Best value quality safari lodges in Botswana
Prices have inflated a lot in Botswana in recent years, and they just seem to be going up and up. A lodge like Pom Pom, which admittedly is in an exceptional game viewing area, is now $1,150 per person per night. Aside from the exceptional guiding and wildlife, the actual accommodation is fairly rustic. A fantastic option for some people, though we wonder whether Botswana isn’t going a bit over the top in prices across the board...
A fantastic new property has opened in the Kwara concession; Splash Camp which is a part of the Kwando range. It is very nicely presented and offers a bit more luxury for your money in an exceptional wildlife area but still comes in at $1,416 per person per night.
In order to slash the price of being in these private wildernesses though, we would recommend travelling off season in either May or November, to get still exceptional wildlife, but for a lot less. For example, Pom Pom over these months decreases to $826 per person per night, and Splash reduces to $1,040.
The best barefoot luxury safari lodges in Botswana
Barefoot-luxury safari lodges are a pretty special experience. Little Vumbura in particular is an office favourite. Set on a little island surrounded by water and in one of the most enviable parts of the Delta, Little Vumbura is a seriously special experience. The style is understated, yet authentically luxurious and we absolutely love it. It is not cheap though! Even without all the added luxuries like private pools and a more glitzy design, Little Vumbura is priced at $2,830 per person per night.
Going a little more intrepid, but no less luxurious is Duba Explorers. This is a tented camp, and really does capture the spirit of exploration in the wilderness, certainly without compromising on luxury. Duba Explorers is for those who crave authentic experiences, but expect a certain standard of opulence on their adventure. It is not a cheap camping experience at $1,900 per person per night.
The most luxurious safari lodges in Botswana
The most luxurious safari camp in Africa, and probably one of the best hospitality experiences in the world comes in Mombo Camp located on Chief’s Island in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Private pool galore, the world’s most impressive wildlife viewing opportunities, golden bathtubs, huge rooms and excellent food; it doesn’t get much better than this. As it is one of Africa’s flagship safari lodges… There is again, a price tag to match! In recent years, prices have soared and now in peak season, for one night the per person price is $3,800 USD… If you want the life of luxury, have a good Botswana budget, but can’t justify that per night amount, you could look at the still exceptionally spoiling Vumbura Plains, Duba Plains or Zarafa which are all priced at $3,000 per person per night.
Our View
For those of us wanting the same luxurious accommodation in Chobe, you need look no further than Chilwero. Great views, great service and absolutely stunning rooms make this a fantastic choice however this camp is not for the authentic safari lover! Great value in low season - 1st jan to 30th June and after 01st Nov, but very pricey in the peak months.Our View
As far as large safari lodges and hotels go, this is the most convenient and best value in the Chobe area. The atmosphere is authentic and comfortable with a safari character while in the lodge, which a lot of big lodges fail to do. Located in Kasane, on the banks of the Chobe River, the Chobe Safari Lodge has great access to Chobe National Park for the most animal filled drives you’ll get in Botswana, and most of all, offers arguably the best big river safari in Africa. If you are looking for an economical and action packed safari, then add this to your itinerary, but you should make sure you are staying in other camps on private concessions to make this work. It delivers!Our View
This camp is run by &Beyond whose focus on quality food and drink as well as a high standard of guiding has meant that they are regarded as a company providing some of the best safari product in Africa. Chobe Under Canvas certainly lives up to the reputation. Overall a truly stunning mobile camp that is remarkably similar to the style and character of East Africa’s mobile outfits, but this one is always based on the Chobe River and moves every 5 days to comply with National Park camping rules. We love Chobe Under Canvas and the lodges value is undeniable….a very good choice indeed for a more adventurous type of stay.Thank you, thank you Edward! - D. Budden
Our View
Set in the south eastern area of the Okavango Delta, Gomoti Plains is a classic safari camp with lots to offer in terms of intimacy, and it really captures the authentic safari spirit. Its ethos is eco-luxury, so it’s not a place for travellers who want all the bells and whistles, but will blow you away if you’re after simple luxury in a marvellous slice of wilderness, surrounded by the Delta’s famed wildlife.
Our View
The new Great Plains Expeditions - Botswana will be beginning new in 2022.Our View
Gunns Camp is part of the Under One Botswana Sky camp collection, an extremely well regarded safari operator with years of experience. With only 6 rooms, fantastic game, an excellent location and superb value for money, it’s a great camp to include in an Under One Botswana Sky circuitOur View
Jacana is a lovely small camp, set well off the beaten track and prides itself on its magical water-based experiences. Being inaccessible by vehicle and only by boat you get a real sense of privacy and exclusivity. For a Wilderness camp, it doesn’t blow your socks off with style but certainly with character. It offers that relaxed feel that a lot of the more formal camps don’t have. Depending on the season, it is always worth considering adding to an itinerary. We love Jacana as it epitomizes the very essence of the Okavango…..this is unpretentious luxury at its best. And it is absolutely exceptional for birding.your budget and travel dates, and your money is protected
by our ATOL bond.