Botswana is a fun country that's famous for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. We've got the ultimate travel cost guide to make sure your adventure is incredible and affordable. This Botswana trip budget calculator will dive into average costs for hotels, food, activities, sightseeing, and transportation. We'll cover all the essentials for a wallet-friendly trip.
How much does it cost to travel to Botswana?
A typical traveler spends $72 (P970) per day on a trip to Botswana. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Botswana based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $27 (P365) on meals
- $4.48 (P60) on local transportation
- $60 (P806) on hotels
A one-week trip to Botswana for two people costs, on average, $1,014 (P13,580). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from thousands of other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Botswana expensive to visit?
Botswana is a reasonably affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 25% of countries in the world for its affordability. If you're traveling on a budget, then this is a good destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.
Within Africa, Botswana is reasonably affordable compared to the other countries. It is in the top 25% of countries in Africa for its affordability. You can find more affordable countries such as Nigeria, but there are also more expensive countries, such as Zambia.
In Botswana, budget travelers spend $31 (P421) per person per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $72 (P970) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $142 (P1,907) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Botswana.
Botswana offers a great mix of sights and accommodations, making it a destination that works for travelers of all budgets and preferences. Whether you're traveling on a budget or ready to indulge, there are hotel options for you, with luxury choices for affluent guests and mid-range options for families and couples.
It's true that Botswana can be expensive, but eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities can help you make the most of your money.
For more details, see Is Botswana Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Botswana?
The average Botswana trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Botswana travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Botswana cost?
Botswana on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$13
(P179)
|
$30
(P403)
|
$55
(P736)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$1.90
(P25)
|
$4.48
(P60)
|
$9.47
(P127)
|
|
Food2
|
$12
(P154)
|
$27
(P365)
|
$58
(P774)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$15
(P203)
|
$35
(P464)
|
$66
(P887)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$2-5
(P21-62)
|
$4-11
(P49-146)
|
$8-23
(P104-311)
|
Accommodation Budget in Botswana
The variety of accommodation prices in Botswana can be surprising. Some areas and hotels are much more expensive than others, and prices soar during peak season. You'll save more if you visit in the off-season or book in advance.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Botswana for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $60 (P806). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $30 (P403) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Botswana? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Botswana
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $4.48 (P60) per person, per day, on local transportation in Botswana. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Botswana is significantly more than public transportation.
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Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$4.48
P60
Botswana generally has limited options for public transportation. You should plan to rent a car or have a prearranged form of transportation available, such as a tour. However, this may cut into your overall trip budget.
Food Budget in Botswana
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Botswana can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Botswana is $27 (P365) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$27
P365
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Botswana is around $27 (P365) per person, with previous travelers spending from $12 to $58. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Botswana are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $8
- Lunch: $4 to $14
- Dinner: $10 to $22
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
The food of Botswana is comparable to that found elsewhere in Southern Africa, although regional variations are common. The people take great pride in their beef, so it is often of very high quality. Other common meats include lamb, mutton and chicken. Common grains include sorghum and maize, with wheat and rice being imported from outside the country.
Seswaa: Also called Chotlho, this is a popular, traditional meat dish in Botswana. It is generally served for special occasions and is traditionally prepared by men. The meat is mashed up and heavily salted and cooked in a three legged iron pot. It simmers in salt and water until it is soft.
Vetkoek: This traditional dish is found throughout Southern Africa. It's a fried dough bread that is usually served with minced ground beef or sweetened with syrup, honey or jam.
Bogobe: This is a form of porridge that is made with either sorghum, maize or millet flour. The flour is mixed with boiling water until it forms a soft paste. It is then cooked slowly and it is sometimes sweetened with milk and sugar. The unsweetened version is often eaten with meat or vegetables.
If you're eating out with children, seek out restaurants that provide a kids menu. This can significantly reduce your dining expenses, as those options are generally lower priced. Some places may not showcase their kids' meals, so it's always smart to ask the waiter before ordering.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Keep a water bottle with you instead of constantly buying drinks. It's a good way to help the environment as well.
When preparing for a tour, make sure you know in advance what meals are included. You might be responsible for paying for some food, which can raise your costs.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Botswana
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Botswana typically cost an average of $35 (P464) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$35
P464
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Botswana. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Multiday Tour From Gaborone : 2 day Gaborone Experience for $220 details
- Small Group Immersive Cultural Tour in Maun for $130 details
- Half Day Tour from Gaborone (Manyana Village Visit) for $170 details
- Experience a village from Gaborone (Molepolole Village Visit) for $170 details
Nightlife Budget in Botswana
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $7.26 (P97) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Botswana per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$7.26
P97
Cutting back on drinks while enjoying the nightlife can really help you save money on your trip.
Travel Costs Last Updated: Apr 27, 2026
Traveling in Botswana
Chobe National Park, Botswana
The land locked country of Botswana is located in Southern Africa. It's bordered by Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia. The economy is one of the strongest in Africa and is centered around tourism and diamond mining. Botswana is an expensive destination and is therefore less popular than some of the other nearby countries. The country has kept prices high in an effort to conserve the area's wildlife, but still benefit financially from tourism. This country appeals to those who want to enjoy a wildlife safari without the tourist crowds that are so common in many other national parks. In particular, the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park are exclusive and expensive destinations. If you'd like a budget option though, there are some available.
Visitors to Botswana come for the wildlife and the national parks. The most famous parks are Chobe National Park, Moremi National Park found in the Okavango Delta and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. The country is also home to the San, or bushman, population.
For independent travellers, there is a high level of service and significantly less poverty than the countries found to the north. Botswana offers a great combination of excellent service with an "off the beaten path" atmosphere.
There are three major regions in Botswana. The Kalahari Desert has a very low population and is in the western part of the country. Okavango-Chobe, to the north, is where you find the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and Moremi National Park. The southeastern part of the country has the highest population density as well as the capital city of Gaborone.
At A Glance
- Most people fly into Botswana. The main airport, Sir Seretse Khama, is in Gaborone and most flights come through Johannesburg, but it is possible to get direct flights from Cape Town, Harare, and Nairobi. Maun is a popular tourist destinationa and also has a limited number of international flights. Because Maun is more than 1,000 kilometers away from Gaborone, a direct flight may be beneficial.
- Most directions in Botswana are given in terms of landmarks. Street names and addresses are not well recognized. Public transportation is inconsistent outside of major cities, but with a combination of coaches and combies, it's possible to get around most of the country. Where public transportation is lacking, hitchhiking is common. Use caution when you hitchhike as this form of transportation can prove dangerous.
- Botswana's official languages are English and Tswana. English is used when people are conducting business, and it is very common in urban areas. In rural areas English is usually not spoken. Tswana is the primary indigenous language in the country and is most people's first language. Near the Zimbabwe border, Kalanga is frequently spoken.
- Accommodation is generally found in larger towns and cities, but if you're visiting national parks there are some secluded game lodges that are quite nice. In general, most hotels do not fill up in cities, but if you're hoping to stay at a game lodge, reservations are recommended.
- Internet cafes are common in most towns and the speed is reasonable, although slower than that found in South Africa. Wireless internet can be found in the more expensive cafes that are geared to the expat population. Game lodges usually don't offer internet access.
Related:
Looking for a hostel in Marrakesh, Cape Town, Nairobi, or Zanzibar?
Top Tourist Attractions
Okavango Delta: This is where the Okavango River widens into the world's largest inland delta. It is also one of the most impressive wildlife spots in southern Africa. It is surrounded by the Kalahari desert so the swamps and water channels attract animals that come from thousands of kilometers away. The delta triples in size during the July and August floods.
Chobe National Park: This national park is popular for its impressive wildlife viewing. It has a large population of elephants, but there are also many other favorites including zebras and lions. This national park is expensive to visit, meaning the crowds are less and the wildlife viewing is incredible.
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park: This national park is famous for its bleak salt pans, which attract a large number of birds. Year around, the bird viewing here is incredible.
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's essential to have a grounded and realistic perspective on your budget. While many believe they can travel as "budget" travelers on a mere $31 a day like a backpacker, the reality is that most people struggle to enjoy that style of travel. Consider what makes you happy and how you've traveled before. Do you prefer the comfort of resorts, the convenience of vacation rentals, or the simple camaraderie of hostels? Is dining out a top priority for you? Do you plan to visit the major attractions? Your answers to these questions will certainly impact your overall travel budget.
Who are Budget Travelers?
It's common to hear that a visit to Botswana can cost just $31 a day, but unless you're willing to forgo many comforts, expect to spend significantly more.
Backpackers often find ways to stick to this tight budget, but it generally means staying in hostel dorms, grabbing meals at the cheapest spots or fast food places, relying on public transport or walking, and visiting only free attractions.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're on vacation as a couple or with family, you'll likely choose a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the must-see attractions, which often come with entry fees. Most travelers will want to visit the major sights, and landmarks. As most things cost money, it's best to expect a daily budget of about $72 per person.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
To experience a truly luxurious getaway, where everything from the service to the accommodation is elevated, plan for a daily price near $142. This means booking luxury hotels, dining in five-star restaurants, enjoying exclusive excursions, and hiring private drivers. You'll be vacationing among the wealthy in destinations like the major cities and resort areas. Also, make the most of your time by booking a high-end multi-day tour such as Journeys: Botswana & Zimbabwe Safari National Geographic - offered by National Geographic Expeditions with G Adventures.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
