Camping in Botswana isn’t about ticking off a destination it’s about choosing immersion. With self drive routes cutting through floodplains, predator territory, and open savannahs, and campsites that place you right in the heart of nature, this is safari travel at its most honest. It’s quieter, deeper, and incredibly rewarding.
SKL Camps – Pure Wilderness Camping
Best for:
Travellers seeking total isolation, raw wilderness, and a true off grid safari experience.
Why it’s worth the splurge:
While facilities are basic, access to untouched locations and near private wilderness is rare in today’s world. You’re paying for remoteness, silence, and nights filled with the sounds of the bush.
What makes it special:
Unfenced camps where wildlife roams freely and human presence feels minimal. Every moment here feels earned, real, and deeply immersive.
South Gate Campsite – Moremi Game Reserve
Best for:
First-time self drive travellers who want excellent wildlife encounters with easier access.
Why it’s worth the splurge:
South Gate offers a strong balance well managed camping paired with immediate access to game rich areas of Moremi, making every day rewarding.
What makes it special:
It’s one of the few places where you can wake up to elephants passing near camp and head straight into diverse safari landscapes within minutes.
Third Bridge Campsite – Into the Wetlands
Best for:
Adventurous self drivers who enjoy challenging routes and dramatic landscapes.
Why it’s worth the splurge:
Reaching Third Bridge is an adventure itself, and the payoff is camping surrounded by waterways, wildlife, and complete seclusion.
What makes it special:
Hippos calling at night, water crossings during the day, and the feeling of being deep inside Botswana’s most beautiful ecosystems.
Savuti Campsite – Predator Country
Best for:
Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers seeking intense, action filled safaris.
Why it’s worth the splurge:
Savuti is legendary for its predator sightings, and staying inside the park maximises early morning and late evening wildlife encounters.
What makes it special:
Camping here places you right in one of Africa’s most dramatic wildlife theatres, where lions, hyenas, and elephants dominate the landscape.
Khwai Community Campsite – Wildlife with Purpose
Best for:
Travellers who want strong wildlife viewing with a community and conservation focus.
Why it’s worth the splurge:
Your stay directly supports local communities while offering access to guided night drives and walking safaris not permitted inside national parks.
What makes it special:
The blend of wild riverfront camping, flexible safari activities, and meaningful local involvement sets Khwai apart.
Why Choose Driving & Camping in Botswana?
Because Botswana allows you to slow down and feel the land. Self driving gives you control over your journey, and camping keeps you connected to the landscape, to wildlife, and to the rhythm of the wild. This isn’t polished safari travel. It’s honest, humbling, and unforgettable.
