Your First-Time Safari in Botswana: Everything You Need to Know

So, you’re thinking about going on your first safari, and Botswana has caught your eye. Excellent choice.

Few places make you feel more at home on safari than Botswana. The game is exceptional, the guiding unmatched, and the experience effortlessly personal – especially for first-timers.

Planning your first-time Botswana safari can feel a little overwhelming – when to go, what to pack, where to stay – but that’s where this guide comes in. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to feel confident, prepared, and wildly excited for what’s to come.

Where in the World is Botswana?

Botswana is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, bordered by South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and a short stretch of Zambia. The Limpopo River forms part of its southeastern border, while the seasonal floodplains of the Okavango Delta define the northwest.

Why Choose Botswana for Your First Safari?

Botswana is one of the top destinations in Africa for a first-time safari. Known for its warm people, diverse wildlife, and strong conservation policies, it offers a fantastic introduction to the African safari experience.

This country is a global leader in sustainable travel, with a low-impact, high-value tourism model that prioritizes conservation and community benefit. Botswana’s diverse landscapes support a wide range of wildlife and safari styles. From the Okavango Delta’s seasonal waterways to the elephant-dense Chobe National Park and the predator-rich Linyanti Reserve, each region offers something unique.

Botswana is a rare safari destination that offers a unique experience year-round. In the wetter months, the Okavango Delta comes alive with birdlife and water-based safaris through its flooded channels. As the dry season takes hold, animals gather around shrinking waterholes, making wildlife sightings more intense and frequent.

All in all, your first Botswana safari is bound to be bespoke, rooted in sustainability, and guided by expert professionals.

When is the Best Time to Go on Safari in Botswana?

Botswana offers three distinct Seasons, each with its own appeal. Choosing when to travel on safari depends on what you’re hoping to experience. Whether you’re drawn to the excitement of predator-packed game drives, the serenity of lush landscapes, or the cozy beauty of a winter safari, each season presents unique opportunities.

Amber Season, October to November, brings golden heat, fiery sunsets, and unforgettable scenes of survival. With longer days, hotter temperatures, abundant predator activity, and striking Amber colors across the landscape, it’s a thrilling time to be on safari.

Diamond Season, from May to September, is considered the ideal time for classic safari experiences – cooler temperatures, excellent visibility, and concentrated wildlife sightings. For many, this is the pinnacle of safari season.

Emerald Season, from December to April, brings lush, green landscapes and dramatic thunderstorms. It also offers fewer tourists, excellent conditions for photography, and incredible birding opportunities.

Ultimately, the best time to visit depends on your very own circumstances and desires for your first time safari!

Our Incredible Botswana Safari Destinations

The Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s most extraordinary safari destinations – a shimmering oasis in northern Botswana where floodwaters spill into the Kalahari Desert, creating a rich network of lagoons, channels, and islands teeming with life. Each year, around May, the floodwaters arrive from Angola and transform the Delta into a lush paradise ideal for both water and land-based safaris.

The Linyanti Reserve

Tucked along the southern banks of the Linyanti River near the Namibian border, Botswana’s Linyanti Reserve offers a remote and exclusive safari experience. Spanning 1,250 square kilometers of riverine forest, grassland, and lagoons, this private concession is a haven for wildlife and a peaceful alternative to its more visited neighbors. During Diamond Season, as water sources dry up elsewhere, animals flock to the Linyanti River, creating fantastic viewing opportunities that peak during the intense heat of Amber Season.

Khwai Community Concession

The Khwai Community Concession, situated on the eastern edge of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, offers a rich and diverse safari experience. Managed by the local Khwai community, this area is a prime example of community-based conservation, blending sustainable tourism with cultural heritage. The concession encompasses a variety of ecosystems, including floodplains, woodlands, and the Khwai River, which attract a wide range of wildlife such as elephants, lions, leopards, and African wild dogs.

Where to Stay: Our Botswana Safari Experiences  

We refer to our 17 camps and lodges as ‘Experiences’ because we believe this best captures the holistic nature of a safari – one that goes beyond accommodation to encompass adventure, connection, and discovery.  

Our three all-inclusive Experience types each embody a distinct level of luxury: Expedition Experiences for immersive adventures, Signature Experiences for classic luxury, and Icon Experiences for unparalleled opulence. 

Suggested Botswana Safari Itineraries

All our safaris itineraries are fully bespoke and can be tailored to your individual preferences. The options below are simply to give you an idea of pricing and to help you start imagining your dream safari. Let us take care of the details and create your once-in-a-lifetime journey through Africa.

Beyond Game Drives: What to Do in Botswana

A Botswana safari is about so much more than game drives. In the Okavango Delta, you can drift through the reed-lined channels in a mokoro – a traditional dugout canoe – for a peaceful, eye-level view of birds and wildlife. It’s quiet, slow, and incredibly immersive. Prefer to be on foot? Walking safaris with skilled guides let you explore at nature’s pace, uncovering animal tracks, learning about medicinal plants, and tuning into the smaller details that bring the bush to life.

In private concessions like the Linyanti Reserve, night drives reveal a whole new side of the safari experience. As the sun sets, the bush comes alive with elusive nocturnal wildlife – leopards on the move, servals stalking through the grass, and the eerie whoop of hyenas echoing through the dark. For bird lovers, Botswana is a dream, with over 500 species to discover across its diverse habitats.

Many of our Experiences also include meaningful community visits. You might spend time at Khwai Pre-school, where young children are supported with quality early education, or visit the Vuche Vuche Basket Weaving Project, a women-led initiative preserving traditional craft while creating sustainable income. Both projects are proudly supported by the African Bush Camps Foundation, helping to strengthen local communities through education and empowerment.

What should I pack for a Botswana Safari?

Here’s a quick list of must-pack items to help you feel comfortable, prepared, and adventure-ready for your Botswana safari:

• Neutral-colored, breathable clothing
• Fleece or light jacket for chilly mornings and evenings
• Walking shoes or safari boots
• Long-sleeved shirts and long, comfortable trousers
• Wide-brimmed hat for sun protection
• Sunglasses (preferably polarized)
• High-SPF sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Binoculars
• Camera or smartphone with extra battery/power bank
• Travel adapter (Botswana uses Type D & G plugs)
• Small backpack or daypack (for game drives)
• Personal medication
• Lightweight scarf or buff (great for dust and sun)
• Passport & travel insurance documents

What to Expect on Your First Safari Game Drive in Botswana

Your first game drive is a truly special experience – peaceful, exhilarating, and completely captivating. Here’s a quick overview to help you know what to expect:

Early Starts and Golden Light

Expect a gentle wake-up call just before sunrise, often with your favorite warm drink delivered to your tent. Morning game drives typically begin around 6:00 AM, taking advantage of cooler temperatures and peak wildlife activity.

Open 4×4 Vehicles

You’ll head out in an open-sided 4×4 safari vehicle, designed for maximum visibility and comfort. Seating is elevated, giving you a clear view over the bush and plenty of space to move your camera or binoculars.

Duration

Drives usually last 3 to 4 hours, with a stop mid-way for coffee, snacks, and to stretch your legs in a scenic spot. Afternoon game drives begin around 4 PM, ending with sundowners in the bush as the sun sets – a safari-must!

Wildlife Encounters

No two drives are the same. You might spot elephants crossing your path, lions lounging in the shade, or a leopard slipping silently through the trees. Your expert guide will help you track and interpret the bush with care and respect.

Want to dive deeper into what a full day on safari looks like? Discover more about what “A Day on Safari with African Bush Camps looks like.

Botswana Safari Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts

Here are some simple Do’s and Don’ts to help you make the most of your first safari in Botswana.

• Stay seated and avoid sudden movements while in the vehicle,
• Always follow your guide’s instructions closely.
• Keep the atmosphere calm at camp – no loud music or videos, please.
• When visiting local communities, take time to respect their customs and culture.

Following these easy tips ensures a safe, enjoyable, and respectful adventure for everyone.

Family Safaris in Botswana: Safari Experiences for All Ages

Botswana is an exceptional destination for families seeking adventure, connection, and shared discovery. Whether you’re introducing your children to the wonders of the wild or creating lasting memories across generations, a Botswana safari provides a meaningful and enriching experience for all ages.

Our Botswana Family-Friendly Experiences:

• Khwai Leadwood is set in the private Khwai Community Concession located along the edge of the Moremi Game Reserve.
• Linyanti Ebony  is located in a private concession on the edge of Chobe National Park, a region renowned for its rich ecosystems and large herds of elephant, buffalo, and zebra.
• Atzaro Okavango Camp is in one of the most ecologically diverse regions on the globe: Botswana’s revered Okavango Delta.

The Ngwana Club – Our Young Explorers Program:

The Ngwana Club (Ngwana meaning “explorer” in Setswana) is designed to immerse our young adventurers in the wonders of the bush.

Whether it’s spotting members of the Big Five, embarking on nature walks with our expert guides, or learning about local traditions and cultures, a family safari with African Bush Camps is designed to inspire travelers of all ages. All safari activities are tailored to the age and interests of each guest, ensuring an engaging experience for everyone.

We know that the key to an extraordinary safari is an exceptional guide, and this is no different when it comes to our younger guests. Our team is trained to make every moment both safe and unforgettable.

Making a Difference on Safari in Botswana: African Bush Camps Foundation

At African Bush Camps, your safari goes beyond the wildlife experience.

Through our African Bush Camps Foundation, a portion of every stay supports meaningful community and conservation projects in the areas where we operate. In Botswana, our efforts focus on education, community empowerment, and conservation initiatives that benefit local communities near Khwai and Linyanti.

When you travel with us, you’re directly contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future for the people and wildlife of Africa.