Last checked: November 2026.
Where Should You Stay in Botswana?
For most visitors, the best places to stay in Botswana are Maun for the Okavango Delta, Kasane for Chobe National Park and a camp or lodge inside or beside the park itself. Gaborone suits business trips and short transit stays. Most safari stays are in remote camps, so plan transfers early. Check the Botswana travel guide for visa and safety notes.
Best Areas to Stay
| Area | Best for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Maun | Gateway to the Okavango Delta | A base before and after the Delta, not the safari itself |
| Okavango Delta camps | Water safaris, remote stays | Reached by light aircraft, often fixed packages |
| Kasane and Chobe | Elephants, river trips, Victoria Falls access | Busy in the dry season |
| Moremi, Savuti, Linyanti | Quieter, remote game viewing | Limited access, book early |
| Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans | Desert scenery, zebra migration | Best in the green season |
| Gaborone | Business, flights, short stays | Not a safari base |
We don’t list individual camps or prices, because they change often. Compare options on an operator or booking site and read recent reviews.
Maun
Maun is the safari hub for the Okavango Delta. Most visitors fly in, spend a night, and then take a light aircraft to a camp. Choose a hotel near the airport if you have an early transfer, and ask your camp about luggage storage.
Okavango Delta Camps
Delta camps range from simple tented camps to luxury lodges. Many are fly-in, and rates often include meals and guided activities. Check what the rate covers, including park fees, transfers and drinks. Ask whether the camp’s activities depend on the flood level in the month you travel.
Kasane and Chobe
Kasane is the town beside Chobe National Park, and it has hotels, lodges and campsites. It’s also close to Victoria Falls, across the border. If you plan to cross, check visa and border times first. A riverfront lodge is the best choice for boat trips, while a town hotel is better for a short stop.
Moremi, Savuti and Linyanti
These are quieter, remote areas with a smaller choice of camps. They suit travelers who want fewer vehicles and more privacy. Access can depend on the season and the road conditions, so book through an experienced operator.
Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans
Camps here are mostly seasonal, and the Pans are best from about December to March. In the dry months, some camps offer activities such as quad biking on the pans. Ask about road access in the rainy season.
Gaborone
Gaborone is the capital and has about 246,000 residents, according to the 2022 census. Choose a hotel near the airport for an early flight, or in the city center for meetings. It’s a practical base before or after a safari, though most visitors move on quickly.
Types of Stay
- Luxury fly-in camps: the classic Delta and Chobe stay, usually with all meals and activities included.
- Mid-range lodges: good value in Maun and Kasane, often with pools and river views.
- Campsites: for self-drive travelers or mobile safaris. You need suitable equipment and experience.
- Mobile safaris: guided trips that move between campsites, with staff handling tents and meals.
- City hotels: for Gaborone, Maun and Kasane stops, usually with simple facilities.
Family and Practical Notes
Many camps set minimum ages for children or run special family activities, so check the policy before booking. Malaria is a risk in northern areas, and camps usually provide nets and repellent. Ask about the water, medical access and emergency plans, especially in remote areas.
English is the official language, so booking and arrival are straightforward. We didn’t find an official source on halal dining. If you need halal meals, tell your camp in advance, and ask about options.
Booking Tips
- Book early for June to October, when the Delta and Chobe are busiest.
- Check what the rate includes: park fees, transfers, meals, drinks and activities.
- Ask about cancellation terms, since small-aircraft flights and camp access depend on weather and flood levels.
- Confirm baggage limits for light aircraft before you pack.
- Read your insurance terms for medical evacuation from remote camps.
Which Base Should You Choose?
- Choose Maun and a Delta camp if you want water-based safaris.
- Choose Kasane if you want elephants, boat trips and easy access to Victoria Falls.
- Choose a Pans camp if you travel in the green season and want desert scenery.
- Choose Gaborone only if you have business, a flight connection or a short stop.
To combine bases, follow one of our Botswana itineraries. For seasons, read our best time to visit Botswana guide.
Hotel Deals
Compare current offers below. Always confirm the final price, taxes and cancellation terms on the partner site.
Where to Stay in Botswana FAQs
Should I stay in Maun or Kasane?
It depends on your safari. Maun is the gateway to the Okavango Delta, while Kasane is the base for Chobe and Victoria Falls. Many visitors stay in both, and fly between them.
Are fly-in camps worth it?
For remote areas, yes. They give you access to areas that roads don’t reach, and rates usually include meals and activities. The trade-off is cost and strict baggage limits, so compare what is included.
Can I camp in Botswana without a tour?
In some areas, yes, with a suitable vehicle and the right bookings. Camping in wildlife areas has real risks, so go with experience or choose a mobile safari. Check current booking rules with the park authorities.
Do I need to book far in advance?
For June to October, yes, since many camps are small and sell out. In the green season, availability is better and rates are often lower. Free cancellation helps if your plans change.
To plan how you’ll move between bases, see our guide to getting around Botswana, and check international arrivals in our flights to Botswana guide.
