Botswana: Kalahari Explorer

Botswana’s ecosystems are astounding and diverse, from magnificent Chobe National Park, sheltering the world’s largest elephant herds, to the wildlife paradise of the Okavango Delta, an exquisite wetland surrounded by the great Kalahari thirstlands. Our Botswana: Kalahari Explorer offers an exploration of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, with its wide variety of wildlife and habitats from salt pans to ancient riverbeds, as well as the game-rich Okavango Delta and magnificent Chobe National Park. We’ve timed our departure for the ideal gameviewing season—right at the end of the summer rainy season, when thousands of grazing animals—gemsbok, springbok, wildebeest, and more—and their attendant predators roam the grassy plains in a spectacle akin to the Great Migration of the Serengeti. We track game by 4WD vehicle, riverboat, and—a Botswana specialty—mokoro (dugout canoe) in a breathtaking mix of beautiful environments. Our safari offers a unique combination of accommodations, both exquisite lodges and mobile tented camps­—this is the way to experience Botswana’s wonders. No one else gets you this close to the action—and in such comfort!

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-4
Kalahari Desert: Central Kalahari Game Reserve

We enter the wild world of the Kalahari in Deception Valley, an ancient riverbed that offers splendid gameviewing over dunes and fossil pans. From our camp, we set out to spot rare desert species as well as the endearing mammals called meerkats.

Days 5-6
Okavango / Xugana

In a totally different environment, we explore by mokoro (dugout canoe), floating through a labyrinth of creeks and lagoons in search of crocodiles, hippos, swamp antelope, white-necked otters, and fantastic birdlife. Overnights are at an atmospheric lodge overlooking Xugana Lagoon.

Days 7-8
Moremi Game Reserve

We explore by 4WD in Moremi Game Reserve in the northeastern Delta, looking for tsessebe and Burchell’s zebra, along with ostrich and predators such as lion, wild dog, and spotted hyena. Our camp at Xakanaxa is in a beautiful setting of secret pools, tall forest, and open grasslands.

Days 9-11
Chobe National Park / Savuti

Heading into the southern reaches of Chobe National Park, we explore the Savuti area, a vast grassland interspersed with game-rich woodlands. Savuti attracts large migrating herds and their attending predators.

Days 12-13
Chobe National Park / Serondella

Chobe’s Serondella region is world-famous for its teeming elephant population. We set out for game drives among huge herds of elephant, buffalo, zebra, and wildebeest, and take a memorable sunset cruise on the Chobe.

Days 14-16
Victoria Falls

The wonder of the thundering cascade of Victoria Falls is a fitting finale for our safari, and our deluxe lodge is set right on the banks of the Zambezi.

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What the Trip is Like

This trip is Level 2, Easy to Moderate. It is a vehicle-based camping safari, with a combination of camping in the bush and nights in lodges and hotels. There are some long driving days over rough roads and game tracks.

Our mobile tented camping safaris in Botswana provide a true bush experience without sacrificing comfort. We travel by Toyota 4WD Land Cruiser “go-anywhere” safari vehicles stocked with cold drinks and books on flora, fauna, and avifauna. They carry five trip members per vehicle, with guaranteed window seating. Our comfortable walk-in tents feature canvas beds, linens, mirror, tent lamps, chairs, and washbasins. Behind each tent are separate toilet and hot water shower tents. Our crew sets up camp and prepares all meals. You’ll find camping delightful and very comfortable, and you will appreciate how close to nature you feel, away from the lights and distractions of the lodges. Food is served in a comfortable dining tent.

Explanation of Trip Levels