Namibia vs Botswana: Which is Best for Safari?

Quick Overview

Namibia vs Botswana Travel Costs

Botswana Safari Prices

Namibia Safari Prices

Which is Best for Safari, Botswana or Namibia?

Both Namibia and Botswana are renowned for their unique safari experiences. Botswana is famous for the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, while Namibia boasts Etosha National Park and the Skeleton Coast.

Botswana offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Africa. The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), as well as hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. Chobe National Park is known for its large elephant population and offers excellent game viewing along the Chobe River.

A Namibia safari, on the other hand, offers a different kind of safari experience. Etosha National Park is one of the best places in Africa to see black rhinos, and it also has a variety of other wildlife, including lions, elephants, and giraffes. The Skeleton Coast is known for its dramatic landscapes and shipwrecks, and it is home to unique species like the bat-eared fox and aardwolf.

Both countries offer incredible safari experiences, but the choice entirely depends on what you are looking for. If you want to see a wide variety of wildlife in a unique wetland ecosystem, Botswana is the best choice. Botswana animals thrive in the country's diverse ecosystems. If you are interested in dramatic landscapes and unique species, Namibia is the place to go.

Landscape

Namibia and Botswana offer diverse landscapes that are sure to captivate any traveller. Namibia is known for its deserts like the Namib and Kalahari, while Botswana features wetlands like the Okavango Delta and salt pans such as Makgadikgadi.

Namibia’s Namib Desert is one of the oldest deserts in the world and is famous for its towering sand dunes, particularly those at Sossusvlei. The Kalahari Desert, which lies predominantly in Botswana but also occupies a third of Namibia and the northernmost part of South Africa's Northern Cape province, is known for its red sand and unique flora and fauna. The Skeleton Coast, with its rugged coastline and shipwrecks, offers a stark contrast to the desert landscapes.

Botswana’s Okavango Delta is a vast inland delta that floods seasonally, creating a unique wetland ecosystem. The delta is a maze of stretching waterways, islands, and lagoons, and it is home to a diverse range of wildlife. The Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the largest salt flats in the world, offer a surreal landscape that is particularly stunning during the wet season when it transforms into a temporary lake.

Both countries offer stunning and diverse landscapes, but the choice depends on what you are looking for. If you are fascinated by deserts and dramatic coastlines, Namibia is the place to go. If you are interested in wetlands and unique ecosystems, Botswana is the best choice.

Things to Do

Both countries offer a range of activities, from traditional safaris to unique experiences.

For things to do in Botswana, the Okavango Delta offers unique experiences like mokoro rides, where you can glide through the waterways in a traditional dugout canoe. Game drives and walking safaris are also popular, and you can explore the delta’s diverse wildlife and landscapes. Chobe National Park offers excellent game viewing along the Chobe River, and you can take a boat cruise to see elephants, hippos, and crocodiles up close.

Namibia offers a different set of activities. In the Namib Desert, you can take a hot air balloon ride over the towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei, offering a unique perspective of the desert landscape. Etosha National Park offers excellent game viewing, and you can take a self-drive safari to explore the park at your own pace. The Skeleton Coast offers opportunities for shipwreck exploration and wildlife viewing, including seals and seabirds.

If you are interested in unique water-based activities and boat cruises, Botswana is the best choice. If you are interested in hot air ballooning and self-drive safaris, Namibia is the place to go.

On Safari With Kids

Family-friendly activities and accommodations are available in both countries. Namibia’s wide-open spaces and Botswana’s wildlife-rich areas provide excellent options for an Africa family vacation.

In Namibia, the wide-open spaces and self-drive safari options make it a great destination for families. Etosha National Park offers excellent game viewing, and there are family-friendly lodges available. The Namib Desert offers unique experiences like sandboarding and hot air ballooning, which are sure to captivate children.

Botswana also offers family-friendly safari experiences. The Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park offer excellent game viewing, and there are family-friendly lodges and camps available. Many lodges offer special activities for children, such as guided nature walks and educational programs.

Self-Drive vs Tours

Self-drive safaris offer flexibility and adventure, while guided tours provide expert knowledge and convenience. Both options are available in Namibia and Botswana.

Namibia is known for its excellent self-drive safari options. The country’s well-maintained roads and wide-open spaces make it easy to explore at your own pace. You can rent a 4×4 vehicle and drive through Etosha National Park, the Namib Desert, and the Skeleton Coast. There are numerous lodges and camps available, making it a budget-friendly option.

Botswana, on the other hand, is known for its all-inclusive safari holidays. The country’s private reserves and luxury lodges offer exclusive and personalized safari experiences. Guided tours, including mokoro rides and game drives, are often included in the package, providing expert knowledge and convenience. The Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park are best explored with seasoned guides and there are no self-drove options, the waterways and landscape can be challenging to navigate on your own.

Accommodation

From ultra-lux lodges to cosy and charming abodes, both countries offer a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets.

In the best camps and lodges in Namibia offer up a range of accommodations, from luxury lodges to budget-friendly campsites. The Namib Desert offers unique stays like the Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, which features contemporary design and stunning views of the surrounding sand dunes. Etosha National Park offers a range of lodges and campsites, providing options for different budgets.

Botswana is known for its luxury safari lodges and camps. The Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park offer exclusive and personalized safari experiences, with lodges like the Sable Alley Camp providing stunning views and excellent game viewing opportunities. Many lodges offer all-inclusive packages, including guided tours and activities.

Our Recommended Accommodations:

Namibia

Botswana

Best Time to Visit Namibia and Botswana

The best time to visit Namibia and Botswana varies. Namibia is ideal during the dry season from May to October, while Botswana’s peak safari season is from June to September.

In Namibia, the dry season from May to October is the best time to visit. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the wildlife is easier to spot as animals gather around waterholes. The Namib Desert is particularly stunning during this time, with clear skies and cool temperatures. The Skeleton Coast is also a great destination during the dry season, offering dramatic landscapes and unique wildlife.

When deciding on the best time to visit Botswana, the peak safari season is from June to September. During this time, the Okavango Delta is in full flood, creating a unique wetland ecosystem that attracts a variety of wildlife. The weather is also cooler and more pleasant, making it an ideal time for game viewing. Chobe National Park is also a great destination during this time, with large herds of elephants gathering along the Chobe River.

Both countries offer excellent safari experiences, but the best time to go to Namibia and Botswana depends on your personal travelling preferences and all of our packages can be tailor-made.

Combining Namibia and Botswana Safaris

Combining a trip to both Namibia and Botswana offers a diverse and enriching safari experience. The contrasting landscapes and wildlife make for an unforgettable adventure.

A combined safari allows you to experience the best of both worlds. You can start your journey in Namibia, exploring the Namib Desert, Etosha National Park, and the Skeleton Coast. From there, you can travel to Botswana and explore the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park.

We can easily combine Namibia and Botswana safaris, providing a seamless and hassle-free experience. They will include guided tours, accommodation, and transportation, allowing you to solely focus on enjoying your safari adventure.

Our Recommended Namibia & Botswana Tours

Botswana

Namibia

Ready to Start Planning Your Dream Safari?

Whether you choose Namibia or Botswana, both destinations offer incredibly unique experiences that are sure to leave a meaningful mark on your heart. Get in touch with our team of Africa Safari Experts who will assist in tailoring a beautiful southern African safari that promises to wow.