We traveled through Botswana on our own for three weeks (November 2025) and spent most of the time at a variety of campsites. We really liked the campsites in Botswana and Namibia, and we wouldn’t have thought most of them would be so well-developed. In the following post, you’ll find all the campsites we visited.
You’ll also find the current prices for the campsites and lodges, as well as further information about the individual sites (e.g., tours, restaurants, pool, Wi-Fi, etc.). We wish you a wonderful trip to Botswana and many unforgettable moments.
What else you should know
- To the Botswana country page
- Costs of our Botswana trip
- The most beautiful highlights in the country
- What else you should know
- Booking campsites in Botswana
- Our campsites in Botswana and Namibia
- Apps & maps
- Campsites in Botswana – Our conclusion
Booking campsites in Botswana
Before our trip, we had often read on other websites that you should book campsites a long time in advance (sometimes up to a year in advance). We were quite late, as the trip was somewhat spontaneous and we only had about three months to plan. Therefore, we actually booked or reserved most of the campsites in Botswana in advance. We left everything open only for the last few days to allow for some flexibility.
We were able to contact almost all campsites in Botswana and Namibia by email and received a relatively quick response from almost all of them (only Elephant Sands usually never responds). Payment was then made in most cases by bank transfer, occasionally by credit card. We usually received an invoice and booking confirmation afterwards.
The campsites in Botswana were mostly empty or not very busy in November 2025. In retrospect, we almost didn’t need to book a spot in advance, but you never know in advance. We would probably only reserve the sites in the national parks again, as there are often only a few pitches available there. If you are traveling to Botswana during the peak season (April to October), you should book some of the sites in advance.
Update: We’re traveling back to Botswana in June 2025 and have already booked our 4×4 with roof tent (November 2025). We’ll also be booking the campsites in Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta soon.
Our campsites in Botswana and Namibia
On the map below, we’ve marked all the campsites in Botswana and Namibia for you. There are, of course, many more, and it ultimately depends a bit on your route. However, we’re sure you’ll find some of our recommendations useful for your own trip.
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1. Kwa Nokeng Lodge (South African border)
After the long flight and drive from Johannesburg to Botswana (approx. 5 hours), we were glad that we had booked our first campsite directly across the border (Martin’s Drift Border). The Kwa Nokeng Lodge offers not only river cottages, tents, and houses, but also affordable campsites. This allowed us to try out our rooftop tent for the first time in peace and quiet and gain some initial experience.
There’s an open-air restaurant with a bar and plenty of seating, a beautiful terrace under giant trees, a small pool, boat tours on the Limpopo River, a BBQ area, a spa, a nearby gas station, and the opportunity to exchange money.
The campsite offers electricity, shady spots, hot showers, and toilets. Everything seemed good to us, and we could easily spend the night here. Since the complex is located directly across the border, you can definitely hear the trucks driving by. However, the border is closed between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., which is why it is quite quiet at this time.
- Cost: 135 Pula per person per night + 10 Pula per person government tax (approximately €10.53)
- Reservation: reserve and pay in advance (by bank transfer)
- Email: reservations@kwanokeng.com
- Website: www.kwanokeng.com
- Rating: 3.5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor*
2. Khama Rhino Sanctuary
The next morning, we set off from the Kwa Nokeng Lodge to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. We had also reserved a campsite there in advance, but we had to pay for it on site. The Khama Rhino Sanctuary is a community-based wildlife project launched in 1992. The goal was to actively contribute to the protection of the endangered rhino. The sanctuary covers over 8,585 hectares and offers a relatively safe habitat for white and black rhinos (they are guarded around the clock), as well as for over 30 other animal species and more than 230 bird species. And that’s exactly where we wanted to spend the night. We paid the overnight stay and entrance fee at the gate and were then able to start our independent game drive through the reserve. We spotted giraffes, numerous rhinos, zebras, wildebeest, antelope, and many amazing bird species. The individual campsites are very spacious, offer plenty of privacy, and have a fire pit and BBQ area. The shower house with toilets is just a few meters from the campsite.
- Cost: 290 Pula per person and night including entry & Fees (≈ €21.07)
- Reservation: reserve in advance and pay on site
- Email: krst@khamarhinosanctuary.org.bw
- Homepage: www.khamarhinosanctuary.org.bw
- Rating: 4 out of 5 points on Tripadvisor*
3. Boteti River Camp
To explore the salt pans, we booked a spot at the Boteti River Camp, located in the small village of Khumaga. From there, we could start our explorations of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park during the day. You really shouldn’t miss this, whether you’re staying at Boteti River Camp or another one.
Boteti River Camp offers 8 overnight chalets and 8 campsites. There are also two large shower and toilet cabins, a small pool, a dining area, and a terrace with a great view of the river (when it has water). All campsites also have electrical hookups, a fire pit, and a large, shady gazebo.
We were lucky and only one other campsite was occupied; other guests were staying in one of the chalets. Accordingly, the site was quiet. One more thing: If you don’t want to drive through the park yourself, you can also book a guided tour (approx. USD 60-70 per person). We can generally recommend the Boteti River Camp, although the campsite is relatively expensive.
- Cost: 20 USD per person and night (≈ 18.47 €)
- Reservation: reserve and pay in advance (by bank transfer)
- Email: lodge-admin@bushways.com or safari-res2@bushways.com
- Website: www.botetirivercamp.com
- Rating: 4 out of 5 points on Tripadvisor*
4. Planet Baobab
The Planet Baobab is located between Maun and Gweta and was one of our favorites during our time in Botswana. Here, there were spacious campsites with shady areas and fire pits, free Wi-Fi, shower and toilet cabins, a large pool, a great restaurant with a bar, large baobab trees on the grounds, and small African huts for overnight stays. The entire complex was beautifully maintained and designed. We highly recommend this campsite!
We had Campsite 6 at the very back and were completely undisturbed there. The toilet and shower cabins were only a few meters away. Planet Baobab also offers meerkat tours, which we took. The tour lasts about 4 to 5 hours and costs just under €100 per person. Next door at the Gweta Lodge, the tour is significantly cheaper at around €65, but you also have to drive the 15 minutes to the lodge at around 5 a.m. and then back again after the tour.
- Cost: 110 Pula per person per night (approximately €7.99)
- Reservation: reserve and pay in advance (by bank transfer)
- Email: Res@planetbaobab.travel
- Website: www.planetbaobab.travel
- Rating: 4 out of 5 on Tripadvisor*
5. Crocodile Camp Safari & Spa
Now we wanted to slowly set off towards the Okavango Delta, but planned a stopover in Maun. Here we wanted to restock our supplies, fill up the car with gas, and pick up malaria prophylaxis from a pharmacy. We had pre-booked a spot at the Crocodile Camp Safari & Spa for that night. The complex is located directly on the Thamalakane River in Maun and offers numerous campsites and accommodations with double and family rooms.
There’s also a restaurant with a riverside terrace and a pool with sun loungers. Each campsite (10 in total) has its own toilet and shower cabin, which we thought was really cool (a bit dated but generally clean). We were also able to charge our power banks there. The lodge is located directly on the main road towards South Gate and therefore served as a perfect starting point for our tour into the delta.
- Cost: 220 Pula per person per night (approximately €15.98)
- Reservation: reserve and pay in advance (by bank transfer or credit card)
- Email: croccamp.res@sklcamps.co.bw
- Website: www.sklcamps.com/crocodilecamp
- Rating: 4 out of 5 on Tripadvisor*
6. Third Bridge (Moremi Game Reserve / Okavango Delta)
And then, after a long journey, we were finally there – in the heart of the Okavango Delta. We spent two nights at the Third Bridge Campsite in the Moremi Game Reserve. This campground has six campsites with fire pits and two toilet and shower cabins. We found everything to be very well-maintained and clean. We were at Campsite 2, directly under or next to a sausage tree. At night, we heard lions and hyenas, and we saw elephants right behind our car, as well as hippos. That was quite an adventure. HELL YEAH!
If you have weak nerves, you should choose another spot. You’re in the middle of the wilderness here, and there are no fences anywhere. All the animals can move freely and are happy to suddenly appear next to your tent. Many people asked us how we managed to go to the toilet at night. Our answer: NOT AT ALL! We didn’t walk a single meter at night; if we peed, we peed around the car!
If you choose this campsite, we recommend filling up your tank and shopping in Maun. Once you’re in the Moremi Game Reserve, you won’t have any other options. It took us about five hours to get to the campsite from Maun. Since there are only a few pitches, you should book them in advance. At the South Gate, you’ll also have to pay the reserve entrance fee (2 nights = 3 day entrance fees).
Our tip: Buy the Moremi Game Reserve map at the gate. There you’ll find all the paths and routes that lead through the reserve. You can also check off all the animals you’ve already seen in the booklet.
- Cost: 50 USD per person and night (≈ 46.18 €) + day entrance fee for Moremi: 270 Pula per person + car: 75 Pula
- Reservation: reserve and pay in advance (by bank transfer)
- E-mail: admin@xomaecamps.co.bw
- Website: www.xomaesites.com
- Rating: 4 out of 5 on Tripadvisor*
7. Maun Island Safari Lodge
After our days in the Okavango Delta, we returned to Maun. We actually wanted to go back to Crocodile Camp, but unfortunately it was fully booked. We spontaneously drove to the Maun Island Safari Lodge, which is located on the other side of the river. We stayed there for one night, as it was very cheap at 160 Pula per person (approximately €11.62).
We can’t recommend this campsite, however, because everything there is completely run down and in poor condition. On weekends, the entire village gathered on the riverbank with deafening music and noise. Audi Camp and Sitatunga Camp are apparently recommended.
8. Mahangu Safari Lodge
We then continued on the A35 to Namibia. The beautiful Mahangu Safari Lodge was already waiting for us there, just 18 km from the border. Here, we had a fantastic campsite (No. 2) overlooking the Okavango River and the hippos, with a fire pit, covered seating area, electricity, and shared toilet and shower facilities. The lodge also has 16 bungalows, 6 safari tents, 1 houseboat, and 3 bungalows for tour guides. There are only 6 campsites in total, so it’s best to reserve your spot in advance (at least during peak travel season).
On-site, there’s a great terrace with a bar and restaurant on the riverbank, a small souvenir shop, a pool with sun loungers and towels, and a dining and lounge area. You can add breakfast and dinner on the fly or prepare your own meals. The lodge crew also offers various tours, such as game drives in Bwabwata National Park, boat trips, and interesting bird walks.
Our tip: The bird walk with Christopher is incredibly interesting. He knows just about every bird in southern Africa and is extremely enthusiastic about it. During a group walk, he not only points out numerous bird species (the birdlife in Namibia is world-class, by the way), but also shares a wealth of interesting information about them (cost: 150 ND per person).
- Cost: 235 Namibian dollars per person and night (approximately €14.57)
- Reservation: reserve in advance and pay on site
- Email: info@mahangu.com.na
- Website: www.mahangu.com.na
- Rating: 4 out of 5 points on Tripadvisor*
9. Livingstone’s Camp
Let’s move on to one of our absolute favorite places during our adventurous journey through Botswana and Namibia. Before we slowly headed toward Chobe National Park, we spent two nights at Livingstone’s Camp. It is located right outside the gates of Nkasa Rupara National Park and has five campsites. Each campsite is very spacious, with shady trees, a fire pit, a private toilet, a warm shower, and a small hut for washing up.
The campsite offers a magnificent view of the Linyanti Wetlands and was a perfect stopover on our way to Chobe National Park. You have the ultimate in privacy here, as all the campsites are further apart from each other. In the evening, we sat around the campfire with the camp manager (his name was Ronan) and shared exciting stories from the bush over a glass or two of Amarula.
At night, we were visited by hippos, and we heard hyenas and lions in the distance. It was truly adventurous, and on more than one occasion, adrenaline shot through our bodies. We’ll never forget our time at this campsite. But be careful: the access is a bit tricky, first leading through the small village of Sangwali and then on an unpaved road right through “the Pampas.” Always pay attention to the small signs on the trees and along the path!
- Cost: 280 Namibian dollars per person and night (≈ €17.38)
- Reservation: reserve and pay in advance (by credit card or bank transfer)
- Email: info@livingstonescamp.com
- Website: www.livingstonescamp.com
- Rating: 4 out of 5 points on Tripadvisor*
10. Chobe River Camp
After almost two weeks, we wanted to sleep in a real bed for two nights. For this reason, we booked a tented chalet at the Chobe River Camp. This camp is located right on the border with Botswana and the Chobe National Park. The camp features 20 tented chalets (also known as campsites), a large main lodge with a bar and lounge area, a great terrace overlooking the river, and a pool with sun loungers. If you’re there at the right time, you’re sure to see elephants, buffalo, antelope, and other wildlife. We observed countless bird species, as well as hippos and crocodiles, every day.
The tented chalets feature a large double bed with mosquito net, a table and chair, a small closet, a fan, a bathroom with shower and toilet, a coffee and tea station, and a terrace with chairs overlooking the river. Breakfast and dinner can be booked on-site. Tours to Chobe National Park and Victoria Falls are also offered, as are village walks, canoe trips, boat tours, and bird walks.
Important note: If you want to travel to Chobe National Park from there, you must first exit Namibia at the border (Ngoma Gate) and enter Botswana. This is quick and easy. However, if you re-enter Namibia after your trip, you will unfortunately have to pay the road fee again, currently amounting to 333 Namibian dollars.
- Cost: 50 USD per person per night (15 € per person)
- Booking is easy via Booking.com: Chobe River Camp* or Campsite*
- Email: bookings@gondwana-collection.com
- Rating: 4 out of 5 points on Tripadvisor*
11. Ihaha Campsite Chobe National Park
Then we headed straight to the national park again for two nights, this time to Chobe. Here, too, we had booked a campsite in advance at Ihaha Camp and could hardly wait to finally get there. This camp has 10 campsites with fire pits and barbecues, as well as shady trees.
All 10 sites are located near the river, so you’re right in the middle of it rather than just by it. A little further up are the sanitary facilities (separate for men and women) with toilets and showers (with hot water). We loved it there because you’re in the middle of the wilderness.
At night, a roaring lion ran past our car, and we heard hyenas and other wild animals. It was simply amazing! It’s definitely not for the faint of heart. The view of the landscape is unique and hard to beat. If you’re there at the right time, you’re sure to spot countless elephants by the river!
Our tip: Buy the Chobe National Park map at the gate. There you’ll find all the paths and routes that lead through the park. You can also check off all the animals you’ve already seen in the booklet.
- Cost: 270 Pula per person per night (≈ €19.68) + day entrance fee for Chobe: 270 Pula per person + car: 30 Pula
- Reservation: reserve and pay in advance (by bank transfer)
- E-mail: kwalatesafari@gmail.com
- Website: www.kwalatesafaris.com
- Rating: 3.5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor*
12. Elephant Sands
Shortly before the end of our trip, we were treated to another real highlight. The Elephant Sands Lodge is located directly on the A33 highway between Kasane and Nata, making it an ideal stopover.
The lodge has more than 22 cabins and approximately 15 to 20 campsites, all located around a waterhole. What’s special about the lodge is that elephants from all directions pass by the waterhole almost daily, drinking and bathing there with pleasure. We were lucky and saw more than 100 elephants throughout the day. We sat in the front row in front of our car and were able to watch everything live.
It was truly a unique experience and well worth it. The lodge also has a restaurant with a bar, a small souvenir shop, a pool, and a fire pit with chairs around it. Here you can sit in the evening with a beer and watch the elephants. Brilliant!
Caution: We would probably avoid this place during peak season, as there are far too few showers and toilets for the large number of campsites. It can also be very touristy. They tried to sell us the campsite via email for €26 per person per night, even though it only costs about €12. They didn’t respond to our inquiries; they generally respond very sporadically and rarely to emails.
- Cost: 160 Pula per person and night (≈ €11.66)
- Reservation: We just went there spontaneously and booked and paid on site
- Email: info@namibweb.com or bookings@elephantsandsbotswana.com
- Homepage: Facebook page
- Rating: 4 out of 5 on Tripadvisor*
13. Woodlands Stop Over and Lodge
From now on, we only had to cover some distance to return the car in Johannesburg on time. On our way there, we spontaneously discovered the Woodlands Stop Over and Lodge and campsite in the iOverlander app. We drove there, got a spot right away (there was no one else there!), and enjoyed our last night in Botswana. And we must emphasize what a great campsite it was.
Awaiting us was a lush green meadow with our own fire pit, a large pool, good Wi-Fi, clean showers and toilets, and a small shop with the essentials (firewood, water, etc.). At first, we were completely alone on the entire site (there are also holiday apartments, chalets, and cabins there), but late in the evening, two more cars with roof tents arrived. We made a campfire, drank wine, and enjoyed the evening to the fullest.
During the day, we lazed around by the pool and sunbathed. It really is a wonderful campsite.ping site in Botswana, which we can 100% recommend. This site is particularly well located for long journeys to Johannesburg or Kasane.
- Cost: 160 Pula per person per night (approximately €11.66)
- Reservation: We just went there spontaneously and booked and paid on site
- Email: info@woodlandsbotswana.com
- Website: www.woodlandsbotswana.com
- Rating: 4.5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor*
14. Tshukudiba Game Lodge (South African border)
We had booked another great accommodation for our last night just across the border at Martin’s Drift Border. We wanted to be well-rested and fit for the return journey to Johannesburg the next morning. The Tshukudiba Game Lodge* offers five chalets with a large common area including a kitchen, pool, and barbecue area.
The chalets are very tastefully furnished and have a comfortable bed, sufficient storage space for luggage, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a refrigerator, a coffee and tea station, a bathroom with shower, bathtub and toilet as well as a private parking space and terrace. The perfect accommodation for our last night.
- Cost: from €55 per chalet
- Booking: book and pay easily via Booking.com*
- Email: simone@larochedboerdery.co.za
- Homepage: www.facebook.com/people/Tshukudiba-Game-Lodge
- Rating: 4.8 out of 5 on Google
Apps & Maps
If you’re planning a similar trip, we recommend the iOverlander app. There you’ll find countless campsites worldwide and a wealth of information. This app was particularly helpful for Botswana. We navigated using Google Maps (offline) and Maps.Me.
You can find good maps of the national parks in the national park brochures, which you can usually get at the gates for €15 to €20. Alternatively, you can also download the Tracks4Africa app in advance. There’s also a very good GPS folding map*, but it was much too large for us, so we sent it back.
Campsites in Botswana – Our Conclusion
We were really surprised at how good most of the campsites in Botswana were and how numerous they are spread across the country. You can almost always find a spot somewhere. The prices were also completely reasonable, even if some sites were a bit overpriced (Boteti River Camp & Third Bridge).
In general, the sites within the national parks are very expensive, especially since you also have to add the daily entrance fees. In the end, however, we had some of the best experiences there. We highly recommend a trip with a 4×4 and roof tent, because the camping feeling is simply special! Thank you, Botswana! We will DEFINITELY be back! Update 11/2025: We have booked the 4×4 with roof tent again. We’re heading back to Botswana in June 2025!!!