lions okavango botswana safari

Lions in the Okavango, Botswana

We explore by mokoro (dugout canoe), floating peacefully through a labyrinth of creeks, islands, green walls of papyrus, and flooded meadows, and search for an amazing variety of wildlife.

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Botswana: Okavango Explorer

Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and Victoria Falls

Botswana: Okavango Explorer route-map
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Trip Details at-a-Glance

Cost From: $8695   see pricing
Length: 16 days
Arrive: Maun, Botswana
Depart: Livingstone, Zambia
Lodging: 9 nights private camps, 6 nights game lodges and hotels describe
Meals: All meals included except 2 lunches and 1 dinner
Activity: Safaris, Wildlife & Natural History
Trip Level: Gameviewing by 4WD vehicle, boat, and mokoro (canoe)
2 explain

Highlights

  • Eight full days exploring the famed Okavango Delta
  • Exciting game tracking by 4WD vehicle and boat in Chobe National Park
  • Victoria Falls, one of the wonders of the world


We had a fantastic trip. It was our first trip to Africa and when people ask what we saw in terms of wildlife, we tell them to ask us what we didn't see. The trip was so much more than we imagined.Jim and Carol B.—Kensington, MD

Choosing the Right Trip

We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
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References

We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.

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Departure Notes

Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.

Resources

Botswana’s diverse ecosystems are astounding, 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: Okavango Explorer is designed with extra time in the Okavango, exploring the papyrus-lined waterways of its farthest reaches during the best season for wildlife in the Delta. On this special safari, we overnight at a special lightweight camp for a true experience of the bush, and also have terrific gameviewing on the teeming grasslands of Chobe. We track game by 4WD vehicle, riverboat, and—a Botswana specialty—mokoro (dugout canoe), all in a breathtaking mix of Botswana’s most beautiful environments. No one else gets you this close to the action—and in such comfort!

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

Days 1-4
Okavango Delta / Moremi Game Reserve / Xakanaxa

We explore by 4WD and boat 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 5-7
Okavango / Xugana

By mokoro (dugout canoe), we float through a labyrinth of creeks and lagoons in search of crocodiles, hippos, swamp antelope, white-necked otters, and fantastic birdlife. Day 5 is in a very remote lightweight camp on the Maunachira River, with two nights at an atmospheric lodge overlooking Xugana Lagoon.

Days 8-9
Okavango / Khwai River Floodplain

Regular sightings of lion, leopard, and cheetah are one of the joys of Khwai Camp on the floodplain of the Khwai River.

Days 10-11
Chobe National Park / Savuti

Heading into the southern reaches of huge 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.

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

Optional Extensions

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

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 hotels and lodges. 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.

We spend one overnight in a simple lightweight camp that allows us access to very remote areas.  The camp consists of dome tents in which it is (just) possible to stand. The tents have bedrolls, thick foam sleeping pads, duvet, sheets, and pillows. There is a shared toilet tent. We enjoy our meals sitting around the fire as this lightweight camp has no dining tent.

Explanation of Trip Levels

 

Departures & Leaders

Jun 30-Jul 15, 2013  Stanley Dube
Jun 29-Jul 14, 2014

Trip Cost

Prices are for 2013
$8695 (8-10 members)
$9195 (4-7 members)
Single supplement: $1735
Forced single supplement: $1735
Internal airfare: $250 (subject to change)
Park fees: $270
more on pricing

Extension Costs
Johannesburg Extension
   from: $1695
Cape Town Extension
   from: $1895
Cape Winelands Extension
   from: $1395
Sossusvlei Dunes Extension
   from: $5195

Trip Cost Includes:

  • Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
  • Accommodations, based on double occupancy
  • All meals included except 2 lunches and 1 dinner
  • Safari camp staff
  • Chobe River sunset cruise
  • Land and boat transportation, airport transfers as noted in the Full Trip Brochure

Trip Cost Does Not Include:

International airfare to/from Africa; flight from Johannesburg to Maun and Victoria Falls to Johannesburg; internal charter flights; any meals not specified after each itinerary day in the Full Trip Brochure; airport departure taxes; optional excursions at Victoria Falls; optional gratuities to leaders or staff; additional hotel nights necessary due to airline schedule changes or other factors; pre-trip expenses of medical immunizations (if any); travel insurance, passports and visas; and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).

Trip Payment Schedule

At time of reservation: $500
120 days prior to departure: 20%
60 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule

Minimum fee: None
46-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost
45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

Royal Tree Lodge

Royal Tree Lodge

Day 1 (1 night), Maun, Botswana

Royal Tree Lodge, set on a game farm outside Maun, features seven spacious, tastefully furnished tents on raised decks, complete with en suite ...
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Botswana—Okavango Explorer—Mobile Safari Camping

Botswana—Okavango Explorer—Mobile Safari Camping

Days 2 to 4 (3 nights), Moremi Game Reserve,
Day 5 (1 night), Maunachira River, Okavango Delta,
Days 8 to 9 (2 nights), Khwai River Floodplain,
Days 10 to 11 (2 nights), Savuti Channel, Chobe National Park,
Days 12 to 13 (2 nights), Serondella, Chobe National Park, Botswana

Our private campsites offer relaxing solitude and an authentic bush atmosphere while still maintaining a great deal of comfort. We sleep in walk-in ...
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Xugana Island Lodge

Xugana Island Lodge

Days 6 to 7 (2 nights), Okavango Delta, Okavango Delta, Botswana

Set deep in the heart of the Okavango Delta on the edge of a lovely lagoon, Xugana is the perfect base for exploring Okavango’s ...
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Royal Livingstone Hotel

Royal Livingstone Hotel

Days 14 to 15 (2 nights), Victoria Falls, Zambia

The Royal Livingstone has a location that simply can’t be beat—just a 10-minute walk from mighty Victoria Falls, one of the ...
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Extension Accommodations

If you would like to view the accommodations offered with our extensions options:

Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Stanley Dube

Stanley Dube was born and raised in Zimbabwe on the edge of Hwange National Park, where his natural affinity for the wildlife began at an early age. After attending Gwanda Teachers College in 1985, he taught African languages and history in Bulawayo until 1995. He then began his apprentice guide training in Zimbabwe’s Matusadona National Park, passing his full Zimbabwe Guides Licence in 1998. He later moved to Botswana to further his career in guiding, attaining his Botswana Guides Licence in 2004. Since then, Stanley has been guiding for us throughout northern Botswana. He is a keen birder and speaks fluent English, Ndebele, and Tswana.

Upcoming Trips:

Botswana Wildlife Safari, May 26-June 7, 2013
Botswana Wildlife Safari, June 16-28, 2013
Botswana: Okavango Explorer, June 30-July 15, 2013
Botswana Wildlife Safari, July 21-August 2, 2013
Botswana Wildlife Safari, August 4-16, 2013
Botswana Wildlife Safari, August 25-September 6, 2013
Botswana Wildlife Safari, September 8-20, 2013

Client Testimonials:


Not only was Stanley experienced and professional, he was also fun. He and the rest of the crew were absolutely wonderful. They each deserve a box of gold stars! Martha S., Carlsbad NM Stanley was the best in every way. We enjoyed his company always. He told great stories and I felt totally safe with Stanley in charge. Jane H., Carlsbad NM Stanley is the “heart and soul” of an Africa safari. I was forever changed and touched by his knowledge, love, and enthusiasm for the African wilderness. Abbe E., Ann Arbor, MI Stanley was adept at locating the animals and also a pleasure to be with. Colleen C., Berkeley CA Stanley is a great leader! He is very accommodating, and he always went out of his way to make sure everyone was happy. Joan V., Virginia Beach VA Stanley has outstanding leadership skills and experience but, most importantly, he is a fine human being. Wayne N., Las Vegas, NV Stanley was an excellent travel guide—good at tracking, always concerned about our welfare, and a good storyteller at campfire! Cheryl B., San Francisco, CA We were both very pleased with his knowledge of the areas visited. He was extremely concerned about the environment. Herbert and Franziska B., Ottawa, Canada
Botswana Wildlife Safari A great guide and a great teacher. Stanley’s knowledge of animal behavior and of Botswana is exceptional. Scott B., Brownsburg, IN
Botswana Wildlife Safari Stanley was great. He handled the group very well and knew everything about the area. Rob D., Minneapolis MN
Bostswana Wildlife Safari Wonderful guide! He taught us so much, and he was extremely thoughtful, patient, and fun to travel with. He made it an outstanding experience. Thank you! Margaret K., San Francisco, CA
Botswana: Okavango Explorer Stanley is an incredibly competent and knowledgeable leader and well versed not only in wildlife but also history, ecology, hydrology, geology, politics—he is the total package! And, a great sense of humor! Lee M., Cambridge, MA
Botswana: Okavango Explorer Stanley is a terrific guide: calm, helpful, caring, and an expert in the region, the mammals, and the birds. One of the best guides ever. Peter W., Berkeley, CA
Botswana: Okavango Explorer Very knowledgeable, professional, patient, sociable, and a good communicator. Ann C., Portland, OR
Botswana Wildlife Safari Stanley was terrific, helpful, cheerful, and attentive to all our needs and questions. His preparation of background history and other details was wonderful. Valerie M., Mill Valley, CA
Botswana Wildlife Safari
Stanley was an amazing guide. His expansive knowledge of the areas visited and wildlife was a fantastic plus for all of us and we enjoyed his enthusiasm for guiding and teaching. Julie D., North Salem, NY
Botswana Wildlife Safari Stanley is so knowledgable, a lovely individual who guided us every step of the way and was as excited as we were each day. Paula E., W. Newton, MA
Botswana Wildlife Safari Among all the very, very impressive guides we have had on our Wilderness Travel trips, Stanley tops the list. He was knowledgeable, professional, friendly, skilled, had a great way with people and a great sense of humor, and was a great storyteller. Really very impressive. Susan F., Seattle, WA
Botswana Wildlife Safari Stanley is an amazing individual and we felt honored to be part of his trip. We would go anywhere with him! Lynn & Kellan H., Palo Alto, CA
Botswana Wildlife Safari Stanley was fantastic. He knew all the birds and the plants as well as the large mammals, and answered our gazillion questions with incredible patience. Then there was the night when we were sitting around the fire and he HEARD a leopard enter the camp. Awesome! Karen and John P., Castro Valley, CA Stanley was an amazing guide. His combination of knowledge, disposition, and general passion for the animals and parks made it a trip of a lifetime. Brad G., San Francisco, CA
Botswana Wildlife Safari We travel extensively—and Stanley was the best guide/trip leader we have had the pleasure to be with. In addition to his extraordinary knowledge and quiet and open manner, his continual attention to our comfort and safety were exceptional. John M., Alexandria, VA
Botswana Wildlife Safari Stanley was awesome! He had a way of relating to each of us in a way that made us feel that we were his 'favorite' group. Very patient, kind, and generous. Betsy S., Hamilton, MT
Botswana Wildlife Safari Stanley has patience, quiet confidence, knowledge of area, and ability to share information with humor and organization. Holly M., Hopkinton, MA
Botswana: Okavango Explorer Stanley was the best! His incredible knowledge of the natural world of Botswana and his incredible patience with all of us was beyond amazing! Susie S., Lafayette, CA
Botswana Wildlife Safari

Optional Extensions

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

Namibia

namibia sossusvlei sand dunes

Sossusvlei Dunes Extension

Explore a Legendary Landscape from a Beautiful Wilderness Lodge

Walking, Safaris, Wildlife & Natural History
4 days  -  Level 2

South Africa

cape town table mountain south africa

Cape Town Extension

Africa’s Most Romantic City

Cultural Adventures, Walking
4 days  -  Level 2

south africa vineyards winelands

Cape Winelands Extension

Explore South Africa’s Celebrated Wine Country

Cultural Adventures
3 days  -  Level 1

johannesburg city skyline south africa

Johannesburg Extension

Cradle of Humankind, Soweto & the Apartheid Museum

Archaeology, Cultural Adventures
3 days  -  Level 1

Client Comments

We had a fantastic trip. It was our first trip to Africa and when people ask what we saw in terms of wildlife, we tell them to ask us what we didn't see. The trip was so much more than we imagined. Jim and Carol B., Kensington, MD How do you improve on perfection? Chris L., Daly City, CA
This was the trip of a lifetime. Every day was an unparalleled adventure, expertly arranged and professionally guided. The Okavango Delta is an amazing miracle of water in an otherwise arid landscapemdash;a true miracle of the natural world. We saw so many exquisite birds and hundreds of animals. The lodges and hotel were gorgeous and the mobile tent camping felt like a real safari. We traveled by 4-wheel-drive jeep, boats, and bush airplanes taking off from airstrips that were little more than a strip of grass traversed by impala and elephant. The people, the land, and the animals of Botswana came alive for us and will live in our memories and in our hearts for all our days. Eva D., Makawao, HI