The best safari companies in Botswana in 2026 are Wilderness, with camps such as Mombo and Vumbura Plains; Desert & Delta Safaris, operating since 1982; Great Plains Conservation (Duba Plains); Natural Selection; &Beyond; African Bush Camps; and Machaba Safaris for classic tented camps.
“Safari company” covers two kinds of business. Lodge operators such as Wilderness, Singita and &Beyond own or run the camps you stay in and often sell complete trips. Tour operators and ground handlers plan itineraries, supply guides and vehicles, and book a mix of camps. Both can be booked directly or through a safari specialist.
Botswana's model is low-volume, high-value: most camps sit in private concessions in the Okavango Delta, Linyanti and Kalahari, reached by light aircraft. Camp operators therefore matter more here than almost anywhere else.
Botswana's best-known camp operator, home of Mombo.
Wilderness has operated since 1983 and runs camps across eight countries; in Botswana they include Mombo, Vumbura Plains, Chitabe and Qorokwe in the Okavango Delta.
Good to know: Mombo books up a year ahead.
Okavango Delta, Botswana
One of Botswana's most established operators, since 1982.
Established in 1982, Desert & Delta Safaris is one of the most successful safari operators in Botswana, with a portfolio of camps and lodges and set itineraries across the country.
Good to know: Its set itineraries simplify planning.
Maun, Botswana
Small luxury camps, including Duba Plains.
Great Plains Conservation runs award-winning camps in Botswana, Kenya and Zimbabwe; in the Okavango, Duba Plains is famous for its lion and buffalo.
Good to know: Book Duba Plains for big-cat photography.
Duba Plains, Okavango Delta, Botswana
A large portfolio of camps, conservation first.
Natural Selection runs 26 camps and lodges across three Southern African countries including Botswana, founded to protect key wildlife areas, often at more accessible prices than the top luxury brands.
Good to know: Ask about combining the Delta with the Kalahari.
Maun, Botswana
Luxury Okavango lodges such as Sandibe.
&Beyond's Botswana lodges include &Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge, and it tailor-makes trips that combine Botswana with other African countries.
Good to know: Combine Botswana with Victoria Falls.
andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge, Botswana
Award-winning camps across three countries.
African Bush Camps runs award-winning lodges in Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe and offers itineraries that combine the Okavango with Victoria Falls and Zimbabwe's parks.
Good to know: Use it for a Botswana–Zimbabwe combination.
Maun, Botswana
Classic, solar-powered tented camps.
Machaba Safaris runs classic safari camps in Botswana and Zimbabwe with eco-friendly solar power, and also offers trips in Gabon.
Good to know: A classic tented style without top-end prices.
Maun, Botswana
The government's low-volume, high-value tourism policy limits the number of beds, and most camps are fly-in only, which adds flight costs.
Usually by light aircraft between camp airstrips, booked by the operator or your safari specialist.
The annual flood peaks in the dry winter, roughly June to August, which is also the best game-viewing season.