Explore Now

Botswana in 5 Days: The Ultimate 2025 Safari Itinerary (Updated with Post-Pandemic Changes)

Plan your perfect 5-day Botswana safari itinerary for 2025 with this comprehensive guide covering the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and Moremi Game Reserve, with insider tips to save money while experiencing Africa's best wildlife encounters.

Introduction: Why Botswana Should Be on Your 2025 Travel List

The first time I set foot in Botswana, I was utterly unprepared for how it would change me. Standing on the edge of the Okavango Delta at sunset, watching elephants silhouetted against the orange sky while hippos grunted in the distance – I actually found myself wiping away tears. That raw connection to something so wild and untamed isn’t something you can truly prepare for. Since that first transformative trip in 2016, I’ve returned to Botswana four times, and each visit reveals new secrets about this extraordinary corner of Africa.

Botswana represents everything that makes Africa magical: vast wilderness areas, incredible wildlife density, and a genuine commitment to conservation that puts other countries to shame. What’s more, Botswana’s approach to low-volume, high-quality tourism means you won’t be jostling with dozens of other safari vehicles around a single lion sighting (I’m looking at you, Kenya).

But here’s the challenge: Botswana is enormous, and its best attractions are spread across considerable distances. With just 5 days, you need a strategic plan. After multiple visits (including plenty of mistakes that I’ll share so you can avoid them), I’ve perfected what I believe is the ultimate 5-day Botswana itinerary.

This guide for 2025 includes post-pandemic updates, current pricing, and the money-saving insider tips I wish someone had told me before my first visit. Ready to experience the real Botswana? A re yeng! (Let’s go!)

Understanding Botswana: Essential Background

Before diving into the itinerary, let’s get oriented. Botswana is a landlocked country slightly larger than France but with just 2.3 million people. This former British protectorate gained independence in 1966 and transformed from one of Africa’s poorest nations to one of its most stable democracies, thanks largely to diamond discoveries and exceptional leadership.

What makes Botswana special is its commitment to conservation. Nearly 40% of the country is protected in some form, and their anti-poaching measures are among the world’s most effective. The government’s approach of “high value, low volume” tourism means prices can be steep, but the experience is unmatched.

When to Visit Botswana

Timing is everything in Botswana. Here’s the breakdown:

  • Dry season (May-October): Prime wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around water sources. Comfortable daytime temperatures (75-85°F/24-29°C) but cold nights (down to 35°F/2°C in June/July).
  • Green season (November-April): Dramatic storms, lush landscapes, newborn animals, and significantly lower prices (often 30-40% less). Bird-watching is spectacular. Hottest in October-November (up to 104°F/40°C).

For a 5-day trip, I recommend the shoulder seasons of April-early June or November. You’ll get decent wildlife viewing with fewer tourists and better rates. My latest trip was in early November 2023, and despite some heat, the pre-rain tension created amazing wildlife concentrations.

Insider Tip: Post-pandemic, Botswana has been experiencing weather pattern shifts. The 2024-2025 dry season is predicted to start earlier than usual. Check with local operators for the latest conditions before booking.

Getting to Botswana in 2025

Most international visitors arrive via these routes:

  • Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone – connected to Johannesburg (1.5 hours) and occasionally Cape Town
  • Maun Airport (MUB) – the safari gateway, with direct flights from Johannesburg (2 hours)
  • Kasane Airport (BBK) – near Chobe, with connections from Johannesburg and Victoria Falls

For this 5-day itinerary, I recommend flying into Maun and out of Kasane (or vice versa), which eliminates backtracking. In 2025, Air Botswana plans to expand their regional routes, potentially adding more direct options.

Visa and COVID Requirements (Updated for 2025)

As of 2025, citizens of most Western countries including the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia don’t need visas for stays under 90 days. Simply get your passport stamped on arrival.

Post-pandemic, Botswana has removed all COVID-related entry requirements. However, I always recommend checking the official government website before travel as requirements can change.

Currency and Costs

Botswana uses the Pula (BWP), which means “rain” in Setswana – reflecting how precious water is in this largely desert country. As of early 2025, 1 USD is approximately 13.5 BWP.

Botswana is expensive by African standards, especially for safari activities. Budget accommodations in towns start around 500-800 BWP ($37-60) per night. Mid-range safari camps run 2,000-5,000 BWP ($150-370) per person per night, while luxury lodges can cost 8,000-20,000 BWP ($600-1,500) per person per night – all-inclusive.

The Perfect 5-Day Botswana Itinerary

After multiple visits, I’ve found this route offers the best wildlife experience while minimizing transit time:

Day Location Highlights
1 Maun → Moremi Game Reserve Arrival, scenic flight, first game drive
2 Moremi Game Reserve Full day of game drives, focus on predators
3 Okavango Delta Mokoro excursions, walking safari
4 Okavango → Chobe National Park Transfer to Chobe, afternoon river cruise
5 Chobe National Park → Kasane Morning game drive, departure

Day 1: Arrival in Maun and Transfer to Moremi Game Reserve

Your Botswana adventure begins in dusty, friendly Maun, the safari capital of the country. If you arrive before noon, I highly recommend splurging on a scenic flight over the Delta before heading to your camp. Nothing prepares you for the vastness of the Okavango or its intricate pattern of channels, islands, and floodplains.

After landing, your safari operator will meet you at the airport. Most camps include transfers, which will be either by road (2-3 hours) or light aircraft (30 minutes) to Moremi Game Reserve. Moremi protects the eastern third of the Okavango Delta and offers exceptional wildlife viewing.

My recommended accommodation in Moremi is Moremi Crossing, a sustainable tented camp with reasonable prices (approximately 4,100 BWP/$300 per night in 2025, including all meals, activities, and drinks). The camp uses solar power and has stunning views across the floodplains.

Money-Saving Insider Tip #1: Book your accommodations 12-18 months in advance for the best rates. Since my first visit when I paid full price, I’ve learned that many lodges offer 30% early-bird discounts but limit these to a small allocation of rooms per night.

After settling in, you’ll have time for a late afternoon game drive. I’ll never forget my first evening in Moremi – within an hour, we’d seen elephants, giraffes, zebras, and a leopard dragging an impala up a tree. The guides here are exceptional at tracking predators.

Dinner at camp is often a communal affair under the stars, with the sounds of hippos grunting in the distance. Lala sentle (sleep well) – tomorrow will be action-packed!

Day 2: Full Day in Moremi Game Reserve

Rise before dawn for a morning game drive – this is non-negotiable! The early hours offer the best predator activity and magical light for photography. Your guide will pack coffee and rusks (South African biscotti) for a mid-drive break in the bush.

Moremi contains a spectacular range of habitats within a small area. In a single day, you might explore:

  • Xakanaxa Lagoon – A permanent water source attracting diverse wildlife
  • Third Bridge – Great for elephant herds and hippo pools
  • Paradise Pools – Often frequented by predators
  • Khwai River – Exceptional for leopard sightings

Moremi hosts Botswana’s highest concentration of endangered African wild dogs. On my 2023 visit, we followed a pack of 14 dogs as they hunted, communicating with high-pitched squeaks that still echo in my memory. Other common sightings include lions, hyenas, buffalo herds, and over 400 bird species.

Avoid My Mistake: On my first visit, I brought a zoom lens that was too short (only 200mm) and missed many great wildlife photos. If photography is important to you, bring at least a 400mm equivalent lens. Cell phones, even the latest models, simply don’t cut it for distant animals.

Between morning and afternoon game drives, enjoy lunch and a siesta at camp. The midday heat makes animals inactive, and you’ll appreciate the rest after your early start.

During the afternoon drive, your guide will find a scenic spot for sundowners – drinks and snacks while watching the sunset. This ritual becomes a cherished memory for most visitors to Botswana.

Day 3: Mokoro Excursions in the Okavango Delta

Today offers a complete change of pace as you explore the Okavango Delta by mokoro (traditional dugout canoe). These vessels, traditionally carved from sausage tree trunks but now often made from more sustainable fiberglass, are poled by local guides who grew up navigating these waterways.

Gliding silently through papyrus channels, you’ll experience the Delta at its most serene. Without the noise of an engine, you’ll get remarkably close to drinking elephants, grazing red lechwe (aquatic antelope), and countless birds. The water itself is crystal clear – I’ve dipped my hand in to drink it on several occasions.

Money-Saving Insider Tip #2: During green season (November-April), camps offer incredible discounts. On my November 2023 trip, I paid only 2,700 BWP ($200) per night at a camp that charges 7,000 BWP ($520) in peak season. Yes, it was hot, but we still saw amazing wildlife, had more personalized service with fewer guests, and spectacular stormy skies for photography.

After a mokoro ride of about 2 hours, you’ll reach a remote island for a guided walking safari. Walking changes your perspective entirely – suddenly you’re part of the ecosystem rather than observing it from a vehicle. Your guide will showcase the small wonders: animal tracks, medicinal plants, and intricate bird nests.

One of my most vivid memories is tracking a leopard on foot with my guide, Joseph. Following fresh paw prints, we discovered the leopard’s kill stashed in a tree. We never saw the cat itself, but knowing it was watching us created an electrifying awareness I’ve never experienced elsewhere.

Return to camp for lunch, then choose between another mokoro excursion or a motorboat trip to explore further into the Delta. The evening ends with dinner under impossibly bright stars, perhaps with traditional songs from the staff – many camps in Botswana have impressive staff choirs that perform for guests.

Day 4: Transfer to Chobe National Park

After breakfast, it’s time to transfer to your next destination: Chobe National Park. This will likely involve a light aircraft flight from the Okavango to Kasane (about 1.5 hours), followed by a short drive to your accommodation.

Chobe offers a completely different ecosystem and wildlife experience. Home to Africa’s highest concentration of elephants (over 120,000), the park centers around the mighty Chobe River. During dry season, thousands of elephants gather along the riverfront, creating one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife displays.

For accommodations, I recommend Chobe Bush Lodge in nearby Kasane (approximately 2,500 BWP/$185 per night in 2025). While not inside the park, it offers excellent value and includes park activities. If your budget allows, Chobe Safari Lodge has spectacular riverfront views.

Money-Saving Insider Tip #3: Unlike the remote Delta camps, Chobe can be visited more affordably by staying in Kasane and doing day trips into the park. I’ve used this approach on two visits, saving over $1,000 compared to staying at lodges within the park. The wildlife experience is nearly identical.

After checking in, the afternoon brings one of Botswana’s signature experiences: a sunset cruise on the Chobe River. The specialized photography boats offered by Pangolin Photo Safaris (2,000 BWP/$148) are worth the splurge if you’re serious about photography, with swivel seats and camera mounting systems.

From the water, you’ll witness elephants swimming between islands, their trunks raised like snorkels; hippos yawning to display impressive tusks; and crocodiles sunning on sandbanks. The birdlife is spectacular, particularly the African fish eagles that swoop down to catch prey just feet from your boat.

As the sun sets, casting golden light across the water, you’ll understand why Chobe is considered one of Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacles. I’ve taken this cruise five times now, and each experience has been different but equally magical.

The evening brings an opportunity to try local cuisine. If your lodge offers a traditional boma dinner, don’t miss it! You’ll sample seswaa (pounded beef), bogobe (sorghum porridge), and perhaps morogo (wild spinach). Wash it down with a St. Louis lager, Botswana’s national beer.

Day 5: Morning Game Drive and Departure

Make the most of your final morning with an early game drive along Chobe’s riverfront. The morning light illuminating dust kicked up by elephant herds creates ethereal scenes photographers dream about. The riverfront road also offers reliable sightings of buffalo, giraffes, and often lions.

Chobe’s landscape differs dramatically from the Okavango, with wide-open views across floodplains to the river. The vegetation includes massive baobab trees and unusual flat-topped acacias that create the classic African savanna image.

Sustainability Tip That Saves Money: Rather than buying bottled water throughout your trip, bring a filtration water bottle like the GRAYL or LifeStraw. Botswana is experiencing increasing drought issues, and plastic waste is a growing problem. I’ve used filtered local water for years with no issues, saving approximately 500 BWP ($37) per trip while avoiding dozens of plastic bottles.

After your game drive, return to the lodge for breakfast before checking out. Most flights from Kasane depart in the afternoon, giving you time for last-minute souvenir shopping. The crafts market near the Chobe Safari Lodge offers good-quality woodcarvings and baskets, though bargaining is expected. I’ve found that opening with 60% of the asking price usually leads to a fair deal.

As you depart, consider how much you’ve experienced in just five days: the watery wonderland of the Okavango, the predator-rich Moremi, and the elephant paradise of Chobe. Few destinations offer such biodiversity in such a compact itinerary.

Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Botswana Adventure

Botswana changed me in ways I hadn’t expected. Beyond the incredible wildlife sightings and breathtaking landscapes, it was the sense of vast, untamed wilderness that left the deepest impression. In an increasingly developed world, truly wild places are becoming rarer – Botswana remains one of the few countries where the wildlife corridors are still intact, where animals roam freely as they have for millennia.

Five days is admittedly a short time for such an incredible destination, but with this carefully crafted itinerary, you’ll experience the very best of Botswana’s biodiversity. The combination of Moremi, the Okavango Delta, and Chobe provides an excellent overview of the country’s highlights while minimizing transit time.

Your 5-Step Action Plan for Booking Your Botswana Adventure

  1. Book accommodations 12-18 months in advance – especially if traveling during peak season (July-October). The best camps sell out far ahead, and early booking often means significant discounts.
  2. Arrange flights to align with your camp transfers – Aim to arrive in Maun before noon and depart Kasane after 2pm to maximize your time.
  3. Invest in proper gear – Neutral-colored clothing (avoid blue or black, which attracts tsetse flies), a good pair of binoculars, a camera with telephoto capability, and a headlamp are essentials.
  4. Get appropriate vaccinations and medications – Consult a travel doctor at least 8 weeks before departure. Malaria prevention is recommended for Botswana.
  5. Purchase comprehensive travel insurance – The remote nature of Botswana safaris makes evacuation insurance particularly important. Make sure your policy includes emergency air evacuation.

Remember that Botswana uses safari vehicles with open sides, bringing you incredibly close to wildlife. This creates unmatched photography opportunities but also means you’ll be exposed to the elements. Pack accordingly – I’ve shivered through freezing morning drives in July and sweltered in 104°F heat in November.

Finally, bring an open mind and a spirit of adventure. Things don’t always go as planned in Africa – that’s part of its charm. Some of my most memorable moments have come from unexpected detours, like when a flooded road forced us to take a longer route, leading to a chance encounter with a serval cat hunting at sunset – something I’d never have witnessed otherwise.

As they say in Setswana: Tsamaya sentle – travel well!

FAQs: Planning Your 5-Day Botswana Safari

Is 5 days enough time for Botswana?

While ideally you’d spend 7-10 days in Botswana to fully appreciate its diversity, a well-planned 5-day itinerary can provide an excellent introduction to the country’s highlights. By focusing on Moremi, the Okavango Delta, and Chobe, you’ll experience Botswana’s premier wildlife areas while minimizing transit time.

What is the best time of year for a Botswana safari?

The traditional peak season is July through October (dry winter months), when wildlife congregates around permanent water sources. However, each season offers different advantages:

  • May-June: Comfortable temperatures, good wildlife, shoulder season rates
  • July-October: Prime wildlife viewing, but highest prices and most tourists
  • November-April: Lush landscapes, newborn animals, bird migration, dramatic storms, and significantly lower rates (30-50% less than peak season)

How much should I budget for a 5-day safari in Botswana?

Botswana is one of Africa’s more expensive safari destinations due to its low-impact tourism model. Budget options start around $200-300 per person per day (all-inclusive), mid-range experiences run $400-600 per day, and luxury lodges can exceed $1,500 per day. A reasonable mid-range 5-day safari typically costs $2,000-3,000 per person, excluding international flights.

Do I need a visa for Botswana?

Citizens of most Western countries including the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia don’t need visas for stays under 90 days. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date and have at least three blank pages.

Is Botswana safe for tourists?

Botswana is one of Africa’s safest countries with low crime rates and political stability. Normal precautions apply in urban areas like Gaborone and Maun. On safari, always follow your guide’s safety instructions regarding wildlife.

What vaccinations do I need for Botswana?

Recommended vaccinations typically include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus. Yellow fever vaccination is required only if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended, particularly for northern Botswana where safaris take place. Consult a travel doctor before your trip for personalized advice.

Can I self-drive in Botswana?

Self-driving is possible but challenging in Botswana. You’ll need a 4×4 vehicle with high clearance, GPS, and ideally satellite communication. Roads in national parks are often deep sand tracks requiring experience. For a 5-day trip, guided safaris offer better value and wildlife experiences.

What should I pack for a Botswana safari?

Essential items include:

  • Neutral-colored clothing (beige, khaki, olive)
  • Layers for variable temperatures
  • Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen)
  • Insect repellent with DEET
  • Binoculars
  • Camera with telephoto lens
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Basic first aid kit

Is the water safe to drink in Botswana?

Tap water in major towns is generally safe but may taste different. Most safari camps provide filtered or bottled water. A personal water bottle with built-in filter is ideal for environmentally conscious travelers.

Can I combine Botswana with other African destinations?

Absolutely! Victoria Falls is just a 1.5-hour drive from Kasane and makes a perfect addition to any Botswana itinerary. South Africa (particularly Cape Town and Kruger) also combines well with Botswana, with frequent connecting flights through Johannesburg.

References and Further Reading