Botswana Wildlife Safari

Botswana’s diverse ecosystems are astounding, from magnificent Chobe National Park, sheltering the world’s largest herds of elephants, to the wildlife paradise of the Okavango Delta, an exquisite wetland surrounded by the Kalahari thirstlands. We track game by 4WD vehicle, by riverboat, and—a Botswana specialty—by mokoro (canoe), all in a breathtaking mix of Botswana’s most beautiful habitats, from salt pans to savannas. Our mobile camping safaris are absolutely unique—no one else gets you this close to the action, and in such comfort. Experience Botswana on our Classic Safari (described below) or on one of our special departures timed for the seasons, exploring deeper into the fascinating world of the Okavango Delta and the remote Kalahari Desert.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-3
Moremi Game Reserve / Private Camp

The 800-mile-long Okavango is “the river that never finds the sea,” disappearing into a remarkable maze of lagoons, channels, and islands to create the Okavango Delta. In Moremi, in the northeastern portion of the Delta, we explore by open vehicle and by boat, looking for tsessebe, Burchell’s zebra, ostrich, and predators such as lion, wild dog, and spotted hyena. We often share our campsite with hippos, who come out at night to feed on the grass near our tents. The enchanting sound of bell frogs will serenade us to sleep at our lovely camp, Xakanaxa, set on the edge of mopane forests in a setting of hidden lagoons and open grasslands.

Days 4-5
Okavango Delta / Xugana Lodge

We boat through gentle waterways to Xugana Lodge, enjoying a quintessential Delta setting on tranquil Xugana Lagoon. Our mokoro explorations take us in search of amazing birdlife and animals such as lechwe, bushbuck, and perhaps even sitatunga (a semi-aquatic antelope). Xugana Lodge accommodates us comfortably in its large reed-and-thatch chalets.

Days 6-7
Moremi / Khwai River / Private Camp

A charter flight brings us to Moremi for wildlife exploration by 4WD vehicle along the Khwai River floodplain, home to elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah, and wild dog, along with exceptional populations of wildfowl and raptors.

Days 8-11
Chobe National Park / Private Camps

Wildlife experiences at Chobe include golden-red sunsets along the Chobe River, masses of elephants in the thick acacia, the sounds of buffalo herds on open green plains, and the cry of the majestic African fish eagle piercing the air. Chobe is a legendary elephant refuge, with by far the largest single concentration of elephants in Africa. We explore the Serondella area, with its famed elephant herds, and Savuti, one of the best places to see lion, leopard, and other predators and their prey.

Days 12-13
Victoria Falls

We explore this world-famous cataract while based on the Zambian side of the falls. Depart on Day 13, or join our Cape Town Extension.

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Special Seasonal Departures

• 16-day Kalahari Explorer: Timed for the ideal gameviewing season in the great Central Kalahari Game Reserve, plus Chobe Nat’l Park and the Okavango Delta
• 16-day Okavango Explorer: Extended explorations in the Okavango Delta plus Chobe National Park
• 17-day Kalahari San Tribes Expedition: Discover the world of the Kalahari San Tribe, plus gameviewing in the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park

Optional Extensions

If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extension:

• Cape Town Extension (4 days)

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 2, easy to moderate. It is a vehicle-based camping safari, with 8-12 nights camping in the bush (depending upon itinerary) and other nights in basic bungalows. It will enjoyed by anyone in reasonably good health. 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.

Please note: On our 16-Day Okavango Explorer itinerary, we spend an overnight in a simple “fly camp” that allows us access to very remote areas. The fly camp consists of dome tents in which it is (just) possible to stand, with bedrolls on the ground including a thick foam sleeping pad and duvet/sheets/pillow/towel. These tents are very comfortable. At the fly camp, we have bucket showers and a shared toilet tent, and we eat sitting around the fire with the plates on our laps.

Explanation of Trip Levels