Best value quality safari lodges in Botswana
Prices have inflated a lot in Botswana in recent years, and they just seem to be going up and up. A lodge like Pom Pom, which admittedly is in an exceptional game viewing area, is now $1,150 per person per night. Aside from the exceptional guiding and wildlife, the actual accommodation is fairly rustic. A fantastic option for some people, though we wonder whether Botswana isn’t going a bit over the top in prices across the board...
A fantastic new property has opened in the Kwara concession; Splash Camp which is a part of the Kwando range. It is very nicely presented and offers a bit more luxury for your money in an exceptional wildlife area but still comes in at $1,416 per person per night.
In order to slash the price of being in these private wildernesses though, we would recommend travelling off season in either May or November, to get still exceptional wildlife, but for a lot less. For example, Pom Pom over these months decreases to $826 per person per night, and Splash reduces to $1,040.
The best barefoot luxury safari lodges in Botswana
Barefoot-luxury safari lodges are a pretty special experience. Little Vumbura in particular is an office favourite. Set on a little island surrounded by water and in one of the most enviable parts of the Delta, Little Vumbura is a seriously special experience. The style is understated, yet authentically luxurious and we absolutely love it. It is not cheap though! Even without all the added luxuries like private pools and a more glitzy design, Little Vumbura is priced at $2,830 per person per night.
Going a little more intrepid, but no less luxurious is Duba Explorers. This is a tented camp, and really does capture the spirit of exploration in the wilderness, certainly without compromising on luxury. Duba Explorers is for those who crave authentic experiences, but expect a certain standard of opulence on their adventure. It is not a cheap camping experience at $1,900 per person per night.
The most luxurious safari lodges in Botswana
The most luxurious safari camp in Africa, and probably one of the best hospitality experiences in the world comes in Mombo Camp located on Chief’s Island in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Private pool galore, the world’s most impressive wildlife viewing opportunities, golden bathtubs, huge rooms and excellent food; it doesn’t get much better than this. As it is one of Africa’s flagship safari lodges… There is again, a price tag to match! In recent years, prices have soared and now in peak season, for one night the per person price is $3,800 USD… If you want the life of luxury, have a good Botswana budget, but can’t justify that per night amount, you could look at the still exceptionally spoiling Vumbura Plains, Duba Plains or Zarafa which are all priced at $3,000 per person per night.


- K. Johnstone







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The Lux Island Resort is located in the South Ari Atoll just 30 minutes by seaplane from Male International Airport, LUX* is a five star luxurious resort with amazing 193 rooms.
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Machaba Camp knows how to safari. It brilliantly combines traditional 1950s safari style with a contemporary perks, and sits in one of the Okavango’s best wildlife destinations in the Khwai concession. It’s a brilliant choice for those who want an authentic safari experience with the old school romance that comes with – but without going back to basics (and not forking out an arm and a leg either).
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Madikwe Game Reserve is brilliant for children as it’s a malaria-free zone, and this camp really pushes the boat out for the little ones in order to ensure your stay is as relaxing and special as possible. For the adults, it offers a seriously spoiling experience as one of the reserve’s most luxurious options, and benefits from a beautiful vista.

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Madikwe Safari Lodge is one of our favourite camps in Madikwe. Owned and run by More Hotels, who also run some of our favourite Cape Town hotels, you can be certain that you're in good hands. They have an excellent level of service and good guides which when coupled with excellent game viewing, makes for an unforgettable experience.
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Located in their own private concession in the Northern sector of Akagera National Park, Magashi is the only camp for miles around. Being 100% solar powered, this eco lodge situated on the banks of Lake Rwanyakazinga is a serena and idyllic site that is a must visit for those wanting an off the beaten track safari experience.
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Set on the pristine waters of the Munyanga river, Mahogany Springs is a great base for Gorilla trecking but is especially good for Bird watching thanks to its position overlooking the river.
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Maia was built just after the Banyan and offers a very similar experience to the Banyan Tree. Huge suite rooms with private pools, and a lovely location on Mahe.your budget and travel dates, and your money is protected
by our ATOL bond.
