How to get there, where to go, and what to expect on one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife adventures.
Getting to Botswana from the UK
There are no direct flights from the UK to Botswana. Most travellers connect via Johannesburg, South Africa.
Typical route:
London Heathrow → Johannesburg (approx. 11 hours) with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, or South African Airways.
Johannesburg → Maun (approx. 2 hours) or Johannesburg → Kasane (approx. 1.5 hours) with Airlink or Air Botswana.
Alternative routes:
Connect via Doha (Qatar Airways), Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines), or Nairobi (Kenya Airways) for more flexible schedules.
Once in Maun or Kasane, most safari camps are reached via light aircraft transfer or 4x4 road transfer.
The Key Safari Regions
1. Okavango Delta
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest inland deltas.
Seasonal floods create a mosaic of channels, lagoons, and islands, best explored by mokoro canoe or boat.
Wildlife highlights: elephant, hippo, sitatunga antelope, lion, wild dog, and hundreds of bird species.
2. Chobe National Park
Famous for Africa’s largest concentration of elephants.
The Chobe Riverfront offers spectacular boat safaris, often seeing elephant herds bathing at sunset.
Also home to buffalo, lion, leopard, and prolific birdlife.
3. Moremi Game Reserve
Part of the Okavango Delta ecosystem, offering both land and water activities.
Excellent year-round predator sightings, particularly lion, leopard, and wild dog.
4. Makgadikgadi Pans
Vast salt pans that transform into a wildlife haven after rains.
Unique experiences: quad biking on the pans, meerkat encounters, and sleeping under the stars.
5. Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Remote, wild, and off the beaten track.
Best for spotting black-maned Kalahari lions, cheetah, and springbok.
Best Time to Visit
Dry Season (May–October): Peak safari season, cooler mornings/evenings, wildlife concentrates around water sources.
Green Season (November–April): Lush landscapes, excellent birdwatching, lower rates, and fewer visitors. Some water-based activities may be limited depending on flood levels.
Activities to Experience
Game drives (morning & afternoon)
Mokoro canoe trips in the Okavango Delta
Boat cruises on the Chobe River
Walking safaris with expert guides
Scenic helicopter flights over the delta
Night drives for nocturnal wildlife
Cultural visits to local communities
Star-bed sleepouts under the African night sky
Accommodation Styles
Luxury tented camps with plunge pools and fine dining.
Mobile safari camps that move with the wildlife.
Private concessions offering exclusivity and off-road driving.
Family-friendly lodges with interconnecting tents and kids’ safari programmes.
Travel Tips
Pack light, most light aircraft transfers have a 20kg soft bag limit.
Neutral-coloured clothing is best for game drives.
Don’t forget binoculars, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Tipping guides and camp staff is customary.
Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is essential.
Why Botswana?
Botswana’s low-impact, high-value safari model means fewer vehicles, more exclusive sightings, and pristine wilderness. Whether gliding silently through the Okavango’s lily-strewn channels or watching a lion pride in the golden evening light, Botswana is safari at its purest.
Ready to plan your Botswana safari?
We’ll design a fully personalised itinerary, flights, transfers, camps, and activities, so all you have to do is arrive and enjoy.
