last update 01 April 2026
Botswana is on the verge of one of the biggest tourism pricing changes in decades—but in a last-minute move, the government has postponed the implementation of revised tourism user fees.
For travellers planning safaris to the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, or Moremi Game Reserve, this is a critical development. Here’s everything you need to know.
Latest update: Fee increases postponed
On 31 March 2026, Botswana's Ministry of Environment and Tourism confirmed that the rollout of new tourism user fees has been officially delayed.
While detailed gazetted tariffs have not yet been fully published, the postponement was confirmed via official Ministry communication.
- The revised fees will not take effect from 1 April 2026 as planned
- The changes are postponed, not cancelled
- Further consultation and refinement are likely underway
>> Traveller takeaway: If you're visiting Botswana in the coming months, current (old) fees are expected to remain in place—for now.
What are “Tourism User Fees”?
“User fees” in Botswana cover almost every cost associated with visiting national parks and operating tourism businesses:
- Park entry fees (e.g. Chobe, Moremi, Makgadikgadi)
- Camping and accommodation fees
- Vehicle and conservation levies
- Tour operator licences
- Filming and research permits
These fees are a core funding mechanism for conservation and park management.
Why Botswana is increasing tourism fees
The government’s rationale is clear: Botswana's fees are outdated and too low.
According to official consultations:
- Some fees have not been updated in over 30 years
- Botswana remains cheaper than regional competitors like Namibia and South Africa
- Revenue is needed to support conservation and park infrastructure
In fact, protected area fees historically covered only a fraction of conservation costs, creating long-term funding pressure.
How Much Were Fees Expected to Increase?
Although final gazetted tariffs are not fully published yet, proposals and industry leaks suggest:
- Park entry fees increasing significantly
- Example: non-resident fees proposed to rise from BWP 380 > BWP 500
- Some licence and permit fees doubling or tripling
- Filming permits potentially rising sharply (up to P50,000+)
>> In short: Botswana travel could become substantially more expensive, especially for self-drive and mid-range travellers.
Why the rollout was delayed
The postponement didn’t happen in a vacuum—it followed strong industry pushback.
Key concerns raised:
- Lack of consultation with operators
- Risk of pricing Botswana out of the mid-market safari segment
- Impact on local jobs and community tourism
- Booking cancellations and uncertainty
Industry stakeholders warned that sudden, steep increases could destabilise tourism recovery after recent global disruptions.
>> The delay suggests government is now reconsidering timing, structure, or scale.
What this means for travellers
If you're travelling in 2026 (near-term):
- You’ll likely still pay current (lower) fees, but expect uncertainty and last-minute updates
If you're planning ahead (late 2026 / 2027):
- Budget for significantly higher park and activity costs
- Monitor announcements closely (fees could be implemented with short notice)
For self-drive travellers:
- You are likely to be most affected by future increases (entry, vehicle, camping fees)
Is Botswana becoming more expensive to visit?
Yes—Botswana is already one of Africa’s premium safari destinations, and the proposed fee increases will likely push overall travel costs even higher. Park fees are only one component, but combined with accommodation, guiding, and transport, travellers should expect a noticeable rise in total safari budgets over the next 12–24 months.
Bottom line
Botswana's tourism fee overhaul is not just a price increase—it’s a strategic reset of the entire tourism model.
- Higher costs are coming—it’s a matter of when, not if
- The rollout has been delayed, not cancelled
- Travellers currently have a limited window to visit at lower prices
>> If Botswana is on your list, booking sooner could save you significantly.
Travel tip
If you’re planning a self-drive safari in Botswana, lock in park bookings and permits early. These are the areas most likely to see sharp price increases once the new fee structure is implemented.
