Botswana is Africa's premier safari destination — the Okavango Delta, Chobe's elephants, and the Kalahari. Whether you're on a mokoro in the Delta, on a game drive in Chobe, or exploring the Makgadikgadi Pans, you'll travel in small groups with shared vehicles and guides. Safari lodges and group tours are the norm.
The mix of wildlife, luxury safari, and conservation attracts a diverse crowd — from safari enthusiasts and photographers to couples and families. Accommodation ranges from mobile safari camps and lodges in the Delta and Chobe to guesthouses in Maun and Kasane — shared game drives and mokoro trips naturally bring travelers together. Botswana is expensive for safari ($200–800+/night at lodges); joining a group safari or camping tour reduces costs.
Below you'll find platforms to connect with travel companions before you go, organized group safaris that include Botswana (for all ages and budgets), and communities where you can find people to share a safari with.
💡 Insider Tips — Meeting People in Botswana
- 🇧🇳 Botswana safari is expensive — lodges run $200–800+/night. Maun and Kasane have budget options. Joining a group camping safari reduces costs significantly.
- 🚶 Group safaris are the norm. You'll share game drive vehicles (typically 4–6 people) and mokoro trips. Maun is the hub for Okavango trips; Kasane for Chobe.
- 🏠 Safari lodges and camps are the main accommodation. You'll dine and game drive with fellow guests. Camping safaris (from Maun) attract budget travelers and are very social.
- 🏖 Game drives and mokoro trips naturally bring travelers together. You'll share the vehicle or canoe with your group. Chobe day trips from Kasane/Victoria Falls attract groups.
- 🚚 Maun is the gateway to the Delta. You'll meet other safari-goers at lodges, the airport, or when booking trips. Kasane connects to Chobe and Victoria Falls.
- 📅 Best season: May–October for dry weather and wildlife viewing. June–August is peak. Delta floods May–August. December–March is green season.
- 🍻 Local tip: English is the official language. Botswana is known for high-end, low-impact safari. "Dumela" (hello) works. Pula is the currency.
🤝 Find a Travel Buddy
Match with individual travelers heading to Botswana. Post your trip, connect with people who have similar plans, and meet before you go.
The largest travel buddy platform. Match by destination and dates, split costs on transport and accommodation. ID-verified users from 170+ countries.
Browse trips created by experienced travelers. Small groups of 4–8 people with everything planned by the TripLeader. Just show up.
Every profile is manually checked. Match by destination, dates and travel style. Open to all genders, ages from 20s to 70s.
Your travel profile is built from GPS-verified photos. See where people have actually been, not just where they say they've been.
Simple platform — post where you're going and when, browse others doing the same. No frills, just connections.
Workaway's built-in travel buddy board. Great for finding like-minded travelers who value experiences over luxury.
💡 Tips for Finding a Good Match
·Be specific in your profile — travel dates, budget range, and what kind of traveler you are
·Video call before you meet in person — 10 minutes saves potential awkwardness
·Start with a day activity together before committing to a full trip
·Agree on budget expectations upfront — the #1 source of travel buddy conflict
🌐 Group Trips for Solo Travelers
Join an organized small-group trip where everything is planned. These companies specialize in solo travelers — most participants come alone and leave with friends.
| Company | Ages | Group Size | Solo % | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flash Pack | 30–59 | Max 16 | 90% | ~€1,200 |
| G Adventures | All ages | 10–12 avg | ~50% | ~€450 |
| Intrepid Travel | All ages | Max 14 | 50% | ~€220 |
| Contiki | 18–35 | ~45 | 58% | ~€290 |
| Topdeck Travel | 18–32 | 18–48 | ~40% | ~€350 |
| Exodus Travels | All ages | 8–16 | 50% | ~€500 |
Small groups of max 16, all traveling solo, all similar age. Boutique hotels, curated experiences. 80% stay in touch after the trip.
Wide range of trip styles from budget to premium. Local guides, optional add-ons. Tours that include Botswana.
Small groups, local leaders, responsible travel. Itineraries that include Botswana. Budget to premium tiers.
Larger groups (~45), fast-paced, social atmosphere. 200+ trips across 75 countries. Great for first-time solo travelers.
💡 Which One Is Right for You?
·Age 18–35, social & budget: Contiki or Topdeck
·Age 30–59, premium & intimate: Flash Pack
·Any age, budget-friendly: G Adventures or Intrepid
·Active & adventure: Exodus or Intrepid
·First time solo: Contiki (big group, built-in social life) or JoinMyTrip (smaller, flexible)
💬 Communities & Meetups
Not ready to commit to a buddy or group trip? These communities let you casually connect with travelers and locals — find someone for dinner, a day trip, or just a coffee.
Active subreddit where people post trip plans and look for companions. Search "Botswana" to find current posts.
Visit subreddit →Find travel and social meetup groups in Maun or Kasane (safari hubs). Great for meeting locals and fellow travelers.
Visit Meetup →The Hangouts feature lets you meet travelers and locals nearby, right now. Popular in Gaborone — great for spontaneous connections.
Visit Couchsurfing →Search "Solo Travel Botswana", "Okavango Delta", "Chobe Safari". Active groups where people post plans daily.
Search groups →Hostelworld's app connects you with other guests before you arrive. Easy way to find people for shared activities.
Visit Hostelworld →Safari-focused; tours are organized by lodges and operators. Show up alone, leave with new friends. The easiest way to meet travelers — no commitment.
Find free tours →🛡 Stay Safe — Meeting Travel Companions
Use platforms with ID verification. Video call before meeting. Check social media profiles.
First meetings in a café, hostel lobby, or organized meetup. Never at a private accommodation.
Tell someone at home who you're meeting, where, and when. Share live location with a friend.
Agree on cost-splitting before you travel. Use apps like Splitwise. Never send money in advance.
Book your own accommodation for at least the first night. If the vibe isn't right, you have your own space.
Do a day trip or dinner together first. A few hours tells you everything you need to know.