Botswana is one of the top safari destinations in Africa. The country boasts an incredible landscape that’s home to natural wonders like the Okavango Delta, luxury safari lodges and massive herds of elephants, zebra, kudu and more!
Here is my 10-day Botswana itinerary!
3 Nights at Jack’s Camp
Located in the northeast of Botswana, Jack’s Camp is easy to get to with direct flights from Muan Airport and back.
It’s a secluded lodge that sits on one million acres of reserve. There’s no electricity or WiFi, making it the perfect destination for a digital detox and an exceptional safari experience!
For the next few days, you’ll stay in tents that look like they’re straight out of the 1940s. The campgrounds have an outdoor shower, a pool pavilion, a low-tech entertainment area, and a bar.
In between lazy afternoons at the pool, you can go on game drives and meet the local meerkat population! Other activities include bush walks with the Khoisan Tribe, quad rides, and horseback riding.
Read More: Staying at Jack’s Camp in Botswana
Meerkat Safari in Botswana
3 Nights at Sable Alley
Sable Alley is located in the heart of the Khwai Private Reserve and is accessible via a short bush flight from Muan Airport. With a heavy focus on conservation initiatives, Sable Alley partnered up with the Botswana Predator Conservation Trust and the Round River Conservation Studies and donate a portion of all their profits to both organizations.
The 12 luxury solar-powered tents offer an Afro-chic vibe and killer views of the lagoons, plains, and Moremi Game Reserve. From the outdoor showers of your tent, you can see the wildlife grazing in the distance!
Make sure you spend one night in their sky beds! They are built on a three-story raised platform and it’s the perfect spot to stargaze at night or cozy up with a good book.
Of course, you’ll want to experience a game drive or two while you’re there. You’ll most likely see lions, leopards, elephant, and cape buffalos.
If you want to see the land by boat, take the Okavango River cruise. A local guide will help you in your mokoro (a type of canoe) as you glide through the beautiful scenery and lush plants.
Read More: Staying at Sable Alley in Botswana
Sable Alley in Botswana
Additional Experiences to Choose From
2 Nights at Meno a Kwena
Meno a Kwena is about a 5-hour drive from Jack’s Camp, located at the west end of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.
While there, you can take a river cruise (where you will likely see elephants coming to take a drink), go a game drive, or a bush walk with the local Khoisan people.
3 Night Zambezi Queen River Safari
Located on the Chobe River and the Chobe National Park, the Zambezi Queen is made up of four houseboats. The boutique floating hotel departs three days a week and travels 25 km up the Chobe River.
There are 14 luxury suites, all with balconies that offer uninterrupted views of the plains. Some of the activities include game drives, fishing, birding, photo safaris, and cultural tours.
2 Nights Planet Baobab
Planet Baobab is situated in Gweta along the Makgadigadi Pans. It’s a unique and affordable luxury lodge that has built their huts in the remains of a massive ancient inland ocean.
If you’re interested in geological history you’ll love staying here! There are stone tools from the pre-historic area, a fossil pan and huge baobab trees that are hundreds of years old.
Read More: Staying at Meno a Kwena in Botswana
Overall
With incredible landscape and impressive wildlife, Botswana has become one of my favorite places to visit in Africa. It’s not only a photographer’s dream, but it’s also truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Read More: 20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Botswana
Do you have travel tips for Botswana? Let me know in the comments below!
I am so happy to have found this blog that is so heavily Africa present! I backpacked Tanzania for a month in 2015 and as much as I loved it, I was missing so much information as to where to stay, how to get somewhere, etc. It’s not that easy to come by unless you’re reading some super dry guide with super miniature font (which I find are still lacking). So glad that I can use your posts now as reference guides to planning my next Africa trip- that way I’ll be so much more ready. (and btw, oh my gosh I had never even considered Botswana- yeah it just went to the top of my list!)
Great post! After 6 times South Africa and a trip to Namibia, we’re looking to discover a new country and Botswana is high on the list. Maybe a combination of Etosha, Victoria Falls and Chobe or Okavanga so this post has been really helpfull
Happy to provide some insight, Stephanie!