Botswana · Middle East & Africa

Custom tours to Botswana

The Okavango Delta — an inland flood that transforms a desert.

From 6,800/person·Best: May–October (dry season)
Photo by Mark de Jong on Pexels

What is a custom tour to Botswana?

A custom tour to Botswana is a private, fully personalized itinerary built around your dates, interests, and budget. Instead of following a fixed group schedule, you work with a local expert to choose experiences like Okavango mokoro canoe morning, Chobe river sunset boat, and Moremi Game Reserve leopards. Travelers typically spend 7–10 days in Botswana, visiting in May–October (dry season), with custom tours starting from around €6,800 per person.

A custom tour to Botswana is not the same trip as a package. It's designed around you — your pace, your interests, your dates — with a local partner who lives there and knows which streets are worth the walk and which are worth skipping. A custom Botswana tour books a private concession in the Okavango (no crowds, unlimited off-road), mokoro canoe mornings with a guide, and adds Chobe for elephant herds and Makgadikgadi for the salt pans at full moon.

Botswana sits in Botswana in Middle East & Africa, and rewards travelers who go beyond the highlights. Our custom itineraries start with the icons — Okavango mokoro canoe morning and Private concession game drives — then pivot to the kind of local moments that make a trip memorable: a morning with a private guide, a quiet hour at Makgadikgadi salt pans before the crowds arrive, and an evening chosen just for you.

Plan for May–October (dry season) as the best window to visit. A one-week custom trip starts from €6,800 per person, including private guides, curated hotels, and flexible transport — peak weeks cost more, shoulder months less. Botswana is a premium destination — expect upper-mid-range pricing and book early.

When is the best time to visit Botswana?

Our recommended months are May–October (dry season). Here's a month-by-month view with planning notes.

Jan
Low season — best availability and value.
Feb
Low season; quiet and often cheaper.
Mar
Shoulder; weather improves.
Apr
Shoulder; ideal weather begins.
May
Recommended
High shoulder; book early.
Jun
Peak; great weather, higher prices.
Jul
Peak; crowded but vibrant.
Aug
Peak; holiday month in much of Europe.
Sep
High shoulder; our favorite month.
Oct
Recommended
Shoulder; lovely light and smaller crowds.
Nov
Low shoulder; quiet and atmospheric.
Dec
Low season except Christmas and NYE.

Top experiences in Botswana

Hand-picked moments from our local operators. Every custom tour includes a selection of these, or something better if we find it.

Experience 1
Okavango mokoro canoe morning
A curated experience at the heart of why travelers choose Botswana. Tailored to your interests, led by a local expert.
Experience 2
Private concession game drives
Reserved, not shared. A private expert guide, a pace that matches you, and access that group tours can't book.
Experience 3
Chobe river sunset boat
The best version of this experience happens after the day-trippers leave. Booked at the golden hour with a local.
Experience 4
Makgadikgadi salt pans full moon
A curated experience at the heart of why travelers choose Botswana. Tailored to your interests, led by a local expert.
Experience 5
Moremi Game Reserve leopards
A private vehicle and an expert naturalist — not a mini-bus convoy. You set the pace of the sightings.
Experience 6
Bushman cultural walk
Led by a guide who knows the trails in every season. Rated for your fitness, with a surprise stop or two along the way.

Sample itineraries

Two starting points — your real itinerary is custom. We build from here.

7-day classic

  1. 1
    Arrive in Botswana
    Airport meet-and-greet, check-in, and a relaxed orientation walk in the evening. Welcome dinner at a local favourite.
  2. 2
    Okavango mokoro canoe morning
    Morning focus: Okavango mokoro canoe morning. Afternoon free — we'll suggest the best coffee spots, bookshops, or a spa slot nearby.
  3. 3
    Private concession game drives
    A half-day on Private concession game drives, with a long lunch stop built in and the rest of the afternoon yours.
  4. 4
    Chobe river sunset boat
    Full-day experience: Chobe river sunset boat. Evening at leisure — or we can arrange an off-menu dinner.
  5. 5
    Makgadikgadi salt pans full moon
    Makgadikgadi salt pans full moon — often the highlight day for most travelers. Private guide and transport throughout.
  6. 6
    Moremi Game Reserve leopards
    Moremi Game Reserve leopards, with an optional food- or culture-focused evening to round things off.
  7. 7
    Departure
    Late check-out, farewell breakfast, and a private transfer to the airport.

14-day deep dive

  1. 1
    Arrive in Botswana
    Private airport transfer, check-in, welcome dinner at a curated restaurant.
  2. 2
    Okavango mokoro canoe morning
    Half-day on Okavango mokoro canoe morning. Afternoon free to settle in.
  3. 3
    Private concession game drives
    Full day: Private concession game drives, with a long lunch in a neighbourhood you'd never have found alone.
  4. 4
    Local pace day
    A slower day — coffee, markets, a cooking class, or a spa afternoon. Your call.
  5. 5
    Chobe river sunset boat
    Chobe river sunset boat, with time built in for photos and a leisurely stop.
  6. 6
    Half-day leisure
    Sleep in, breakfast slowly, and pick one short activity in the afternoon.
  7. 7
    Makgadikgadi salt pans full moon
    A full day centred on Makgadikgadi salt pans full moon.
  8. 8
    Regional extension — travel day
    Transfer to a nearby area chosen for your interests (coast, countryside, or another city).
  9. 9
    Regional extension — highlight
    The signature experience of your extension, with a local guide.
  10. 10
    Regional extension — free
    An open day in the extension — beach, hike, market, or just rest.
  11. 11
    Return to base
    Travel back to Botswana. Afternoon free.
  12. 12
    Moremi Game Reserve leopards
    Moremi Game Reserve leopards — saved for later in the trip, now that you know the city.
  13. 13
    Bushman cultural walk
    Bushman cultural walk on your last full day, with a farewell dinner to match.
  14. 14
    Departure
    Private transfer to the airport. We stay in touch after you return.

Practical information

Visa
Visa-free 90 days for most travelers
Currency
Botswana pula (BWP)
Language
English, Setswana
Timezone
CAT (UTC+2)

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Botswana?+

The best time to visit Botswana is May–October (dry season). These months offer the best balance of weather, availability, and pricing. Peak holiday weeks cost more and get crowded; shoulder months are often our favorite.

How many days do I need in Botswana?+

Most travelers spend 5–8 days in Botswana as a single destination, or 10–14 days when combining with nearby regions. A custom tour lets you stretch or compress based on what you want to see.

Do I need a visa to visit Botswana?+

Visa-free 90 days for most travelers. Requirements change — always check with the local consulate or your country's travel advisory before booking flights.

How much does a custom tour to Botswana cost?+

Mid-range custom tours to Botswana start from around €6,800 per person for a 7-day trip including accommodation, private guides, and transport. Luxury and adventure packages scale from there.

What should I pack for Botswana?+

Packing depends on season and activities, but always include comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing for temperature shifts, a universal adapter, and respectful clothing for religious sites. Your custom itinerary comes with a tailored packing list.

People also ask

  • Is Botswana safe for tourists?
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  • What are the top things to do in Botswana?
  • How do I get around in Botswana?
  • What is the time difference with Botswana?
  • Can I combine Botswana with another destination?

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