How many hikes to plan: I advise
three to five hikes in total. That is enough to see the three main settings (hill, pan and delta) without turning the trip into a driving marathon. Each area is separated by 5 to 7 hours on the road, and the walks themselves are short, often 2 to 4 hours, so adding more produces more time in vehicles than on foot.
Choosing between kinds: Travelers on tight budgets should favor
hill walks near Gaborone and self-driven or tour-supported visits to cultural sites, where costs stay low. Those who want wildlife on foot should save for one
guided walking experience in a concession or at a pan, since this is the only way to walk in big-game country safely. Those chasing solitude should choose the remote northwest, where there are no crowds but also no shortcuts.
What …
read more 👉 How many hikes to plan: I advise three to five hikes in total. That is enough to see the three main settings (hill, pan and delta) without turning the trip into a driving marathon. Each area is separated by 5 to 7 hours on the road, and the walks themselves are short, often 2 to 4 hours, so adding more produces more time in vehicles than on foot.
Choosing between kinds: Travelers on tight budgets should favor hill walks near Gaborone and self-driven or tour-supported visits to cultural sites, where costs stay low. Those who want wildlife on foot should save for one guided walking experience in a concession or at a pan, since this is the only way to walk in big-game country safely. Those chasing solitude should choose the remote northwest, where there are no crowds but also no shortcuts.
What it costs: Budget about US$40 to 70 a day (roughly P550 to 950) for camping, self-catering, shared transport and modest entry fees. Park fees for foreign visitors run roughly US$10 to 30 per person per day, plus vehicle fees. Local guides at community sites typically charge about P100 to 300 (US$7 to 22) per walk. Campsites cost US$10 to 25 per person. Guided walking in private concessions starts around US$300 to 500 per person per night and rises well above that in the peak months. A 10 to 14 day trip on a backpacker budget usually totals US$600 to 1,200 for ground costs, plus any rental vehicle at US$70 to 130 a day for a 4x4.
Safety: Predators and elephants are the main risk. Experienced travelers never walk unguided in national parks, concessions or near water, and keep a distance from anything large and gray. Heat is the second risk, so carry at least 3 liters of water per person and start at sunrise. Sand tracks bog down vehicles, so carry a tire pressure gauge, recovery gear and a second spare when heading to remote sites. Mobile coverage disappears quickly outside towns. Tell someone your route, or carry a satellite messenger.
Cultural considerations: Many hills and caves are sacred or hold cultural significance for the San, Hambukushu and other communities. Employing a local guide is usually required, and it keeps the fee in the community. Ask before photographing people, never touch rock paintings and do not remove stones or bones. Dress modestly in villages. Visitors who respect these rules are generally received warmly, and the money spent supports the people who know the land best.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.