Botswana Travel Budget - Visit Botswana on a Budget or Travel in Style


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. 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?

You should plan to spend around $71 (P970) per day on your vacation in Botswana. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $27 (P365) on meals
  • $4.39 (P60) on local transportation
  • $59 (P806) on hotels

A one week trip to Botswana for two people costs, on average, $994 (P13,580). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $71
    P970
  • One Week Per person
    $497
    P6,790
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $994
    P13,580
  • One Month Per person
    $2,130
    P29,100
  • One Week For a couple
    $994
    P13,580
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $1,988
    P27,160
  • One Month For a couple
    $4,259
    P58,200
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Botswana cost?

A one week trip to Botswana usually costs around $497 (P6,790) for one person and $994 (P13,580) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Botswana on average costs around $994 (P13,580) for one person and $1,988 (P27,160) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Botswana will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Botswana on average costs around $2,130 (P29,100) for one person and $4,259 (P58,200) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




How much do package tours cost in Botswana?

Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.

The average price for an organized tour package in Botswana is $473 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.



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.

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.

On average, budget travelers spend $31 (P421) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $71 (P970) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $140 (P1,907) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Botswana.

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
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$13
(P179)
$30
(P403)
$54
(P736)
Local Transportation 1 $1.86
(P25)
$4.39
(P60)
$9.28
(P127)
Food 2 $11
(P154)
$27
(P365)
$57
(P774)
Entertainment 1 $15
(P203)
$34
(P464)
$65
(P887)
Alcohol 2 $2-5
(P21-62)
$4-11
(P49-146)
$8-23
(P104-311)
From real travelers - How these numbers are calculated

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Having a realistic perspective on your travel budget is very important. While many like to think of themselves as "budget" travelers, most people are not prepared for the discomfort and lack of amenities that come with traveling on a shoestring budget. Consider what you really love about travel and thinkg about your previous travel experiences. Are you more inclined to stay in hostels, or do you prefer more comfortable hotels, resorts, or vacation rentals? Is dining out a priority for you? Do you want to visit the major sights and attractions? Your answers to these questions will shape your overall travel budget significantly.

What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?

Many travelers hear that exploring Botswana can be done for $31 a day, but if you want to keep some comforts, expect to pay a lot more.

Backpackers might find a way to travel around on that tight budget, but that usually means dorm stays in hostels, eating at budget-friendly restaurants or fast food places, using public transport or walking, and focusing on free attractions.

Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?

Couples or families on vacation will probably choose mid-range hotels, popular dining spots, and visits to major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most visitors to Botswana will want to visit the major attractions, sights, and landmarks. Since most activities have a cost, you should realisticly plan for your budget to be closer to $71 per person, per day.

Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?

If you're planning a vacation with all the finer things in life, prepare for a budget that can reach $140 per day. If you want upscale hotels, world-class dining, premium excursions, and private drivers, this will put you firmly in the "luxury" category. Some of the more high-priced destinations include the major cities and resort areas. Another option would be to splurge on a multi-day high-end tour that takes care of everything for you, such as Journeys: Botswana & Zimbabwe Safari National Geographic Journeys - offered by National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures.

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.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Botswana for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $59 (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.


  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $30
    P403
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $59
    P806

Hotels in Botswana

Looking for a hotel in Botswana? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Botswana

The average hotel room price in Botswana based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $88 in the low season and $164 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)


Recommended Properties


Local Transportation Budget in Botswana

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $4.39 (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.


  • Local Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $4.39
    P60
Local Transportation Tips

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.


Recommended Services


Food Budget in Botswana

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • 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 $11 to $57. 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 $13
  • Dinner: $9 to $21
  • 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.

Food & Dining Tips

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

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Botswana typically cost an average of $34 (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.


  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $34
    P464
Sightseeing Tips

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:

  • Gaborone City Tour (Half Day tour) for $85 details
  • Small Group Immersive Cultural Tour in Maun for $120 details
  • Half Day Tour from Gaborone (Manyana Village Visit) for $140 details
  • Madikwe Game Reserve Day Tour (Minimum per booking: 5 People) for $280 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Botswana

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $7.12 (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
    $7.12
    P97
Nightlife Tips

Cutting back on drinks while enjoying the nightlife can really help you save money on your trip.



Budgeting and Travel Tips

  • When peak season hits Botswana, the influx of tourists pushes prices higher, especially during the busy summer months. Finding a hotel gets trickier, and rooms tend to come with a heftier price tag. For those looking to stretch their budget, it's a good idea to opt for the shoulder or off-season, when things are less crowded and more affordable.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Backpackers heading to Botswana might find the lack of hostels inconvenient, especially if you're hoping to score an inexpensive dorm room. Budget hotels or apartment rentals are probably your best option.


Traveling in Botswana
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.



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.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.