Is Botswana Expensive? A Cost Breakdown for Travelers

Is Botswana expensive? That’s a question many travelers ask before planning a trip to this popular safari destination, and probably one we should've asked too! We were honestly blown away by the difference of traveling in Botswana vs the surrounding countries. That being said, we're here to go over all different budget styles!

From luxury safari camps in the Okavango Delta to budget-friendly guesthouses in Maun, the cost of your trip depends on how you choose to travel. Activities like game drives, national park fees, and transportation can really add up, but with some planning, you can find ways to save.

Whether you're looking for an all-inclusive safari or hoping to explore more affordably, understanding the costs of accommodation, food, and transport will help you budget wisely. Let’s break down what you need to know before visiting Botswana!

Is Botswana Expensive: a Brief Intro

If you’re dreaming of a safari adventure or planning a trip to Southern Africa, Botswana might be on your list, and for good reason. It’s home to some of the most pristine wildlife areas in the world, including the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. But before you start booking, one question probably comes to mind: is Botswana expensive?

In short, Botswana can be pricey, especially compared to its neighboring countries, but there are also some ways to make it a bit more affordable.

 How Much Money Do I Need in Botswana?

The amount of money you'll need in Botswana will depend on what kind of trip you are looking to have. Are you looking to explore Botswana on your own or go with a guide? Are you looking to go camping, or are you looking for a bit of luxury?

Regardless of what kind of trip you're looking to have, you may need a bit more money than you think while visiting, especially if you are looking to experience some of the top things to do in Botswana which can become very pricey.

Why is Botswana so Expensive?

Botswana is known for offering high-quality, low-impact tourism. This means the country focuses on fewer visitors and more exclusive experiences, which can drive up the cost. As well, because of the lack of infrastructure in certain places, getting to certain places can be extremely expensive since there aren't many options.

For example, many safari camps operate on a fly-in basis with small guest capacities, resulting in premium prices. This is particularly something to keep in mind for Okavango Delta, which can only be visited by an extremely expensive tour. However, for certain tourist attractions there are ways to visit on a more moderate budget as long you plan carefully and book early.

We wanted to visit the Okavango Delta and were sadly mistaken in thinking we'd be able to go on our own. When we arrived in Maun (the hub for visiting the Okavango Delta) we had extreme sticker shock when we saw that most tours were aorund $1,000/person, and even the half day tours were a few hundred dollars!

Is Botswana Expensive? a Complete Breakdown

Is Botswana expensive for everything? Well, Not EVERYTHING luckily. Truthfully, the national parks and excursions are pricey, but meals, local transport, and everyday costs are much more affordable.

If you're on a budget and getting around on your own, Planet Boabab and Nata Bird Sanctuary were the two top places we visited easily with our 2x4, Nxai Pan and Khama Rhino Sanctuary are two other great places you can visit on your own, but ONLY if you have a 4x4.

We didn't dare try making it up to Chobe or Moremi, but we do know that for lodging you should expect to be paying a pretty penny, especially for the luxury lodges.

How Much Does a Meal Cost in Botswana?

Meal prices in Botswana can vary depending on where you're eating, but overall were one of the top ways we were able to enjoy Botswana on a tighter budget.

In major towns like Maun or Gaborone, you can get a solid meal at a local restaurant for $5–$10 USD. Higher-end restaurants or meals at safari lodges will be more, ranging from $20–$50 per person. If you're wondering is Botswana expensive when it comes to food - it’s generally really affordable outside of the luxury camps.

What Currency is Best to Take to Botswana?

The local currency is the Botswana Pula (BWP). It's best to use your credit card when you can (if you have a card without foreign transaction fees), but also to have cash on you.

South African Rand are often accepted in Botswana, and sometimes USD in luxury lodges, but we always recommend sticking to the local currency for the best rate.

Do I Need Cash in Botswana?

Yes, you should definitely carry cash with you in Botswana, especially if you plan on traveling a bit more off the beaten path, or even for some of the parks. 

While credit cards are accepted at many hotels, lodges, and restaurants in urban areas, smaller businesses and rural shops may not acccept them.

ATMs are available in larger towns, but they can be unreliable, especially in remote regions. When asking is Botswana expensive, keep in mind that having cash on hand can help you avoid unnecessary fees or last-minute surprises.

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

Can I Use Euros in Botswana?

Euros aren’t commonly accepted in Botswana, especially in local markets or smaller businesses. If you’re arriving with euros, plan to exchange them at a major bank in one of the bigger cities, or withdraw cash from an ATM. 

Most travelers prefer to bring US dollars, as they are more widely recognized and easier to exchange or use directly in tourist settings, but we honestly can't emphasize enough how important having the local currency truly is.

Do You Tip in Botswana?

Tipping isn’t mandatory in Botswana, but it’s appreciated, and honestly expected in the tourism and hospitality industry. 

At restaurants, a 10% tip is standard if service isn’t already included. Safari guides, drivers, and lodge staff often receive tips as a token of appreciation for excellent service.

While this isn’t a huge added expense, it’s something to factor into your budget if you’re wondering is Botswana expensive for travelers.

 How to Travel in Botswana for Cheaper

We were on a pretty tight budget for our Botswana trip, and while it didn't necessarily go as planned, we were able to enjoy some things.

 Self Drive in Botswana

The key to enjoying Botswana on a budget is by renting a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle and doing some of the destinations on your own.

With our 2x4 we managed to only do a couple, and ended up getting stuck in the sand in both Nxai Pan and the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, and gave up on the national parks completely. If we had a better car though, we would have experienced much more on our trip.

We also slept in the back of our truck, which really saved us a lot. Alternatively, you could bring your own tent and go camping.

 Safaris in Botswana

Something else to keep in mind is that if you can't afford to do one of the safaris, Botswana is the one country we actually saw animals EVERYWHERE! We're talking on the side of the highway - seeing elephants, zebras, ostriches, giraffes, and more.

It's like a free version of doing a safari, and can pretty much only be experienced in this country to this extent.

 Dining in Botswana

If you're looking to do Botswana on a budget - you can easily enjoy affordable meals at local restaurants. Simply skip the luxury resorts and eat at the restaurants the local do. If you're going on a safari you can also hit the supermarket and bring your own snacks so you're not splurging unecessarily on high-end meals.

Is Botswana Expensive? Conclusion

So, is Botswana expensive? It can be - especially if you're aiming for an all-inclusive safari experience. If you truly want to explore the best the country has to offer, do know that it comes with a MUCH higher price tag than South Africa, Namibia, or any of the other countries in Southern Africa.

If you're looking for a comfortable but budget-friendly trip, you may want to reconsider traveling to Botswana. However, if you are up for spending a bit extra, or are on the more adventurous side, this destination can be a much better option.

With some planning, flexibility, and a focus on local travel options, you can enjoy Botswana without breaking the bank, but it won't be easy. Botswana offers incredible once-in-a-lifetime experiences though, so it should definitely be on your bucket list for when you are ready for it.

So - is Botswana expensive? Whether you are going on an organized trip or opting to do it on your own, it's certainly more complex and pricey than the surrounding countries. It truly is a unique country though, so it's definitely worth it if you have the money or time!

Want to learn more about traveling in Botswana and the surrounding countries? Don't miss out on our Namibia travel guides, South Africa guides, and some other Botswana articles that we have coming up! Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for all of our weekly emails including exclusive content that we share with just our email list.

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