Frequently Asked Questions: Botswana Safaris and Camping Adventures

Botswana is fantastic for a safari year-round depending on your interests and locations. If you are planning a trip to see the Makgadikgadi Pans or Central Kalahari Desert, then November to March will be the best time to go. Botswana has it's raining season typically start from November to February and this completely transforms these desert regions into magical landscapes and driving the migration of wildlife further south as they follow this yearly cycle for food and water. The Okavango Delta relies on it's annual flood that channels down from the Angolan highlands, creating the natural phenomenon and a one-of-a-kind safari destination. This flood typically begins in June with Okavango waters at it's highest between July and September, making that the best time to see the Okavango Delta. This is also when Botswana weather is at its coolest, making for an ideal period for a Botswana safari.

Traveling Botswana is extremely safe with expert guides being trained on how to deal with all situations. Crime is also very low in Botswana but it is still important to not walk around at night in the main cities like Maun, Kasane, or Gaborone.

Some nationalities require a visa to enter Botswana so it is recommended to check beforehand. You can easily find this information on the Botswana e-Visa website (https://evisa.gov.bw/#/).

Botswana uses it's local currency called Pula (BWP). It is important to note that majority of Botswana does not accept foreign currency like USD, EUR, or GBP. That said credit card facilities can be found in every city for cash withdrawal if needed. There are also currency exchange offices near every major airport in Botswana.

Between December and March the weather is typically very humid and hot, as this is during summer months and also when the majority of the years rains take place. From March to June the weather becomes dryer and slowly begins to cool down as Botswana reaches closer to it's winter period. July onward to September is the most comfortable time to visit Botswana as it is not only dryer but the winter months allow for a much cooler atmosphere. Nights can get very cold when camping though. November and October are the hottest months of the year in Botswana.

Botswana is extremely family-friendly for safaris with many packages being specifically tailored for families and young children. Contact us for any family discount specials and we would be more than happy to help plan your Botswana family safari.

With so many fantastic locations in Botswana, the most popular areas for some fantastic wildlife opportunities are the Moremi Game Reserve, Chobe National Park, Central Kalahari Game Reserve, and Nxai Pan National Park. Apart from the national parks and reserves, Botswana also boasts some great private concessional areas that allow for more exclusive wildlife encounters.

Due to Botswana being a very popular travel destination with limited availability, it is recommended to book your Botswana safari between six months and a year in advance. Last minute bookings are welcome but guests may need to be slightly flexible with their dates.

Definitely! with so many beautiful landscapes and scenery, Botswana makes for a perfect destination for romance, relaxation, and adventure. Many Botswana safaris also have honeymoon specials to help couples find the perfect safari holiday.

Botswana is a premier wildlife destination with rare and exciting animals to find. On a Botswana safari you have opportunities to see the entire Big 5 along with rarer sights like the black maned lions of the Kalahari desert, Bat-eared fox, Black rhino, African wild dog, elusive leopards, aardvark, hyena, and one of the largest elephant populations in the world, to name a few.

Yes, guided game drives are included in your Botswana safari package. There are certain areas of the Okavango Delta where game drives are not necessarily possible, however we rely on other safari activities to create an amazing experience while there.

You certainly can participate in walking safaris and these make for a truly unique experience on a Botswana safari. Guides are expertly trained and professional in keeping you safe while on a walking safari.

A mokoro is a traditional dug-out canoe and what the local people of Botswana used to travel through the Okavango Delta. A mokoro safari makes for a truly unique and cultural experience, giving you the opportunity to see wildlife while gliding through the winding Okavango waters. While a mokoro safari is generally only available when the water levels are high enough (typically from June to October), there are areas that allow for it to be available year-round. Our Botswana mobile camping safari packages make use of these particular areas to ensure that you can still do a mokoro safari, no matter what time of year you travel.

Night game drives are available, however only in certain areas or private concessions, as national parks and reserves have timing rules that don't allow for this. These allow for the opportunity to see rarer nocturnal animals like the bat-eared fox or aardvark. Other wildlife like predators also become more active at night.

Game drives are conducted twice per day and typically last for around three hours. During transfer days, when you move between areas, you go out for a full day game drive with a picnic lunch to enjoy en-route.

Yes, Lelobu Safaris specifically caters for affordable safaris in the Okavango Delta and the rest of Botswana.

Yes, Lelobu Safaris is able to combine your safari in Botswana with time in Victoria Falls. This happens by ending the safari in Kasane and then doing a road transfer for across the Zimbabwe border and to Victoria Falls town.