With its vast swathes of wilderness and no major cities to speak of, planning a solo trip to Botswana can seem like a daunting task. However, we’re happy to report that there is a bevy of fabulous lodges, camps, and guides, as well as on-the-ground operators who will make sure every leg of your trip is taken care of. And, if you opt for a set-departure trip, travelling solo won’t cost you an arm and a leg either…
Now that we’ve put your mind at ease, the aspects that make Botswana seem like a challenge to navigate actually make it the perfect place to let go of your creature comforts and welcome a sense of adventure, unplug from the everyday noise, and tap into nature in its purest form. So what are you waiting for – take a look at these fantastic trips for solo travel in Botswana.
Wildlife galore & a taste of Vic Falls
Refined and absolutely gorgeous, The Palm at Victoria Falls will ease you into your trip from its perch on the banks of the Zambezi River. There is ample opportunity to get acquainted with the idyllic surroundings, whether it’s lounging in the pool where hippos wallow just metres away or something more adventurous… The Palm is only 4 kilometres away from Victoria Falls so river cruises, helicopter flights, bungee jumping and hikes are all on the cards if heart-pumping activities are up your alley.
Next, you’ll fly across the border into Botswana to begin your safari in earnest in Chobe National Park. The sheer number of elephant is iconic, and you’ll spot them in panoramic scope on cruises down the Chobe River, as well herds of buffalo, giraffe, roan and sable, and plenty of big cats on the prowl. Overlooking the river and floodplains, Ngoma Safari Lodge promises mesmerising views in every direction, whether it’s over scrumptious dinners or from your private pool.
Then it’s off to the Okavango Delta, beginning in a secluded corner of the Khwai Concession at Machaba Camp. Nestled in a clutch of sycamore fig trees, one of the Delta’s many rivers is your gateway to the area’s wildlife. On mokoro excursions or boat rides, find yourself within splashing distance of elephant, buffalo, waterbuck and over 500 species of birdlife, from the tiny to the giant. If you’d prefer to remain on land, there are thrilling walking safaris, picnics in the bush, and game drives (day or night!). And hey, you probably won’t have to leave camp to see an elephant either.
Your trip comes to an end in the heart of the Okavango Delta. At Kanana Camp, the surreal scenery and diverse wildlife is never far away – and you’ll never run out of ways to explore. And what better way to say goodbye to Botswana than a sleepout under the stars as the calls of nocturnal creatures echo through the air?
Fly your way around Botswana
On a week-long safari, you’ll experience Botswana from every angle, from the air to the water, led by the world-class expertise and hospitality of &Beyond. Your first stop is Chobe Under Canvas, a light-on-the-Earth little camp where elephants wander between the tents. Bask in the sights of Chobe as you cruise along the river (canapes and sundowners are a must!) searching for huge herds of elephants, shy antelope and an array of birdlife.
Your next locale is an intimate camp beside the Savuti Channel, which you’ll cross in an open vehicle, eyes peeled for herds of elephant or an elusive pack of African painted dogs. And let’s not forget about the region’s unique lions who perform the near impossible feat of hunting elephants. In the evening, return to camp for a lantern-lit dinner as nature’s symphony begins…
End your trip at the luxury Nxabega Camp in the Central Okavango, &Beyond’s answer to glamping, complete with downy beds, fully kitted out bathrooms, and a pool overlooking the floodplains where hippos wallow and elephants splash. The camp boasts year-round mokoro and boating safaris, surrounded by a cacophony of birdlife, but you can also explore on game drives, take to the air in a helicopter, or examine the landscape in the finest detail on foot.
