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Botswana in 3 Days: My Proven Perfect Itinerary for 2025

Discover my tried-and-tested 3-day Botswana itinerary for 2025, packed with safari experiences, wildlife encounters, and local culture. Learn from my mistakes and insider tips for the perfect short visit to this African gem.

Introduction: Why Botswana Deserves Your 72 Hours

The first time I visited Botswana in 2018, I made the classic rookie mistake of thinking three days was nowhere near enough time. “What can you possibly see in Botswana in just three days?” I remember thinking as I reluctantly booked a short stopover between South Africa and Namibia. How wonderfully wrong I was. Those three days ended up being the highlight of my entire month in Africa, and I’ve since returned for four more short visits, refining this itinerary each time.

Botswana offers what I consider the perfect safari experience: fewer tourists than Kenya or Tanzania, extraordinarily well-preserved wildlife areas, and a genuine commitment to conservation that shows in every interaction. Even with just 72 hours, you can experience the magic of the Okavango Delta, spot the Big Five, and connect with local communities in meaningful ways.

In this guide, I’ll share my meticulously planned 3-day Botswana itinerary for 2025, including the latest post-pandemic adjustments, current pricing (which has indeed increased since 2023), and the mistakes I’ve made so you don’t have to repeat them. Whether you’re adding Botswana as a quick extension to a longer African journey or making it your sole destination, these three days will leave you planning your return before you’ve even departed.

Let me show you how to make every moment count in this extraordinary corner of Africa.

Getting to Botswana in 2025: What’s Changed

Arriving in Botswana has become considerably easier in 2025, though there are still some practicalities to consider. Most international visitors fly into Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone or Maun Airport (MUB) if heading directly to safari destinations.

In January 2024, Botswana introduced an electronic visa system that has dramatically streamlined the entry process. What once took weeks now takes 72 hours at most. Americans, Canadians, and most European citizens still enjoy visa-free entry for visits under 90 days.

Post-Pandemic Changes to Know

  • COVID testing is no longer required for entry as of mid-2023
  • Many lodges now offer contactless check-in options
  • Safari vehicles typically carry fewer passengers (maximum 6 instead of 8-10)
  • Advance booking is now essential as capacity remains limited in prime areas
  • The Tourism Levy has increased to $50 USD per person (up from $30 in 2023)

Gaborone vs. Maun: Where to Land

Gaborone (GBE) Maun (MUB)
Main international gateway Safari hub, closer to Okavango
Better international connections More domestic connections to camps
3-4 hour drive to first wildlife areas Immediate access to safari experiences
Cheaper car rental options More expensive but convenient for Okavango

My recommendation: For this 3-day itinerary, fly directly into Maun if possible. The time saved is invaluable when you have limited days. I once made the mistake of landing in Gaborone to save P600 ($45 USD) on flights, only to lose half a day driving to wildlife areas. Not worth it!

Day 1: Okavango Delta – The Crown Jewel

The Okavango Delta isn’t just Botswana’s most famous attraction; it’s one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders. This vast inland delta forms when seasonal floods from Angola’s highlands transform the arid Kalahari into a lush wetland paradise teeming with wildlife.

I still remember my first glimpse of the delta from a light aircraft—a mosaic of waterways, islands, and floodplains stretching to the horizon. The pilot banked sharply to give us a better view of a herd of elephants wading through crystal-clear channels. It was one of those moments that justifies every cent spent on travel.

Morning: Scenic Flight Over the Delta

Start early with a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta. These typically depart from Maun around 7:00 AM and last 45-60 minutes.

“Dumelang!” (Hello in Setswana) is the cheerful greeting you’ll hear from your pilot as you board the small aircraft. Learn this simple phrase—the locals genuinely appreciate visitors making even small efforts with their language.

Insider tip #1: Book the left side of the aircraft when heading out (if you have a choice). The views tend to be slightly better, and the morning light makes for stunning photographs. I’ve flown over the delta four times, and the left side consistently provided better wildlife sightings.

Cost: P2100-2800 ($155-210 USD) per person depending on aircraft size and duration

Mid-Morning to Afternoon: Mokoro Excursion

After your flight, head straight to Boro or Xudum village for a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) excursion. These villages are about 30-45 minutes from Maun by car.

A mokoro is traditionally carved from a single tree trunk, though many operators now use more sustainable fiberglass versions. Your poler (guide) will navigate through narrow channels, reeds, and water lilies, bringing you incredibly close to wildlife without disturbing them.

I once made the embarrassing mistake of standing up suddenly in my mokoro to photograph a kingfisher, nearly capsizing us both! Your poler will politely remind you to stay seated at all times—listen to them, unlike me.

What you might see:

  • Red lechwe antelope splashing through shallow waters
  • Tiny reed frogs clinging to water lilies
  • Malachite kingfishers darting from reed to reed
  • African fish eagles soaring overhead
  • Hippos (from a safe distance)

Sustainability tip: Book directly with community-operated mokoro stations rather than through hotels. Not only will you pay about 30% less (P700 vs P1000+), but the money goes directly to local families. The Okavango Community Trust operates several legitimate stations.

Late Afternoon to Evening: Moremi Game Reserve

As the day cools, head to the accessible southern portions of Moremi Game Reserve for your first proper game drive. The Third Bridge and Xakanaxa areas offer excellent wildlife viewing, especially in the golden late-afternoon light.

The sounds of the bush transforming from day to night create an unforgettable symphony—the distant rumble of elephants, the haunting whoops of hyenas, and the constant chorus of frogs and insects rising as the sun sets.

Insider tip #2: Skip the expensive lodge-operated game drives (P1500+) and hire a local guide with their own vehicle directly in Maun. Ask for guides certified by BOTA (Botswana Tourism Association) – I’ve had excellent experiences with Delta Guides Association members who charge around P1000 ($75 USD) for a half-day drive.

Where to Stay on Day 1

For this itinerary, I recommend basing yourself in Maun for the first night. Here are options for different budgets:

  • Budget: Old Bridge Backpackers – P450 ($34 USD) for a basic but clean private room. Their riverside location and excellent information desk make this my go-to budget option.
  • Mid-range: Crocodile Camp – P1200 ($90 USD) for comfortable tented accommodation on the banks of the Thamalakane River.
  • Luxury: Riley’s Hotel – P2500 ($187 USD) for beautifully appointed rooms and excellent dining options.

I’ve stayed at all three, and while the backpackers is basic, the riverside location can’t be beaten for wildlife viewing right from your porch. I watched a family of hippos grazing just 50 meters away during my last stay!

Day 2: Chobe National Park – Elephant Paradise

Day two takes you to Chobe National Park, home to what might be the highest concentration of elephants anywhere on earth. The park hosts an estimated 120,000 elephants, and seeing massive herds coming to drink at the Chobe River is one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife sights.

Early Morning: Transfer to Kasane

You have two options to reach Chobe from Maun:

  1. Flight: 45-minute scenic flight on Air Botswana or Safari Air (P2500-3500, $187-262 USD)
  2. Road transfer: 4-5 hour drive through beautiful landscapes (P1800-2200, $135-165 USD for private transfer)

My recommendation: Take the early morning flight (usually departing around 7:30 AM) to maximize your time in Chobe. The road journey, while interesting, eats up precious hours of your limited itinerary.

I once tried to save money by taking the road transfer and deeply regretted it when we got stuck behind a broken-down truck for two hours. With just three days, the flight is worth every pula spent.

Late Morning to Afternoon: Chobe River Front Safari

Arrive in Kasane and head straight to the Chobe River Front, the most accessible and wildlife-rich section of the national park. This area is particularly famous for its elephant herds and buffalo concentrations.

The riverfront drive takes you along the water’s edge, where animals come to drink, especially during the dry season (May-October). The contrast between the dusty bush and the blue river creates a starkly beautiful landscape unlike anywhere else in Botswana.

What to expect:

  • Enormous herds of elephants drinking and bathing
  • Hippos lounging in the shallows
  • Nile crocodiles sunning on sandbanks
  • Puku antelope (found nowhere else in Botswana)
  • Remarkable birdlife including African fish eagles and carmine bee-eaters

Insider tip #3: Most tourists visit the riverfront in the afternoon. Buck the trend and go in the late morning (10-1 PM) when crowds are thinner and animals are still active at the water’s edge. The lighting is also better for photography from this direction in the morning.

Late Afternoon: Chobe River Cruise

The absolute highlight of any Chobe visit is a sunset boat cruise along the river. This offers a completely different perspective of wildlife and gets you incredibly close to elephants, hippos, and crocodiles in their aquatic habitat.

The Chobe River forms the border between Botswana and Namibia, and from the boat, you’ll often see elephants swimming between the countries, their trunks held high like snorkels. It’s a magical sight that I’ve experienced five times and still find myself moved to tears by its beauty.

The locals call elephants “Tlou” (pronounced “tlow”) in Setswana. Learning this simple word earned me appreciative smiles from my guide, who then taught me several other animal names I still use to this day.

Price comparison:

Option Price (2025) Experience
Large tour boat (20+ passengers) P350 ($26 USD) Economical but crowded
Mid-sized boat (10-12 passengers) P550 ($41 USD) Good balance of price/experience
Small boat (6 passengers maximum) P950 ($71 USD) More intimate, better photos
Private photography boat P3500 ($262 USD) Ultimate experience, fully customizable

I made a critical mistake during my first visit by booking the cheapest large boat option. The experience was frustrating as we couldn’t get close to wildlife and views were constantly blocked by other passengers. On subsequent visits, I’ve found the mid-sized boats offer the best value.

Where to Stay on Day 2

Kasane offers numerous accommodation options:

  • Budget: The Old House – P650 ($49 USD) for simple rooms with a pleasant garden.
  • Mid-range: Chobe Safari Lodge – P1950 ($146 USD) for riverside rooms with excellent facilities.
  • Luxury: Ngoma Safari Lodge – P6000+ ($450+ USD) for all-inclusive luxury overlooking the Chobe floodplain.

For this itinerary, I recommend Chobe Safari Lodge for its perfect location. Its deck overlooks the river, allowing wildlife viewing even during downtime. I’ve watched elephants crossing the river while eating breakfast here—an unforgettable experience that comes with the mid-range price tag.

Day 3: Culture, Conservation, and Final Game Drive

Your final day blends wildlife, culture, and conservation for a well-rounded Botswana experience. This is where most travelers make a critical mistake—rushing to see more animals without experiencing the human side of Botswana. The country’s conservation success is deeply tied to its communities, and understanding this connection enriches your entire experience.

Early Morning: Final Game Drive in Chobe

Start with an early morning game drive in a different section of Chobe National Park. The Ngwezumba area offers a completely different landscape and wildlife viewing experience compared to the riverfront.

Dawn in Chobe is a sensory feast—the bush comes alive with sounds as nocturnal animals return to their daytime hideouts and diurnal creatures emerge. The air carries the scent of wild sage and sun-warmed earth. These small sensory details remain with me longer than any photograph.

Target species for your final safari:

  • The resident lion prides of Chobe
  • Roan and sable antelope (special to this region)
  • Giraffe browsing on acacia trees
  • Leopard (often found in the dense woodland areas)

Late Morning: Visit to Kazungula Village

Just outside Kasane lies Kazungula village, where you can experience genuine Botswanan rural life. Unlike the commercial cultural villages found elsewhere in Africa, this is an authentic community where people are simply going about their daily lives.

I recommend arranging your visit through the Kazungula Village Trust, a community-based organization that ensures tourism benefits local families. A guided walk costs P250 ($19 USD) per person, with proceeds supporting education and conservation initiatives.

During my visit, I was invited to help pound millet into flour using traditional methods. My pathetic efforts caused much laughter among the women who do this daily. This spontaneous interaction taught me more about daily life than any staged cultural show could have.

When greeting elders in the village, try using “Dumela Mma” (for women) or “Dumela Rra” (for men), followed by “Le kae?” (How are you?). The proper response is “Ke teng, le wena?” (I am fine, and you?). These simple exchanges earn tremendous goodwill.

Afternoon: Chobe Reptile Park and Conservation Center

Botswana’s remarkable conservation success doesn’t happen by accident. Visit the Chobe Reptile Park and Conservation Center to understand the scientific work behind protecting these ecosystems.

The center rehabilitates injured reptiles and conducts vital research on snake antivenoms. What makes this place special is how they connect conservation science to traditional knowledge. Local healers and Western-trained biologists work side by side here.

Admission is P150 ($11 USD), and guided tours run hourly between 10 AM and 4 PM.

What you’ll learn:

  • How traditional snake harvesting knowledge informs modern antivenom production
  • Why Botswana’s community conservation model has been more successful than many others in Africa
  • The role of reptiles in maintaining healthy ecosystems

Evening: Farewell Dinner at The Old House

For your final evening, I recommend dinner at The Old House Restaurant in Kasane. This historic building from the colonial era now serves excellent fusion cuisine blending European techniques with local ingredients.

Try seswaa (pounded beef) served with morogo (wild spinach) and pap (maize porridge), washed down with a glass of South African Pinotage. This traditional meal will cost around P280 ($21 USD)—far better value than the tourist-oriented restaurants along the main road.

The restaurant’s veranda offers views of the Chobe River in the distance, providing a perfect setting to reflect on your whirlwind Botswana adventure.

Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Botswana Adventure

Three days in Botswana isn’t nearly enough to see everything this remarkable country offers, but it’s definitely enough time to fall in love with its landscapes, wildlife, and people. I came for three days on my first visit and have returned four times since—each time discovering new facets of this multidimensional destination.

What makes Botswana special isn’t just the density of wildlife or the pristine environments—it’s how the entire nation has embraced conservation as part of its identity. The connection between people, wildlife, and landscape feels more harmonious here than almost anywhere else I’ve traveled in Africa.

5-Step Action Plan for Your Botswana Trip

  1. Book flights to Maun at least 3 months in advance – Prices increase dramatically within 60 days of travel, and the limited number of flights fill quickly in high season.
  2. Reserve accommodation before booking activities – The best lodges in Chobe and Maun sell out 4-6 months ahead for peak season (July-October).
  3. Arrange airport transfers with your accommodation – Public transportation is limited, and organizing this ahead saves precious time.
  4. Pack light but bring layers – Morning game drives can be surprisingly cold (below 10°C/50°F in winter months), but afternoons heat up quickly.
  5. Exchange currency before arrival – ATMs can be unreliable, and many smaller operators prefer cash. The Botswana Pula (BWP) is the official currency, though USD is widely accepted at tourist establishments.

Even with just three days, you’ll leave Botswana with a deeper understanding of Africa’s wildlife, conservation challenges, and the innovative solutions being pioneered here. This brief introduction will almost certainly leave you planning a longer return visit—I know it did for me.

As they say in Setswana, “Tsamaya sentle” – go well on your journey!

Frequently Asked Questions About 3 Days in Botswana

Is 3 days really enough time for Botswana?

While 3 days is the minimum I’d recommend, it’s absolutely possible to have a meaningful experience in this timeframe if you follow a focused itinerary like mine. You’ll see significant wildlife and experience the landscape, though you’ll miss some of the more remote areas. Think of it as a perfect introduction that will likely inspire a longer future visit.

When is the best time to visit Botswana for a short trip?

For a compressed 3-day itinerary, I recommend visiting during the dry season (May-October) when wildlife concentrates around water sources, making animals easier to find quickly. July-August offers pleasant temperatures (warm days, cool nights) and excellent wildlife viewing. Avoid November-March when afternoon thunderstorms can disrupt tight schedules.

How much should I budget for 3 days in Botswana?

For 2025, budget approximately $250-350 USD per person per day for mid-range accommodations, activities, food, and transportation. Budget options can reduce this to $150-200 daily, while luxury lodges easily exceed $800-1200 per day. The most significant expenses are accommodations and wildlife activities.

Do I need a 4×4 vehicle for this 3-day itinerary?

For the itinerary I’ve outlined, a 4×4 is not essential as you’ll be using guided tours and transfers for most activities. However, if you prefer self-driving in Chobe, a 4×4 becomes necessary, especially after rain. Many travelers opt for guided experiences to maximize wildlife sightings during a short visit.

Is Botswana safe for travelers?

Botswana ranks among Africa’s safest countries for tourists. Crime rates are low, political stability is high, and tourism infrastructure is well-developed. The greatest risks come from wildlife encounters (always follow guide instructions) and road accidents if self-driving. Healthcare facilities in tourist areas are adequate for minor issues but limited for serious conditions.

What should I pack for 3 days in Botswana?

Pack light, neutral-colored clothing (avoiding bright colors and blue, which attracts tsetse flies), a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and a good camera with zoom lens. Temperatures vary dramatically between morning and afternoon, so layers are essential. Don’t forget any prescription medications, as pharmacies are limited outside major centers.

Can I see the Big Five in just 3 days in Botswana?

While possible, seeing all Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino) in 3 days requires luck, especially for rhinos which are rare and primarily found in protected sanctuaries. You’ll almost certainly see elephants, buffalo, and likely lions in Chobe. Leopards are elusive but present. Realistic expectations are important for a short trip.

References and Further Reading