Top Botswana Safari Lodges and Camps

01/04/2021

As one of the top safari destinations in the world, Botswana safari tours are renowned for their vibrant culture, palatable cuisine and exquisite wildlife. Botswana is a large country and boasts over 130 unique safari lodges and camps, offering guests plenty of choices. Travellers from all corners of the planet visit this fascinating country to experience its majestic landscapes, breathtaking views, exotic wildlife and friendly people. Some choose to visit with friends or their family, others with a tour group while many organise their honeymoon in Botswana, staying at an idyllic, romantic camp or lodge. Choosing from such a long list can be overwhelming, so we have simplified the process for you.

We have shortlisted 15 of the best luxury safari lodges in Botswana, all located in places with stunning vistas.

We have classified the lodges according to their proximity to the closest national parks. We have covered the major parks and reserves, including Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve and Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve

1. Deception Valley Lodge

Deception Valley Lodge is in one of the largest game conservancies in Botswana. Located on the north-eastern boundary of Central Kalahari Game Reserve, it covers 430 square kilometres of Kalahari bushveld. The pristine lodge with its rustic appeal also offers guests the opportunity to interact with members of the San Tribe, who can act as guides on safari walks. The lodge’s strategic location overlooking nearby waterholes provides the perfect lookout point from which to spot thirsty Kalahari wildlife. Apart from regular safari activities, guests can also spend their time learning about the bushmen culture or stargazing during the evenings.

Highlights

• Suites overlooking waterholes
• Bushwalks with the San people
• Outdoor shower
• Swimming pool
• Fascinating views of the Kalahari landscape

Suggested Safari: 4-Day Central Kalahari Game Reserve and Nxai Pan Safari

2. Haina Kalahari Lodge

Due to its proximity to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Haina Kalahari Lodge is considered one of the best places to stay in Botswana. Whilst its closeness to the reserve is a big draw, the lodge’s neat, modern layout and serene ambience also add to its unique charm. With its tented-rooms, Haina Kalahari Lodge offers an intimate experience for guests and enables them to enjoy their downtime in the absence of crowds. The lodge is open all-year-around for adults and children over the age of seven.

Highlights

• Bird watching activities
• Swimming pool
• Interactions with San bushmen
• Night and day game drives
• Cultural tours

Suggested Safari: 9-Day Zimbabwe & Botswana Safari

3. Kalahari Plains Camp

Kalahari Plains Camp is one of the largest safari lodges, located to the south-east of Deception Valley, covering a staggering 50,000 square kilometres. The camp’s strategic location to not only the Central Kalahari National Park but also to the Okavango Delta and Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, makes it an obvious first choice for many visitors. The camp houses six chalets, located a short distance apart to allow for peace and privacy. Kalahari Plains Camp is suitable for children above the age of 12.

Highlights

• Cultural tours
• Guided safari game drives
• Bird watching
• Stargazing at night
• Interactions with San people

Suggested Safari: 10-Day Botswana Desert Camping Safari

Chobe National Park

1. Chobe Game Lodge

Chobe Game Lodge is situated on the banks of the beautiful Chobe River right in the heart of popular Chobe National Park. Adding to its appeal is its certification as an eco-tourism lodge. With its comfortable lounge and extensive viewing decks, the lodge offers its guests a quiet spot for unwinding after an exciting day of exploration and game viewing. The luxury experience here includes a private terrace overlooking the Chobe River and a private infinity pool. One of the highlights of a stay here is a breathtaking boat cruise along the Chobe River.

Highlights

• Terrace overlooking the Chobe River
• Infinity swimming pool
• Eco-tourism certified lodge
• Electric boat safari
• River boardwalk and deck

Suggested Safari: 5-Day Victoria Falls & Chobe Safari

2. Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero

One of the best safari camps in Botswana, Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero, commonly referred to as a riverside retreat, is located on the edge of the Chobe National Park. Unlike Chobe Game Lodge, Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero is located some distance from the Chobe River, but has in no way compromised on its scenery. The unusual location of the lodge offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views of the beautiful surrounding landscapes. It is also an ideal spot for elephant viewing. Guests at Chilwero Lodge can unwind after an action-packed day enjoying the amenities such as the private spa and swimming pool. With its 15 luxurious suites and delicious gourmet food, Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero is also an ideal romantic getaway spot for honeymooners.

Highlights

• Panoramic views
• Elephant viewing from the lodge
• Fully-equipped spa
• Sunset cruises
• Delicious gourmet food

Suggested Safari: 7 Day Chief’s Island & Chobe National Park Family Safari

3. Zarafa Camp

Located within the private Selinda Reserve, Zarafa is an exquisite camp offering spectacular views of the Zibandianja Lagoon. The safari camp, set on a raised deck, has a private swimming pool and outdoor shower. It offers a state-of-the-art bush boutique, lavish dining area, tranquil library and a large lounge. Furthermore, guests can choose to use the outdoor gym or enjoy a massage to unwind at the end of the day. As the camp is strategically located, guests often spot wildlife without even leaving the camp, elephants and other animals often wander through the camp while the lagoon close by is home to hippos.

Highlights

• Overlooking the Zibandiagnja Lagoon
• Equipped with luxury amenities
• Plunge swimming pool
• Outdoor shower
• Wildlife viewing from the camp

Suggested Safari: Classic Botswana & Victoria Falls

Okavango Delta

1. Eagle Island Lodge

Located deep within the Okavango Delta, on the picturesque island of Xaxaba lies the luxurious Eagle Island Lodge. The lodge offers slow-paced walking safaris, allowing guests to enjoy peace and tranquility during their exploration of the island as well as a variety of exciting activities ranging from horse riding to mokoro trips on the water. The lodge has 12 rooms and offers a luxurious and spacious place to unwind in the bush. Only children over the age of six years are allowed to stay at Eagle Island Lodge.

Highlights

• Mokoro trips on the river
• Horse riding
• Picturesque vistas
• Walking safaris
• Luxury dining experiences

Suggested Safari: Classic Okavango Delta

2. Great Plains Selinda Camp

Great Plains Selinda Camp overlooks the Selinda Spillway, one of the premier attractions in the area. The Selinda Spillway is a seasonal waterway that links the Okavango Delta to the floodplains of Linyanti swamps. This luxury camp offers amenities such as a media library, wine cellar, boutique store and plunge pool. In addition, guests can relax and rejuvenate at the spa after an exciting day of game viewing. Each suite offers guests professional cameras and binoculars so that they can capture wildlife from the comfort of their rooms.

Highlights

• Sleeping under the stars
• Sundowner cruises along the Selinda Spillway
• Spa facilities
• Day and night game drives
• Guided safari walks

Suggested Safari: 14-Day Premier African Wilderness Safari

3. Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge

Located on the edge of the Okavango Delta waterway, the Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge covers a vast area of 225 square kilometres, bordering the Moremi Game Reserve. The lodge’s creative and aesthetically pleasing design blends with the surrounding forest canopy beautifully. The stylish covering around the fire pit and lounge area resembles a giant pangolin – not something you will see every day! Guests can make use of some incredible amenities here including a gym and private spa. Additionally, Sandibe offers a cosy fireplace, a refreshing plunge pool, and some of the most stunning views imaginable.

Highlights

• Location overlooking the Delta
• Walking safaris
• Day and night safaris
• Helicopter tours
• Fully-equipped with luxury amenities

Suggested Safari: 7-Day Affordable Botswana

Moremi Game Reserve

1. Sanctuary Chief’s Camp

Sanctuary Chief’s Camp has been built on the old hunting ground of Chief Moremi. It lies on the Chief’s Island, within the Moremi Game Reserve. The camp’s extraordinary setting makes for exquisite game viewing, offering visitors a sanctuary from the outside world. For game drives and tours, guests are paired up with only the best, and most experienced guides. Apart from game drives, visitors can also participate in seasonal mokoro safaris. The lavish suites include a spacious lounge and private bar.

Highlights

• Location on Chief Moremi island
• Spacious luxury suites
• Scenic helicopter ride
• Seasonal mokoro trips
• Spa treatment rooms

Suggested Safari: 10-Day Luxury Tented Camp Safari

2. Camp Moremi

Camp Moremi is yet another spectacular lodge, located in the Moremi Game Reserve. With 12 spacious thatched safari tents, which are equipped with private decks overlooking the Moremi Game Reserve, the camp is a perfect place for guests to relax and unwind. There is a fireplace to gather around and a swimming pool to cool off in during the hot weather. Explore Xakanaxa Lagoon by boat and enjoy day and night game drives.

Highlights

• Location overlooking Moremi Game Reserve
• Situated near the Xakanaxa Lagoon
• Stunning views on both land and water
• Spacious rooms with luxury amenities
• Activities such as game drives and boat tours

Suggested Safari: Affordable Botswana Experience

3. Khwai Tented Camp

Khwai Tented Camp is situated on the north-eastern border of Moremi Game Reserve, within the Khwai community concession overlooking the beautiful lagoon provides visitors with the perfect spot to relax and unwind. Khwai Camp is small with only six luxury tents in total making this the perfect camp for more private guests. Unlike other camps on our list, Khwai Tented Camp is a semi-permanent camp that ensures the wilderness is left untouched and unmarked. This quaint, picturesque spot offers visitors the opportunity to really connect with nature.

Highlights

• Day and night game drives
• Guided safari walks
• Spectacular vistas
• Semi-permanent tented camp
• Open communal areas

Suggested Safari: Okavango Delta, Chobe & Victoria Falls

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

1. San Camp

San Camp’s romantic decor and fairy-tale aesthetic appeals to visitors from all over the world. Imagine being surrounded by desert for miles and miles, with nothing but billowing white tents, and quiet grasses rustling around you. That’s San Camp, situated on the edge of Nwetwe Pan in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. The minimalist camp offers a peaceful retreat from the safari crowds where guests can interact with the San Bushmen and learn all about their fascinating way of life. San Camp is also an incredible spot for viewing wildlife, as well as the magnificent Makgadikgadi Pans.

Highlights

• Day and night game drives
• Guided safari walks with San Bushmen
• Quad-bike safaris
• Innovative and delicious cuisine
• Stunning sunsets and starlit evenings

Suggested Safari: 14-Day Northern Botswana, Vic Falls & Hwange Self-Drive 

2. Jack’s Camp

Jack’s Camp has recently been refurbished with antique decor and furnishings, retaining some of the original interiors, as well as adding beautiful pieces from all over the world, making this a lavish and luxurious space to relax in. The guest tents are spacious and each veranda has a private plunge pool so that the guests can enjoy their alone time relaxing in the water surrounded by remarkable views.

Highlights

• Guided bushmen walks
• Desert game drives
• Horse riding
• Jack’s Camp artefact collection
• Meerkat visits

Suggested Safari: 9-Day Lion Safari

3. Meno a Kwena

Meno a Kwena, one of the best safari lodges in Botswana, is perched on a cliff-top along the Boteti River overlooking the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. The camp offers both game drives and boat safaris as well as guided walks with the San Bushmen. The camp’s elevated position provides guests with panoramic views of the wildlife gathered around the waters below. These majestic and exciting views from the camp can be enjoyed throughout the day.

Highlights

• Overlooking the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
• Views of the Boteti River
• Resting place for zebra migration
• Boat safaris
• Guided bushmen walks

Suggested Safari: Safari to Botswana

Read more:

Botswana Safari Animals And Where To Find Them [Infographic]

About author

Robin Cormack

MD and Co-Founder. Born in Zimbabwe, Robin has a long history in Africa, and safaris in general, from running lodges to marketing. He is always on the look out for new ideas and products from around the safari world.