The Best Safari Camps in Botswana for Every Type of Traveler
- Kirstin Benish
- Apr 23
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 29
By Marni Granston, Founder of Tribù Travel
Planning a safari can feel overwhelming — especially in a place like Botswana, where the diversity of landscapes, wildlife, and camp styles is truly unmatched.
The good news?
There’s no one "right" way to experience Botswana.
Whether you’re dreaming of sundowners under the stars, safari with your kids, or chasing the perfect light with your camera, Botswana has a camp that fits your travel style.
Here are a few of my favorite camps across Botswana, handpicked from my most recent visit to 14 safari properties — each one perfect for a particular type of traveler.
For Honeymooners: Tuludi + Skybeds
If you’re looking for remote romance, big canvas tents, and stargazing that feels straight out of a dream, Tuludi is a standout. Located in the Khwai Private Reserve, Tuludi blends comfort and style with a sense of wildness. You’ll fall asleep to the sounds of the bush in a treehouse-style suite with a private plunge pool and outdoor shower.
For a truly unforgettable experience, I recommend adding a night at the Skybeds. Set high on raised wooden platforms in the middle of a private concession, you’ll sleep under an open sky with only a mosquito net and the stars above you. It’s raw, real, and completely unforgettable.
For Families: Jack’s Camp, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
Botswana might be known for luxury, but it’s also a fantastic destination for families — especially in the dry season when wildlife congregates near remaining water sources and the salt pans are at their most dramatic.
Jack’s Camp, located on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans, is one of the best family safari camps in Africa. Here, kids and adults can explore on quad bikes across the vast pans, walk with meerkats, search for ancient stone tools, or learn desert survival skills from the local communities. In the dry season (May to October), the pans are crisp, vast, and perfect for adventures. Jack’s is fully tented and oozes 1940s safari glamour — with a museum-like main area, private plunge pools, and camelback-style beds.
For Luxury Lovers: Tawana Safari Camp
If you’re after indulgence, exclusivity, and elegant design — Tawana Safari Camp is where to go. Located in the Moremi Game Reserve along the Khwai River, Tawana is a new and seriously stylish camp that offers private plunge pools, floor-to-ceiling Delta views, and impeccable hospitality.
One unique note: Tawana is partially owned by the local chief of the area — meaning your stay not only supports community ownership but connects you to a place deeply rooted in heritage. Wildlife sightings here are exceptional, and the guiding is top-notch. This is a bucket-list-worthy base for anyone who wants a safari that’s both luxurious and meaningful.
For Photographers: Savute Safari Lodge, Chobe National Park
If capturing iconic wildlife moments is at the top of your list, head to Desert & Delta’s Savute Safari Lodge. Recently refurbished with an elevated, contemporary design, this camp blends classic Botswana style with modern comfort — and its location is an absolute dream for photographers.
The real highlight? The below-deck sunken hide, perfectly positioned at a waterhole just in front of camp. It offers an eye-level view of wildlife — especially elephants — that come to drink during the dry season (May–October). This time of year offers crisp light, sparse vegetation, and high visibility — ideal conditions for photographers.
Savute is also a legendary destination for big cats, particularly lion. The area has been the setting for some of the most dramatic predator interactions ever filmed, and it’s still one of the best places to witness lion behavior in the wild.
For Adventurers: Shinde Camp, Okavango Delta
For those who want to do it all — walking safaris, boat trips, fishing, and game drives — Ker & Downey’s Shinde Camp in the Okavango Delta is the perfect base. This classic tented camp sits at the intersection of permanent water and dry savanna, offering the widest range of activities in one place.
You can head out on foot with expert trackers in the morning, take a mokoro ride through the Delta’s papyrus channels by midday, and finish with a sundowner cruise on a boat while hippos grunt in the distance. Shinde is intimate, immersive, and full of adventure. For travelers who want to feel the Delta from every angle — this is it.
Final Thoughts
Botswana’s beauty lies in its variety. No matter what kind of traveler you are, there’s a safari experience here for you. The key is thoughtful planning — connecting the right regions, the right activities, and the right camps for your travel rhythm.
Want help matching your style to the perfect safari? That’s exactly what I do. Let’s start the conversation and craft a trip that fits you like your favorite pair of well-traveled boots.
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