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.
Our View
This small and charming luxury hotel is situated at the bottom of Chapman's Peak Drive and has a beautiful ocean view across Hout Bay. With access to the hotel only being through a transfer down the winding slopes, privacy and intimacy is the key to your stay at Tintswalo Atlantic.
Our View
Sandwiched between the Sabi Sands and TImbavati Game Reserves, Tintswalo Safari Lodge is situated in the Manyeleti Game Reserve which also forms part of the Greater Kruger Area where sightings of the 'Big 7' are often completed in a short stay. With six beautifully luxurious rooms, a seperate two-room presidential suite and a seperate Manor House which runs as its own lodge, Tintswalo has something for everyone.
Our View
Tintswalo Siankaba is a tented lodge situated on the shores of the mighty Zambezi, not foo far from Victoria Falls. It is a brilliant blend of rustic and luxury Zambia in a magnificant location - and for a good price.
While some might opt to stay right in the bustle of the Victoria Falls, for others having a spoiling base is a priority. Don’t be fooled by its tented structure, Tintswalo Siankaba’s rooms boast glossy wood, old school elegance and four-poster comfort. While big hotels nearer the falls win on location, Tintswalo beats them all with its charming, intimate quality.
We stayed at Xigera, Dumatau and Toka Leya camps. The accommodations were superb, the guides wonderful AND amazing, and the wildlife viewing exceeded our expectations! What else can I say?- D. Budden
Just to give you a little bit of feedback (i guess you’d appreciate for future customers), we had a wonderful stay at Tongabezi, where the location are food were the big strengths. Also the staff was always helpful, they demonstrated it specially when my husband injured his knee (while bungee jumping yes ha ha) and they drove us to the hospital and helped us out at any time so we could get everything sorted with a doctor at minimum cost. They were very kind and professional.- S. Garcia-Sineriz
Great lodge and wonderful family ‘tent/hut’ with pool. Being in a private conservancy was key as we only spent some time in the much busier Amboseli park and had a more unique experience in the conservancy. Our guide Jonathan was fantastic and very engaged with out boys. - A. Sinclair
Tsara Komba is a very special spot. Beautifully charismatic, charming staff and delicious food – a quiet island magic, and a great introduction to Madagascar - S scott
Our island dream, Tsarabanjina, was everything we hoped and more. Henri (Manager) is fab, his passion for the place was infectious - S scott
Our View
1,000sq km of game reserve, with just two safari lodges at its heart, Tswalu is a world apart, a secret Eden preserved by great hearted and happily generous philanthropists. A superb room lodge with impeccable service; gorgeous house staff to meet and greet and treat you to their Relais and Chateaux-earning gourmet delights, then your own dedicated guide and bushman tracker to take you, all alone, in the company of your own in-jokes and safari interests, on a private safari. With antelopes abounding, and waterhole action in front of your room; this is civilised, gentle safari country, and our first choice for families with children.
Our favorite was Tubu Tree (one of your choices). I also appreciated your initial suggestion of starting in the bigger more crowded places and going smaller and more remote. Many people were doing it the opposite way and I think this worked better for us.Again, thank you for everything and I hope that we can be in touch soon to plan another trip.
- E Gozukizil
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