Botswana Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trip Packages

Botswana Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trips

306 Botswana trips. Tours from 185 tour companies. 428 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

6 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
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Small Ship Cruise
Best of South Africa (with Victoria Falls)
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By Trafalgar
preferred
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their travelers enjoy 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service throughout the trips - everything is taken care of.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Amazing service… kind and polite staff, well trained and knowledgeable travel director and local specialist, very good driver. We had another beautiful and memorable experience."

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Stars of South Africa
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3.7/5 Great
39 reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Chobe National Park, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Table Mountain, Victoria Falls, Zambezi River

Highlights

  • Enjoy 3 nights in Cape Town, followed by a 4-night safari cruise & 2 nights In Victoria Falls
  • Experience 2 nights in Johannesburg & 3 nights at a luxury safari lodge in Greater Kruger National Park
  • Enjoy safari of Chobe National Park by open top 4x4 vehicle
  • Visit Zambezi Queen
  • Discover Cape Town

Themes

50 plus, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Safari, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I’ve sailed with AmaWaterways 4 times. They are the best! You become family. I can’t wait to sail with them again!"

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Golden Trails of East Africa
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3.7/5 Great
39 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Arusha, Chobe National Park, Johannesburg, Lake Manyara National Park, Nairobi, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park, Victoria Falls, Zambezi River

Highlights

  • Visit most beautiful national parks like Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park and Tarangire National Park.
  • Explore Arusha
  • Enjoy fascinating look at Johannesburg
  • Enjoy the glorious Victoria Falls commonly referred to as the smoke that thunders.
  • Visit Chobe National Park
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Themes

50 plus, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Safari, Small Ship Cruise, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"I’ve sailed with AmaWaterways 4 times. They are the best! You become family. I can’t wait to sail with them again!"

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Rivers & Rails of Africa
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3.7/5 Great
39 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Cape of Good Hope, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls, Zambezi River

Highlights

  • Discover Cape Town
  • Enjoy the safari of Chobe National Park
  • Explore the Chobe River’s spectacular game viewing
  • See the magnificent Victoria Falls
  • Amazing travel by rail to Hwange Game Reserve

Themes

50 plus, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Safari, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I’ve sailed with AmaWaterways 4 times. They are the best! You become family. I can’t wait to sail with them again!"

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Southern African Cruise Safari: South Africa & Botswana
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4.4/5 Great
15 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Chobe National Park, Hwange National Park, Johannesburg, Limpopo, Table Mountain, Victoria Falls, Victoria Peak, Zambezi River

Highlights

  • Explore historic Cape Town’s valleys and vineyards
  • South Africa's Kapama Private Game Reserve, home to over 40 different mammal species and 350 bird species
  • Explore the Chobe Game Reserve - 10,000 square kilometres of elephant, lion, leopard, giraffe, cheetah, buffalo, hippo and some 450 bird species.
  • Sail the Chobe River aboard the luxury 28-passenger Zambezi Queen
  • Stay in luxury safari lodges with guided game drives each morning and evening
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Themes

Birding, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Safari, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I just returned from Aurora’s NW passage trip from Greenland to Nome Alaska. I wish to warn potential passengers that out of 26 sea days, we had 10 landings, out of which we were free to walk on our own once. The director,Ashley, told passengers on day one that if they disobeyed her, they would be confined to their cabin. When we got to Alaska, Aurora had not hired sufficient personnel with US licenses to allow for any landings. So we were 60 miles out at sea for almost a week and could not even see the shoreline. Much of the controlling behavior of Ashley was in the guise of safety from the polar bears, but her behavior was over the top. Also the head bear rifle guy, Nils, screamed at passengers on shore at the top of his lungs when they were a few feet off a poorly marked trail in a flat landscape with at least a mile visibility in all directions. He also screamed at passengers to rush over uneven ground because of a bear in the distance. This is just plain dangerous for 70 -80 year old passengers. I have traveled extensively, including an Antarctic cruise, and never had such an unpleasant experience. Even considered bailing out from Cambridge Bay partway through the cruise. Customers beware. You have been warned."

Trip dates & details
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11-Day Etosha, Caprivi, Chobe and Victoria Falls
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4.8/5 Excellent
21 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Chobe National Park, Etosha National Park, Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, Windhoek

Highlights

  • Discover Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe
  • Visit Etosha with the more lush vegetation offers fantastic game viewing
  • Enjoy and Relax with a drink on the banks of mighty Okavango River
  • See Beautiful Kwando River
  • Explore world famous Chobe National Park
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Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Safari, Singles Travel, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Awesome service, outstanding guides, detail to attention, nothing is too much trouble"

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Other trips you may like [sponsored]
Botswana Adventure
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Chobe National Park, Kasane, Makgadikgadi Pans, Okavango Delta, Victoria, Victoria Falls, Windhoek

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in the spectacular Okavango wilderness with two nights on a houseboat. Listen to the melodies of the African wildlife outside your door as the sun sets and night descends each night.
  • Enjoy an unforgettable sunset cruise in Chobe National Park. Spot African elephants and other wildlife while enjoying a sundowner and breathtaking views.
  • Venture out on an exhilarating morning game drive in open 4WDs through Chobe National Park, home to an impressive concentration of African wildlife. You may encounter elephants, buffalo, giraffes, antelope, and many other fascinating animals that thrive here.
  • Explore the Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the largest salt flats in the world, with local Kalahari Bushman and keep your eyes peeled for adorable meerkats and majestic elephants. Enjoy refreshments in the wild while watching the sunset over baobab trees.
  • Experience the awe-inspiring force of Victoria Falls and savour a taste of the local brew after. Take advantage of your free time to participate in a multitude of optional activities.

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Overland Journeys

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Botswana Wildlife Safari
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Visits

Berlin, Chobe National Park, Livingstone, Maun, Okavango Delta, Zambezi River, Zanzibar

Highlights

  • Journey through the vast swamplands of the Okavango Delta by houseboat
  • Get excited about seven days of game-viewing in Chobe, Moremi and across the Okavango Delta
  • Be amazed by the breathtaking Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the World

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Yossef, our trip leader, was excellent. He was extremely knowledgeable and gave a very personal service. All the hotels were comfortable. What made some of them was their settings. We loved Morocco and the trip has given us the taste for more of this wonderful country. It was a great way to see this diverse country and give us an idea of people's lives as well as seeing the tourist highlights."

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Botswana & Zimbabwe Lodge Safari
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Kasane, Maun, Okavango Delta, Victoria, Victoria Falls

Highlights

  • Enjoy fantastic wildlife encounters
  • Discover two natural wonders: Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta
  • Look for large populations of elephants, wild dogs and rhinos
  • Explore diverse ecosystems and changing scenery

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Safari, Photography

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

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Cape Town to Victoria Falls Adventure
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Cape Town, Etosha National Park, Kalahari Desert, Kasane, Livingstone, Maun, Okavango Delta, Victoria, Victoria Falls, Windhoek

Highlights

  • Marvel at the fish river canyon
  • Explore giant sand dunes and victoria falls
  • Track the "big five"
  • Take wildlife walks and traditional canoe rides

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Safari, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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Tour of Africa: South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana
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By Odynovo
premier
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
They are able to handcraft custom trip plans in over 70 different destinations worldwide.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Cape Town, Hwange National Park, Victoria Falls

Highlights

  • Take in the stunning landscape of Cape Peninsula
  • Admire the majestic Victoria Falls up-close
  • Observe herds of elephants in Chobe National Park
  • Stay near Hwange National Park with various safari activities

Themes

Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Scuba Diving

What travelers are saying

"I didn’t take this tour exactly, but made some changes based on my schedule and interests and travel dates. It was my first time in Southeast Asia and I was a traveling solo female. Liz my trip consultant and contact person was so helpful and responsive to any and all my concerns and questions. It was a trip of a lifetime. I can not gush enough about the itinerary and experiences. I am completely impressed with is company and this person. Ya ya in Chang Mai and Sam in Bangkok are top notch guides. The diving in Phuket was arranged with Siam diving, a small private boat not an over stuffed crowded one. It felt like we were the only people in the ocean. Goo, GO, GO!!!!"

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6 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
My selections:
Small Ship Cruise

Botswana Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
428  Reviews
See all Botswana tour reviews
Excellent
170
Great
62
Average
5
Disappointing
0
Terrible
1
G

Geraldine

Aug 2019

Written on

Above all else FUN TIME with guide

Botswana Adventure, August 2019. Loved: the trip, adventure, guide Tshepo, driver Moses. So informative, great culture immersion, great game viewing, fun accommodati...

C

Carys

Jul 2019

Written on

This was an amazing three week

This was an amazing three week journey across a beautiful part of Southern Africa. An excellent itinerary with lots of included activities. Lots of wildlife, scenery...

B

Bruce

Jun 2019

Written on

Appreciated efforts to be socially and environmentally

Our Botswana adventure was the best guided tour we have taken. It was our first with Intrepid and were impressed by the effort taken by our leader and driver to make...

B

Bruce

Jun 2019

Written on

Appreciated efforts to be socially and environmentally

Our Botswana adventure was the best guided tour we have taken. It was our first with Intrepid and were impressed by the effort taken by our leader and driver to make...

B

Barry

May 2019

Written on

Absolutely most authentic trip

Absolutely most authentic trip,very well informed,always very prompt ,great communication,safety the utmost importance on this Safari,excellent Safari tour guides. U...

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Botswana Tour Selection Trips

  • The dry season has the best wildlife viewing, and is from May to September. This is when animals come to drink in the Okavango Delta’s newly flooded regions.
  • The hot, rainy season (November to March, with January and February being the wettest) can make roads difficult and force some lodges to close, but also brings lush vegetation, wildflowers, baby animals, and lower prices.
  • Accommodations in Botswana range from luxurious private lodges to rustic campsites, though overall they’re geared toward upscale travelers. The luxury lodges are among the most expensive in all of Africa -- and, in general, prices are higher in Botswana than elsewhere.
  • Much of the best wildlife viewing in the Delta can be found in the private reserves, just outside Moremi Game Reserve, though some are accessible only by air.
  • Fly-in safaris are common throughout much of the country lying south of the more highly visited northern game parks.
  • Many tour operators combine Botswana safaris with visits to nearby Victoria Falls on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border.

Additional details

Where is Botswana?

Botswana is a land-locked country located in southern Africa. It is bordered by Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. 

What languages are spoken in Botswana?

The official languages of Botswana are English and Tswana. Although most of the population speaks Tswana as a first language, many people speak English as a second language or at least understand it. In particular, those working in the tourism industry will likely know English. 

Common phrases in Tswana

While most people in Botswana do speak English, it can be polite and helpful to memorize a few basic phrases in the native tongue.

  • Hallo - Hello 
  • O Kae? - How are you?
  • Ka kopo - Please
  • Ke a leboga - Thank you
  • O bua Sekhowa? - Do you speak English?

Is Botswana safe?

Botswana is known as the safest African country. Tourism is well-developed in this country, and violent crime rates are very low. Mugging and bag-snatching is somewhat common, so be aware of your surroundings and don’t carry large amounts of cash. 

Botswana currency

The Botswanan Pula is the official currency of Botswana. Pula means “rain” in Tswana, because rain is so scarce in Botswana and therefore valuable to locals. 

The US dollar is also accepted at many restaurants and lodges, but it is helpful to carry pulas as well.

Do’s and dont’s for visiting Botswana

DO

  • Visit a travel health clinic or specialist before traveling and stay up to date on vaccines.
  • Follow your safari guide’s instructions, especially when interacting with wildlife.
  • Ask a guide or hotel staff about areas to avoid.
  • Tip at restaurants and bars. 10-20% is customary.

DON’T

  • Drive at night. The roads are poorly lit, and wild animals and potholes are common.
  • Approach any wild animals. 
  • Wear expensive jewelry or rent a luxury car, especially in the cities. Showing signs of wealth will make you a bigger target for pickpockets and thieves. 
  • Swim in any lakes or rivers unless allowed by a guide or park warden. Wild animals such as crocodiles lurk in these waters, and you are also at risk for waterborne diseases. 

Best time to visit Botswana

The best time to visit Botswana is during the dry season (May through October), when temperatures are mild and floods are rare.

Best Big Game Viewing

The Moremi Game Reserve, a national park located on the eastern side of the Okavango Delta, offers the best big game viewing in the area, and most guided trips combine it with visits to other parts of the delta.

If it’s elephants in abundance that you seek, you’ll want to include nearby Chobe National Park on your Botswana itinerary. Chobe, which lies along the Zambezi, is elephant central in all of Africa, with great herds roaming the park. (Chobe’s Savuti channel is famous for its elephant-eating lions.)

To really get off the beaten track, head to arid southern Botswana, where the huge, uncrowded Central Kalahari Game Reserve offers a chance to view desert-adapted wildlife.

The Kalahari’s enormous Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, shimmering white as far as the eye can see, are another attraction of this region. And in the far south of the country, near the South African border, the Mashatu Game Reserve, the largest private reserve in southern Africa, showcases lions, leopards and cheetahs.

Ready to make Botswana your safari choice? Let Stride help you sort through all the possibilities, to choose the guided trip that will show you the best of Botswana.

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