Comparison
Botswana or Namibia?
Neighbours with very different trips. Botswana is water, wildlife and remote fly-in camps; Namibia is desert landscapes and the best self-drive country in Africa.
Botswana
- Okavango Delta mokoro trips
- Big elephant herds in Chobe
- Exclusive, low-density camps
Namibia
- Self-drive road trips
- Sossusvlei dunes and Deadvlei
- Waterhole game viewing in Etosha
Side by side
| Botswana | Namibia | |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Fly-in camps and guided 4x4 safaris | Self-drive with lodges and campsites |
| Landscapes | Delta channels, floodplains, salt pans | Red dunes, canyons, the Skeleton Coast |
| Budget | High: remote lodges and light aircraft | Moderate: car hire and mid-range lodges |
| Best months | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct | Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
| Visa, Lithuanian | Visa-free | Visa on arrival (N$1,600) |
| Visa, British | Visa-free | Visa on arrival (N$1,600) |
| Visa, American | Visa-free | Visa on arrival (N$1,600) |
| Headline fee | Chobe or Moremi: BWP 270 per person per day | Etosha, Namib-Naukluft (Sossusvlei), Skeleton Coast: N$280 per person per day |
| Yellow fever | Only if arriving from a risk country | Only if arriving from a risk country |
| Main airports | GBE · MUB · BBK | WDH |
Our take
Botswana. Choose Botswana for wildlife density and wilderness, if the budget allows.
Namibia. Choose Namibia for landscapes, photography and the freedom of a self-drive.
Combine them. The Caprivi Strip links Etosha to Chobe by road, a popular 2 to 3 week route.
Health
Botswana: Malaria is present in some regions. Check your route with a travel clinic.
Namibia: Malaria is present in some regions. Check your route with a travel clinic.
Entry rules for your passport
Frequently asked questions
Botswana or Namibia?
Choose Botswana for wildlife density and wilderness, if the budget allows. Choose Namibia for landscapes, photography and the freedom of a self-drive.
When is the best time to visit Botswana and Namibia?
Botswana: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Namibia: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.
Can I combine Botswana and Namibia?
The Caprivi Strip links Etosha to Chobe by road, a popular 2 to 3 week route.
Planning a safari in Botswana or Namibia?
Send one request with your dates and budget. We pass it to local operators who cover this country, and they reply by email. Free, no obligation.
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