Why you should book a Botswana safari now

Had your fill of sofa safaris? While virtual trips may tide you over, for now, a real Botswana safari has never been so tantalizingly inaccessible.

Travelers are stuck at home and bush-lovers bolted in by closed borders, but ironically, there’s never been a better time to book your safari.

There’s no denying it. The entire globe has been affected by the Covid-19, or coronavirus, outbreak. As patient numbers grew, reaching South Africa and neighboring Botswana become harder throughout the month of March. While countries imposed lockdown regulations, safari operators and tour businesses worked to defer dreams and untangle the intricate web of postponements, refunds and rescheduled bookings. CNN reported that “the industry went dark nearly overnight”, and when it went nature took over.

Right now, across the African continent, many borders remained closed and flights wait, grounded until further notice. Few solid dates lie in sight for total reopening. However, there are glimmers of hope.

Botswana’s National Parks have been open for a month already following the national lockdown, which lasted for seven weeks to help contain the spread of the coronavirus. As potential guests remain in place overseas, on the ground, the elephants of the Okavango Delta are still carrying out their merry munching ways and skeleton staff remain in countless camps preparing for intrepid arrivals.

Here’s the latest on the state of the industry, and why you should book a Botswana safari now.

1. Great pricing

Botswana’s best safari lodges are offering excellent rates. There are deals on travel for the rest of 2020, and many have implemented a price freeze for travel next year. Which brings us to the next point.

2. Spaces are limited for 2021

Many conscientious travelers chose to postpone their travels. A boon to the companies that use funds to drive conservation and support local communities. However, it also means that bed nights are in short supply. This global pandemic has shifted the mindsets of many. Families are looking to reunite with loved ones, cooped up couples are hoping to spread their wings, and all of us are re-evaluating lifestyle goals or bucket lists. Having taken freedom and the great outdoors for granted, there is sure to be a surge for safari holidays when travel restrictions start to lift again. Ensure you lock down your dream adventure soon if you wish to travel within the next 18 months.

Did you know that Botswana is one of the best places to see Wild dogs?

3. Updated refund policies

One perk to this pandemic is an extreme flexibility in booking conditions right now. No one knows for sure when things will go back to ‘normal’, but the COVID-19 outbreak will pass. Many a lodge has had to modify their T&Cs, so there is now less risk in securing your next safari. Book your safari now for better agility and flexibility around a new reservation. Updates to many policies include penalty-free cancellations plus full refunds for deposits made up to one month before travel.

Rains in November through to February makes for some of the best birdwatching in Botswana. Why not consider a Green Season safari? 

4. Book a Botswana safari now

The African Wild is a locally owned and leading Botswana tours and safaris company. Our direct presence and lived country knowledge ensures our clients always experience the best on offer. It also enables us to provide superior services at more affordable rates to international travelers.

We are an official member of the Hospitality Association of Botswana (HATAB) and booking with us helps to directly support local communities and industry. All tours abide by ethical and sustainable guidelines safeguard the future of Botswana and its abundant wildlife.