Botswana Wildlife Safari

Botswana’s diverse ecosystems are astoundingly beautiful, from the savannas and woodlands of magnificent Chobe National Park, sheltering the world’s largest herds of elephants, to the wildlife paradise of the Okavango Delta, an exquisite wetland of lagoons, channels, and islands 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 intriguing habitats. Our classic safari offers a unique combination of exquisite lodges and private 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 1-3
Moremi Game Reserve / Private Camp

In Moremi, in the northeastern portion of the Okavango Delta, we explore by open vehicle and by boat, looking for tsessebe, Burchell’s zebra, ostrich, and predators including lion, wild dog, and spotted hyena. Moremi is also an ornithologist’s paradise, with almost every species of central-southern African bird represented. Our mobile camp is set on the edge of mopane forest in a lovely setting of secret pools and open grasslands. At night we gather around the campfire under a luminous canopy of stars, share stories, and enjoy the camaraderie of the safari experience.

Days 4-5
Okavango Delta / Xugana Lodge

We boat through gentle waterways to Xugana Lodge, overlooking a tranquil lagoon in a remote western corner of the Okavango Delta. Our explorations on foot, by motorboat, and aboard a mokoro (canoe) take us in search of an amazing array of birdlife and animals such as lechwe, bushbuck, and the shy sitatunga, a semi-aquatic antelope. Xugana Lodge welcomes us comfortably in its large reed-and-thatch chalets—and the sunsets here are out of this world!

Days 6-7
Moremi / Khwai River / Private Camp

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

Days 8-11
Chobe National Park / Private Camps

Unforgettable moments at Chobe include golden-red sunsets along the Chobe River, masses of elephants browsing in thick acacia woodlands, the sight 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.

Days 12-13
Livingstone / Victoria Falls

Our safari concludes at Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most magnificent natural wonders. The huge Zambezi River is more than a mile wide when it drops 300 feet into a sheer chasm to create its thundering cascade. Optional excursions include a relaxing sunset cruise on the Zambezi or the sightseeing “Flight of the Angels” over the falls. Depart on Day 13.

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

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.

Explanation of Trip Levels