09/07/2025
Planning a Safari in Botswana in 2025 — My Personal Take
There is something about Botswana that stays with you. The landscapes are breathtaking, the wildlife is extraordinary — but what I find truly special is the stillness, the space, the feeling that you are in the middle of nowhere, yet somehow still wrapped in crisp luxury linen.
Botswana is not a last-minute kind of place. The best lodges — the ones I return to again and again, and confidently recommend to my clients — tend to book out months in advance, especially during peak season. When it comes to planning a safari here, early really is the name of the game.
Why I Recommend Botswana
Many places in Africa promise a great safari, but Botswana does it quietly. It is deeply respectful of the land, the wildlife, and the people. This is a country that chooses quality over quantity, and this results in fewer people and more meaningful experiences.
The Okavango Delta is the star of the show. Picture yourself gliding silently through the channels in a mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe) with elephants grazing nearby and a fish eagle calling overhead. Then heading back to camp for sundowners on your deck as hippos grunt in the distance. Pure magic.
When to Go
If you are after that classic dry season safari with big herds and exciting predator sightings, I suggest travelling between June and October. But if you love lush green landscapes, fewer vehicles, and incredible birdlife — not to mention much lower rates — the summer months from November to April can be fantastic. Some of my favorite trips to Botswana have been during the quieter season, with dramatic skies, afternoon storms, and baby animals everywhere.
Let’s Talk Budget
Botswana is not a cheap safari destination, and that is exactly what helps keep it so special. The remoteness, the sense of privacy, the exceptional guiding and warm, attentive service all add up to an experience you simply will not find anywhere else in the world.
Prices range from around USD 700 per person per night to over USD 3500 per person per night, depending on when you travel and which lodges you choose.
That said, there are smart ways to make it work, and that is what I’m here for! Choosing the right areas, travel dates, and lodge combinations can make a big difference. For over 25 years, I have helped many travellers find their perfect safari in Botswana. It just takes some insider knowledge and the right guidance to match you with the experience that fits best.
So if Botswana is calling your name, now is the time to start dreaming.
I’m just a click away.
Mia
