How Much Does a Botswana Safari Cost?

Botswana safari prices vary widely depending on the style of safari, level of comfort and the time of year you travel.

In general, Botswana safaris fall into three broad categories: lodge-based safaris, privately guided mobile safaris and small-group scheduled camping safaris. Each offers a different experience and price level.

The cost of a Botswana safari typically ranges from around US$300 to over US$2,500 per person per day, depending on the style of safari, level of accommodation and travel logistics.

Scheduled camping safaris are generally the most affordable option, while private mobile safaris offer good value for a guided wilderness experience. Fly-in lodge safaris are usually the most expensive due to charter flights and luxury camp infrastructure.

For a broader overview of safari styles and destinations, see our guide to Botswana Safaris

Understanding these differences helps travellers choose the type of safari that best fits their budget and travel style.

The table below shows typical Botswana safari price ranges for each safari style.

Typical Botswana Safari Cost by Safari Type.

Safari TypeTypical Price Range
Lodge safaris$700 – $2,500+ per person per night
Private mobile safaris$350 – $700 per person per day
Scheduled camping safaris$300 – $500 per person per day
Mokoro excursionsvaries depending on trip length

 

Lodge-Based Safaris

Lodge safaris are the most widely advertised style of Botswana safari. Guests stay in permanent safari lodges or tented camps and travel between locations by light aircraft or road transfers.

Prices vary significantly depending on the lodge and season, but typical ranges are:

US$700 – US$2,500+ per person per night

Luxury lodges in the Okavango Delta or Linyanti can exceed these figures during peak season.

Lodge safaris offer a comfortable and well-managed experience, but they are often the most expensive way to explore Botswana.

Private Mobile Safaris

Private mobile safaris offer a more flexible and immersive way to explore Botswana’s wilderness areas. Instead of staying in permanent lodges, camps move with the safari through different regions such as the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve and the Central Kalahari.

These safaris are privately guided and designed around the travellers’ interests and travel dates.

Typical daily rates range from:

US$350 – US$700 per person per day

depending on group size, season and camp style.

Private mobile safaris often provide excellent value compared with high-end lodges while allowing deeper exploration of remote wilderness areas.

For more information about privately guided mobile safaris, see our Private Botswana Safaris.

Scheduled Camping Safaris

Scheduled safaris operate with fixed departure dates and small shared groups. Because costs are shared between travellers, they are usually the most affordable way to experience Botswana’s major wildlife areas.

Typical prices range from:

US$300 – US$500 per person per day

depending on the itinerary and time of year.

Scheduled safaris commonly visit areas such as Moremi Game Reserve and the Khwai Community Area while providing comfortable en-suite safari tents and professional guiding.

See our Scheduled Botswana Safaris for examples of current itineraries and departures.

Mokoro Safaris and Delta Excursions

Some travellers choose to include a mokoro safari during their stay in the Okavango Delta. Mokoro journeys use traditional dugout canoes to explore narrow waterways and remote islands within the Delta.

These experiences can range from short day trips to multi-day wilderness journeys.

More information about these experiences can be found on our Okavango Delta Mokoro Safaris page.

What Influences Botswana Safari Prices?

Several factors influence the cost of a Botswana safari:

Season – peak wildlife seasons generally cost more
Group size – private safaris become more affordable with larger groups
Travel logistics – charter flights increase overall costs
Level of accommodation – lodge luxury levels vary significantly
Length of safari – longer safaris often reduce daily costs

Understanding how much a Botswana safari costs, and the factors that influence pricing, helps travellers plan a safari that balances budget, comfort and wilderness experience.

Planning a Botswana Safari

Every traveller’s safari is different, and the best approach depends on travel dates, budget and the type of experience you are looking for.

If you would like advice on planning a Botswana safari or choosing between different safari styles, we are always happy to help.