How and Where to Make Bookings for National Parks in Botswana

Sep 9, 2010
Fleur Hupston

Botswana National Parks - Kimm1970

Making reservations to visit Botswana's Parks has become complicated recently because many of the rest camps have been privatised. Here's where to book.

The African country of Botswana is home to some of Africa's most outstanding national parks. From the Moremi and Chobe in the Okavango Delta in the north of the country, to the dry, desert in the south, Botswana attracts visitors from all over the world to it's parks. However, reservations can be difficult to make, because many camp sites previously managed by the Government wildlife offices have now come under private management.

Booking for the Kalaghadi Transfrontier Park

Formerly known as the Kalahari Gemsbok Park, the Kalaghadi Transfrontier Park straddles 3 countries: Namibia, South Africa and Botswana. Bookings are made separately in South Africa and Botswana for the section the visitor wishes to see. Reservations can be made for the Botswana side at reservations offices in Gaberone, Kang, Francistown or Maun.

Bookings for the Transfrontier Park can be made in the country's capital city, Gaberone. Central booking office telephone number is 318 0774 (International dialing code 0026). There is a wildlife reservations office in the village of Kang where bookings for the Kalaghadi Transfrontier Park can be made. (Wildlife office is found easily by going into the village, opposite Kang's medical clinic).

Reservations for Central Kalahari Park

The central booking office in Gaberone is the best place to make enquiries regarding camping in the Central Kalahari Park. Several of the camp sites are now privatised, while some are still managed by the government. To find out exact information regarding specific sites, it is best to phone 318 0774 to make enquiries. The same applies to Khutse Park at the southern tip of the Central Kalahari Park.

Booking for Chobe and Moremi Parks in Northern Botswana

There is a booking office in Maun at which reservations can be made to enter the Chobe Park and Moremi (Okavango). Telephone number for Maun office is 686 0368. Bookings can also be made at the Gaberone wildlife office. Once again, telephone the Gaberone office for information on which campsites have been privatised.

For day trips into Chobe, a permit will need to be obtained at the Maun offices or at the gate as you drive into the park.

At times, making reservations can be a frustrating exercise in patience for visitors. However, smile, be kind and pleasant to the officials and slow down to the pace of Africa. Botswana is a wonderful place to visit and the parks are well worth visiting.