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.
The Game Drives at Chief's Camp were particularly good!! The night of the 'Supermoon' (14th November) was great and produced a fabulous sunset and a Pelican 'fly past', which was truly amazing!! We have photos that captured the event which will provide great memories for us both.- G. Prigmore
We stayed 3 nights in total at Chikoko and Crocodile. One night on our own at Crocodile with the wonderful Alex and the next two at Chikoko. I was so impressed by Alex – his guiding skills were incredible and we had great competitive card sessions. (Ted – we put two and two together with the lovely, honey-mooning couple Charlie and Alice and realised that you had organised both our trips. We spent lots of time with them and really enjoyed their company. I am sure we both have unforgettable memories. - M. Riddle
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Chikwenya has proved itself to be a really exciting addition to Mana Pools. Set on the eastern Mana Pools border, sandwiched between the National Park and the newly restored Sapi reserve, it is a world away and very much off the beaten track. Remaining wholly luxurious, Chikwenya is an excellent pick for the seasoned safari goer and truly a phographer's paradise.
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Recognised as one of the Luangwa’s more luxurious bushcamps, complete with writing desks and solid wooden furniture, Chindeni caters for a client who wants a secure tented camp, but one that also has a sense of adventure. In our view it lacks that sense of wild adventure that the Luangwa’s bushcamps are so famous for. Subsequently we prefer the other Bushcamp camps. However for clients wanting a more secure camp than many of the bushcamps can provide, Chindeni is a good option to combine with other Bushcamp Company walking camps.
The Norman Carr Chinzombo camp were absolutely fantastic, the guiding especially. The boat trips across the river to get to the game vehicles is also a plus. The rooms are massive with absolutely stunning views over the river. - R. Lloyd-Jones
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Chisa Busanga Camp may look like it’s been plucked out of a gimmicky ‘world’s quirkiest hotels’ article - but its draw doesn’t necessarily lie in its incredible bird nest architecture. The Busanga plains in Kafue is one of Africa’s wildest and most spoiling locations for safar-lovers. Staying here is the epitome of isolation in the wilderness, and Chisa offers a truly intimate, quality stay, which is why we love it.
Chitabe was a real surprise . If you remember it was a sort of last minute addition because of flights or camp availability I can’t remember. If anything this was the best and we would have liked to have stayed longer. Perhaps our view was distorted by the 22 wild dogs which I believe are the same pack as the recent documentary. - G. Bradburn
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Chitwa Chitwa is located in a quiet area of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, on the banks of one of the area's largest perennial water holes (which is home to numerous hippos). The lodge shares traversing rights with its neighbours and the game viewing in this area is excellent, with plenty of big five. Chitwa Chitwa welcomes families and children of all ages.
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For those of us wanting the same luxurious accommodation in Chobe, you need look no further than Chilwero. Great views, great service and absolutely stunning rooms make this a fantastic choice however this camp is not for the authentic safari lover! Great value in low season - 1st jan to 30th June and after 01st Nov, but very pricey in the peak months.
Outstanding, A truly beautiful property. The staff were amazing, they treated us as if we are family staying with them for a few days. Great views out from the Chobe deck of fame brilliant spot to watch the thousands of elephants coming down to drink! - G Page
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