delta and desert
BOTSWANA
Land locked Botswana borders South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Sparsely populated, Botswana protects vast wilderness areas like the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Chobe National Park and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. These ecosystems support a rich diversity and abundance of wildlife, while unique geological features allow extraordinary wildlife viewing- like punting a makoro (dugout canoe) through grass fringed channels of the Okavango Delta or watching large herds of elephants drinking from the Zambezi River in Chobe National Park. These wildlife experiences make Botswana one of the great safari destinations in Africa.
Highlights
Chobe National Park boasts the largest concentration of elephants in Africa. Wildlife viewing takes place largely along the banks of the Chobe River where animals congregate in the dry season. Guests have the opportunity to experience both water and land based safaris.
Okavango Delta declared a UNESCO heritage site, the Okavango is the largest inland delta in the world, renowned for its biodiversity it exists as a maze of lagoons, channels (created largely by hippos) and islands. The remote waterways and astonishing wildlife of the Delta are explored by boat or mokoro (dugout canoe). Walking and seasonal fishing are also possible.
The Kalahari is one of the world’s last great wilderness areas. The Kglagadi: Land of Thirst is home to the Bushman and largest network of salt pans in the world the Makgadikgadi. The Makgadikgadi pans are all that remain of a super lake that once covered an area the size of Switzerland. During the wet season the pans are one of the most important wetlands in Botswana including a breeding ground for the greater flamingo.
Please contact us for further information regarding this destination.
Below is a sample itinerary to Botswana using some of our favourite lodges in Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta. All our itineraries are flexible, giving you the freedom to personalise your safari experience.
Magical Botswana
6 days/5 nights
Departs Livingstone or Victoria Falls
On arrival transfer to the iconic Chobe Game Lodge. Set on the banks of the Chobe River, this lodge is the only safari lodge within the Chobe National Park, boasting panoramic views over the river and into the Namibian floodplains. The lodge has spacious main areas exuding a Moroccan theme, the fabrics and lanterns ensuring cool comfort and attractive style. Dinners are served in the dining area, alongside the river or in private nooks on the expansive boardwalk. Leading the way in innovation, Chobe Game Lodge has promoted gender equality with Africa’s first all-girl guiding team – The Chobe Angels and reduced its carbon footprint by using a fleet of electric safari vehicles & boats.
Between exciting game drives, boat safaris and sunset cruises, perhaps cool off in the pool or keep an eye out for elephant, hippos and crocs, regularly seen from the lodge. Being the only lodge in the reserve, guests have the benefit of exclusivity before the park gates open to the public.
Overnight Chobe Game Lodge (all meals local brand drinks, complimentary in-room mini bar, laundry and 2 scheduled safari activities daily including: morning and afternoon game drives, Chobe River cruises and eco tours).
Choose from a variety of scheduled camp activities. Overnight Chobe Game Lodge (all meals, local brand drinks, complimentary in-room mini bar, laundry and 2 scheduled safari activities daily including: morning and afternoon game drives, Chobe River cruises and eco tours).
Depart after breakfast for Kasane airstrip and a short flight (1 hour and 20 mins) to Botswana’s Okavango Delta and Camp Okavango. The magnificent Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland delta, is a maze of deep lagoons, large lakes and hidden, meandering channels. Trapped in a basin of parched Kalahari Desert sand, the fresh water oasis attracts wildlife that depends on the permanent waters of this unique environment. Game viewing activities are centred on motorboat and mokoro canoe safaris. There is also an opportunity to bush walk. Camp Okavango lies just outside the Moremi Game Reserve, nestled under the riverine trees of Nxaragha Island. The peaceful landscape comprises the permanent waters of the Delta. 12 luxury tented suites are elevated on teak platforms, the décor refreshing and comfortable. Sliding doors open out to private viewing decks where the beauty of the region may be appreciated in restful solitude. Welcoming central areas are under thatch, the traditional open-plan style ensuring guests are never apart from the natural environment. Enjoy meals on extensive tree-shaded patios, or unwind in the library or lounge. Evenings are spent socializing around a fire, discussing the day’s discoveries. The leisurely navigations of reed lined waterways (mokoro and motorized boat excursions), guided walks on nearby islands, and fishing afford an unparalleled water wilderness experience. The tranquil, slow-paced safari is expertly guided by professional staff. Overnight Camp Okavango (All meals, local brand drinks, 2 scheduled safari activities daily and laundry)
Camp activities include boat and mokoro excursions (a degree of agility is required), guided nature walks, exceptional birding and seasonal fishing. Spend two more days exploring the Okavango Delta. Overnight Camp Okavango (All meals, local brand drinks, 2 scheduled safari activities daily and laundry)
Overnight Camp Okavango (All meals, local brand drinks, 2 scheduled safari activities daily and laundry)
After breakfast depart for your onward destination.
Includes accommodation and meals, airport transfers, scheduled safaris as per itinerary, local brand drinks and laundry.
Excludes international flights, gratuities, items of a personal nature and travel and medical insurance.
To experience more of beautiful Botswana extend your stay to the Kalahari. Explore the Central Kalahari Game Reserve or the Makgadikgadi salt pans where you can walk with the Bushman, see the magnificent migrating herds of zebra and the suite of predators that follow them. Young explorers can enjoy bush craft activities and learn traditional bush skill with an experienced guide including tracking wild animals safely, catching and preparing fish, 4×4 driving through a river or across sand and basic mechanics like changing a tire. A safari to Botswana also combines very well with a tour to Victoria Falls in Zambia.
The destinations and itineraries on our website can all be tailored to suit your needs. We’d be happy to help you with any questions, please simply click on the contact us button below.
