Botswana Safaris

Botswana safaris start with the water. Kasane, gateway to Chobe National Park, is about an hour by road from Victoria Falls. The Chobe riverfront has one of the highest concentrations of elephants in Africa, best seen from a boat. Fly on to the Okavango Delta for mokoro trips through the channels.

When to visit Botswana

Best time: May–October. Waterfalls and wildlife peak at different times, so plan around both; see the seasonal calendar.

National parks to pair with the falls

• Chobe National Park
• Okavango Delta
• Moremi Game Reserve
• Makgadikgadi Pans

Planning a trip to Botswana

Botswana has no major waterfalls, but Chobe National Park is about an hour and a quarter from Victoria Falls, making it the most popular safari to combine with the falls. Two or three nights on the Chobe riverfront is typical, and many travellers continue to the Okavango Delta by light aircraft.

Practical tips

The currency is the Botswana pula; US dollars are accepted at most lodges. Camps in the Delta are often reached by small aircraft with strict soft-bag luggage limits. Malaria is present in the north. Visa, health and entry rules change, so check official advice for your nationality before you book.

Getting to Botswana

Fly into Kasane (BBK) for Chobe, or Maun (MUB) for the Okavango Delta. Kasane is about an hour by road from Victoria Falls; many nationalities do not need a visa. Most trips start from Kasane, gateway to Chobe National Park. Visa rules change, so check them for your passport before travel. Read Plan your trip for visas, health and packing, and the waterfall safari FAQs for quick answers.