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Deciding whether to travel to Namibia or Botswana for your next adventure can be a challenge, as both destinations offer unforgettable experiences. We’ll try and help you make that decision.
Namibia and Botswana share an abundance of wildlife, incredible safari opportunities, and breathtaking landscapes, but they cater to slightly different travel preferences.
Namibia is known for its vast, dramatic desert scenery, including the iconic dunes of Sossusvlei and pristine Skeleton Coast. On the other hand, Botswana is known for its pristine waterways, particularly the Okavango Delta, and remote wilderness.
Both countries are exclusive and popular safari destinations, with the famous Etosha National Park in Namibia and Chobe National Park in Botswana. However, while Botswana leans towards high-end, exclusive safari experiences, Namibia tends to be more budget-friendly and suitable for self-drive adventures.
Both destinations promise unique experiences, but whether you decide to visit Namibia or Botswana ultimately depends on your travel style and priorities. We want to help you figure out if Namibia or Botswana is the right fit for you.
An Overview of Namibia and Botswana as travel destinations
Namibia, spanning an impressive 825,000 km² with a population of just 2.5 million (for comparison, Germany covers 357,000 km² with approximately 84 million people), offers a true sense of vastness. The country boasts two deserts: the Kalahari in the east and the Namib in the west. Its varied topography, from sea level to the 2,573-meter-high Brandberg Mountain, provides stunning contrasts of mountains and valleys.
Much of Namibia’s rugged terrain, characterized by dramatic rock formations and sparse vegetation, creates breathtaking panoramas. In contrast, the Zambezi Region in the north-east is characterised by lush vegetation and frequent rainfall.
On the western coast, the dramatic Atlantic Ocean offers romantic walks and excellent fishing opportunities, though it’s less suitable for swimming. Finally, no visit to Namibia is complete without exploring Etosha National Park, renowned for its extraordinary wildlife experiences.
Botswana spans 581,730 km² and has a population of 2.6 million. Despite its smaller size compared to Namibia, it boasts vast natural landscapes, particularly in the north, center, and south-west. The Kalahari Desert dominates about 84% of the country, making the Monalalong Hill, at 1,494 metres the only notable elevation.
While Botswana’s landscapes are less varied than Namibia’s and it lacks coastal access, the country is renowned for its incredible wildlife and unique ecosystems. Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta are its crown jewels, showcasing breathtaking savannahs and extraordinary water landscapes.
Unlike Namibia, Botswana’s waterways can be explored by boat or traditional mokoro reed canoes, offering a distinctive and intimate safari experience.
One trip, two countries, our Namibia and Botswana cross-border journeys:
Marvels of Southern Africa
Places Windhoek, Namib Desert, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha National Park, Zambezi Region, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls
from getting current exchange rate… per person sharing
Highlights of Namibia and Botswana
Places Kalahari, Namib Desert, Swakopmund, Etosha National Park, Zambezi Region, Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls
from getting current exchange rate… per person sharing
What are the different types of travel in Namibia and Botswana?
Namibia offers excellent opportunities for self-drive adventures, guided group tours, or fly-in safaris. With minimal traffic and wide roads, it is ideal to be explored by car.
However, we recommend self-drive tours for experienced drivers only, as assistance can be scarce in the remote areas – there may be no phone reception, workshops, or passing vehicles, which means you might need to handle challenges completely on your own. While this shouldn’t deter you, it’s important to plan accordingly.
Opting for a guided tour can provide added safety and comfort and may also be a better choice for families.
In Botswana, you can also choose between self-drive tours, guided group tours, or luxury fly-in safaris. If you opt for a self-drive tour, it is common to park your vehicle at a lodge and join guided game drives within the national parks.
Choosing a guided tour from the start allows you to relax and enjoy the journey without having to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads.
If you’re short on time, a fly-in safari is an excellent option, allowing you to visit various regions efficiently by flying directly to accommodations and game reserves. Some remote and very pristine areas in the Okavango Delta can only be reached by plane.
Types of accommodations in Namibia and Botswana
Accommodation in Namibia and Botswana range from ultra-luxury lodges to cozy, charming options, catering to various preferences and budgets.
In Namibia, you’ll find a mix of high-end and budget-friendly accommodations. The Namib Desert offers unique accommodation such as the Sossusvlei Desert Lodge with its modern design and breathtaking views of the dunes, while Etosha National Park offers a range of lodges and campsites for different budgets. Farm stays and guesthouses in towns like Swakopmund or Luderitz provide additional family-friendly options.
In contrast, Botswana is renowned for its world-class safari lodges and camps that offer luxury and exclusivity. In areas like the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, lodges such as Duke’s Camp deliver exclusive safari experiences, stunning views, and superb game viewing. Many lodges in Botswana offer packages that include guided tours and activities.
However, Botswana lacks low-budget options, making it a destination better suited to travelers seeking premium experiences. Some camps only allow older children from 8 or 10 years and above.
Botswana follows a “high value, low volume” tourism philosophy. This means camps and lodges are intentionally high-end only to attract a smaller number of travellers and thus ensure a more exclusive experience.
Regardless of your choice, early booking is essential, especially in Namibia, where demand often exceeds supply.
Is Namibia or Botswana better for a safari and the ultimate wildlife experience?
Namibia and Botswana are renowned safari destinations, each offering unforgettable wildlife encounters in their own unique way.
Safari in Botswana can be described in three words: exclusive, unspoiled and luxurious. Botswana is known for its classic Big Five safaris, which you can experience in places like the famous Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can glide through water channels in a mokoro (traditional canoe) or go on a walking safari for your ultimate wildlife experience. The best-known protected area in the Okavango Delta is the Moremi Game Reserve with its high density and diversity of wildlife.
There is also Chobe National Park, which is famous for its vast herds of elephants, best seen on river cruises along the Chobe River, while areas such as the Makgadikgadi Pans offer beautiful and diverse landscapes.
The focus in Botswana is on small, high-end lodges that offer a seamless and exclusive safari experience, making it ideal for those seeking an intimate encounter with nature.
Namibia offers a more independent and flexible safari experience, with a focus on its dramatic landscapes. Unlike Botswana’s lush waterways, Namibia’s terrain is dominated by desert, open plains and unique geological formations.
Etosha National Park is popular amongst self-drive safari enthusiasts, allowing you to stop whenever you want. Namibia is also home to the Big Five, although you need to travel to different regions and national parks to see them all. For example, buffalo are not found in Etosha National Park.
This being said this does add to your safari experience being even more diverse, as you travel from the wildlife-rich Etosha National Park to the remote Zambezi region and the rugged Skeleton Coast and even experience exciting wildlife on the side of the road.
Safaris in Namibia are as much about the landscapes as the wildlife. Namibia caters to a wider range of budgets, with both luxury lodges and affordable campsites.
Conclusion
Overall, Botswana offers a more high-end, immersive safari experience in exclusive settings, including water activities and walking safaris. On the other hand, Namibia provides a more affordable, landscape-rich safari experience with greater freedom and flexibility for independent travelers.
Cost of travelling in Namibia vs Botswana
Namibia is generally more budget-friendly than Botswana, offering a broader range of travel and accommodation options to suit various budgets.
Namibia caters to all budgets, from high-end lodges to affordable guesthouses and campsites. A self-drive safari is a popular and economical way to explore the country, with reasonably priced car rentals, fuel, and accommodations available. This flexibility makes Namibia accessible for travelers seeking adventure without breaking the bank.
In contrast, Botswana emphasizes an exclusive eco-tourism model that prioritizes high-quality, low-impact travel experiences. Many of its iconic safari experiences, such as those in the Okavango Delta or Chobe National Park, are centered around luxury lodges and private reserves.
These often include all-inclusive packages with guided activities and premium service, ensuring a world-class experience but at a higher price point. While Botswana’s approach ensures pristine wilderness and uncrowded safaris, it’s best suited for travelers prepared to invest in a more premium adventure.
With our own tour operating companies and fleet of safari vehicles in Namibia as well as Botswana, we are in the unique position to tailor journey at (almost) any budget. Just get in touch!
The best time to visit Namibia or Botswana
Both Namibia and Botswana are fantastic destinations year-round, but the best time to visit depends on the activities you want to experience.
Botswana
High season in Botswana is from June to September, when the weather is cooler. This is particularly interesting if you want to visit the Chobe National Park as wildlife is abundant along the Chobe River, one of the few remaining water sources. This makes it easier to spot animals.
Arguably counter intuitively, the dry season is also the best time for water activities in the Okavango Delta. The delta gets its water from the highlands of Angola. Water levels in the Okavango Delta are at their highest between June and September.
However, high season means that accommodation can fill up quickly, so we very much recommend booking in advance if you have a specific lodge or camp in mind.
Botswana’s low season from December to April sees fewer tourists, but it is still a great time to visit.
Regions such as the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans come alive during the low season, with lush landscapes and even fewer travellers than usual, offering a more exclusive experience at a lower price.
Namibia
The best time to visit Namibia depends on what you want to do. If wildlife viewing and game drives are your focus, the dry season from May to October is best.
This is when Etosha National Park is at its peak, with animals congregating around the waterholes, allowing excellent game viewing. July to October is high season, with moderate temperatures and little rain, perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking.
However, it can get busy, so if you want to stay at certain camps or lodges, we recommend booking early.
Namibia’s low season, from November to February, is marked by hotter temperatures and occasional rain showers, which can make wildlife spotting more challenging but also brings lush, green landscapes. Still, it is a quieter time with fewer tourists, and you may find reduced rates at popular lodges and camps.
If you’re drawn to Namibia’s landscapes and desert highlights, you can visit all year round, as these areas are beautiful in any season.
Accessibility: Namibia vs Botswana
If you are looking for a more flexible, budget-friendly adventure, Namibia’s accessibility makes it a great choice. If you prefer exclusive, high-end safaris and don’t mind relying on flights and guided tours – or are a confident driver, yourself – Botswana is an excellent option.
Namibia tends to be more accessible for travelers, thanks to its well-developed infrastructure and flexible travel options.
Self-drive safaris are very popular in Namibia, as the country has an extensive network of well-maintained roads, making it easy to explore major attractions such as Etosha National Park, Sossusvlei and the Skeleton Coast at your own pace.
Alternatively, you can join a guided tour where the logistics and organization are taken care of. These can be group or private tours.
In contrast, Botswana’s emphasis on exclusivity and eco-tourism makes it less suited to spontaneous or budget-friendly travel.
Many of Botswana’s top safari destinations, such as the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, are located in remote areas with limited road access. Fly-in safaris are common, with small charter flights connecting camps and lodges.
It is also possible to go on a self-drive safari, but we only recommend it for experienced off-road drivers, as road conditions can be tricky.
Would you like to know more about traveling in Namibia?
Just get in touch with us!
Getting to Namibia and Botswana
Depending on your nationality you can get a visitor visa on arrival, which is valid for 90 days in Namibia and 30 days in Boswana. We generally recommend keeping an eye on visa and entry requirements, as they can change on short notice.
In Namibia International travelers usually fly into Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek, which serves as an excellent base for starting a road trip.
In Botswana international arrivals typically land at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone or Maun Airport, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. If you are coming from the US, Europe or Australia or New Zealand, you will likely have to fly to Johannesburg in South Africa first. From here, it is easy to fly to Botswana.
Is Namibia or Botswana better for families with children?
Both Namibia and Botswana can be your next family holiday destination. However, Namibia is generally considered the better option out of the two due to its family-friendly infrastructure, variety of activities, and ease of travel.
In Namibia, self-drive safaris are a popular choice, which is ideal for families who want to explore the country at their own pace. Roads are well maintained and there is a wide range of family-friendly accommodation, from campsites to lodges.
Wildlife viewing in places like Etosha National Park is relatively easy, making it ideal for younger children who may have a shorter attention span. Beyond safaris, you can enjoy a broad variety of family activities like climbing the dunes of Sossusvlei, going on a boat trip in Swakopmund, or spotting seals at Cape Cross.
Besides South Africa, Namibia is considered the most family-friendly safari destination in Africa.
The focus in Botswana is more on high-end travelers, which means there are fewer flexible experiences for families. Many safari camps and lodges in Botswana have age restrictions, with some only allowing children over a certain age, usually around 8 or 12 years old.
As self-drive safaris are less common in Botswana, the reliance on fly-in safaris as well as guided tours can limit spontaneity and increase costs, which may not suit all families. However, Botswana’s Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park offer incredible wildlife encounters that may appeal to families with older children who enjoy immersive nature experiences.
Other experiences and things to do
As much as Namibia and Botswana are known as safari destinations, both countries offer a range of other activities that will enrich your experience.
Botswana
- Meet the San People: The San are an indigenous hunter-gatherer group who were the first nation of Southern Africa. You can join the San on a walk when in Botswana and learn more about their traditions.
- Birdwatching: November to March are the best months for birdwatching in Botswana, and you can experience up to 550 species – if you are not already a birdwatcher, you will become one.
- Hot Air Balloon Safari over the Delta: Flying over the Delta in a hot air balloon gives you a true sense of how big the Okavango is. You will experience nature, from above, guaranteeing a unique view of the area.
- Sleep under the Stars: With no light or air pollution, you can experience a sky full of stars like no other. One of the best things to do in Botswana is spend a night in one of its amazing star-beds while you hear animals in the distance.
- Sunset Cruises on the Chobe River: The classic way to crown your day is with a sunset cruise where you can spot fish eagles, crocs, hippos, myriads of birds and even water monitors from the boat.
- Yoga in the Desert: Yoga is the perfect addition to your safari adventure, offering a balance to eating and game-viewing.
Namibia
- Climb the Dunes at Sossusvlei: Sossusvlei is one of the most iconic things to see when in Namibia, so be sure to put it on your list.
- See the Shipwrecks of the Skeleton Coast: Namibia’s western coastline is known for its dangerous currents, so it is no surprise that there are many shipwrecks here. Some of them can be seen from the beach. Visiting the Skeleton Coast requires planning ahead to get the necessary permits.
- Discover a Diamond Ghost Town: In the early 1900s, diamonds were discovered in Kolmanskop, where German settlers made a fortune. The buildings turned into ruins after the diamond supply dwindled, and nowadays Kolmanskop looks like a ghost town – worth a wander around.
- Get to know the Himba People: the Himba are one of Namibia’s indigenous groups, semi-nomadic people who are known for the bright red otjize paste that women apply to their hair and bodies.
- Admire Ancient Rock Art: Some of the most impressive rock art in southern Africa can be found in Damaraland. Twyfelfontein features thousands of ancient engravings made by the indigenous San people – making this UNESCO World Heritage Site a must-see in Namibia.
- Experience Swakopmund: Swakopmund is the right place for adventure seekers. Here you can kitesurf, windsurf or kayak off the country’s Atlantic Coast. But even if you are looking for something a little more relaxed, this is a paradise for birdwatchers.
- Hot Air Ballooning over the Namib Desert: Flying over the Namib Desert in a hot air balloon is an unforgettable experience. You may have to set an early alarm for this experience, but watching the sunrise from the sky is well worth it. Flying with a hot air balloon over the Namib Desert is an experience you will not forget. You may have to set an early alarm for this experience, but seeing the sunrise from the sky will be worth it.
Overall, activities and things to do in Namibia offer a broader range compared to Botswana which is known mainly as classic wildlife safari destination.
Conclusion: Should you travel to Namibia or Botswana?
Both countries are incredible in their own way. The choice between Namibia or Botswana depends on your travel preferences, budget and the type of experience you are looking for.
Botswana is known for its high-end, eco-tourism, where you can enjoy exclusive and immersive wildlife experiences, water-based activities, privacy and solitude as well as birdwatching.
Namibia on the other hand stands for more affordability and flexibility, dramatic and diverse landscapes, unique wildlife adaptions, cultural experiences, and self-drive freedom.
For luxury, exclusivity, and unparalleled safari experiences, Botswana is the place to go. For diverse landscapes, adventure, and a more budget-friendly option, Namibia takes the lead.
We have our own tour operating businesses and teams in Namibia as well as Botswana. This means, we not only plan and organize your trip, we are on the ground, right where you need us.
Our travel experts have travelled extensively in both countries and can help you make a decision whether to go to Namibia or Botswana. Arrange a no-obligation conversation today!
