The Best of Botswana
Seasonal Information
Botswana is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, it has a beautiful landscape that is defined by the kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta. Botswana offers phenomenal landscapes and wildlife which makes it Africa’s premier travel destination. This 11 day itinerary will bring you to the rugged beauty and lush wilderness of Botswana. Embrace yourself discovering the beauty of Botswana’s famous Chobe National Park, the park boasts one of the biggest elephants and cape buffalos concentration in Africa. Embark on exciting activities throughout Botswana including game drives, private river cruise, birdwatching and excellent photographic opportunities.
- Game drives
- Sundowner cruise
- Fishing
- Guided bush walks
- Mokoro
- Fishing
- Motorised boat excursions
- Meet the meerkats
- Walks with Zu/´hoasi bushmen
- Fat bike safaris
- Quad biking
- Spa treatment
- Horse riding
Chobe National Park
Your Botswana adventure will begin in the beautiful Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero, be captivated by the amazing safari experience at this destination. Located in the north of Botswana, Chobe National Park stretches over 11700 square km of land and is home to one of the largest concentrations of elephants on the African continent. There are no fences within the park, meaning that wildlife and game are able to roam freely. There will be nothing between you and the exciting interactions of nature.
Watch elephants drink and bathe in the river with their families, view hippos out of water in the middle of the day, and observe the Puku and Chobe Bushbuck antelopes – which cannot be encountered anywhere else in Botswana. Explore Chobe Chilwero on an amazing game drive, view the safari haven along with the wilderness. Embark on a fishing experience and catch a fresh fish for diner that will later be prepared by the chief. Truly a unique experience.
Savute
Cruise on over to the Savute in the heart of the well known famous Chobe National Park. The Savute Channel stretches all the way from the Linyanti River to the Savute Marsh, creating an area full of dynamic wildlife, diverse rolling grasslands and spectacular savannahs. Tall trees and watering holes are dotted around the landscape, creating a unique and breathtaking area. The Savute Channel has been unpredictable in its nature, as it seems to flow and dry up with no relation to the wet, rainy seasons or flood levels. Be captivated by the various amazing bird species that this park has to offer. Enjoy bird watching as you gaze at extraordinary birds soaring in the African sky.
Okavango Delta
The next leg of your adventure lands you at the pristine Okavango Delta known as “the river that never finds the sea”. Botswana’s magnificent Okavango Delta is situated within the boundaries of the Moremi Game Reserve and exists as the world’s largest inland delta, exhibiting a labyrinth of deep lagoons, large lakes and hidden, meandering channels, covering an area of over 16,000 square km in flood and shrinking to less than 9,000 square km during the dry season. Trapped in the parched Kalahari sands, the fresh water oasis attracts a variety of wildlife that depends on the permanent waters of this unique wilderness. Experience an amazing photographic opportunity, capture the elegant red lechwe and sitatunga.
Makgadikgadi Pans
Your journey culminates at the beautiful Makgadikgadi. The sweeping landscapes are empty and arid as far as the eye can see, except for the odd baobab tree and hardy plants. In the Makgadikgadi region there are multiple pans, of which the Nwetwe Pan is one the largest. The Makgadikgadi Pans were once an enormous lake that covered a large proportion of southern Africa, today it is completely dry, leaving one of the biggest salt pans in Africa in its wake.
Breathtaking game drives will set you through the passing herds of springboks, gemsboks and hartebeests. During the night you will brush by the pack of brown hyenas, bat eared foxes and the black Kalahari lion, view the wildlife during the night for a more interesting adventure. This trip will give you the best taste of Botswana and the best experience you can get through your trip.
Arrive at Kasane Airport for a warmly welcome by an andBeyond representative. You will be transferred by road to Chobe Chilwero Lodge, where you will be spending your nights in a beautiful suite. The lodge is located in the lovely Kasane Forest Reserve with exceptional safari haven and amazing game viewing opportunities.
Embarking on a wondeful game drive adventure across Chobe National Park and view lions, antelopes, hippos, elepants, cape buffalos and many more games. Enjoy a fishing trip down by the river, try and fish for a fresh catch that will later be prepared by the in house chief. After a long adventurous day, relax by the pool and unwind in a soothing pampering session in the spa a peaceful way to relax in the surround of the wilderness.
Highlights
Game drives
Weave amongst huge herds of elephants and capture incredible photographs of bathing hippos, grazing impalas and sleeping lions. The lodge’s professional guides will be able to teach you about the many creatures that call Chobe National Park their home as you spot a variety of game and predators carrying out their daily routines. No two game drives are the same. Morning game drives depart between 6:30 and 7 am, and afternoon drives depart between 4 pm and 4:30.
Sundowner Cruise
Drift along the still waters of the great Chobe River in one of Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero’s comfortable riverboats on a sundowner cruise. Enjoy a refreshing beverage while the African sunset turns the water golden and red, and watch herds of buffalo emerge from the shade for their evening graze. The riverboat is an amazing spot to capture photographs of elephants as they wade into the river or sable and antelopes as they run through swamps to escape the prowling lions.
Fishing
Guests can meet their guide at reception before driving through to the jetty and doing some fishing. The best time for fishing in the Chobe area is during Botswana’s winter, particularly from May until August. Cast your line and hook some Bream and Tiger Fish. All fishing is done on a catch and release basis and there is a maximum of 3 people per boat.
Spa
Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero Lodge is home to the only full treatment spa on the Botswana Safari circuit. The spa consists of a range of facilitates, including an indoor spa bath, hydrotherapy and private treatment rooms – one of which is nestled up in the treetops. All spa products, treatments and practices are environmentally friendly.
Following breakfast, you will be driven to Kasane Airport for your scheduled flight to Savute Airstrip. Upon arrival at Savute you will be greeted by an andBeyond representative and transferred to Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge.
Situated in the heart of the world-famous Chobe National Park, the lodge is a unique luxury safari lodge in Botswana. Experience the magnificent bird-eye view of elephants in their natural habitat. Embark on a daily game drive across Savuti-Chobe National park where you will be able to view lions, zebras, sitatungas, hyenas, cheetahs and more. Explore the ancient San rock painting at Gubasta Hill and view the paintings that remain common to the San bushmen people.
Highlights
Game Drives
Morning and afternoon game drives are offered here and with Chobe National Park being a paradise for wildlife, you’re unlikely to be disappointed. Game drives are perfect for getting close to the animals, following their tracks, and viewing animals in their natural environments. You may spot elephants, lions, wild dogs, leopards, cheetah and if you’re lucky you may also see rarer antelopes.
San Rock Paintings
Explore the surrounding bush and you can find a collection of breathtaking paintings, thought to be more than 1,500 years old, by the San Bushmen. Continue exploring and find 13 giant baobab trees, clustered together; it truly is an amazing sight.
After breakfast, you will embark on a short game drive to Savute Airstrip for your scheduled flight to Xaranna Airstrip. Upon arrival you will be met by an andBeyond representative and transported to the extraordinary Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp.
The Delta camp is nested deep in the heart of Botswana’s game rich Okavango Delta. The camp offers an amazing view of the Delta that you can admire from your suite. Embark on a day and night game drive and view lions, leopards, sitatungas, zebras and other games. Enjoy a guided bush walk and explore the grounds of the delta as you tread in the paths of wildlife, an amazing adventure.
Highlights
Day and Night Game Drives
Guided game drives provide the opportunity to traverse expansive delta lands in open 4×4 safari vehicles. Thriving game populations within the concession make for ample wildlife viewing potential as you travel across open landscapes and merging eco systems. Picturesque Okavango landscapes have more to offer than just the Big 5, with regular sightings of zebra, kudu, tsessebe, red lechwe, giraffe, and even the rare wild dogs and spotted hyenas that prowl the land in search of prey.
Guided Bush Walks
Embark on foot across immersive delta lands in the company of an experienced guide and friends alike. Be sure to bring a camera, as you don’t want to miss the opportunity to photograph the multitude of exotic, meandering animals. An area is chosen at the guide’s discretion, keeping with safe distances from large herds of elephant and buffalo. Prepare for immersion with the scents of wild flora, the sounds of life around you and consistent game sightings.
Mokoro Excursions
Your private guide – experienced in the art of mokoro excursion, will paddle you through tranquil delta channels in search of aquatic game and exotic bird species. There are few things more relaxing than calmly drifting through delta waters in a traditional style dug-out canoe, soaking in the atmosphere at the heart of the Okavango. Please note, mokoro excursions are water level dependant.
Fishing
Set sale for a fishing excursion like no other. The Okavango Delta and its surrounding lakes and lagoons provide the quintessential arena to unwind while you cast a line. Little compares to the sensation of calmly drifting through delta waters, soaking in the atmosphere of the surrounding bushland. Delta’s channels provide an abundance of seasonal fish such as tilapia and spotted silver catfish.
Motorised Boat Excursions
Traverse open waters in hard bottom aluminium boats as professionally licensed guides take you on a journey through the deeper channels of the Okavango Delta. Sightings are consistent throughout the delta channels as predator and prey alike converge on river waters to drink and feast on the reeds, ensuring a truly remarkable experience.
Enjoy a short game drive to Xaranna Airstrip for your scheduled flight to Maun International Airport. Upon arrival Maun Airport you will be met by a representative from Natural Selection and flown to Tsigaro Airstrip. Explore the Makgadikgadi Pans while staying in lovely tent at Jack’s camp.
Jack’s camp has many thrilling activities that you can enjoy during your stay. Embark on a morning game drive and view elephants, meerkats, zebras and many more. Walking adventures will allow you to get close to wildlife and game from a safe distance. Enjoy a thrilling quad biking experience across the salt pans, a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Highlights
Meet the Meerkats
Walk amongst the habituated meerkats that have made their homes around Jack’s Camp and watch these fun and quirky creatures as they scurry around on the hunt for scorpions and other tasty morsels. These friendly meerkats are used to human presence, and may even climb up and use you as a lookout point for watching for predators. Walks take place from sunrise and guests will be accompanied by one of the camp’s guides.
Walks with Zu’Hoasi Bushmen
Meet traditional bushmen and accompany them on a guided walk where you will learn interesting facts and survival methods that have been carried down by the Zu’hoasi Bushmen. Learn about Bushman heritage and culture, and experience traditional bushmen dances. Discover more about the fauna and flora of the harsh Makgadikgadi landscape from the experts.
Game Drives
Embark on an exciting game drive and travel across the Kalahari Desert in a custom-made 4×4 safari vehicle. The safari vehicles are designed to seat a maximum of 6 guests at a time, ensuring everyone gets a full view of the incredible wildlife. Drive alongside thousands of zebra as you explore the Makgadikgadi Pans. The private reserve is home to an array of animals that can be viewed in their natural habitat without any fences or barriers cutting you off from the amazing sights and dramatic hunts.
Quad Biking (in dry season)
Speed across the Makgadikgadi Pans on a morning quad bike ride and get a sense of the true size of this immense landscape. During the dry season, the salt-crusted ground is unable to grow any vegetation, creating a large empty space where guests immerse themselves in the peaceful and quiet atmosphere. This is a seasonal activity and is only available during the dry season.
Horse Riding
Explore the untamed landscape of the Kalahari Desert just like the classic explorers did: on horseback. Enjoy the wind in your hair as you rush across the dramatic plains on the back of a gentle and well-trained horse, and lose yourself in the empty landscape of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.
After breakfast, you will enjoy a short game drive to Tsigaro Airstrip in time for your flight to Maun International Airport, where you will continue with your onward arrangements.
Dates are flexible so please make an enquiry and tell us a range of dates you are considering so we can check availability.
When travelling to Botswana ensure that your vaccinations are up to date. Never keep food in your tent in any of the accommodations you will be staying at. Monkeys and baboons love to raid unsecured tents looking for snacks.
Please be aware that it is illegal to bring plastic bags into Botswana. Put your personal items into a transparent cloth or mesh bag or pack them into a clear, rigid plastic box. Avoid wrapping items in plastic bags.
Consider swapping liquid face-wash, soap, shampoo, conditioner and shaving gel for solid bars will cut down the risk of spillages.
- Accommodation
- Road transfers
- Park fees
- Emergency Medical Evacuation
- Administration fee
- Visa
- Vaccination
- All Flights
- Health insurance
- Travel insurance
- Carbon offset through Climate Care
Ideal for:
- Wildlife and nature enthusiasts
- Passionate photographers
- Culture lovers
Suitable for ages 6 to 65
Children under the age of 12 will have to share a quad bike with an adult at Jack's Camp
Seasonal Information
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