Botswana, known for its vast wilderness and diverse ecosystems, is a premier destination for luxury safari experiences. The country boasts a range of high-end luxury safari lodges that provide not only luxurious accommodations but also unparalleled opportunities to witness the incredible wildlife that inhabits the region. Among these, the best Botswana safari lodges stand out for their top-rated accommodations, exceptional hospitality, and commitment to sustainability.
In this blog, we explore some of the best luxury safari lodges in Botswana, showcasing their unique features and the extraordinary experiences they offer.
If you are in search of a luxury safari experience in heart of Botswana’s wilderness, these are the best luxury safari lodges to pick from for an experience of luxury and an authentic African safari.
Luxury Safari Lodges in Botswana’s Best Regions
Botswana is renowned for its diverse and breathtaking landscapes, offering a unique luxury safari experience in each of its distinct regions. The Okavango Delta, with its lush, watery channels, is a haven for wildlife and provides a serene backdrop for water-based activities like mokoro excursions and boat safaris. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit for those seeking an immersive experience in one of the world’s most pristine wilderness areas.
In contrast, the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park offers a starkly different yet equally captivating landscape. Here, the arid, salt-encrusted pans stretch as far as the eye can see, creating an otherworldly environment that is perfect for quad biking and stargazing. The Kalahari Desert, with its rolling golden grasslands, provides a unique opportunity to witness desert-adapted wildlife and experience the traditional culture of the San people.
Each region in Botswana offers its own charm and attractions, ensuring that no two safari experiences are the same. Whether you are exploring the lush Okavango Delta or the vast Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana’s diverse landscapes promise an unforgettable luxury safari adventure.
1. Xigera Safari Lodge
Xigera Safari Lodge is a luxury lodge situated in the Okavango Delta, Botswana in Moremi Game Reserve, NG28 concession. It boasts an impressive art collection that includes sculptures, paintings, and various handmade items made by local African crafters, offering guests both aesthetic and cultural experiences during their stay.
The Xigera Design Collection is curated with a special view to support African artists and designers by including pieces from 80 different creators brought together through Cape Town’s Southern Guild collective.
For example, bespoke bedspreads are made sustainably from African Jacquard, coffee mugs are handmade by Chuma Maweni and bedside table lamps are from Ardmore. At Xigera forget merely looking at wildlife – you become part of it; this ‘living gallery’ inspires guests to appreciate beauty in a uniquely nature-inspired way that can only be found here.
Xigera Safari Lodge, set in a remote part of the Okavango Delta, offers a blend of luxury and sustainability. The lodge’s unique design incorporates elements of the surrounding landscapes, and guests can enjoy water-based activities and game drives in this pristine wilderness. It stands as one of the best luxury safari lodges in the Okavango Delta.
2. Mombo Camp
Situated in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Mombo Camp is one of the premier Botswana safari lodges, renowned for its abundant wildlife and luxurious accommodations. The camp is set on Chief’s Island, one of the region’s prime game-viewing locations.
Mombo Camp provides spacious and elegantly designed tents, each with its private deck, offering guests the opportunity to observe the diverse wildlife right from the comfort of their rooms.
Mombo Camp is truly an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a place to relax and reconnect with nature. Set in Botswana’s lush landscape of the Okavango Delta, Mombo offers an authentic tented safari camping experience like no other. With luxurious tents overlooking vivid sunsets, guests can be assured that their comfort and enjoyment are a priority.
At Mombo Camp, guests can expect to experience some of the best wildlife sightings on safari. Guests will be guided by experienced rangers who are passionate about wildlife and take great care to ensure you have a memorable experience. Reliable Big 5 and big cat sightings are common at Mombo Camp-from wildebeest calves grazing in wide open plains to lions leaping out of the bush onto unsuspecting prey, you’re sure to witness something spectacular here.
3. Chief’s Camp
Chief’s Camp, located on Chief’s Island in the Moremi Game Reserve, is another gem in the Botswana safari name’s luxury safari offerings. As one of Botswana’s top safari destinations, it highlights the unique qualities of the Moremi Game Reserve, attracting wildlife enthusiasts and tourists alike. This camp provides exclusive accommodations with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Guests can embark on thrilling game drives and guided bush walks to witness the incredible biodiversity that the Moremi Game Reserve is known for.
Chief’s Camp offers a luxurious retreat for the adventurous traveler, providing a tranquil escape in the heart of Moremi Game Reserve. Guests can experience an authentic African safari without compromising on comfort and convenience. The lodgings feature spectacular views of the Piajio floodplain from the comfort of your bedroom and superb service is complemented by state-of-the-art facilities throughout the camp. Guests can guarantee sightings of predators and Big 5 animals in their natural habitats from the privacy of their research vehicle or with expert on-site professional guides.
The camp is located on the largest island in the Delta, perfect for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature and discover more about Botswana’s rich wildlife. With activities such as game drives, walking safaris, and mokoro excursions available, guests have access to some of Africa’s real gems while still enjoying a luxurious experience away from home. From sunrise yoga classes overlooking picturesque landscapes to creating lifelong memories around an open fire beneath starry night skies, Chief’s Camp will leave you with unforgettable experiences that last a lifetime.
4. Meno a Kwena
Meno a Kwena is not only a standout lodge in the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park but also operates in the Okavango Delta. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is another prime destination in Botswana, offering unique Kalahari desert wildlife and cultural experiences. This dual presence allows guests to experience the diverse ecosystems of both regions, ensuring a comprehensive safari adventure.
5. Jack’s Camp
Jacks Camp Natural Selection is known for its stylish and unique desert architecture, Jack’s Camp in the Makgadikgadi Pans offers a luxurious and immersive experience. The luxury camp itself’s exclusive setting allows guests to explore the otherworldly landscapes of the Kalahari Basin.
6. Migration Expeditions, Nxai Pan National Park
For those seeking an intimate and exclusive safari experience, Migration Expeditions in Nxai Pan National Park is an excellent choice best safari camps. The camp offers personalized guided tours and comfortable accommodations, making it an ideal base for exploring the park’s stunning landscapes and wildlife.
7. Belmond Khwai River Lodge
Set on the edge of the Moremi Game Reserve, Belmond Khwai River Lodge combines luxury with a pristine wilderness setting. The lodge’s elevated suites provide panoramic views of the Khwai River, and guests can enjoy thrilling game drives and boat safaris.
8. Duba Plains Camp
Duba Plains Camp, located in the northern reaches of the Okavango Delta, is celebrated for its diverse wildlife and elegant accommodations. The camp’s exclusive access to vast private concessions ensures a secluded and intimate safari experience.
9. San Camp
For a touch of old-world charm in the heart of the Makgadikgadi Pans, San Camp offers a unique and stylish safari experience. The camp’s classic white tents and antique furnishings create an atmosphere of timeless luxury, complemented by expert-guided explorations of the surrounding landscapes.
San Camp is the perfect sanctuary for travelers seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Located in the middle of the Kalahari Desert, this luxury camp makes full use of its location by providing unparalleled views of mesmerizing game-rich savannahs and salt pans. San Camp offers guests a variety of ways to immerse themselves in nature, such as quad biking or horseback riding through the rolling golden grasslands and salt pans.
The accommodations at San Camp combine rustic charm with modern amenities. Billowing white tents that are shaded by palm trees transport visitors into a tranquil oasis where they can relax without disruption from society’s distractions. Guests are also treated to mouthwatering meals made up of fresh, innovative cuisine that is sure to please any palate. With so much to offer, San Camp is an ideal choice for those looking for a truly unique travel experience that will be remembered fondly for years to come.
10. Eagle Island Lodge
Eagle Island Lodge, located on the private island of Xaxaba in the Okavango Delta, provides a blend of luxury and natural beauty. The camp’s spacious tented suites offer stunning views of the delta, and guests can enjoy activities such as mokoro excursions and game drives.
11. Selinda Camp
Selinda Camp is a unique luxury destination located on the banks of the Selinda Spillway with a design inspired by the elements. Its décor reflects earth, fire, wind, and water which gives it a contemporary style that also evokes traditional African safari elements that include thatch, wood, and canvas.
Visitors to Selinda Camp will be treated to picturesque views of untouched wilderness from the hide – designed as an ideal spot for wildlife photography – and game view vehicles customized for optimal results.
For photographers looking to capture their best nature shot, this camp offers incredible opportunities. From its prime location along a major migratory route between Botswana’s Okavango Delta and Linyanti Swamp systems, guests gain unparalleled access to some of Africa’s most iconic creatures. Not only does Selinda Camp integrate luxury lodgings with awe-inspiring scenes of natural beauty, but its conscious effort toward striking architecture should not be overlooked either.
12. Jao Camp
Jao Camp, set in a private concession in the Okavango Delta, is a haven of luxury surrounded by water and lush landscapes. The camp’s raised decks and luxurious accommodations provide an ideal vantage point for observing the delta’s rich wildlife.
Tucked away on a remote island deep in the Okavango Delta lies Jao Camp – a haven of modern opulence and bush luxury. This paradise camp is built at several levels, rising into the plentiful tree canopy of the majestic rainforest. The unique design incorporates rustic elements such as thatch and wood throughout its architectural marvel, while contemporary furnishings, local artworks, and carvings give this five-star experience an added level of sophistication.
Each suite has been impeccably designed to offer floor-to-ceiling glass panels overlooking the luscious sights of African wildlife and vegetation. Not to mention two private viewing decks, outdoor showers, and an intimate pool for guests’ exclusive use. Moreover, due to its far compliance from civilization, Jao Camp is the perfect place for stargazing or reconnecting with nature without distractions.
13. King’s Pool Camp
Located in the wildlife-rich Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, King’s Pool Camp offers a luxurious retreat with a focus on conservation. The camp’s elevated suites overlook the Linyanti River, and guests can enjoy wildlife sightings from the comfort of their private plunge pools.
King’s Pool Camp is the epitome of African safari luxury, offering guests an unforgettable experience under the watchful eyes of the game-rich Linyanti Wildlife Reserve. Both the interior and exterior décor is taste made from natural materials such as thatch and wood – giving off an aura of grandeur fit for royalty.
Preceding a refreshing dip in the glistening waters of King’s Pool Lagoon, guests can take the majestic bush setting into their own hands by embarking on walking safaris or boating excursions. Alternatively, Kings’s Pool Camp has no shortage of relaxing options, with their airy suites overlooking the lagoon while still allowing time to admire works of local art in situ.
Amid daily wildlife game drives and leisurely boat cruises down tributaries leading to King’s lagoons, Kings’s Pool provides dreamers with one last wilderness refuge in Botswana before returning home.
From marveling at nature through its epic landscapes to soaking up cultural experiences like traditional artist demonstrations and meetings with indigenous tribes – life is forever changed after visiting King’s Pool Camp.
14. Sanctuary Baines’ Camp
Nestled on a private concession bordering the Moremi Game Reserve, Sanctuary Baines’ Camp offers a unique and intimate safari experience. The camp’s opulent suites feature star baths and private viewing decks, allowing guests to connect with nature in style.
15. Zarafa Camp
Zarafa Camp, situated in the Selinda Reserve, is celebrated for its eco-friendly approach and luxurious accommodations. The camp’s spacious tents and gourmet dining experiences are complemented by game drives and boat safaris, showcasing the reserve’s diverse landscapes.
16. Abu Camp
Abu Camp, located in a private concession in the Okavango Delta, is renowned for its elephant conservation efforts and immersive safari experiences. Guests can engage with elephants in their natural habitat and enjoy luxurious accommodations in the heart of the delta.
Abu Camp is a one-of-a-kind luxury camp located tucked away in a lush riverine forest surrounded by open floodplains that center around the majestic world of African elephants. It takes its name from an incredible bull elephant and offers guests an unforgettable experience.
Every detail has been crafted to perfection, from the elegant grey tones featured in each suite to the close-up encounters with the resident herd of gentle giants. Guests can embark on unforgettable adventures such as taking part in fascinating safaris riding atop powerful elephants as well as star-bed sleepouts for viewing the night sky up close and personal.
At Abu Camp, visitors can partake in exciting activities such as walking with herds, playing football with elephants, or witnessing a ‘bato ceremony’, while gaining exclusive access to some of Botswana’s most outstanding wildlife areas.
Local experts on wildlife and cultural history offer informative talks about animal behavior and conservationist efforts so that guests are treated not just to enveloping surroundings but also to educational experiences about the importance of preserving this vibrant ecosystem.
No wonder Abu Camp draws travelers from around the globe looking for more than just a luxurious stay – they’re looking for a meaningful connection with Africa’s captivating wilderness.
17. Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge
Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge, set in a private concession in the Okavango Delta, combines architectural elegance with a focus on sustainability. The lodge’s suites are designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, providing a unique and environmentally conscious safari experience.
18. Little Tubu Camp
Little Tubu Camp, nestled in palm trees in the heart of the Okavango Delta, offers an intimate and exclusive safari experience. The camp’s raised wooden walkways connect luxurious tented suites, providing stunning views of the delta and its wildlife.
Little Tubu Camp is a luxurious and intimate safari experience located in the breathtaking Jao Private Concession of the Delta.
With only three elegantly decorated, traditional canvas tents on stilted wooden decks, this exclusive camp offers a unique and peaceful opportunity to explore the wilderness and wildlife at one’s own pace. Each of the three tents is spacious and airy, equipped with all the amenities needed for a well-rounded stay.
While visiting Little Tubu Camp, guests can take advantage of the platform hide ideal for getting an up close and personal game viewing or a sleepout under the stars that offer unparalleled views of the night sky coupled with absolute tranquility. Expert guides are available to help discover regions rarely seen while looking out for abundant birdlife, predators such as lion, cheetah, and leopard along with plenty more wonders of Africa’s beauty.
Little Tubu Camp comes highly recommended as it provides an idyllic setting where visitors can immerse themselves in nature without having to share it with big crowds.
19. Ngoma Safari Lodge, Chobe Forest Reserve
Located in the Chobe Forest Reserve, Ngoma Safari Lodge provides a secluded and luxurious escape. The lodge’s stylish suites overlook the Chobe River, and guests can enjoy game drives walking safaris, and boat safaris to witness the reserve’s diverse wildlife.
20. DumaTau Camp
Situated in the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, DumaTau Camp offers a luxury safari experience with a focus on conservation. The camp’s tented suites provide panoramic views of the Linyanti River, and guests can explore the reserve’s landscapes on guided walks wilderness safaris, and game drives.
21. Khwai Expeditions Camp
Nestled in an ideal setting between the renowned Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park in Botswana, Khwai Expeditions Camp stands as an unrivaled haven amidst diverse habitats, ranging from riverine woodlands and mopane woodland to expansive savannah and captivating lagoons.
Featuring six opulent tents and a family cottage, the camp strategically situates its dining and entertainment areas to overlook a picturesque lagoon, offering enchanting vistas and frequent wildlife sightings. It sits on one of the best places for predator viewing, including Leopards, Lion and The African Wild Dog.
Immerse yourself in exclusive, tailor-made experiences at the camp, where luxurious amenities and exquisite cuisine elevate your stay to unparalleled heights. Khwai Expeditions Camp beckons, promising an unforgettable blend of adventure and indulgence.
22. Savute Elephant Lodge
Located in the heart of the Savute region in Chobe National Park, Savute Elephant Lodge offers a luxurious safari experience with a focus on elephant conservation. The lodge’s contemporary design and spacious suites provide a comfortable and stylish retreat.
Planning Your Luxury Safari in Botswana
Planning a luxury safari in Botswana can be a daunting task, with so many incredible destinations and activities to choose from. Here are a few tips to help you plan your dream safari:
Choose the right time of year: The best time to visit Botswana depends on your preferences and what you want to see. The dry season (May to October) is ideal for game viewing, as animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot. The wet season (November to April), on the other hand, is perfect for birding and witnessing the Okavango Delta in full flood, creating a lush and vibrant landscape.
Select the right region: Botswana has many incredible regions to choose from, each with its own unique charm and attractions. Whether you want to explore the waterways of the Okavango Delta, the vast savannahs of Chobe National Park, or the salt pans of the Makgadikgadi, consider what you want to see and do, and choose a region that fits your preferences.
Book a luxury safari lodge: Botswana is home to many incredible luxury safari lodges, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience. From the opulent tents of Mombo Camp to the eco-friendly accommodations of Zarafa Camp, consider what you want from your lodge, and book accordingly to ensure a memorable stay.
Plan your activities: Botswana offers a range of activities, including game drives, boat safaris, and walking safaris. Whether you want to track big cats on a game drive, glide through the delta on a mokoro, or explore the bush on foot, plan your activities to make the most of your safari experience.
By considering these factors, you can ensure that your luxury safari in Botswana is everything you dreamed of and more.
What to Expect on a Luxury Safari in Botswana
A luxury safari in Botswana is an unforgettable experience, with its incredible landscapes, abundant wildlife, and luxurious accommodations. Here are a few things you can expect on your luxury safari:
Incredible game viewing: Botswana is home to some of the most incredible wildlife in Africa, including elephants, lions, leopards, and cheetahs. On your game drives and walking safaris, expect to see a wide range of animals in their natural habitats, providing countless opportunities for breathtaking wildlife encounters.
Luxurious accommodations: Botswana’s luxury safari lodges are some of the best in Africa, offering opulent rooms, gourmet meals, and exceptional service. Whether you are staying in a tented suite overlooking the Okavango Delta or a stylish lodge in the heart of Chobe National Park, expect to be pampered and indulged throughout your stay.
Expert guides: Botswana’s guides are some of the best in Africa, with their incredible knowledge and expertise. They will enhance your safari experience by sharing fascinating insights about the wildlife and landscapes of Botswana, ensuring that you leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of this remarkable country.
Unforgettable experiences: A luxury safari in Botswana is filled with unforgettable experiences, from thrilling game drives and serene boat safaris to intimate bush dinners and starlit sleepouts. Every moment is designed to create lasting memories, making your safari a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
With its incredible landscapes, abundant wildlife, and luxurious accommodations, a luxury safari in Botswana promises an experience that will stay with you forever.
In Summary: Choose The Best to Travel In Luxury
Botswana stands as a beacon of unparalleled luxury safari experiences, boasting some of the world’s finest safari lodges. From the heart of the Moremi Game Reserve to the captivating landscapes near Chobe National Park, each lodge offers a unique blend of opulence and immersion in nature.
The seamless integration of lavish accommodations, breathtaking views, and exclusive wildlife encounters makes these lodges exceptional destinations for discerning travelers seeking the epitome of safari luxury.
Whether it’s the intimate ambiance of Khwai Expeditions Camp, the eco-conscious luxury of Abu Camp, or the harmonious coexistence with nature at Mombo Camp, Botswana’s luxury safari lodges redefine the meaning of a safari, creating memories that last a lifetime.
For those yearning for a perfect synthesis of comfort and adventure, Botswana’s premier safari lodges deliver an unparalleled journey into the heart of Africa’s wild beauty.
