Botswana Cruises: Sailings, Embarkations & Ports of Call
3 ships from 2 cruise lines
Botswana cruises at a glance
Waterways Cruise lists 16 upcoming sailings on 3 ships from 2 cruise lines visiting Botswana, calling at 2 places. Cruises visit Botswana as a port of call and do not start or end here. More Africa cruises.
Reviewed and fact-checked by J. Richard · About this page · About us
Compare Botswana cruise lines
See every Botswana cruise line by ocean and river and by ultra-luxury, luxury, premium and contemporary style, with fares, cruise lengths, ships and ports.
About Botswana
Botswana is a landlocked southern African nation defined by wildlife, the Okavango Delta, the Kalahari Desert, and the Chobe River. Waterways Cruise travelers will find no ocean or European-style river cruise here; instead, the country offers expedition-style small-boat safaris on the Chobe River and mokoro water trails in the Okavango Delta. For the American traveler seeking a milestone adventure without feeling herded, Botswana delivers quiet luxury, uncrowded wildlife viewing, and profound natural beauty. Trade-offs include remote access, seasonal water levels, premium pricing, and modest onboard comfort compared to large river ships.
Typical routes
- Chobe River Safari Cruises
- Okavango Delta Water Trails
Ports overview
Botswana's 'cruise ports' are small jetties and landing stages. The Chobe River at Kasane is the only place with regularly scheduled boat cruises. In the Okavango Delta, travel is by mokoro or small motorboat. There is no ocean access.
Cruise season
May to October is the dry season and the best time for wildlife; Okavango water levels are highest from June to August. November-March is the green season, with migratory birds and lower rates but some rain.
Find your Botswana sailing
Upcoming sailings calling at Botswana, earliest departure first.
9 Days One-Way from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls
Visits Botswana. Also visits Zimbabwe
African Dream
13 Days One-Way from Cape Town to Victoria Falls
Visits Botswana. Also visits South Africa, Zimbabwe
African Dream
13 Days One-Way from Cape Town to Victoria Falls
Visits Botswana. Also visits South Africa, Zimbabwe
Zimbabwean Dream
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15 Days One-Way from Cape Town to Johannesburg
Visits Botswana. Also visits South Africa, Zimbabwe
Zambezi Queen
10 Days One-Way from Cape Town to Johannesburg
Visits Botswana. Also visits South Africa, Zimbabwe
Zambezi Queen
14 Days One-Way from Cape Town to Johannesburg
Visits Botswana. Also visits South Africa, Zimbabwe
Zambezi Queen
9 Days One-Way from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls
Visits Botswana. Also visits Zimbabwe
Zimbabwean Dream
13 Days Johannesburg, South Africa Round Trip
Visits Botswana. Also visits Zimbabwe
Zambezi Queen
17 Days One-Way from Johannesburg to Land Tour
Visits Botswana. Also visits Zimbabwe
Zambezi Queen
15 Days One-Way from Cape Town to Victoria Falls
Visits Botswana. Also visits South Africa, Zimbabwe
Zimbabwean Dream
11 Days One-Way from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls
Visits Botswana. Also visits Zimbabwe
Zimbabwean Dream
15 Days One-Way from Cape Town to Victoria Falls
Visits Botswana. Also visits South Africa, Zimbabwe
African Dream
Where Botswana cruises start and end
Embarkation ports (2)
Chobe National Park (16) (cruises from) · Kasane (16) (cruises from)
Disembarkation ports (0)
No cruises end here.
Ships by type: 3 river · a ship that visits several places here is counted once; an expedition ship that also sails as an ocean ship appears under both types.
Plan your Botswana cruise
Botswana cruise port guide
Cruise ports, what to see, history and practical advice.
Botswana cruise port guide →More Africa cruises
Morocco · Egypt · Tunisia · Algeria · Sao Vicente Island Cape Verde · South Africa · Namibia · Mauritius
Frequently asked questions about Botswana cruises
How many places do cruises visit in Botswana?
2 Botswana places are visited by 3 ships from 2 cruise lines.
When is the best time to take a Botswana cruise?
May to October is the dry season and the best time for wildlife; Okavango water levels are highest from June to August. November-March is the green season, with migratory birds and lower rates but some rain.
Sources and further reading
Background on Botswana draws on these references. Sailing, fare and port data come from cruise line itineraries and are refreshed regularly.
- CIA World Factbook: Botswana
- Encyclopaedia Britannica: Botswana
- Botswana Tourism Organisation: Visit Botswana
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Tsodilo
- Lonely Planet: Botswana travel
- Zambezi Queen: Chobe River Cruises
Created by the Waterways Cruise content team and reviewed and fact-checked by J. Richard, Sr. Cruise Travel Agent and Founder of Waterways Cruise.
Published September 9, 2026 · Last updated October 31, 2026
Fares, availability and itineraries change often. Confirm current details with your cruise line or a Waterways Cruise agent before you book.
Cruise Disclosure
Good to know: Prices are quoted per person based on double occupancy and include all applicable taxes and fees. Availability and prices can change quickly, so please continue through the booking process to confirm the latest availability and pricing before you pay.
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