Vegans love animals. On a simple walk around town, we stop to pet dogs and snap photos of cats. For many of us, the best trips are those where animals are front and center—like visiting a farm sanctuary.
But the ultimate animal-focused trip? A safari. And when it comes to safaris, Botswana is one of the best reasons to visit Africa. The country is not only rich in wildlife but is also considered one of the safest and most stable places to travel on the continent. That means you can focus less on worries and more on enjoying the magic of nature.
From gliding through the Okavango Delta in a canoe to watching elephants in Chobe National Park, Botswana has so much to offer. Here are 4 big reasons to visit Botswana and add it to your bucket list.
Low Impact, High Value
Botswana has a unique approach to tourism: fewer lodges, fewer crowds, and more focus on nature. This “low-impact, high-cost” model means safaris are smaller, more intimate, and yes—premium. Many luxury lodges cost USD $800 to $1,200+ per person per night (updated September 2025), especially in remote reserves, and include meals, drinks, guides, transportation, and activities.
For budget travelers, staying outside the parks in towns like Maun offers cheaper alternatives. Dorm beds or basic guesthouses may cost USD $15–30 per night, while comfortable hotels are usually USD $90–130. Local food stalls can still serve vegan-friendly meals for USD $3–5 in town, though prices rise sharply within safari lodges or remote areas.
If you want a more inclusive experience without the highest rates, look into guided safaris during shoulder seasons, or lodges offering special promotions.
Incredible Wildlife
Once you leave town, Botswana offers peace and tranquility that’s hard to beat. No traffic, few phones, and just the sounds of nature—pure wildlife!
You’ll witness the zebra migration between the Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi Pans — one of Africa’s great natural shows. Every year around 30,000 zebras make this journey.
If elephants are what you’re after, head to Chobe National Park. During the dry season, there are around 50,000 elephants in Chobe, making it one of the densest elephant populations you’ll find.
For seeing wild dogs, Lagoon Camp in the Kwando/Linyanti area is an excellent choice. This camp is famous for its frequent sightings of wild dogs, especially near their hunting grounds. In addition, over 500 bird species have been recorded in Botswana, making Botswana a paradise for any avid birdwatcher.
Diverse Safari Styles
Game drives in jeeps are the classic safari experience, but Botswana offers so much more:
- Boat safaris: Cruise through the Okavango Delta and spot hippos, crocodiles, and animals gathering by the water.
- Mokoro rides: Glide in a traditional wooden canoe for a peaceful, close-to-nature view.
- Mobile safaris: Travel between camps, from budget setups where everyone helps out to luxury styles with full service.
- Tented safaris: Sleep in semi-permanent camps outfitted for comfort.
- Walking safaris: Explore the bush on foot with expert guides for a totally different perspective.
- Quad biking under the stars: Ride across open landscapes and camp beneath the night sky.
Few destinations offer such variety, and each one makes Botswana even more special.
Food and Culture
Food in Botswana is hearty and local, with corn and sorghum often at the center of dishes. Most lodges are eager and able to cater to vegan travelers—just make sure to let them know in advance.
Traveling with World Vegan Travel? Every meal will be a creative, gourmet vegan feast, perfect after a long day on safari.
Beyond food, Botswana’s culture is fascinating. You can walk with the San Bushmen to learn about their ancient traditions, see cave paintings thousands of years old, or simply chat with lodge staff and maybe learn a dance move or two. These cultural moments are as memorable as the wildlife.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—4 reasons to visit Botswana. From low-impact safaris to epic wildlife, unique safari styles, and rich culture, Botswana is a destination that belongs on every bucket list.
For an unforgettable, 100% vegan safari, join us at World Vegan Travel. We don’t organize trips to Botswana every year, so be sure to sign up for our newsletter to hear about upcoming adventures first!
You Might Also Like
If you enjoyed this post about Botswana, check out some of our other eco-friendly and vegan travel guides:
- The Ultimate Long Haul Carry-on Packing List with PDF
- Eco-Friendly Vegan Bags for Shopping, Hiking & Travel
- Purification Devices for Zero-Waste Drinking Water
Let’s Discuss!
What do you think? Have you been to Botswana, or are you dreaming about a safari? Do you have another reason to add to the list? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
