As of November 12, 2026, the cheaper of the two for travelers is Botswana: a mid-range day costs about $168 there, against $240 in the other (Seychelles), a gap of 42.6%. Over the past year the one that moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor is Seychelles (+3.9% after inflation, against −3.6%). The lower US advisory belongs to Seychelles (Level 1, against Level 2). The easier of the two to travel: Seychelles.
| Measure | Botswana | Seychelles |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $168 | $240 |
| Lean day | $53 | $94 |
| Comfortable day | $473 | $677 |
| Real change, 12 months | −3.6% | +3.9% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | −0.7% | +1.2% |
| Versus 5-year average | +2.7% | +7.2% |
| US advisory | Level 2 · Increased caution | Level 1 · Normal precautions |
| Ease of travel | 3.4 · Workable | 4.1 · Well set up |
| Index score | 46 | 53 |
| Best months | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct | Apr, May, Oct, Nov |
| Shoulder months | Apr, Nov | Mar, Jun, Sep |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
The Okavango Delta and Chobe, run on a deliberate high-price, low-volume model.
The catchLodge safaris cost $500 to $1,500 a night. Only self-drivers with their own camping gear see it cheaply.
Granite boulders on white sand: the Indian Ocean's most photographed beaches.
The catchResorts run $500 a night and up. Self-catering guesthouses and local takeaways are the only way to do it on a moderate budget.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.