Can I do a Botswana safari on a budget?

It is difficult. While you can drive yourself through Chobe in a rental 4x4, the remote Delta camps are exclusively high-end. Expect to pay at least $400/day for DIY self-drive camping.

Is it worth staying in one place for the whole trip?

No. Different regions offer different experiences (e.g., water vs. land). Moving once or twice gives you a much better breadth of wildlife.

How long to spend on a Botswana safari

Spend at least 7 days to cover two distinct ecosystems like the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. Anything less than a full week makes the expensive light-aircraft transfers between remote camps feel like a waste of time and money.

Define your ecosystem mix. Botswana is divided into distinct zones: the water-based Okavango Delta, the arid Kalahari, and the riverine Chobe/Linyanti region. Spend 3 days in the Delta and 3 days in the Chobe area to see the maximum variety of wildlife.
Account for travel time. Most camps are accessible only by light aircraft. Budget 1 full day for arrival and 1 full day for departure, as bush plane schedules are rarely synced with international flights.
Factor in the 'Slow Safari' rule. Wildlife viewing isn't constant. Plan for at least 3 nights in a single location to ensure you have two full days of game drives. This gives you a buffer in case of bad weather or a day where the big cats are inactive.

Can I do a Botswana safari on a budget?: It is difficult. While you can drive yourself through Chobe in a rental 4x4, the remote Delta camps are exclusively high-end. Expect to pay at least $400/day for DIY self-drive camping.
Is it worth staying in one place for the whole trip?: No. Different regions offer different experiences (e.g., water vs. land). Moving once or twice gives you a much better breadth of wildlife.