Backpacking through Botswana is an incredible wildlife adventure—but it’s very different from typical backpacker destinations. Think safari-first travel, vast wilderness, and fewer crowds… but also higher costs and more planning.
Here’s how to approach it 👇
🐘 Why Backpack Botswana?
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- 🐘 Some of Africa’s best wildlife viewing
- 🌊 Unique ecosystems (Okavango Delta = inland delta)
- 🚫 Less mass tourism than Kenya/Tanzania
- 🦁 High chance of seeing elephants, lions, hippos
- 🌌 Wild, remote landscapes
⚠️ Reality Check
Botswana is:
- ❌ Not a classic budget backpacker country
- ❌ Limited hostels
- ❌ Safaris are expensive
👉 But you can do it cheaper with the right strategy
🗺️ Best Backpacking Route (10–14 days)
1. Gaborone (1–2 days)
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📍 Gaborone
- Entry point
- Not very touristy
- Short stop before heading north
2. Maun (2–3 days)
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📍 Maun
- Main base for delta trips
- Organize tours here
- Backpacker lodges available
3. Okavango Delta (2–4 days)
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📍 Okavango Delta
- Explore by mokoro (canoe) 🛶
- Camping in the wild 🏕️
- Incredible wildlife encounters
👉 Highlight of the country
4. Moremi Game Reserve (2–3 days)
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📍 Moremi Game Reserve
- One of Africa’s best safari areas
- Big 5 sightings 🦁
- Often combined with delta trips
5. Chobe National Park (2–3 days)
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📍 Chobe National Park
- Massive elephant herds 🐘
- Boat safaris on Chobe River 🚤
- Based near Kasane
💰 Budget (important)
Botswana is pricey compared to most of Africa:
- 🛏️ Budget lodge: €20–50
- 🏕️ Camping safari: €80–150/day
- 🚙 Guided safari: €100–300+/day
👉 Backpacker budget: €50–120/day (basic)
👉 With safaris: €100–250+/day
🚐 How to Travel Cheap
- Join group safaris → split costs
- Self-drive (if experienced) 🚙
- Stay in Maun/Kasane instead of luxury lodges
- Camp instead of hotels
🚍 Getting Around
- Limited public transport
- Shuttle buses between major towns
- Tours often include transport
👉 Botswana is not easy without planning
📅 Best Time to Go
- ☀️ May–October (dry season) → BEST for wildlife
- 🌧️ Nov–April → greener, fewer tourists, but harder wildlife spotting
🎒 Backpacking Tips
- Book safaris in advance (especially peak season)
- Bring cash + cards (remote areas limited)
- Pack neutral-colored clothing (for safaris)
- Stay hydrated—it gets HOT 🔥
- Travel insurance is essential
⚠️ Safety
- Very safe country overall
- Main risks = nature (wild animals, heat)
- Always follow guide instructions on safaris
🔥 Why Botswana is Special
Botswana is:
- ✅ One of the best safari destinations in the world
- ✅ Low tourism, high-quality wildlife
- ❌ Expensive + less flexible
👉 It’s more of a wildlife expedition than a typical backpacking trip
Overlanding Botswana: Routes, Borders & Travel Guide
🌍 Combine With Nearby Countries
- Namibia → deserts + self-drive
- Zimbabwe → Victoria Falls
- South Africa → cheaper + diverse