Botswana: 5 of the best safaris
Home to acclaimed wildlife destinations – the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park – as well as less well-known ones like the Kalahari and Linyanti, Botswana offers a wide range of superlative experiences for the safari traveller.
But choosing the right trip with the right accommodation is not always easy – there are some itineraries and lodges that are more suitable for families than for honeymooners for example, and others that are better for solo travellers than groups. And where do you go if you want a kosher menu?
Below we’ve put together our best tried-and-tested Botswana safari camps and lodges by traveller type – and if you’d like some more information and inspiration, then find out everything you need to know about a Botswana safari here.
Honeymoon Safaris
Rra Dinare and Mma Dinare
Adjacent to Moremi Game reserve on south eastern side of the Delta, overlooking the Gomoti River and its flood plains, both camps are located in a private concession of 67,000 acres and have been designed to embrace the natural surroundings of the riverine forest.
Kick back and enjoy the magnificent facilities and enjoy game drives, mokoro excursions and game walks.
Family Safaris
Oddballs’ Camp
Eclectic and eccentric Oddballs’ is situated on the edge of Chief’s Island, deep in the heart of the Okavango Delta. The camp is accessible by light aircraft only and on arrival you will be met at the airstrip and welcomed to the island by your professional guide.
Oddballs’ Camp is perfect for a family safari. It is geared towards family holidays as all activities are done on a private basis. You know your children and as you will not be doing any excursions in the company of other guests, you have only yourselves to consider, and rest stops for the kids can take as long as needed.
Solo Traveller Safaris
Mobile Camping
Travel with like-minded people on a small group safari, and enjoy the best of Botswana while sleeping under canvas. The benefits of joining a small group safari are numerous – costs are shared among many (making a safari more affordable than if travelling alone), and no single supplements are charged.
Small Group Safaris
Camp Kalahari
The relaxed little sister of Jack’s and San Camp, Camp Kalahari is an understated and affordable base in the heart of the great Kalahari. Set amongst the waving palms and acacia trees of Brown Hyaena Island, the 12 Meru tents are perfect for families, groups and couples, and are an ideal base for discovering the charms of the desert and the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, a landscape that is as surreal as it is sublime, and as mysterious as it is magical.
There’s excellent wildlife to see all year round – lions and cheetahs are among the highlights – and even more so during the summer months from about November to March when a zebra and wildebeest migration arrives.
Kosher-friendly Safaris
Kings Pool Camp
Set next to permanent water in the Linyanti region of the Chobe National Park and with access to Savuti, home to the legendary hyena and lion battleground, this is a great choice for undiluted wildlife viewing.
There are day and night game drives to look forward to plus walking and boating safaris and excellent bird watching, all led by expert guides. One of the most luxurious camps in Botswana, the suites are very private and come with their own plunge pool, viewing deck and bathroom. A two-bedroom family unit is also available and the camp provides child-minders and age-appropriate activities.
