How Much Does a Trip to Botswana Cost?
A realistic breakdown of what it costs to visit Botswana in 2026: daily budgets, safari prices, sample trip totals, and where your money actually goes.
Daily Budget by Travel Style
Per person, per day, on the ground (excludes international flights).
budget
$60-$150
per day
Self-drive camping, own food, basic campsites
mid rangeMost popular
$300-$800
per day
Mid-range lodges, guided safaris, some fly-in transfers
luxury
$1,000-$3,000
per day
Exclusive fly-in camps, private guides, all-inclusive
Sample Trip Costs
Estimated ground costs per person (accommodation, food, local transport, and activities). Add international flights separately.
| Trip Length | budget | mid range | luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 days | $420-$1,050 | $2,100-$5,600 | $7,000-$21,000 |
| 10 days | $600-$1,500 | $3,000-$8,000 | $10,000-$30,000 |
Round-trip international flights to Botswana typically add $700-1,500 from Europe and $1,100-2,200 from North America, depending on season and how far ahead you book.
Safari Costs in Botswana
Safari is usually the biggest line item. Prices are per person, per day, and typically include park fees, a guide, game drives, and full-board accommodation.
budget
$100-$250/day
Self-drive camping in Moremi/Chobe, own food and vehicle
mid range
$400-$800/day
Mid-range lodges, guided game drives, some activities
luxury
$1,000-$3,000/day
All-inclusive fly-in camps with activities, meals, drinks, and transfers
What Things Cost in Botswana
Everyday prices to help you plan a daily budget.
Where Your Money Goes
- •Safari & park fees are the biggest cost. Daily lodge and conservation fees add up fast.
- •Domestic flights between parks and cities can run $100-300 each leg.
- •Accommodation spans budget guesthouses to $1,000+ luxury camps.
- •Food and local transport are relatively cheap outside the lodges.
- •Tips and gratuities add roughly $15-30 per day on a guided trip.
How to Save Money
- ✓Travel in shoulder season for lower lodge rates and fewer crowds.
- ✓Join a small-group safari instead of a private vehicle.
- ✓Stay in towns just outside parks and do day trips in.
- ✓Book domestic flights and permits early.
- ✓Eat at local restaurants away from the tourist strips.
- ✓Use a no-foreign-fee card and withdraw larger amounts from ATMs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a trip to Botswana cost?
Budget travelers spend $60-$150 a day, mid-range travelers $300-$800 a day, and luxury trips $1,000+ a day, before international flights. A typical 7-day mid-range trip works out to roughly $2,100-$5,600 per person on the ground.
How much does a Botswana safari cost?
Expect $100-$250 per day for budget group safaris, $400-$800 per day for mid-range lodge safaris, and $1,000-$3,000 per day for luxury camps. Park fees are normally included.
What is the cheapest way to visit Botswana?
Travel in shoulder season, join a small-group camping safari, use public buses or shared shuttles between cities, and base yourself in towns just outside the parks. This keeps a trip closer to the budget end of the range.