20 of the Best Luxury Lodges & Camps in Botswana
Home to the seasonal floodplains of the Okavango Delta and the strikingly arid landscapes of the Kalahari Desert, Botswana is one of Africa’s most inspiring places to go on safari. For those in the know, it has garnered a reputation as an upmarket destination, with some of the most luxurious lodges and camps on the continent.
In this article, discover some of the most incredible accommodations in the country, from Chobe National Park to the Moremi Game Reserve and Makgadikgadi Pans. Our safari experts can help you to plan an unforgettable Botswana safari, incorporating your choice of indulgent lodges and camps.
With just six lavish suites, Abu Camp is one of the most exclusive properties in the Okavango Delta. It lies within a 180,000-hectare private concession that is renowned for its resident elephant herd, with whom guests share unique and intimate experiences. Game drives, guided walks and mokoro trips are offered throughout stays, together with optional sleepouts under the stars.
Highlights
• Enjoy unmatched encounters with elephants as you meet each member of the resident herd
• Stay in one of only six opulently appointed suites, complete with private seating areas and plunge pools
• Spend a night sleeping out under the stars beside the camp’s elephant boma
Overlooking the seasonal Boleti River from its clifftop setting, Leroo La Tau is a luxury safari camp in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. It features 12 thatched-roofed chalets, an inviting dining area and a sparkling swimming pool where you can retreat during the heat of the day. In addition to guided game drives through Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Leroo La Tau is renowned for its seasonal boat safaris on the Boleti River.
Highlights
• Luxuriously appointed chalets with private decks for watching all the wildlife action
• Participate in unique cultural activities and exceptional stargazing experiences
• Enjoy thrilling game drives to spot white rhinos and migrating zebras
Forming part of the wildlife-rich Moremi Game Reserve, Xigera Safari Lodge is a design-focused luxury accommodation in the Okavango Delta. It enjoys a magnificent setting surrounded by papyrus swamps and wooded islands that attract a huge diversity of wildlife and bird species. Each of the 12 air-conditioned suites are eclectically decorated with African artworks and design objects, and are complemented by a well-equipped gym, two spa treatment rooms and an inviting swimming pool.
Highlights
• Savour gourmet meals prepared with flair in the dynamic, open-plan kitchen
• Participate in a diverse range of activities that include daily game drives, mokoro canoe safaris and guided walks
• End your days relaxing in the waterside lounge with its copper-clad fireplace
Bringing a touch of Morocco to Botswana, the Chobe Game Lodge is a Moorish-inspired accommodation on the banks of the Chobe River. It is the only five-star accommodation located within Chobe National Park and an inspiring setting for game drives, boat safaris and cultural excursions. With 47 air-conditioned rooms, Chobe Game Lodge is one of the largest luxury properties on our list, with outstanding facilities that include a fitness centre, swimming pool and spa.
Highlights
• Individually styled rooms designed for honeymooning couples, solo travellers and families
• Laze on the poolside terrace by day and watch traditional dances in the outdoor boma at night
• Join the resident naturalist for an unforgettable stargazing experience through the lodge’s state-of-the-art telescopes.
Nestled on the edge of the Moremi Game Reserve, Sanctuary Baines’ Camp overlooks the majestic Boro River in the Okavango Delta. It takes its named from the legendary 19th-century explorer, Thomas Baines, and features just five stunning suites for the most exclusive stay. Enjoy sweeping views across the floodplains from your outdoor bath or relax in one of the poolside salas. Game drives, mokoro canoe safaris and guided walks are all part of the Sanctuary Baines’ Camp experience.
Highlights
• One of the most exclusive camps in the wildlife-rich Okavango Delta
• Participate in a diverse choice of activities that included game drives, mokoro canoe trips and guided birdwatching walks
• Uniquely designed with the use of recycled cans to support local conservation initiatives
Set on the banks of the Khwai River, Camp Xakanaxa is a year-round safari accommodation surrounded by the striking floodplains of the Moremi Game Reserve. All of its spacious tents and communal facilities are built using natural materials and the lodge has a relaxed atmosphere that makes it ideal for families. Not only can you enjoy exceptioanl wildlife viewing on game drives, mokoro canoe trips and guided walks, but also from the comfort of your private deck. Delicious meals are served surrounded by African design objects in the thatched dining room.
Highlights
• The inviting swimming pool offers a welcome refreshment in between safari activities
• Discover one of the Moremi Game Reserve’s prime wildlife viewing areas, the Khwai River
• Recount the day’s adventures with other travellers around the communal campfire
Nestled on the edge of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, San Camp is a vintage-inspired safari accommodation in Botswana. Each of its canvas tents is luxuriously appointed, complete with four-poster beds for a distinctly romantic vibe. Wildlife spot during daytime and nighttime game drives, as well as on guided bushwalks across the adjacent salt pan. Quad-biking adventures and meerkat experiences are also offered.
Highlights
• Enjoy spectacular views across the salt pan from a vintage-style tent
• Hunt alongside San Bushmen during unique cultural encounters
• Engage with meerkats during the famous Meerkat Adventure
Tucked away on a secluded island, Jacana Camp lies surrounded by seasonal floodplains and papyrus swamps in the Okavango Delta. Its Meru-style tents ooze luxury, with indulgent creature comforts that include starlit bathtubs. Mokoro trips, boating safaris and guided walks are offered throughout the year while game drives are available between September and May. A stay at Jacana Camp gives you the opportunity to try traditional Botswanan recipes and support the Children in the Wilderness initiative.
Highlights
• Explore Jacana’s aquatic wonderland throughout the year during land and water-based activities
• Enjoy majestic views across the floodplains from the comfort of your luxury tent or indulgent bathtub
• Feast on meals lovingly prepared by talented Botswanan chefs and using locally sourced ingredients
Nestled amidst a natural riverine forest of teak and ebony, Camp Moremi offers a magnificent base for exploring the Moremi Game Reserve. It features 12 tented suites that are decorated with an African aesthetic, as well as enchanting communal spaces constructed from timber and thatch. Morning and evening game drives are offered, as are boating excursions and birdwatching trips. When it’s time to retreat, you can relax on your private deck and watch the animals coming and going.
Highlights
• A spectacular setting that’s renowned for its sightings of fish eagles and malachite kingfishers
• Take advantage of the well-stocked wildlife library to learn about the animals you spot during your stay
• Naturally-inspired structures that seemingly blend into the surrounding forest
Providing a captivating base for exploring Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Jack’s Camp features seven twin and two double tents with private plunge pools. It is styled on a 1940s safari camp, complete with antique furnishings and African textiles, as well as a Persian-inspired tea tent. In addition to exhilarating game drives, Jack’s Camp offers thrilling quad-biking adventures and cultural experiences with San Bushmen.
Highlights
• Indulge in sumptuous cuisine in a luxury camp that embodies the nomadic lifestyle
• Participate in a diverse range of activities, from game drives to quad-biking excursions and cultural village visits
• An enviable location for watching the annual migration of zebra and wildebeest through Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
Garnering a reputation for its “slow safari” experiences, Belmond Eagle Island Lodge is located on Xaxaba Island in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Its luxuriously appointed suites come complete with private plunge pools, deep baths and spacious decks overlooking the seasonal floodplains. In addition to guided game drives, canoe excursions and cultural village visits, the camp offers exclusive helicopter and horseback safaris. Not to miss are the campfire barbecues featuring seasonal, local produce.
Highlights
• Stay in one of 12 light-filled tents, which are positioned to ensure complete privacy
• Dine on gourmet meals crafted by highly experienced chefs using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients
• Participate in a range of activities that include mokoro, helicopter and horseback safaris
Boasting 15 opulently decorated, thatched-roofed suites, Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero offers stunning views across the floodplains of Chobe National Park. It is child-friendly thanks to its three dedicated family suites, as well as featuring a full-service spa with a treetop treatment room. Spend your days wildlife spotting on game drives and boat cruises before being treated to gourmet dishes inspired by African flavours. Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero also boasts a well-stocked wine cellar.
Highlights
• Soak up the views across Chobe National Park from your private verandah
• Indulge in a massage or therapeutic treatment in the only full-service spa on the Chobe circuit
• Enjoy a sundowner cruise on the Chobe River where large numbers of elephants come to refuel
Perched atop an escarpment in the Chobe Forest Reserve, this magnificent lodge features just a handful of luxuriously appointed cottages. It is tucked away from many of Chobe’s other safari lodges and camps, making it ideal for those who want an intimate experience. In addition to daily game drives and guided bush walks, the Muchenje Safari Lodge offers culturally focused village visits. During the heat of the day, you can refresh in the shimmering swimming pool.
Highlights
• Feast on gourmet cuisine during private meals at the poolside lapa
• Enjoy unparalleled views across the Chobe River floodplains from the lodge’s elevated setting
• Independently owned and with highly personalised service
Set on the edge of the the Savute Channel, this Belmond-owned safari lodge is a “must” for those interested in spotting Chobe’s famous herds of elephants. It features 12 rooms perched atop raised wooden platforms, with four-poster beds, outdoor showers and alfresco lounges as standard. When you’re not out on thrilling game drives, birdwatching walks and cultural encounters, you can cool off in the lodge’s enticing swimming pool.
Highlights
• Watch as elephants and lions come to refuel along the shores of the Savute Channel
• Be treated to African-inspired dishes served alfresco and with unforgettable views
• A diverse range of activities that include game drives, cultural encounters and birdwatching walks
Hidden away in the north of the Okavango Delta, Kadizora Camp is a standout for its optional hot air balloon safaris. It enjoy an enviable setting between the Vumbura River and the Selinda Spillway, ensuring the wildlife viewing is second to none. Its 13 safari suites are divided into two categories, both of which offer all the creature comforts of home, and more. At the end of thrilling days spent out and about on game drives, guided walks and boating safaris, you can relax over delicious meals and drinks in the horseshoe-shaped communal area.
Highlights
• Refresh in the camp’s inviting swimming pool overlooking the delta’s seasonal floodplains
• Participate in a diverse range of experiences that include cultural visits and catch-and-release fishing
• Get a bird’s eye view of the wildlife herds during a sunrise hot air balloon flight
Designed in an uncompromisingly contemporary style, the Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp lise on the edge of the Moremi Game Reserve. Each of its tented suites is perched atop an elevated wooden platform to make the most of the views across the Okavango Delta’s floodplains and mopane woodlands. When you’re not out on boat safaris and mokoro boat trips, you can relax on your suspended daybed and watch all the wildlife action. Trained baristas craft excellent coffee at the dedicated bean bar while the spa is staffed by highly trained masseuses.
Highlights
• Feast on gourmet cuisine within the high-ceiling dining room or on the alfresco deck
• Enjoy unforgettable wildlife encounters amidst the surrounding floodplains and islands of the Okavango Delta
• In addition to classic safari experiences, helicopter safaris and catch-and-release fishing are also offered
Constructed from locally sourced timbers, Savute Safari Lodge lies in the west of Chobe National Park along the legendary Savute Channel. It’s a life-giving waterway for a huge diversity of wildlife, which can be viewed from the comfort of the lodge’s communal lounge or the refreshing swimming pool. When it’s time to eat, you won’t be drawn away from the action, with meals served in the alfresco dining area.
Highlights
• Discover the enigma that is the Savute Channel and why it has baffled explorers for centuries
• An exceptional spot for watching the zebra migration between November and April
• Select from 11 chalets decorated with earthy tones and contemporary furnishings
Completely powered by solar, Tau Pan Camp is an eco-friendly safari accommodation in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. It is named after the black-maned lions that can be found throughout the area and are best spotted on daily game drives and San-led bushwalks. In addition to exploring the surrounding area, Tau Pan Camp offers daytrips to Deception Valley and Piper’s Pan accompanied by gourmet picnic hampers.
Highlights
• Participate in a diverse range of activities, including game drives and guided bush walks led by San Bushmen
• Enjoy exceptional views across the strikingly beautiful Tau Pan
• Recount your adventures each evening during sundowners and while dining at the large, communal table
Overlooking an expansive fossil lake and watering hole, Nxai Pan Camp is a unique safari accommodation in the Kalahari Desert. It boasts just nine eco-friendly, thatched-roof tents, surrounded by the expansive grasslands of Nxai Pan National Park. Nxai Pan Camp is designed in a minimalist style, so as not to detract from the surrounding landscape where elephants, cheetahs and migratory zebras can be observed. During unforgettable stays, you can participate in daily game drives and San Bushmen-led walks, as well as a day trip to the centuries-old Baines’ Baobabs.
Highlights
• Powered 100% by solar energy for an environmentally friendly stay
• Visit the famous Baines’ Baobabs, as depicted by the 19th-century artist and adventurer Thomas Baines
• Experience one of Africa’s biggest migrations of wildlife, without the crowds
With inspiring views across the floodplains of the Caprivi Strip, the Ngoma Safari Lodge is a riverside accommodation in the Chobe Forest Reserve. It encompasses just eight luxury suites to ensure an exclusive stay, each with a private deck from where you can watch the wildlife coming and going. Plunge pools and indulgent bathtubs add to the opulence. In addition to game drives and guided walks, the Ngoma Safari Lodge offers action-packed boat safaris to spot crocodiles and hippos.
Highlights
• Stay in a luxurious suite decorated with natural and rustic elements
• Savour exceptional cuisine that ranges from buffet lunches to romantic dinners and picnics in the bush
• Enjoy peace of mind that your stay is contributing to community-building projects in the local villages
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