5 Day Affordable Chobe and Okavango Delta Trip

Best Time To Visit – Botswana (Month By Month): There’s no bad time to go on a Botswana safaris and tours, although it does depend on what sort of journey you have in mind and where you’d like to go. If you’re keen to see the Okavango Delta and other northern reserves such as Moremi or Chobe at their best, July to September is excellent with generally dry conditions, plenty of water in the Delta’s waterways and wildlife in abundance. Be prepared for high-season prices, however. By October, it can be hot and uncomfortable, although animals tend to concentrate around the few remaining water sources and hence are easily seen.

If birds are the reason you’re considering Botswana, November to April is when birds migrate here in their millions, a period that coincides with low-season prices in the north. The downside of visiting at this time is that rain and poor road conditions can make getting around difficult.

The Kalahari operates on a different time frame – high season prices take hold from November to April when it’s low season elsewhere. The Kalahari is fine from June to October, but can be bitterly cold from late afternoon until mid-morning. If I had to choose one period that captures the best of both worlds (clear, dry conditions and low-season prices), it would be May or even June, although bring warm clothes to ward off the winter chill.

What Can I Expect From A Safari With Paradise Adventure Vacations? Our safaris in Botswana offer an opportunity to explore the country’s incredible wildlife and stunning landscapes. We specialize in private and group safaris, which means you have a 4×4 Luxurious Land cruiser or jeep all to yourselves. You have the flexibility to decide when the safari starts and ends, and our experienced guides can help you make that decision on the day of your adventure. Whether you want to witness the animals at their most active during sunrise and sunset when temperatures are pleasant, or if you fancy ending the day by the pool, it’s entirely up to you. Botswana’s diverse wildlife is active at various times of the day, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to spot the animals in action.

How Can I Personalize My Trip With Your Services? At Paradise Adventure Vacations, we’re all about co-creating your perfect journey. When you plan your Botswana adventure with us, you’re not just booking a trip; you’re embarking on a personalized experience. We start by understanding your wishes and preferences, and we won’t stop until every aspect of your journey aligns perfectly with your vision. Our team works closely with you to ensure that your entire trip is tailor-made to your satisfaction. And for added convenience, we offer a selection of our most popular Botswana trips and safaris as a starting point for your consideration.

Can I See The Big Five In Botswana? Yes — you can see all the Big Five in Botswana, but the experience is usually spread across different areas rather than guaranteed in one single park. Botswana Tourism says Chobe is especially strong for elephants and buffalo, with lions and leopards also found there, while Khama Rhino Sanctuary is a key place for both white and black rhinos.

The best-known Big Five areas are Chobe National Park, Moremi Game Reserve / the Okavango region, and Khama Rhino Sanctuary. Chobe is the easiest place for large elephant sightings, and Moremi is one of Botswana’s richest wildlife ecosystems.

Lions: Did you know that lions sleep as much as 20 hours a day? While the chances are good that you’ll see lions on your Botswana safari, you’ll most likely see the pack sleeping or lazing about. If you’re set up with an experienced guide, you may even experience a stalk-and-kill.

Leopards: Leopards are undoubtedly the most elusive of the Big Five. Not only are they nocturnal, but they spend a lot of time hiding out in trees to protect themselves from scavengers. Once again, an experienced guide should be able to track a Leopard which is definitely the highlight on any safari.

Buffalos: Buffalos are large grazing animals that prefer grasslands and savannah. They can weigh up to 700 kilogrammes, and their sharp horns make them dangerous if threatened. Their sheer herd numbers make a great photographic experience.

Elephants: Botswana is home to over 130,000 elephants. These gentle giants can be seen splashing alongside river beds and snacking on thorn trees. Their size is truly impressive and seeing them in person is an unforgettable experience.

Rhinos: It’s a sad reality that thousands of rhinos have been poached for their horns. These days, rhinos are heavily protected and their numbers have begun to rise again thanks to Botswana’s local breeding programmes. You will be contributing to the effective protection of this species by visiting Botswana.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs: Do I need a visa to visit Botswana? This will depend on which nationality passport that you have but British Passports do not need to get a visa, it will be issued free of charge on arrival. All visitors must have 2 full clear pages in their passport, this is a requirement of the immigration department and is strictly enforced, the same stipulation will apply to anyone entering South Africa or Namibia afterwards, so you may need a minimum of 3 pages if you are going to continue your holiday in one of these countries. Your passport must also have a minimum of 6 months’ validity from your date of departure.

Passport, Visa & Other Entry Requirements

Entry requirements can change, so please contact your local Botswanan embassy/high commission to verify that the information below is current. A passport is required for all foreign visitors and has to be valid for at least six months.

Citizens from most nations do not require a visa and will get a 30-day entry permit on arrival. All foreign visitors will need to carry a return ticket.

Children (under 18 years of age) must have a certified copy of their full, unabridged birth certificate as well as a valid passport to enter Botswana. If a child is traveling with only one parent, or no parents, the child must have an affidavit from the missing parent(s), which gives their consent for the child to travel.

For more information, please check the website of your local Botswanan embassy/high commission or the government travel advisories below:

Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au

Canada: travel.gc.ca

EU Member States: consular-protection.ec.europa.eu

Ireland: www.ireland.ie

New Zealand: www.safetravel.govt.nz

United Kingdom: www.gov.uk

United States: travel.state.gov

What currency can I use in Botswana?

The Botswana currency is the Pula (meaning ‘rain’ in Setswana). It is divided into 100 thebe (meaning ‘shield’ in Setswana). Travelers’ cheques and foreign currency may be changed at banks, bureau de change, and authorized hotels.

The US dollar, Euro, British Pound and the South African Rand are the most easily convertible currencies.

Automatic teller machines accept foreign visa cards but are mostly found in larger towns and cities. Foreign cash withdrawals may be subject to additional fees.

Cultural sites and community art and craft outlets usually only accept cash, however chip and pin and contactless payment options are becoming more common. If in doubt, inquire with your guide or upon arrival at an outlet or attraction/destination.

Banks: Seven main commercial banks, as well as a number of foreign exchange bureau, operate in Botswana. Banking hours: Monday to Friday 8:30-15:30 – Saturday 8:30 to 10:45

Credit cards: Major credit cards, such as MasterCard and Visa, are accepted throughout the country, in most hotels, restaurants, retail outlets and safari companies. However, shops in remote areas and service stations may only accept cash.

Do I Need Any Vaccinations and Malaria Tablets for Botswana Safaris?

Botswana is a malaria risk area – please the best person to speak to is your Doctor or Nurse Practitioner as the advice can change. Some parts of Botswana are affected by malaria and you will need a course of tablets. Please click here for further information from Fit for Travel.

How long in advance should I book a Botswana safari?

Ideally around 12 months in advance. Botswana is a relatively small destination with a limited number of lodges. To get space at the best value lodges, and to get your selection of lodges to line up in your preferred travel window, you should plan at least 12 months before. That said, last minute bookings are possible and sometimes at discounted rates.

What should I bring on a Botswana safari?

You will need comfortable clothing, ideally no bright colors or white – comfortable walking shoes, not hiking boots. For winter you need warm jackets and long sleeves and long trousers, in summer you need sun protective clothing. Of course you need your camera, binoculars, bird book and an open mind!

How To Get There? Most visitors to Botswana will have a stopover in South Africa to pick up a direct flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg or Cape Town International Airport (CPT).

Botswana’s main airport is Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE), located 11km/7mi north of Gaborone, the capital.

For travelers, however, it is more common to fly into Maun International Airport (MUB) and Kasane International Airport (BBK). When combining a safari in Botswana with a visit to Victoria Falls, it is common to fly into Maun and depart from Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) in Zimbabwe or Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI; formerly Livingstone Airport) in Zambia.

Flights & Airlines to Botswana: Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Botswana and what tickets would cost.

Domestic Airlines & Flights in Botswana: Most domestic flights are operated by Air Botswana. Small charter flights are frequently used to travel between parks or to get to remote areas, such as the camps in the Okavango Delta. Charter flights are usually booked through Paradise Adventure Vacations.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Outstanding Botswana Safari Experience

Our Botswana safari with Paradise Adventure Vacations exceeded every expectation. The entire journey was perfectly organized, from the accommodations to the game drives. Our safari guide, Robert, was incredibly knowledgeable and had an amazing ability to spot wildlife, including lions, elephants, leopards, and wild dogs. Mussa ensured everything ran smoothly and was always available to answer our questions before and during the trip. We highly recommend Paradise Adventure Vacations for anyone looking for an unforgettable African safari.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Incredible Wildlife and Professional Guides

We had the most memorable safari in Botswana thanks to Paradise Adventure Vacations. Every game drive was exciting, and we saw an incredible variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. James was an exceptional safari guide with excellent knowledge of animal behavior, while Mussa made the booking process simple and stress-free. Their professionalism, friendliness, and attention to detail made this one of the best holidays we have ever experienced. We would definitely travel with them again.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Dream Safari in Botswana

Paradise Adventure Vacations delivered the safari of our dreams. From the beautiful lodges to the breathtaking landscapes of Botswana, every day was filled with unforgettable moments. Our guide Allan shared fascinating information about the wildlife and ecosystems, making every game drive educational and exciting. Mussa provided outstanding customer service from the beginning, ensuring everything was perfectly arranged. We couldn’t have asked for a better safari experience and highly recommend this company.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Exceptional Service from Start to Finish

Our family had an amazing Botswana safari with Paradise Adventure Vacations. We saw the Big Five, enjoyed comfortable accommodations, and experienced spectacular sunsets every evening. Robert was patient, experienced, and passionate about wildlife, making every safari drive enjoyable for everyone. Mussa handled all the logistics flawlessly and kept us informed throughout our trip. Their commitment to customer satisfaction was evident in every detail. We highly recommend Paradise Adventure Vacations to anyone planning a Botswana safari.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Best Safari We’ve Ever Had

We have been on several African safaris, but our Botswana adventure with Paradise Adventure Vacations was by far the best. The safari drives were incredible, with close sightings of elephants, buffalo, giraffes, hippos, and countless bird species. James was an outstanding guide whose experience made every drive rewarding. Mussa provided excellent communication before and during our journey, making us feel completely taken care of. This was a truly unforgettable experience, and we give Paradise Adventure Vacations our highest recommendation.