ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF

What are you looking for?

Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.


Alternatively, we recommend...

travel-form-icon

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

ENQUIRE TODAY
Email us
(optional)

Budget-Friendly Chobe Holiday

Africa's best authentic tailor-made safaris

View Photos

Budget-Friendly Chobe Holiday

Firstly, it’s best to accept that Botswana is a pricey destination. The country’s rulers have elected to promote low-volume, high-income tourism to protect its remarkable wilderness areas while creating as many jobs as possible – it’s possibly the most expensive safari destination on the continent.

There are many ways to get close to the marvels of Chobe National Park. Still, those on a budget will generally save hard cash but expend more time and effort.

The common hippopotamus in the water.

It’s also worth considering that while the prices of certain accommodations may seem excessive, they are all-inclusive. Meals, drinks, park entrance fees and, importantly, activities such as game drives and river cruises are included in the rates.

If you add up the extras needed to be self-sufficient, from fuel to cooking equipment, tents, and 4×4 hire cars, maps, and permits, the camp and lodge prices start to come into perspective. Add the difficulty of sourcing fuel and quality food in a more remote area such as Savuti or Linyanti to the mix. Of course, for adventurers and families, this can still be the way to go.

For independents with their own 4×4 and gear, the public campsites at Ihaha, Savuti, and Linyanti are reasonable ($50 per adult a night for internationals, $25 per child aged eight to 17 a night).

One campsite can accommodate up to three vehicles and eight people. Park fees are extra. The three public campsites aren’t huge and are extremely popular, especially in local school holidays. Booking a year or more in advance is recommended.

There’s also the option of booking into self-catering accommodation in Kasane (there are also private camping options available) and dipping into the Riverside area as desired. Note the daily entrance fee allows for multiple entries.

Main entrance Chobe Bush Lodge

Charter flights are a significant expense, so the park’s further reaches are more inaccessible to budget travelers who wish to avoid driving or camping.

Consider a budget mobile safari. This involves traveling with a group and camping in private areas, and some outfits pare back the luxuries to make the experience more affordable.

You will generally stay in two-person dome tents with sleeping bags and mats rather than walk-in tents with camp beds and good linen, but guides are skilled, and you can get away from the crowds and into the really wild places. Ask your Discover Africa expert about the best options.

The other possibility for social adventurers is an overland tour. Overland safaris involve traveling long distances in relatively large groups in a heavy-duty vehicle. Trips tend to take in all the major sights and not linger in any one place for long, and guests often help set up camp and help with food preparation. While they are not for everyone, others find them full of camaraderie and company.

Chobe Game Lodge gives just the right touch of luxury in the heart of Africa

Of course, wildlife has no respect for budgets and is wonderfully egalitarian. A budget safari vehicle has just as much chance of stumbling on explosive predator action or being surrounded by a breeding herd of elephants rumbling to each other and chewing on trees. What really counts is your guide’s experience and knowledge. It’s worth paying for the best you can afford.

Travel Tips for a Budget-Friendly Chobe Holiday

Self-driver alert: the black-cotton soils around the Nogatsaa area are notorious when wet. Author Mike Main’s tips for driving on it? “Don’t unless you absolutely have to. Try to select the appropriate gear before entering a stretch of mud; slow and steady without excessive speed or revving is the key. At any water stretches which might be doubtful, send [an unfortunate companion] ahead to wade through!”


What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us
Excellent service

5 Amazing Days in Botwana on a Budget-Friendly Safari Trip

Jackie Jiang , United States
13 Oct 2023
Arusha, Ngorongoro Crater and Northern Serengeti Safari Review
Megan was phenomenal. Always responded to every question we had

Kruger Shalati & Nkorho Bush Lodge Review

Pramila, United States
14 Aug 2022
Antoinette was a competent, experienced, and well informed tour operator.

Okavango Delta & Vic Falls Safari

Darron and Mary, United States
11 Aug 2021
Fantastic safari, excellent logistics and service for a fair price.

A Ngorongoro Safari Review

Francisco, United States
05 Jul 2018
Our next trip will definitely be with Discover Africa again!

Traveling with a One Year Old Review

Daemi Family, Australia
01 Feb 2014

Ready to plan your tailor-made safari?

Alice Lombard, Destination Expert

Free safari planning advice from destination experts

Help me plan