Best hotels in Botswana

Machaba Camp is tucked away on the sycamore fig-sheltered bank of the Khwai River to the east of the Okavango Delta. Here, 10 stunningly luxurious tents provide tranquil comfort to visitors returning from a day in the delta. The camp overlooks the river to Moremi Game Reserve, where thick wooded areas are the perfect habitat for leopard and abundant wild dog. From the tent, watch predators and plains game wandering down to the river to drink, and inspect the diverse birdlife in the surrounding lagoons.

Set on the Zibadianja Lagoon, the source of northern Botswana's Savute Channel, and overlooking the open plains of the enormous Linyanti Selinda Concession, Zarafa (“the beloved one”) Camp was established in 2008 by award-winning wildlife film-makers Derek and Beverly Joubert. You can only reach this remote camp by air, but it's worth the trip, and every cent, for its five-star comforts, intimate accommodation, excellent service and guiding, glowing eco-credentials and the sheer number of animals that roam free and unrestrained in the landscape. The extravagant sunsets must be mentioned – they are a photographer's dream!

This well appointed but intimate tented camp is situated in the private Linyanti Reserve, on the banks of the Savute Channel, close to the source of the Delta. Set amongst the trees, the camp is most notable for offering some of the best elephant viewing in Africa during its winter months, and for its abundant year-round game and high predator densities. Regarded by many as the best camp in the entire Linyanti region, Savuti is highly recommended by guides and guests alike. Its reputation is almost as good as its game viewing opportunities.

Bordering the iconic Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Evolve Back Gham Dhao Lodge sits at the threshold of a harsh and storied landscape. The first reserve in Botswana to be set aside for its rich cultural heritage, the Central Kalahari is the historic home to the San Bushmen, a people group expertly adapted to the severe desert environment. Few places on earth allow such an authentic cultural interaction alongside a truly wild game experience. The desert wildlife ranges from the majestic black-maned Kalahari lion to the truly bizarre brown hyena, the black-backed jackal, and the elegant oryx antelope. This totally off-the-grid camp still manages luxury with its back-to-basics approach.

Having made its grand entrance in May 2024, Natural Selection's latest gem is set amongst a gathering of ebony and sausage trees in the south-east Moremi Game Reserve of the Okavango Delta. The camp was created alongside the paramount chief of the Batwana tribe (after whom it's named), whose forebears were instrumental in the conservation of the wild areas that would one day become Moremi. The design of Tawana is striking, from its arched entrance inspired by fishing nets to the chic, palatial suites that occupy three thatched areas. Add to that the impressive numbers of lion on the plains surrounding the camp, and you've got an all-round excellent safari.

Maun is the well-established gateway to the Okavango Delta, where tiny planes depart every few hours, filled with eager travellers. Set in a 250-hectare private reserve on the outskirts of the main town, Thamo Telele offers an amuse-bouche before the real safari begins. Meaning 'long neck' in Setswana, the lodge is named after the youngest of its resident giraffe who wander the grounds - the staff will teach you how to identify each one based on their pattern! Thamo has an easygoing feel and families are very welcome - the gardens are big and lush, and the reserve is predator-free.

Tuli Safari Lodge sits in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, a region known as the "Land of Giants." Why? Large red rocky outcrops and enormous baobabs stud the landscape, and there's more elephants around than you can shake a stick at. The lodge itself is a smart, modern and sophisticated sanctuary amidst the wilderness and set in a shady forest on the banks of the legendary Limpopo River, with views over the valley beyond. As for the wildlife in the reserve, it's varied and abundant, thanks to the diversity of habitats, and you'll have the chance to spot everything from lion, leopard, wild dogs and cheetah to eland (Africa's largest antelope), zebra and prolific birdlife.

As you might have guessed, Great Plains' latest camp is set on a gloriously private island in the Northern Okavango. On arrival, you'll scarcely believe such a place exists, with every corner providing a front row seat to this startlingly beautiful corner of Botswana. Hosting a maximum of eight guests, you'll have your guide's utmost attention whilst exploring the channels and lagoons, watching hippos wallow, elephant swimming, and the birdlife a-fluttering. And how could we forget the shy sitatunga antelope dwelling in the reeds of the Delta from which the camp takes its name?

As one of the few geographically elevated areas in Botswana, Ghoha Hills Lodge takes full advantage of its sweeping views over the surrounding Savute landscape. The lodge's remote location in this popular region makes for a more exclusive overall experience. Some of the best game viewing areas on offer are about an hour's drive away, but when the Savute Marsh is showing its full colours, it's well worth travelling across the world for. Hit it at its peak and you'll see things to rival the Serengeti. And the lodge provides all the luxury and relaxation you could want when you're away from the action.

Chobe Chilwero is a traditional-style safari lodge at the edge of Chobe National Park, where you'll find the world's largest single concentration of elephant. From the lodge you can enjoy far-reaching views across the floodplains and islands of the Chobe River across to Namibia. Guests are well looked-after in 15 large, solid-walled suites complete with aircon, and at the wonderfully luxuriant spa.

Amongst the glitzy 5 star offerings Botswana is famous for, Meno a Kwena has barefoot bohemian luxe down to a T. With eight vintage-style tents perched thrillingly on the edge of a rocky clifftop, the views of the Boteti River and accompanying menagerie of animals are can’t-take-your-eyes-off-it gorgeous. Further afield, the activities are brilliant and very varied with game drives, scenic flights and quad biking on offer in three pristine wildlife sanctuaries. And all this is combined with Meno’s inherent passion for the bush, wildlife and community development, which just makes us love it even more.

Wild Expeditions is on a mission to take intrepid travellers into the remotest corners of Africa, encouraging visitors to establish a meaningful connection with nature, sans frills or flourishes. The latest outpost, Karangoma, is located in 30,000 hectares of exclusive terrain near the origin point of the Selinda Spillway in the Okavango Delta. A name that harkens a good future in the Sembukushu language, Karangoma was established in close partnership with local elder, Olatotse Sarefo, and the camp is committed to maintaining genuine and reciprocated engagement with surrounding communities. And of course, its exceptional location means top-notch wildlife sightings from both land and water - and not another soul around to interrupt.

Well, it might not be a brand-new camp but The Jackal & Hide, the supplier of some of the best photographic safaris in the region, has been renamed Little Sable. Expect a camp of pared-down luxury with comfy rooms, subtly stylish touches and excellent views across the floodplains of Khwai. In the field, it’s all about an authentic, back-to-basics safari experience with classic game drives, mokoro safaris and boat trips all on offer – and all this comes at a truly fantastic price. What’s not to love?