Wilderness Chitabe Botswana Wild Dogs in front of Camp

Botswana safari cost guide

This guide will help you plan your Botswana safari budget, covering everything from accommodation to hidden expenses. 

Understanding the premium

Botswana safaris are pricier than other destinations due to a conservation-first model that limits visitors, keeping ecosystems pristine and trips exclusive. Remote camps also drive higher costs, but travellers are happy to pay for privacy, unspoiled wilderness, and experiences that help fund conservation and support local communities. However, there are also budget-friendly options here. More on that later.  

Breakdown of safari costs

Below, we’ve broken down the various costs involved in your safari, from your flights to the little expenses you forget to plan for once you’ve arrived. Remember, these costs address the various operators across Botswana – not just our luxury Wilderness camps. 

 

Accommodation

 

Prices vary significantly based on exclusivity and level of luxury, and are generally split into 3 categories:

 

Luxury (USD1,000 – 5,000 pppn)

  • Private concessions
  • High exclusivity
  • All-inclusive
  • Top service
  • Shared and private vehicles 

Mid-range (USD300 – 1,000 pppn): 

  • National parks or concessions
  • Shared vehicles

Budget (USD150 – 300 pppn): 

  • Self-drive
  • Basic facilities 
A lone figure stands next to a crackling safari campfire under a brilliant Milky Way and starry night sky in the Okavango Delta, emphasizing the feeling of exclusivity and wild privacy.

Tailor-made itineraries

We will craft a journey according to your budget

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Flights & transfers 

In addition to your flight to and from Botswana, remember to factor in light aircraft transfers from national airports to the safari camps’ remote locations.

 

 

International flights

  • New York to Maun/Kasane round trip:
  • Economy – USD1,600 – 2,200
  • Business – USD4,500 – 8,000 

Light aircraft transfers

  • Maun to Camp airstrip
  • USD300 – 500 per person 

Additional costs

All Wilderness camps are sold on a Fully Inclusive (FI) rate. This means the quoted price includes accommodation, all meals, twice daily scheduled camp activities, park fees, all local drinks and laundry. It excludes premium imported brands and champagne, gratuities, curio purchases and any other items of a personal nature.

Activities

Get a unique view of the Okavango Delta from a helicopter with Wilderness

Activities

Most activities – like mokoro (canoe) experiences, game drives and walking safaris – are included in your accommodation rate, but specialist activities like scenic helicopter flights incur extra costs (USD250 – 500 per person). Every tour operator is different, so be sure to ask which activities are included in your rate to avoid surprises.

Park & conservation fees

Tipping & gratuities

Additional expenses

Seasonal price variations

Keep in mind there are significant price variations based on the time of year you choose to travel, and understanding these may help you get better value out of your trip. Below is a brief summary of the different seasons, but you can find a more in-depth guide here.

Summer/green season

(November – April)

This is off-peak season, as the Delta’s waters are low and fewer water-based activities are available. Rates are roughly 30% cheaper than in Botswana’s winter, with more exclusivity and fewer guests around.

What to expect:

  • Lush greenery
  • Many newborn animals
  • Excellent predator sightings
  • Dramatic skies and thunderstorms
  • Migratory birds in breeding plumage
  • Hot weather

Shoulder season

(April – May; September – October)

These are the transitional months between high and low season, with rates around 10–20% cheaper than Botswana’s winter.

What to expect:

  • Great wildlife viewing with fewer guests
  • Good balance of experience and value

Winter/peak season

(June – August)

This is the most coveted time of year for a Botswana safari, with the highest demand and premium pricing.

What to expect:

  • Premium pricing
  • Great wildlife viewing, with animals concentrated around water sources
  • Ideal weather conditions
  • Highest demand, with camps booked up to a year in advance

Cost saving strategies

Travel during green season

Combining areas

Extend your stay

Book in advance

Use a knowledgeable specialist

Value comparison

While Botswana is among Africa's most expensive safari destinations, it offers distinct advantages that justify its premium pricing for many travellers. Across all operators, in Botswana you can expect: 

 

  • Unfenced reserves
  • Lower density of visitors
  • Excellent guiding 
  • Responsible tourism 
Botswana
A five-star safari room where the interior seamlessly blends into the Okavango Delta landscape. The design utilizes wood and canvas, creating an eco-friendly, minimalist luxury look with large glass panels to maximize nature views.

Plan your Botswana safari

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What’s included in a Wilderness package?

Wilderness offers fully inclusive itineraries that typically cover:

  • All accommodation
  • All meals and snacks
  • Twice-daily scheduled camp activities
  • Park fees and concession fees
  • Laundry service
  • Airport and inter-camp transfers as specified
  • Emergency medical evacuation insurance

 

Not included:

  • International flights
  • Gratuities
  • Personal purchases
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa fees
  • Premium imported brands and champagnes
  • Gratuities
  • Curio purchases 
What is Wilderness luxury

Hidden costs to consider

Whether you choose to indulge in the ultimate luxury experience or opt for a more value-conscious approach, Botswana delivers unforgettable safari experiences among the finest in Africa.

 

Be sure to add a buffer into your budget for those unexpected costs, and keep the following in mind: 

Photography equipment


If you’re keen on taking the right gear to capture the wildlife on safari, you may need to budget for equipment rental if you don’t have your own, as well as additional accessories: 

  • Rental gear: USD50 – 150 per day
  • Extra memory cards/hard drives: USD50 – 200

 

Connectivity needs

 

Remember to account for: 

  • International roaming: Check with your provider (often USD5 - 10 per day)
  • Local SIM cards: USD10 - 30 for data packages

Most of the Wilderness camps have WiFi either in the common areas, the guest suites, or both, but remember to factor in those data costs for before and after your safari with us. 

 

Pre/post safari activities

If you’re adding a non-safari leg before or after your trip, remember to budget for that, as well. Wilderness Touring Cape Town can organise a tailored itinerary for you, covering everything from accommodation and dining, to transfers and more. 


Consider budgeting for:

  • Johannesburg/Cape Town extension: From USD200 per night plus activities

 

Travel insurance and VISA fees 

 

Depending on the cover you require, we recommend budgeting USD150 – 500 for your travel insurance.

 

Visa fees will differ depending on your home country, so be sure to plan in advance and budget accordingly . 

Wilderness Vumbura Plains Botswana Lechwe Running in Water

Dont just take our word for it

Frankly, it doesn't get any better. Just returned from our 4th safari adventure during the past 12 years and Mombo is as good as it gets. Expensive but worth it. Highly recommended.

Wilderness Mombo Guest Aug 2025

We checked out of DumaTau today, and it was one of the best luxury stays we’ve experienced globally.

Wilderness DumaTau Guest Feb 2025

A Safari Camp with Heart

Wilderness has several lovely properties in the Jao area, and while Pelo is on the more modest side, it was hands down the most charming and authentic camp we visited.

Wilderness Pelo Guest June 2023

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The male lion is the king of the Wilderness

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