Trip to S Africa and Botswana
 

I am planning a trip to S Africa and Botswana and trying to come up with a good safari destination. So to anyone who is knowledgable or has been and knows from personal experience, if you had to select a safari in just one country, South Africa or Botswana, which one is cost/quality more effective? Thanks!

Botswana is better for wildlife.

Thanks for your response! Can you be more specific, in terms of which safari to go on in Botswana? Thanks!

Personally, I think that up close wildlife viewing is incredible in Sabi Sands (SA), and definitely a very good choice for leopards. And also Rhino of course.
I liked both places on our trip last year and if can combine Sabi Sands with a couple of camps in Botswana, it makes a great safari.

I agree...Botswana wins. The camps have you feeling so "out in the wild" like Africa should be, yet many camps also come with great luxury.

There are many different experiences in Botswana - you'll want to experience both land and water. The Okavango Delta should not be missed. Many enjoy Victoria Falls as well. You'll also want a regular "land" safari camp.

There are many on this forum who are more knowledgeable than me and the first thing they'll want to know is "What is your budget?" :-)

I would like to keep it within $5K/person (land only)

You might consider a camping safari in Botswana in the shoulder season. Wilderness Safaris runs their Expeditions in their concessions and there are other operators, as well (Massons). If you kept the price low enough, you might have enough dollars left over for Elephant Plains in the Sabi Sands area...the best of both worlds.

Sabi Sands and Botswana is a completely different cup of tea. They are both fantastic in their own way. No comparisons.....

Sabi sands is hands down the best destination for leopard and white rhino.

Botswana is a complete wilderness destination....fewer people, lots of variety of animals and birds and is one of the best destinations for the endangered wild dog.

Some of the top companies operating in Botswana have a range of camps you can choose from- Wilderness, Kwando, Linyanti explorations, Sanctuary, D&D etc etc., or, as teh others mentioned a good mobile trip........

Good luck
Hari