooms with private plunge pools and bedside air conditioning. Its common area is the aesthetic equivalent of stepping into the late 19th century, anchored by a Persian tea tent and a full bar with a comprehensive collection of cultural artifacts. Prices at the year-round lodge range from $1,450 to $2,495 per night, depending on room size and time of year. 

In the Delta, a similar level of luxury can be found at Tuludi . The seven-room property sits on the Khwai Private Reserve — 772 square miles of floodplain awash with wildlife. Suites feature outdoor baths and plunge pools. Don’t be surprised if you’re visited in the evening hours by the local herd of elephants who enjoy feeding on foliage here once the sun has set. 

Later this year, Tawana Camp will become the newest option in the Okavango, and the only camp located within the protected Moremi Game Reserve. This exclusivity is owed to a first-of-its-kind partnership between Natural Selection and the BaTawana nation — who have stewarded the land since the late 18th century (the camp takes its name from the nation's current ruler). It will feature all the trappings of five-star living, including butler service and its own gym. The whole camp is positioned alongside a gently rolling river crowded with hippos, lions, and zebra.

What You’ll See in Botswana

Peter & Beverly Pickford Wildlife Photography/Courtesy of Natural Selection

If you stay on a riverfront camp such as Duke’s , you can head out into the water on traditional canoe-like vessels known as mokorom, and from this vantage point, you’ll spy African fish eagles and saddle-billed storks along the shore. You’ll also likely paddle past hippos, whose eyes hover menacingly just above the waterline. Back on dry land, lions prowl in outsized prides, leopards carry slain impala into the trees, and baboons scamper across the plains by the dozen. 

Elephant fans will want to book a stay at Hyena Pan , hidden among the thick mopane forests of Khwai Private Reserve. A short game drive brings you to a repurposed shipping container abutting a watering hole. This is the Elephant Hide, and it affords an intimate spectacle of the largest living land animal, which congregate just a few inches from a narrow viewing slot fashioned into the side of a steel wall. 

In the salt pan, you can marvel at colorful creatures of all shapes, sizes, and speeds. The edge of the ancient lakebed is inundated with meerkats, Cape hares, aardwolves, hyenas, and cheetahs, to name but a small cross section of species.

“I see the most interesting things here at night, especially,” Sande said. “I just recently saw two honey badgers fighting off some jackals. No two game drives are ever the same.”

A lot of a safari experience depends on good fortune, of course. But luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity, and the difference between a good guide and a great guide is careful planning, according to Kagisano Bapute, who steers guests toward unforgettable game viewing in and around Tuludi Camp. 

“You have to stay up to date with everything going on from day to day, and from season to season,” Bapute added. “You’re always checking in with a network of trackers, and you have to be working around the clock, so you’re not just going out there blindly once you have guests with you.” 

What You’ll Eat and Drink 

While staying at any high-end safari camp, you can expect robust meals that rotate regularly, often featuring staples of Western cuisine. At Tuludi, for example, elegant pasta dishes are mainstays on the menu. Sable Alley has its own pizza station. 

While it’s easy to gravitate toward the familiar — and there are certainly some great hamburgers to be enjoyed in the bush — if you’ve come all this way, do as the locals do and save room for seswaa . The flavorful beef stew is frequently served for supper along with local bread, phapatha . Vegetarians can keep an eye out for morogo , a spinach dish studded with onions and tomatoes. 

When it comes to cocktails, gin is king here, and Okavango even has its very own. The award-winning eponymous offering is distilled with local botanicals, including the mopane seed. At Sable Alley, the bar staff is working it into the Bluebird: two parts gin, one part blue curaçao, and a splash of simple syrup, garnished with a slice of lemon. 

Alternatively, book a stay at San Camp and you’ll drive into the heart of the Kalahiri for cocktail hour. A makeshift bar is set up atop the pale, crusted earth, just in time for sunset. Once it gets dark, a multi-course feast is prepared by campfire, with nary another soul in sight. For dessert, gaze up at the most dazzling star-scape you’ll ever see.

Safari in Botswana Three Ways: Vumbura Plains, Duma Tau, and Mombo Camps

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In the heart of Africa’s untamed wilderness, where nature is honored and reigns supreme, lies a trio of luxury safari camps that redefine the concept of opulent exploration. Wilderness Safaris presents an unrivaled collection of sanctuaries – Vumbura Plains , Duma Tau , and Mombo Camps – each a masterpiece in its own right, to discerning travelers for an extraordinary journey into the heart of one of the most pristine ecosystems on earth – the Okavango Delta . These camps offer not just accommodation, but immersive experiences where guests are enveloped in the sights, sounds, and sensations of the wild. From the moment you arrive, you are transported into a realm where wildlife roams freely and the rhythms of nature dictate the pace of life. Whether you seek heart-pounding encounters with Africa’s iconic wildlife, serene moments of reflection in the midst of breathtaking scenery, or simply the chance to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with the natural world, these camps promise an unforgettable journey into the heart of wilderness luxury. Come along as we continue to discuss the three best ways to Safari in Botswana.

Best Times to Visit:

June to August is definitely the best time to safari in Botswana in terms of weather conditions. The rains have stopped, the delta is flooded, and foliage is sparse which makes for the best game viewing. However keep in mind it is their winter, so temperatures can get low into the 40’s in the mornings.

The months of March, April or May are you next best bet for a great shoulder season option – it is not too hot or too cold, where as from September/October to about December/January are the hottest months by far. The rain is yet to come so there is not much in the way of cooling down from the scorching temps (that can get as high as the 100s!) other than in your plunge pool.

Our visit was is January, the rainy summertime season. You wouldn’t recognize the delta with it being so green. Animals were certainly harder to come by due to the density. It rained at some point almost every day, which we welcomed because it kept the weather a perfect temperature during what is still considered some of their hottest months – it is summer after all. Water was low, so we made sure to stay at camps where water activities were still available year-round. There were very few people at the camps since it is considered low-season. If you are looking for a tranquil time to go, and lower pricing, this time of year could be perfect for your safari in Botswana!

The best time to visit Botswana in terms of optimal wildlife viewing experiences also varies depending on the season. From May to October, Botswana’s dry winter season offers excellent game viewing opportunities as animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot in the sparse vegetation. This period is particularly renowned for the spectacle of large herds of elephants, buffalo, and antelope gathering around permanent water sources like the Okavango Delta and Chobe River.

Additionally, the dry season is ideal for predator sightings as they concentrate around waterholes, increasing the chances of witnessing thrilling predator-prey interactions. However, if witnessing the spectacle of the zebra and wildebeest migration is your priority, visiting during the wet summer months of November to April is recommended, especially in the Kalahari and Makgadikgadi Pans regions. Despite the seasonal rains making road conditions more challenging, this time offers the opportunity to witness the annual migration, as well as the flourishing birdlife that accompanies the wet season. Therefore, the best time to visit Botswana for unparalleled wildlife encounters depends on whether you prioritize specific animal sightings or are open to experiencing the diverse rhythms of nature throughout the year.

Photo’s Courtesy of Vumbura Plains

Vumbura Plains: Where Delta Beauty Meets Luxury Comfort

Vumbura Plains Camp is a testament to the seamless integration of lavish living and untamed nature. With its contemporary design and minimalist elegance, this camp offers classic comforts while preserving the delicate ecosystem that surrounds it. There is a rule on construction here – anything that stands can’t be a permanent structure (meaning yes, you could take it all apart giving new meaning to “leave no trace”! Many camps have moved locations in this way as a matter of fact).

Facing east you’ll wake up to glorious sunrises and a symphony of bird calls, as you set out on exclusive water and land-based safaris, encountering the Delta’s diverse wildlife up close. These moments and room requests are something to consider when planning any luxurious African safari. 

Special Activities at Vumbura Plains:

•   Mokoro Excursions: Glide silently through the waterways on a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) and witness the Delta’s aquatic wonders. This activity was one of our favorites during our safari in Botswana.
• Night Drives: Experience the magic of nocturnal safaris, spotting elusive creatures under the moonlit African sky.

One of the most unique features of Vumbura Plains is that this camp is leased on the land of five local tribes – most of whom work at the lodge! This provides an unparalleled authenticity. You truly feel like you’re staying among family and friends because you are!

Photo’s Courtesy of Duma Tau

Duma Tau: A Wilderness Oasis on the Linyanti River

Flying north a short 30 minutes, you depart the Delta, and are now on the banks of the Linyanti River near the Namibian border for another unique take on northern Botswana.

Duma Tau is a contemporary safari camp at its finest with clean lines and design inspiration of the life-sustaining waterliles that abound. Tented suites exude understated elegance, providing a front-row seat to the drama unfolding on the riverbanks such as fantastic elephant crossings. Explore the diverse landscapes on both water and land safaris at this privileged lagoon-side location, immersing yourself in the untamed beauty of the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve.

In terms of wildlife viewing, visiting Duma Tau during the dry season from May to October offers prime opportunities to witness the annual migration of elephants along the Linyanti River, as well as sightings of predators such as lions and leopards attracted to the concentration of prey near water sources. Moreover, bird enthusiasts will delight in the prolific birdlife that thrives in the riverine habitat, including colorful kingfishers and majestic fish eagles. Whether embarking on a sunset boat cruise or venturing out on a guided game drive, Duma Tau ensures unforgettable encounters with Botswana’s mesmerizing wildlife against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes.

Activities at Duma Tau:

Activities at Duma Tau extend beyond traditional game drives, offering guests immersive experiences that showcase the diverse ecosystems of the Linyanti region.

• Bush Walks: Embark on thrilling bush walks, connecting with nature on an intimate level under the expert guidance of seasoned guides.
• Boat Safaris and Barge Dining: When staying at this camp every effort is made to have your group experience dining on their fantastic barge – whether for lunch, tea, or dinner, and you can also opt to zip around by speedboat catching glimpses of hippos and learning about the local ecosystem, as an alternative to a game drive.

One of our favorite things about Duma Tau and many of the Wilderness camps, was the fact that dining is so plant-forward. American guests are the number one visitors for many of Botswana’s camps, so dishes cater to those who value nutrition. Expect meals topped with micro-greens and a variety of veggie inclusions. That’s not to say there aren’t plenty of meat options though. One of Botswana’s top exports is beef, so be sure to indulge while on your safari in Botswana.

Photo’s Courtesy of Mombo Camp

Mombo Camp: The Predator Capital of the World

Perched on the northern tip of Chief’s Island where the Okavango Delta begins to split into it’s channels, Mombo Camp is renowned as the “Place of Plenty” and is arguably one of the best year-round game-viewing destinations in Botswana due to it’s prime location. We can certainly attest to that, having happened upon three leopards, and a pride of 13 lions in what is considered the most difficult season for game viewing. You will not be disappointed at these flagship camps while on your safari in Botswana.

Activities at Mombo Camp:

• Big Cat Safaris: Witness the mesmerizing presence of lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as Mombo Camp boasts some of the highest densities of these predators.
• Bird Watching: Explore the rich avian diversity of the area, with over 400 species of birds to be spotted, including vibrant kingfishers and majestic eagles.

Our favorite part of staying at Mombo – other than all the incredible game we saw – was indulging in the lavish suites. In short, it was very Indiana Jones if Harrison Ford had ever gone on Safari. The decadent burnt caramel hues of wood, walls of Venetian blinds, and a classic leather sofa are reminiscent of the safari experience you expect to have, and provide an unforgettable setting on your wilderness adventure. With an abundance of animals in view from your suite, it was extra special to watch the elephants from our plunge pool.

There are numerous ways to experience the unrivaled Okavango Delta, and our trip with Wilderness Safaris to their Vumbura Plains, Duma Tau, and Mombo Camps was nothing short of bucket list. No matter what you desire to see and where you ultimately choose to stay, the BTA team is here to help discern the best camps no matter the season, budget, or request. Immerse yourself in the heart of Africa’s wilderness and let the extraordinary people, animals and luxury of the camps be the backdrop of your safari adventure . When should we expect to start booking your safari to Botswana? We’re ready when you are. We recommend booking a safari at least a year in advance!

For more about BTA Advisor Jackie Kotsovos’s journey through Africa check out her previous blog!

Boutique Travel Advisors is a full-service,  luxury travel agency . We specialize in creating  bespoke itineraries  for discerning clients around the world. Please visit our  website  or call 480-787-1477 to speak with a dedicated travel expert. 

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About the Author: Jackie Kotsovos

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The Ultimate African Safari Packing List, For Botswana And Beyond

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For nature and wildlife lovers, there are few adventures more spellbinding than an African safari. From tracking lions as they stalk prey through grassy plains to watching graceful kudu sashay across rivers, it’s an epic outdoor experience. Since warm days on safari can turn into cooler nights—not to mention the sweltering sun, wind, dust and pesky insects that come up in between—it’s important to carefully plan your African safari packing list to prepare for it all.

Knowing how to put together a failsafe African safari packing list for your trip is essential.

As a journalist who has embarked on multiple safaris, including a trek through the Okavango Delta in Botswana most recently, I’ve learned firsthand the importance of having the right packing list for safari destinations across the continent. You’ll want to bring versatile items that are comfortable and protect you from the elements. Durable yet lightweight activewear and a sturdy pair of hiking boots are key for daytime excursions; you’ll also need lighter tennis shoes or sandals for the evenings in addition to key gear like a headlamp . Most importantly, be aware that many bush flights between tour destinations only allow for softside luggage that meets specific size and weight limits once packed—so depending on where you’re going, you may need to leave that hardshell suitcase at home.

Ahead, here’s what to prioritize on your African safari packing list so you can make the most of those morning game drives and active bush walks.

The 5 Best Faucet Water Filters That Provide Better-Tasting H2O

The 15 best deals in rei’s sale section right now, african safari packing list, at a glance :.

Best Luggage To Bring: Pacsafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack , Monos Metro Weekender , Fjällräven 23L Daypack

Best Clothing To Wear: Outdoor Research Women’s Astroman Long Sleeve Sun Shirt , Patagonia Happy Hike Studio Pant , Oboz Men’s Sawtooth X Low Waterproof Hiking Shoes

Best Accessories To Carry: Fjällräven Abisko Sun Hat , Thinksport ClearZinc SPF 50 Sunscreen , Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent

Best Gear To Use: Sony Alpha 7 III , Nikon Monarch M5 Binoculars , Black Diamond Spot 400 Head Lamp

Best Luggage To Bring

Most bush flights in Botswana and other parts of southern Africa are restricted to soft-sided, carry-on luggage, with a total permissible weight of 44 pounds per person and the maximum size of an individual bag being 11.8 x 13.8 x 27.5 inches. East African bush flights share similar maximum dimensions for a single bag but typically have a lower total weight allowance, topping out at 33 pounds. Be sure to check with your tour operator about specific size restrictions, as exact regulations can vary, but these measurements are a good rule of thumb.

Yes, packing for a safari with only a carry-on and a daypack may seem daunting, but when you’re methodical about what you bring (more on non-negotiable essentials below), it’s easier than you think.

Best Carry-On Bag

Water-repellant with anti-theft technology, pacsafe exp45 anti-theft carry-on travel pack.

This Pacsafe backpack has served me well on numerous safaris and adventure-focused trips that require softside luggage. It meets bush flight requirements and is also designed with water-repellent fabric and anti-theft technology—it’s seen sun, rain, dust and sweat and can handle it all. Ergonomically designed, the backpack straps are soft and comfortable, and it can also be carried like a suitcase with its side handle. Outer and inner pockets keep everything organized and it’s deceptively roomy.

Best Duffel

Roomy and organized while still meeting size requirements, monos metro weekender.

For a more sleek, elevated style, I opt for the Monos Metro Weekender. Made of water- and scratch-resistant vegan leather, I’ve used this bag on multiple trips and have noticed it wears beautifully with time. Its outer and inner compartments keep everything organized and it even has a slip pocket for shoes. This bag also comes in a durable nylon fabric that can really handle heavy use.

Best Daypack

Fits all of the essentials for active days, fjällräven 23l daypack.

While on safari, you’re often away from camp for long periods on game drives, bush walks and cultural excursions. Bush flight luggage restrictions allow you to bring one bag outside of your main carry-on. A daypack ensures all your must-haves, including water bottle, sunscreen, extra layers and camera, are always within reach. This 23-liter pack from Fjällräven is an ideal size that fits all the essentials and comes in a range of colors. It’s made with durable, waterproof fabric and has an interior laptop sleeve and zipper pockets, as well as stretchy exterior pockets that fit most water bottles. It won’t look out of place in a city either, making it versatile.

Best Camera Bag

Protection for your dslr that doubles as a daypack, shimoda v2 25l backpack.

If you love photography, you’ll likely pack a professional camera to capture the astonishing array of wildlife you’ll spot on safari, and may want to opt for a daypack that doubles as a camera bag. The Shimoda V2 25L Backpack is a favorite among photojournalists. Water-resistant fabric, lockable zippers and a hidden passport pocket make it a great travel bag, and the Core Unit Modular Camera Insert System—sold separately or as part of the above set—provides shockproof protection for cameras and lenses. The side pockets can also store a tripod and water bottle.

Best Compact Bag

Ideal for evening essentials, monos metro mini crossbody.

If there’s room in your carry-on or daypack for a small sling or crossbody bag, it’s nice to have one at camp so that you can stay hands-free without lugging your bigger daypack to the dinner table. Stuff evening essentials like your phone, hand sanitizer, bug spray and even a small headlamp into this Metro Mini Crossbody and you’re good to go.

Best Clothing To Wear

Packing five days’ worth of clothing is more than enough for your safari, especially when considering the luggage restrictions on bush flights. Many camps offer laundry service, and even for those that don’t, only the elephants are around to judge your outfit repeats. Loose, long shirts and pants in light, neutral colors—bright colors will make you conspicuous to wildlife—are the best option for beating the heat and staving off insects like mosquitoes. Linen is a good go-to for any downtime (paired with a shell or fleece when the temperature drops) and durable yet lightweight activewear is key during daytime excursions.

“When it comes to the right clothing for a safari, the best advice I can give is simple: [focus on] layers , ” says Richard Avilino, a private guide with luxury safari outfitter Wilderness , who offers many safaris throughout Botswana. “They [keep you] comfortable and well-prepared for the extremes in temperature.” Pack the essentials below, along with a couple of breathable, long- and short-sleeve t-shirts.

Best UPF Shirt For Women

Made to shield you from the sun.

Outdoor Research

Outdoor Research Women’s Astroman Long Sleeve Sun Shirt

The sub-Saharan African sun can be brutal, and while you’ll want to make sure your face and hands are slathered with sunscreen, a long-sleeve UPF shirt will save you from constantly reapplying while giving you light wind protection. These button-up options from Outdoor Research are designed for maximum airflow, breathability and mobility while offering UPF 30 to 50+ sun protection. As opposed to pullovers, a button-up can be loosened and unbuttoned to help you regulate your temperature throughout the day.

Best UPF Shirt For Men

Feels light and cool while protecting from the sun, outdoor research men’s astroman long sleeve sun shirt.

Outdoor Research makes this shirt in both women’s and men’s sizes. In addition it’s sun-protecting qualities, this style is quick-drying; so whether you’re breaking a sweat on a bush walk or doing a quick clothing wash in the evening, you’ll never have to worry about lugging around soggy shirts.

Best Pants For Women

Lightweight but great for rigorous activity, patagonia happy hike studio pant.

While some safari-goers are comfortable in shorts, a lightweight, technical pant means one less layer of sunscreen and bug spray. Pants also add comfort on long game drives and are better suited for bush walks when branches can scratch your legs. Patagonia’s Happy Hike Studio Pant are streamlined, soft, stretchy and sweat wicking. While lightweight, they also stand up to longer day hikes and more rigorous outdoor activity—and are great for when temperatures fall in the evening, too.

Best Pants For Men

Durable and water-repellant, lululemon license to train jogger.

A comparable pant for men is the License to Train Jogger from Lululemon. They’re lightweight, durable and stretchy, plus they’re water-repellent, making them perfect for all manner of adventures.

Best Fleece Jacket For Women

Made to keep you warm on night walks, arc’teryx women's covert cardigan.

Even though you can expect heat throughout the day, safari excursions often start early or go late. You can expect to go on sunrise game drives and night walks where you’ll spot some of the wilderness’s nocturnal creatures like leopards—all of which means cooler temps. Pack a lightweight yet warm fleece to make the most of these moments. The women’s Covert Cardigan by Arc’teryx is warm, soft and breathable, and comes in a variety of light-hued, safari-friendly colors.

Best Fleece Jacket For Men

A warm and lightweight great for layering, patagonia men’s micro d fleece jacket.

Patagonia’s most lightweight fleece jacket offers comfort and softness and will keep you warm while still easily rolling up into your carry-on. Its front zipper makes it easy to pop on and off for layering, and it comes with a front pocket that you can use to hold hand sanitizer, sunscreen and more.

Best Walking Shoes For Men

Sturdy with a strong grip, oboz men’s sawtooth x low waterproof hiking shoes.

While a pair of sandals or tennis shoes is a nice-to-have for evenings at camp, a sturdy walking shoe is what you’ll be reaching for every morning. Choose a style with decent arch support and grip on the sole that can handle some dirt. These ankle hiking shoes by Oboz are both durable and comfortable, meaning you can go on adventurous treks all day long without having to worry about them holding up.

Best Walking Shoes For Women

Waterproof and made for long treks, oboz women’s sawtooth x low waterproof hiking shoes.

The women’s version of this shoe is also lightweight and breathable while still offering some water protection, so they’ll have you covered while you’re motoring down the Delta’s plains in a boat.

Best Camp Shoes For Men

Light and supportive, birkenstock men’s mogami terra sandals.

After spending the day in hiking shoes, you’ll want to swap them out in the evenings for something lighter. Tennis shoes or a pair of supportive sandals are your best bet. These classic, dual-purpose Birkenstock sandals in an easy-to-clean, waterproof material are perfect for going to dinner, or for staying poolside in the heat of the afternoon.

Best Camp Shoes For Women

A reprieve for your feet after an active day, birkenstock women’s mogami terra sandals.

One great thing about Birkenstocks are they look good on everyone. The women’s version of the Mogami Terra sandals provide the comfort and support the brand is known for, and are appropriate for both daytime and evening activities.

Best Accessories To Carry

Comfort on safari is all in the details: The best sun and wind protection often comes in the form of small accessories like hats and buffs that you can keep on hand in your daypack. So while packing space is certainly tight, it’s worth it throw these in—you never know when you might need them.

A Breathable Option That Will Keep Its Shape

Fjällräven abisko sun hat.

A wide-brim hat that keeps the sun off your face and neck is a smart packing move. The unisex Fjällräven Abisko Sun Hat is a great choice for warm-weather destinations: It’s lightweight, breathable and won’t get bent out of shape no matter which way you stuff it in your daypack. Plus, it comes in an array of neutral colors.

Best Sunglasses

Stylish and understated, ray-ban round metal sunglasses.

You can’t go wrong with a pair of classic Ray-Ban aviator or round metal sunglasses. They’re comfortable and have an understated look that’s perfect for game drives and sundowners (or bush happy hour) alike. Opt for a polarized version for a safari trip to reduce glare on boat and canoe rides, as well as river crossings.

Offers Built-In Cooling Technology And An Insect Shield

Buff coolnet uv neck gaiter.

Game drives can be windy and dusty, so a buff or neck gaiter is nice to have within reach, and they roll up to almost nothing in your carry-on. This CoolNet UV neck gaiter by Buff is made for warmer weather, integrating UPF 50 sun protection, cooling technology and a built-in insect shield. Wear it around your neck and quickly pull it up over your nose when the wind picks up. You can also use it as a headband to wick sweat and keep hair out of the way while your Land Cruiser careens down dirt trails and across rivers.

Best Sunscreen

Sweat-resistant and non-greasy, thinksport clearzinc spf 50 sunscreen.

Thinksport sunscreen has a great reputation among outdoor enthusiasts, and this Clear Zinc SPF 50 is my go-to. It’s sweat and water-resistant, free of harmful chemicals, non-greasy and has a significantly less white look than other zinc-based brands. It also boasts a long lasting, 80-minute wear time and it’s reef-friendly, in case you’re planning on extending your stay and visiting coastal countries on the continent. There’s a face version , too.

Best Bug Spray

Sure to keep pesky insects away, sawyer picaridin insect repellent.

Insects are a reality in most African countries. Although your doctor may recommend you take an anti-malaria medication before your trip, depending on which region you’re traveling to, your first line of defense is a good bug spray. Choose a formula made with Picaridin, also known as Icaridin, an effective alternative to DEET that won’t damage your clothing and gear (I’m a mosquito magnet and Icaridin does the trick). Do a light spray on skin under clothing and pay special attention to exposed areas like ankles, hands and ears.

Best Gear To Use

For many travelers, an African safari is a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Make sure you don’t miss a thing by packing a decent pair of binoculars and a camera that yields print-quality photos so that you can relive spectacular wildlife encounters and other memorable moments from the African wilderness. Here’s what else you need:

Best Camera

Lightweight and professional-quality.

Sony Electronics

Sony Alpha 7 III

Considering the packing restrictions on safari, a lightweight and compact mirrorless camera is your best bet. The Sony Alpha 7 III delivers professional-quality photos and videos with fast continuous and silent shooting—perfect for capturing wildlife on the move, even if you’re new to the technology and shooting on auto. Although the kit lens is great for everyday shooting, upgrade to at least a 70-300mm zoom lens to capture wildlife. Don’t forget to pack a universal adapter to keep your battery charged.

Best Binoculars

Bright and clear views, even in low light, nikon monarch m5 binoculars.

Chances are your guide will have a pair of binoculars on hand during game drives and other excursions, but you’ll often have to wait your turn if you’re traveling with a group. And while you’re almost guaranteed animal encounters during a safari in southern or East Africa, binoculars are handy for getting an even closer look at the jewel-tone colors of the country’s prolific birdlife or zeroing in on a high-octane chase. The lightweight, compact and waterproof Nikon Monarch M5 delivers eight times magnification power for bright, clear views, even in low light.

Best Headlamp

A versatile accessory for visibility.

Black Diamond

Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp

A headlamp is a great little piece of gear to take on safari, whether you want to make sure that the throaty bellow of hippos in the middle of the night is indeed coming from outside your tent—or simply to make your way to dinner in the evenings with a bit more visibility. Black Diamond is a tried-and-true brand and the Spot 400 is one of the most versatile options on the market, with a lightweight, ergonomic design.

Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Helps keep loud noises at bay, sony wf-1000xm5 noise cancelling headphones.

Part of the fun of a safari is hopping between camps on a puddle jumper, or small bush plane. What safari newbies might not be aware of is how loud those little planes can be, which makes a pair of noise-cancelling headphones a non-negotiable for me. A pair of AirPods can do the trick, but for the best noise-cancelling technology on the market, I like the Sony WF-1000XM5.

Best Water Bottle

Purifies water with the touch of a button, monos kiyu uvc water bottle.

Your safari camp may supply a reusable water bottle, but unless you live on the continent, your journey from home to said camp will likely be long. You can stay hydrated and avoid single-use plastic on the multi-leg sojourn by toting your own water bottle with a built-in filter. The sleek, stainless-steel Monos Kiyo UVC Water Bottle holds half a liter and serves up clean drinking water—a good option in many African destinations. The touch of a button activates UVC technology that purifies your water, eliminating up to 99.99% of bacteria.

How We Chose Items For An African Safari Packing List

Given the seemingly infinite amount of clothing, gear and accessories out there, it helps to have an expert on hand to pinpoint the true essentials for an African safari.

I’m a Vancouver-based freelance writer who has gone on safari in numerous African countries, including Botswana, Rwanda and Kenya. In particular, my recent travels through Botswana, from the Okavango Delta to the northern Linyanti region, helped me master the art of safari packing. Beyond Africa, I have extensive adventure travel experience across the globe, from trekking through the wilds of Patagonia and India to braving the Australian outback and Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest. I’ve learned through experience what to pack for a variety of different climates, natural elements and adrenaline-pumping activities.

I researched the items for this African safari packing list extensively and tested many of the items myself on recent safaris. I also pulled from decades of firsthand experience as an adventure traveler to find the best recommendations for your next safari.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

From meticulously testing and reviewing the best ski gear to narrowing down the best hiking boots for your trekking adventures, Forbes Vetted editors have dedicated themselves to helping you pack wisely for whatever trip you book. When putting together this African safari packing list, we applied the same unyielding commitment to ensure that our readers will enjoy game drives and bush walks stress-free.

We examined each contender on this list, closely considering the materials and construction, and testing them out on multiple safaris. To make the cut for this African safari packing list, products need to provide both comfort for active days as well as protection from the elements.

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