We are often asked whether you can travel to Botswana without a roof tent. Our answer: Of course! Botswana is considered one of the wildest and most fascinating countries in Africa – perfect for those of you who want to experience the natural beauty and diversity of wildlife up close. But not everyone is a fan of roof tents and camping. If you want to explore Botswana with a bit more comfort, you have come to the right place.
In this article, we will show you the most beautiful travel destinations in the country and introduce you to accommodations that offer you the full safari feeling even without a tent. Whether luxurious lodges or nature-oriented huts – here you will find a wide selection for an unforgettable trip through Botswana. Enjoy browsing!
- Roof tent & Camping – yes or no?
- Advantages – Botswana without a roof tent:
- Disadvantages – Botswana without a roof tent:
- Botswana highlights + suitable accommodation
- Botswana border (east) – Martins Drift
- Botswana border (south) – Tlokweng Border
- Khama Rhino Sanctuary
- Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
- Nxai Pan National Park
- Maun – Gateway to the Okavango Delta
- Okavango Delta
- Kasane – Gateway to Chobe National Park
- Chobe National Park – Namibia side
- Chobe National Park – Botswana side
- Caprivi Strip Namibia
- Central Kalahari Game Reserve
- Botswana Border (Northwest) – Dobe Border Post
- Gaborone – Capital of the Country
- Planning and Booking Tips
- Botswana without a Rooftop Tent – Our Conclusion
Rooftop Tent & Camping – Yes or No?
Botswana is a true dream destination for adventurers and nature lovers. Many opt for a rooftop tent – flexible camping, spending the night right in the wilderness, and being as close to nature as possible. That sounds tempting, no question. And in a country like Botswana, where elephants, lions, and endless savannahs are just a stone’s throw away, a rooftop tent definitely brings that certain sense of adventure.
But let’s be honest: rooftop tents aren’t for everyone. The constant setting up and taking down, limited comfort, and safety concerns can quickly spoil the fun. Fortunately, there are other options! In Botswana, there are luxurious lodges, stylish camps, and charming guesthouses that also offer a fantastic safari experience – just with a bit more luxury and relaxation.
Whether with or without a roof tent – both types of travel have their appeal. While traveling without a roof tent certainly offers more comfort and safety, in our opinion, the roof tent scores points for adventure, proximity to nature, and flexibility. Ultimately, the decision depends on how you want to experience Botswana: relaxed and well-organized or up close and adventurous.
What are the advantages of traveling with a roof tent? What are the disadvantages? We’ve noted our thoughts below. Some disadvantages are advantages for others, and vice versa. In the end, it’s a matter of taste.
Advantages – Botswana without a roof tent:
- More comfort: comfortable beds, clean bathrooms, often with a pool (+ high level of service depending on the lodge)
- No need to pitch a tent, no planning of campsites, usually no self-catering
- Greater security in permanent accommodations, especially near wild animals.
- Guided tours/safaris through lodges with experienced local guides are often included.
- Somewhat more time to relax and enjoy Botswana’s highlights.
Disadvantages – Botswana without a roof tent:
- Less spontaneity: You are usually tied to permanent accommodations.
- Higher costs: Lodges and accommodations are often significantly more expensive than campsites.
- The direct experience of the wilderness a bit lost.
- The special charm of hearing the night sounds of the wilderness directly from the tent is lost.
- There are often other guests in lodges. More peace and quiet in remote places with a roof tent.
Botswana Highlights + Suitable Accommodations
In the following section, we have selected some suitable accommodations for the most important highlights and places in Botswana. Do you know of any other accommodations you can recommend? Feel free to write it in the comments.
We have divided the accommodations into 4 categories:
- € – Budget (up to 100 € per night for 2 people)
- €€ – Mid-range (100 € to 300 € per night for 2 people)
- €€€ – Affordable luxury (300 € to 500 € per night for 2 people)
- €€€€ – Ultra luxury (500 € to 2000 € per night for 2 people)
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Botswana Border (East) – Martins Drift
The Groblersbrug–Martins Drift border crossing between South Africa and Botswana is one of the most frequently used crossings for travelers traveling from Gauteng or Limpopo to Botswana. The border post is well-equipped and can be passed through relatively quickly, especially if you avoid rush hour.
Here, you should be prepared to go through customs and passport controls both when leaving South Africa and entering Botswana. If you’re coming from Johannesburg, it will take you approximately 5.5 hours to reach the border. If you don’t want to continue driving, we recommend an overnight stay near the border.
€ – Budget (up to €100 per night for 2 people)
- Klippan River Lodge (South African side)*
- Weltevreden Country Guest Lodge (South African side)*
- Kwa Nokeng Lodge (Botswana side)
- Tshukudiba Game Lodge* (South African side)
€€€ – Luxury (€300 to €500 per night for 2 people)
- Palala Boutique Game Lodge and Spa (South African side)*
Border Botswana (South) – Tlokweng Border
The Tlokweng Border Post is a border crossing between Botswana and South Africa, located near the Botswanan capital, Gaborone. It connects Tlokweng in Botswana with Kopfontein in South Africa. On the South African side, close to the border, is the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, where you can stay in luxurious lodges.
€€€ – Luxury (€300 to €500 per night for 2 people)
- Madikwe River Lodge*
- Mosetlha Bush Camp & Eco Lodge
€€€€ – Ultra Luxury (€500 to €2000 per night for 2 people)
- Rhulani Safari Lodge*
- Last Word Madikwe*
- Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge*
- Tuningi Safari Lodge*
- Impodimo Game Lodge*
- Motswiri Private Safari Lodge*
- Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge*
Khama Rhino Sanctuary
The Khama Rhino Sanctuary is a very special protected area in the heart of Botswana, dedicated to the conservation of the critically endangered rhinos. Just 20 kilometers from Serowe, the 4,300-hectare reserve offers a wonderful home for black and white rhinos, as well as many other wild animals such as zebras, giraffes, and various antelope species. For overnight stays, there are simple campsites, guest rooms, and rustic chalets.
€ – Budget (up to €100 per night for 2 people)
- Rest & Digest*
- HillView Guest House
- Lentswe Lodge
€€ – Mid-range (100€ to 300€ per night for 2 people)
- Khama Rhino Sanctuary
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
You should also definitely make a detour to the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. The vast, empty salt pans of the Makgadikgadi are truly spectacular, creating a unique, almost surreal landscape. The sunrises and sunsets are particularly impressive, as is one of the largest animal migrations in southern Africa.
Every year, huge herds of zebras and wildebeests migrate through the region. Especially during the rainy season, when the salt pans bloom, the animals find plenty of water and fresh, nutrient-rich vegetation here. This naturally also attracts predators such as lions and hyenas, which lie in wait here.
The Boteti River flows along the western edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park and is a hotspot for game viewing, especially during the dry season. This region not only offers fantastic wildlife viewing but also a quiet alternative to Botswana’s busier safari areas. Cozy lodges and camps right on the river offer a perfect blend of comfort and adventure.
Other highlights in the region: Nata Bird Sanctuary (a paradise for birdwatchers), Kubu Island (a small island in the middle of the salt pans), a meerkat colony near Nwetwe Pan, and impressive baobab trees.
€ – Budget (up to €100 per night for 2 people)
- Eselbe Camp Backpackers*
- Nata Lodge*
- Etang Guesthouse*
- Elephant Sands
- Gweta Lodge
€€ – Mid-range (€100 to €300 per night for 2 people)
- Planet Baobab
- Boteti River Camp
- Leopard Plains*
€€€€ – Ultra Luxury (€500 to €2000 per night for 2 people)
- Nxai Pan Camp
- Jack’s Camp
- San Camp
- Meno-A-Kwena Tented Camp
- Leroo La Tau
Nxai Pan National Park
North of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is the Nxai Pan National Park, which is best known for its majestic baobab trees. In the middle of the vast salt pans stand the famous Baines Baobabs, which seem like they come from another world. Here, too, you can observe the huge herds of zebras and wildebeests, as well as elephants, during the rainy season, enjoying the nutrient-rich greenery here.
€ – Budget (up to 100 € per night for 2 people)
- Gweta Lodge
€€ – Mid-range (100 € to 300 € per night for 2 people)
- Planet Baobab
- Boteti River Camp
- Leopard Plains*
€€€€ – Ultra Luxury (500 € to 2000 € per night for 2 people)
- Nxai Pan Camp
- Meno-A-Kwena Tented Camp
- Leroo La Tau
Maun – The Gateway to the Okavango Delta
Maun is often referred to as the gateway to the Okavango Delta and is a perfect starting point for trips to this impressive region. We also stopped here before and after this adventure and replenished our supplies. Here you can easily find supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations, restaurants, and accommodations.
Whether by mokoro boat, off-road vehicle, or plane – from Maun you have many options for setting off into the delta. By car, it’s about a 2-hour drive to the South Gate of the Moremi Game Reserve. Numerous guided day tours into the delta are also offered from Maun – so you don’t even have to drive yourself.
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€ – Budget (up to €100 per night for 2 people)
- Mokoro Lodge*
- MoOs River Lodge*
- Acacia Cottage*
- Rusty Gate Lodge and Campsite*
€€ – Mid-range (€100 to €300 per night for 2 people)
- Maun Lodge*
- Crocodile Safari Camp*
- The Waterfront*
- Sedia Hotel*
Okavango Delta
Now we come to one of the top highlights in Botswana: the Okavango Delta. This vast inland river delta expands into a lush oasis in the middle of the dry Kalahari. The combination of waterways, islands, and diverse wildlife is impressive and absolutely worth seeing. Elephants, hippos, lions, hyenas, antelopes, and countless bird species make every game drive a true highlight.
In the Okavango Delta, you can experience Botswana’s wilderness up close – whether on a traditional mokoro ride, a boat safari, or a trip by jeep or rental car. On site you will find simple and affordable campsites as well as luxurious (very expensive) lodges that are perfectly embedded in nature. Guided day trips to the delta* are also offered from Maun.
€€ – Mid-range (€100 to €300 per night for 2 people)
- Third Bridge Camp
€€€ – Luxury (€300 to €500 per night for 2 people)
- O Bona Moremi Safari Lodge*
- Mankwe Tented Retreat*
€€€€ – Ultra Luxury (€500 to €2000 per night for 2 people)
- Camp Xakanaxa
- Belmond Khwai River Lodge
- Camp Moremi
- Kwando 4 Rivers Camp
- Sanctuary Chief’s Camp
- Hyena Pan Botswana
- Moremi Crossing Safari Lodge
- andBeyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp
- Eagle Island Lodge, A Belmond Safari, Botswana
- Xugana Island Lodge
Kasane – Gateway to Chobe National Park
The journey continues through Botswana. Kasane is also a central starting point, especially if you want to explore Chobe National Park. The small town lies directly on the Chobe River, where herds of elephants, hippos, and crocodiles can be seen practically on your doorstep. In addition to classic game drives, a boat safari is one of the highlights – especially at sunset, when the animals become active on the riverbank.
Kasane is also an ideal location for day trips to Victoria Falls* or the Caprivi Strip. From simple campsites and cozy lodges to luxurious accommodations, there are various options for every taste. In Kasane you will also find supermarkets, gas stations, pharmacies, restaurants, snack bars, accommodations, and other tourist infrastructure.
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€ – Budget (up to €100 per night for 2 people)
- Travellodge Kasane*
€€ – Mid-range (€100 to €300 per night for 2 people)
- Tlou Safari Lodge*
- River View Lodge*
- The Old House*
- Two Rivers Hotel*
€€€€ – Ultra Luxury (€500 to €2000 per night for 2 people)
- Jackalberry Chobe*
- Ichingo Chobe River Lodge by Mantis (Namibia)*
- Chobe Bakwena Lodge
- Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa*
Chobe National Park – Namibia Side
The Chobe National Park is a must for all wildlife enthusiasts and is known for having the largest elephant population in Africa. Especially along the Chobe River, you’ll experience spectacular wildlife sightings: elephants, buffalo, lions, and countless bird species flock to the water, especially during the dry season.
In addition to classic game drives, as already mentioned, a boat safari on the river is also a real highlight. The diverse landscape, from riverbanks to dry savannah, makes for a truly fantastic safari adventure that you won’t soon forget.
€€ – Mid-range (€100 to €300 per night for 2 people)
- Chobe River Camp & Campsite*
€€€ – Luxury (€300 to €500 per night for 2 people)
- Serondela Lodge*
- Zovu Elephant Lodge
€€€€ – Ultra Luxury (500€ to 2000 € per night for 2 people)
- Ichingo Chobe River Lodge by Mantis*
- Chobe Water Villas*
- Zambezi Queen by Mantis
- Chobe Savanna Lodge
Chobe National Park – Botswana Side
When booking, please note which side of the river your accommodation is on. If you book a lodge on the Namibian side, you will first have to exit Botswana (Ngoma Bridge Border Post) and then enter Namibia. This can take some time. The same applies, of course, to the return journey. Below you will find an overview of camps and lodges located on the Botswanan side:
€€ – Mid-range (€100 to €300 per night for 2 people)
- Chobe Safari Lodge*
- Chobe River Cottages*
€€€ – Luxury (€300 to €500 per night for 2 people)
- Chobe Marina Lodge*
- Cresta Mowana Safari Resort and Spa*
€€€€ – Ultra Luxury (€500 to €2000 per night for 2 people)
- Chobe Bakwena Lodge
- Chobe Game Lodge
- Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero
- andBeyond Chobe Under Canvas
- Ngoma Safari Lodge – Machaba Safaris
- Ghoha Hills Savuti Lodge*
Caprivi Strip, Namibia
The Caprivi Strip, north of Botswana, is a small, narrow region in Namibia, crossed by rivers such as the Okavango, Kwando, and Zambezi. We crossed this region in a 4×4 and had some great adventures.
The area is much less crowded than other safari destinations and impresses with its tranquility and pristine nature. In national parks such as Bwabwata or Mudumu, you can discover elephants, buffalo, lions, and rare bird species.
€ – Budget (up to €100 per night for 2 people)
- Kuvira River Camp*
- Divundu Guest House*
- Ngepi Camp
€€ – Mid-range (€100 to €300 per night for 2 people)
- Mahangu Safari Lodge
- Ndhovu Safari Lodge*
- Kazondwe Camp and Lodge*
- Namushasha River Lodge*
€€€ – Luxury (€300 to €500 per night for 2 people)
- Divava Okavango Resort & Spa*
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is one of the largest and most remote game reserves in the world. Here, you’ll be almost alone in the midst of an untouched, secluded, and unique dry savannah. Vast plains, salt-encrusted valleys, and dry riverbeds await you, providing a truly spectacular backdrop for safaris. The wildlife ranges from hyenas, antelopes, springbok, wildebeest, leopards, ostriches and lions to elephants, snakes and scorpions.
€€€€ – Ultra Luxury (500 € to 2000 € per night for 2 people)
- Dinaka – Ker & Downey Botswana*
- Evolve Back Kalahari*
- Grassland Safari Lodge*
Botswana Border (Northwest) – Dobe Border Post
The Dobe Border Post connects Namibia and Botswana and is located near Tsumkwe in Namibia. This small, little-used border post is a relaxed alternative to the larger crossings. Before crossing the border, be sure to check the current opening hours and road conditions. Also remember to have all important travel documents and vehicle papers with you to ensure everything runs smoothly.
€ – Budget (up to €100 per night for 2 people)
- Tsumkwe Country Lodge (Namibia)*
€€ – Mid-range (€100 to €300 per night for 2 people)
- Fiume Bush Camp (Namibia)*
€€€€ – Ultra Luxury (€500 to €2000 per night for 2 people)
- Nhoma Safari Camp (Namibia)*
- The Lodge at Feline Fields (Botswana)
Gaborone – Capital of the country
Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, is the country’s economic and political center and is often used as a stopover on the way to the major safari destinations. If you spend a night here, a visit to the impressive Three Dikgosi Monument or a detour to the nearby Gaborone Game Reserve is worthwhile. In the city you will find numerous restaurants, cafés, gas stations, supermarkets, accommodations, and much more.
€ – Budget (up to 100 € per night for 2 people)
- Waterside Cottages & Villas*
- Indaba Lodge*
- Orchid Luxury Boutique Guesthouse*
- Mmaset Houses bed and breakfast*
€€ – Mid-range (€100 to €300 per night for 2 people)
- Hilton Garden Inn Gaborone*
Planning and booking tips
Find out about the best months to travel to Botswana so you can experience the wildlife and nature in all its glory. More on this here: Best time to travel to Botswana. Popular lodges are often booked out months in advance, so you should plan early.
Botswana is a huge country, and the distances between the highlights shouldn’t be underestimated. Allow enough time for transfers and stopovers to ensure your trip remains relaxed. Just don’t try to rush from A to B; take your time and enjoy the country.
Also consider whether you want to travel flexibly with a rental car or whether guided tours suit your travel style better – both are possible. Especially in/from Maun and Kasane, you can book great tours through the national parks and don’t have to drive yourself.
Since you will often be traveling in remote areas, travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage is essential. Furthermore, Botswana is located in a malaria risk area, especially during the rainy season. Talk to your doctor in good time about topics such as vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis. More information here: Malaria in Botswana.
Practical clothing inNeutral colors, a hat, insect repellent, and sturdy footwear are essential items in your luggage. Good binoculars are also recommended for safaris. In our safari packing list, you’ll find everything you need for an African adventure.
Botswana without a roof tent – Our conclusion
As you can see, a trip through Botswana can be easily organized even without a roof tent. This way of traveling not only offers you more comfort and safety, but also stylish lodges and more relaxed safari experiences. But whether with or without a roof tent – with a little courage, nothing stands in the way of your Botswana adventure!
We’re heading back to Botswana in June 2025, and this time, we’ve opted for a 4×4 with a roof tent. We simply love being in the wild and experiencing the animals up close! If you don’t want to miss our adventure, follow us on Instagram: Let’s just do it.