Tanzania and Botswana Safari
The dry-land great migration. The inland delta's watery maze. Two different Africas in one journey.
Tanzania and Botswana represent two ends of the African safari spectrum. Tanzania's Northern Circuit is about vast dry-land wilderness — the Serengeti's endless plains, Ngorongoro's crater floor, the great wildebeest Migration across open savanna. Botswana's Okavango Delta is about water — an ancient inland sea that floods each year, creating a maze of channels, lagoons, and islands where elephant herds wade and hippo pods claim every channel.
Combining both gives you the most complete African safari experience possible. You witness the world's largest wildlife migration on foot and by vehicle in Tanzania, then glide through papyrus channels by mokoro in Botswana's Delta. The contrast — dry-land predator action versus wetland megafauna — makes each destination more vivid than if you visited either alone.
This guide covers everything you need to plan a Tanzania and Botswana safari: the logistics of connecting the two countries, seasonal timing for each destination, cost, visa requirements, and how we have been combining East and Southern Africa for families since 1978.
Why Go Between Both
Two Continents, Two Completely Different Safaris
The Complete Wildlife Portfolio
Tanzania's dry-land wilderness — migration herds, big cats on open ground, massive crater concentrations — paired with Botswana's water wilderness — elephant highways through papyrus, hippo in channels, ancient salt pans. No other two-country combination gives you as complete a picture of what Africa offers.
Two Conservation Models
Tanzania's national park system preserves vast wilderness at scale. Botswana's community conservancy model involves local communities directly in wildlife management — the Okavango Delta is surrounded by concessions run by Delta communities. Combining both gives you a deeper understanding of how Africa is working to protect its wildlife.
Extraordinary Contrast
From the dusty plains of the Serengeti to the misty channels of the Okavango in a single trip. From land cruisers to mokoro canoes. From theMigration's thundering herds to the Delta's intimate water-level wildlife encounters. The contrast makes each experience richer.
Part One
Tanzania: The Great Migration and Ngorongoro
Arusha → Tarangire → Ngorongoro Crater
Land at Kilimanjaro Airport, transfer to Tarangire for elephant herds and iconic baobab landscapes. Next morning, descend 600m into Ngorongoro Crater — the world's largest intact caldera — where 30,000 animals live in an enclosed ecosystem. Black rhino, lion, elephant, and extraordinary predator density.
Central Serengeti → Northern Serengeti
Drive into the central Serengeti, tracking resident lion prides and leopards in the acacia groves. Then push north to the Lamai Wedge — the Migration crossing territory. July to October: position yourself before dawn at known crossing points on the Mara River. The crossings are one of the world's most spectacular wildlife events.
Southern Serengeti (Calving Season) OR Western Corridor
If visiting November to March, the southern Serengeti and Ndutu Plains are where the Migration herds calve — February being peak. Predator action is exceptional as lion and cheetah hunt the vulnerable newborns on the short-grass plains. If visiting during the green season, the western corridor and its crocodile-filled Grumeti River offer a different, quieter wildlife experience.
Part Two
Botswana: The Okavango Delta and Beyond
Tanzania → Maun → Okavango Delta
Morning game drive in Tanzania's Serengeti, then charter flight from the Serengeti to Kilimanjaro Airport. Connect to your flight to Maun, Botswana (via Johannesburg — approximately 5 hours of flying with a connection). Land in Maun and transfer by light aircraft into the Okavango Delta — the flight over the Delta's waterways is an experience in itself.
Okavango Delta — Moremi Game Reserve
Three full days exploring the Okavango's channels, lagoons, and islands from a seasonal camp in the Moremi Game Reserve area. Wildlife drives on drier islands and mokoro excursions through the channels. Hippo pods dominate every channel; elephant herds wade through papyrus; lion roar from the islands. This is Africa's most magical water wilderness.
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans OR Chobe River
Choose your extension: the Makgadikgadi salt pans offer a completely different Botswana — vast ancient lake floor, meerkat encounters, desert-adapted lion, and extraordinary star-filled nights. Alternatively, fly to Kasane and the Chobe River for Botswana's finest elephant herds (thousands gather on the river banks in the dry season) and excellent tigerfishing.
When to Go
Best Months for Tanzania and Botswana
The two countries have different peak seasons — timing your trip is the most important planning decision.
July–October
Peak for Both. Best Combined Window.
Tanzania's Great Migration river crossings are at their peak in the northern Serengeti. Botswana's Okavango Delta is in its dry-season best — wildlife concentrates around permanent water sources and water levels are ideal for mokoro excursions. This is the prime combined window, though both destinations are at peak pricing.
November–December
Green Season. Lower Prices, Lush Conditions.
Short rains in Tanzania bring fresh green to the Serengeti; the Migration herds are in the southern Ndutu area (calving season begins February). In Botswana, November is excellent — the Delta's floodwaters from Angola's rainy season arrive, creating the classic water wilderness. Lower prices in both countries.
January–February
Tanzania Calving Season. Botswana Still Strong.
Tanzania's southern Serengeti and Ndutu Plains are extraordinary — calving season means predator action at its most dramatic. Botswana's Okavango is still accessible; water levels remain high and wildlife viewing is strong. A strong combination for those prioritising Tanzania's green season.
March–June
Botswana Excellent. Tanzania Mixed.
Botswana's Delta remains spectacular through this period — April and May are particularly beautiful as floodwaters peak. In Tanzania, March to mid-May is the long rains — some roads become difficult, and many fly-camp operators close. This is a Botswana-focused period; we recommend extending your Botswana stay rather than combining with Tanzania.
Side by Side
Tanzania and Botswana — Key Differences
| Factor | Tanzania | Botswana |
|---|---|---|
| Primary landscape | Vast dry-land plains, open savanna, enclosed volcanic caldera | Inland delta — waterways, floodplains, salt pans, mopane woodland |
| Signature experience | Great Migration — 1.5 million wildebeest on the move across open plains | Okavango Delta — mokoro through papyrus channels, hippo pods, water-level wildlife |
| Elephant experience | Large herds in Tarangire; migration adds tens of thousands across ecosystem | Okavango has Africa's highest elephant concentration; herds of 100+ wading through channels |
| Predator action | Lion, leopard, cheetah on open ground; exceptional in calving season | Wild dog in Okavango; strong lion and leopard; different character from Tanzania's cats |
| Water wildlife | Limited — rivers and crater lakes only | The defining feature — hippo, crocodile, waterfowl, fish, and amphibian in abundance |
| Access style | Game drives in 4x4 land cruisers; some walking safaris in private areas | Mokoro (dugout canoe), motor boat, game drives — the Delta is accessed by water |
| Park fees | Serengeti $82.60/person/day; Ngorongoro $295/crater; moderate overall | Botswana has the highest park fees in Africa — Moremi and national park fees are substantial |
| Price level | Premium but with wide range; midrange options available | One of Africa's most expensive destinations; low-impact, high-cost model throughout |
What It Costs
Tanzania and Botswana Safari Budget
Botswana is one of Africa's most expensive safari countries — but the price reflects a world-class conservation model and extraordinary camps. Here is what to expect.
Midrange
$11,000–$15,000 pp
Quality tented camps in Tanzania, well-appointed camps in Botswana's Okavango community areas, internal flights, park fees for both countries, all meals included.
Suits: Experienced safari travellers who prioritise wildlife and are comfortable with authentic, well-run camps without requiring the top luxury price point.
Luxury
$15,000–$22,000 pp
Premium tented camps and lodges in both countries, private safari vehicle in Tanzania, dedicated guide, access to Botswana's premier Delta camps with established reputations.
Suits: Honeymooners and anniversary travellers who want the finest wildlife encounters, seamless logistics, and camps with exceptional guiding.
Ultra-Luxury
$22,000–$32,000+ pp
Abu Camp, Mombo, and comparable top-tier properties in Botswana's Delta; Tanzania's finest tented camps. Fully bespoke itinerary, private flights where appropriate, every detail arranged.
Suits: Guests for whom cost is not a consideration and who expect the absolute best at every touchpoint — a once-in-a-lifetime trip of the highest order.
Before You Go
Cross-Continental Safari: Practical Essentials
Visas and Documentation
Tanzania: visa on arrival ($50 for most nationalities). Botswana: most Western nationalities receive a 90-day visa on arrival free of charge. Neither country requires yellow fever certification for direct arrivals from non-endemic countries. Ensure your passport is valid for 6 months beyond your departure date and has at least 2 blank pages.
Flights Between Countries
The routing is Tanzania (Kilimanjaro or Serengeti) → Johannesburg (South Africa) → Maun or Kasane (Botswana). Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways both serve this route via Addis Ababa or Nairobi. From Johannesburg, light aircraft flights into the Okavango Delta depart from Maun Airport. We book all internal flights as part of your package. Total travel time from the Serengeti to the Okavango Delta is typically 6–8 hours including connections.
Health and Safety
Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for both Tanzania's and Botswana's safari areas. Botswana's Okavango Delta is particularly mosquito-prone during the wet season (November–April). Travel insurance with medical evacuation is essential for both countries — for Botswana, evacuation from the Delta requires a helicopter and can be expensive. Pack high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, and a headlamp for both countries.
What to Pack
Neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, green, brown — no bright colours or white), lightweight long sleeves for both countries' evenings and mosquitoes, a fleece for early morning game drives in Tanzania's highlands, quick-dry clothing for Botswana's water activities. A waterproof bag for the Delta is essential — you will be travelling by mokoro and things get wet. Binoculars are critical in both countries; a waterproof case for your camera is essential for Botswana.
Currency and Payments
US dollars (cash) are the most practical currency for tips and park fees in Tanzania. In Botswana, the Pula is used but US dollars are widely accepted at camps. Credit cards are accepted at all luxury lodges in both countries but not for park fees. Carry USD 50 and USD 100 bills in good condition for Tanzania — torn bills are often refused.
Conservation Fees and Community Impact
Botswana's conservancy model means that a significant portion of your camp fees goes directly to local communities and conservation. This is one of the reasons Botswana is more expensive — you are paying for a sustainable, community-driven model that has made Botswana one of Africa's most successful wildlife conservation stories. Tanzania's park fees fund the Tanzania National Parks Authority. Both are meaningful contributions to African conservation.
Common Questions
Tanzania and Botswana Safari FAQ
Can you combine Tanzania and Botswana in one safari?
Is Botswana or Tanzania better for safari?
What is the Okavango Delta like?
How long does a Tanzania and Botswana safari take?
What does a Tanzania and Botswana safari cost?
Do I need visas for Tanzania and Botswana?
Ready to Plan Your Tanzania and Botswana Safari?
We have been combining East and Southern Africa for families since 1978. Tell us your dates, group size, and priorities — we will design the itinerary that is right for you.