Mid-Range Travel Guide: Botswana
The sweet spot of travel - comfortable accommodations, diverse dining, and quality experiences without breaking the bank
Daily Budget: $215-505 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for mid-range travel in Botswana
Accommodation
$60-150 per night
Mid-range lodges with private bathrooms, comfortable guesthouses, standard safari camps, and decent hotels in towns
Food & Dining
$35-75 per day
Mix of local restaurants, hotel dining, casual safari camp meals, and some tourist-oriented restaurants with international cuisine
Transportation
$40-100 per day
Rental cars for self-drive safaris, organized transfers, domestic flights for longer distances, and private taxis between destinations
Activities
$80-180 per day
Guided game drives, cultural tours, boat trips, national park entries, mokoro excursions, and standard safari packages
Currency: P Botswana Pula (BWP) - though many tourism services quote in USD
Mid-Range Activities in Botswana
Curated experiences perfect for your mid-range 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