How many regions to choose: Two or three regions is the sensible number for most backpackers. Botswana’s distances are large, tar roads are limited, and each region needs time to be worth reaching. Trying to cover four or five turns the trip into a driving exercise. Experienced travelers pick one water-based region and one dry-land region, then add a third only with 14 days or more.
Choosing by travel style: Wildlife-focused travelers should put priority on the
northern water regions, because that is where the animals are and where the infrastructure is. Travelers who want solitude, stars and silence do better in the
Kalahari pans and desert reserves, which need a 4x4 but cost far less in fees and camps. Those with limited money should favor the cheaper reaches of the north and the towns, …
read more 👉 How many regions to choose: Two or three regions is the sensible number for most backpackers. Botswana’s distances are large, tar roads are limited, and each region needs time to be worth reaching. Trying to cover four or five turns the trip into a driving exercise. Experienced travelers pick one water-based region and one dry-land region, then add a third only with 14 days or more.
Choosing by travel style: Wildlife-focused travelers should put priority on the northern water regions, because that is where the animals are and where the infrastructure is. Travelers who want solitude, stars and silence do better in the Kalahari pans and desert reserves, which need a 4x4 but cost far less in fees and camps. Those with limited money should favor the cheaper reaches of the north and the towns, where public transport, shared transfers and group trips work. Fly-in camps in the Delta cost US$400 to 1,000 or more per person per night, so the smarter route is a mokoro or boat trip from a lodge or community camp outside the premium concessions.
What things cost: The budget is higher than in neighboring countries. A self-drive camper spending on campsites, food and fuel should plan on US$70 to 120 a day, including a rental vehicle share. Without a vehicle, a basic hostel or camp, groceries and local transport come to around US$40 to 70 a day. National park entry is roughly P120 to 250 (about US$9 to 18) per person per day for foreign visitors, with a vehicle fee of around P50 to 120 on top. Public campsites in parks cost around US$20 to 50 per person per night. Guided Delta trips of two to three nights typically run US$150 to 400 per person on the cheaper end. Fuel is moderately priced but stations are far apart, so carry spare.
Safety: The main risks are wildlife and driving, not crime. Parks are unfenced, so elephants, hyenas and lions walk through campsites. Stay inside the tent at night, keep food locked in the vehicle and never walk away from camp after dark. Roads carry cattle, donkeys and goats, and night driving is best avoided. Malaria risk exists in the north from November to May, so seek medical advice about prophylaxis. Water is scarce in remote areas, and experienced travelers carry at least 5 liters per person per day.
Cultural considerations: Greet people before asking for anything, since greetings matter in Setswana culture. Ask before photographing people, especially in rural villages and at San communities, and avoid paying for staged cultural displays that are not run by the community. Wildlife regulations are enforced, and wild camping outside permitted sites is not allowed.
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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.