What's the typical tour length for Johannesburg to Botswana tours?

Most travelers choose 8-10 day journeys from Johannesburg to Botswana with some tours extending to 14 days. These trips take you through the water channels of Okavango Delta the game-rich plains of Chobe National Park and into Moremi Game Reserve. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The 8-day trip was perfectly paced - we saw incredible wildlife and landscapes without feeling rushed. The guides made excellent use of our time."

What accommodations can I expect starting in Johannesburg?

Your journey begins at established city hotels like Holiday Inn Rosebank or Airport Lodge in Johannesburg. As you venture into Botswana the accommodations shift between camping sites and safari lodges. Popular stops include Chobe Safari Lodge and Gomoti River Lodge situated along peaceful waterways. According to TourRadar reviews: "The accommodation variety was perfect - from our nice hotel start in Joburg to authentic bush camping in the delta each stay added to the adventure."

How long is the drive from Johannesburg to the first stop in Botswana?

Expect a 6-7 hour road journey covering 630km from Johannesburg to Khama Rhino Sanctuary the usual first stop in Botswana. Tours set out early at 6:30 AM to make the most of daylight hours. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "Though it's a long first day of driving our guide made regular stops and the excitement of entering Botswana made the journey enjoyable."

How much spending money should I budget starting from Johannesburg?

Plan for USD 50-70 daily to cover optional activities drinks and personal expenses beyond included meals. Notable extras from Johannesburg include scenic flights ranging from USD 250-280 plus various park entrance fees. A TourRadar traveler advised: "Beyond the tour cost I spent about USD 500 total on extras like scenic flights park fees and sundowner drinks - well worth budgeting for these experiences."

What wildlife can I expect to see after leaving Johannesburg?

The wildlife viewing begins at Khama Rhino Sanctuary and builds throughout the journey. You'll encounter Africa's "Big Five" along with large herds of elephants pods of hippos sunbathing crocodiles various antelope species and rich birdlife. As one traveler noted: "The progression of wildlife sightings from leaving Joburg was amazing - from rhinos at Khama to huge elephant herds in Chobe."

What's the best time of year to start a Botswana tour from Johannesburg?

Plan your departure from Johannesburg between May and October during the dry season. This period draws animals to permanent water sources making wildlife easier to spot. The Okavango Delta reaches peak water levels from June to August creating prime conditions for water safaris. Tour data shows July and August as the busiest months with the highest number of departures from Johannesburg.

What meals are typically included in tours starting from Johannesburg?

Tour packages generally cover daily breakfast from your Johannesburg departure with many including lunch and dinner throughout the trip. Meals range from a welcome dinner in Johannesburg to full-board arrangements at places like Chobe Marina Lodge and Okavango Delta camps. A TourRadar traveler praised "From our first meal in Johannesburg to our last in Victoria Falls the food was consistently excellent and plentiful."

Botswana Tours from Johannesburg

Picture meeting new friends over cocktails in Johannesburg, camping under stars at Khama Rhino Sanctuary, spotting wildlife on sanctuary drives, exploring Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro canoe, and witnessing Victoria Falls with thrilling activity options. Johannesburg to Botswana delivers serious wildlife encounters.

10 best Botswana tour packages from Johannesburg

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Our most booked and loved tours
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Overland Truck
Botswana and Falls Overland: Wildlife Walks & Safari Drives
4.8 (25 traveler reviews)
"The Okavango delta is an absolute must, such as Victoria falls. The campsites were clean and well equipped."
Karmen, traveled in October
Duration
8 days
Destinations
South Africa Botswana Zimbabwe
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
15% Off
From $1,449
US$1,232per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Overland Truck
Johannesburg to Victoria Falls Overland Safari & Participation Camping
Duration
8 days
Destinations
South Africa Botswana Zimbabwe
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From $1,549
US$1,162per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Overland Truck
Essential Botswana
4.4 (13 traveler reviews)
"I've never camped for that long before and it was an incredible experience!"
Omar, traveled in December
Duration
9 days
Destinations
South Africa Botswana Zimbabwe
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Regions
OkavangoVictoria FallsChobe National Park+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
5% Off
From $1,560
US$1,482per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Premium Southern Africa in Depth Safari – 11 Days / 10 Nights (SA, Kruger, Victoria Falls, Chobe River ,Okavango Delta)
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"My family had the best holiday in okavango delta and Victoria falls. Surely coming back to Africa."
Arthur, traveled in July
Duration
12 days
Destinations
South Africa Zimbabwe Botswana
Age Range
Ages 9+
Operated in
English
Operator
T.S TOURS
5% Off
From
US$10,500per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Botswana Wild Parks
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"the experiences were wonderful. Well done Sunway you have 2 amazing and absolute gentlemen working for you."
Marion, traveled in April
Duration
14 days
Destinations
South Africa Botswana Zimbabwe
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
OkavangoMoremi Game Reserve+1 more
Operated in
English, German
Operator
Sunway Safaris
5% Off
From
US$4,025per person
+$352 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Premium Southern Africa
Duration
8 days
Destinations
South Africa Zimbabwe Botswana
Age Range
Ages 15+
National Park
Chobe National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Premium
5% Off
From
US$8,295per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Overland Truck
16 Day Botswana Pioneer (Camping)
Duration
16 days
Destinations
South Africa Botswana Zimbabwe
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
Drifters Adventure Tours
5% Off
From
US$3,754per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Premium Southern Africa in Depth
Duration
14 days
Destinations
South Africa Zimbabwe Botswana
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Premium
5% Off
From
US$14,195per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Botswana - Trans Kalahari
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Serowe, Makgadikgadi Pans National Park,Maun,Moremi Game Reserve,Okavango Delta,Central Kalahari Game Reserve,Khama Rhino Sanctuary+5 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
Sunway Safaris
5% Off
From
US$2,805per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Overland Truck
Botswana Adventure & Falls Northbound - 12 days
Duration
12 days
Destinations
South Africa Botswana Zimbabwe
Age Range
Ages 10+
National Park
Chobe National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
5% Off
From
US$3,340per person
+$300 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
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Overland Truck
Okavango Experience
4.6 (62 traveler reviews)
"The trip of a lifetime. Saw many animals, one of the many highlights was the polers!"
Chern, traveled in August
Duration
10 days
Destinations
South Africa Botswana Zimbabwe
Age Range
Ages 15+
Regions
OkavangoVictoria FallsChobe National Park+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
25% Off
From $1,890
US$1,418per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Botswana Wild Side
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
14 days
Destinations
South Africa Botswana Zambia
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English, German
Operator
Sunway Safaris
25% Off
From
US$2,488per person
+$352 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Botswana and Zimbabwe - thundering smoke and the Okavango Delta
Duration
13 days
Destinations
South Africa Zimbabwe Botswana
Operated in
Only: German
Operator
Gebeco
25% Off
From
US$8,091per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Flights included
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Active
Botswana & Zimbabwe Highlights
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
14 days
Destinations
South Africa Botswana Zimbabwe
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
Only: German
Operator
SKR Reisen
25% Off
From
US$8,096per person
Incl: Return flight (Frankfurt Intl Airport)
Price based on Private Double Room
- Flights included
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