East Africa versus Southern Africa: How Mountain Kora’s Walking Safaris in Botswana are Distinctive

Zebras on foot: Okavango Delta, Botswana
When it comes to African safaris, few experiences rival the marvel of encountering wildlife in their natural habitat. However, where you choose to go on safari can profoundly shape your adventure. Two iconic regions often compared are East Africa, primarily Kenya and Tanzania, and Southern Africa, including Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia and South Africa. For our purposes we’ll mainly focus on Botswana, as this is where we offer remote and exclusive walking safaris. While both regions lend themselves to world-class wildlife experiences, there are key differences that set them apart. Let’s explore why Botswana stands out for travelers seeking a more distinctive and intimate safari experience.
High Value, Low Impact: Botswana’s Tourism Model
Botswana is renowned for its commitment to high-value, low-impact tourism. Unlike the bustling safari circuits of East Africa, Botswana limits the number of visitors allowed in its wilderness areas, national parks and safari lodge concessions. This ensures a more wild, remote and exclusive safari experience. Instead of competing with dozens—or even hundreds—of vehicles at a wildlife sighting, you’re more likely to have the moment to yourself, surrounded only by the sounds of nature.
In contrast, East African countries do not tend to restrict numbers, particularly in renowned parks like the Serengeti and Masai Mara. While the Great Migration in these regions is undoubtedly a spectacle to behold, it comes with crowds, especially during peak season. It’s not uncommon to find yourself vying for space among a convoy of jeeps, which can detract from the sense of wild solitude many travelers seek.

Fireside chat private mobile camp, Botswana.
Cost and Exclusivity: What Are You Paying For?
Generally speaking, a safari in Botswana costs substantially more than a safari in East Africa. If on more of a shoestring budget, you can find some pretty economical options at name-dropping safari destinations such as Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Masai Mara and Serengeti National Park. However, if exclusivity is your goal when planning an East African safari adventure, prepare to pay a premium. Private lodges and luxury camps in Kenya and Tanzania can offer a more intimate experience, but often at significantly higher costs.
By comparison, Botswana offers greater overall value. With its limited infrastructure, there are fewer tourists, providing guests with unparalleled access and unrivaled wildlife encounters in world renowned safari destinations such as the Okavango Delta, Lunyati, Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve. This makes Botswana a top choice for discerning travelers who want a more personal and intimate experience in the wilderness. Not to mention that it is one of Africa’s most stable countries and a very safe place to travel.
Remote & Untamed: A Hidden Gem
Botswana’s vast wilderness is one of its greatest draws. With one of the lowest population densities in the world, the country offers a sense of remoteness and tranquility that is hard to find elsewhere. The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, transforms into a lush oasis during the annual floods, attracting incredible concentrations of animals. The Chobe National Park is famous for its massive elephant herds, and the Moremi Game Reserve boasts some of the highest densities of wildlife on the continent.
What’s more, Botswana’s fenceless wilderness allows animals to move freely across vast landscapes, creating a truly authentic safari experience. Unlike many safari destinations where wildlife areas are enclosed by fences, Botswana’s animals roam freely. It’s not uncommon to spot elephants, lions, or antelope wandering through your camp. Whether paddling through the Delta’s waterways in a mokoro canoe or camping under the stars of the vast Kalahari skies, Botswana’s remoteness enhances the sense of adventure and creates a truly distinctive safari experience.

Herd of elephants from Moremi Crossing Safari Lodge in the Okavango Delta, Botswana.
A Different Kind of Safari: Walking in the Wild
We specialize in small, curated walking safaris that give you privileged access to Botswana’s most pristine wilderness areas. These low-impact adventures allow you to experience the raw beauty of Botswana up close, without the crowds or distractions. Walking safaris offer a deeply personal connection to the wilderness that a jeep safari simply cannot replicate. You’ll track wildlife with skilled guides, learn about the ecosystem at ground level, and experience the thrill of being part of the landscape rather than just an observer.
In East Africa, walking safaris are less common than in Botswana. Our Botswana safari operator procures exclusive permits for designated low-impact zones, where traditional jeep safaris are restricted. In these regions, walking safaris are the sole activity available to visitors. Such regions include: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Okavango Delta concessions, Khwai and Xakanaka areas on the edge of Chobe National park. These low-impact areas provide a profound sense of immersion where we have the luxury to experience true African safari adventure by foot, without the disturbances of human activity.

Walking Safari, Central Kalahari, Botswana.
Diversity of Landscapes and Abundant Wildlife
From the well-known Okavango Delta in the north to the heart of the Kalahari in the central and southwest, Botswana offers diverse landscapes and secluded locales. With 37% of the country designated as either national parks or wildlife management areas, there’s incredible diversity to explore!
While East Africa’s Great Migration is a bucket-list event, Botswana’s wildlife offerings are equally, if not more, impressive during certain times of the year, according to our walking safari guide, Gareth Flemix. This is especially true for elephants—Botswana is home to the largest elephant population on Earth, with an estimated one elephant for every 18 residents!
Botswana also boasts Africa’s “Big Five” – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo – and is one of the best places to see the endangered African wild dog. Yet, sighting the “Big Five” is not a top priority in Botswana. Rather respecting animals’ boundaries and observing them in their natural environment takes precedence.

Hwange Bush Camp, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe.
Exploring Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Victoria Falls: Gems of Southern Africa
For travelers seeking variety, combining a safari in Botswana with stops in Zimbabwe and Zambia offers a rich and diverse Southern African adventure. Each destination has its own distinct charm, making the region one of the most rewarding for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Zimbabwe is home to Hwange National Park, which boasts one of the largest populations of elephants in Africa. Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a unique mix of land and water-based safari experiences, with the chance to canoe along the Zambezi River amidst hippos and crocodiles. Zimbabwe’s guides are famously some of the most skilled and highly trained in the industry, ensuring a top-notch safari experience.
Zambia, often referred to as the birthplace of walking safaris, is a haven for adventurous travelers. South Luangwa National Park is particularly renowned for its walking safari opportunities, allowing you to delve deeply into the rhythms of the wilderness. The Lower Zambezi National Park offers a stunning mix of river-based activities like canoeing and game viewing from boats, alongside traditional game drives.
Victoria Falls, straddling the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a must-visit. Beyond the awe-inspiring cascade of water, the surrounding areas offer thrilling activities like white-water rafting, helicopter rides, and wildlife safaris in the nearby Zambezi National Park and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. These parks provide excellent game-viewing opportunities and complement a visit to the falls perfectly.
Cape Town: Cape Town deserves mention as a great place to unwind after your safari or as a warm up before diving into the African wilds by foot. Since most international flights to Maun or Gaborone route through Johannesburg, it’s an excellent opportunity to explore the vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and world-class cuisine South Africa has to offer. From the iconic Table Mountain in Cape Town to the breathtaking Winelands and the scenic Garden Route, South Africa is a perfect complement to your safari adventure.
Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or embarking on your first African adventure, Botswana offers an experience like no other. Additionally, we can assist you with diverse extensions to your walking safari experience to complete your unforgettable African adventure.