Where to Stay in Botswana
A regional guide to accommodation across the country
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Regions of Botswana
Each region offers a distinct character and accommodation scene. Find the one that matches your travel plans.
The jewel of Botswana's tourism crown, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers the country's most exclusive and expensive accommodation. Lodges range from water-based camps accessible only by mokoro to luxurious island retreats, nearly all operating on an all-inclusive basis with exceptional wildlife viewing and unique delta experiences.
Home to Africa's largest elephant population, Chobe offers a broader range of accommodation than the Delta, from luxury river lodges to more accessible options in Kasane. The proximity to Victoria Falls makes this a popular multi-destination stop with both high-end and moderate accommodation choices.
As the safari capital and gateway to the Okavango Delta, Maun offers Botswana's widest accommodation variety from backpacker lodges to boutique hotels. It's the primary base for self-drive travelers and those seeking more affordable options before or after expensive safari experiences.
The capital region offers conventional urban accommodation serving business travelers and those starting or ending overland journeys. Hotels here provide modern amenities, reliable internet, and city conveniences absent in wilderness areas, though wildlife experiences are limited to nearby reserves.
This vast desert wilderness features remote, exclusive camps offering authentic Kalahari experiences including San cultural encounters. Accommodation is sparse and seasonal, with most camps closing during the dry winter months when wildlife disperses.
Famous for its vast salt pans and seasonal zebra migration, this region offers distinctive desert-meets-wetland accommodation experiences. Lodges emphasize the surreal landscape, star-gazing opportunities, and interactions with habituated meerkats, with most operating year-round despite seasonal variations.
Situated within the Okavango Delta, Moremi combines water and land-based safari experiences with some of Africa's best wildlife viewing. Accommodation includes both exclusive private concession camps and more accessible public campsite options for self-drivers, though the latter require serious 4x4 experience.
These private concessions in northern Botswana offer exclusive safari experiences with excellent predator viewing and limited visitor numbers. Accommodation is uniformly high-end with intimate camps, exceptional guiding, and the flexibility for off-road driving and night drives prohibited in national parks.
Located in eastern Botswana along the Limpopo River, this accessible region offers more affordable safari options than northern parks. The area features a mix of private reserves with lodges and campsites, making it popular with South African visitors and self-drive travelers seeking malaria-free wildlife experiences.
Botswana's second city serves as a transit hub for travelers moving between South Africa, Zimbabwe, and northern safari areas. Accommodation is functional rather than inspiring, catering primarily to business travelers and those breaking long road journeys with standard hotels and guesthouses.
Accommodation Landscape
What to expect from accommodation options across Botswana
International hotel chains have limited presence in Botswana, concentrated mainly in Gaborone where brands like Avani, Peermont, and Cresta Hotels operate business-oriented properties. The safari sector is dominated by specialized safari companies including Wilderness Safaris, Desert & Delta Safaris, and Sanctuary Retreats, which manage multiple luxury camps across prime wildlife areas. These companies effectively function as Botswana's 'hotel chains,' maintaining consistent standards across their portfolios while each camp retains unique character. Budget chain options are virtually non-existent outside urban centers.
Independent guesthouses and small lodges are found primarily in Maun, Kasane, and Gaborone, offering more affordable alternatives to safari lodges and international hotels. Family-run establishments provide personal service and local insights, though amenities may be basic. In gateway towns, many local operators cater to self-drive travelers with secure parking, camping facilities, and safari booking assistance. Community-run campsites in villages near national parks offer authentic cultural experiences at budget prices, though facilities are minimal and advance research is essential.
Botswana's signature accommodation is the luxury tented camp—permanent structures with canvas walls, en-suite bathrooms, and often private plunge pools, blending into wilderness settings while providing five-star comfort. Mobile tented camps follow wildlife migrations, particularly in the Kalahari during rainy season, offering authentic 'Out of Africa' experiences with full service. Houseboats and water-based camps in the Okavango Delta provide unique accommodation accessible only by mokoro or boat, where the rhythm of camp life follows water levels and wildlife movements. Community homestays with San communities in the Kalahari offer cultural immersion, though comfort levels are basic and experiences focus on traditional lifestyles rather than luxury.
Booking Tips for Botswana
Country-specific advice for finding the best accommodation
Botswana's exclusive lodges have limited beds and fill quickly for peak season (June-October). Many top properties are fully booked a year in advance, particularly for school holiday periods and the Delta flood season. Last-minute availability is rare and usually indicates cancellations rather than unsold inventory.
Most safari lodges operate on a fully inclusive basis covering accommodation, meals, activities, and often internal flights. While appearing expensive, these packages typically offer better value than booking components separately, especially when factoring in remote locations where alternative dining options don't exist. Compare total package costs rather than per-night rates.
Many Delta and remote camps are accessible only by chartered light aircraft, with flights costing $200-500+ per person per leg. When comparing accommodation prices, always include transfer costs—a 'cheaper' camp requiring multiple flights may ultimately cost more than a pricier lodge with simpler access. Some operators include flights in package rates.
Botswana's accommodation landscape is complex, with many lodges not listed on standard booking platforms. Specialist safari operators and travel agents with Botswana expertise can access better rates, arrange complex multi-camp itineraries, and ensure logistics work seamlessly. Their commission is typically built into lodge rates, so using them costs no more than booking direct.
Public campsites in national parks have limited spaces and must be booked through the Department of Wildlife and National Parks system, which can be challenging to navigate. Book as early as possible (up to a year ahead) and have confirmation documents ready, as entry may be denied without proper booking references. Private campsites offer more flexibility but still warrant advance booking in peak season.
Some camps, particularly in the Kalahari and seasonal areas, close during certain months when wildlife disperses or access becomes difficult. Verify operating dates before booking, especially for shoulder season travel. Conversely, some camps offer significant discounts during 'green season' (November-March) when landscapes are lush but rain may affect activities.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability across Botswana
For peak season travel (June-October), book luxury safari lodges 8-12 months in advance, especially for popular camps in the Okavango Delta and Chobe. Family-friendly properties fill earliest during school holidays. Urban hotels in Maun and Kasane can be booked 2-3 months ahead, though earlier is advisable for specific properties.
Shoulder months (April-May and November) offer more booking flexibility, with 3-6 months advance notice typically sufficient for most lodges. This period can provide excellent value as some camps reduce rates while wildlife viewing remains good. Delta flood season (March-May) still requires early booking despite being technically shoulder season due to unique water-based experiences.
During green season (December-March), many lodges offer significant discounts and can be booked 1-3 months ahead, though top properties still fill for Christmas and New Year. Some remote camps close entirely during this period. Urban accommodation is readily available with minimal advance booking required. This is the best time for spontaneous travel and last-minute deals.
As a general rule, book Botswana safari accommodation as early as possible—the country's low-volume, high-value model means limited beds and high demand. Six months ahead is minimum for peak season; a year ahead is advisable for specific properties or multi-camp itineraries. Urban hotels allow more flexibility, but safari lodges require serious advance planning to secure preferred dates and camps.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information for Botswana