Botswana Tour & Trip Reviews

What to Look for in Botswana Tour Reviews

Most trip reviews tend to focus on some or all of these 5 key areas, not all of which may be relevant to you: the tour guide, travel company, service level, country or countries traveled in, and the trip itinerary.

Remember, just because you see a 1 star review doesn’t necessarily mean that person disliked the country.

Many negative reviews for Botswana criticize the high costs of tours in Botswana. In order to balance tourism and conservation efforts, safaris in Botswana tend to be very expensive. Prices remain high so the country can maintain its protected spaces and support wildlife populations.

Even budget tours and safaris in Botswana may cost more than budget travel to other countries. If you are booking a tour to Botswana, keep in mind that safaris are generally more expensive than other types of travel due to the environmental impact of tourism in southern Africa. 

When reading Botswana tour reviews, be sure to note the type of tour that is being reviewed. Botswana safaris can range from budget to luxury; one reviewer raving about the accomodation on their luxury tour might not be helpful if you’re looking to book a camping safari. Also keep in mind that budget tours may require you to carry your own equipment or help with camp set-up and clean-up in exchange for a less expensive trip. 

When researching Botswana tours, also make sure that you understand the level of physical activity that is required for the tour. Some tours include activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and swimming. It may be frustrating for a traveler who does not enjoy or cannot perform these activities.

One common criticism of Botswana tours is that the daily drives between locations can be long and tiring. Keep in mind that if you book a tour traversing multiple countries, or even just visiting multiple locations within Botswana, there will be a significant amount of travel time. It may help to note the mode of transportation between destinations; a mokoro river cruise or private plane tour may be more exciting, albeit more expensive, than driving in a car. 

If you want a professional take on traveling in Botswana, see the Travelstride Botswana Guide »