Last checked: November 2026.
How Many Days Do You Need in Botswana?
Five days is enough for two bases, such as the Okavango Delta and Chobe. Seven days adds a third area, such as Moremi or Savuti, and ten days lets you add the Makgadikgadi Pans or the Central Kalahari. Distances are long, so most visitors fly between camps. From Gaborone, the direct flight to Kasane takes about 1.5 hours, and some services stop in Maun. Check the Botswana travel guide for safety and visa basics first.
Planning Notes Before You Start
- Choose two or three bases. Moving every night wastes the best part of a safari.
- Book camps early for June to October, when the Delta and Chobe are busiest.
- Ask your camp about baggage limits. Light aircraft usually require soft bags and tight weight limits.
- Allow a buffer between small-aircraft flights and any international departure.
- Check the season for each park. See our best time to visit Botswana guide.
Travel Times Between Main Bases
| Route | Mode | Time or distance |
|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg to Gaborone | Scheduled flight | About 1 hour |
| Gaborone to Kasane | Scheduled flight | About 1.5 hours direct |
| Maun to Kasane | Scheduled or charter flight | About 300 km, a short flight |
| Maun to Delta camps | Light aircraft | Short flights, confirm with your camp |
| Kasane to Victoria Falls | Road, or a short flight | Close, but check border times |
Times depend on the airline, route and weather, and sources differ. Use them for planning, and confirm with your operator.
5-Day Botswana Itinerary: Delta and Chobe
- Day 1: fly into Maun, then take a light aircraft to your Delta camp.
- Days 2 and 3: boat, mokoro and walking activities, depending on the water level and your camp.
- Day 4: fly back to Maun, then on to Kasane.
- Day 5: a Chobe River boat trip and game drive, then your onward flight. Leave a buffer.
7-Day Botswana Itinerary: Delta, Moremi and Chobe
- Day 1: arrive in Maun and fly to a Delta camp.
- Days 2 and 3: Delta activities, with time to adjust to the pace.
- Days 4 and 5: Moremi or Savuti, the second camp, with land-based game drives.
- Day 6: transfer to Kasane by air.
- Day 7: Chobe River boat trip and an onward flight, or a day trip to Victoria Falls.
10-Day Botswana Itinerary: Add the Pans or the Kalahari
Follow the 7-day plan, then add three nights in a desert region.
- December to March: add the Makgadikgadi Pans and Nxai Pan for the zebra migration.
- May to October: add the Makgadikgadi Pans for activities such as quad biking, or keep the extra nights at Savuti or Linyanti.
- December to April: add the Central Kalahari Game Reserve for a remote desert experience, with an experienced operator.
How to Get Around
Scheduled flights link Gaborone, Maun, Kasane and Francistown, and light aircraft link Maun with the camps. Self-drive is possible in some areas with a suitable vehicle, but tracks and seasons can make it hard. Botswana drives on the left. Many operators advise against driving at night because of animals on the road. For domestic flights, coaches, driving rules and taxis, see our guide to getting around Botswana, and read our flights to Botswana guide for international arrivals.
Which Itinerary Should You Choose?
- Choose 5 days if you want the Delta and Chobe without rushing.
- Choose 7 days if you want a third camp and a more varied safari.
- Choose 10 days if you want deserts or the zebra migration, and a slower pace.
For help choosing camps and lodges, read our where to stay in Botswana guide.
Itinerary Checklist
- Check your visa status, and check the US and UK advice for Botswana.
- Book camps first, then flights, since camp availability is the limit.
- Confirm all light aircraft transfers and baggage limits in writing.
- Arrange travel insurance with medical evacuation.
- Ask your operator about malaria advice and vaccinations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Trying to see the Delta, Chobe and the Kalahari in one week.
- Booking a tight connection after a small-aircraft flight.
- Skipping the season check. Some activities depend on the flood and the rains.
- Choosing the cheapest camp without checking what is included.
Botswana Itinerary FAQs
Is one week enough for Botswana?
Yes, for two or three bases. One week lets you see the Delta, a second area such as Moremi or Savuti, and Chobe. Adding the Kalahari makes the trip much tighter, so keep that for a longer visit.
Can I combine Botswana with Victoria Falls?
Yes. Kasane is close to Victoria Falls, and many visitors add a day or two. Check border crossing times and your visa rules for Zimbabwe and Zambia first, since each country has its own requirements.
Do I need a guide in Botswana?
For most camps and remote areas, yes. Camps provide guided activities, and remote tracks are difficult without experience. Some parks allow self-drive in a suitable vehicle, so check access and conditions in advance.
Is Botswana good for a first-time safari?
Yes. The Delta and Chobe are popular first-safari choices, with reliable wildlife viewing in the dry season. The trade-off is that remote camps can be expensive, so compare what’s included before you book.