Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Botswana
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $45-118 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Botswana
Accommodation
$15-35 per night
Backpacker hostels with shared facilities, basic guesthouses, camping sites in national parks, or budget lodges with communal bathrooms
Food & Dining
$12-28 per day
Local markets, street food vendors, traditional tuck shops, self-catering with groceries from local stores, and occasional casual dining at local spots
Transportation
$8-20 per day
Public buses (combis), shared taxis, hitchhiking where safe, walking, and occasional budget car rental splits with other travelers
Activities
$10-35 per day
Free cultural sites, self-guided nature walks, community visits, occasional budget game drives, and local cultural experiences
Currency: P Botswana Pula (BWP) - though many tourism services quote in USD
Budget/Backpacker Activities in Botswana
Curated experiences perfect for your budget/backpacker travel style
Money-Saving Tips
Travel during shoulder season (April-May, September-October) for typically 25-40% lower accommodation rates
Choose self-catering accommodation and shop at local markets instead of eating all meals at tourist restaurants - saves typically 50-70%
Book camping sites in national parks instead of private lodges - usually 80-90% cheaper for accommodation
Use public transport (combis) for intercity travel instead of private transfers - typically 70-85% savings
Join group tours or safaris rather than booking private experiences - generally 40-60% less expensive per person
Stay in Maun or Kasane towns rather than inside park concessions - accommodation typically 60-80% cheaper
Bring your own camping gear if planning multiple park visits - saves rental fees of typically $15-30 per day
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimating safari costs - game drives and park fees typically add $60-120 per day that many don't factor into initial budgets
Not accounting for the remoteness factor - food and supplies in safari areas typically cost 100-200% more than in towns
Booking last-minute accommodation during peak season (June-September) when prices can be 150-300% higher and availability extremely limited
Assuming all activities are included in accommodation - many lodges charge separately for activities, adding typically $50-150 per day
Not budgeting for mandatory park fees - daily conservation fees of typically $10-30 per person per park add up quickly