Botswana safari costs vary widely depending on the style of safari, level of comfort and the time of year you travel.
Botswana safaris are often considered among the finest wildlife experiences in Africa, but many travellers are unsure what a safari actually costs. Understanding the typical Botswana safari cost helps when planning a trip and deciding which safari style best fits your budget and travel preferences.
Prices vary widely depending on the style of safari, level of comfort, travel season and the number of people travelling together.
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 leve
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.
Typical Botswana Safari Prices
| Safari Type | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Lodge safaris | $700 – $2,500+ per person per night |
| Private mobile safaris | $400 – $700 per person per day |
| Scheduled camping safaris | $300 – $500 per person per day |
| Mokoro excursions | varies 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$400 – 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.