Last Updated on: 8th February 2025, 01:10 am

Are you thinking of going camping in Botswana but can’t decide whether to do this independently or travel with a local tour operator? 

This was my dilemma. I’m a solo traveller and love to travel independently, but I decided to go with a guide when it came to travelling around Botswana. 

Why? Mainly, it was the thought of driving on challenging roads, plus I also wanted to learn about all the wildlife and nature I would see. 

And probably more importantly, I’m hopeless at putting up a tent by myself! 

I travelled with Africa’s Best Adventures (and before you ask, no, this is not a sponsored post!). It was just me and a guide who also happened to be the driver, tour guide, and chef, so I actually felt I was travelling independently even though I wasn’t. The best of both worlds! 

So Here’s What You Need To Know About Camping In Botswana Before Deciding To Travel Independently Or With A Guide 

You Must Book Your Campsite In Advance 

You can’t just arrive at a campsite and decide to camp there; you need to book way in advance.

During the busiest months of July and August in Botswana, campsites quickly fill up with adventurous travellers like myself from other countries and lots of South African families who love safaris during the winter season. 

There are limited campgrounds within the national parks, and they are managed by various private operators. To secure your spot, you must make reservations early. Expect longer response times if you try to contact them via email.

Before you embark on your journey, make sure to print out your booking confirmation and have enough Botswana currency (pula) on hand to pay for your park fees.

Remember that communicating with Botswana can be challenging, and it may take several days or weeks even to receive a response.

Getting Around Botswana 

To travel around Botswana, you’ll need to rent a 4×4 vehicle and be proficient in driving it. The roads in Botswana can be pretty challenging, often consisting of long, thick sandy stretches. There were a couple of occasions on my recent trip where we had to assist other drivers stuck in the sand.

If you’re still determined to travel independently, I’d recommend taking a 4×4 driving course before your Botswana trip. Additionally, be prepared for driving in remote, isolated areas and have some basic mechanical skills, such as knowing how to change a tire.

In some National Parks like Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve, a 4×4 WD car is mandatory for entry, especially during the rainy season when the roads can become impassable. 

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from April to October, which is also Botswana’s winter. 

Keep in mind that in Botswana, driving is done on the left side of the road.

Also, avoid driving at night as you never know what wild animal will step out in front of you. Instead, I recommend that evenings be devoted to relaxing by your campfire with a glass of wine and reminiscing about your day. 

For me, having a knowledgeable driver familiar with the roads gave me more time to enjoy watching out for wildlife and relaxation. This was particularly valuable for me as I lack confidence in my driving skills these days, even in my home country of Malta. 

What Are The Campsites Like In Botswana?

The campsites in Botswana are pretty basic. Usually, there’s a tree to park under, a tap, and a place for making a fire. 

Unless you’re on the campgrounds of a lodge, don’t expect electricity. But staring at the starry sky is amazing without light pollution. 

And do remember, as there is no electricity, to bring a torch and spare batteries with you. 

All the campsites have a shared bathroom area with showers and toilets. All were clean and had hot water; one or two could maybe have been a little hotter. All had plenty of toilet paper! 

Do keep the door to the bathroom blocks closed, as you could well get a visit from a passing monkey or warthog! Some of the bathrooms even had spikes outside to keep the elephants out. 

And don’t expect any Wi-Fi or internet in the parks.

 

Campsites In Botswana Are Not Fenced 

Unlike on previous camping trips in Africa, the campsites in Botswana don’t have fences. This means there’s a significant chance of encountering wild animals close up. It’s pretty exciting, but remember, these animals are wild, and even though they look cute, it’s best not to get too close. 

You’ll hear the sounds of wildlife at night, and you might have some unexpected visitors during the day or night. Just remember not to panic and stay calm; most likely, they’re just interested in food or curious about you.

Also, don’t pitch your tent too close to the mopane trees. Elephants love the leaves and like to rip off the branches with their trunks. 

On my last night in the Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta, I was kept awake by the elephants eating from the trees beside my tent, a hyena circling my tent and a pride of roaring lions walking through the campsite—certainly, a night to remember. 

For this reason, it’s advisable to avoid using the toilets at night. 

Keep An Eye On Your Belongings At The Campsites 

I’m not talking about other guests at the campsite or staff, but some animals, especially the monkeys and baboons, can be very persistent.

Keep food out of sight. Don’t even use the bin on your campsite, as they love to check what’s inside. 

Baboons have even figured out how to unzip the tents, so it’s a good idea to padlock your tent and not keep any food inside.

 

Don’t worry; as nighttime falls, the monkeys and baboons run off, so they aren’t going to sneak into your tent when you’re sleeping. But do zip yourself into the tent to stop the hyenas!! 

Can You Drink The Water In Botswana? 

The tap water, on the whole in Botswana, is safe to drink, although sometimes the water out of the taps on the campsite looked a bit brown. However, you can easily find bottled mineral water at various retail stores, supermarkets, camps and lodges.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Botswana?

The ideal period to go to Botswana is from May to October, which is the dry winter season. This is when you can see the most wildlife because animals gather in more significant numbers near water sources as the dry season progresses.

Temperatures range between 23°C (75°F) and 35°C (95°F). So you’ll enjoy warm, sunny days — just remember the nights can get much cooler, down to freezing at times, so pack accordingly.

When Is The Best Time To Do A Game Drive? 

The ideal times for a game drive are during the mornings and evenings when it’s cooler and the wildlife is more active.

Being on a tour with a guide allowed me to venture off the beaten path, resulting in amazing encounters with leopards, lions, wild dogs, and hyenas. Also, as I had a private guide, our game drives lasted much longer than what the lodges offered. 

Visiting Botswana As A Solo Female Traveller 

A carefully planned trip to Botswana is an excellent choice for a solo adventurer to explore Africa’s wilderness. Botswana is a safe destination with welcoming locals and incredible wildlife. I loved it.

 

Why Is Camping In Botswana So Expensive?

Botswana has a particular way of doing tourism that’s good for the environment and the economy. They don’t let too many tourists come, so those who do visit pay a lot more than those visiting neighbouring countries. So, yes, visiting Botswana can be expensive!

But this helps the local economy and keeps nature in balance because there aren’t too many tourists. The high prices help this way of doing tourism in Botswana.

Botswana’s parks and places for animals are very well looked after, but it costs money to keep them safe. The fees they charge help take care of these places, protect animals, and create jobs for local people.

To Conclude

I had a fantastic time camping in Botswana with a guide. My main reason for visiting Botswana was to see the incredible wildlife, and whenever I visit Africa, I prefer to camp. 

I admire those who can travel through Africa independently, and maybe one day, I’ll be adventurous enough to do that, too.

 

However, I also really appreciate having someone take care of driving, assist me in setting up my tent (I’m almost there!), prepare delicious meals over a campfire, and guide me to the best wildlife viewing spots.

If that’s your style, too, you should contact Altis at Africa’s Best Adventures. 

So, Have You Decided? What’s your preferred choice? Independent or with a guide? 

For More Posts On Africa, Check These Out 

Kolmanskop, Namibia’s Ghost Town

Best Things To Do In Rabat Morocco

Best National Parks In Botswana

A Day Trip To Victoria Falls From Botswana

Camping in Namibia 

Highlights of Namibia

One Day in Chefchaouen- Morocco’s Blue City

Visit Atlas Studios – The Hollywood of Morocco

One Day in Fes

Volubilis Roman Ruins Morocco

Amazing Pictures of the Temple of Kom Ombo, Egypt

Riding a Felucca on the Nile

Nubian Village Visit in Egypt

Temple of Isis at Philae, Egypt

Pictures of Egyptian Pyramids

Over 50 Travel in Egypt With On the Go Tours

Planning on Visiting Madagascar?

Avenue of the Baobabs

Enjoyed This Post On Camping In Botswana?

Disclaimer: Some of the links on this website are “affiliate links”, meaning that if you click on the link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost. This helps me to keep my website running and continue to share my travelling knowledge with you. I thank you for using the links on my website.

Sharing is caring!