Which One Is The Best Wildlife Safari Experience - Botswana Or Kruger?

If you’re examining the ideal African Safari destination teeming with excellent game viewing, and remarkable lodges and camps, then it doesn’t get better than Kruger National Park in South Africa and Chobe National Park as well as the Okavango Delta in Botswana.

Kruger is one of the largest Game Reserves in the African continent and is famous as one of the best safari destinations for first-time tourists to Africa. Furthermore, Botswana is home to the glorious elephant capital of Chobe and one of the most wonderful wonders of nature, the Okavango Delta.

If you’re planning an African Safari, then these destinations are going to be on your itinerary. Both have their distinctive uniqueness. We’ve created a list of the different Wildlife Safari experiences you can experience in both Kruger and Botswana, which will help you decide which place is a good fit for you.

 1. Location – Where are they located?

Botswana

Landlocked Botswana is known as the 48^th largest country on the planet. Though about 70 percent of its mostly flat landscape is commanded by the Kalahari Desert. Botswana is also home to one of the biggest inland deltas in the world, the Okavango.

Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is situated in Northeastern South Africa . It’s one of Africa’s biggest game reserves. This National Park was first declared a protected area in 1898. Kruger shares its borders with private reserves like Timbavati, Sabi Sands, and Thornybush.

2.Principle Conservation Areas

Botswana

Botswana has many conservation Areas. The foremost ones are:

Chobe National Park – The Elephant Empire of Botswana

Okavango Delta – Experience an eccentric Mokoro Ride

Moremi Game Reserve – Best place for a Birding Safari

Central Kalahari Game Reserve – Ideal for Game Viewing and Botswana Walking Safaris.

Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park has private reserves along its western boundary. There are private concessions within the park as well, like Tinga and Imbali.

3.Safari Activities

Game Drives are pretty much the same in both Botswana and Kruger National Park. You can rent a 4WD Safari vehicle and along with professional guides venture out to see the diverse wildlife.

There are more activities accessible to visitors in private Reserves which are not available in National Parks like guided nature walks and game drives, off-roading, bush picnics, etc.

If you’re staying over at an exclusive or private lodge, you might be able to take part in other activities like archery or sleeping out in the wild on a bed.

However, some activities are exclusive to Botswana

· Boat Cruise on the Chobe River waterfronts – A perfect way to close out the day in Chobe National Park

·  Mokoro Ride – A traditional canoe ride and a perfect Okavango Safari experience.

4. When To Visit – The Best Season to Go For a Wildlife Safari!

Botswana

The dry winter months (May to October) are the peak Safari Season in Botswana.

·        The high water season in Okavango Delta (June to August) is great for mokoro rides and Boating Safari.

·        The dry season (September and October) is best for game viewing in Moremi Game Reserve.

·        In Chobe, the dry season (May to October) is perfect for game viewing.

·        In Okavango, the green season (November to April) is the perfect time for a Birding Safari.

Likewise, the green season in Chobe (December to March) is great for birdwatching.

Kruger National Park

Similarly, the peak Safari Season in Kruger National Park is from May to October (the dry Winter Months). The dry season is also great for game viewing. And, the best season for a Birding Safari is the Green Season (from November to April).

5. Game Viewing and spotting the Big Five

Both Botswana and Kruger National Park are celebrated destinations for a Wildlife Safari and offer some exceptional game viewing experiences – especially the Big Five. You’re likely to see the big five in Kruger on the same day, but you’re going to have to wait a little longer to spot them in Okavango Delta’s Moremi Game Reserve. 

5.1 Game Viewing and Wildlife Highlights

Botswana

You are likely to see several Botswana Wildlife in specific areas like:

·        Okavango Delta – Antelopes like the rare sitatunga, red lechwe, Tsessebe, etc.

·        Moremi Game Reserve – Predator sightings like cheetahs and leopards are a major highlight.

·        Savuti Area in Chobe – Lions, Hyenas and large mammals like Elephants and Buffalo are some of the Botswana Wildlife you’re likely to witness.

·        African Wild Dog in Chobe’s Linyanti Region.

Kruger National Park

You’re likely to witness leopard sightings in Kruger Private Reserves. Sable Antelope, African Wild Dog, and White and Black Rhinoceros are some other highlights.

6. Safari Cost and Packages – How much is it?

Many factors can affect your budget for a Safari. Stuff like:

·        The time of the year you want to have your Southern Africa Safari.

·        The overall duration of your stay.

·        The amount of luxury you want to have for your accommodations.

·        If you’d like to stay in private concessions or reserves.

Approximate Costs for a Botswana Safari

·        Mid-Range Safari – From $2000 to $3000 per person, per day (approx.)

·        Luxury Safari – From $3500 to $5000 per person, per day (approx.)

Approximate Costs for a Kruger National Park Safari

·        Mid-Range Safari – From $1000 onwards per person, per day.

·        Luxury Safari – From $2000 onwards per person, per day.

A Safari in Botswana is typically more expensive than a Kruger Safari because one can only fly between Okavango and Chobe. However, the experience of witnessing Botswana Wildlife in all its glory is incomparable.

7. Safari Accommodations – Best Places to Stay on your Safari

Botswana

You will find discover Africa’s most wonderful and comfortable safari lodges in Botswana, along with remote and authentic tented camps.

·  Located in central wildlife areas, Botswana Safari Accommodations deliver high standards of service and dining.

·  Chobe and Moremi provide land-based safari lodges, while the rest of the Okavango Delta is compatible with water-based accommodations.

There is only one lodge in Chobe National Park - Chobe Game Lodge. But there are several private accommodation choices available in Savuti and Linyanti concessions.

Kruger National Park

The best way to experience the beauty of Kruger is to stay in one of its private concessions or reserves. Excellent service and fine dining go together at the exclusive camps and lodges. Kruger National Park also provides budget-friendly tented camps and family-friendly lodges. Most Kruger Accommodations are spread out across the park.

8. Combine your Trips!

If your budget permits, you can combine your trips to Botswana and Kruger National Park. They’re easy to combine (because of the distance) in Southern Africa Safari itineraries. From Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, Kruger National Park is just an hour’s drive away. And Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone is the primary airport in Botswana.

If you’re deciding on visiting Southern Africa. But if you’re confused about whether to visit Botswana or South Africa’s Kruger National Park, then just consult our curated guide and decide which the best place is for you. Or, if your budget allows then get the best out of both worlds and combine your trip. If you have any queries/and, or suggestions, then feel free to contact us on the following details

+263 83 284 1840/1 or

Email: [email protected]

Also, make sure to check out some of our other blogs that you may find informative

·        https://falconsafaris.com/blog/untamed-botswana-an-unparalleled-botswana-safari-experience/

·        https://falconsafaris.com/blog/botswana-travel-guide-everything-you-need-to-know-about-botswana-safari/

Conclusion

Finally, be sure to go through our comprehensive guide to the best place for a Wildlife Safari in Southern Africa. And, then you’ll be able to decide on Botswana or Kruger National Park based on your preferences. And, if you’re ambitious and your budget allows, then just combine both trips and you’ll be able to fully experience what the Wildlife Safari of Southern Africa has in store.