Botswana

Why Botswana?  Okavango Delta. Kalahari Desert. Predators. Elephants. San Bushmen.

Thoughtful safari itineraries, staying at exclusive safari camps, working towards sustainability & minimising their footprint.

Why a Botswana Safari?

Okavango Delta - world's largest inland river delta. Unique wildlife viewing; from a mokoro (canoe) or boat, to traditional game drives.

Chobe/ Savuti/ Linyanti - wildlife-packed. Chobe riverfront on boat safaris, wild & remote Linyanti marshes & famous Savuti with elephants & lions.

 

The Kalahari Desert - 'The Land of Thirst'. Flat expanse of red & yellow desert sands, studded with trees, wildlife-rich in summer.

 

Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans - largest network of salt pans in the world.

 

San Bushmen - amongst Africa's last-remaining hunter-gatherer tribes.

Botswana Okavango Safari

Highlights:  Okavango wildlife. Mokoro safaris. Chobe/ Linyanti. African Wild Dogs.
Is this for me?  For the safari-goer who wants an in-depth Okavango experience.

 

Botswana Safari Okavango Highlights
   Day    Location Botswana Safari Map - Okavango Delta & Linyanti/ Chobe
  1-3   Okavango Delta - dry area: Unique & varied wildlife viewing in the delta. Very good chance of seeing African Wild Dogs.  
  4-5   Okavango Delta - wet area: Enjoy 'wet' safaris, exploring by boat & mokoro (canoe). 'Dry' safaris via game drives.
  6-8   Linyanti & Chobe:

Linyanti: Excellent wildlife viewing along the Linyanti River & flooded plains. Elephant, lion, buffalo, African wild dogs. 

Chobe: Wildlife-rich, with large elephant herds, excellent viewing along the river front from boat & 4x4 vehicle.

 

 

Botswana Safari Okavango Itinerary
         
   Day   Activities
  1   FLY from Maun into the Okavango Delta. Enjoy Classic Delta scenery - a mix of Okavango waterways & marshlands, and the dryer Kalahari habitats. ( D)  
 
  2   Explore the Okavango Delta via day & night game drives in a 4x4 vehicle, & guided walks upon request. Wildlife sightings include giraffe, buffalo, red lechwe, elephant. Excellent opportunities to see large predators: lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena & even African wild dog. (B L D)  
 
  3   Another day to game drive & explore this part of the vast Okavango Delta. (B L D)  
 
  4   FLY to a different part of the Okavango Delta, staying at a true 'water camp'.
Enjoy views across picturesque floodplains & wooded palm islands. Water-loving red lechwe are in abundance, attracting big predators such as lion & leopard. Also: giraffe, elephant, hippo, sitatunga & spotted-necked otter. Birding is exceptional.
Explore via mokoro (canoe) & boat safaris. (B L D)
 
 
  5   Another day to explore the vast floodplains of the Okavango Delta on mokoro & boat trips. (B L D)  
 
  6   FLY north to your camp in the Linyanti/ Savuti/ Chobe ecosystem. You will stay at a camp either in the Linyanti- Savuti area, or closer to the Chobe River in Chobe National Park.
This region is famous for its large elephant herds & abundant plains game. Also: roan antelope, lion, leopard, cheetah & African wild dogs.
In the Linyanti area, explore on day & night game drives, and seasonal boating & canoeing. Outstanding birding in this Important Bird Area. In Chobe, explore on game drives & boat safaris. (B L D)
 
 
  7   Explore the Linyanti/ Savuti/ Chobe region today on game drives, and boat safaris where available. (B L D)  
 
  8   Today you will fly back to Maun for your onward international flight, or to Kasane to transfer across into Zambia or Zimbabwe to spend a few days relaxing & to visit the famous & impressive Victoria Falls (see the Extensions tab for more details). (B)  
 
Botswana Safari Photos
Chitabe Camp, Okavango Delta
African Wild Dog, Botswana
Botswana game drive, Kwetsani Camp, Okavango
Leopard at Xigera Camp, Okavango Delta
Botswana mokoro safari, Okavango Delta
Elephants in Chobe River Boat Cruise in Chobe National Park, Botswana
Luxury Botswana Okavango Safari from only $9,785
Want more Luxury or Exclusivity? from $10,995 to $17,000+

 

Botswana Highlights Safari

Highlights: Kalahari. Okavango Delta. Chobe/ Linyanti/ Savuti. Big cats.
Is this for me?
 For the safari-goer who wants Botswana's highlights & diversity.

 

Quick Look Botswana Safari Itinerary
   Day   Location Botswana Safari Map - Kalahari Desert, Okavango Delta & Linyanti/ Chobe
  1-2  

Kalahari: expansive views over open grassy plains, pans & dunes. Plains game, cheetah, & black-maned lions.  One of the best places to see various mongoose species, and for a chance of seeing honey badgers.

San Bushmen: meet & go on a nature walk with a San person, or join in foraging with the entire clan. Horse-riding available from certain camps.

  3-5  

Okavango Delta: Unique & varied wildlife viewing.  'Wet' safaris, exploring by boat & mokoro (canoe). 'Dry' safaris via game drives. Good chance of spotting an African Wild Dog.

  6-8   Linyanti: Excellent wildlife viewing along the Linyanti River & flooded plains. Elephant, lion, buffalo, African wild dogs.
Chobe: Wildlife-rich, with large elephant herds, excellent viewing along the river front by boat & 4x4 vehicle.
 

Detailed Botswana Safari Itinerary
         
   Day   Activities  
  1   FLY from Maun into the Kalahari Desert. Expansive views over the open grassy plains, seasonal pans, scrubby dunes & fossil riverbeds.
Explore the Kalahari on game drives, guided bush walks, & learn about the Kalahari Bushmen via a 'Bushman Walk'. Excellent summer game viewing (end Nov - April); highlights include plains game (springbok, gemsbok or oryx, steenbok, hartebeest), cheetahs & black-maned lions. (D)
 
 
  2   Spend the day exploring the Kalahari Desert on game drives, guided bushwalks & go on a 'Bushman Walk'. (B L D)  
 
  3   FLY into the heart of the Okavango Delta. Enjoy Delta scenery: floodplains, Okavango waterways, woodland & wooded islands.
Explore the Okavango via both 'dry' & 'wet' safari activities - game drives, boat safaris, mekoro (canoe) safaris, and on foot.
Varied & diverse wildlife: Woodland antelope: sable & kudu, water-loving red lechwe & reedbuck. Predators: lion, spotted hyena, leopard, occasionally even cheetah & African wild dog. (B L D)
 
 
  4   Explore the Okavango Delta on 'dry' & 'wet' safari activities: game drives, boat safaris, mekoro (canoe) safaris, and on foot. (B L D)  
 
  5   Another day to explore the Okavango Delta. (B L D)  
 
  6   FLY north to your camp in the Linyanti/ Savuti/ Chobe ecosystem. You will stay at a camp either in the Linyanti- Savuti area, or closer to the Chobe River in Chobe National Park.
This region is famous for its large elephant herds & abundant plains game. Also: roan antelope, lion, leopard, cheetah & African wild dogs.
In the Linyanti area, explore on day & night game drives, and seasonal boating & canoeing. Outstanding birding in this Important Bird Area. In Chobe, explore on game drives & boat safaris. (B L D)
 
 
  7   Explore the Linyanti/ Savuti/ Chobe region today on game drives, and boat safaris where available. (B L D)  
 
  8   Today you will fly back to Maun for your onward international flight, or to Kasane to transfer across into Zambia or Zimbabwe to spend a few days relaxing & to visit the famous & impressive Victoria Falls. (B)  
 
Botswana Safari Photos
Kalahari Desert - springbok antelope
Vumbura Plains Camp, Okavango Delta, Botswana
Lions in Botswana
Boat safari at Vumbura Plains, Okavango Delta
Lechwe antelope at Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
Savuti Camp, Botswana
Luxury Botswana Highlights Safari from only $9,998
Want more Luxury or Exclusivity? from $11,995 to $18,000+

 

Extend your Safari
Explore different parks or regions, focus on particular species, relax by the beach, go scuba diving, discover local culture... it's your choice.
Below are some ideas. Contact us for specific recommendations just for you.
  Victoria Falls  - min 2 nights
Want to see the world's largest waterfalls, the 'Smoke that Thunders'?
Victoria Falls is the largest, and arguably the most stunning waterfall in the world. A million litres of water fall per second, down a 108m drop, along a 1.7km wide section in the Zambezi Gorge.
Visit Victoria Falls to take in the spectacle; listen to the thunder, & get soaked by the spray from the falls.
There are many other activities you can enjoy: game driving in Mosi-ao-Tunya National park where you can see rhinos, boat cruises down the Zambezi River, rafting along the rapids, and plane & helicopter flights over the Falls.
Incl. airport transfers, accommodation, breakfast, visit to Victoria Falls.
From US$ 1060 pp for 2 nights.
   
  Cape Town - min 3 nights
Want to see one of the world's most beautiful cities?
Cape Town is classed by many as one of the world's most beautiful cities. Majestic Table Mountain National Park sits in the middle of the city, while beautiful beaches surround it, vineyards nestle within it, & the Cape of Good Hope is the southern extent of it. The shores near Cape Town are even home to African Penguins. 
Fine dining restaurants abound in this cosmopolitan city.  Cape Town has enough to keep you enthralled & entertained for as long as you decide to stay here. 
Incl. airport transfers, accommodation, breakfast.
From US$ 950 pp for 3 nights.
 

 

 

  Kalahari Desert - min 2 nights
Want to visit one of the world's most famous deserts?
Enjoy expansive views across the Kalahari Desert's varied landscapes. From open grassy plains, seasonal pans, scrubby dunes & fossil riverbeds. Explore the Kalahari on game drives, guided bush walks, & learn about the Kalahari Bushmen via a 'Bushman Walk', or even go foraging with an entire clan. Excellent summer game viewing (end Nov - April); highlights include plains game (springbok, gemsbok/ oryx, steenbok, hartebeest), cheetahs & black-maned lions.
Incl. flights from Maun, transfers, accommodation, 3 meals daily, game drives & Bushman Walks.
From US$ 1975 pp for 2 nights.
   
 
   
Visiting Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe & Zambia
Victoria Falls in the dry season, Zimbabwe
Stunning drive in Cape Town, South Africa
African Penguin adult and chick, in Cape Town
Springbok and zebra at waterhole in the Kalahari Desert, Botswana
Hornbill perched in a tree in the Kalahari Desert, Botswana
Prices

The long answer:  The world's best wildlife destinations are often expensive because of strict government controls, high park fees & complex logistics.  Amongst other things, it also depends on accommodation quality, location & exclusivity; what type of vehicles are used; whether you're flying around a lot; and how many days you spend in-country. 

 

Whatever your budget, we will recommend the best possible adventure to suit you.

 

  Okavango Safari    
  Luxury from:  US$ 9,785
  More Luxury from: US$ 10,995
 
  Highlights Safari  
  Luxury from:  US$ 9,998
  More Luxury from: US$ 11,995
 
  Extensions  
  Luxury from:  US$ 950
  More Luxury from: US$ 1290
  Seasonal Pricing  
 
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
 
 
  Seasons    Low    High    Peak  
 
    Seasons shown here are based on accommodation pricing, which is based on holiday seasons.  For wildlife seasons & the best time to go, see our "Seasons" tab or contact us and tell us what you really want to see & do on safari.    
     

Prices based on 2 people travelling, sharing a room.

 

Choose your own Private Safari or a Small Group - contact us for your tailor-made adventure!

 

No hidden costs - Guaranteed!  
We include everything possible to make your adventure as easy as possible.

Accommodation & responsible travel

We are strongly committed to the principles of responsible travel, and therefore recommend accommodations that are trying to do the right thing - by the environment, their staff & local communities, and their guests!  Environmental initiatives include using renewable energy such as solar power, using low-impact structures, reducing waste, and recycling wherever possible.  They support their local communities by providing employment as well as educational, medical, and other support; some even include profit-share arrangements. Many have, or support, anti-poaching units to de-snare and protect the wilderness areas within which they operate.

 

Great, so what's the difference between a luxury vacation and an even more luxurious or exclusive one?

       
  Luxury   More Luxury & Exclusivity
  High quality Lodges &/or Tented Camps,
in a classic or adventure camp style.
Food is of a high standard.
Set in areas with good wildlife viewing.
Driving safaris will be in private minivans.
  Small & intimate lodges or camps, often individually styled. 
House drinks & extra activity inclusive basis.
High standards of guiding, food & service.
Very best locations for wildlife viewing.
       
  Accommodation featured:   Accommodation featured: 
  Kwando Kwara Camp
Lebala Camp 
Khwai Tented Camp 
Banoka Bush Camp 
Gunn's Camp
Linyanti Bush camp 
Chobe Game Lodge
Chobe Under Canvas
Saile Tented Camp 
Tau Pan Lodge, Kalahari 
Meno a Kwena Camp, Makgadikgadi
Nxai Pan Migration Camp 
Kwando Nxai Pan Camp 
Waterberry Lodge 
Thorntree River Lodge
Queen Victoria Hotel, Cape Town
 

Duba Plains Camp
Mombo Camp
Vumbura Plains Camp 
Chitabe Camp 
Sanctuary Stanley's Camp 
Sanctuary Chief's Camp 
Nxabega Okavango Camp 
Kings Pool Camp
Savuti Camp 
DumaTau Camp 
Chobe Chilwero Lodge 
Deception Valley Lodge 
Kalahari Plains Camp 

Jack's Camp
Tongabezi Lodge
Toka Leya
The River Club, Victoria Falls 

       

We clearly explain what's included & what's not:

 

Inclusions: All your accommodation, most meals, wildlife viewing activities in quality safari vehicle with qualified Driver/Guide, all internal flights, all airport transfers, all park & conservation fees.

 

All government taxes, fuel surcharges, Park & Conservancy entrance fees are included and correct as at date of quote. However they are subject to government & local authority imposed changes, often without notice (!) and therefore beyond our control. We will always endeavour to minimise their impact and inform you if a supplement is required.

 

Exclusions: International airfares to & from your chosen destination. Visa fees, personal & travel insurance, excursions not specified, drinks unless specified, laundry, telephone or internet costs, gratuities, and all other personal expenses. Some airports now charge safety fees, which are payable directly at each airport upon departure.  Visitors from Commonwealth countries do not require a visa for travel to Botswana - check your Botswana visa requirements here: http://www.gov.bw/en/Visitors/

 

Additional things to consider: Busy times of the year normally have a supplement added by the accommodation providers - Easter, Xmas & New Year holidays.  These will be included in our costs - so no surprises when you get there!

 

Seasons

Q:  When is the best time to go to Botswana?    
A:  It depends on what you want to see & experience

It may sound like a cliché to say that there is no bad time to go, however, it really is true - we know, we're there at all times of the year! There is always something happening; animals don't disappear because it's raining, although they do disperse into different areas and they do often give birth at specific times or in specific locations to take advantage of the new grazing.

 

So if you're constrained to travelling at a particular time, don't worry: we'll recommend the best places & parks - and the best locations within the the parks - to visit at that time.  

 

If you have specific interests - such as seeing The Great Migration in Kenya/ Tanzania or the Okavango Delta in Botswana in flood - then you do need to travel at the right time of year, AND to the right area.

 

Guide to the safari seasons & the best time to go to Botswana


  December - March
Summer season, with warm to hot days averaging 35C/ 95F.
Good rainfall, with late afternoon cloud build-up & thunderstorms.
Lush, green vegetation with beautiful wildflowers.
High plains game & predator densities in the Kalahari, well into April.
Great time for birding. 
An excellent time for photography as the air is crisp & clear.
   
  April - May
Floodwaters from rainfall further upstream reach the upper parts of the Okavango Delta, and begin to inundate the floodplains.
Water is still abundant in the Linyanti area; elephant concentrations are relatively low. 
Beginning of African wild dog denning period in Linyanti area. 
April still sees high concentrations of plains game & predators in the Kalahari. 
An excellent time for photography as the air is crisp & clear.
   
  June - October
June - August is the peak of the flood in the Okavango Delta, with seasonal floodplains inundated right down to the southern reaches of the Delta.
September & October see little rainfall in the Okavango Delta, daytime temperatures warm to hot, & receding floodwaters.
In the Linyanti/ Chobe/ Savuti region, inland water sources dry up, resulting in large concentrations of elephants & other wildlife around remaining water sources, such as the Linyanti & Chobe Rivers.
The Kalahari sees significantly reduced game viewing during this, the dry season. Hot during the day, chilly at night, warming up by September/ October.
   
  November - December
Beginning of the rainy season.
Hot days, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms & showers.
Lots of antelope births with many babies around. 
November marks the start of the Eurasian bird migration into Africa. 
In the Central Kalahari, December starts to see good plains wildlife & predator concentrations.
   

 

Whatever time of year you choose to travel, rest assured that when you choose to travel with us, we will advise you of the best safari locations, safari seasons and safari dates for your particular interests.   

 

How can we help you?

By choosing us, you make a direct, meaningful difference in the lives of many:

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  • Habitat: you protect 68 acres of rainforest in the DR Congo, as part of the Lomami National Park.
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  • Wildlife: you give a pair of boots to a ranger in the Okapi Reserve in the DR Congo, enabling them to conduct
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  • anti-poaching patrols.
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  • Community: you send a child on safari in East Africa.
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  • More trees: you help re-forest Tanzania's biodiverse Eastern Arc mountains.
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  • We offset your safaris' carbon emissions.