A luxury safari in Botswana promises a unique getaway with exceptional hospitality, unparalleled service, and the opportunity to experience five-star accommodation amidst its wild watery wilderness teeming with extravagant wildlife and birds. With all these elements, it’s no wonder Botswana has become one of the premier destinations for a luxury African safari.
Overview
- What defines a Luxury Botswana Safari?
- What does a Luxury Botswana Safari Lodge offer high-end clients?
- The Safari Region of Botswana
- Our 15 Best Luxury Botswana Safari Lodges
What defines a Luxury Botswana Safari?
What makes a luxury Botswana safari so special? You might think camping or lodging in the bush is enough, but that’s only the beginning. We evaluate three key factors to differentiate the finest Botswana safari experiences from the rest.
Location
Experience a luxury safari and indulge in the stunning natural beauty of Botswana. Explore the Chobe River, Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, and Linyanti Wetlands – all breathtakingly popular destinations. To add an extra special touch, stay in a private reserve – away from the public and offering a wide array of safari activities.
A typical day in Botswana offers a wealth of activities – from a mesmerizing walking safari to thrilling day and night game drives. The magical beauty of Botswana offers water-based activities like mokoro rides, fishing, and magnificent sunset boat cruises that you won’t find in any national park.
Discover Botswana in style with a fly-in safari! Marvel at the breathtakingly beautiful Okavango Delta from the sky, winding channels, and wide-open spaces dotted with incredible wildlife. Step onto an untouched gravel airstrip and feel the thrill of an African adventure in its purest form. Then, take it up a notch and upgrade to a helicopter transfer between lodges and camps for a truly wild experience.
Access your luxury Botswana safari easily and quickly with a connecting flight from Johannesburg International Airport (O.R Tambo) in South Africa or from Cape Town or Windhoek (Namibia).
Privacy
Visiting a private reserve or camp for a luxury safari in Botswana offers an intimate, private experience, as there are fewer suites to reduce human traffic. This is ideal for those wishing to enjoy a low-impact safari; three things can make it even more special. But nothing can ruin the excitement of spotting animals in the wild, like being surrounded by a large group of people, all vying for a better view of the wildlife in action. Fewer people, more luxury: that’s the mantra for a truly exceptional luxury safari experience. With limited numbers on each game drive, crowd control creates a memorable safari for all.
Professional staff and unparalleled service
The exceptional service, experienced game rangers and guides, and professional expertise make a luxury safari in Botswana an unforgettable experience. With the highest caliber of professionals on your side, you can take in the beauty of the bush with knowledgeable, skilled eyes and gain even more knowledge along the way.
Indulge in a luxurious lodge or camp with professional services like a personal butler, certified spa specialists, master chefs creating mouth-watering cuisine in the heart of the wilderness, private housekeepers and waiters, and more room for customizing your ideal safari!
What does a Luxury Botswana Safari Lodge offer high-end clients?
For those who seek an opulant adventure, there’s no better way to experience the magic of Botswana than by staying at a high-end, luxury safari lodge, offering the ultimate in luxury, style, and comfort. It promises to be a place where guests can relax and unwind amid the African wilderness, surrounded by the sounds and sights of nature. However, a high-end safari lodge is more than just a place to stay; it’s an experience that combines the best of African hospitality with the finest amenities and services. In addition, luxury Botswana safari lodges offer:
All-inclusive luxury
Many luxury safari lodges offer all-inclusive packages that cover everything from accommodation to meals and activities. This means guests don’t have to worry about extra expenses or hidden costs. They can relax and enjoy their stay without considering the budget.
Attention to detail
As mentioned earlier, attention to detail is one of the hallmarks of a luxury safari lodge. From the quality of the bedding to the selection of wines, everything is carefully chosen to ensure that guests have the best possible experience. In addition, staff members are trained to anticipate guests’ needs and to provide personalized service that exceeds expectations.
Fantastic food
Another benefit of staying at a high-end safari lodge is the quality of the food. Many lodges have top-rated chefs who create delicious meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. As a result, guests can enjoy a variety of dishes that showcase the flavors of Botswana and the surrounding region.
Unique safari experiences
Staying at a high-end safari lodge also means guests can indulge in an exclusive luxury safari experience. Game drives and bush walks are conducted in small groups, so guests can enjoy a more personalized experience. Guides are knowledgeable and experienced and can provide insights into the behavior and habits of the animals that guests are observing.
Ultimate luxury
In addition to game drives and bush walks, many high-end safari lodges offer luxury experiences designed to enhance guests’ enjoyment of the African bush. These include:
- Helicopter Flights
- Helicopter flights are a unique way to experience the beauty of Botswana from above. Guests can take a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta or other areas of interest, enjoying panoramic views of the landscape and wildlife below.
- Luxury Sleepouts
- Sleepouts are essential for guests who want to experience the ultimate luxury camping. Guests can spend the night in a comfortable, spacious tent equipped with all the amenities of a luxury safari lodge.
Unique experiences
In addition to helicopter flights and sleepouts, many high-end safari lodges offer various unique experiences designed to enhance guests’ enjoyment of the African bush:
- Meet the meerkats at Jacks Camp – Jacks Camp is a luxury safari lodge in the Kalahari Desert’s heart. One of the unique experiences offered here is the chance to meet the meerkats that live in the surrounding area. Guests can spend time with these charming creatures, observing their behavior and learning about their habitat.
- Photography – For guests interested in Photography, many luxury safari lodges offer memorable photography safaris led by experienced guides. These safaris are designed to help guests capture the perfect shot, whether a close-up of a lion’s face or a sweeping landscape shot.
- Walking safaris – Walking safaris are a great way to experience the African bush up close and personal. Guests can explore the wilderness on foot, accompanied by knowledgeable guides who can provide insights into the plants and animals they encounter.
- Boat rides – For those who want to enjoy the waterways of Botswana, boat rides are a great option. Many luxury safari lodges offer boat rides on the Okavango Delta or other bodies of water, where guests can observe wildlife from a different perspective. It’s a peaceful and relaxing way to enjoy the beauty of Botswana.
- Makoro rides – Makoros are traditional dugout canoes used to navigate the waterways of the Okavango Delta. Guests can take a makoro ride with trained guide, exploring the Delta and observing the wildlife there.
The Safari Region of Botswana
Embedded in the seemingly arid sands of the Kalahari Desert, the Okavango Delta is a lush oasis and a true refuge for African wildlife. A unique aquatic pulse causes the wetlands to shift, resulting in both permanent and seasonal landscapes. The area comprises vast private concessions, remaining unsullied and untouched by civilization.
Chobe National Park
Chobe in Botswana is one of the world’s premier safari destinations. All year round, it boasts plentiful wildlife, mind-boggling landscapes, and abundant game and birdlife – including the Big 5. An astonishing one-third of the continent’s elephant population calls this area home.
Savute Region Chobe National Park
The area’s unpredictable water channel, the Savute, provides a stunning backdrop for exciting big-game viewing opportunities. The channel’s flow varies, creating a landscape that often fluctuates between marshland and dry plains. Nevertheless, the Savute region never fails to captivate wildlife and safari lovers.
Linyanti Concession
The Linyanti concession in Botswana’s north is an impressive contrast to the Okavango Delta. Nestled between the Okavango to the south and west and the Chobe National Park to the east, this expansive reserve covers 483 square miles of woodlands and two waterways. The mighty Linyanti River forms the north border of the concession and the border between Botswana and Namibia.
Moremi Game Reserve
In 1963, the BaTwana tribal authorities created the Moremi Game Reserve, an unparalleled refuge for abundant African wildlife in southern Africa’s finest game-viewing region. It spans over pans, floodplains, lagoons, grasslands, forests of acacia trees, savannahs, and dense mopane woodlands, jutting into the Okavango Delta. Nowhere else will you find better game-viewing opportunities.
Chief’s Island, Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta
Tucked away in the Okavango Delta, Chief’s Island is a sprawling 386-square-mile sand island teeming with life. Mombo Concession is situated at the northwestern tip of this verdant oasis – a paradise known to the BaYei locals as “the place of plenty.” Mombo’s abundance of wildlife is unrivaled. Its position, just below the three primary channels of the Okavango River, has led it to be regarded as one of Africa’s most sought-after game-viewing areas.
Khwai Private Reserve, Okavango Delta
The Khwai Private Reserve, spanning nearly 500 000 acres and located between Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve, is an animal lover’s dream come true. Blessed with an abundance of majestic wildlife, thanks to the through-flow from these celebrated areas, the reserve is even further augmented by the Khwai Riverfront – a veritable magnet for wildlife.
Selinda, Okavango Delta
The Selinda Reserve – an 830-square-mile sanctuary of unspoiled wilderness – sits between the Okavango and Linyanti water systems. Its center is the Selinda Spillway, which serves as a shield for the lush, tranquil surroundings. Majestic palms provide a backdrop for vast open grasslands and riverside forests, creating an enchanting atmosphere – especially during the dry season when game-viewing is simply spectacular
Jao Concession
The Jao Concession lies in the center of the Okavango Delta’s wetlands, where you can experience the wonder of Botswana’s landscape: from permanent swamps to dry land. At the Jao Flats, meander through charming, untouched water channels lined with papyrus and reed beds, and enjoy the captivating sight of lush palm islands. As you venture westwards, the Jao Flats become drier. At the tip of this sandy expanse lies Hunda Island, the biggest source of dry land in the Jao Concession during July-September. This area is filled with vegetation of sandveld, hosting various types of nutritious Acacia and Grewia shrubs. These flourishing shrubs attract diverse wildlife, providing them with the perfect browsing spot.
Nxai Pan
Nxai Pan National Park, part of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, is truly enchanting. From salt pans to grasslands, mopane forests to acacia, and the iconic baobab trees, the park offers a wide array of habitats for wildlife. Thanks to its higher elevation, when the Super Lake disappeared, it left a less saline residue, resulting in a typical Kalahari landscape. Home to the migrating zebra and wildebeest, visitors are sure to spot a variety of wildlife, making it a must-see destination
Makgadigadi Pans
Experience a one-of-a-kind safari in the captivating Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. From its barren, salty exterior to the abundance of animals that flock here, this destination offers many incredible opportunities suitable for all kinds of travelers. Whether you come in the wet season (November to April) or the dry season (May to October), each one is distinctive in its own way.
Central Kalahari
Experience a captivating contrast between the Kalahari Desert and the lush Okavango Delta on a desert safari in Botswana. Despite the strikingly different landscapes, they can easily be combined in a single itinerary to showcase Botswana’s fantastic diversity. Wetlands and monolithic rock formations offer a unique experience and form an integral part of the dominant Kalahari ecosystem. Plus, the desert provides more unusual and exciting activities to enjoy. In addition, if you’re looking for a truly authentic San Bushman experience, there’s no better place than the Kalahari.
Our 15 Best Luxury Botswana Safari Lodges
Jewel of Africa Safaris is an award-winning family business run by a father and son team, Kobus and Neil De Jonge. They have spent their lives exploring Africa’s wild spaces and have handpicked these luxury Botswana safari lodges based on first-hand experience of the best that Africa has to offer.
Mombo Camp
At Mombo Camp, guests can enjoy the ultimate traditional safari experience amidst the stunning Okavango Delta floodplains. With unparalleled comfort and customer satisfaction, Mombo is a cut above the rest. Its passionate guides, personalized service, and attention to detail ensure the camp creates an unforgettable safari experience that will leave you with lasting memories.
Highlights
- Beautiful African scenery, with reliable Big 5 and big cat sightings.
- Photography hides.
- Scenic helicopter flights
- Excellent personalized service
Perfect for: Romantic honeymoons and family holidays.
Duba Plains camp – Great Plains
Duba Plains Camp is nestled on an island, enveloped and sheltered by lush ebony, fig, and garcinia trees and embraced by magnificent, breathtaking plains. The spacious tents are outfitted with plush lace-draped beds, ensuite bathrooms with al fresco showers, flush toilets, and verandas with splendid views of the radiant floodplain.
Highlights
- inviting outdoor sitting area with a central fireplace
- A raised deck dining room underneath colossal riverine trees
- Private veranda
- Bush campfire, adorned with cozy cushions and harem pillows.
Perfect for: Family and group holidays.
Xigera – Red Carnation
The Xigera Safari Lodge offers a truly unique getaway for couples, combining the luxurious comforts of a 5-star hotel with the serenity of the Okavango Delta’s riverine forest and glistening floodplains. From indulging in world-class spa treatments to savoring gourmet meals fit for a Michelin-star chef, Xigera promises an experience unlike any other.
Highlights
- a range of water-based and Photography safaris
- Scenic helicopter flights
- Living art gallery
- Wellness center
Perfect for: Romantic escapes
Jao Camp
Tucked away in a secluded area of the Okavango Delta, accessible only by air, lies the luxurious Jao Camp. Built on various levels, the camp elevates into the tree canopy of the surrounding jungle-like environment. Its innovative design has fused natural elements of thatch and wood to create an architectural masterpiece. Every suite is individually decorated. Floor-to-ceiling glass panels are ideal for viewing the surrounding natural beauty, and its stylish furnishings, local carvings, and artworks create an elegant atmosphere.
Highlights:
- Enjoy land- and water-based safaris
- A star-bed for a night under the stars
- Scenic helicopter rides
- One of Botswana’s best spas
Perfect for: Family getaways
Kings Pool
You can live out your royal dreams at King’s Pool Camp, a 5-star safari destination. Overlooking the sparkling waters of the King’s Pool Lagoon in the game-filled Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, the camp radiates grandeur with its luxe design and décor. Inside, open and airy suites are thoughtfully appointed with local artwork, melding modern-day comfort with traditional African charm. The camp’s classic thatch and wood build further enhances its connection to nature.
Highlights
- Walking safaris
- Boating excursions
- Luxury suites overlooking a beautiful lagoon.
- Reliable sightings of wild dogs and hyenas
Perfect for: Family and group getaways
Jack’s Camp
Having set the standard for decades in the Kalahari, Jack’s Camp underwent a complete transformation and reopened in 2021. Completely revitalized, this much-loved campaign-style property pays homage to its 1940s roots while providing guests with larger 800-square-foot tents. Rich textiles, antique cabinets, and overhead bed cooling systems adorn the iconic interiors, while outside, each veranda comes with its own private plunge pool.
Highlights
- Natural History Museum
- Library
- Meerkat visits
- Persian tea tent
Perfect for: Family and group getaways
Camp Moremi
Indulge in a luxurious African safari at Camp Moremi with all your desired modern comforts. Disconnect from the world and stay in magnificent thatch-and-canvas safari tents, creating a timeless safari experience. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Moremi Game Reserve, going on game drives and sunset cruises on Xakanaxa Lagoon. Here you might catch a glimpse of a leopard perched on a Mopane tree and elephants frolicking on the banks.
Highlights:
• Panoramic views of the Xakanaxa Lagoon
• Friendly and attentive staff
• Remote and private luxury lodge
• Boating safaris
Perfect for: Romantic getaways.
Vumubra – Wilderness
Experience the unique blend of a beach house and log cabin in the untamed African wilderness at Vumbura Plains. With an air of tranquillity and plenty of woodwork, the camp has a laid-back feel, as if you were on the shoreline. But it’s not until you step out onto the elevated deck to take in the stunning view of the Delta’s floodplain that you remember you are on safari in the core of Africa.
Highlights:
- Reliable predator sightings
- Boating, mokoro rides & helicopter flights
- Hot-air ballooning (April to September)
- Night drives & guided bush walks
Perfect for: family getaways and groups
Sanctuary Chiefs Camp
Embark on an unforgettable adventure at Sanctuary Chief’s Camp, in Chief Moremi’s former royal hunting reserve, in the Okavango Delta. Marvel at the wealth of wildlife and wilderness and take part in action-packed, adrenaline-filled activities. Each pavilion offers a tranquil outdoor seating area and a terrace plunge pool. The Geoffrey Kent Suite offers two pavilions, complete with a private bar, boma, lounge, kitchen and personal housekeeper, waiter, guide, and vehicle. Consistently rated as one of the top safari camps in Botswana by Condé Nast and Travel & Leisure, this is one getaway you will never forget.
Highlights:
- Seasonal mokoro excursions
- Some of the largest suites in the area
- Personalized service
- Varied activities
Perfect for: couples and small groups
Eagle Island Lodge
Enjoy an unforgettable luxury safari at Eagle Island Lodge – situated on the majestic Xaxaba Island in the Delta. This luxurious lodge offers a selection of water-based activities, like motorboat cruises, barge rides, and mokoro safaris, to get you up close to the wildlife that inhabits the area. These include elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and big cats.
Highlights:
• Luxurious water-focused camp
• Horseback and helicopter safaris (seasonal)
• Variety of water-based activities
• Fish Eagle Bar, located on the water
Perfect for: honeymoons & romantic getaways.
Zarafa Camp – Great Plains
Located in the private 320,000-acre Selinda Reserve, Zarafa Camp offers breathtaking views of the Zibadianja Lagoon, the source of the Savuti Channel. Each suite, spanning more than 320 square feet, is equipped with raised reclaimed railway sleeper decking and luxurious interiors, a lounge area, a beautiful bedroom, and an open layout indoor bathroom complete with a copper claw-foot bath.
Highlights:
- Home to rare species such as African wild dogs, roan and sable.
- For bird watchers, the camp offers a breathtaking view of the nearby African skimmer colony.
- Large rooms
- Rustic charm, without losing its luxury feel.
Perfect for: honeymoons & romantic getaways.
Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge – and Beyond
At Sandibe, the architecture resembles a colossal pangolin nestled in the Okavango Delta’s lush forest and meandering waterways. Here, you’ll be immersed in the opulence of the locale and bewitched by the scenery. You’ll also be spoilt for choice with exceptional service and unforgettable gastronomic adventures. So take a dip in the plunge pool or set out on an exciting game drive to witness elephants and lions – rest assured, every corner of Sandibe will exceed your expectations.
Highlights:
- Unique architectural design
- Immersive kids’ program
- Magnificent helicopter flights
- Interactive kitchen
- Night drives & bush walks
Perfect for: Family holidays and large groups.
Chobe Game Lodge – Desert & Delta
Be immersed in the royal ambiance of Moorish architecture and extravagant décor at Chobe Game Lodge, allowing you to experience a premier safari destination in the lap of luxury. You’ll be awestruck by the spectacular views of the wildlife-rich Chobe River and be indulged by the luxurious comfort and modern design of the lodge. With exceptional service and gastronomy of the highest caliber, you’ll feel as if you’re not in an untamed wild but in a sophisticated hotel.
Highlights:
- 5-star luxury
- Incredible elephant encounters
- Stunning sunsets on the Chobe River
- Eco-friendly electric boats.
Perfect for: Families and groups
Camp Okavango
Camp Okavango, a secluded African safari camp located on the isolated Nxaragha Island, is a true gem tucked away in the ever-lasting Okavango Delta – a newly-declared World Heritage site. It’s an intricate network of deep lagoons, huge lakes, and winding channels. Here, visitors can expect to experience a once-in-a-lifetime water wilderness adventure all year round.
Highlights
- Open-air design and elevated position
- Eco-sensitive
- Guided bush walks
- Birding and angling
- Sleep out deck.
Perfect for: Families and groups
Kalahari Plains Camp
Discover the grandeur of the untamed Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Its spectacular array of desert-adapted wildlife – oryx, cheetah, and springbok – thrives in the gorgeous, semi-arid savannah. On clear nights, witness the Milky Way stretching out at one of the most incredible stargazing spots in Southern Africa. Embark on exciting game drives to seek out black-maned lions and see the magnificent constellations of the southern hemisphere in the starry night sky.
Highlights:
- Exquisitely remote.
- Units are fitted with rooftop sleepout platforms.
- well-positioned for watching.
Perfect for: Families and groups
You don’t need to imagine an indulgent Botswana getaway. See it for yourself. Choosing a specialized tour operator to plan your luxury Botswana safari is the best decision you can make, guaranteeing an authentic and immersive encounter. If you’re ready for your own custom-made, luxury experience in magnificent Botswana, contact Jewel of Africa Safaris to start designing your dream adventure today.