Hotels in Botswana

Botswana Hotel Tips - Hot to Save On Accommodation

Botswana is a low-volume tourism destination that preserves vast tracts of land for wildlife conservation. The country is best known for its national parks, luxury safari lodges, and incredible fauna.

As is customary in most hotels and tour companies, tipping hotel staff around 10% of your total bill should be left as gratuity for their service. Tour guides should also receive tips.

1. Book early

Booking early when it comes to accommodation is key if you want the hotel of your choice at a price within your budget. Plus, many hotels offer early bird rates which could save you significant sums!

Botswana may not be one of the cheapest African destinations, but it still isn't prohibitively costly either. Botswana operates under an innovative tourism model known as high revenue-low impact that limits tourist numbers to preserve natural resources and wildlife in Botswana.

Food costs average P221 per day in Botswana while transportation expenses average P60 daily based on past traveler spending data. Flight prices to Botswana will depend upon when and how early in advance they're booked, so keep this in mind when planning your visit.

2. Book a room with a view

Travellers looking for affordable safari lodge rooms can often find rooms offering the same wildlife highlights at lower rates, enabling them to experience the Okavango Delta, Chobe River or Botswana wilderness without tent poles in their way.

Botswana stands out as one of Africa's safest countries, ranking high on both the Global Peace Index and in terms of individual safety. Don't be alarmed when people and services take longer than expected to arrive; be polite instead. Tipping is standard practice so consider adding a small gratuity to restaurant bill accounts as well as giving tips to porters and maids when paying.

3. Book a suite

Booking a suite will give you more space and comfort during your trip, plus save you money compared to booking regular rooms.

While traveling through South Africa, you will likely enjoy traditional cuisine. Beef is the staple meat; other options may include goat and ostrich meat. Vegetables also play an integral part in its cuisine - dekgobe (made up of beans and corn) is one of the most beloved local dishes; another popular choice is vetkoek, which resembles minced meat patties.

Politeness is highly valued in Botswana, so always greet people with a warm smile or handshake when meeting them. Tipping hotel staff and safari guides is customary; generally 10% of your total bill (but may vary depending on service received) should suffice; some camps and lodges provide tip boxes specifically for members of staff.

4. Book a suite with a pool

Botswana can be an expensive country when it comes to accommodation costs, but there are ways you can cut the costs down! One option for finding affordable rooms in Botswana is booking on Sunday night; alternatively travel during April-May or October-November for cheaper rooms.

One great way to save on accommodation costs is to book a hotel with a pool. Not only can having access to water help cool you off after exploring, it's also a wonderful way to unwind after an exciting safari tour! On average, past travelers spent P826 per day on meals during their Botswana trips with local transportation costing an additional P60 daily; these prices were calculated based on two people traveling together for seven-night trip.

5. Book a suite with a kitchen

Botswana offers safari enthusiasts an abundance of wildlife experiences, but is one of the more expensive destinations in Africa due to a combination of factors, including lack of backpacker hostels and expensive private/fly-in safari lodges located in remote areas.

Many travellers take advantage of safari tour packages to keep costs under control; those traveling independently should consider staying at a backpacker hostel or lodge as an economical accommodation solution.

Meal prices in Botswana may seem expensive at first, but it's easy to find excellent discounts if you look. Cooking meals in your room can also save money when traveling on an overland camping safari or staying at a safari lodge where meals are included in the cost of staying there.