Botswana Camping Safaris | Luxury Mobile & Tented Camps 2027

Botswana Camping Safaris

What are the pros and cons of a Botswana camping safari?

The advantages of going on a camping safari in Botswana, which specialises in minimal impact tourism, include the following: So you’re in for a wilderness experience like no other. The majority of lodges and campers are small and cosy, but also somewhat pricey. The easiest way to keep the price of your Botswana safari low is to go camping. It’s also perhaps the most authentic way to spend time in the woods, and it is the cheapest alternative. Sleeping under canvas and sitting around a campfire at night all contribute to the experience of feeling close to nature. A lot of the campsites are in really good positions so you are never too far away from the action.

Not everyone thinks camping is a holiday of course and the following are the drawbacks. If you are on a well-organised camping trip, you need to be prepared to rough it a little and do without all your creature amenities. You’ll spend some time setting up camp at each place (even if the crew does that) and meals are generally excellent but simple compared with the stuff served up in more-upmarket lodges.

What facilities can I expect in the campsites?

The campsites in Botswana’s national parks are very primitive. You get a designated camping space with a barbecue and access to an ablution facilities. Most campgrounds have hot water, but not all of them do. The good news is, safari outfitters will bring anything to make your camping experience comfortable.

Sometimes, the hotels and lodges outside the parks have campsites on their grounds. They are generally more equipped than the campsites in the parks and give campers access to hotel facilities like restaurants and swimming pools.”

How much will this safari cost?

Botswana camping safaris ranging from US$270 per person per day to US$500 per person per day. At the cheaper end of the scale, you’ll find no-frills shared trips, where in certain circumstances you may have to help with camp duties. Private camping packages tend to be more flexible and are more customised to your interests, but they are more expensive than group outings.

Like other things, you generally get what you pay for with camping. Operators providing more comfort, such as bigger tents, better beds and mattresses, better meals and better cars, tend to cost more than budget operators. Always ensure you know what you are paying for and ask to view pictures of the camping set up. I would advise you to acquire more than one quote before you book your camping safari.”

Is it possible to do a trip in Botswana where only some nights are spent camping?

“Yes, you can definitely do a couple of nights camping on safari in Botswana. Some safari itineraries include some nights camping and some nights in the comfort of a guesthouse, lodge or hotel.

That may be only because of logistics. For example, the arrival time of your aircraft and the roads sometimes mean that the first and/or last night of a camping safari is spent in an urban or suburban hotel. This can be a pleasant break, giving you a chance to catch up on sleep and have a bath after a long travel, and to re-pack your luggage. For the same reason you might want to spend your last night in comfort as well.

There may be other reasons to switch it up too. Some people might enjoy the experience of a few nights of camping, but not want to spend their entire trip sleeping in a tent. Alternatively, you could opt to tent for a few nights on your safari as camping allows you quick access to the greatest sites within the parks. Or perhaps camping is the only way to stay within some of the parks affordably.

Your tour operator has the expertise and knowledge to create the finest combinations for your tastes and your budget.

Is a self-drive camping safari in Botswana recommended?

“We recommend a self-drive camping safari in Botswana, but you must have experience driving in the African bush or go with someone who does.

Botswana is wild and pristine in a beautiful way. This is exactly what attracts many daring travellers to find this wonderful country. If you want to see the highlights you should reserve with a safari operator for a limited time. They have the experience to design the vacation as per your desire. They will handle all the reservations and equip you with an appropriate vehicle and driver-guide.

But if you fancy the flexibility of an unguided trip then a self-drive camping safari is absolutely a possibility. Some specialised operators can assist you arrange your vacation itinerary and make your bookings. You’ll collect your fully kitted out 4×4 and know that everything is in place for a successful holiday.
Of course it is also possible to rent a 4×4 without further assistance. But don’t do it without appropriate planning and some previous experience of this kind of trip (or go with someone who has some experience). Some of the roads can be awful (either sandy or muddy depending on where you are going) and the signage is nearly non-existent. But if you do decide to go on an independent journey nonetheless, you’re in for an experience of a lifetime.

Is a camping trip in Botswana safe?

“Botswana is a very safe country and you will be in safe hands when you book a tour for your camping safari. The guides have a lot of experience and will ensure your safety at all times.

The campsites in Botswana’s national parks are unfenced, adding to the wilderness appeal and to the whole experience. We often observe animals walking through camp. Maybe a bushbuck, or a whole family of warthog, safe in the presence of people nearby. You may be told to be on the lookout for any wicked monkey waiting for the chance to steal some fruit from the breakfast table. Meerkat and mongoose could be scampering around. Larger visits can include elephant that may be attracted to a particular tree and its pods.

Predators tend to be shy, avoiding human involvement. But once all are tucked up in bed, a leopard or even a pride of lion could stroll through, leaving just a tell-tale trace of paw prints to be seen the following morning. “As long as you stay in your tent and listen to your guide, you’ll be safe.”