Botswana National Park Fees & Availability 2026

Quick Answer: Botswana National Park Fees 2026

International adult visitors pay BWP 270 per day (approximately $20 USD) at major parks like Chobe and Moremi Game Reserve, effective 1 April 2026. Children under 8 are free; children aged 8–17 receive 50% discount. Vehicle fees range from BWP 115 (small vehicles, foreign-registered) to BWP 1,500+ per day (large vehicles). Park fees are non-refundable and payable in cash at park gates or in advance at wildlife department offices.

Park Entry Fees by Category (2026)

Botswana operates a tiered fee system based on visitor residency and nationality. The fee increases announced for 1 April 2026 apply to all major national parks including Chobe, Moremi Game Reserve, Savuti, and Linyanti.

Park / Category	Botswana Citizen	SADC Resident	International Visitor
Chobe & Moremi (Adult, per day)	BWP 30	BWP 205	BWP 270
Chobe & Moremi (Child 8–17, per day)	BWP 15	BWP 102.20	BWP 135
Other Parks (Adult, per day)	BWP 50	BWP 300	BWP 500
Other Parks (Child 8–17, per day)	BWP 25	BWP 150	BWP 250
Children under 8	Free

Note: "Other parks" includes Makgadikgadi Pans, Nxai Pans, Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR), and smaller reserves. SADC residents are citizens of Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe with valid identification.

Vehicle Fees (Daily Rates, 2026)

Separate vehicle fees apply regardless of park entry category. Foreign-registered vehicles pay significantly more than Botswana-registered vehicles.

Vehicle Type	Botswana Registered	Foreign Registered
Under 3,500 kg (e.g., sedan, small SUV)	BWP 30	BWP 115
3,500–7,000 kg (e.g., minibus, large SUV)	BWP 500	BWP 1,000
Over 7,000 kg (e.g., truck, coach)	BWP 800	BWP 1,500
Caravans / Trailers (all sizes)	BWP 15	BWP 60

Important: Vehicle fees are charged per day, including both arrival and departure days. A three-night stay requires payment for four days of vehicle access.

Camping & Concession Fees

Botswana offers budget camping at designated campsites within national parks, plus premium wilderness camps and observation hides for visitors seeking exclusive experiences.

Public Campsites (Chobe National Park Example)

Campsite	Botswana Citizen	Botswana Resident	SADC Citizen	International Visitor
Ihaha Campsite (per night)	BWP 120	BWP 150	BWP 200	USD 50
Savuti Campsite (per night)	BWP 130	BWP 200	BWP 300	USD 70
Linyanti Campsite (per night)	BWP 130	BWP 200	BWP 300	USD 70

Campsite fees include a 12% government tax and are payable separately from park entry fees. Basic campsites provide water, ablution blocks, and fire pits; amenities vary by location.

Wilderness Camps & Special Activities

Premium wilderness camping, observation hides, and guided walking safaris require advance booking through the Department of Wildlife and National Parks. Indicative fees per person per night:

• Wilderness campsite: BWP 50–200 depending on residency
• Observation hide overnight: BWP 50–200
• Walking safari (designated areas): BWP 50–200 per day
• Wilderness trail use: BWP 50–200 per day
• Night game-viewing drive: BWP 5–30

Confirm current rates on the official Department of Wildlife website or via the reservations office (+267 3180774) before booking.

How & Where to Pay Park Fees

Payment Methods

Park fees are payable in cash at park gates or in advance at Department of Wildlife offices. Card machines are available at some payment points but are not reliable; carry sufficient Botswana Pula (BWP) or US dollars in small denominations.

Payment Locations

• Chobe National Park (Kasane entry): Sedudu Gate
• Chobe National Park (Maun entry): Department of Wildlife offices, main road, Maun
• Other parks: Contact the Department of Wildlife and National Parks in advance to confirm payment location

Important policy change (2026): The Department of Wildlife changed its billing model; park fees are now charged per calendar day (not per night), meaning you pay for both arrival and departure days. Retain your entry receipt while inside the park—it may be requested at checkpoints.

Advance Booking & Permits

Wilderness Camps & Concessions

Wilderness campsites, observation hides, and fly campsites (in parks other than Ugalla River and Kigosi) require advance booking. Contact the Department of Wildlife and National Parks:

• Phone: +267 3180774 (Reservations Office)
• Fax: +267 3180775
• Email: dwnp@gov.bw
• Mailing address: Department of Wildlife and National Parks, P.O. Box 131, Gaborone, Botswana

Professional Filming & Research Permits

Filming or research activities require a separate application fee of BWP 1,000 (approximately $75 USD). Non-commercial photography and standard tourist videography are included in park entry fees.

Self-Drive vs. Guided Safari

Self-drive access to most national parks is available with a valid driving license and vehicle registration; however, some concession areas and wilderness trails are guide-only. Many international travellers opt for guided safari packages, which bundle park fees, vehicle hire, and professional guiding. Confirm restrictions with your tour operator or the Department of Wildlife before arrival.

Seasonal Considerations & Availability

Peak vs. Off-Season

Botswana's dry season (May–September) is peak safari season, with higher wildlife concentrations and comfortable temperatures. Park fees are consistent year-round; however, accommodation and tour operator rates vary significantly. The green season (November–March) offers lower lodge prices, lush vegetation, and excellent birdwatching but occasional road closures during heavy rains.

2026 Fee Increase Effective Date

All fee increases mentioned above took effect on 1 April 2026. Confirm current rates with your accommodation provider or tour operator, as the Department of Wildlife may announce further adjustments.

Gate Operating Hours

Park gates typically operate from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM; confirm exact hours with your lodge or the Department of Wildlife, as they vary by entrance point.

Money-Saving Tips for International Visitors

• Join a group camping safari: Mobile camping safaris spread vehicle costs across multiple travellers, reducing per-person park and vehicle fees. Budget group safaris cost $220–$280 per person per day all-inclusive.
• Visit during shoulder season: March–May and September–October offer 15–25% lower rates at lodges while maintaining good wildlife viewing and lower park crowds.
• Book multi-park itineraries: If visiting Chobe, Moremi, and Savuti, negotiate park fees into your package rather than paying at gates.
• Bring cash in small denominations: Card machines are unreliable; withdraw BWP at Kasane or Maun before entering parks.
• Confirm vehicle classification: Ensure your rental vehicle's weight is correctly registered; misclassification can result in overpayment of vehicle fees.
• Children discounts: Children 8–17 receive 50% discount; children under 8 are free. Bring proof of age (passport or birth certificate).

Comparison with Regional Parks

Botswana's park fees are mid-range for Southern Africa. For context, Kruger National Park in South Africa charges approximately $25 USD per day for international visitors, while Zambian parks typically cost $15–$30 per day. Botswana's "low-volume, high-return" conservation philosophy, established in the 1980s, maintains higher fees to limit visitor numbers and fund wildlife protection; revenues exceed $2 million annually and support an operating budget of over $1 million USD.

Before You Travel: Visa & Health Requirements

Park fees are only one component of your safari budget. Ensure you have the correct visa status and vaccinations before departure. American citizens do not require a visa for tourism stays up to 90 days, though visa requirements vary by nationality. Vaccinations, particularly yellow fever and malaria prophylaxis, are recommended for certain regions. Consult your travel clinic or embassy 6–8 weeks before departure.

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Last checked July 2026 — always confirm with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (dwnp@gov.bw, +267 3180774) before travelling. Park fees and regulations change annually. This article is informational; it is not legal or medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa for Botswana?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Citizens of the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and most EU countries do not require a visa for tourism stays up to 90 days; your passport must be valid for at least six months. Citizens of other countries should check the Botswana Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or consult their nearest embassy. Visas, when required, are issued on arrival or in advance.

What vaccinations are recommended for Botswana?

Yellow fever vaccination is recommended if you are arriving from endemic countries (Central Africa, West Africa). Malaria prophylaxis is strongly advised for all regions; consult your travel clinic for the appropriate medication (typically atovaquone–proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine). Routine vaccinations (MMR, polio, tetanus) should be current. Consult a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before departure.

How much do park entry fees cost for international visitors in 2026?

International adult visitors pay BWP 270 (approximately $20 USD) per day at major parks like Chobe and Moremi, effective 1 April 2026. Children under 8 are free; children aged 8–17 receive a 50% discount (BWP 135). Other parks (Makgadikgadi, Nxai Pans, CKGR) charge BWP 500 per adult per day. Vehicle fees are additional and range from BWP 115 to BWP 1,500+ per day depending on vehicle size and registration.

Can I pay park fees with a credit card?

Card machines are available at some payment points, but they are unreliable and often non-functional. It is strongly recommended to pay in cash (Botswana Pula or US dollars in small denominations). If booking accommodation or a tour package, park fees may be included and paid in advance; confirm this with your operator.

Do I need to book park fees in advance?

Standard park entry fees can be paid at the gate on arrival. However, if you wish to stay at wilderness campsites, observation hides, or use fly campsites, advance booking is required through the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (dwnp@gov.bw, +267 3180774). Most tour operators arrange all bookings as part of their package.

What is the difference between SADC residents and international visitors?

SADC (Southern African Development Community) residents are citizens of 14 member countries (Angola, Botswana, DRC, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe) with valid identification. They pay reduced park fees compared to international visitors. International visitors (all others) pay the highest rate. Botswana citizens pay the lowest fees.

Are children free at Botswana national parks?

Children under 8 years are free at all parks. Children aged 8–17 receive a 50% discount on adult entry fees. Bring proof of age (passport or birth certificate) to the gate. Campsite fees for children vary; confirm with your accommodation provider.

How are vehicle fees calculated?

Vehicle fees are charged per calendar day based on vehicle weight and registration (Botswana vs. foreign). For example, a foreign-registered vehicle under 3,500 kg costs BWP 115 per day. Vehicles are charged for both arrival and departure days; a three-night stay incurs four days of vehicle fees. Caravans and trailers have separate rates.

What happens if I overstay in a national park?

Park fees are charged per calendar day. If you remain in the park past your intended departure date, you must pay an additional day's fee at the gate. Confirm your departure date with your lodge and plan accordingly to avoid unexpected charges.

Can I self-drive in Botswana national parks?

Self-drive access is available at most national parks with a valid driving license and vehicle registration. However, some premium concession areas and wilderness trails are guide-only. Confirm access restrictions with the Department of Wildlife before booking. Many international visitors choose guided safari packages for convenience and safety.

When is the best time to visit Botswana for wildlife viewing?

The dry season (May–September) offers the best wildlife viewing, with animals concentrated around water sources and vegetation cleared for visibility. Peak months are July–August. The green season (November–March) is quieter and cheaper but features occasional rain and road closures. Shoulder seasons (April–May, September–October) offer a balance of wildlife, comfort, and lower prices.

Are park fees included in tour operator packages?

Most safari packages include park entry fees, vehicle fees, camping, meals, and guiding in their quoted price. Confirm what is included and what is not (e.g., flights, tips, beverages) before booking. Budget group safaris typically cost $220–$280 per person per day all-inclusive; luxury packages range from $800 to $5,000+ per person per night.