Planning a 7-Day Botswana Safari
Focus on the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park to maximize your time. Fly into Maun and out of Kasane to avoid backtracking and save two full days of travel.
- Choose your safari style. Decide between a mobile tented camp, which moves with you, or a lodge-based safari. Mobile safaris are better for immersion, while lodges offer comforts like swimming pools and permanent plumbing.
- Select your circuit. A 7-day trip is best spent splitting time between the Okavango Delta (4 days) and Chobe/Savuti (3 days). Use light aircraft transfers between these remote areas to avoid 10-hour bumpy drives.
- Book your internal logistics. Botswana’s bush airstrips are not accessible by car. Once you have your lodge bookings, work with the operators to schedule 'bush flights.' These small Cessna aircraft are essential for a one-week timeframe.
- Manage your park permits. If you are self-driving, you must book campsite permits through the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) at least 6 months in advance. If using a tour operator, they handle this.
- Do I need anti-malarial medication?
- Yes, Botswana is a malaria zone. Consult a travel clinic at least 6 weeks before you leave.
- Can I drink the tap water?
- In most lodges, the water is treated or bottled, but always ask the camp manager to confirm.
- Is it safe for children?
- Many lodges have minimum age requirements (usually 6-12 years) due to safety concerns regarding wild animals.