The majority of the safari lodges are found in the Chobe National Park, Moremi Game Reserve and Okavango Delta and there are a few lodges and camps in the Makgadikgadi Pans and Tuli Block. Standards are generally high, with luxury and comfort being the order of the day. Some lodges are permanent structures but the majority are tented. The tents are luxurious and spacious with ensuite facilities. Most lodges only accommodate between 10 and 28 people so the emphasis is on personalised service. Along the banks of the Chobe river near Kasane, there are also luxury hotels and lodges. It is recommended to spend at least two nights at each lodge and do a circuit of the various tourist regions in the country. Charter flights on six-seater planes are the standard means of transfer. Visitors can also do a mobile safari, camping in a variety of different regions. Standards on these vary from simple to luxurious.

Although there is no grading system, all hotels generally maintain a reasonable standard, particularly those in main centres in the east of the country. The largest number of hotels and motels are in or near Gaborone, Francistown, Kasane and Maun, some with air conditioning, swimming pools and facilities for films, bands and entertainment. Many other hotels have fairly basic amenities. A booklet entitled Where To Stay In Botswana, giving details of prices and facilities, may be obtained from the Department of Tourism (see Top Things To Do.

There are campsites at Chobe National Park, Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Moremi Game Reserve and Nxai Pan National Park. These campsites need to be pre-booked with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks. Permission should be sought before camping on private land. Grass fires should not be started, and all litter should be buried or removed. The presence of lions and other dangerous animals in all the National Parks and Game Reserves as well as in some of the more remote areas makes it advisable to exercise extreme care, such as keeping tents zipped up and not walking around at night. It is not permitted to leave your vehicle in a national park or game reserve unless in a designated camping or picnic area.

The Hotel and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB)
Private Bag 00423, Gaborone, Botswana
Tel: 395 7144 or 6498.
E-mail: hatab@info.bw