water safari botswana

Exclusive Okavango Land & Water Safari: Jewel of Botswana

Customers rate Zicasso's travel referral service  5  on a scale of 1 to 5 based on  1540  reviews on Trustpilot

We match you with top tour companies that specialize in the trip you want,  whether it's a customized private tour or a group tour.

• Trip Overview

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Request a Quote

Countries Visited

Places visited, suggested duration.

You will find the true jewel of a Botswana safari on your 9-day Okavango Delta tour over the land and water. Your exclusive luxury safari will take you on guided excursions through the canals lined with towering reeds and over captivating emerald grasslands. You can discover wildlife grazing by the waterside and bask in luxury accommodations set beneath the stars for an unparalleled experience on your Botswana safari.

Customizable Itinerary

Shakawe - welcome to botswana.

Shakawe is a serene paradise on the banks of the Okavango River. The crystal clear waters create an exquisite setting coupled with a luxury lodge overlooking the tranquil riverbanks, the expanse of papyrus, and the small channel filled with exotic birdlife. Your charter flight will land at the Shakawe landing strip, where your guide will meet you upon arrival. Your room will feel tucked away amid the shady ravine forest where you will have a private deck that looks out over a small channel. The music of the Botswana wilderness will become your soundtrack as the water rushes nearby and the birdlife calls out at sunset. At dinner, you will enjoy the aromas of delicious dishes as the music of the Okavango River surges after dark. The dining area, lounges, and deck will all offer magnificent views to the water as you spend the evening relaxing in the secluded ambiance of the luxury lodge.

What's Included:

Okavango River - Boat Cruise on the Okavango River

After breakfast, you will board a luxury boat with your specialist guide to cruise downstream at a leisurely pace. The waters will open to views of the riverbanks and the surrounding grasslands that support a variety of captivating wildlife. You can listen to the sounds of the water brushing against the tall grass as you look for hippos, crocodiles, and birds hiding in the brush. Your guide will have an incredible eye for spotting wildlife, finding lively birds such as the slaty egret and the Malachite kingfisher. You could also spot elephants who arrive at the riverbanks eager for a drink. Your guide will bring fishing equipment, which will give you the chance to cast a line in search of the local favorite tigerfish. At lunch, you will stop on a river island to enjoy a gourmet picnic before you arrive at a luxury-tented camp. You can listen to the sounds of the river as you indulge in an elegant dinner cooked by your private chef.

Okavango Delta - Game Viewing, Photography, and Fishing in the Okavango

You will wake before sunrise to venture out onto the majestic channels of the Okavango Delta. The calls of the wild are vibrant near sun-up when predators return from the evening hunt, and other wildlife wakes after a restful evening. As you traverse the waterways, you will keep an eye open for giraffe and zebra, wildebeest, and Cape buffalo. Large herds of red lechwe typically graze on the grassy wetlands with the regal horns of the males featuring long, sophisticated spirals. You might also hear the yips and lively barks of the wild dog, who are often visible when returning to their den. You will arrive at your next safari camp for lunch and relax before taking a guided safari walk along the edges of the Delta. Your specialist guide will highlight the more intimate details of the African wilderness as you look out for lion tracks, discover bird feathers, or find an elephant herd dipping its feet into the delta to cool down.

Okavango Delta - Explore More of the Okavango River

You can tailor your tour to a specific interest, such as photography, birding, or fishing as you cruise down the waters for more water-based game viewing. The birdlife will remain active as you pass by, revealing marvelous colors and vibrant sounds. With over 400 different recorded bird species along the Delta, you might spot an African fish eagle and an African green pigeon. As you glide down the river, you might find red-billed oxpeckers swooping low over the water or saddle-billed stork foraging on the marsh. Jacana could also be seen walking on floating vegetation in search of insects. Your secluded location will ensure marvelous wildlife viewing and impressive immersion in the untouched scenery. You will return to your campsite for lunch, where you will then have the choice of another walking safari or boarding the boat for an afternoon game drive on the water.

Moremi Game Reserve - Boat Cruise to Chief’s Island

After breakfast, you will board a boat bound for Chief’s Island in the exclusive Moremi Game Reserve. Pristine wilderness supports abundant wildlife as you settle into refinement, comfort, and relaxation at a spectacular luxury camp focused on personal service in the extraordinary setting. You will find a sanctuary both for you and the wildlife experienced through exceptional viewing and enthusiastic expert guides. After lunch, you will have your first game drive in the Moremi Game Reserve, which covers one-third of the Okavango Delta region. Reeds fringe the water and grasslands spread from the banks to touch light woodlands. Your guide will take you out onto the plains in search of roaming lions or the region’s thousands of antelope, zebra, and buffalo. Your inspiring game drive will end with a classic sundowner cocktail accompanied by canapés at a spot selected for its combined views of wildlife and the sunset.

Moremi Game Reserve - Revel in Game Drives and Mokoro

You will begin your day with a morning safari that will take you into the depths of the Moremi Game Reserve before sunrise. Your professional guide will show you the bush from a different perspective that allows you to get up close and personal with the local ecosystem. Listen closely and you might hear the shrill call of the African fish eagle as it flies near its nest or the laughing sound of hyenas returning from their nightly hunt. Also keep watch for the dangling tails of leopards that lounge in the trees as you explore the reserve before lunch. In the afternoon, you will board a traditional poled mokoro to travel the narrow Delta channels. You can relax as the canoe glides effortlessly through lily ponds and let your eyes take in the gentle side of nature. The charming scenery will have a peaceful ambiance as you once again listen for eagles, frogs, and the wildlife that surrounds you.

Okavango Delta - Cruise to Okavango Delta Camp

After breakfast, your guide will escort you to a corner of the Okavango Delta to reach the wilderness retreat of your next property. You will find shading ebony trees and towering sausage trees standing upwards of 40 feet tall. You might see giraffes grazing on the tree branches and views from your accommodation often result in sightings of animals wandering through the savannah. You can indulge in an afternoon snack before your first safari activity. You choose between a walking safari, game drive, or mokoro excursion. On a mokoro excursion, you can once again wade through the narrow channels in search of sunbathing crocodiles or buffalo lapping up the water. The tranquil waters, rustling grass, and gentle pace of a mokoro safari will offer you a perfect introduction to the serene setting.

Okavango Delta - Meet the Local Elephants

After breakfast, you will have the unique experience of meeting rescued elephants who live in the expansive elephant habitat. They have plenty of space to explore their natural habitat and interact with the wildlife in their natural setting. You will savor the rare opportunity of visiting the wild elephants as you watch them forage, wallow in the mud, and stroll through the wilderness in their natural ecosystem. Your guide will offer information on the elephants you meet, as well as insight into the lives of elephants across the Okavango Delta with emphasis on their important role in the local ecology. In the late morning, you will have an exclusive brunch in the bush where you can enjoy gourmet food in inspiring nature. You can relax in the afternoon at your leisure before your evening game drive. The private sanctuary keeps crowds small, which gives you a more immersive experience as you search for leopards or hyenas as the sun starts to set.

Maun - Depart for Home

You will wake before sunrise once more to have your last safari excursion. As the sunlight peeks over the horizon, you will look out for elephants wandering along the edges of the floodplains or lions lounging in the shade of a tall tree. You will then return to the lodge for breakfast. You will share your favorite experiences before you travel with your transfer back to Maun. You will board your flight bound for Johannesburg and continue home. You can always extend your African safari with time in Chobe National Park and a visit to Victoria Falls.

Trip Highlights

• Experience a truly unique excursion of a morning walk with a protected elephant herd in a private concession along the Okavango Delta
• Delight in exceptional game drives led by specialist guides knowledgeable in the local wildlife, wilderness, and regional ecological history
• Discover wildlife from the distinctive perspective of a traditional dugout canoe known as a mokoro that allows you to travel the narrow channels of the Okavango Delta
• Enjoy the fascinating diversity of the Okavango Delta with specialized safaris focusing on birding, photography, or fishing
• Bask in a more intimate wildlife experience on a walking safari where you can search for animal tracks, bird feathers, or other signs of active wildlife
• Indulge in the comforts of luxury tented safari camps for secluded islands around the Okavango Delta for special views of the local wildlife
• Witness the spectacular game viewing and luxurious accommodations on Chief’s Island with possible sightings of cheetah, lion, leopard, and elephants
• Relax with effortless transfers into the wilderness with fly-in luxury safari experiences to the northern Okavango Delta region

Starting Price

$12,865  per person (excluding international flights)

What's Included

• Accommodations
• In-country transportation
• Some or all activities and tours
• Expert trip planning
• 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

Reviews of this Travel Agency

4.86 stars based on 21 reviews.

Reviewed By  Lisa K.

Reviewed By  Alan M.

Reviewed By  Carey V.

Reviewed By  Jessica C.

Reviewed By  Danielle B.

Reviewed By  sam z.

Expert Tips for Discerning Travelers

Your Dream Vacation

in 3 simple steps

Describe your dream trip

Get matched with top travel specialists

Book the trip

Help Me Plan My Trip

Free service - no credit card required

• The Okavango
• Find A Safari
• Accommodation

Botswana Explorers Safari

Picture perfect landscapes, fantastic game viewing and quintessential water safari activities all come together in this excellent itinerary. Staying in intimate, authentic and charming camps and enjoying a host of activities, this itinerary offers a beautifully balanced safari experience. Over 8 nights you explore three different areas, the exclusive Selinda Private Reserve, the famous Duba private concession and the deep waters of the Okavango. The incredible game viewing of the Selinda and Duba reserves has featured in a number of Nat Geo documentaries and these camps were created by their filmmakers. The safari ends at on an idyllic little island deep in the Delta, a chance to slow the safari down and enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of the Okavango.

This 8 night itinerary begins with 3 nights at Selinda Explorers Camp on the private Selinda Reserve followed by 3 nights at Duba Explorers Camp, on a private concession in the Okavango Delta, ending with 2 nights at a classic water camp in the heart of the Okavango. Importantly, Setari offers water activities year round due to the deep water channels surrounding it. The perfect peaceful end to an exciting Botswana safari. All three camps have a great sense of place, a down to earth warm and welcoming atmosphere and plenty of character.

Selinda and Duba are beautiful and game rich areas – famously captured in a series of stunning and award winning Nat Geo documentaries by the founders- Beverly and Derek Joubert. The explorer camps here perfectly capture the sense of adventure which is innate to safari and they are styled to blend in perfectly to their surroundings. Being based on private reserves allows greater flexibility on activities. As well as game drives and boating, walking safaris are possible and off-roading is also permitted, which allows for more effective tracking and close up sightings. Night drives are also permitted.

The Selinda reserve is vast, beautiful and rich in wildlife. And yet one of the least visited areas, a hidden gem known mostly to keen safari goers and those attracted by some of the most famous luxury camps. This is 320k acre reserve is shared by just 3 camps, making it an incredibly exclusive safari experience. The north-eastern corners of the reserve are some of the most beautiful in Botswana, lovely grass plains are dotted with palm tree islands and fringed with tall forests. The reserve is named after the Selinda Spillway, an ephemeral channel which occasionally connects the Linyanti and Okavango delta areas in times of high flood. The game viewing is especially exciting in the dry season, when plains game are plentiful and predator sightings frequent. Lion, leopard and hyena are commonly seen here. Activities include day and night drives, guided walks are also very much part of the experience here.

Moving to the north west Okavango, to the private Duba Concession, an extremely scenic and game lively corner of the Okavango. Picture perfect Okavango scenery with tall palm trees, lush waterways and open grass plains make a stunning backdrop to some of the Okavango’s best game viewing.

This area is famous for the lion and buffalo interactions, beautifully captured in a series of Nat geo films – most notable ‘Relentless Enemies’ . Unusually, the lions here often hunt during the day, taking on the mighty buffalo herds delivering exciting game viewing. Over the years the dynamics of the pride have changed and these sightings are less frequent. This is no bad thing, the less dominating lion numbers have allowed other predators in and now leopard are frequently seen, and wild dog too. As the flood waters arrive and islands form across the concession it is not uncommon to see lions swimming between the higher grounds – a true Okavango safari sighting!

The itinerary ends at Setari camp – a quintessential Okavango water camp which allows for a change of gear. Importantly, Setari is able to offer year round water activities due to its excellent location at the base of the panhandle. This is a slower safari, where the boating, mokoro and walking activities on offer do not need a crack of dawn wake up call. This is a chance to reveal in the peaceful beauty of the Okavango for a final few days before returning home.

A fantastic safari for those safari purists for whom luxury is measured by the game viewing, the location, the lack of crowds and the guiding – in this sense, a classic luxury safari awaits.

Various offers are available throughout the year for this itinerary, please speak to us for the latest information.

Day 1 - Selinda Explorers Camp

On arrival in Maun, Botswana you will be met by a representative and assisted onto your light charter flight to Selinda, a flight of about 45 minutes. Your guide will be waiting on arrival and will transfer your to camp, a game drive of about 45 minutes.

A warm Botswana welcome awaits at this small little camp. With just 4 tents this is one of the smallest camps in Botswana, and one of the friendliest. Although mobile in appearance, this is a permanent camp which captures the spirit of the old safari expeditions. The tents are all set on the ground, and simply but elegantly decorated with antique furnishings from the East adding splashes of colour and comfort. The en-suite bathrooms are canvas walled but open air with proper flush toilets and hot bucket showers with plenty of water.

Having been introduced to the camp and team you will settle into your new Botswana home before sitting down with your guide for some light refreshments and an introduction to the area and activities on offer. You will have the chance to set off on your first activity or you may prefer to relax in camp after your long journey. Selinda Explorers offers game drives and bush walks which your guide will discuss with you and plan into your stay to ensure you make the most of your time here.

You may prefer to relax in camp after your journey, perhaps the game drive into camp delivered plenty for now. So feel free to relax on the sofa, or swing in the hammock. Alternatively, set off on your first activity in the late afternoon, a chance to explore the Selinda reserve and soak up the spectacular sunsets enjoyed in this part of the world. As the sun begins to set your guide will stopping in a scenic spot and with drinks in hand you will toast the setting sun.

As you return the camp is twinkling with lanterns and a welcoming fire. Dinner awaits followed by your first night in the Botswana wilderness

Day 2 and 3 - Selinda Explorers Camp

The day begins with a wakeup call before sunrise followed by a light breakfast before setting out as the sunrises for your first activity. Your drives will usually last around 4 hours with a coffee break and snack half way through. Returning around mid-morning for a hearty brunch you will then have time to relax in camp during the heat of the day before embarking on your afternoon activity.

Every day is different on safari here and you will have planned your activities with your guide the day before, enjoying a mix of the various activities on offer.

Game drives allow you to explore deeper into the vast Selinda Reserve and approach and photograph the more dangerous predators such as the lion, leopard and hyena. Wild dog can also be seen here. Keen an eye out for the various plains game found here, work your way through your checklist. These vary with the habitats – in the more wooded areas look out for the beautiful kudu browsing the lower leaves, on the plains the usual suspects include zebra and wildebeest while the wetlands are home to red lechwe and reedbuck. And so much more!

Guided bush walks offer insight into this wild corner of Botswana, this is a dynamic area of the country, the Selinda Spillway is the main artery of this reserve attracting animals to its banks when it flows. An ever changing environment which your guide will bring to life with fascinating facts and stories on these walks. A chance to share his knowledge of the flora, fauna and wildlife as you track animals and learn about the smaller but important aspects of this area.

Day 4 - Duba Explorers Camp

This morning you will enjoy one last activity at Selinda (or perhaps enjoy a lie-in) before bidding farewell to the team and flying to the Okavango. Your flight to Duba will take approximately 40 minutes. This is a beautiful flight as you fly east to west, over the Selinda spillway and across the western reaches of the Okavango into the northern corner of the Okavango. The Okavango is spectacular from above- keep a look out for the larger animals which you can view from the aircraft, elephant, hippo, giraffe, buffalo and much more can be seen on this flight.

Your guide will be waiting on arrival to transfer you to camp, a game drive of about 40 minutes.

Duba Explorers has a more permanent feel than Selinda Explorers – though it maintains the same expedition style and atmosphere. The tents are larger here and the bathroom more substantial with a normal indoor shower. Due to the nature of the floods here the tents are set on slightly raised decks which afford beautiful views. Again the décor invokes the spirit of the original safaris of the 1920s together with all the modern comforts.

Activities include morning, afternoon and night drives as well as guided bush walks. Boating safaris and mokoro rides are also offered when water levels permit.

Having met the team you will have a chance to settle into your room and relax a little in your new Okavango home. Later that afternoon you will set off on your first afternoon activity, as discussed with your guide, who will chat about your particular interests and plan your activities for the following days.

Setting off for your first activity that afternoon you will begin to explore the concession, enjoying a drink from a scenic spot as the sun sets.

Day 5 and 6 - Duba Explorers Camp

By now you will be familiar with the early morning wake up call, though perhaps it may not be getting any easier! After a light breakfast you set off on your morning activity returning for brunch around mid-morning followed by the siesta time, when you have a chance to relax in camp before departing on your afternoon activity.

The safari schedule continues for the next three days as before, with an early morning and late afternoon activity. The magic of safari is that every day is different, with fresh experiences and sightings no drive is ever the same. and this will be affirmed by your guide. You will have the next three days to explore the necklace of palm-dotted islands, shimmering flood plains and forest of this 33,000 hectare private reserve.

Game drives – morning, afternoon and evening drives are offered here. Being a private concession means off-roading is permitted and allows for more efficient tracking and closer sightings. 4x4 game drives are certainly the most efficient way to explore this vast area and to see the most animals. Game drives in this area stand out in particular for the regular water crossings which are necessary when the flood waters arrive (May-August). The specially designed vehicles drive through high waters over a metre deep, with water gushing into the footwells and sometimes over the bonnet- always an exciting moment! Animals are often seen swimming between island here too.

Boating through the Okavango, when water levels permit, is a very different and special safari experience. While the sightings are not as dramatic as the game drives the eco-systems here are certainly rich in life and very beautiful and offer a more complete insight into the Okavango wetland wilderness. Sunsets on the water, often reflecting a kaleidoscope of colour, are often a highlight.

Mokoro excursions are one of the most peaceful safari activities – gliding gentle through the shallow waters of the Okavango floodplains, between the pink, white and blue lilies of the which pepper the waters here. This is a chance to focus on the smaller wonders of the Okavango – the flora, the fauna and the culture of the river bushman who have made this wet wilderness their home for centuries. Your mokoro poler will offer interesting insight to all this and more.

Helicopter flights are particularly beautiful in this area of the Okavango and can be arranged at an additional cost.

In between activities you will have some time to yourselves to enjoy this wonderful camp and the stunning setting. Relax on your spacious private deck and watch the animals come and go from camp, enjoying the quiet sounds of the Okavango.

Day 7 - Setari Camp

This morning you will enjoy one last activity at Duba before moving further into the heart of the delta where the deep waters of the Okavango flow. This is a short flight west. On landing you will be met by your guide and take a 1 hour boat safari to camp. During high flood the transfer may be by boat.

Setari Camp is a delightful camp set on a little island surrounded by palm trees and lagoons at the base of the Okavango panhandle. This is where the alluvial fan of the Okavango Delta begins to spread out. The camp itself is structured like a huge treehouse with raised walkways connecting the tents and main areas creating a very special atmosphere. The camp is well equipped with a swimming pool and gym and plenty of inviting areas to relax with a good book.

Having settled into your room and explored the camp you will enjoy lunch and some time to relax before setting off on your first afternoon activity.

Activities include boating safaris, mokoro excursions, catch and release fishing and bush walks. Village visits can also be arranged for those interested in understanding more of local life in the Okavango. Walking safaris are conducted by professional guides, armed with a rifle, on the islands in the south of the concession.

Day 8 - Setari Camp

Your final full day in the Okavango – a chance to explore the lively waterways and small islands which dot the landscape here. A number of half or full day experiences are on offer here depending on your interest – take to the waters by boat or mokoro, and perhaps a guided walk too.

Between activities relax in camp – on your private deck, by the pool or lounge or work up an appetite at the gym!

There could be no finer ending to your Okavango safari than toasting your final African sunset from a boat on the lagoon – the waters reflecting the stunning colours of the skies. You final toast to the sunset, ‘Pula!’ as they say in Botswana.

Day 9 - End of Safari

Today you bid farewell to the Okavango and the team at Duba. The time for your flight to Maun will be finalised the day before and your guide will advise you what time you will be leaving camp. The flight will always be schedule to connect with any onward travel arrangements. Depending on the time of departure, as discussed with your guide, you will enjoy on final morning activity and brunch before bidding farewell to the Okavango. This morning activity will likely be shorter than usual due to your travel to Maun.

The flight to Maun will take approximately 30 minutes, depending on stops along the way. On arrival a representative will meet you to ensure you connect to your onward travel arrangements.

For those interested in visiting Victoria Falls flight to Kasane can be arranged. Please speak to us for more information.

Selinda Explorers Camp

Duba explorers camp, setari camp.

Water Level

Book This Safari

At Okavango Delta Explorations we specialise in crafting safaris to this unique ecosystem.

Get in touch to begin your Okavango Delta Exploration

Extensions to this safari

Tongabezi is a much loved haven of peace on the banks of the Zambezi River in Zambia. This owner-run boutique hotel has plenty of character and impressive attention to detail. It is a very special spot and has a welcomed many returning visitors over the years. A fantastic range of activities are available or simply savour the tranquil hours taking in the sights and sounds of the mighty Zambezi River from your luxurious room.

Cape View Clifton

On the slopes of Lion’s Head with breathtaking mountain and ocean views, lies the exquisite Cape View Clifton Beach Hotel. Stylish, sophisticated and service of a top notch standard from one of the most exclusive addresses in Cape Town, this is a fantastic hotel. Full concierge service, fine dining restaurants and splendid beaches are within easy reach - a combination of true luxury and convenience. Great for couple and families alike.

• Duration 8 Nights
• Rates Jan 2024 USD 8,767 Feb 2024 USD 8,767 Mar 2024 USD 8,767 Apr 2024 USD 10,995 May 2024 USD 10,995 Jun 2024 USD 14,835 Jul 2024 USD 15,341 Aug 2024 USD 15,341 Sep 2024 USD 15,341 Oct 2024 USD 14,835 Nov 2024 USD 10,995 Dec 2024 USD 10,995

Featured Properties

Selinda Explorers Camp is a delightful little camp, perfect for travellers looking for a genuine “old world” safari in simple but elegant style. Unpretentious yet refined, this camp of just 4 tents offers a special safari experience with a focus on walking and 4x4 drives. The camp lies on the Selinda Spillway, embracing the natural riverine forest, in the heart of the vast and varied 130,000 hectare Selinda reserve. A truly remote and peaceful safari.

Duba Explorers Camp is a charming camp situated within the quintessentially scenic Okavango landscapes of the private Kwedi Reserve. Surrounded by the undisturbed wilds of a 33,000 hectare private concession this camp is perfect for wildlife connoisseurs who enjoy the elegant but unobtrusive style of the original 1920’s safari. Superb game viewing with morning, afternoon and evening drives, as well as boating when water levels permit, this great little camp offers a classic Okavango experience.

The delightful Setari Camp (meaning ‘tree’ in Setswana) offers a quintessential Okavango water safari year round. A network of treehouses with breath-taking views over the sparkling, clear Delta waters, your safari at Setari will be an exclusively water based experience. A visit to the heronry provides spectacular birdlife and Setari is well placed for a glimpse of the elusive sitatunga antelope and the rare Pel’s fishing owl. Catch and release fishing is available in-season.

Experience the Okavango Delta

Contact us for more information and to start planning your Okavango safari

Our Safaris

Set departures, guest comments, okavango river safaris, classic tented safari, classic tent safari, okavango river safaris.

The best way to experience the Okavango Delta , Botswana’s spectacular wetland wilderness, is by boat. Okavango River Safaris traverses the length of the Okavango Delta in comfortable custom-designed game viewing boats. Our privately guided boat safaris in the Okavango Delta are a nostalgic but classic way of exploring Africa’s wilderness where our team set up comfortable luxury tented camps on private secluded and remote islands.

Our all-inclusive classic tented safaris are tailor made for private groups or set date departure safaris suitable for single travellers and couples. Activities include: an Okavango Delta experience, game viewing, bird watching, photography, boating, game walks, dugout canoeing, scenic helicopter excursions and fine dining.

• Fully inclusive Okavango Delta tailor made safari for private groups at any available dates
• Set Date Departure safaris for those who would like to join a group
• Land based mobile tented safari using open game drive vehicles during the summer months

The best time of the year for boat safaris in the Okavango Delta is in the winter months between May and October.

The Okavango Delta is one of the world’s largest inland water systems (16 000 square kilometres). From Maun we explore the diversity of the Okavango Delta all the way through to Moremi Game Reserve , western Chiefs Island and beyond (Map) .

With many years of experience in exploring the Okavango Delta’s maze of channels, we are able to guide you through one of the last remaining wilderness areas in comfort and style.

DOWNLOAD BROCHURE                               DOWNLOAD ITINERARY

For options and rates on our boat safaris in the Okavango Delta,  please contact us

On our boat safaris in the Okavango Delta you will be guaranteed of luxury in the bush. Our camps have a full complement of staff including a chef, waiters, tent services and private guides. Meals are prepared according to the highest standards and your dietary requirements. You will always have a selection of soft drinks, fine wines, spirits, and mineral water at hand, and our fridges on board guarantee cold drinks and ice. Our river guides have over 25 years of guiding experience in the Okavango Delta and its waterways with extensive knowledge of this unique environment.

Our boat safari season runs from May thought to October when the flood waters are high in the Okavango Delta. The rainy season is in our summer months and the water takes some months to reach the Okavango Delta from the highlands of Angola . The best time for game viewing in the Okavango is also from May to October, as the animal life is concentrated along the flooded areas and the vegetation in the surrounding area has dried out. The best time for birding is from August when the migrant bird populations are returning.

During our boat safaris in the Okavango Delta, most of the day is spent exploring and drifting while game watching and birding or just relaxing onboard taking in the magnificent palm-framed views of the Okavango. Each days experience offers very different scenery and natural diversity.

As the sun makes its way to the western horizon, you will arrive at your overnight camp. Our exclusive luxury tented camps are set up on un-fenced remote islands in the Okavango Delta shared only with wildlife that roams freely. We operated in secluded parts of the Okavango where you will very rarely encounter any other tourists.

No African experience is complete without a refreshing sun downer cruise followed by a fine dining experience in our dining tent and evenings are spent around the campfire gazing at stars reliving the day’s experiences in the Okavango Delta.

Travelling on these remote waterways offers unique and special encounters with a variety of wild animals. Your safety is paramount to us, therefore we take all possible precautions to avoid dangerous situations. A certain amount of physical agility is required as you will need to board and disembark boats in natural wetland areas, we will however assist if necessary. Our boats are fitted with sun protection as well as environmentally friendly and quiet running modern outboard motors.

S cheduled departure safaris suitable for single travellers or couples that would like to join a group.

We have a maximum of 12 people on safari . Our set date departure safaris include a night before and after in a lodge in Maun.

2024 Scheduled Departures

16 to 22 June 2024 – (5 days 4 nights on safari on the Okavango Delta ) F ully Booked

14 to 20 July 2024 – (5 days 4 nights on safari on the Okavango Delta ) Book Now

11 to 17 August 2024 – (5 days 4 nights on safari on the Okavango Delta ) Book Now

For a private tailor made group safari, at dates of your choice, please contact us for available dates .

Go Magazine Article – May 2015

Honorable Alexander P. Bicket – Pittsburgh USA

We all arrived back safely in the US after an absolutely wonderful safari with you and your team last week. I just wanted to thank you for making our 5 days in Botswana so special and memorable. Susan, Ian, August, Justine and I cannot thank you enough for your hard work, hospitality and graciousness that went into making this safari the awesome time that it was. Please pass on our sincere thanks to BK, NT, Jackie, Wilfred and the rest of your team that made us feel so comfortable and at home. They all worked so hard with you to give us an amazing experience.

Jane, Terry, Charles & Teddy Endsor – London UK

I am writing to say a huge, thank you, for our wonderful time with you and your team in Okavango Delta. It exceeded all expectations and on every level, it was very special. We really enjoyed our time with you. The walks, game drives, animals, birds, food etc. etc. Thank you very very much. We very much hope that we will meet up again.

Teddy wrote. I can’t thank you enough for the most memorable days in Botswana. I am still digesting all the wonderful memories and how lucky we were to be in your very knowledgeable and safe hands. It was so special to get to know you and the team a bit as well, it made the whole experience a once in a lifetime. Everything and everyone felt very connected.

Ravindra and Kavita – India

It has been a month since we returned from the lovely trip to Botswana. Not a day has passed by when we did not relive the memories of the Bush. The idea of going to Botswana was a novel one and there were a lot of question marks along the way. We write this to thank you for your unstinting support all through the journey. We had the most fabulous of times, with an amazing scenery, wonderful bird and animal sightings and of course, the awesome bush camping experience. The love and care of the crew Jackie, David and Gabriel was humbling and the food was just delicious. I am finding it hard to describe every experience in nothing but the superlatives, as not even the superlatives come close to what we felt. It is a deeply nurturing experience that now lives on in our hearts. The wonderful people who made it possible deserve all the thanks we can offer.

We had a special meal preference and not once did we feel an inconvenience because of it. It speaks volumes of the capability of your team. The guide was awesome. I guess, a book can be written on just the guide. Ace was the backbone of the entire experience, he kept it alive with snippets of knowledge thrown in between the sightings helping us, the first timers, make a sense of the wild. His uncanny vision got us digging deeper into our binoculars to locate the birds flying far into the horizon or locate the cats sleeping next to us. The cherry on the cake was the amazing experience we had with Lions in the camp site. It remains an unforgettable experience. Thank you again for the experience of a lifetime, wishing you and your team the very best for years ahead.

Des Mahoney – South Africa

Dear Jacques and Team. My family is struggling to adjust to life after the delta. We all were looking forward to a holiday in the swamps but it exceeded expectations. There are many lodges and places to visit in the delta, but you and your team made it seem like we were the only ones ever to visit. It was such a treat and a privilege. Ace, Jackie, Mosh, David and Gabriel were not only brilliant at all they did, but made nothing look like any trouble. The game experience was unforgettable, the sundowners the best, the food, the camp (even the ablutions) were all spot on.

Thank you….we’ll be back and will recommend ORS to others.

Elke & Paul Hockings – Sweden

We have now arrived back home in Sweden after a fantastic trip to Botswana and the Victoria Falls. We brought back home many wonderful memories from this beautiful part of the world. Among all the impressions and marvels, the boat trip in the Okavango delta stood out by long shot! We would very much like to thank you for organizing this trip for us with such dedication, patience, knowledge and efforts! It is difficult to know where to start with the praise. All the logistics and operations went perfectly smoothly. The food was by far better than what we could have expected in these camping-in-the-wild conditions (just think of all these great fresh salads and freshly baked breads, muffins, desserts). The team caring for us was very friend and supportive. The jewel in the crown was, however, our guide Ace. What a great guide he was! He did not only share freely with us his infinite knowledge on birds, mammals and plants but he managed to infect us with his great love for the nature in the delta. All things large and small mattered and made us marvel. Your organisation, Ace and the team had set a high standard that was impossible to follow up. Surely, the car safari, Kasane and Vic Falls were great, too. But we all realised that nothing could match those four days in the delta! Allow me to say it one more time: thank you so much, guys, for this great experience! Warm wishes,

Larry and Marcia Ward – Australia

Here, here, echoing Elke and Paul’s comments, it was amazing and great thanks to Ace, Mosh, Jackie and David, an unforgettable experience!

Caroline and Mark – Northumberland UK

Back now and sorting ourselves out. That was just the most amazing and extraordinary holiday that you put together for us. Thank you so much for everything you did and we all loved every moment. Jacques and David were the most brilliant, knowledgeable and fun guides that we have ever had. The two parts of the holiday were so different and melded together so well. It was amazing how close we got to wildlife in the boat and absolutely amazing the food that was produced in both camps. A trip of a lifetime without doubt. The new experiences we had were wonderful. Camping out under the stars was brilliant. On our last night with Jacques, a leopard wandered through the camp and then lay down under a bush, quite happy with all of us, with head torches, watching him. We had a mock charge from an elephant and a very grumpy hippo who jumped into the river to see us off!

Wendy Adams – South Africa

Trying to adjust to reality back home – it isn’t easy! So many incredible visuals going through my mind. Just wanted to say a big thank you to you, and to Kathy in the background, for pulling it out the bag. It was an amazing trip and an amazing opportunity to see the Delta in that way. Except the floods have failed and our river safari had to be replaced by a vehicle and walking safari. What a hardship! We were extraordinarily privileged to be granted permits to drive in with our guide, Jacques Conradie, about 120kms from Maun into the heart of what would have been the Delta in a normal year. Never saw another person or vehicle. Even the roads disappeared after a while. Incredible wildlife all coming to the permanent pools in the river. A unique perspective of the Delta in a dry year. And the “flood” or the trickle of the flood, crept it’s way past our camp during the week.

Marie and Anton Reynolds – Rustenburg , South Africa

If we would express in words how amazing our experience was, it would take all the giga bites in cyberspace. This was truly the most incredible week of our lives. We would like to congratulate you on putting together the ideal package for bird lovers, nature lovers, animal lovers, water babies and adventure seekers.

The staff were amazing, all of them all the time. They were relaxed, displayed a wonderful sense of humor and absolutely professional in their conduct all the time. The way both Ace and Lister handled the boats with such care, respected the animals, conveyed their knowledge about trees, birds, animal’s reptiles… . . . and the list is never ending. The walks we had will always be part of our fondest memories. Jacky, Boyzi, Jani could do enough for us. The care they took with the meals, table decorations, serviettes, and by golly the FOOD! one cannot wish for better. The menu was interesting varied and extremely scrumptious, eish! Who will ever forget the succulent steak of the last night Amazing! In short (to use Boyzi’s words) the experience was SOOPA DOOOPA!

We will definitely be back, God willing next year the same time. Thank you yet again, we wish you every success with your venture! Till we meet again. God bless.

Sheila Head – South Africa

The river safari was a really fantastic experience. We all thoroughly enjoyed it. Ace is amazing and is so knowledgeable – a really lovely guy who was so patient and kind, especially with dear old Arthur. The whole team was wonderful and was all so helpful and friendly. How they managed to produce muffins, rolls and bread in that bush kitchen on an open fire is beyond me! All the food was delicious and we loved the special touches of the way the cloth serviettes were folded etc. All in all it was a really wonderful trip and I would have no hesitation in recommending your river safaris. It was the best wildlife experience I have ever had. Many, many thanks to you and the whole team.

Francois and Aletta Feenstra – Western Cape, South Africa

Dear Okavango Safari’s team: Thanks to Jacques, Ace and team for an outstanding adventure. Well planned, relaxed and professional outfit that you people run. Highlights were boat trips and exposure to nature and animals/birds; accommodation/facilities (outstanding small touches of greatness) in pristine nature; excellent food (manner of presentation) and, for us, the easy-relaxed-just enjoy yourself environment you present. Your outfit comes highly recommended, to all nature lovers, but in particular, bird lovers. Thanks, Johan Rothman’s group of 10 (Francois and Aletta Theron, Wellington, South Africa)

Freek & Kobie Lindeque

Very, , very enjoyable safari. Can recommend it to anybody loving nature. The camping facilities were very good and the food delicious.

Carole McMullen

The Delta has been on my ‘bucket list’ for years and I was not disappointed, it had to be one of the best holiday experiences I have ever had. Jacques, Costa and the team behind the scenes could not be faulted. The Delta has to be a very special place and no wonder it has been awarded a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Jacques and his team managed to create a unique experience that only comes with the obvious passion that they have for their environment and the wish to share their knowledge of both the flora, and fauna of the Delta. The camps were very comfortable, the meals that were produce from the bush kitchen were delicious and varied and the evenings around the camp fire were always entertaining with never a dull moment. Hopefully I will get the chance to go again.

For options and rates on our boat safaris in the Okavango Delta, please contact us

®2008 – Northwest Investment (Pty) LTD BW00000873360 T/A River Safaris is a licensed mobile safari operator in Botswana and a member of Botswana Guide Association – BOGA

Copyrighted All rights reserved | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

• Motorcycles
• Car of the Month
• Destinations
• Men’s Fashion
• Watch Collector
• Art & Collectibles
• Vacation Homes
• Celebrity Homes
• New Construction
• Home Design
• Electronics
• Fine Dining
• Aston Martin
• L’Atelier
• Les Marquables de Martell
• Reynolds Lake Oconee
• 672 Wine Club
• Sports & Leisure
• Health & Wellness
• Best of the Best
• The Ultimate Gift Guide

This African Safari Takes You on a Land Adventure and a River Cruise—Here’s What It Was Like

A safari in northern botswana ends with three days of boating at sitatunga, a private island in the heart of the okavango delta. we meet crocodiles, elephants and some very angry hippos., michael verdon, michael verdon's most recent stories.

• A Private Jet Once Owned by Disgraced Lawyer Michael Avenatti Can Be Yours for $3.5 Million
• Superyacht Sales Dropped 17% Last Year. Here’s Why.
• This New 144-Foot Superyacht Has a Glassed-In Dining Room With Ocean Views
• Share This Article

Related Stories

Forget pools. this new 131-foot ‘mini-megayacht’ is fronted by an infinity jacuzzi..

• Queen Elizabeth II Drove This Daimler Majestic. Now It’s up for Auction.

The CEO of Jefferies Just Sold $65 Million in Shares to Buy a Yacht

I had a very different waterborne experience in Botswana , spending a week in three Great Plains Conservation camps—the last on Sitatunga Private Island, a recently opened retreat accessible only by boat or helicopter. The first two camps, Selinda and Duba Plains , are longstanding outposts for Great Plains, which owns 15 properties across Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Kenya.

The three camps are all “open,” meaning no fences, with the number of “tents” kept purposely small to deliver on that private experience. The word “tent” is a misnomer. The multi-room suites look rustic but are designer-caliber, with stylized mosquito nets around the king-sized beds (and air-conditioning coming from the headboards), living rooms with leather couches, stocked liquor cabinets and Nespresso machines.

Beside the wood-clad showers and his-and-hers sinks are full-sized copper bathtubs, a luxury you wouldn’t expect in a remote outback (the camps run on solar power.) On the outside deck are a plunge pool and Peloton bike. A professional Canon camera is provided to document the trip.

It’s common to see elephant herds, baboons with babies clinging to them and warthog broods (it was the November birthing season) ambling 15 feet in front of the screened bedroom windows.

There are myriad camps in this region, but Great Plains takes great pains to create a microcosm of this part of Africa, where your group feels like Karen Blixen seeing elephants, lions, and leopards for the first time. It’s a far cry from the traffic jams of tourist buses several of our group experienced on other safaris.

On our twice-daily, three-hour drives on the bumpy, dusty trails around Selinda and Duba Plains, we encountered no other groups or, really, any signs of civilization outside the camps.

I’d come expecting a Disney experience, where the animals appear on cue. Instead, we had to search for them, including an elusive leopard keeping a wary eye on a group of baboons and two young male lions trying to take over the local Tsaro pride by killing off the lead male. (We saw the two lounging around under a tree in the hot mid-day sun, while the pride was off in another corner of the reserve.)

The week quickly took on a pleasant cadence: Breakfast, in the Land Cruiser by 6:30 to beat the unseasonably brutal heat, four hours driving on the trail, lunch, siesta, and the second jeep tour, followed by sunset cocktails (usually in the bush) and dinner at the camp.

By the end of the fourth day, we’d seen 150 species of mammals and birds, an impressive bucket list for anyone who has never gone on safari. The three-hour drives covered a lot of territory—Duba Plains is 88,000 acres—and the animals generally stayed to themselves in their local habitats.

We had a Lion King moment at Duba, where a dozen species, from elephants to antelope herds to vervet monkeys to a lonesome old Cape Buffalo, grazed close to each other on a watery plain.

I’d assumed the animals were tame-ish since we could get relatively close. Owner, our guide, had a more realistic theory: “If you get out of the jeep, they’ll see you as a two-legged threat, and the situation will be very different.” In other words, dangerous. The rules mandated staying seated and quiet in the vehicle and never approaching the animals on the outskirts of camp.

The first four days were about the animals, but the last three focused on the water. We arrived to Sitatunga by helicopter, a trip highlight since the pilot took a circuitous route across the ever-changing landscape, giving us a chance to see what the Kalahari desert region looks like from the air.

The boats at Sitatunga were a welcome change from the vehicles, partly because the heat had broken, but mostly they provided a sense of freedom that the land-based safaris couldn’t.

The camp is located on a small lake connected to the Okavango River by narrow channels. We buzzed past monster crocodiles on sandbanks, African Fish Eagles flying overhead, enjoying the cooler air as the 22-foot aluminum boat made its own air conditioning at 30 mph.

As a boater, I loved it because there were no traces of the outside world at Sitatunga—smaller and newer than the other two camps—just a family of hippos in the lake, heads above the water but keeping a good distance in their corner. The water added a layer of serenity.

Great Plains’s founders Dereck and Beverly Joubert designed Sitatunga differently than their other camps. It is smaller and more exclusive than the others, with four suites for eight people, defined by a rustic Robinson Crusoe treehouse style.  

The Jouberts, longtime National Geographic Explorers at Large photographers and documentary filmmakers, are considered rock stars in the safari world. They’re known outside of Africa for their photography and films. But inside, they’ve established a long list of humanitarian and ecological initiatives that range from saving rhinos to creating all-female ranger groups in local communities that work on anti-poaching initiatives.

At Sitatunga, the couple wanted an indoors/outdoors feeling, designing the three A-framed suites (one is a double suite for families with an extended terrace) with large windows facing the lake, and a large dining/social hall with thatched roofs, and bamboo lampshades inspired by the woven-reed fishing baskets used by indigenous Bayei fishermen.

A life-sized wooden lion by a local artist is the centerpiece of the great hall, with a large wooden patio and deck out front to enjoy sunsets over the lake. The serene setting could’ve been out of the 1980’s movie On Golden Pond , except for the hippos in the lake.

Over the next few days, we did several trips up and down the Okavango, including a two-mile walking safari through a riverside reserve where we landed by boat. It felt so freeing to be on foot and not in a jeep. Wildlife was all around (though no big cats—a bonus for the slowest runner in our group) and the quiet landscape and immediacy of the animals made it a special experience.

The apex meal was Thanksgiving dinner, where Sitatunga chef Herold Gaosikelwe served 17 Pilgrim-worthy dishes, family style, on the big dining table. They ranged from parsnip-and-sage soup to roasted chicken with cranberry stuffing, roast potatoes with pine-nut butter, pumpkin pie with a side of chocolate coffee mousse. Chef Herold even made time to whip up a delicious gluten-free chocolate cake for someone in the group who was allergic to wheat.

The dinner was excellent, but the real showstopper was the staff—from maids to managers—who came together at the end to serenade us with Botswanan songs and dances. They weren’t professionals, but were doing their best to ensure we had a Thanksgiving we’d always remember.

Our group, consisting mostly of veteran travel writers, agreed the staff at all the camps were unusual, even among five-star resorts. Their warmth was genuine, the kind that can’t be faked, and they took pride in making sure the stay was a bucket-lister. The best example was when Lizzy Bayani, the manager who accompanied us, brought a hot-water foot bath by helicopter for one of our party whose ankles had swollen in the heat.

While the week had its oohs and ahs, and lots of laughs at meals, the climax came the day before departure. Our ride in the mokoros, the local version of a dugout canoe, was supposed to be the “relaxing” grand finale. But our first view was a bull elephant mounting a female—a sight so rare that, among the three guides, only the leader, Letty, had ever seen it.

Turns out he was right. The elephants eventually ambled away into the bush and then the guides pushed us, gondola-style, into knee-deep, three-foot-wide channels lined by Papyrus reeds. But when we emerged onto the river, we startled a bloat of hippos. With adults weighing as much as 4,000 pounds, hippos aren’t always the lumbering gentle giants in children’s books, especially when they feel threatened. Rather than waiting for trouble, the lead male goes on the attack.

It’s possible in the low canoes, the big bull mistook us for a crocodile. It didn’t matter. Just 20 yards away, it first made warning noises, opening its muscular jaws to a wide, head-crunching circumference, then disappeared under water, surfacing closer to us. It’s one thing to be in a powerboat where you can push the throttle and speed away. It’s another to be a sitting duck in three feet of water, with nothing but a guide pushing you with a pole.

That was the only time the trip could’ve gone sideways. It didn’t, but the hippo was so incensed it followed us up into the channel, as the guides fast-poled back to the jeeps. Nobody felt like a casual observer after that close encounter, and one of the group was so pumped with adrenaline she was trembling. Still, what a great “Out of Africa” way to end the week.

Looking back, doing the three camps, with Sitatunga at the end, made the most sense, since the first two provided intensive animal exposure, while the last was more about seeing the area by water.

Read More On:

• Great Plains Conservation

More Marine

Royal Huisman Is Building the World’s Tallest Sailing Yacht

The Interior of This Sleek New 89-Foot Yacht Got the Loro Piana Treatment

Culinary Masters 2024

MAY 17 - 19 Join us for extraordinary meals from the nation’s brightest culinary minds.

Give the Gift of Luxury

Latest Galleries in Marine

These 9 Historic Superyacht Charters Will Take You Back in Time

Wally WHY200 in Photos

More from our brands, dua lipa delivers coquette glamour in custom chanel lace dress at time 100 gala 2024, ncaa names nil registry partner after five-year process, eminem announces new album ‘the death of slim shady (coup de grâce),’ releasing this summer, centre pompidou’s economic model is unstable, france’s court of auditors reports, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

• Australian Dollars
• British Pounds
• Canadian Dollars
• New Zealand Dollars
• South African Rands
• Swiss Francs
• U.S. Dollars

Talk to an expert +44 203 405 6666 Lines now closed

Botswana wildlife safaris

Best wildlife safaris in botswana.

• Lions : top of many lists, and seen frequently from almost all the camps. Huge black-maned lions are a real attraction in the Kalahari.
• Leopards : mainly nocturnal, so best seek them on private concessions, which offer 4WD night safaris.
• Cheetahs : occur across Botswana, but are never common. Your best chances are around the Xakanaxa area and the private reserves north and north-west of there: Kwara, Vumbura, Kwando and Selinda.
• Wild dogs : need vast areas to hunt, and Botswana has probably Africa's best remaining population of them. Found across Botswana, but for your best chances of seeing them, head for the Linyanti, Selinda, Kwando, Kwara and Vumbura reserves.
• Elephants : occur throughout northern Botswana, gathering in their greatest concentrations at the end of the dry season, beside rivers like the Chobe, the Kwando and the Linyanti. When wet they disperse into the mopane woodlands and Kalahari bushveld.

Slaty Egret Safari

4 days • 2 locations MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

US$7,000 - US$14,130 per person

Chitabe Camp

The Chitabe concession has regular lion and leopard sightings but reasonably constant wild dog sightings over the last few years have really been the highlight. There are also good levels of plains game here.

Little Vumbura

Little Vumbura offers some of the best wildlife safaris in Botswana. It's in one of the Okavango's prime game areas, with a real depth and range to the wildlife. In our last few visits here, we have had good sightings of lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog.

Pangolin Safari

8 days • 3 locations MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

US$7,760 - US$16,190 per person

If you’re looking for a wildlife safari in Botswana that focuses on predators, look no further. Kwara’s game and environments are varied, with plenty of tsessebe, impala, zebra, red lechwe, reedbuck, kudu, giraffe, buffalo and elephant – as well as the big cats and wild dogs.

Lagoon Camp

Lagoon Camp excels at sightings of the large predators, particularly wild dog, lion and cheetah, making it a good addition to a wildlife safari in Botswana. The best time for dogs is in June/July, the denning season, or within two or three months of that, when the pups are too young to move far.

African Jacana Safari

7 days • 3 locations MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

US$7,770 - US$12,280 per person

Camp Kalahari

For a wildlife safari in Botswana, Camp Kalahari is pretty unusual. Visiting one of the families of habituated meerkats is an exceptional experience. Lion, brown hyena and other predators frequent this area, and during the rainy season, zebra can sometimes be seen here in their thousands, along with many wildebeest.

Khwai Lediba

With access to both the Khwai Community Concession and Moremi Game Reserve, Khwai Tented Camp is arguably in one of Botswana's greatest wildlife areas (though it can get busy). Sightings are good year round, with lion, leopard and wild dog seen regularly, as well as elephant and many other species.

Bushbuck Safari

US$13,570 - US$31,740 per person

Chitabe Lediba

The Chitabe area is renowned for its wild dog population, which has formed the subject of a book by the camp’s owners. Also worth noting are regular sightings of lion, leopard and even the odd cheetah, along with tsessebe, blue wildebeest, giraffe, zebra, reedbuck and steenbok.

Wild Dog Safari

13 days • 5 locations KASANE AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

US$12,230 - US$21,930 per person

Savute Safari Lodge

Savute Safari Lodge enjoys a prime location directly on the Savute Channel, which is absolutely pumping with elephant, giraffe, hyena and other game during the dry season – ideal for a wildlife safari in Botswana. Wildlife also concentrates at the camp’s two pumped waterholes.

Xakanaxa Camp is right in the middle of the Xakanaxa area of the Moremi Game Reserve, one of the best areas for wildlife safaris in Botswana. With excellent densities of game and birdlife, the only drawback is that you will often have to share game sightings with other vehicles.

Wattled Crane Safari

5 days • 2 locations MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

US$4,690 - US$8,310 per person

Kudu Safari

7 days • 2 locations MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

US$7,840 - US$18,400 per person

Sandibe Safari Lodge

Sandibe is situated in an excellent area for consistent big-game viewing. A variety of predators are regularly seen, alongside a good number of plains game. This is definitely a camp to consider for those wanting good year-round game viewing.

Spotted-necked Otter Safari

6 days • 2 locations MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

US$7,930 - US$14,800 per person

Tubu Tree Camp

Tubu Tree Camp has access to both land- and water-based activities, so offers the biggest diversity of game viewing within the Jao concession. There are good numbers of elephant and other plains game on the island, plus hippo in the deeper channels nearby.

Honey Badger Safari

US$5,790 - US$10,150 per person

Mopane Squirrel Safari

US$5,890 - US$11,770 per person

Wildlife safaris elsewhere in Africa

Our top ideas and inspiration for Wildlife safaris in other countries.

Kenya is the country where the word 'Safari' (Swahili for 'journey') actually comes from. Close ...

Don't expect spectacular game on a wildlife safari in Malawi, instead come for a relaxed safari ...

Mozambique is best known for its wonderful beaches and marine life, not its 4WD safaris. There ...

Wildlife safaris in Namibia can be outstanding. The country has Africa's highest cheetah population, ...

Having walked since dawn, you're tired but your senses are alive. You hear them grunt before you ...

South Africa

Expert Africa covers only the western side of South Africa, including the Cape and Kgalagadi. Within ...

Tanzania offers a winning combination: some of Africa's best wildlife safaris plus stunning tropical ...

For all of the Zambia specialists at Expert Africa, wildlife safaris are the core of what we do: ...

If watching wildlife from a 4WD is not close enough for you, then go on a wildlife safari in Zimbabwe! ...

Where to see wildlife species in Africa

Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite African animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.

Panthera leo

Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.

81% SUCCESS

2,971 sightings from 3,648 observations

Where to see lion in Africa

Panthera pardus

The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.

47% SUCCESS

1,892 sightings from 4,036 observations

Where to see leopard in Africa

Acinonyx jubatus

The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.

33% SUCCESS

1,030 sightings from 3,090 observations

Where to see cheetah in Africa

Lycaon pictus

African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.

31% SUCCESS

843 sightings from 2,710 observations

Where to see wild dog in Africa

Spotted Hyena

Crocuta crocuta

The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.

55% SUCCESS

2,130 sightings from 3,847 observations

Where to see spotted hyena in Africa

Brown Hyena

Parahyaena brunnea

This largely solitary scavenger is one of the more elusive and little-known of Africa’s carnivores. Shaggier than its spotted cousin, it occurs only in the arid southwest of the continent.

16% SUCCESS

239 sightings from 1,455 observations

Where to see brown hyena in Africa

Suricata suricatta

These highly sociable little mammals have an endearing appearance and comical antics. Found in the drier areas of Southern Africa, close encounters are a sought-after experience.

22% SUCCESS

85 sightings from 395 observations

Where to see meerkat in Africa

Loxodonta africana

By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.

91% SUCCESS

3,545 sightings from 3,899 observations

Where to see elephant in Africa

Syncerus caffer

One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.

83% SUCCESS

2,505 sightings from 3,025 observations

Where to see buffalo in Africa

Giraffa camelopardalis

The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.

86% SUCCESS

3,422 sightings from 3,962 observations

Where to see giraffe in Africa

Hippopotamus amphibius

The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.

89% SUCCESS

2,596 sightings from 2,915 observations

Where to see hippo in Africa

Black Rhino

Diceros bicornis

The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.

617 sightings from 1,999 observations

Where to see black rhino in Africa

White Rhino

Ceratotherium simum

The white rhino is the largest and most numerous of the world’s five rhinoceros species. They are larger, easier to see and generally more approachable than the black rhino.

44% SUCCESS

483 sightings from 1,093 observations

Where to see white rhino in Africa

Oryx are impressive antelopes, with a powerful physique and elegant markings set off by rapier-like horns. They cut a distinctive dash in some of Africa’s harshest landscapes.

70% SUCCESS

1,285 sightings from 1,845 observations

Where to see oryx in Africa

Taurotragus oryx

Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.

49% SUCCESS

1,444 sightings from 2,924 observations

Where to see eland in Africa

Roan antelope

Hippotragus equinus

Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings, roan are wary of people, but renowned for their bravery against predators.

23% SUCCESS

459 sightings from 1,968 observations

Where to see roan antelope in Africa

Sable antelope

Hippotragus niger

Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.

439 sightings from 1,959 observations

Where to see sable antelope in Africa

Tragelaphus spekii

The sitatunga is the most aquatic of Africa’s antelopes and specially adapted to its swampy habitats. Though widespread across Africa, only a handful of places offer reliable sightings.

19% SUCCESS

60 sightings from 317 observations

Where to see sitatunga in Africa

Connochaetes sp.

Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.

68% SUCCESS

2,417 sightings from 3,564 observations

Where to see wildebeest in Africa

The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.

84% SUCCESS

3,732 sightings from 4,421 observations

Where to see zebra in Africa

Smutsia sp.

Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.

54 sightings from 3,242 observations

Where to see pangolin in Africa

Orycteropus afer

The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.

67 sightings from 3,244 observations

Where to see aardvark in Africa

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link

New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

• Save your wish-list
• Send us an enquiry
• Pay online for your trip
• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Give us feedback on your trip
• Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team

• Travel Guides Plan your adventure
• Destinations Our favourite places
• Tours Book a trip
• Travel Companies Independent specialists
• Travel Guides
• Destinations
• Travel Companies

Safari in Botswana

An expert guide to botswana's best safari reserves, camps and experiences.

Anthony Ham

• In this guide

Okavango Delta

Chobe national park, central kalahari game reserve, makgadikgadi pans national park.

• Need to know
• Getting around
• How it works

Of all the places I’ve been on safari in Africa, I think Botswana tops the list. There is so much to enjoy and, unlike in bigger safari destinations, in Botswana you’ll see a lot more wildlife than other travellers.

Botswana is where I went on my first self-drive safari, and, to this day, it remains my pick as the best place to drive yourself out into the wild in Africa. All but the inner reaches of the Okavango Delta are accessible in your own 4WD, and the experience of driving out into, and sleeping overnight in, lion country, or the amazing world of elephants, or miles from the nearest human being, remains my favourite way of going on safari.

At the heart of Botswana’s appeal are its signature wildlife destinations whose names – the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Central Kalahari Game Reserve – read like a roll-call of storied wildlife kingdoms. And it’s not just the wildlife. From the deep greens and blues of the Delta in flood to the yellows and reds of the Kalahari, or the blinding whites of the salt pans, there is something elemental about Botswana’s call to the wild. In the following pages I’ll explain some of my Botswana safari highlights, and how you can see them for yourself.

featured botswana safaris

Popular Botswana Safari Through the Delta

Discover Botswana

Explore the okavango delta, kwando, the kalahari and chobe.

Best of Botswana Lodge Safari

Makgadikgadi Pans & Okavango Delta Safari Adventure

Botswana's Northern Highlights

10 day small group tour.

Okavango Delta horse riding safari

Discover botswana's amazing wildlife.

Affordable Victoria Falls & Chobe Safari

Chobe Camping Safaris

Okavango Kayaking Expedition

Unique camp-to-camp safari adventure.

Botswana Wildlife Camping Safari

Botswana's hidden gems.

Unlike Africa’s safari giants like Kenya , Tanzania , and South Africa , Botswana remains blissfully under the radar. Yet, it too faces the travel industry's irritating habit of focusing on the popular easy sellers at the expense of everywhere else. There's much more to Botswana than the Okavango Delta. In this guide I'll show you some of my favourite lesser-known Botswana safari spots.

Aerial view of the vast Okavango Delta, one of the best safari destinations in Africa

The best safaris in Botswana

Popular highlights & hidden gems, kgalagadi transfrontier park, tsodilo hills, northern tuli game reserve, okavango panhandle, nxai pan national park, kwando reserve.

Okavango kayaking expedition

Pretty much every Okavango tour itinerary will include a paddle on a traditional mokoro canoe. For something very different, set out on a multi-day, camp-to-camp kayaking expedition through the Delta. Paddle the gentle water spotting the planet's greatest wildlife and camp each night under the stars. Truly unique.

See elephants and more in Chobe National Park

Chobe incorporates two distinct regions: Chobe River (close to the Zimbabwe and Zambia borders), famous for its large elephant herds; and Savute (in the west), where a juxtaposition of contrasting habitats and handful of pumped water holes sustain a melting pot of species.

Chobe in general, but especially the riverfront, has one of the highest elephant densities in Africa and close-up sightings are almost guaranteed. Lions and leopards are also possible here, with giraffe, zebra, buffalo, hippo and crocodiles all commonly seen.

Game drives are the order of the day in Savute where wildlife-viewing is good year-round. Savute is known for its predators – I’ve always had luck with lion, leopard and cheetah here, and on my last trip I spent an afternoon watching a highly active den of African wild dogs. As with the rest of Chobe, elephants are everywhere in Savute.

Explore water world in the Okavango Delta

This is a world without fences and, because of the water levels, human settlements are mostly restricted to the Delta’s perimeter, leaving the rest to wildlife.

In the southern part of the Delta, including in Moremi Game Reserve and Khwai Community Concession, expect a mix of luxury tented camps and budget campsites catering mostly to those on self-drive safaris. The deeper you go into the Delta, the more the crowds thin, with entire concessions given over to the exclusive lodges and tented camps that are such a feature of a safari in Botswana. For most of the tourist season, many of these camps and lodges can only be reached by small plane. Out here, I’ve had the wildlife entirely to myself.

Taste true wilderness in the Central Kalahari

Measuring 52,000 square kilometres, I think this vast wilderness is a signature Botswana safari experience. Known for its golden grasslands, salt pans, sand dunes covered in vegetation and wide former river valleys, it’s a soulful experience that’s custom-made for a self-drive safari.

The mammal density and diversity are not quite a match for the northern parks making it less well-suited to first-time safari travellers but for the feel of a true African wilderness, CKGR is tough to beat.

Hugging the park’s northern boundary, the Hainaveld consists of a handful of compact, segregated, privately-owned reserves. The denser habitat means the landscape is less scenic than inside the park, but pumped waterholes concentrate the game in the dry season. Several of the lodges employ local Kalahari bushmen with legendary tracking skills, who will also teach you about their way of life on a guided walk.

Off the beaten path in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

In the far south of Botswana, this transfrontier park spills over into South Africa. The Botswana side of the park receives far fewer visitors than the South African sections across the border.

The scenery here consists of a dense scrubland and some of the loveliest salt-pan scenery anywhere in Botswana. With a number of hills overlooking these pans, they’re spectacular places, especially at sunset, and many of the self-drive campsites take full advantage of these hilltop positions.

Kgalagadi is known for its classic Kalahari wildlife, and aside from the usual oryx (gemsbok), giraffe and wide range of antelope species, I’ve always had luck with the extravagantly horned greater kudu, lion, cheetah and even a fleeting glimpse of meerkats.

The park provides habitat for nearly 300 different bird species, and I was particularly thrilled when the elusive Kalahari scrub robin and the vivid violet-eared waxbill visited my campsite one evening.

Ancient history in the Tsodilo Hills

Rising from the barren, sandy plains of the Kalahari in a remote corner of north-western Botswana, these four hills project a certain kind of magic. Sacred to the indigenous San people and reputed to possess mystical powers (as Laurens van der Post found in the 1950s on a visit that formed the centrepiece of his classic The Lost World of the Kalahari), the Tsodilo Hills are best known as one of the world’s finest galleries of ancient rock art. More than 4,500 artworks – mostly paintings, but engravings, too – adorn the rock walls of the range, and some date back thousands of years.

Walking trails lead past the artworks that range in subject matter from whales and penguins (despite Tsodilo Hills being more than 1000 km from the ocean) to lions and human figures. I highly recommend you visit with a local guide to greatly enhance your visit.

Unless you’re self-driving and staying at one of the campsites in the shadow of the Tsodilo Hills, there is no accommodation nearby.

Explore Northern Tuli Game Reserve

In the far southeastern corner of the country and formerly divided into a number of segregated farms alongside the Limpopo River, NTGR is now one of the largest privately-owned conservation areas in southern Africa. The spectacular landscape, featuring rolling hills, basalt cliffs, ancient riverbeds and towering granite kopjes , is unlike anywhere else in Botswana. In fact, when combined with its impressive portfolio of wildlife, it remains a mystery to me why more people don’t visit this remarkable place.

Expect regular sightings of elephant, giraffe, lion, leopard and cheetah as well as less common species like eland and klipspringer, and over 350 bird species. Ground-level photographic hides, ancient archaeological ruins and a choice of horse-riding, walking or even cycling safaris complete a chocolate box-assortment of activities.

Spot the flamingoes of Makgadikgadi Pans

Makgadikgadi Pans is famous for hosting one of the largest zebra migrations in Africa. Every year, tens of thousands of zebra migrate east-west through the park, between the pans in the east and the Boteti River out west. From high on the riverbank at the latter, I’ve watched zebras swarm down to the water’s edge in a haze of raised dust, dizzying stripes and distinctive zebra barks.

I’ve also seen flamingos away on the eastern pans in flocks so vast that they seem to move as a single entity. And I’ve drawn near to habituated meerkats just outside the park, and seen brown hyenas and aardvarks close to sunset.

Birding in the Okavango Panhandle

Although not a big game destination, the broad and meandering Okavango River in the northwest of the country is a birder’s paradise, with over 350 recorded species including several iconic Okavango specialties. It is also popular among anglers, particularly around September, when the receding flood waters concentrate huge shoals of baitfish, attracting a melee of catfish, tiger fish, bream and birds. Activities are mostly by boat or on foot.

Other wildlife is far less common, and you’d be lucky to see much more than a crocodile or hippo in the river’s waters.

Zebra migration in Nxai Pan National Park

I’ve always loved Nxai Pan – it’s never busy, my sightings of lion, elephant and cheetah seem perfectly framed by these big horizons, and the baobabs by the salt pans here are a striking presence. With a handful of campsites (including at remote Baines’ Baobabs, a remarkable cluster of seven ancient baobabs (named after explorer and painter, Thomas Baines) and just one upmarket lodge, there’s rarely more than a couple of other vehicles at any sighting.

As well as plenty of elephant, and a good chance of seeing lion and cheetah, Nxai Pan has a couple of other wildlife highlights to draw you here. After the rains, thousands of zebra migrate here from the Chobe and Linyanti rivers after the rains forming part of Africa’s longest zebra migration. And for reasons unknown, Nxai Pan is the only place in Botswana where you can see springbok and impala in the same place.

Linyanti, Kwando and Selinda Reserves

Scattered along the northern waterways of the perennial Linyanti and Kwando rivers, and the seasonal Selinda spillway, the camps in these three neighbouring private concessions operate in a similar manner to those inside the Okavango Delta.

Game-viewing is as good as in the Okavango, with predator-tracking a particular specialty of the Kwando camps. Most camps offer game or wildlife drives, mokoro boat trips, and sunset boat excursions.

What you see in these parts depends very much on the time of year you visit. In Linyanti, for example, from May to October, expect to see lots of elephants, while zebras migrate through the area, usually from February to April. At other times, wildlife can be very scarce, although the November-to-April wet season is excellent for birding in all three concessions, with migrants from Europe and North Africa here en masse.

Chitabe & Qorokwe concessions

In 25 years of African travel, I’ve never seen as much high-quality wildlife as I have in these fabulous Okavango concessions. Over two recent days, I saw leopards, nearly 30 lions, dozens of elephants, a pack of 20 wild dogs, and a cheetah mother with six sub-adult cubs.

Splash Camp

Rory Sheldon

Splash Camp is a small camp in the private Kwara Reserve. Operated by Kwando Safaris who have better responsible travel credentials than most: locally based, no greenwashing, and supporting valuable community projects.

Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Botswana doesn’t have many rhinos but most of them are here in this small, little-known sanctuary, in Paje, east of Central Kalahari Game Reserve. On a recent visit, I was waylaid for nearly an hour by two male black rhinos fighting for dominance right along the main track.

See the baobabs of Kubu Island

For the best of the pans, Kubu Island is a glorious ‘island’ of baobabs south of Makgadikgadi. This was the first place I ever camped in Botswana, and the magic has never left me.

Camp out in Khutse Game Reserve

The southern extension of the CKGR, Khutse gets very few visitors (except on weekends). I love its remote campsites (I once slept here, 40 km from the nearest person), its classic Kalahari scenery, and its lions, leopards and so much more.

Nata Bird Sanctuary

Out in the east of the Makgadikgadi Pans, the pans of this rarely visited community sanctuary draw up to 250,000 flamingos and other waterbirds from November or December until March or April.

Planet Baobab

A budget-friendly option with self-drive access, offering all the activities of its more expensive sister camps on the edge of the pans.

Savute Under Canvas

Easily the pick of the mobile camps in Chobe, &Beyond’s tented camp moves around the park almost weekly and captures the spirit of a mobile camp at its best.

Botswana Camping Safaris

Into Botswana & Zimbabwe

15 day small group tour, botswana safaris: need to know, everything you wish you'd known before you booked, inside tip: self-drive safaris.

Much is made of Botswana aiming for high-end, low-density safari tourism and it’s not uncommon for a luxury camp in the Delta to cost well over US$1,000 per person per night in high season. But it’s actually the mid-range, rather than budget, traveller that finds it difficult to build a reasonably priced safari in Botswana.

Much as the Botswana government prefers not to publicise the fact, it has a fantastic network of campsites around the country. Some are privately run, others are run by the Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP). Standard camping fees are USD $50/25 per adult/child. You can book directly through the park authorities or the private operators of the campsites, but you're better off booking through an agent. Renting a 4WD camper can seem expensive, but a two-week self-drive safari could end up costing the same for two people as one day on a fly-in, fly-out safari.

The best times for safari in Botswana

My favourite time to visit Botswana is during the dry season, June to September. During this time, most 4WD tracks are open, water levels in the Delta are ideal for mokoro trips and wildlife watching.

This period also corresponds with the high tourism season (which usually starts in June or July), so it’s also the busiest (and most expensive) time of year. During these months, it can also get extremely cold overnight and early morning throughout much of the Kalahari.

May or October can be a good compromise, although there’s a risk that the rains could linger or arrive early.

Access to the Delta may be limited, but the best months for birding are from November to March or April, when hundreds of migratory species arrive from Europe and North Africa.

Getting there & around

Although Gaborone is the capital of Botswana, the overwhelming majority of safari visitors to Botswana fly into Maun, in the country’s north-west. Maun is right alongside the Okavango Delta and not far from the Kalahari, and it has lots of safari companies, hotels, camps and restaurants and places to stock up on supplies making it the ideal gateway town.

Those heading to Chobe National Park may fly into Kasane, in the north-east. Kasane receives fewer international flights than Maun, but its proximity to Victoria Falls (84 km away by road, across the border in Zimbabwe) makes it well worth considering.

How a Botswana safari works

There are two main ways to go on safari in Botswana. One is to fly into Maun or Kasane (perhaps stay overnight, perhaps not) and then fly into one of the airstrips of the Okavango Delta or Chobe National Park. There you’ll be picked up by your accommodation, and then fly in and out of however many tented camps you’ll be staying in.

You can book all of this yourself, but most international visitors tend to book it via a tour operator.

The other option is a self-drive trip. You can fly into Maun or Kasane (or even Johannesburg) and pick up a 4WD, which will usually have a rooftop tent or other camping equipment. You’ll then drive yourself from one campsite to the next. Road and driving conditions in Botswana are significantly better than elsewhere in Southern Africa, but you’ll need to take obvious precautions such as driving during the day time and ensuring you’ve got sufficient supplies for long journeys.

Safari in the Okavango Delta

About the author.

Anthony is a renowned travel journalist and guidebook author and is one of the world's leading authorities on Africa safari, wildlife and conservation. He has been travelling to Africa for more than two decades to research Africa safari guidebooks for Lonely Planet. He is widely published in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, The Monthly, Virginia Quarterly Review (VQR), National Geographic Traveler, BBC Wildlife, Lonely Planet Traveller, Africa Geographic, The Independent, Travel Africa, among many others.

Featured tours

Okavango Honeymoon

Luxury honeymoon in botswana.

The Fantastic Family Safari

Family-friendly adventure exploring victoria falls and chobe national park.

Other guides you might like

Safari in kenya, kenya's best safari reserves and camps.

Stuart Butler

Gorilla trekking, the best places to see gorillas in the wild.

Philip Briggs

South africa safari, an expert guide to safaris in south africa, wildebeest migration safaris, an essential guide to planning a migration safari in tanzania and kenya.

Hans Cosmas Ngoteya

Safari in zambia, an expert guide to zambia's best safari parks, camps & lodges.

Sarah Kingdom

Safari in tanzania, an expert guide to tanzania's best safari parks & camps, where and how to see the big 5 on safari in africa, safari in africa, our travel writers' top africa safari picks, zimbabwe safaris, an expert guide to the best safari camps in zimbabwe, chimpanzee trekking, an expert guide to seeing chimpanzees in the wild, namibia safari, an expert guide to the best safaris in namibia.

Melanie van Zyl

Featured tours view all.

Why Horizon Guides?

Impartial travel guides

Our guides are written by the leading experts in their destinations. We never take payment for positive coverage so you can count on us for impartial travel advice.

Expert itineraries

Suggested itineraries and routes to help you scratch beneath the surface, avoid the tourist traps, and plan an authentic, responsible and enjoyable journey.

Specialist advice

Get friendly, expert travel advice and custom itineraries from some of the world's best tour operators, with no spam, pressure or commitment to book.

Our guides are 100% impartial and are written by independent, professional travel journalists. We make money by charging carefully-screened travel companies to list their business on our website. Our advertisers have no influence on our editorial content and we never accept payment for positive coverage.

Read more about how we work and what we believe in here .

• Travel guides
• Work with us

Sitemap , Privacy Copyright © 2024 Horizon Guides

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes

How to Plan a Safari in Botswana, According to Experts

A beginner's guide to safari vacations in Botswana.

Marc Stickler Photography/Courtesy of Natural Selection

An African safari ranks high on the wish list of many a world traveler. Of the millions of adventurers who make the trek here annually, the (ahem) lion’s share will end up in the game reserves of Kenya, South Africa, and Tanzania — enduringly popular destinations for wildlife viewing in Africa. But in recent years, Botswana has been nipping at the heels of those countries. 

Botswana is home to diverse landscapes that span delta to desert, and the local culture is vibrant and inviting. The Botswana bush is teeming with majestic fauna, including Africa’s largest population of elephants — they are protected by a government focused on conservation, and tour operators committed to the same. And a safari here means you get to enjoy all of the above with far fewer humans than in its aforementioned continental counterparts.  

“Botswana is an anomaly in Africa,” said Ian Proctor, president and managing director of Ultimate Africa Safaris . “It is considered one of the safest and most stable democracies on the continent.” 

Proctor has been preparing customized itineraries for safari-going clients since 1996, and during that time he estimates he’s personally enjoyed more than 250 experiences across the African continent. Botswana has become his go-to destination, and in no small part because of the modernization of its government.

“Citizens receive free universal health care, and LGBTQ+ communities are legally recognized,” he cited as examples. “And with a very small population, its wilderness areas are unparalleled — and, importantly, uncrowded.”

Ready to pack your bags? Here’s how to plan your Botswana safari, along with insight from experts on what you can expect along the way.

Courtesy of Natural Selection

How to Get to Botswana 

The most common way to get to the Botswana bush is by way of Safarilink flights out of Maun National Airport (MUB), in the northwestern part of the country. Midsized runways here can’t accommodate jumbo jets, so you won’t find direct service from the U.S. That’s a blessing in disguise, though. The added stop you’ll need — in either Johannesburg or Cape Town — weeds out those tourists who aren’t willing to brave nearly 16 hours of total flight time. 

Really, it’s not nearly as arduous as it seems. American carriers now offer multiple direct options per day into South Africa from New York and Atlanta. And if you work with an outfitter like Ultimate Africa Safaris, you can bookend your safari with well-curated layovers in those connecting cities. 

Best Times to Go to Botswana

Weather-wise, Botswana is at its most inviting from early May through the end of September. Temperatures are more moderate during these winter months, and malaria is less prevalent. Things start to get somewhat wet come mid-October, but if birding is your thing, the rainy season is precisely when you want to arrive. The Nata Bird Sanctuary along the northeastern edge of the massive Makgadikgadi Salt Pans is the world’s largest breeding ground for Lesser and Greater Flamingo. This ancient, Switzerland-sized lakebed is a shrimp-infested food source for the birds, which pass through by the hundreds of thousands from November through March. 

Best Places to Stay  

When it comes to world-class safari camps, this part of Africa is chockablock with options. They run the gamut from rugged to ultra-luxe and are scattered across every corner of the country’s dynamic terrain. You’ll want to allot ample time to explore the Okavango Delta. This massive marshland in northern Botswana boasts a footprint of nearly 8,000 square miles and is regarded as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. From there, you can transfer by bush plane to the outskirts of the Kalahari Desert to enjoy a wholly different landscape. 

“Botswana dedicates so much space for wildlife — we are actually in the top 10 percent in the world for wildlife conservation,” said Super Sande, a native of Botswana who has been a guide in the country for 32 years. “Between the wet and dry parts of our country, the diversity of game that you see is like nowhere else. You can be surrounded by thousands of zebra and wildebeest and be the only car there. It’s so special.”

Logistically, it’s easiest to take all of these wonders in by booking an all-inclusive package with a tour operator. One such example is Natural Selection's “Botswana Explorer” package, which covers multitudes of terrain over 10 days, including an overnight on a Delta houseboat and luxe stays in private game reserves. The program starts at $8,235 per person, which includes a guide, transfers, and meals along the way. 

As for individual standouts, Jack’s Camp is king of the desert. The legendary outpost along the edge of the salt pan underwent a full rebuild in 2021, and it now boasts rooms with private plunge pools and bedside air conditioning. Its common area is the aesthetic equivalent of stepping into the late 19th century, anchored by a Persian tea tent and a full bar with a comprehensive collection of cultural artifacts. Prices at the year-round lodge range from $1,450 to $2,495 per night, depending on room size and time of year. 

In the Delta, a similar level of luxury can be found at Tuludi . The seven-room property sits on the Khwai Private Reserve — 772 square miles of floodplain awash with wildlife. Suites feature outdoor baths and plunge pools. Don’t be surprised if you’re visited in the evening hours by the local herd of elephants who enjoy feeding on foliage here once the sun has set. 

Later this year, Tawana Camp will become the newest option in the Okavango, and the only camp located within the protected Moremi Game Reserve. This exclusivity is owed to a first-of-its-kind partnership between Natural Selection and the BaTawana nation — who have stewarded the land since the late 18th century (the camp takes its name from the nation's current ruler). It will feature all the trappings of five-star living, including butler service and its own gym. The whole camp is positioned alongside a gently rolling river crowded with hippos, lions, and zebra.

What You’ll See in Botswana

Peter & Beverly Pickford Wildlife Photography/Courtesy of Natural Selection

If you stay on a riverfront camp such as Duke’s , you can head out into the water on traditional canoe-like vessels known as mokorom, and from this vantage point, you’ll spy African fish eagles and saddle-billed storks along the shore. You’ll also likely paddle past hippos, whose eyes hover menacingly just above the waterline. Back on dry land, lions prowl in outsized prides, leopards carry slain impala into the trees, and baboons scamper across the plains by the dozen. 

Elephant fans will want to book a stay at Hyena Pan , hidden among the thick mopane forests of Khwai Private Reserve. A short game drive brings you to a repurposed shipping container abutting a watering hole. This is the Elephant Hide, and it affords an intimate spectacle of the largest living land animal, which congregate just a few inches from a narrow viewing slot fashioned into the side of a steel wall. 

In the salt pan, you can marvel at colorful creatures of all shapes, sizes, and speeds. The edge of the ancient lakebed is inundated with meerkats, Cape hares, aardwolves, hyenas, and cheetahs, to name but a small cross section of species.

“I see the most interesting things here at night, especially,” Sande said. “I just recently saw two honey badgers fighting off some jackals. No two game drives are ever the same.”

A lot of a safari experience depends on good fortune, of course. But luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity, and the difference between a good guide and a great guide is careful planning, according to Kagisano Bapute, who steers guests toward unforgettable game viewing in and around Tuludi Camp. 

“You have to stay up to date with everything going on from day to day, and from season to season,” Bapute added. “You’re always checking in with a network of trackers, and you have to be working around the clock, so you’re not just going out there blindly once you have guests with you.” 

What You’ll Eat and Drink 

While staying at any high-end safari camp, you can expect robust meals that rotate regularly, often featuring staples of Western cuisine. At Tuludi, for example, elegant pasta dishes are mainstays on the menu. Sable Alley has its own pizza station. 

While it’s easy to gravitate toward the familiar — and there are certainly some great hamburgers to be enjoyed in the bush — if you’ve come all this way, do as the locals do and save room for seswaa . The flavorful beef stew is frequently served for supper along with local bread, phapatha . Vegetarians can keep an eye out for morogo , a spinach dish studded with onions and tomatoes. 

When it comes to cocktails, gin is king here, and Okavango even has its very own. The award-winning eponymous offering is distilled with local botanicals, including the mopane seed. At Sable Alley, the bar staff is working it into the Bluebird: two parts gin, one part blue curaçao, and a splash of simple syrup, garnished with a slice of lemon. 

Alternatively, book a stay at San Camp and you’ll drive into the heart of the Kalahiri for cocktail hour. A makeshift bar is set up atop the pale, crusted earth, just in time for sunset. Once it gets dark, a multi-course feast is prepared by campfire, with nary another soul in sight. For dessert, gaze up at the most dazzling star-scape you’ll ever see.

• Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is a sanctuary for the senses.

A little bit about the Okavango Delta

Where to begin? As soon as your small aircraft lands in this UNESCO World Heritage site, you will see for yourself what makes this part of Africa truly unique.

The Okavango Delta is a 360° panoramic Garden of Eden, with fairytale lagoons, dense forest, extensive savannahs, superb wildlife and over 400 bird species. All accommodations are small scale and personal – you just have to kick back and go with the flow.

Going on a safari in the Okavango Delta

There are some things you need to know before setting off to Okavango Delta in Botswana.

What is the best time to travel to Botswana? Do I need any special equipment? What wildlife will I see? You probably have a lot of questions. Start making your bucket list as you read more about your safari trip in the sections below. Find a question unanswered? Make use of the contact form below and we will be happy to assist you!

About the Okavango Delta

There is no other place in Africa where so many ecosystems seamlessly congregate. Where else can you discover this while sitting in a canoe, poled along by an African gondolier?

Okavango Delta special offers

Waiting for that special offer, one that seems tailor-made for you? Our Okavango Delta deals are outstanding values for the money, so we hope to see you soon!

Getting to the Okavango Delta

Wherever you want to go in the Okavango Delta, it all starts at Maun: a small but bustling town and the capital of the Kalahari Desert. Fly in directly from Johannesburg or Cape Town!

The exquisite food, privacy, the elephant experiences, private game drives and top-notch accommodation, staff (especially manager Aaron) left nothing for us to wish for...

Don't miss the mokoro ride, it's a great opportunity to experience the area a different way.

It was much different than the other safari's we were on, with the safari trips being on water (canoe and boat) or on foot, so we could really examine the wildlife.

Okavango Delta lodges & camps

A personal viewing deck to watch a watering hole attracting thirsty wildlife? Of course. An outdoor shower to start the day in crisp morning dew? No problem. Five star meals served around a crackling fire? Only here.

A head full of amazing memories needs a soft bed for the night. All of our accommodations are luxurious, eco-friendly and provide a true Okavango Delta experience. We love to help you find your home away from home.

• Price $$$$$

Duke's Camp

lodge style A secluded Okavango oasis

Discover Duke's Camp, an exclusive luxury retreat nestled in the heart of the Okavango. Named in honor of its guardian, Sarefo 'Duke' Sarefo, this camp offers unparalleled wildlife experiences and world-class accommodations.

from US$ 934 per person per night

Selinda Camp

lodge style Nourishment for the soul

Where all the splendors of nature come together – water, lush land and African skies - is an exclusive camp. A warm place for families, couples and groups, and perfect for everlasting memories: welcome to Selinda Camp.

from US$ 1,884 per person per night

Camp Okavango

lodge style Relaxing, timeless, African

Enchanting, quiet, and relaxing: Camp Okavango is an unaffected paradise, located on a remote island in the delta. Discover this area by traditional mokoro, motorboat or foot – and be sure you take time to meet Alex, the local hippo.

from US$ 629 per person per night

Pom Pom Camp

lodge style Soulful safari

With an emphasis on a soulful nature experience, the vintage, well-appointed, tented camp Pom Pom Camp couldn’t be in better location: in the heart of the delta, surrounded by crystal clear channels where you will find a tranquil, intimate safari spot.

from US$ 599 per person per night

Zarafa Camp

lodge style Pure perfection

‘Have no fear of perfection, you will never reach it’, as Salvador Dali once stated. At Zarafa Camp, this statement is overthrown. From the views, till the best safari bed and a complimentary professional camera to use: they shouldn’t change a thing.

lodge style Elephant encounters

Trunks, tusks and trumpeting: Abu Camp is where you want to be for a true elephant experience. Located in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, you can prepare yourself for some splashing with elephants, so take the plunge into their world.

from US$ 2,490 per person per night

&Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge

lodge style Spectacular design

Incredible jaw-dropping design, luxurious, modern decorated suites, healthy and nutritious food; this is where you come for around-the-clock pampering and de-stressing, plus the best wildlife viewing in Botswana's spectacular Okavango Delta.

from US$ 1,850 per person per night

&Beyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp

lodge style Welcome home

Nxabega means ‘Place of the Giraffe’, but besides the giraffe, there is big variety of wildlife to be seen around this luxurious, yet warm and neighborly &Beyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp. A bonus: all tents have recently been refurbished!

from US$ 1,270 per person per night

&Beyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp

lodge style Gentle as a water lily

Located on a Delta island is a wholehearted camp, with the serenity and calmness of a water lily floating in clear Botswana waters: this is Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp. Unwind and experience a constant flow of African hospitality.

from US$ 1,495 per person per night

Sanctuary lodges

lodge style Sanctuary retreats

Sanctuary Retreats boasts some extraordinary safari lodges in the Okavango Delta: Baines' Camp and Stanley's Camp. Sanctuary offers delightful luxury accommodations provide an elegant contrast to the rugged nature of the Okavango.

from US$ 1,024 per person per night

Moremi Crossing

lodge style Brand-new safari spot

Island camping, motorboat excursions, sunset cruises – become part of the bustling river life at this quaint, new gem in the Okavango Delta. This camp combines the timeless simplicity of nature’s splendour, with the latest eco-friendly techniques.

from US$ 450 per person per night

Duba Plains Camp

lodge style Lion-spotting paradise

Breathtaking, wonderful staff, best safari experience so far – these phrases are just a selection of the reviews written about Duba Plains Camp in the Okavango. Explore this accommodation yourself and discover why everybody wants to return.

Kadizora Camp

lodge style Lavish luxury safari

On a peninsula, beneath a majestic stand of trees, with uninterrupted panoramic vistas of the Okavango Delta, there is a beautiful, new and intimate camp: Kadizora Camp.

from US$ 499 per person per night

Kwando lodges

lodge style Kwando safaris

Kwando Safaris operates two wonderful safari camps in the heart of the Okavango. Kwando offers an unique safari experience - from decor to the amazing attention to detail.

from US$ 864 per person per night

lodge style Solar powered safari

With a personal guide (who grew up in the area) devoted to you throughout your stay, this camp offers a tailor-made safari experience and a homey and laid-back vibe.

from US$ 492 per person per night

Wilderness Safaris lodges

lodge style Wilderness collection

The Wilderness portfolion consists of thirteen wonderful individual properties, so there's always one that suits your taste! Choosing multiple lodges also allows you to see and experience different sections of the Okavango adding to your overall safari experience.

from US$ 679 per person per night

Belmond Eagle Island Lodge

lodge style Unspoilt splendor

This wonderful, far-flung, relaxing African safari retreat is located in one of the most scenic areas of the lush Okavango Delta. At Belmond Eagle Island Camp you will feel like you are walking on air, but realise quickly that floating on water is even better.

from US$ 834 per person per night

Xugana Island Lodge

lodge style Safari serenity

Let Fred, Julia and the dedicated staff embrace you with hospitality and become part of the warm Xugana family. Here, the air is filled with tranquility, hospitality and adventures – a paradise under a canopy of trees where forever cherished memories are made.

Ker & Downey Okavango lodges

Famous for its outstanding safari operations, Ker & Downey Botswana offers a portfolio of four magical Okavango Delta safari lodges. Whether you are staying at Shinde or Kanana, you can rest assured to experience only the best of the Okavango.

from US$ 634 per person per night

&Beyond Xudum Okavango Lodge

lodge style Glamorous gleam

From one of nine rooftop hideoutsa at &Beyond Xudum Okavango Lodge, you will find yourself overlooking a fairy-tale like lagoon with a patchwork of water lilies. In the distance grazing zebras, right behind you a beautiful, luxurious safari suite.

from US$ 989 per person per night

Oddballs Camp & Oddballs Enclave

The two wonderful Oddballs Okavango camps have something to offer for everyone. While Oddballs Camp is world renowned for its perfect setting, Oddballs Enclave -due to its small size- offers the perfect setting for a break with family or friends.

from US$ 318 per person per night

Sandibe is architecturally spectacular and a wonderful place to stay, with excellent food and very accommodating service.

For starters, the food was out-of-this-world good, and the chef (Herman) was unbelievably friendly!

Uncrowded game drives. boat and canoe rides to see elephant, zebra, giraffe, ostrich, wild dogs, lion, cheetah. crocodile, hippo, many birds.

Okavango Delta video

The best way of getting an idea what the Okavango Delta is about is by seeing some incredible footage from the area. View this video of Camp Okavango to experience one of the lodges and wildlfe in the delta.

Be careful, after watching this video you can be sure that you want to travel to Botswana. Today.

We so enjoyed the boat trips, big and small, the helicopter ride was the BEST and a must, and sundowners on the overlooking the delta were great.

As we were in our boat, just as the sun was going down, a male elephant came out of the reeds and crossed the lagoon right next to us - simply magical.

This area of the Okavango is stunning, with both deep water channels and open park-like grasslands with beautiful trees that go on forever. Watching the red lechwe fly over the water is grace itself.

Send your enquiry

We hope you have found all information needed to decide that Okavango Delta is the perfect place for your next travel adventure. Still have questions? Or maybe you would like some more specific information about the different lodges? Please fill in the contact form and we will get back to you soon!

• Maun, Botswana
• [email protected]

Okavango Delta Wet Camps

The best water-based camps in the okavango delta.

Set on the edge of permanent lagoons and rivers, the Okavango’s water-based camps offer water activities year-round. These camps allow guests to explore the unique delta ecosystem through safari activities such as motorboat and mokoro excursions, safari walks, and often catch and release fishing. As such water-based Okavango camps offer unique views of the delta’s aquatic life and spectacular birdlife.

• Activities such as mokoro safaris, motorboat excursions, walking safaris, and fishing are year-round
• Beautiful locations on remote islands, deep in the watery wilderness
• Outstanding birdlife is all around, from bright bee-eaters to colourful kingfishers
• Beautifully located lodges on remote, forested islands
• Many water-based camps don’t offer game drives

So here is our pick of the very best wet camps the Okavango Delta has to offer:

Camp Okavango

Shinde concession.

One of the original water camps of the Okavango Delta, Camp Okavango was rebuilt in 2016 and is now better than ever. Sat on Nxaragha Island, the camp’s tents have views out over the delta for wildlife spotting in between walking safaris and boat safaris in the resident mokoros or motorboat.

Stroll the boardwalk at Camp Okavango

Research and book Camp Okavango on Tripadvisor

Eagle Island Lodge

Ng 27b concession.

The eight thatched chalets of Xugana Island Lodge lie in the heart of the Okavango Delta, with stunning views over the lagoon from private viewing decks. Alongside walking and water safaris, catch-and-release fishing is on offer for tiger fish and bream.

Views from a veranda at Eagle Island Lodge

Research and book Eagle Island Lodge on Tripadvisor

Gunn’s Camp

text…

Gunn’s Camp from the delta

Research and book Gunn’s Camp on Tripadvisor

Jacana Camp

Jao concession.

Jacana Camp from the air

Research and book Jacana Camp on Tripadvisor

Little Vumbura Camp

Vumbura concession.

Vurumba Plains is a luxurious, contemporary camp, set in an area well known for excellent predator sighting. Given the open nature of the camp, wildlife sightings from the viewing decks are relatively common.

Bar area at Little Vurumba Camp at dusk

Research and book Little Vumbura Camp on Tripadvisor

Moremi Crossing

Moremi Crossing wet camp at dusk

Research and book Moremi Crossing Camp on Tripadvisor

Pelo Camp from the delta, by night

Research and book Pelo Camp on Tripadvisor

Vumbura Plains

Views over the delta from Vumbura camp

Research and book Vumbura Plains on Tripadvisor

Xugana Island Lodge

Xuguna Island Lodge boma area at dusk

Research and book Xugana Island Lodge on Tripadvisor

See our related Okavango Delta lodge articles:

An introduction to choosing a camp in the Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta’s best land-based camps

The best camps in the Okavango Delta for combining land and water-based activities

A visitor’s guide to an Okavango Delta safari

Map of recommended Okavango Delta wet lodges

Here’s a map of all recommended Okavango Delta lodges, split by colour into camps focussed water (orange), land (purple), and those which offer a mix of similar-quality water and land activities (blue):

So how did the camps listed above make our list of best wet camps in the Okavango? We pulled them together through a combination of online research, input from visitors to the website, and in some cases visiting the lodge ourselves as paying guests.

As you continue your research into Okavango Delta water-based camps, it’s worth noting that all accommodation in the Okavango Delta is graded by the  Botswana Tourism Organisation . If you use the BTO in your research, please bear in mind that whilst they’re able to provide an indication of the quality of each camp, it’s extremely difficult to use a standard grading system to get across the ambiance and levels of personal service available at these unique camps.

Have you stayed at an Okavango Delta wet camp have any tips to share? If so, pllease let us know in the comments section below, because sharing is caring!

Top countries for safaris

• Botswana safaris
• Kenya safaris
• Namibia safaris
• South Africa safaris
• Tanzania safaris
• Uganda safaris

Safari basics

• Safari animals
• How to find the right safari company
• When to go on safari
• What to take on safari
• Safari clothing – what to wear
• Safari rules & etiquette
• Wildlife spotting tips

Most read articles

• All about the ‘big five’ animals
• Collective nouns for animals
• Safari movies to watch before you go
• The world’s fastest land animals
• Apex predators
• 10 Fascinating African tribes
• The biggest animals in the world
• 17 Epic hybrid animals
• The world’s ugliest animals
• Why are flamingos pink?

Africa’s best game reserves

• Chobe National Park, Botswana
• Etosha National Park, Namibia
• Kruger National Park, South Africa
• Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
• Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
• Okavango Delta, Botswana
• Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Session expired

Please log in again. The login page will open in a new tab. After logging in you can close it and return to this page.

Why Your First Safari Should Be in Botswana

By Erin Florio

I had not heard the call. No one near me had—not the South African behind me, nor the Swedish woman to his left. Not even the Vancouverites, who'd finally silenced the shutters on the shiny new Canons they'd traveled 9,875 miles to test out in Botswana , and who had proven to be the couple in our mud-smacked 4WD who maybe, maybe , could spot something before OB, our guide, had a chance (they got high praise for spying a rare red-billed quelea 30 minutes earlier which sent those shutters aflutter). With two days of game drives already behind us, the five of us now understood when OB sensed something. Raised in a village on the fringe of the Okavango, the 49-million acre river delta in northern Botswana that we now drove through, he had been a guide with Wilderness Safaris for eight years, and could read the bush more sharply than a patient with binoculars could an eye chart. We slowed our conversation as OB slowed the jeep. Then we sat, alert and silent. Around us, the early evening sky swirled in pinks and oranges as the sun lowered; the animals were waking up. "There it is," OB's whisper was firm enough to reach the jeep's third row, "hear it?"

A distinct, distressed chirp sliced our quiet.

OB pointed to a tree where a small cisticola puffed and puffed, its brown feathered chest tight like a balloon. His hand directed our eyes to a group of impala in the distance on our right, whose Bambi eyes and ears were cocked and alert, staring at that songbird whose calls they knew, as OB did, to be warning. "Lions are near," he said. He turned to us and grinned.

The pride eventually appeared, and the hunt we went on to observe became the story to beat at dinner that night with the other guests, back at Mombo Camp . And for weeks afterwards, I found myself thinking about how the bush told us those lions were near—or at least, told OB. It's the kind of fine-tuned interaction that's more likely to occur in Botswana than other safari spots in Africa. And it's largely thanks to the efforts of the government, whose tourism model is unique to the region: fewer people, but high spenders, designed to steadily grow the economy and—this is key—have as little impact on the environment as possible.

For the average traveler, that means it'll be (or at least feel like) just you and the wide-open delta, as lush and untethered as the gods intended. To give perspective, you'll see lions in Kenya's Maasai Mara or in South Africa's Kruger, too. But your cue will probably be the stationary gang of jeeps who spotted them first, which feels about as natural as those air-conditioned beaches you get in Dubai . (On our aforementioned viewing, the South African behind me mentioned that he was once in one of 57 jeeps watching a pride of lions up in Tanzania's Serengeti.)

The policy's mechanics are simple: each concession is allowed a certain amount of beds, which varies depending on government decree, but always hovers extremely low; in Qorokwe, a 64,000-acre private concession in the central Okavango, just ten are allowed (you'll find them at the five-month-old Qorokwe camp, from Wilderness Safaris). It leads to more intimate game viewing, but more importantly, it means minimal manipulation of the surrounding nature and is less intrusive to the animals.

And though we as travelers today are more likely to define luxury as experience and immersion, it doesn't hurt, either, that the Botswana model leans hard on high-end camps with all the bells and whistles you'd expect of a camp that can clock in at $2,300 a head, per night. It's a jump from the $1,500 you can expect to pay at high-end lodges in South Africa or Zimbabwe , to be sure, but when you're safe in your room at the end of the night after spying leopards, hippos, and hyenas on your walk between the main lodge and your tent—extremely rare in general, but very possible at a place like Mombo—you won't be thinking about the money.

Travelers also like to know that their tourism dollars are directly invested into wildlife preservation, which is something not always clear with Africa—just look at the recent poaching allegations against South Africa's ex-president Zuma. Poaching is rampant across the continent; rhino horn is worth more than its weight in gold and three each day get poached (though less valuable, ivory is still hot on the black market, and an elephant is captured and killed every 15 minutes) .

To put it in perspective: In 2001, Botswana had exactly zero rhino left, which forced the government to get serious about passing legislature to combat and protect its wildlife. Since then, they've made poaching punishable by death, and are the only country in Africa to deploy the national military to make sure poachers stay out of the reserves (South Africa and Zambia still rely on private donation). Last year, Prince Harry lent the cause some dazzle when he became patron of Botswana's Rhino Conservancy , and today, at least 200 rhino have been repopulated to the Okavango Delta due to private-public partnerships.

Botswana's model is only a decade or so old, but the results have been so successful that Rwanda adapted a version of it last year with regards to its gorilla tourism and conservancy. Though it means you are almost guaranteed viewing that will surpass anything found elsewhere on the continent, maybe the most important part is that a traveler can feel good about where they, and their cash, is going.

Botswana in winter (our summer)—after the rains, when the delta floods and springs to life—is the best time to see the north: The savanna’s grasses are low, while growth along the waterways attracts tons of wildlife. Central Botswana is at its best in Africa’s summer, when the region’s desert and salt pans turn to grassland, drawing parades of animals. Due to dense vegetation, February through April is generally considered the most challenging time for viewing creatures who tend to stay close to the shrubbery, including leopards and rhino.

The town of Maun (typically reached via a connection from Johannesburg or Cape Town) is the safari starting point for north and central Botswana. If you’re headed to the former, consider flying into Victoria Falls International in Zimbabwe, a one-hour flight from Maun, and adding a day to your trip to see the epic cascade.

The Lodging Situation

Safari outfitters typically transport you via small plane between two or more of the country’s dozens of luxury outposts. Wilderness Safaris, a luxury outfitter who's focus on conservancy has been at the core of the company since opening their first lodge, in Botswana, in 1983 (they currently have 21 camps in seven countries) recently opened Qorokwe is on a private concession, meaning off-roading and night drives are allowed, unlike in other parts of the Okavango Delta where the land is government-owned (Qorokwe is also in a stretch of the Okavango with permanent marshes meaning canoe safaris are possible year-round.) Farther north, in Moremi National Park, Wilderness's flagship Mombo camp recently reopened on one of the most epic stretches of savanna of any camp anywhere in Africa: each tent has a bar cart and newly-added private plunge pools with panoramic views of grazing elephants, baboons, and giraffe, and its family unit now means it easier for multi-gen travelers to stay.

Planning Your Trip

Roughly one-third of Botswana is government protected for wildlife. The Okavango, in the north, has phenomenal viewing and seasonal canoes on top of its flood plains, while the Kalahari desert has geographic-adapted sub species like black-maned lions and offers bushmen walks. Botswana may be easier to pull off than most, but you should still stick to the pros when planning your first trip. A fixer can tell you which shots you need, take care of your transfers—even make sure that lodge can create whole menus around any type of dietary restriction or request. We like Safari Pros , Roar Africa and Explore , though our full list can be found here . Plan around six months in advance; the low number of beds means camps fill up fast.

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• Ready-made safaris
• Experiences
• Special offers
• Accommodation
• Start planning
• Booking terms
• When to go on safari - month by month
• East or Southern Africa safari?
• Solo travellers
• Women on safari
• Accommodation types & luxury levels
• General tips & advice
• All stories
• Afrika Odyssey Expedition
• Photographer of the Year
• Read on our app
• 2024 entries
• 2024 details
• 2024 prizes
• 2024 entry form
• 2023 winners
• Collar a lion
• Save a pangolin
• Rules of engagement
• Job vacancies
• Ukuri - safari camps

Explore Africa through its lifeblood

Tuesday, 27 June 2023

Every river has a character, and every waterway symbolises vitality. Life in Africa revolves around its rivers, streams and lakes, defining the essence of the wildernesses they flow through. A safari can be more than game drives, so why not opt for one of the continent’s numerous water safaris and explore Africa through its lifeblood?

Below is a list of our favourite water-based safari destinations.

Want to go on a water safari? Browse our African safaris on offer here .

Okavango Delta, Botswana: Water safari by mokoro

The swampy wildlife oasis of the Okavango Delta is one of the most extraordinary safari destinations in Africa, and a ride in a mokoro is an essential part of any exploration. These traditional dugout canoes cut silently through the wetlands’ many channels, propelled by expert guides’ poles. Aside from the peaceful immersion in one’s surroundings, this is the perfect way to encounter wildlife – from elephants to frogs and everything in between.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Zambia: Rafting on Batoka Gorge’s white waters

At Victoria Falls , the mighty Zambezi River plunges 100 metres off a basalt plateau before being forced through a narrow and twisting path of Batoka Gorge. The rapids below the falls are classified as Grade V and are widely acknowledged as offering some of the best white water rafting in the world.

Adrift on inflatable rafts, armed with just a plastic oar and a lifejacket, visitors throw themselves at the river’s mercy. Nothing is quite as humbling as experiencing the sheer power of a churning river (especially while underneath it). And after the rather steep climb out of the gorge on somewhat shaky legs, a sundowner imbibed looking out over the “smoke that thunders” is a must! This is one of the most epic water safaris you’ll ever experience.

Jinja, Uganda: Kayak the Nile

The Nile River is the longest in the world, and its journey begins at the edge of Lake Victoria as it spills out of the lake into a series of plunging rapids. Not much compares to the thrill of riding the tumbling waves, pitting skill against the tremendous power of the torrent. And there are plenty of long flat stretches of calm water to steady the nerves, recover the muscles and marvel at the beauty of rural Uganda.

If this sounds too much (or perhaps when one’s shoulders and arms have had enough), opt for an ice-cold drink on a sedate sunset boat cruise. 

Chobe River, Botswana and Namibia: Cruise on a riverboat

The Chobe River is Africa’s elephant Eden , its lush floodplains and surroundings home to the world’s highest density of these magnificent pachyderms. This corner of the continent is renowned for its water safaris. Explore the various channels and side creeks or meander peacefully, watching elephants snorkel and wrestle in the water. From predator to prey, the abundance of life on display along the riverbanks tinges any voyage with more than a hint of excitement.

Lake Tanganyika, Tanzania: Float or dive lazy waters

Only two parks in Tanzania offer chimpanzee trekking: Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains National Parks, and both are found on the banks of Lake Tanganyika. The terrain of these parks is mountainous, and if the chimps are particularly capricious, a trek might entail several hours of strenuous hiking. As such, there is no doubt that the only way to celebrate a successful day is to leap with joy into the cool embrace of the clear waters of the world’s longest freshwater lake. Sandy beaches are perfect for lazing the days away or soaking up romantic sunsets. Or, to make the most of a water safari at Lake Tanganyika (which hosts over 350 fish species), explore the waters by diving or snorkelling.  

Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe and Zambia: Explore vast shorelines

The fertile shores of Lake Kariba and its fresh waters attract diverse birdlife and wildlife, including elephants, buffalo and various antelopes. Keep an eye out for lions and leopards too. Lake Kariba’s water safaris can be enjoyed in simple pleasure or luxurious style. Dozens of lodges perched on the water’s edge allow you to awaken to the copper glow of the sun rising over the endless lake. Spend the day admiring the scenery or watching elephants browse the shoreline of Lake Kariba. And at the end of the day, the calm waters are the ideal place to admire the starlit skies. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the shorelines from the water, whether on a catamaran cruise, motorboat or even a houseboat.

Lake Malawi, Malawi: Barefoot safari

Lake Malawi offers a plethora of fun for every intrepid safari goer, from the super active to the deeply relaxed. Across the shoreline of Lake Malawi , tiny beach villages and lodges offer many opportunities to explore the waters – above or below the azure ripples. Boat trips provide the perfect vantage to appreciate the lake’s blazing sunsets. Snorkel or dive beneath the surface to take in the fishy kaleidoscope darting around the rocks in the shallows. Sailing and kayaking are at the top of the list for those eager to investigate the various bays and coves along the shoreline. And for beach lovers, there is ample opportunity to lounge along Lake Malawi’s sandy shores and breathe in the crystalline waters, drink in hand.

Storms River Mouth, South Africa: Adventure in the breakers

Along the ocean’s edge in the Tsitsikamma section of Garden Route National Park , a microcosm of adventure can be found within a rocky ravine where breakers pound rocky shores beneath rolling forests and fynbos. Here, 5kms of sea, reefs and ocean life around Storms River Mouth are protected by the national park. Mere metres from where dolphins romp in the waves and southern right whales visit, thrill-seekers can negotiate the narrow passages of the magnificent Storms River Gorge by kayak, c liff jump into secret pools, lounge on a raft or hop aboard a lilo to float on cool waters after a long day of activity.

Lake Kivu, Rwanda: Kick-back, beach style

There are plenty of active ways to entertain oneself on a visit to Lake Kivu, from water sports to birding. But why not embrace the Caribbean-like tropical atmosphere of this Great Lake, and take a few days to kick back and relax on sandy shores? Besides, it is the perfect spot to let it all sink in after a life-changing trek with gorillas in nearby Volcanoes National Park.

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF AFRICA GEOGRAPHIC:

• Travel with us . Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early / late and a few kilometres off course and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity? Browse our ready-made packages or answer a few questions to start planning your dream safari .
• Subscribe to our FREE newsletter / download our FREE app to enjoy the following benefits.
• Plan your safaris in remote parks protected by African Parks via our sister company https://ukuri.travel/ - safari camps for responsible travellers

Friend's Email Address

Your Email Address

• Destinations

Southern Africa's Premier Wildlife Destination

Botswana safaris offer an amazing array of landscapes and wildlife, making it one of Africa's premier travel destinations. Rhino Africa’s Travel Experts have first-hand knowledge of Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta, and the starkly beautiful Makgadikgade Pans. Get the best advice on where to go and which luxury accommodation to choose for your stay.

Unveiling Botswana's Luxury with Rhino Africa Tours

With Rhino Africa's luxury tour ideas , you can relish extraordinary experiences, from up-close wildlife encounters in the country's pristine national parks to exquisite fine dining under star-studded African skies. 

Delve into the beauty of the Okavango Delta , admire the endless herds of elephants in Chobe , or bask in the tranquillity of the Kalahari – with all the frills (and thrills) your heart desires. 

Luxury Safari Lodges and Camps: Your Home in Botswana

Stay in lodges that marry traditional African aesthetics with world-class amenities, offering both luxury and exclusivity. 

Experience exceptional service, indulge in local as well as international cuisine, and enjoy breathtaking views of the vast landscapes right from your room.

Cultural and Natural Wonders Beyond the Safari

Botswana's luxury tours are not just about wildlife. Engage in exclusive cultural tours, discover ancient rock art, and simply find your inner zen in its expansive landscapes. All these can be woven into your personalised Botswana itinerary.

When to Visit Botswana for a Safari

Dry Season (May to October):  This is the best time to visit if you want to witness lots of wildlife around water sources.

Green Season (November to April):  The perfect time to enjoy the lush landscapes and excellent birding opportunities.

Luxury Highlights in Botswana We Love

Each region in Botswana offers unique luxury experiences. Here are some of our personal favourites. 

Okavango Delta : Enjoy mokoro safaris, guided nature walks, and horseback safaris.

Chobe National Park : Embark on luxury river cruises and admire Africa’s highest concentration of elephants calling it home.

Makgadikgadi Pans : Enjoy a deluxe camp experience on one of the world's largest salt flats.

Moremi Game Reserve : Experience exclusive game drives and vibrant birdlife.

Luxury Activities and Experiences on Your Botswana Tour

Helicopter Safaris : Soar above the Okavango Delta for a bird's-eye view of its stunning landscape.

Private Game Drives : Discover Botswana's iconic wildlife on exclusive safari experiences to get an up-close look at the wildlife Botswana is famous for.

Cultural Experiences : Visit local communities to learn more about the cultures, history and daily lives of locals. 

Luxury Camping : Sleep out under the stars in a luxurious tented camp.

Plan Your Luxury Botswana Adventure with Rhino Africa

We can’t wait to welcome you to Botswana. Share your African safari dreams with our Travel Experts, and let’s curate the ultimate luxury safari for you, where every detail is tailored to your preferences and desires. 

For the best in African luxury travel, let’s start planning your unforgettable Botswana tour today! 

In Africa, It's Not About What You Know, But Who You Know.

We've partnered with the best to ensure you get front row seats at the best possible price., frequently asked questions.

We've taken the liberty to answer everything you may need to know about visiting Botswana

Botswana is a year-round destination, with each season offering unique wildlife opportunities and activities. However, one of the best times to visit Botswana is the dry season, from June to October, when the Okavango Delta is in full flood, and you can experience water-based activities like mokoro excursions. However, some lodges have a permanent water source at or near the lodge, offering water-based game viewing all year round.

Botswana has three distinct seasons: bone dry, sodden and somewhere in between. Each has their own attractions; each has their caveats; each one offers a slightly different Botswna safari experience.

- Green or Low Season: November to March - Shoulder or Mid Season: April to May - Dry or Peak Season: June to October January to February – Green Season (Low Season)

Summer in Botswana means rain. A time of plenty when every living thing from beetle to baobab has a spring in its step. Hot, humid days yield spectacular thunderstorms from anvil-shaped clouds that pelt the ground and soak the very air. Ironically, despite this daily deluge, the Okavango Delta shrivels to a third its size and, with abundant surface water and grazing in every direction, the wildlife disappears into thick vegetation that blankets this ancient inland seabed.

Wildlife sightings may be unpredictable, but the green season is, however, the best time for birding with migrants and breeders turning the place upside down. And with many safari lodges in Botswana positioned alongside permanent water channels you can still enjoy the trademark Botswana water safari. Without the crowds, the pace is altogether gentler (if that even seems possible). So if you’re somewhat fatalistic about your game viewing and more interested in the experience, you’ll appreciate our excellent low season rates and specials for Botswana.         March – Green Season (Low)

Game viewing improves from March as the rains ease and wildlife returns to more accessible dry season areas. Vegetation is still thick and the days hot and humid, although not as bad as earlier in the year. Bridging the transition from low- to mid-season rates, March is an excellent time to nab that last-minute special.

April to May – Shoulder season (Mid)

Autumn ushers in the end of the rainy season. April and May are excellent months to visit Botswana when rates are lower and visitors fewer than peak season while the game viewing experience is good with a bit of hit-and-miss thrown in.

The floodwaters reach the panhandle of the Okavango Delta hitting full flow by the end of May. The days are warm, evenings are cool and the rain has all but disappeared. The bush is still green and dense but the watering holes start to dry up, sending wildlife towards more permanent sources such as Moremi, Okavango and Chobe. Green season specials are not available anymore, but rates are still lower than during high season from June to October.         June to August – High Season (Peak)

The Okavango River is in full flood by June and winter is in full swing. Expect warm, dry days and cold Kalahari nights. The animals won’t see another drop of rain for the next six months and the vegetation thins out till we’re in game-viewing prime time. Another bonus: it’s too cold for mosquitoes so you’ll hardly see any.

With water at a premium and the bush thinned out, your game viewing is at its best. Expect frequent sightings of elephant, buffalo and antelope crowding around what water sources remain and where competition is fierce. Land-only camps and those in Okavango Delta, Moremi and adjoining private reserves offer excellent game drives and many are located adjacent to some sort of permanent water source.

September to October – High Season

The best time to visit Botswana for a Big 5 safari is right at the end of the country’s parched winter. September and October are the hottest, driest months of the year and, at the end of a long, dry winter, food and water are dangerously scarce forcing wildlife into even greater concentrations around whatever feeding and watering places they can find. This is also the best time to visit Chobe, where you'll see massive elephant herds along the river. It's also the best time to go to the Linyanti, Kwando and Selinda reserves. 

November – Start of Green Season (Low)

This is an unpredictable month that could be wet or dry, depending on the timing of the rain. However, it will still be exceptionally hot. November is dry, making it great for game viewing at the watering holes as the animals congregate. Game viewing is still good. However, there might be fewer animals gathered in one area. Green season specials start.         December – Green Season (Low)

Summertime and the rainy season officially arrives in spectacular fashion with crackling thunderstorms unleashing their pent up winter fury. Botswana's landscape turns from all shades of brown to all shades of green and its lambing season, so you’ll see baby versions of everything knocking about mommy’s legs. December is also the best month for bird watching. A joyous time of new beginnings and sylvan bounty, December may not offer the best game viewing, but you do get the lowest rates, fewer visitors and jelly-legged springboks learning the pronk.

Your Botswana safari cost ranges from about $400 to $4,000 per day. And that’s why you need us, Africa’s leading safari company, to help you get the best Botswana safari experience out of your time and budget. As with all of our tailor-made itineraries, several major factors affect your total Botswana safari cost:

- Time of year with great variance between low and high season accommodation prices.

- Type of accommodation.

- Duration of stay with excellent deals to be had by adding a few extra nights to your itinerary.

- Where you go with the cost going up proportionally to the remoteness of your destination. A world-class safari lodge in the Okavango Delta will tap the coffers more readily than a world-class safari lodge on Chobe River.

- Your choice of safari activities, which can range from included-in-the-price game drives to raid-the-college-fund balloon safaris.

Safaris in Botswana are special for so many reasons it’s impossible to list them all. With three radically different game reserves each adjacent to the other for easy access and all three among the largest and most wildlife-packed in the world, Botswana consistently ranks among aficionados as Africa’s best safari destination.

Chobe National Park

With the grand Chobe River marking its northern boundary and vast woodland savannah to the south, Chobe National Park has the highest concentration of elephants anywhere in the world and is our go-to destination for the classic Botswana safari. Vast herds of antelope, zebra and large herbivores attract the attention of Africa’s famous predators including lion, leopard, cheetah and hyena. To make sure you see all the wildlife you want to see, your safari in Botswana should invariably include several nights in the Chobe area.

The Kalahari

Enveloping one of the largest national parks in the world, the Kalahari features endless acacia-dotted grasslands, shimmering salt pans and some serious wildlife action. This is classic Botswana scenery – and classic Africa scenery for that matter – with enormous skies and deep silence being reason enough to visit this semi-arid landscape.

Okavango Delta

The pride of Botswana is the world’s largest in-land delta. An infinite network of picturesque channels rises and falls with the annual rains and supports the full spectrum of Botswana’s incredible wildlife in large numbers and great concentrations. A Botswana safari is simply incomplete without a visit to the Okavango Delta.

While you can certainly hire a car and drive around Botswana, this is not the best option. Distances are vast and many safari lodges are so remote they’re only accessible by air, boat or specialised 4x4 safari vehicles.

It is far easier, quicker and better value to get to Botswana by air from Johannesburg or Cape Town in South Africa, landing either in Maun for the Okavango Delta or Kasane for access to Chobe National Park. And for when you’re in Botswana, the safari lodges all have access to landing strips and light aircrafts are pretty much the standard mode of inter-lodge transfer.

Another popular and highly recommended option to get to Botswana is via Victoria Falls, just a short road transfer or flight to Chobe. Victoria Falls is equally well-served from South Africa with direct flights from Joburg and Cape Town.

The Okavango Delta is located in a malaria area. However, it is entirely possible to have a safe, worry-free holiday in Botswana with the variety of preventative malarial meds available. You can further safeguard your holiday by following this simple tips:

Tip 1 - Repel the Mosquitoes 

The female mosquito responsible for transmitting malaria is a silent flyer and, while she feeds any time of day, she is most active at dusk and dawn. Apply repellent to your exposed skin and wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long trousers in the evenings and mornings. All of our Botswana safari lodges have screened windows and doors and mosquito nets to guarantee a peaceful night.

Tip 2 - Take Your Anti-Malaria Medicine

The most important thing you can do to protect yourself against malaria is prophylactics. Please note that you have to speak to your doctor before taking the medicine to ensure that you take the right type and dosage for your body.

Tip 3 - Keep an Eye Out for Symptoms and Finish Your Meds

If you notice any flu-like symptoms (and have ruled out COVID-19) you must demand a malaria test to be safe and catch it early because malaria reacts well to early treatment. Also, don't stop taking your meds until the course is complete.

Please note well: we are neither doctors nor experts on infectious diseases; always speak to your doctor about malaria prevention several weeks before travelling to a malaria area.

Botswana’s history in modern times is a fascinating study of good fortune being put to good use. The country has benefited from a rich natural resource base, efficient government, and an extremely low population density in a rare post-colonial African success story. In contrast to some of its regional neighbours, Botswana enjoys more than five decades of uninterrupted peace, sustained economic growth and progressive environmental conservation.

Botswana is one of the world's largest diamond producers, with annual revenue streams in the tens of billions of dollars. Mining has facilitated a modern infrastructure, including a paved highway across the vast swathe of The Kalahari. Tourism and agriculture add their fair share to the GDP ensuring one of the highest standards of living in the entire continent.

Wherever you go in Botswana, it's the limitless space that makes the strongest impression. With a population density of approximately three people per square kilometre, Botswana is defined by natural spectacles. Along the legendary riverfront of Chobe National Park, some of Africa's largest elephant herds roam unhindered alongside rare species of antelope.

Some more useful Botswana Travel Tips

Watch our travel tips videos for more insights into botswana, why book with us.

• 1 800 970 7299
• Live Chat (Online) Live Chat (Offline)
• My Wishlist
• Find a Trip

Your browser 'Internet Explorer' is out of date. Update your browser for more security, comfort and the best experience on this site.

Botswana Safari Tours & Vacations

• Destinations
• Botswana Safari Tours & Holidays

It really is a zoo out there

Ever wanted to watch migrating zebras run across the African plains or feel dwarfed as a herd of elephants passes you on the highway? On  safari in Botswana, experience the brilliance of the natural world up close as you fill up your camera roll with exotic wildlife, beautiful sunsets and the breathtaking natural landscape of Africa . With some of the world's most renowned game reserves such as Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta , Botswana has a spectacular variety of birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and aquatic life that call it home. So grab your binoculars, keep the lens off your camera and buckle in because you're not going to want to miss a second. 

Our Botswana safari tours

Okavango Experience

10 days from 1647.

Tour through Johannesburg, Maun, Chobe, the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls on a ten...

Explore Southern Africa

18 days from 3249.

Spend some time exploring Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe with included safari...

Cape Town to Vic Falls

22 days from 2750.

Spend three weeks exploring South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, from Cape...

Botswana Highlights

9 days from 2518.

Discover the culture, wildlife and waterways of Botswana on this upgraded adventure...

Experience Southern Africa

16 days from 4235.

Visit Africa and travel through southern Africa's beautiful regions. Visit South Africa...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

Botswana Adventure

10 days from 4544.

Visit Africa and travel through Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe on a tour from Windhoek...

Highlights of Botswana safari tours

Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park is probably what you picture when someone says 'safari in Africa'. Located near the  Okavango Delta , the park sits alongside the Chobe River and is home to what is thought to be the largest concentration of African elephants in the world. The majestic mammals often come to drink and bathe in the waters alongside other wildlife friends (and foes) including the cape buffalo, impala, hippos, lions, leopards and cheetahs. There are so many ways to spend your time here. Go on a 4x4 game drive, hop on a sunset cruise along Chobe River or simply sit back and listen to the noises of the great outdoors.

Makgadikgadi Pans

Get a first-hand glance at one of the largest salt pans in the world in what used to be Lake Makgadikgadi. The Makgadikgadi Pans are a beautiful mixture of baobab trees, salt flats and grassy plains, best explored in a 4x4. However, if the scenery alone doesn't tempt you, then hopefully you’re more swayed by its residents. Arguably the cutest animal on safari, the meerkat is native to the Ntwetwe salt pan and is often found huddling in mobs by the sand dunes. You'll also be among some of the world's largest animals such as the elephants and giraffes as well as some of its pinkest as the area is home to a flamboyance of flamingoes.

Boteti River

The Boteti River is a must for die-hard zebra lovers as over 25,000 zebras are known to migrate here from the neighboring game park. Due to the numbers and their stripey coats, it’s likely you’ll see them if you’re there in the migrating season. Since the Boteti River is the only permanent water source in the area, there’s always likely to be a number of animals perusing its shores. And it doesn’t matter whether you’re more interested in the prey or the predators, you’ll likely see them all. Find leafy-green eaters such as giraffes, springboks and oryx enjoying the lush vegetation and the toothy species, namely the lions, cheetahs and wild dogs, lurking hungrily nearby.

Khama Rhino Sanctuary

While not quite as fanciful as their mythical cousins the unicorn, rhinoceros sightings are almost as rare these days due to their near-extinct status. Luckily, places like the  Khama Rhino Sanctuary  have homed and rehabilitated rhinos since 1992 and are now home to both black and white rhino residents. The sanctuary has a successful breeding program and is protected with anti-poaching patrols. The continuing goal for the KRS is to reintroduce as many rhinos as possible back into their natural wild habitats, so visiting this amazing place is definitely worth the animal sightings, not to mention supporting their mission.

When is the best time to visit Botswana?

Winter (April through August) is a good time to visit Botswana. The days are usually mild and wildlife is generally quite easy to spot. The summer can bring frequent rain, which can make it difficult to travel around some of the national parks. Wildlife also tends to disperse during the summer rains, making animals a little harder to spot.

Read more about the best time to visit Botswana

Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to join an Intrepid trip?

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 policy

Do I need a visa to travel to Botswana?

Australia: No visa required

Belgium: No visa required

Canada: No visa required

Germany: No visa required

Ireland: Yes - visa required

Netherlands: No visa required

New Zealand: No visa required

South Africa: No visa required

Switzerland: No visa required

United Kingdom: No visa required

USA: No visa required

Citizens of countries not listed above, including most EU countries, should check with the relevant consulates as to whether a visa is required. For passengers requiring a visa to Botswana, application forms can be downloaded from the  Botswana Government website,  as well as instructions for applying.

Entry Requirements - Yellow Fever Certificate:

A valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required for all passengers over one year of age who arrive or are transiting through Botswana, from a country or region listed by the World Health Organization as infected by yellow fever. Travelers who are unable to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate issued at least 10 days before arrival will be refused entry. There is no option for travelers without a vaccination certificate to be vaccinated on arrival. Please note this also includes transiting through an infected country or region.

Children travelling to Botswana:

Please note that if you’re traveling to Botswana with a person under the age of 18 then you need to provide a certified copy of the child’s full unabridged birth certificate in order to enter the country (the one listing the child’s details and both parents’ details. - the short birth certificate which only lists the child’s details won’t be accepted).

Additionally, if the child is traveling with only one parent, with neither biological parent, or is unaccompanied, then they must provide an affidavit of the consent of the parent(s) that are not traveling, to prove that the trip is made with both parents' consent. Please contact your nearest Botswanan Embassy if you have further questions regarding this.

Can I drink tap water in Botswana?

Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Botswana. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found, some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

What are the best animals to see on safari in Botswana?

Some of the top animals to see in Botswana include the big five (lion, leopard, elephant, black rhino and buffalo) as well as giraffes, antelopes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos and crocodiles.

What is ATM access like in Botswana?

You will be able to find ATMs in the big cities, airports and regional towns of Botswana. Rural areas, national parks and small villages will have limited to no ATMs, so be sure to carry other payment options before traveling out of the big cities.

Read more about Botswana

Jan 25, 2024

A trio of intrepid women is shaking....

This trailblazing all-women overland crew in southern Africa is challenging...

Jul 12, 2023

The top 8 destinations for travel in....

From sipping schnapps in Sweden to tracking endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda...

May 24, 2023

Chobe vs okavango: which one should....

We’ve put these Chobe and Okavango head to head in an epic ‘safari battle’. Who's...

Nov 28, 2023

Brewing a better future: how okavango....

When’s the last time you had a beer that made life easier for an elephant? This...

Mar 21, 2017

Africa through the lens with....

Yep, this year we're launching a one-of-a-kind expedition into the wilds of Africa...

May 15, 2017

A language guide for southern africa.

Learning a few words in the local language will gain you a lot of respect. So to...

Aug 09, 2018

How to choose your ideal african safari.

Fancy taking a walk on the wild side? An African safari offers up the ideal...

Feb 08, 2018

Valentine’s special: meet your ....

No sweetheart this year? No worries. Choose travel instead this Valentine’s Day!...

Mar 27, 2015

7 awesome beach-free summer breaks.

Who needs sun and sand? We've got the perfect alternative.

Feb 25, 2019

10 destinations that want you to be a....

As the responsible travel movement gains momentum, more countries are asking...

Oct 13, 2020

Lonely planet’s ultimate travel list....

We’re unpacking Lonely Planet’s top ultimate travel experiences, so when it’s safe...

Dec 25, 2018

20 photos that will make you want to....

Heading on a safari had always been a dream of mine. I wanted to get up close and...

May 24, 2017

A road trip through southern africa.

If I was going to go to the other side of the world, I wanted to see how people...

Mar 30, 2018

What it’s really like exploring....

My responsibilities were limited to packing up my gear in the morning, returning...

Aug 15, 2018

10 accessories you’ll be glad you....

You'll be glad you packed these essentials on your next overland adventure.

Oct 24, 2017

Botswana in photos: the magic of an....

Three countries, nine days, and more incredible animal encounters than you could...

Sep 21, 2018

What it’s really like experiencing....

Full disclosure: the Okavango Delta in Botswana was my #2 fear on my Cape Town to...

Dec 13, 2018

5 reasons why your next family....

If you’re not afraid to dig a bush toilet and skip a few showers, a family holiday...

2024 Botswana Safari: Okavango Delta Flood Update

Jan 25, 2024 | Botswana News , Brave Africa Safari , Most Popular Blogs

• How the flood works.
• What you can expect.
• The best time to visit.
• Why floodplains make the best safari experience.

All About the Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is an extensive inland delta system located in north-western Botswana. It is one of the world’s most pristine and untransformed wetland systems . As a uniquely adaptable ecosystem, you’ll find a remarkable habitat with incredible species diversity and ecological resilience.

Approximately 600,000 hectares (6000 KM) and up to 1.2 million hectares (12,000 KM) of seasonally flooded areas. The Unesco World Heritage Convention designates 2.28 million hectares to the Delta in total area. So, suffice it to say, it’s massive.

Known as an endorheic delta, the Okavango has no sea outlet. Instead, its waters drain into the Kalahari Basin and its desert sands. As a result, the dry Kalahari Desert habitat is home to a nutrient-rich and sustainable ecosystem. This miraculous area is beautiful and home to a diverse range of species.

Thanks to the amazing ebb-and-flow of the Okavango Delta’s water system, there is no limit to the spectacular wildlife displays you can see on your 2024 Botswana safari. There’s a chance for everything from large herds of African elephants, buffalo, zebra, and red lechwe to hyena clans, lion prides, and wild dog packs.

The Delta’s habitat includes:

• 1061 species of plants
• 64 reptiles
• 482 species of birds (including 24 globally threatened birds)
• 130 species of mammals (including the world’s largest population of elephants)

Seasonal Rains in Angola & the Annual Flood Tide.

What can you expect on a 2024 safari in the delta.

The Best Time To Go On Your 2024 Botswana Safari

Unique Activities to Enjoy the Okavango Delta

During the flood season, when water levels are high, there are a number of different ways to enjoy the Delta . At a “dry” camp, you’ll take game drives and/or walking safaris around the flood waters and enjoy seeing a hugely diverse population of animals.

You can also participate in a water safari, an entirely unique and incredible way to experience the Delta.

Mokoro Safari (Canoe Safari)

A traditional mokoro safari is an enchanting and fascinating way to explore the beauty of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. You’ll journey through reed-lined channels in a dug-out canoe, propelled with poles and guided by local experts.

As you glide in relative silence through the peaceful waters, you’ll enjoy the sounds of nature, from the croak of the smallest frog to the grunts of hippos, bird songs, and watery footsteps. And from the water, everything becomes larger and grander. Trees will tower overhead, elephants will appear as gentle giants, and the landscape will seem to last forever.

Boating Safari

Another type of water activity is the boating safari, which takes place on a motorized boat. This is a classic way to see as much as possible from the water. You’ll explore the vast waterways of the Okavango Delta by going where vehicles can’t.

We offer boating safaris only in Moremi Game Reserve, and they are subject to water levels, weather, and availability.  Contact [email protected] to ask about boating during your 2024 Botswana safari!

Plan Your 2024 Botswana Safari

Are you ready to plan your 2024 Botswana safari? There’s no better time than now! We still have availability throughout the year with discounts for larger groups and the more nights you stay with us.

So, the time is now if you have always dreamed of going on safari and seeing the Okavango Delta. The 2024 Botswana safari season is shaping up to be an incredible one. Email us at [email protected] to learn more!

Recent Posts

Follow us on Social Media

Travel Agents

DESTINATIONS

Getting Here

What to Pack

Safari Tips

SAFARI PACKAGES

10 Day Safari – Moremi, Khwai, Savuti

7 Day Safari – Khwai & Savuti

7 Day – Moremi & Khwai

Follow the water

Unforgettable fly-in safari in botswana, enjoy 13 days of flying from one adventure to the next.

Let your great adventure begin! On to Botswana. With this (sample) safari you follow the current of the Botswana waters. Of course including breathtaking flights with helicopters and bush planes. Travel in style! Get inspired by this fly-in safari in Botswana with luxurious lodges, game drives, waterfalls and boat trips. Have the urge to travel? Please contact us , so we can chat about your ultimate safari wishes.

Enjoy the lively town of Maun.

Time for your first footsteps on Botswana soil. Maun, a lively city and a real melting pot of modern and traditional African life. Of course, you are warmly welcomed by our local colleagues and taken to your first lodge. After a night’s rest, you can prepare yourself for all the upcoming safari adventures. What is the best way to do that? We will be happy to give you tips on places to visit in Maun. After that, it’s safari time!

Daily game drives in Khwai Private Reserve.

A private bush plane is waiting for you! You will fly from Maun to the Khwai Private Reserve. On this private concession in the Okavango Delta, you will spend two nights at one of the top safari locations. Little Sable, a personal favourite of ours! We would love to tell you more about it on a call . From the lodge, you will go on daily game drives in search of wildlife. One of the highlights is the twenty-strong pack of wild dogs. But that is not all! You will have sundowners at the lagoon, sail with the mokoro and will certainly be greeted by various wild animals at the lodge too.

Day 4 & 5

Sleep under the stars at skybeds..

Make your way to the chopper! In a fantastic 10-minute flight with incredible views, you head into the woodlands. Once you’ve landed, a personal guide will welcome you. Together with him, you make a 4×4 drive to the ‘underground hyde’, a bunker from where you will make the most beautiful photos of elephants, buffaloes and other wildlife. Then you travel to Sky Beds and sleep in an ‘open-air bedroom’ under the most exquisite starry sky ever. The fantastic staff will pamper you and in the morning you go on an exciting bush walk. After breakfast, it’s helicopter time and you fly back to the banks of the Khwai River.

The Delta experience from Dukes Camp.

Duke’s Camp is one of the newest lodges in Botswana. From the makers of the world-famous Jack’s Camp in the Kalahari comes this new super stylish and luxurious camp in the Okavango Delta. At Dukes Camp, located in a fantastic private concession, you will experience the atmosphere of 1001 nights in the middle of the Okavango Delta. The daily activities include game drives day and evening, boat cruises (water level permitting), mokoro trips and walking safari in Botswana. The incredible staff will make you stay complete!

Eye to eye with twenty lions in Savuti.

Today you will fly by bush plane to Savuti in Chobe National Park. The waters of the Delta slowly fade into the background, and in front of you are the woodlands and plains of Savuti. You will be staying in Ghoha Hills Savuti Lodge. This lodge has perhaps the most beautiful view of Botswana. Located on a hill with endless views over the grasslands. Will you come face to face with the Savuti Marsh Pride? A group of more than twenty lions. At the lodge, you can wind down after your exciting game drive with a sundowner at the swimming pool. Even from the pool, you have a view of the animals drinking at the waterhole. Well-deserved enjoyment.

Marvel at the Victoria Falls.

Today you cross the border into Zimbabwe, via Kasane where Mpala Jena Camp is situated. A private concession in Zambezi National Park. You will stay directly on the banks of the Zambezi River and enjoy a magnificent view. The camp is named after the natural spring Mpala Jena, which runs through the centre of the concession and attracts an abundance of wildlife throughout the year, especially during the drier months. Cruise the Zambezi, enjoy game drives in the National Park and visit Victoria Falls. This is the perfect place to end this trip.

Day 12 & 13

Reliving memories during the return journey..

Time flies! The safari adventure is almost over. But hey, on your way back home it’s great to look back at photos, reminisce and share anecdotes from your adventures. Of course, we are also very curious about your highlights and would love to chat!

The price for this safari in Botswana starts from £7.700,- p.p. excluding international flight, and gratuities. This price includes all nights, park fees, transfers, domestic flights, meals and local drinks in lodges and available activities. Accommodation in  Maun  is on a B&B basis.

You might also like this safari in botswana...

Journey of a lifetime

So you want to see everything, experience everything? From sprawling deserts to the infamous Delta, and of course, the meerkats. This is for you! Super luxurious and unforgettable fly-in. Twelve-day trip from £6.750,- p.p

Botswana Explorer

Step into the world of Dereck & Berverly Joubert, great conservationists. This is their habitat where they recorded many documentaries for Nat Geo, among others. Explore Botswana! Thirteen-day trip from £7.485,- p.p.

A Family Affair

Making memories with the most loved people around you. Sleep-out, quad biking, Makgadikgadi and the Okavango Delta. An all-over Botswana experience for the whole family. Thirteen-day trip from £4.235 p.p.

Richard Ball

+44 7500 947357   [email protected]

Botswana African Safari Botswana Holidays Luxury Botswana Safaris

© 2024 Botswana Specialist

Terms and conditions >>

Disclaimer >>

A safari through Botswana’s wildlife wonder

V eins of deep blue and algae green water intersect around parched islands, stretching as far as the eye can see like a complex train map. As we fly deeper into the heart of the Okavango Delta, the vast volume of water engulfs all but the highest points of land. This UNESCO World Heritage Site covers 22,000 square kilometres in peak floods.

Within minutes of taking off from Maun, the tourism capital of Botswana, I’ve already spotted elephants, hippos, zebras, buffalos and giraffes from the plane window. Having contorted by body into one of only 12 seats aboard, it’s a thrilling start to my weeklong air-hopping safari. 

The first stop is Vumbura Plains Camp in the eastern panhandle, ideally located for year-round, water-based activities. Within hours of arriving in Botswana, I’m skimming across the spillways in a traditional dugout canoe. The mokoro gets you stealthily close to the minutia of the delta. It takes remarkable balance as my poler stands and propels us with a long bamboo pole. Wary of the danger of a hippo torpedo, I’m assured the shallow waterway has been scouted.

Switching pace, we swap for a speedboat and now the company of hippos is very welcome. Skipper Masco whips through a maze of towering papyrus reeds, riding the channels of trampled hippo highways. Bugs sandblast my face and a few are swallowed as I grin wildly on a ride crossed between a go-kart and waterslide.

As the fiery globe of the sun sinks to the horizon, we stop in a lagoon painted in perfect duplication of the sunset. Hollow grunting calls of the stirring hippos and the woodwind chime of frogs is the ideal twilight soundtrack. Masco cautiously navigates us home; dodging hippo heads bobbing up and down like a reverse game of whack-a-mole.

Another short flight delivers me to the private 311,353-acre Linyanti Wildlife Reserve on the border of Namibia. This corner of Botswana is home to Africa’s largest population of elephants, and Little DumaTau waterfront camp is ideally positioned to catch the most mesmerising show – the swimming elephant. My safari mode is a pimped-out brunch barge floating along the Osprey Lagoon with a mimosa in hand. I sip as an elephant herd appears one by one. 

The growing congregation frolics by the water edge, blowing bubbles through their trunks like a straw and hosing down their parched crinkled skin. The procession of 30 elephants sounds like the thunder of a waterfall as the log-like legs drag through the water. As the lagoon deepens, the body mass that labours on land in a rocking horse motion now gracefully glides with just the forehead and trunk snorkel staying dry. 

Keen to burn a few calories, my guide Kitso suggests a walking safari. Armed with a rifle and only the cover of the odd termite mound, he leads the way on high alert to every movement and nature call. Honing my tracking skills, it’s an up-close lesson in identifying animal prints and, most importantly, how recently they’d been left. I soon discovered even poo reveals a lot, based on its contents, shape, and location.

Back in the relative safety of an open-air jeep, I witness a circle-of-life lion brunch. An imposing male lion feasts on an infant elephant carcass, his stomach distending before our eyes. The lion pants then takes a micro nap, building energy for one more bite. We are just two metres from this documentary-worth spectacle. 

This encounter demonstrates why many consider Botswana the best place to go on safari. The country’s tourism model is simple: high value, low impact. The camps are premium and accommodate a few tourists; the reserves are privately operated, many in partnership with the surrounding communities; and sustainable tourism isn’t just a buzzword. There are no other jeeps sharing this experience and there’s no time limit on when I must leave.

The unique ecosystems within Botswana offer wildly diverse landscapes and wildlife experiences. So far, my safari has included plane, jeep, foot and assorted boat, and now I’m adding plunge pool at Mombo camp. Aptly known as ‘Place of Plenty’, it’s where the animals come to you. Located on Chief’s Island, the largest island in the heart of Okavango Delta, each of eight luxury tents overlooks a dry floodplain dotted with scarce waterholes.

From the vantage of my private pool, the bush TV keeps me entertained with grazing zebras, elephants painting themselves with cooling mud, warthog families scurrying by, and a broad-shouldered eagle catching a snake in a flurry of wings and swallowing it whole.

An ideal respite from the afternoon heat is Mombo’s new walk-in wine cellar, an impressive circular display of 2000 bottles. Managed by Botswana’s first and only sommelier, Alfred, I swiftly add wine safari to my list.

I’m like a kid in a candy store, and Alfred is equally excited to host a private tasting of seven very agreeable wines. The pinnacle is a bottle of the 2019 Sadie Family Palladius, a sublime blend of grapes from 17 vineyards in Swartland, South Africa. It’s very special and, in Alfred’s words, “A special occasion is the day I open it.” It’s an occasion I won’t soon forget.

The post A safari through Botswana’s wildlife wonder appeared first on The Australian Women's Weekly .