What is the best time of year for a private safari in Botswana?
Botswana is a year-round safari destination. May to October is traditionally considered the most popular time for safaris as these are the drier months when wildlife tends to congregate around water sources. However, the green season between November and April offers dramatic conditions for photography, and there are typically fewer visitors, enhancing the sense of exclusivity. The availability of private-use vehicles and exclusive-use camps is also higher in the green season months.
Which Wilderness camps in Botswana are best for a private safari?
Wilderness has long championed Botswana’s low-density tourism model through our collection of intimate safari camps. While larger camps offer the option to book private vehicles and guides, the ultimate private safari experience is found in Wilderness' little camps; small, highly exclusive properties designed for just a handful of guests.
Among the standouts is Little DumaTau in the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve. With just four tented suites, the camp is perfectly suited to families or small groups wanting to take over the entire camp for a truly exclusive safari, while still providing easy access to all the facilities that the bigger DumaTau lodge has to offer. Here you can enjoy a wonderful mix of land and water activities, including game drives, boating, fishing, and seasonal walking safaris.
Little Vumbura is another exceptional private safari option. Set on a secluded island in the Okavango Delta, the camp has just six tented suites and can be booked exclusively by families or groups of friends. Its location allows for both water- and land-based safari activities.
And for those seeking the ultimate wildlife experience, Wilderness Little Mombo offers only four luxurious suites with privileged access to the legendary Chief's Island, renowned for extraordinary concentrations of wildlife and predator sightings.
How remote are the camps? Is there connectivity?
The Wilderness camps in Botswana are located in some of the country's most remote regions, delivering exceptional privacy. Despite their remote settings, you can still enjoy modern comforts, including Wi-Fi connectivity in guest areas and suites at most camps, allowing you to stay in touch when needed while still embracing the sense of escape that makes Botswana so special.
Are there specific activities for families on a private Botswana safari?
Absolutely. Botswana is an exceptional destination for families, although for those with young children (aged 6 and up are allowed at our Botswana lodges), a private guide and vehicle is required. This does allow for activities to be tailored around the ages and interests of your family. While certain safari activities do have age restrictions for safety reasons (for instance walking safaris are only for those aged 12 and up), Wilderness offers a wide range of family-focused experiences that ensure younger travellers stay entertained.
One of the highlights is the Bush Buddy programme, designed to help children connect with nature through fun, hands-on learning. Upon prior arrangement, young guests are paired with a dedicated mentor who creates activities based on their interests, from animal tracking and bird identification to treasure hunts, nature crafts, storytelling, stargazing, and learning about the smaller wonders of the bush that are often missed on game drives.
Depending on the camp and children's ages, families can also enjoy a variety of safari experiences including mokoro trips, boating and barge trips, catch-and-release fishing, and cultural and conservation-focused activities.
