Botswana’s stellar reputation for wildlife has always been matched by its prices; it’s not the cheapest safari destination. There is, after all, a price to pay for paradise. Botswana is where the elephants are counted in their tens of thousands, a destination of big cats, wild dogs and endless miles of pristine wilderness.
But if you live in a SADC country (see below) – as a citizen or expatriate – and have proof of your residency, then you qualify for highly-discounted safari packages with some of Botswana’s top safari operators – Belmond Safaris, Wilderness Safaris, Kwando Safaris, Natural Selection and Great Plains Conservation.
You’ll be able to explore the Okavango Delta by traditional mokoro (canoe), cruise the Chobe River by boat and patrol the legendary Savuti Marsh by 4X4. Other tours include the Kalahari, home to big cats and a summer zebra migration. Accommodation – in the form of tented camps and thatched lodges – is set right in the reserves or in adjoining private concessions where you also get to enjoy walking safaris and spot-lit night drives.
It’s a real deal too: depending on the lodge, you’re likely to pay between ZAR 3,100 – 6,000 (Approx. BWP 2,325 – 4,500) per person per night. That gets you en suite accommodation and all your meals, two scheduled safari activities a day, tea, coffee and snacks and local-brand soft and alcoholic drinks plus your laundry and park fees. The SADC specials run all year – low, shoulder and high seasons – and, unless indicated, are priced at the same rate, regardless of the season.
Most itineraries will fly you into and out of Botswana, usually via the busy town of Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta and most other safari destinations in Botswana. But if you are planning a self-drive safari then chances are you’ll be heading for Maun anyway. Why not take advantage of these Botswana Safari Specials for SADC Residence and add on two or three nights at a lodge – especially in a harder-to-access destination such as the deep Okavango Delta, Khwai River or Savuti.
Who qualifies for these special SADC rates?
Rates are valid for all SADC residents living in SADC countries at the time of booking and travel and for a minimum of 6 months per year. They are not valid for SADC passport holders/citizens living abroad. Tour operators reserve the right to request proof of residency upon booking and/or check in.
What are the SADC Countries?
SADC countries: Angola · Botswana · Democratic Republic of the Congo · Lesotho · Madagascar · Malawi · Mauritius · Mozambique · Namibia · South Africa · Swaziland · Tanzania · Zambia · Zimbabwe · Seychelles
Are there any Exceptions I should know about?
Yes, there are packages with certain operators that are valid only for residents of specific countries. So you have to check at the time of making your enquiries and/or booking.
How Far in Advance do I need to Book?
Some of these special packages can be booked quite far ahead of time while others can only be booked one month prior to departure (high season safaris for example) or in some cases just two weeks before departure.
Source: botswanasafari.co.za, khakianddustsafaris.com
