Is Botswana Worth the Hype? My Take After Visiting 14 Safari Camps
- marni granston
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
By Marni Granston, Founder of Tribù Travel
Botswana was the very first place I went on safari — and although I’ve been back many times since, this most recent trip, visiting 14 camps across the country, completely rekindled the magic of where I first fell in love with the African bush.
There’s a lot of buzz around Botswana these days. People often ask: Is it worth it? It’s known for being more remote, more expensive, and a bit more complex to plan. You need the time to visit multiple areas. It’s not a single-stop safari.
So, is it worth the hype?
1000% yes.
It’s Easier to Reach Than You Think
Botswana has always had strong air connections via Johannesburg, but it’s now more accessible than ever. You can:
Fly directly into Maun on Ethiopian Airlines
Connect easily from Victoria Falls
Combine with Cape Town for a city break pre- or post-safari
Even fly from Maun to Windhoek for a totally different safari in Namibia
While Maun remains a sleepy safari town, there’s now a beautiful place to overnight: Grey’s Eden by Ker & Downey. It’s the perfect place to decompress or prepare for your journey into the bush.
Camp-Hopping Made Easy
I visited a new camp every single day, and it was seamless. Air providers like Mack Air give you your flight time the evening before, allowing for a full morning game drive. You’re picked up right from the airstrip and are at your next camp in time for lunch and afternoon safari — no downtime, just immersion.
One Country, So Many Ecosystems
Botswana’s strength is in its diversity of landscapes:
Okavango Delta: palm-lined waterways and rich wetlands explored by mokoro
Linyanti & Chobe: dense woodlands, river systems, and elephants galore
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans: wide open space, meerkats, quad bikes, and stargazing
Kalahari Desert: arid, soulful landscapes and cultural connections
Each region offers a completely different safari — and a different kind of magic.
So Much More Than Game Drives
This trip reminded me just how dynamic Botswana is. Beyond traditional drives, you can:
Glide silently through the Delta in a mokoro
Go on walking safaris with expert guides
Try fishing or boating on hidden channels
Sleep under the stars on a fly camping night
Visit local communities to learn from the people who call this land home
Zoom across the salt pans on a quad bike
Ride horseback through the bush (for experienced riders only)
Spot nocturnal creatures on a night drive
Botswana rewards those who crave adventure and connection.
A Model for Conservation
With a low population and over 30% of the country protected, Botswana offers true wild Africa. Wildlife roams free across enormous, unfenced tracts of land.
The country has embraced a low-volume, high-impact tourism model — fewer visitors, less environmental strain, and a greater financial commitment to conservation and communities.
Camps for Every Traveler
From $1,200 to $4,000+ per person per night, each of the 14 camps I visited had something special to offer. The key is matching travelers to the right style and experience — whether that’s rustic chic, full luxury, family-friendly, or ultra-remote exclusivity.
That’s where working with a safari specialist (hello 👋) makes all the difference.
Let’s Talk Wildlife
Botswana delivers iconic species — lions, leopards, wild dogs, elephants — but also the rare and the wonderful:
Bat-eared foxes
Red lechwe bounding through Delta waters
A band of banded mongooses
And for birders? Pel’s Fishing Owl, Slaty Egret, African Fish Eagle, and the always stunning Lilac-breasted Roller
This is a safari for those who notice the little things as much as the big ones.
Is Botswana Worth It?
Without a doubt. It’s wild, remote, authentic — and unforgettable. Yes, it’s a bigger investment and requires a bit more planning. But for travelers who want something truly special, Botswana delivers a safari experience like no other.
And after visiting 14 camps in 14 days, I can confidently say: It’s worth every penny, every flight, and every dusty trail.
Curious about a safari in Botswana? Let’s talk about the best time to go, how to combine regions, and which camps will give you the adventure of a lifetime.
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