Is Botswana expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Yes, Botswana is one of the most expensive safari countries in Africa, by policy: it favours low-volume, high-cost tourism. Self-drive campers can manage about P1,900 per person a day, mid-range trips run about P5,700, and fly-in Okavango camps often cost P15,000–35,000 per person a night.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | P300 | P2,500 | P15,000 |
| Food & drink | P300 | P500 | P500 |
| Sights & tickets | P400 | P1,200 | P1,500 |
| Local transport | P900 | P1,500 | P3,000 |
| Per person, per day | P1,900 | P5,700 | P20,000 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Botswana day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Public campsite in Moremi, Savuti or Chobe | about P400–900 per site |
| 4x4 with rooftop tent | about P2,000–3,500 a day |
| Riverside lodge double in Maun or Kasane | about P1,800–4,000 |
| Guided mobile safari | about P4,000–8,000 per person a night |
| Fly-in camp in a private concession | about P15,000–35,000 per person a night |
| Light-aircraft hop Maun to a Delta camp | 20–60 minutes, priced in US dollars and usually several thousand pula |
| Tourism Development Levy on arrival | US$30 |
| Victoria Falls entry (Zimbabwe side, day trip) | about US$50 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Most of the money goes on accommodation inside or near the parks: fly-in camps include meals, drives, walks and mokoro trips, and price in US dollars. Self-drivers save on beds but pay for a well-equipped 4x4, fuel over long distances and park entry fees per person per day. Light aircraft into the Okavango Delta are the other big cost. Food in towns like Maun and Kasane is reasonably priced, but almost everything in the bush is included in camp rates.
When it is cheaper
The green season (roughly November to April) brings much lower rates at many lodges, often 30–50% below the dry-season peak, with newborn animals and the zebra migration on the pans.
How to spend less
- Self-drive with camping and book every park campsite well ahead.
- Base yourself in Maun or Kasane and take day activities such as Chobe boat cruises.
- Travel in the green season for lower lodge prices.
- Choose a scenic flight or mokoro day trip from Maun instead of a full fly-in camp stay.
- Combine with a day trip to Victoria Falls from Kasane rather than a separate trip.
- Shop for food and fuel in Maun or Kasane before heading into the parks.
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Common questions
Why is Botswana so expensive?
The country follows a low-volume, high-value tourism model, with small camps in private concessions and high park fees.
How much does a Botswana safari cost?
From about P1,900 per person a day self-driving and camping, to P5,700 mid-range and P20,000 or more for fly-in camps.
Are prices in pula or dollars?
Many lodges and fly-in camps quote in US dollars; local costs are in pula.