Affordable Botswana Safaris: My Bargain Wildlife Trip Review

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Me, the author, standing on the front veranda of my safari tent, on an affordable Botswana safari with Bush Ways — Budget doesn’t have to mean basic: my comfy safari tent at Sango Camp in Khwai River

I spent five nights on an affordable Botswana safari as a guest of Bush Ways in exchange for some blog posts and social media. I was not told what to write and I don’t accept hosting in exchange for positive reviews. What follows is my personal experience and my honestly held opinion.

All prices are correct at the time of writing though may have changed by the time you read this. This post may contain affiliate links.

When you hear the name Botswana, do you think of exclusive safari lodges with private plunge pools and eye-watering price tags?

You don’t need to.

While it’s true that Botswana has plenty of luxury to offer to deep-pocketed travellers, there are more affordable Botswana safaris too.

You don’t need a trust fund to track lions in the Okavango Delta or watch elephants at sunset in Chobe National Park.

With a little planning, forgoing a few luxuries, and the right operator, you can experience one of Africa’s greatest wildlife destinations without torching your savings.

From camping safaris to no-frills lodge stays, here’s how you can explore Botswana on a budget.

Affordable safari in Botswana Pinterest Pin — Save this affordable Botswana safaris pin for later

About my budget Botswana safari

I spent five nights on a Botswana safari hosted by budget company Bush Ways.

My stay consisted of two nights at Sango Camp near Khwai River on the edge of the Okavango Delta, and three nights at Deception Valley Lodge in the Kalahari Desert. I also visited two more of their lodges – Khwai Guest House and Dune Camp – to see what the different budget lodge options look like.

You might notice a lot of greenery in my photos! That’s because I travelled during the rainy (or green) season – an often-overlooked but magical (and cheaper!) time to visit.

Yes it was wet and often overcast, but the seasonal rains transformed the landscape into vivid green, bursting with flowers, while fewer tourists meant I had every sighting to myself.

With expert guides leading the way, I experienced thrilling encounters with elephants, lions, and even had my first ever sighting of elusive painted dogs. It really didn’t feel like a budget safari at all.

Me, the writer, wearing a green dress and sitting on the front veranda of my chalet at Deception Valley Lodge, on a budget Botswana safari with Bush Ways — Enjoying affordable safari luxury at Deception Valley Lodge in Botswana

Is Botswana expensive?

Short answer: yes. Longer answer: it doesn’t have to be THAT bad.

Unlike some more accessible African countries like Kenya and Tanzania, Botswana follows a high-cost, low-numbers, low-impact tourism model. That means fewer crowds but steeper prices.

Lodges charge hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars, per person per night, and even budget-friendly options aren’t what you might call ‘cheap’.

But with careful choices – like travelling overland, camping, or opting for group tours – you can still experience Botswana’s legendary landscapes and wildlife without needing to remortgage your house.

Two young lions, sitting under a bush in the rain, photographed on a budget Safari in Botswana — Botswana is home to incredible wildlife like these lions

Need help booking your dream Botswana safari?

Parks, lodges, prices, operators… it’s easy to get overwhelmed before you’ve even started.

That’s where I come in.

Using my first-hand experience and trusted contacts in Botswana and beyond, I’ll help you cut through the confusion and find the right trip for you – at no cost.

Get free Botswana safari advice here

Here’s how it works:

You fill in my safari enquiry form.
I review your plans and answer your questions.
Then I pass your enquiry to up to three of my trusted, handpicked safari partners.
They contact you directly to provide a free, no-obligation quote.

Get the ball rolling on your dream safari here!

Save time, avoid stress and confusion AND get a great deal by having an expert do the work for you!

Why are Botswana safaris so expensive?

Here are some reasons why Botswana is an expensive country for safari:

Botswana limits visitor numbers to protect its pristine wilderness. This means fewer lodges and camps, driving up demand and prices.
Accommodation is a major factor. Many lodges are in remote locations, accessible only by charter flights or long drives.
These lodges must operate self-sufficiently, relying on solar power, purified water, and costly logistics to import food and supplies.
The exclusivity and luxury of these lodges also contribute to high prices, with many offering private pools and fine dining.
Park fees and conservation levies are another expense. Areas such as the Okavango Delta are divided up into small private concessions where there’s a limited number of lodges allowed, making them exclusive but also more expensive.

My room at Wilderness Mombo Camp in Botswana with beautiful decor and a huge comfy bed — Camps such as Wilderness Mombo offer stunning luxury, but at a price

Is there such a thing as a cheap Botswana safari?

Cheap? No. Affordable? Absolutely.

The word ‘affordable’ is obviously relative, and while you won’t find backpacker-style hostels or huge tour buses in Botswana, there are ways to cut costs:

Overland driving safaris provide an all-inclusive experience at a much lower price than taking internal flights.
Camping safaris eliminate the need for expensive accommodation.
Budget lodges offer comfort at a fraction of the cost of luxury camps.

If you’re willing to swap chandeliers for canvas and champagne for cava, Botswana’s wonders can be within reach.

My room at Sango camp in Khwai River, less luxurious than the one above, but still spacious and comfortable — My room at budget option Sango Camp was smaller and simpler but still very comfortable

Want to see more of my photography or travel writing? Have comments or questions? Come follow me on Instagram, Threads or Bluesky and share your thoughts!

Affordable Botswana safaris with Bush Ways

As I mentioned at the start, I did my budget Botswana safari with a company called Bush Ways.

Bush Ways was founded in 1996, so they have nearly 30 years’ experience running affordable Botswana safaris.

They specialise in small-group adventures and budget yet comfortable accommodation, offering everything from wild camping trips to mid-range lodge safaris.

3 African painted dogs, running past a safari vehicle in Botswana — I saw my first ever painted dogs while on a budget Botswana safari with Bush Ways

What types of budget safari do Bush Ways do?

Adventure camping

If you’re after an exciting safari experience that brings you as close to the wildlife as possible, a small-group adventure camping safari is the way to go.

On an adventure camping safari you’ll travel with up to 12 guests in a 4×4 vehicle, on tours lasting from six to 16 days.

You’ll stay in mobile campsites, sleeping in basic tents, and you’ll need to get stuck in, carrying your own luggage, pitching your own tent, and helping with some light camp duties.

Meals are prepared over a campfire, and bathroom facilities are rustic but functional. But you’ll always have the security of an experienced guide, and you’ll get to experience Botswana in its rawest form, at a fraction of the cost of a luxury lodge.

The real luxury here is the proximity to wildlife, the incredible starlit skies, and the camaraderie of bonding with your fellow travellers on a real back-to-nature wilderness adventure.

A lioness, looking to the left of camera in the rain, photographed on a budget safari in Botswana — Lioness in the rain, Botswana

Premium camping

For those who want to camp but with a few extra creature comforts, Bush Ways’ premium camping safaris, lasting six or eight nights, offer a happy medium.

You’ll still sleep in mobile campsites out in the bush, but you get larger, walk-in tents with camp beds, and you won’t have to set anything up yourself. While they use the same cars, the group size is smaller, so everyone gets more space.

These safaris include a dedicated support crew, meaning you can focus entirely on enjoying the experience while all the hard work is done for you!

It’s the perfect option for travellers who want the adventure of camping but with a little extra comfort.

Two young hyenas, very close to the car, looking up at the photographer — Animals like these curious hyenas might come and inspect your vehicle

Lodge-to-lodge group tours

If you don’t fancy sleeping under canvas but still want to join a group tour, Bush Ways’ 10-night lodge-to-lodge trip, with a maximum of 12 guests, is a great option.

This itinerary takes you through Botswana’s best wildlife destinations, from Chobe National Park to Moremi Game Reserve, staying at a selection of comfortable but budget-friendly lodges and travelling by road (so no pricey airfares).

You’ll get your own en-suite room, proper beds, delicious restaurant-quality meals and sometimes even a pool.

While not as high-end as Botswana’s luxury lodges, these still offer fantastic locations, great hospitality, and excellent access to wildlife. It’s an affordable way to enjoy a classic safari experience without the eye-watering price tag.

The comfortable seating area in my chalet at Deception Valley Lodge in Botswana's Kalahari Desert — Deception Valley Lodge is a great place to stay on a budget Botswana safari – and it’s beautiful!

Private safaris

Want to stay a bit longer or don’t want to travel with a group?

Bush Ways also offer private safaris that allow you to customise your itinerary to fit your budget and preferences.

You’ll have your own private guide and vehicle, giving you complete control over your game drives, activities, and pace of travel.

But you’ll still be staying in Bush Ways’ budget lodges, making this a more affordable safari option than staying with Botswana’s more high-end operators.

It’s an excellent option for families, groups of friends, or couples who want a personalised safari experience without breaking the bank.

Guides and guests sit round the dinner table at Deception Valley Valley Lodge in Botswana — Staff and guests enjoy brunch at Deception Valley Lodge – which definitely feels luxurious

Bush Ways lodges

Bush Ways owns and/or represents a collection of seven lodges that provide an excellent base for exploring Botswana’s wilderness.

These lodges offer a balance between comfort and affordability, ensuring that travellers can experience incredible animals and excellent service, but without any unnecessary frills that cost more.

Some of them are a bit off-the-beaten track or just outside the prime tourism hotspots, allowing for easy access to wildlife while keeping costs down.

Here are the four I visited during my recent affordable Botswana safari (there are also three more that I haven’t included here as I didn’t personally visit them):

The family suite at Deception Valley Lodge in Botswana, complete with its own private pool — The family suite at Deception Valley Lodge does have a private plunge pool

Sango Camp

Located in the Khwai Concession, just outside the spectacular Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta, Sango Camp offers a fantastic blend of comfort and authenticity.

The camp features just six spacious safari tents built on raised platforms, with comfortable bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms, outdoor showers, and private decks overlooking floodplains where you’ll regularly see hippos, elephants and masses of bird life.

It also has a relaxing lounge area, a dining area where meals are served family style, and a small pool with sun loungers. I found the service to be friendly and warm and our guide Paco was lovely and extremely knowledgeable.

3 African painted dogs, passing in front of Sango camp in Botswana — Sango camp was welcoming and comfortable without breaking the bank

Me, the author, wearing a blue dress, sitting on my bed at Sango camp in Botswana — Sango camp was welcoming and comfortable without breaking the bank

The Khwai area is blessed with abundant wildlife, including lions and leopards, and I even saw my first ever painted dogs just in front of the camp!

Being close to two rivers means Sango can also offer safaris in a traditional mokoro canoe, an incredibly peaceful way to enjoy the Okavango Delta’s legendary waterways.

Prices at Sango Camp start from just $300 per person per night in low season including meals and drinks but not activities, or $410 per person per night including transfers and activities as well.

A traditional mokoro canoe, driven by a guide with a long pole, floats between reeds on a waterway in Botswana — At Sango camp you can do a traditional mokoro ride

Khwai Guest House

For those seeking an even more budget-friendly stay in the Khwai region, Khwai Guest House is an ideal choice.

This charming guest house offers 10 comfortable en-suite rooms, plus a comfortable lounge area and pool.

Unlike tented safari camps, Khwai Guest House rooms are in solid cabins and the property is fenced for maximum security.

Khwai Guest House offers budget rates that don’t include drinks or activities, perfect for self-drivers or anyone who wants more control over their spending.

These rates start from just $160 pppn, or if you want drinks and activities included it costs from $320 pppn.

A comfortable twin room at Khwai guesthouse in Botswana — Bedroom and lounge at Khwai Guest House

The lounge area at Khwai Guest House in Botswana — Bedroom and lounge at Khwai Guest House

Deception Valley Lodge

Set far off the usual tourist trail in the vast expanse of the Central Kalahari, Deception Valley Lodge offers a very private safari experience.

The landscape here is strikingly different from the lush wetlands of the Okavango, with rolling red dunes, scattered acacia trees, and unique desert wildlife such as brown hyenas, cheetahs, and oryx.

In the dry season, animals congregate around the waterhole in front of the lodge, making them easy to spot.

My spacious cabin at Deception Valley Lodge in Botswana — Outside and inside my room at Deception Valley Lodge

Inside my beautiful room at Deception Valley Lodge in Botswana — Outside and inside my room at Deception Valley Lodge

But if you visit in the rainy season as I did, you’ll witness the bizarre and beautiful spectacle of a semi-arid desert bursting with vivid greenery.

The lodge offers 10 beautiful luxury chalets with private decks and en-suite bathrooms, all designed with an opulent African safari feel. There’s a pool, a stylish lounge, a spa and a gym, and the food is amazing – making this possibly the best value ‘budget’ safari lodge in the whole of Botswana.

One of the highlights of staying at Deception Valley Lodge is the opportunity to take part in guided walks with San Bushmen, learning about their ancient survival techniques and intimate knowledge of the land.

Rates here are from $525 pppn fully-inclusive, which is an absolute bargain for the luxury on offer here.

Descendants of the San Bush people demonstrate traditional fire making methods and costumes on a budget safari in Botswana — An immersive demonstration of traditional practices by San Bush people

Dune camp

Also in the Deception Valley Private Reserve in the Kalahari, Dune Camp offers another wonderful yet budget off-the-grid safari experience.

Rooms at Dune Camp are in solid buildings, but are still spacious and beautifully-decorated.

The camp itself sits on top of a hill with 360-degree views of the landscape where lions and elephants roam. On clear nights this remote location also makes it excellent for star-gazing.

Dune camp costs from $306 per person per night fully-inclusive, which again, is a total bargain.

A comfortable bedroom at Dune camp in the Kalahari desert in Botswana — Bedroom and part of the lounge area at Dune Camp in the Kalahari

Part of the lounge area at Dune camp in the Kalahari desert, Botswana — Bedroom and part of the lounge area at Dune Camp in the Kalahari

Other Bush Ways lodges

Bush Ways also have three more lodges: Chobe Elephant Camp in Chobe National Park, Pioneers Lodge at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, and Boteti River Camp near Makgadikgadi National Park.

While I haven’t personally visited these lodges, I have been to all three areas and I can confirm that they are definitely worth a visit, so do consider those as well when planning your safari in Botswana.

Find out more about Bush Ways lodges here.

Affordable Botswana Safaris: My Bargain Wildlife Trip Review — The Boteti River is on the path of the zebra migration, so definitely worth a visit

What wildlife can you see on a Botswana budget safari?

Botswana’s national parks and reserves are teeming with animals, and you don’t need to stay at a luxury lodge to see them. Once you drive out of the gates, you’ll see the same wildlife no matter how luxurious your accommodation!

You may encounter vast herds of elephants in Chobe, prides of lions in Moremi, and leopards draped over tree branches in Khwai.

Cheetahs roam the open plains of the Kalahari, while packs of endangered African painted dogs can be seen in the Okavango Delta (which is where I saw them – twice!

Birdwatchers will also be in heaven, with over 500 species recorded, including fish eagles, lilac-breasted rollers, and saddle-billed storks.

Two waterbuck, seated on the ground. Photographed by me on an affordable Botswana safari with Bush Ways Safaris. — Some of the wildlife I saw during green season on my affordable Botswana safari with Bush Ways

Close up of an African painted dog, looking directly to camera. Photographed by me on an affordable Botswana safari with Bush Ways Safaris. — Some of the wildlife I saw during green season on my affordable Botswana safari with Bush Ways

Food on a budget Botswana safari

Dining on a budget safari is far from basic.

On camping safaris, expect freshly prepared dishes cooked over an open fire – think pasta, hearty stews, and homemade bread.

Lodge-based safaris offer three-course meals with a mix of local and international cuisine, including fresh salads, roasts, and fruity or creamy desserts, as well as indulgent afternoon teas.

Vegetarians and other dietary requirements can be catered for.

While you won’t get Michelin-starred dining, the food is plentiful, fresh and tasty, ensuring that you’re well-fuelled for long days of game viewing.

Afternoon tea of mini pasties and banana cake at Deception Valley Lodge in Botswana — Even on a budget safari you still get fed extremely well

A healthy lunch of quiche, salads, and freshly baked bread at Sango camp in Botswana — Even on a budget safari you still get fed extremely well

Are Bush Ways ethical?

I make it a point to only recommend safari operators who respect the wildlife and the environment and give back to local communities, and I’m happy to say that Bush Ways is one of them!

The company employs local guides and staff, ensuring that revenue supports the community. Their lodges and safaris adhere to eco-friendly practices, such as solar power, minimal waste, and low-impact camping techniques.

Through the Bush Ways Foundation, the company supports local projects in health, education and social welfare.

They’re also members of Pack For A Purpose, which encourages visitors to bring much-needed school or medical supplies which are then donated to local projects.

My guide, Paco, reflected in his wing mirror at Sango camp in Botswana — Paco, my guide at Sango Camp

Affordable Botswana safaris: what’s included?

Taking a budget Botswana safari doesn’t necessarily mean roughing it.

While companies, service levels and types of safari will vary, here are some of the things you can expect to be included in your Botswana budget safari:

Transport in an open-sided 4×4 vehicle, sharing with up to 12 other people.
Accommodation in either tents or comfortable lodges
All food and drinks (usually including local alcohol but not premium imported brands)
Laundry
Daily game drives
Park fees
Expert guide and driver
Amazing wildlife viewing

A young male kudu, photographed amongst a thicket in Barcelona — This kudu won’t judge you if you save money by choosing a Botswana affordable safari

Budget Botswana safaris: what’s not included?

Here are some of the things that typically won’t be included in your affordable safari in Botswana:

Flights
Visas
Travel insurance
Premium alcohol
Luxury trimmings in your lodge like private pools, air-con, mini bar, opulent décor, fluffy bathrobes and iPads
Menu options – you eat what you’re served
Private vehicle

A young giraffe looks at the camera, photographed in the Kalahari desert during the green or rainy season in Botswana — This giraffe will actually be impressed by how much money you saved

How much do affordable Botswana safaris cost?

While some Botswana safaris can run into tens of thousands of pounds per person, budget operators like Bush Ways aim to make Botswana much more affordable.

The cost of a budget safari with Bush Ways varies depending on the type of trip and when you travel, but you can expect to pay around $200–$350 per day for a camping safari and $400–$600 per day for a lodge-based safari.

Here are some example trips:

16-night Leopard Safari (adventure camping): from £2750 (USD 3410) per person.
8-night Caracal Safari (premium camping): from £2670 (USD 3320)
10-night Sable Safari (lodge-to-lodge): from £3310 (USD 4105)

While this may seem pricey compared to budget travel in other parts of the world, it’s a fraction of what you’d pay for luxury Botswana lodges, which can cost upwards of $1,500 per person per night and some can be three or four times that much.

A cosy corner in the lounge at Deception Valley Lodge in Botswana, with a photograph of a lion yawning on the wall — Deception Valley Lodge looks and feels luxurious but is incredible value for money

Want to see more of my photography or travel writing? Have comments or questions? Come follow me on Instagram, Threads or Bluesky and share your thoughts!

Botswana budget safaris: the verdict

While a safari in Botswana will never be the cheapest holiday, careful planning and smart choices – such as joining an overland tour, camping, and travelling in the off-season – can make it surprisingly affordable.

With Bush Ways, I thought the guiding, food, locations and accommodation were all excellent, and incredibly good value for money.

Having been lucky enough to also stay in some extremely high-end safari lodges, I did notice some differences, but the Bush Ways properties were still lovely, and much cheaper.

If you’re willing to forgo a few luxury details, a budget Botswana safari is an unforgettable experience that’s well worth the investment.

And with some lodges, honestly, you’ll barely notice the difference. You’ll be far too busy having wonderful wildlife viewings to use that private plunge pool anyway!

The spa and massage table at Deception Valley Lodge in Botswana — There’s even a spa at Deception Valley Lodge in Botswana

How to book your affordable Botswana safari

Maybe this post has convinced you, and now you’re ready to book?

Or maybe you’re still overwhelmed by choice and would like help designing your perfect safari?

With my extensive experience and network of trusted contacts, I can help – and it’s FREE!

Simply fill out my safari enquiry form here to get the ball rolling.

I will email you to answer any questions, and then pass your information to up to three of my handpicked, trusted safari partners.

They will then contact you directly to handle your enquiry and provide a free, no-obligation quote.

Get free safari advice here

Me, the author, sitting on my Veranda at Deception Valley lodge in Botswana, looking out at the landscape — I loved my stay with Bush Ways and would definitely recommend them

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My favourite travel tools and brands

To help you organise your trip, here’s a short list of some of the brands and tools I use over and over again when I’m planning my travels. You can see more on my Travel Resources page.

Booking.com: A huge range of hotels to choose from, often with free cancellation. If you book hotels regularly you can earn discounts. I’m on Genius Level 3 which gets me 20% off!
Expedia: Another great place to find hotels and Expedia also sell flights, car hire, and loads more all in one place.
Skyscanner: The only place I ever go to search for flights and compare prices.
Flight Centre: Booking a more complicated route? Let Flight Centre organise it for you (and deal with the drama when something goes wrong).
Priority Pass: I love having access to 1600+ airport lounges when I fly, allowing me to enjoy my time at the airport. Buy through my link and you get up to 20% off!
Airalo: Say goodbye to ridiculous mobile roaming charges. Did you know you can now buy ane-SIM, install it in your phone before you leave home, and then use data abroad at local prices? Game changer. Get US$3 credit with code BELLA5735.
TourRadar: If you prefer group travel and organised tours, TourRadar has a huge range of fantastic tours from respected operators. They’re very helpful and have 4.5 stars on TrustPilot.
Viator: Part of the TripAdvisor brand, Viator is another great place to search for group adventures and day trips.
GetYourGuide: A great place to find local tours and day trips in your destination.
Wex Photo Video: The UK’s best camera gear store.
Ellis Brigham: Looking for good quality backpacks, travel clothes and other gear? Ellis Brigham is where I buy almost all of mine.
Rentalcars.com: Part of the Booking.com family and the world’s largest online car rental service, with 24/7 customer service.
World Nomads Travel Insurance: I never ever travel without travel insurance and nor should you!

Where to next?

If you enjoyed this post, why not try some of my other Africa posts?

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