This post was supported by Bush Ways, who hosted me for five nights in Botswana. They did not tell me what to write – this is my own, honestly-held opinion, and I do not accept hosting or freebies in exchange for positive reviews. This post may contain affiliate links.
Botswana is one of Africa’s most spectacular safari destinations, a place where elephants roam in their thousands, leopards rest on shady branches, and sunsets blaze over endless floodplains.
But it’s also one of the most expensive places to go on safari.
Luxury lodges charge eye-watering sums, and even mid-range options can stretch the budget. For many travellers, Botswana safaris may feel out of reach.
But does a safari in Botswana have to be expensive? Not always. There are budget Botswana safaris too.
While it’s true that this isn’t the cheapest place for a wildlife adventure, there are ways to experience its legendary landscapes and incredible game viewing without having to marry an ageing billionaire.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to make it happen – without compromising on the adventure (or your morals).
About my Botswana safari experience
I’ve spent a total of seven weeks in Botswana, staying in a wide variety of different camps and lodges. I’ve also been on safari in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and Uganda.
Many of the lodges I’ve stayed in have been extremely high end, but I’ve also stayed in more affordable places.
These experiences have taught me what’s important to have on a safari and what you can do without to save money.
And now I’m here to share those findings with you, to help you plan your budget Botswana safari trip.
Read on to find out more about how you can still experience Botswana’s legendary landscapes and wildlife even if you don’t own a penthouse in Mayfair.
Why does a Botswana safari cost so much?
But first off, just how expensive is Botswana anyway?
As you may have heard, Botswana is known for its high-end safari lodges with private pools, gourmet dining, and personal guides, which can cost thousands of pounds per night.
That’s mainly because unlike other safari destinations, where mass tourism keeps prices low, Botswana limits visitor numbers to reduce environmental impact. This exclusivity pushes up prices.
Many lodges are remote, accessible only by charter flights, and must be self-sufficient, relying on solar power, imported supplies, and highly-trained staff.
Park fees and conservation levies are high, helping fund anti-poaching efforts and community projects.
Game drives are typically in private concessions, where fewer vehicles mean better wildlife sightings but higher costs.
Add in luxury amenities, restaurant-quality food and premium wines and spirits (all of which have to be flown in), and it’s easy to see why a Botswana safari can come with a hefty price tag.
Read more: Which Is The Best Botswana Safari Lodge? My Favourites With Photos
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.
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!
How to save money on a Botswana wildlife safari
But don’t panic. While a Botswana safari will never be as cheap as a package holiday to Marbella, there are ways to save, so that you can experience the country’s magic without having to sell a kidney.
Here are my top nine tips to help you do Botswana on a budget.
1/ Drive, don’t fly
Flying within Botswana is one of the most expensive aspects of a safari. Internal flights between destinations are convenient but can cost many hundreds of dollars per person.
Instead, opt for an overland tour, or even rent a car and drive yourself.
Many operators offer 4×4 vehicles that are designed for comfort on long journeys, and while driving between parks takes longer, it adds to the adventure.
You’ll get to experience the changing landscapes, spot amazing animals along the way, and save a significant chunk of money.
It’s not for the faint-hearted though. Roads can be bumpy, muddy or waterlogged, there are no signposts and often no phone signal, and if you break down it could be a while before you see another car.
If you’re at all worried, it’s better to book a group tour or a private driver.
Read more: Birds In Botswana: 40 Stunning Species To See On Safari
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!
2/ Stay in more affordable lodges
Botswana has some of the most extravagant safari lodges in Africa, but you don’t have to stay in them to enjoy the wildlife.
The country is also home to plenty of camps, lodges and guesthouses on the fringes of – and even inside- the top National Parks and game reserves, that provide fantastic wildlife access at a fraction of the price of luxury stays.
They may not come with air-con and private pools, but these places are clean, comfortable, and well-located, ensuring you get the best experience without unnecessary frills.
I spent five nights in two different affordable lodges with Bush Ways Botswana, and found them to be clean, comfortable and welcoming. They might not be quite as fancy as some luxury Botswana safari lodges, but they were also a fraction of the price!
Read more: First Time Safari Facts: 18 Surprise Things To Know Before You Go
3/ Camp
If you’re really looking to save money, camping is the ultimate option for a Botswana budget safari. And it comes with a huge bonus: full immersion in nature.
Some lodges, like Chobe Safari Lodge, offer camping pitches or budget tented accommodation on the property alongside their more luxury rooms.
In some of the national parks, you can self-drive and camp in the public campsites (though this is not for the faint-hearted!)
If you want the camping experience but with the safety of a guide, some operators run mobile camping safaris where you’ll drive out into the literal middle of nowhere, and sleep in dome tents with thick sleeping mats or folding camp beds.
Campsites are usually set up in stunning locations in the heart of the bush, with staff to set up and take down the tents and cook your meals over a camp fire.
There’s nothing quite like drifting off to sleep with the sounds of lions roaring in the distance or waking up to birdsong at dawn. Plus, you’ll save hundreds – if not thousands – compared with luxury lodge stays.
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4/ Travel with a group
Solo safaris or private tours in Botswana are pricey. If you’re a solo traveller you’ll pay a single supplement, and even if you’re in a couple or travelling with a friend, a private driver for just two people pushes up the price.
Taking a group tour significantly reduces your expenses, from transport and accommodation to guide costs and food. It’s also a great way to meet like-minded travellers while keeping costs low.
Bush Ways, who I stayed with, offer group tours lasting anything from six to 16 nights, with options for adventure camping, premium serviced camping, or staying in lodges, depending on how adventurous you’re feeling!
Read more: Advantages Of Group Travel: 10 Reasons To Do Group Holidays
5/ Don’t drink
Now I know this might not sound like much fun, especially if you’re on holiday, but if you’re really determined to save money this is one way to do it.
Alcohol in Botswana is heavily taxed, making it expensive. And it costs a lot to import heavy glass bottles of booze to remote safari camps.
On the more expensive safari tours alcohol is included, but if you want to save money, choose an operator that offers the chance to opt out of booze.
A few drinks each evening can add up quickly, so if you’re on a budget, it’s best to stick to water, tea, or soft drinks.
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!
6/ Travel in low season
Botswana’s peak safari season runs from June to October, when dry conditions make for prime wildlife viewing.
But travelling during the shoulder season (April-May or November) can offer great savings.
You’ll still see plenty of wildlife, but prices for accommodation and tours tend to be lower, and there are fewer tourists.
Even cheaper is the rainy or green season (December to March), when you’ll get lush landscapes, loads of baby animals, dramatic skies and great birdwatching.
Yes you will probably get rained on at some point, but if you need to save money, this is the time to come, as some places drop their prices by as much as 50% and there are often no single supplements.
Don’t forget to factor in the cost of your international flights too, which can go up considerably during school holidays and around Christmas and Easter.
Read more: 19 Easy Wildlife Photography Tips For Beginners
7/ Go to off-the-beaten-track places
Most visitors head straight to the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and Moremi Game Reserve.
While these are spectacular, Botswana has plenty of less-visited spots that still offer great experiences at lower costs.
Places like the Central Kalahari Game Reserve or the Makgadikgadi Pans have incredible wildlife and unique landscapes without the eye-watering price tag of the Okavango Delta.
Read more: 41 Safari Photography Tips For Stunning Wildlife Photos
8/ Look for discounts
Many safari operators offer early-bird discounts or last-minute deals.
Booking well in advance can get you lower prices, while flexibility with travel dates may land you a discounted rate.
If you’re a solo traveller you will probably have to pay a single supplement which can push the price up considerably – but there are operators that offer discounts to solos at certain times of the year.
So keep an eye out for promotions to make your trip even more affordable.
Read more: What To Wear On Safari: My Detailed Safari Packing List With Photos
9/ Choose an affordable Botswana safari company
Safaris are complicated beasts with a lot of moving parts. Yes you can try to book and organise it all yourself, but it’s a lot of work and doesn’t normally work out any cheaper.
Plus if something goes wrong, you’re on your own.
Expert safari companies offer great value because they can negotiate deals with their local partners.
And while some companies pride themselves on being super exclusive and luxurious, with a price tag to match, others, like Bush Ways, aim to make Botswana more accessible to those of us who didn’t think to buy shares in Apple 20 years ago.
Whether you want a group adventure camping safari, a small-group overland lodge safari, or a private tour, Bush Ways have options to suit your budget.
Read more: Affordable Botswana Safaris: My Bargain Wildlife Trip Review
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.
And that’s it! I hope this has given you some inspiration for how to save money on your Botswana safari.
I hope you make it to Botswana and have a great time! Don’t forget to check out my other safari posts for more tips and inspiration.
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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?
- Olderkesi In Kenya: The Maasai Mara’s Newest Conservancy
- Instinct of the Mara Review: Exclusive Wildlife In Kenya
- Glamping in the Morocco Desert at Merzouga Luxury Camp
- Wildlife Hide Photography Tips For Safari Photos Like A Pro
- Ol Doinyo Lengai Tanzania – Climb the Terrifying Mountain of God
- Climbing The 8 Days Lemosho Route On Kilimanjaro
- Gorilla Trekking In Uganda – The Real Inside Story
- A Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise In Uganda: Is It Worth It?
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