safari botswana 2024

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50 Best Botswana Tours for 2024/2025

Comfort level, trip length.

50 match of 209

Horse Riding Safari on the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

Botswana Makgadikgadi Pans

Price on Request

Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park Discovery

Zimbabwe Victoria Falls Botswana Chobe Chobe River Southern Africa

From $ 2130 /USD

Affordable Victoria Falls & Chobe Safari

Zimbabwe Victoria Falls Botswana Chobe Southern Africa

From $ 2340 /USD

Elephant Kingdom with a Chobe – Savute Safari

Southern Africa Botswana Chobe Savuti

From $ 2500 /USD

Short Victoria Falls and Chobe Experience

Zambia Livingstone Victoria Falls Botswana Chobe

From $ 2600 /USD

Value For Money Botswana Safari

Botswana Chobe Chobe River Moremi Southern Africa Okavango Delta

From $ 2740 /USD

Botswana Mobile Safari

Botswana Moremi Okavango Delta Southern Africa

From $ 2745 /USD

Affordable and Authentic Botswana Safari

Southern Africa Botswana Moremi Okavango Delta

From $ 3100 /USD

Popular Botswana Safari Through the Delta

Botswana Okavango Delta

From $ 3140 /USD

Victoria Falls, Chobe and Moremi Affordable Safari

Southern Africa Zimbabwe Victoria Falls Botswana Chobe Okavango Delta

From $ 3200 /USD

Affordable Chobe and Delta Explorer

Southern Africa Botswana Chobe Okavango Delta

From $ 3345 /USD

Photographic Tour of Botswana

Botswana Chobe Moremi Okavango Delta Southern Africa

From $ 3615 /USD

Livingstone and Botswana Encounter

Southern Africa Livingstone Victoria Falls Botswana

From $ 3648 /USD

Exclusive Okavango Delta Safari

Southern Africa Botswana Moremi Selinda Game Reserve Okavango Delta

From $ 3700 /USD

Botswana Safari in Savuti and Chobe

Southern Africa Botswana Savuti Chobe

From $ 3740 /USD

Botswana & Zimbabwe's World Wonders

Southern Africa Botswana Okavango Delta Chobe Zimbabwe Victoria Falls

From $ 3760 /USD

Mashatu Land of the Giants Safari

Southern Africa Johannesburg Botswana Mashatu Game Reserve

From $ 3900 /USD

From Namibia to Victoria Falls - Marvels of Sou...

Southern Africa Namibia Swakopmund Sossusvlei Twyfelfontein Etosha

From $ 4420 /USD

Experience the Wonders of Africa with a Botswana Safari Tour!

When it comes to incredible places in Africa, a Botswana tour stands out as you can experience a thrilling safari tour or a luxurious getaway trip in Botswana.

From its diverse wildlife and unique experiences, like a mokoro ride while touring the Okavango Delta marshes , to its vibrant culture and delicious cuisine, this wonderous African country is truly worth exploring. Let’s take a deeper look at all that a Botswana tour has to offer and why it should be your next travel destination.

A Safari Tour Experience Most Don’t Know About

A trip to Botswana isn’t complete without an unforgettable safari adventure. There are so many exciting activities available for tour travelers in the region, including:

• Game watching
• Tracking animals on foot or by vehicle
• Nighttime wildlife spotlighting tours
• Hot air balloon safari tours
• Mokoro excursions (traditional dugout canoe rides)
• Hunting trips
• Fishing tours
• Birding safaris
• Photographic safaris

During your travels, you can expect to see an array of stunning wildlife like:

• Wildebeests

See these animals in their natural habitats and explore some of Africa’s most remarkable landscapes.

Perhaps even more exciting than the animal sightings are the cultural immersion opportunities Botswana tours offer travelers. From encountering indigenous people who have lived in harmony with nature for centuries to learn about their fascinating history and culture, you will gain insight into the way of life in Botswana.

Let us take care of all your travel arrangements and make your next Botswana safari one of the greatest adventures you will ever experience. Contact us today to start planning your dream African getaway!

Great Cuisine on a Botswana Tour

Diners will also appreciate the delicious local meals that showcase traditional flavors from across Africa, foods like:

• Seswaa (a meat dish cooked in a pot over hot coals)
• Pap (mashed cornmeal porridge), there is so much to experience beyond safari activities
• Vegetables stew
• Decadent desserts like chocolate cake with custard sauce

The Different Types of Travelers That Botswana Tours Are Ideal For

Botswana Safari Tours offer something for every type of traveler, from outdoor adventurers and adrenaline seekers to luxury travelers looking for a memorable getaway, as well as photographers searching for amazing shots of wildlife and landscape vistas.

No matter what type of traveler you are or what kind of experience you’re seeking out during your visit to this amazing part of Africa, a safari in Botswana has something extraordinary waiting for you.

Professional Guides On A Botswana Tour make your trip spectacular

If you’re looking for an unforgettable vacation filled with adventure and exploration, a trip to Botswana should be at the top of your list! Experts who have explored this country agree that it has some of the best natural beauty combined with a rich culture, making it a top destination for tours and safaris.

From wide-open savannas full of wildlife, to the majestic Okavango Delta, there are countless outdoor attractions to explore. Make sure you check out the Botswana vacation packages for an amazing experience you won’t regret!

Visitors can take tours to see various animals in the wild or on horseback during the day, and go stargazing at night for an unbeatable experience. One of Bostwana’s major points of attraction is Motswari Game Reserve, a unique conservation area that spills into an ancient volcanic crater with incredible geographic features and sights.

Given all that Botswana safari tours have to offer, it is no surprise they remain one of the most popular options when selecting Botswana vacation packages.

The Animal Enthusiast

For the animal enthusiasts out there, a safari experience in Botswana is a must-do. From game drives, to mokoro rides, to walking tours of National Parks & reserves; the possibilities are endless when it comes to taking in a unique array of locals and breathtaking views on your African adventure.

Game drives give visitors a chance to view herds of wildlife first-hand from the safety and comfort of an open-air vehicle. After your drive, you can mount (pardon the pun) a more classically traditional safari experience with a ride in mokoro -a dugout canoe – down some of Africa’s beautiful rivers.

Walking tours are also an incredible way to get close to nature and observe the awe-inspiring landscape up close. Whatever tour you choose, you’ll be sure to take away lasting memories from this lifetime experience!

Where to go for the best Safari Tours in Botswana

For any true safari enthusiast, Botswana safari packages are not complete without a visit to:

• Chobe National Park: Chobe National Park, located in Botswana, is one of Africa’s premier safari parks, featuring an amazing array of wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. The Kalahari is a desert paradise, where visitors can explore bushman cave paintings and witness lions on their nightly prowls.
• Kalahari Desert and the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans: The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are some of the largest in the world, and Botswana Safari Tours visitors can take in the beauty of this white salt crust, covering one-tenth of Botswana’s landmass. Botswana Tours are the perfect way to explore this amazing landscape.

An experience at these stunning safari destinations will leave you feeling breathless and fulfilled, making your tour in Botswana unforgettable.

Adventure seekers will love our Botswana safari packages

Enjoy tours of the African bush on a mobile safari or trekking up towering mountains. Photographers can capture stunning portraits of African wildlife in some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes.

If you’re interested in culture and history, Botswana tours offer a unique opportunity to learn about traditional life and decipher ancient San Rock Art, always making sure to see some of the animals that inspired this art when you go on Botswana safari tours.

For luxury travelers, private tours provide exclusive experiences tailored to your preferences with specially designed lodges overlooking serene scenery. Whether you want to relax or explore, Botswana provides it all – making it a top destination for travelers of any kind! With tours available from Discover Africa Group who specialize in planning tours and safaris, you can easily experience this diverse and beautiful country.

Discover Africa offers Botswana tour packages that range from exploring the more iconic spots in the country such as Chobe National Park, to going off the beaten track, discovering hidden gems such as the Makgadikgadi salt pans, or visiting remote villages.

No matter what your interests are, there is something special in Botswana just waiting to be discovered, so consider it your next trip to Botswana with Discover Africa!

What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us, knowledgeable, organized and excellent. susan's advice was invaluable..

5 Day Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge Safari Review

Nick, United Kingdom 13 Mar 2024

Amazing experience.

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Mike R , United States 18 Oct 2023

Trip of a lifetime.

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My tour operator was professional and helped me find the safari trip....

4-Day Kruger Safari Review

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Discover africa organized a perfect botswana safari for us..

Botswana Adventure Review

Friedrich, Germany 22 Jun 2015

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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 1778.

Tour through Johannesburg, Maun, Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta and Victoria...

Explore Southern Africa

18 days from 3315.

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

Cape Town to Vic Falls

22 days from 2903.

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 an adventure that visits...

Experience Southern Africa

16 days from 4662.

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 4620.

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

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Chalo Africa

The Only Journey is the One Within

Botswana Safari Tours: 2024 – 2025

Travel to botswana: the okavango delta, chobe & more.

Planning a Botswana   safari tour ? Our team of Botswana safari specialists have explored the Okavango Delta , experienced Great Plains Conservation’s Duba Plains (Expedition) Camp; we have been on a mokoro safari on Selinda Spillway,  and have spent several days in  Kwando,   Linyanti and Chobe . We have flown above Maun and soared to Nxai Pan and Makgadikgadi Pan. Our dreams are made true under the stars of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Whether you are a seasoned Botswana safarista or a first-timer, this is the safari destination for you!

Explore our Botswana Tours & Safaris for 2024 – 2025

Looking for the Best Botswana Safari Tours & Packages? While some of the itineraries mentioned here are for scheduled group trips, please know that it is possible to customise a private safari to Botswana as well.

Discover why Botswana is one of Africa’s premier wilderness locations with the 10-day, 9-night Hideaways Africa – Okavango Delta & Chobe Highlights. Marvel at the astonishing wildlife of the Okavango Delta, Khwai River, Moremi Game Reserve and Kazuma Forest Reserve as you embark on an authentic safari experience.

Migration Safari in en-suite tents combined with 1 night Tau Pan Camp and helicopter scenic flight.

The Chobe River and The Okavango Delta.

Chat with a Specialist!

Our safari specialists have travelled the length and breadth of Africa over the last 35 years. We’d love to help plan your safari. Get in touch with us here »

Chalo Africa provides luxury African safari tours and holidays from the United States (Washington DC), United Arab Emirates (Dubai) and India.

We plan safaris to Kenya , Tanzania , Botswana , South Africa , Namibia , Zambia , Zimbabwe , Madagascar , Uganda , Rwanda , Gabon , Chad , Ethiopia and elsewhere. Useful Links: About Us | Our Team | Diary (Blog) | FAQs | Press | Kenya - Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Update

We are not liable for any errors or omissions. All pricing is indicative and subject to exchange rate fluctuations. You can view our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy here.

Botswana Safaris

This country just oozes luxury. With its spectacularly diverse landscapes, copious amount of wildlife and exclusive lodges and camps, this is certainly the country to visit should you desire a high-end safari experience, and we think this is the perfect place to indulge.

Truly diverse landscapes.

We love how contrasted the sceneries are here – in Botswana you can spend a few days exploring verdant landscapes, before spending the next day venturing through barren desert and shimmering salt pans. All of these backdrops are well worth visiting too – the deserts here are just as abundant in animals as the luxuriant grasslands. Take for instance the Kalahari Desert, which certainly packs a punch when it comes to wildlife – lions, antelope, elephants, colourful birdlife and even daring predators make this area their home.

The Makgadikgadi Pans and Chobe National Park.

The Makgadikgadi Pans impress us every time; its glimmering white salt pans are surrounded by lush grassland that becomes full of zebra during the wet season. Some of the last hunter gatherers in Southern Africa - the San Bushmen - reside here, so it’s perfect for visiting fascinating villages and embarking on walking safaris too. Chobe National Park may be busy, but our team know plenty of remote areas to ensure you get an exclusive experience. Elephant enthusiasts will love this park - during the dry season Chobe River is the only source of water, so you’ll see thousands of elephants grazing here, and the river offers a unique mokoro boating safari tour.

Botswana's Okavango Delta.

The Okavango Delta is one of our favourite destinations. Split into three parts – wet, dry and mixed – the delta is a beautifully diverse area, offering wonderful mokoro boating safaris, some of the best big game viewing we’ve ever encountered, and incredible walking safaris that just shouldn’t be missed.

Our team will help you create a bespoke trip.

If you fancy indulging in private luxurious lodges and exclusive reserves where you’ll be the only people for miles, our team have a wide range of lavish accommodations and spectacular experiences to share, and they can’t wait to help you create your own bespoke Botswana safari trip.

Itineraries in Botswana

From the most luxurious train to the most luxurious camps, this superb 9 night itinerary will whisk you back to Africa from a bygone era.

“The Okavango Delta, Kalahari Desert and salt pans. Our safari was pure indulgence. It was simply incredible” Rachel Fitzgerald, Africa Sky Travel Expert

Get Inspired, explore the game parks and nature reserves in Botswana

Luscious floodplains brimming with hippos, big cats, giraffe and kadu make the Okavango Delta one of our most wildlife abundant areas to visit.

The experience of living under canvas yet still enjoying modern luxuries is one we'll never tire of, and the Linyanti Wetlands are the perfect place to do so.

The Makgadikgadi Pans offer a front row seat to wildebeest, zebra and gemsbok migrating across stunning salt pans, a sight that never ceases to amaze.

Home to the largest population of elephants in Africa, Chobe National Park is our favourite place to travel alongside these magnificent giants.

When to visit Botswana?

• Recommended Jun
• Recommended Jul
• Recommended Aug
• Recommended Recommended
• Good Good Time
• Mixed Mixed reviews
• Not Recommended

Get started, explore some of our amazing safari camps & lodges in Botswana

Built into a rocky hill within Chobe National Park, we love how this lodge effortlessly blends luxury with natural, rustic beauty.

Dotted along the Bora River, this luxurious camp offers incredible experiences, including walking with elephants.

Keen wildlife photographers will rejoice at this beautifully charming camp - the photography river cruise is nothing short of spectacular.

Sanctuary Chief's Camp really hones in on the rustic, comforting experience, from the beautiful pool, to eating pizza by the campfire.

Designed to look like a pangolin from above, the spectacular architecture is one of many reasons why we love this lodge.

An excellent mobile tented camp that moves every fifth day, enveloping you in all the wildlife and wilderness of Chobe National Park.

An intimate mobile tented camp that offers stunning wildlife viewing in a remote area of the Chobe ecosystem; we love how close you get to nature.

Opulent and exclusive lodge in a prime location above the Savuti Channel; safari comes to you as thousands of animals roam around the riverbank below.

An exclusive tented camp offering an African elephant riding experience plus decadent accommodation and thrilling Okavango safari activities.

Exceptional game viewing sets this camp apart, revealing the best of the Okavango in an exclusive concession; the classic tented accommodation is also excellent quality.

Outstanding year round game viewing make this secluded tented camp an immersive stop for land-based safari in the Okavango Delta.

Lavish lodge in an idyllic piece of the Okavango; perfect for a relaxing safari interlude and a chance to appreciate the subtle beauty of the Delta.

You can truly get back to nature at this charming camp, with private salas hidden amongst the trees, and cosy bomas overlooking vast landscapes.

Enjoy an iconic Okavango Delta experience with water-based safari activities and a charming camp that’s surrounded by water.

An intimate luxury camp overlooking a floodplain in the Jao Concession; great for a relaxed and eclectic Okavango safari.

Exclusive and secluded tented camp set in a stunning private concession; offers a varied safari experience and is perfect for groups or families.

Set in the heart of Moremi Game Reserve, this excellent value camp provides an intimate and exhilarating wildlife experience.

Flagship luxury camp in a private concession with exceptional guides and opulent accommodation; more expensive than other camps but worth it.

Swap game drives for mokoro safaris and start your morning in a private sala at this breath-taking camp. We love the spectacular activities here.

One of Botswana’s oldest and most luxurious lodges, offering beautiful accommodation in the game-rich heart of the Okavango Delta.

Outstanding luxury camp set in the private Selinda Concession, offering boutique tented accommodation and some of the best guided safari in Botswana.

xclusive-use private villas in the wildlife-rich Selinda Concession; we think it’s perfect for safari exclusivity that combines luxury with intimate animal encounters.

We love to transport back to the 1940’s at this glamorous camp, where the activities are exciting and the tents are luxurious.

Traditional safari camp set in an abundant concession, very close to Moremi Game Reserve; offers beautiful safari and is one of the best in Africa for families.

A comfortable and secluded camp in the legendary Vumbura Reserve, offering varied activities and lots of big cat action; this is a real gem.

Blending outstanding wildlife with chic and luxurious accommodation, this intimate lodge creates one of Africa’s finest safari experiences.

With only three tents, it doesn’t get much more intimate than this. We love to spend our days in the private salas, watching giraffe and buffalo graze.

From cruising along the Linyanti River, to swapping stories around a cosy campfire, it’s all about the rustic, natural experiences at this charming camp.

A remote luxury lodge that’s perfect for recharging the batteries and discovering the eclectic wildlife of the Makgadikgadi Pans.

Perched on a private island, we always feel like royalty here, and there are plenty of extra little touches to make your stay extraordinary.

An atmosphere of tranquility sets the tone of this luxury floating boutique lodge, leisurely gliding along the Chobe River.

Floating along the Chobe River, this is a brilliant floating lodge offering incredible wildlife opportunities, including fantastic photography cruises.

A classic luxury tented camp inspired by the 1920's explorer era, Duba Plains offers an intimate experience where you can be as secluded or as sociable as you like.

Nestled right by Moremi Game Reserve, this luxury tented camp is ideal for those who fancy an exclusive experience. Experience walking alongside semi-habituated elephants, dip your...

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Botswana Safaris in October 2024

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• Most Popular
• River Cruises
• Wildlife & Safari Exploration
• Adventure Options
• Helicopter Tours
• Land & Sea Exploration
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• Rainforest Exploration
• Small Ship Cruises
• Spa Relaxation
• Village Visits
• Wilderness Lodge Exploration
• Wildlife Viewing
• Wine Tasting
• African Dream
• Zambezi Queen
• Zimbabwean Dream

Botswana Family Safari

• Discover Africa with your family
• Visit a local Botswana school
• Search for elephants on the Chobe
• Experience the Okavango Delta

Best of Botswana

• See wildlife gather at Chobe river
• Enjoy wildlife in Moremi Reserve
• Safari though Chobe National Park

Luxury Fly-in Okavango Delta Safari

• Explore the Gomoti River system
• Encounter wildlife in Khwai
• Stay in the heart of the Okavango
• Save time & fly into safari lodges

Luxury Chobe National Park

• Watch wildlife at the Chobe River
• Cruise the Chobe River
• Chobe National Park
• Watch wildlife gather at the river
• Take daily game drives

Luxury Botswana Safari

• Visit Victoria Falls
• Drive through Linyanti Concession
• Mokoro on the Okavango Delta
• Observe wildlife

Rivers & Rails of Africa

• Enjoy a cable car up Table Mountain
• Discover local vineyards
• Visit Kasenu Village
• Safari through Chobe National Park

Wildlife and the Falls

• Observe African wildlife
• Be immersed in African local life
• Tour Victoria Falls
• Explore Johannesburg

Kaza Undercover

• Experience Okavango Delta
• Visit Nxamaseri Island Lodge
• Visit Hwange National Park
• Explore Livingstone and Kafue
• Safari quest in Lower Zambezi
• Stars of South Africa
• Tour famous wineries
• Take a cable car ride
• Drive through Chobe National Park
• Experience the local culture

Southern Africa: Travel to the Ends of the Earth with Extended Stay at The Cape of Good Hope

• Join a guided tour of Robben Island
• Explore the Chobe National Park
• Tour the falls in Zimbabwe
• Visit Impalila's local school

Discover Africa

• Encounter African penguins up close
• Explore wildlife-rich Chobe Park
• Boat safari, bird watch, or fish
• Learn about Victoria Falls

Chobe National Park & Kuzuma Forest Reserve

• View herds of elephants
• Unlimited game viewing
• Chobe River Safari Cruise

Victoria Falls & Chobe National Park

• View the iconic Victoria Falls
• Explore Victoria Falls
• Enjoy multiple game drives
• Visit a local village

Southern Africa: Travel to the Ends of the Earth

• Hike to Victoria Falls
• Look for wildlife
• Discover Impalila Island
• Visit Chobe National Park
• Learn about the region´s legends
• Explore Chobe National Park
• Tour Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe
• Golden Trails of Africa
• Take a safari in search of wildlife
• Explore the Serengeti

Botswana Travel Guide

• All Botswana Trips
• Botswana Luxury
• Botswana Safari Lodges & Camps
• Best Times to Visit Africa
• Okavango Delta
• Victoria Falls
• All Botswana River Cruises
• Botswana FAQS
• Luxury African Safari

Favorite Botswana All Trips

Top botswana travel destinations, botswana trips by departure date.

• 2024 Botswana trips (17)
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• Botswana Wildlife & Safari Exploration (15)
• Botswana River Cruises (9)
• Botswana Cruises (8)
• Botswana Land Tours (7)
• Botswana Luxury (5)
• Botswana Cultural (4)

Botswana Trips by Duration

• 9 day trips (3)
• 13 day trips (3)

Botswana Trips by Activity

• Botswana wildlife viewing (15)
• Botswana village visits (10)
• Botswana wilderness lodge exploration (8)
• Botswana land & sea exploration (4)
• Botswana helicopter tours (4)
• Botswana wine tasting (3)

Why Travel With Adventure Life

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THE 10 BEST Botswana Safaris

Safaris in botswana.

• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Okavango Delta
• Victoria Falls
• Kalahari Breeze Safaris
• MOKORO TRAIL DISCOUNTED PACKAGE
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. From Victoria Falls: Chobe National Park Small Group Tour

2. Chobe Full Day Safari Trip

3. Chobe Extended Day Trip from Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe

4. 1 Day Okavango Delta Mokoro/Canoe Daytrip

5. 5-Day Explore Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana

6. Chobe Safari Day Trip From Livingstone

7. Chobe Extended Day Trip from Victoria Falls - Small Group

8. Chobe Full Day Trip From Victoria Falls

9. 4-Day Discover Victoria Falls, Chobe and Hwange Park

10. Chobe Day Trip from Victoria Falls

11. 2 Nights 3 Days Chobe Safari ex Livingstone/ Victoria Falls

12. Full-day Safari Tour in Chobe

13. Moremi Full Day Trip In The World Renowned Moremi Game Reserve

14. Chobe National Park from Victoria Falls

15. Victoria Falls Day Trip from Chobe - Silver Package

16. 11 Days Safari Tour In Botswana

17. 11Day WILDERNESS TRAIL:Okavango,Moremi&Chobe -WildCamping Safari +Victoria Falls

18. 2 Day 1 Night Chobe Safari ex Livingstone/Victoria Falls

19. chobe 3hr sunset boat cruise

20. Chobe Full Day Trip

21. 11 Days and 10 Nights Private Northern Explorer Tour

22. Okavango delta - Chobe Adventure 7 Nights/8 Days

23. 2 nights 3 days Overnight Mokoro Trail Okavango delta

24. 2 Nights Okavango Delta Mokoro WildCamping Tour, all-inclusive

25. Madikwe Game Reserve Day Tour (Minimum per booking: 5 People)

26. 1 Night Madikwe Game Reserve

27. Luxury Okavango Safari - 3 Day

28. 9 Day Best Of Northern Botswana & Victoria Falls - Mix of WildCamping & Lodges

29. Vicfalls daytrip from Kasane

30. Chobe Day Trip -Botswana

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Botswana Safaris

A landlocked country straddling the Tropic of Capricorn, Botswana offers one of the last unspoiled wildernesses in Africa. Most of the country is covered by the vast arid expanse of the Kalahari Desert, and in the north-western corner lies one of the great natural wonders of the world, the Okavango Delta. It’s the largest inland delta on Earth, and a haven for an overwhelming abundance of wildlife, including Elephant, Giraffe, Lion, African Wild Dog and many other charismatic species.

Remarkably for an African country, Botswana has a tiny population. Just over two million inhabitants occupy this nation that is the size of France and Germany together!

Nearly one fifth of its area is given over to its huge national parks and extensive game reserves.

Speak with our Botswana specialist

Featured Tours to Botswana

Namibia, Botswana & Zambia - Etosha to the Victoria Falls!

Botswana's Kalahari Desert

Botswana's Highlights

Botswana's Desert & Delta (Mammals)

Botswana's Desert & Delta (Birds)

Tailormade Holidays in Botswana

Our Botswana Specialist Recommends

"Our ‘ Botswana’s Highlights ’ tour offers a comprehensive 14-day wildlife adventure to Chobe National Park, Moremi Game Reserve, Victoria Falls and a 4-day exploration of the magnificent Okavango Delta. Our ‘Botswana’s Desert & Delta’ tours are in-depth bird and mammal-watching  safaris to the spectacular inland delta of the Okavango." 

Naturetrek Tours to Botswana

Naturetrek offers a range of wildlife safaris and natural history tours in Botswana. These include bargain tours as well as a comprehensive 14-day holiday.

What’s special about its wildlife?

• The largest herds in Southern Africa roam free & wild
• Botswana is home to some of the continent’s most spectacular & varied bird life
• African Wild Dogs have one of their last strongholds in northern Botswana & our wildlife holidays offer the chance of seeing this elusive species
• When the Okavango Delta is in flood, 15,000 square kilometres of Botswana is transformed into a watery paradise of palms, papyrus & crystal clear channels teeming with wildlife

Our safaris in Botswana visit:

• The Okavango Delta, home to some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes, in search of its mammals & birds
• Chobe National Park, which is especially famous for Elephants & waterbirds, as well as Lion & Cheetah in its savannah areas
• Moremi Game Reserve – we look for birds such as woodpeckers, barbets and weavers, plus huge herds of Buffalo, Lechwe, Zebra & other mammals on the edge of the Okavango
• Our ‘ Botswana’s Highlights ’ tour includes a visit to the Victoria Falls

Related articles

A client travelled on our 'Botswana's Desert & Delta (Birds)' holiday and submitted this entry to our writing competition .

A client travelled on our 'Botswana's Desert & Delta (Mammals)' holiday and submitted this entry to our writing competition .

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Accommodations

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• Dates, Prices & Info

Limited to 13 Travelers

A Classic Tented Camp Safari into the Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert

This deep immersion in the Botswana bush reveals the essence of wilderness, protected by a conservation-minded country that leads the continent in habitat stewardship. An ancient landscape occupied by the San people for more than 100,000 years, Botswana today is a stronghold for elephants, home to Africa’s largest population of more than 130,000, and endangered species like rhino and wild dog. Sprawling grasslands, deltas, and savannas sustain a multitude of wildlife that thrives within this mosaic of ecological diversity. From our traditional canvas camps that are exceptionally comfortable without extravagance, explore exceptionally varied habitats on wildlife drives, bush walks, and dugout canoe excursions. And when night falls, gather around the campfire to revel in each day's wonders, as the stars glitter overhead and animal calls resound in the darkness.

The SDZWA Host for this trip will be: Melodi Tayles, Wildlife Care Manager, San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Melodi is a Wildlife Care Manager at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park with over 25 years’ experience working with wildlife. Melodi oversees the Safari Park’s large field habitats, Rhino Rescue Center, and the Lower Village which includes over 75 species of ungulates. Throughout her career she has cared for a variety of species such as rhinoceros, giraffe, antelope, lions, cheetahs, and cape buffalo. Having also worked in the Animal Care Center for many years, she has had the privilege to hand rear many species which has allowed extra insight into animal behavior and instinct from day one.

Melodi enjoys observing animals and interpreting why they do, what they do. “I am really looking forward to the shared experiences and a mutual appreciation for the diversity of wildlife. It is incredible to consider all that contributes to the many successful ecosystems of Botswana. It will be an amazing adventure for all.”

Trip Highlights

Traverse Botswana's diverse habitats, as we delve deep into the most remote, wildlife-rich reaches of the Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert.

Experience rustic bush luxury and African hospitality at our secluded small safari camps, surrounded by untouched wilderness.

On private reserves with a premier safari guide, thrill to close encounters with charismatic predators, huge elephant herds, and more.

What's So Distinctive About this Botswana Safari?

This exclusive adventure in some of Africa's last true wilderness is not your standard safari. We deliver a remote nature experience focused on close-up wildlife sightings in an intimate context—you're likely to see animals roaming right on the edge of our classic tented camps! Here's what makes this safari stand out:

• A Compact Itinerary Designed for Variety Our itinerary is carefully crafted to showcase varied wildlife habitats over just nine days. From the flooded marshlands of the Okavango Delta with its lions, leopards and elephants to the semi-arid savanna of the Kalahari Desert, teeming with zebras and wildebeest, you'll find some of wild Africa's most impressive animal encounters.  
• Private Reserves Get You "Out There" Enjoy the advantages of remote locales and exclusive activities. Avoiding more heavily visited national parks, we concentrate on uncrowded private reserves. Our intimate tented camps are located in isolated settings amid abundant wildlife, which we encounter not only on traditional game drives, but also on guided bush walks and night drives in search of nocturnal creatures—activities not allowed in the national parks.  
• An Open "Window" Seat for Everyone You'll have an unimpeded view no matter where you sit in our chartered top-quality safari vehicles. They have open sides (no glass to interfere with your view) and nine cushioned passenger seats—one in front next to the driver, followed by two rows of three seats each and a pair of seats at the back. On wildlife drives, we limit our capacity to no more than seven travelers in each vehicle, for maximum comfort, viewing, and photo opportunities.  
• The World's Finest Safari Guides Natural Habitat Adventures is known worldwide for employing the finest naturalists on the planet! Our Botswana Explorer Safari includes your own private expedition leader, ranked among the most highly trained guides in Africa and renowned for providing exceptional service. Our safari expedition leaders average 15 years of guiding experience.  
• A Maximum of 13 Travelers A small group is essential for an authentic safari experience. With a maximum of just 13 guests plus our expedition leader and local guide—always divided into two vehicles—you'll have a sense of being totally secluded in nature.

Day 1–9: A classic tented safari exploring Botswana's wildlife-rich Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert, with exclusive adventures on remote, private reserves.

Meno a Kwena Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Botswana

Situated between the sprawling Okavango Delta and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve near Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, this camp offers a comfortable retreat in nine traditional canvas tents overlook the Boteti River. The camp's name translates to “teeth of the crocodile,” referencing the common presence of these reptiles chilling out on nearby riverbanks. Style supersedes opulence in Meno a Kwena's cool, relaxed atmosphere. Tent sides roll up to take in the broad vista, but your private space remains hidden among thorny branches that offer seclusion and protection from wandering wildlife. Each tent has an en suite flush toilet and authentic indoor and outdoor safari showers. Furnishings are distinctly African, with dark wood, bold textiles, and woven carpets under foot. Harnessing the power of Botswana’s typically sunny days, solar power fires the camp’s energy-efficient lights, as well as your camera battery charger. This is a low-impact camp that supports recycling and recognizes water as a limited and precious resource.

Nat Hab Expedition Camp—Northern Okavango Okavango Delta, Botswana

Slide in closer to the real Africa as you delve into this authentic safari experience at the heart of the teeming-with-wildlife Okavango Delta. Enjoy the solitude of a small expedition camp within a gigantic wilderness—the rustic mobile camp with just eight tents is exclusive for your group's visit. We'll be situated in a prime location to encounter lions, leopards, elephants, hippos, and more. And while it’s infinitely comfortable, these Meru-style canvas tents are grounded in traditional old-school charm. Dark wood and iron campaign furniture, oriental rugs, and lantern lights fill the cozy indoor spaces, while white table cloths, flickering candles, and vintage chairs grace your al fresco dining experience. Each tent has an en suite bathroom and flush toilet, but your bucket shower and lack of electricity in your tent "keep it real"—since this is a genuine bush camp, after all. After wildlife drives, sink into plush lounge pillows in the shady tea tent, where you can recharge your batteries, both personally and electronically. And when you tuck in at night, it’s with thick blankets, hot water bottles, and nothing but the wild sounds of the Okavango. The custom-tailored camp bends to the season, too. When the water levels are right, there’s the option for fishing and mokoro explorations.

Little Sable Camp Khwai Private Reserve, Okavango Delta, Botswana

With wide-open views out your tent door that make you feel truly one with nature, this camp in the heart of the wildlife-rich Khwai Private Reserve has been completely revamped to upgrade the interiors and service level, while maintaining its intimate and relaxed simplicity. Eight traditional tents on raised wooden platforms have a king-size bed (which can be converted to two twins), a writing desk, an en suite bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, and a private viewing deck surveying the shimmering grasslands, including a popular elephant and zebra grazing area. Design and decor blend a touch of Old World English heritage with African-inspired artistry. The broader redesign includes the extension of the outside deck to create a larger lounge and dining space, sheltered under thatch. The firepit area has been enhanced to provide an even more inviting opportunity to sit around the crackling logs, gin and tonic in hand, surrounded by the sounds of the night and spray of stars overhead. The pool area has also been enlarged, improving this unexpected wildlife-viewing platform.

Whether you're preparing for your upcoming safari or just want to learn more about Botswana, be sure to check out these useful resources.

Weather and Climate

Find out about Botswana's weather conditions during the dry and green seasons.

Trip Pricing

Trip Price: $12,795 (+internal air) . Internal Air Cost: $1,174 per person (this will be listed separately on our invoicing). Single Occupancy: For a single room, add $1,495. Contact Us to learn how you can avoid the single supplement. Deposit: $500 per person (non-refundable)

Approximately 13 Travelers—with 2 Guides!

A very important feature of our Botswana Explorer Safari is the limited group size, as wildlife viewing on safari is best experienced in quiet, intimate settings. We facilitate this by traveling with two guides—a conservation leader with you from start to finish, and a knowledgeable local guide at each camp. This arrangement allows us to divide our group into two safari vehicles with no more than seven passengers each—assuring more personalized wildlife encounters augmented with excellent interpretation. 

Specialized 4x4 Land Rovers and Land Cruisers

An essential element of this safari is our use of a combination of two specialized vehicles during different parts of the trip, facilitating unmatched wildlife viewing opportunities. Sometimes we travel in open Land Cruisers that provide a comfortable and safe ride over the sometimes uneven terrain of Botswana’s desert and delta environs. We also use 4x4 Land Rovers, with a unique suspension system and an open-sided, tiered seating arrangement designed to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities and comfort. It is common to have a shade net over the vehicle to provide sun protection and cover during possible intermittent rains. This protective net comes off during the cooler summer months in Botswana, to allow the sun to warm us on morning and afternoon drives. Both types of vehicles have 10 cushioned passenger seats—one in front next to the driver, followed by three rows of three seats each—though we limit our capacity to seven travelers per vehicle, each with a window seat on wildlife drives during our Botswana Explorer Safari—again, for maximum comfort, viewing, and photo opportunities. Vehicles have a mini fridge stocked with cold drinks, a small library with reference books and field guides, and ponchos for each traveler, in case of rain. Each custom-built vehicle sports front bull bars and runner boards, as well as a full recovery kit, including spare tires and a high-lift jack. Vehicles are updated or replaced regularly and meticulously maintained to provide our guests with an outstanding safari experience.

• Trip price includes:  Accommodations in luxury safari camps, services of SDZWA wildlife and conservation expert(s) and Nat Hab's professional expedition leader(s), local guides and camp staff, premier open-sided 4-wheel-drive Land Cruisers or Land Rovers, all meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on the final day, some alcoholic beverages, most gratuities, airport transfers on Day 1 and the final day, all activities and entrance fees, all taxes, permits, and service fees.
• Internal air cost includes: All light aircraft flights within the itinerary (this will be listed separately on our invoicing).

Not Included

Travel to and from the start and end point of your trip, some alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, passport and visa fees (if any), optional activities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, and internet, etc.), airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes (if any), required medical evacuation insurance, and optional travel protection insurance are not included.

Physical Requirements : Easy to Moderate To participate in this trip, you must be able to walk unassisted at a steady pace for at least one mile over uneven terrain, climb steps to get into and out of our raised safari vehicles, and be able to tolerate daily outdoor excursions that may last four to five hours or even a full day at a time, sometimes in hot, windy, and/or dusty conditions. Wildlife drives pose a particular type of physical demand on the body, as they require long hours of sitting and take place over terrain that is often very rough and bumpy, including dirt roads with many ruts and potholes. Travelers with back or neck problems, or other health issues that could be exacerbated by such conditions, should take this into consideration. While any walking safaris are considered optional, travelers must be able to walk unassisted to and from the vehicle to our camp accommodations, sometimes walking over uneven ground or on boardwalks. Days spent on safari are often long, as mornings typically start before daybreak and evening meals are served after sundown. Safari accommodations and vehicles are not climate-controlled and, depending on the season, temperatures can range from quite cold to extremely hot, so it is critical that travelers come prepared. On custom or private departures with smaller groups, our ability to accommodate varying levels of physical abilities or interests is limited, since these trips are staffed with a single expedition leader who may be assisted, pending availability, by local guides.

Important Information About This Trip

We have designed this family safari for those guests whose African dreams include the most remote wildlife experience available and who don’t require over-the-top accommodations to accomplish that goal. On these trips, changes to the itinerary may occur in order to take advantage of conditions unique to the season. Depending upon availability, itineraries may run in a different order.

Mandatory Insurance

Since the areas we travel to are remote and wild (that's why we go there!), we strongly recommend that all guests have, at minimum, medical evacuation insurance for this program. While this is not required, we make this strong suggestion in the interest of our guests' safety. We recommend that your chosen independent insurance plan includes at least $250,000 in medical evacuation coverage. To protect your investment and to provide peace of mind while you travel, we also strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance. Plans may cover everything from medical treatment to trip cancellations, and delays and lost luggage. Please contact our office if you would like more information about the medical evacuation and comprehensive travel insurance policies we offer by calling 800-543-8917.

Getting There and Getting Home

Please plan to arrive in Maun, Botswana by 1:30 p.m. on Day 1, and you may depart Maun, Botswana anytime after 1:30 p.m. on the final day.

Botswana offers authentic, luxury safaris and is a great place to get away from it all, due to its intentionally limited tourist numbers. It is a landlocked country dominated by the Kalahari Desert and the miraculous Okavango Delta. Most travelers visit the liquid paradise of the Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the world. Chobe National Park is a great place to see wildlife in riverine or savanna environments. And the Kalahari is home to unusual wildlife, as well as the semi-nomadic bushmen, and draws adventure seekers interested in exploring its extreme environment.

Contact a Journey Specialist to get your questions answered and to begin planning your perfect luxury Botswana safari. Call us at 303-778-1089 .

botswana luxury safari

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botswana deluxe safari

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Things To See and Do

Let us customize the perfect luxury botswana safari for you.

Below are some of our recommended places to visit in Botswana.  Contact us today  or call 303-778-1089 to learn more about how we are able to customize the perfect luxury Botswana safari just for you!

Okavango Delta/Moremi Game Reserve

The Okavango Delta is a pristine natural wonderland. Made of up of an incredible maze of waterways, channels, lagoons and islands, the area is home to a huge number of mammals and birds. The Delta is fed by the Okavango River and seasonally ‘floods’ to create the huge, fan-shaped waterway. Activities can change seasonally with water levels, and range from motorboat safaris to game walks, drives and horseback safaris. No trip to the Delta is complete without a mokoro trip where you silently glide on the water through the reeds in a dugout canoe. A helicopter flight is a fantastic way to get a sense of the vast wilderness.

The Moremi Game Reserve is the heart of the Delta, a protected area that is known as one of the richest and most diverse ecosystems on the African continent. More than 400 species of birds are found here (including migratory and endangered species), as well as the Big 5, and game viewing is nothing short of spectacular.

Chobe National Park/Savute

Chobe National Park hosts a wide variety of habitats and wildlife. More than 7,000 square miles of floodplains, swamps and woodland can be explored with the beautiful Chobe River as a frequent backdrop. The riverfront is the most frequently visited part of the park and for good reason. Huge herds of elephants and Cape buffalo mass on the river’s edge to drink in the dry season, making for incredible game viewing. River cruises are another excellent way to see the area’s abundant wildlife. Safari-goers can get up close and personal with hippos, crocodiles, water birds, while also enjoying terrestrial species from a different vantage point.

Further into Chobe, the Savute region is remote and wild. Best known for its predators, travelers can seek out lion, leopard, cheetah and hyena on their game drives in addition to most of Chobe’s other species. The 60-mile-long Savute Channel is found here. This enigmatic water feature seems immune to pattern and in the last 40+ years has been both bone dry for decades as well as a lush and blooming paradise. It’s a year-round destination with fascinating wildlife sightings.

Linyanti/Selinda/Kwando

These three concessions in Botswana’s northern region offer superlative wildlife viewing. Set between Chobe National Park and the Okavango, the concessions are home to woodlands, floodplains, swamps, rivers, lagoons and beautiful channels. The Linyanti and Kwando rivers are permanent and are important year-round water sources for wildlife. Plains game are abundant, as are predators such as lion and hyena. Elephants and Cape buffalo can be spotted year-round, with very large gatherings found during certain seasons of the year. Birdlife is abundant – from boubous, owls and sunbirds to raptors such as Bateleur eagles and bat hawks.

Activities include day and night game drives, boating safaris (seasonal), bush walks, wildlife viewing from hides and fishing. Ask your Journey Specialist about participating in special game count activities (seasonal and date dependent).

Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans National Park

This series of vast salt pans are an incredible sight and are among the largest in the world. Once a giant prehistoric lake, this seemingly inhospitable landscape hosts a wide variety of wildlife including black-maned lions, brown hyena, meerkats and aardwolf. Interspersed among the salt pans are sand dunes, rocky islands and peninsulas and desert terrain.

The area is home to Africa’s second-largest wildebeest and zebra migration (generally December – March). During the dry season, crystal clear skies twinkle with millions of stars and the expanse of the pans is so vast, you can see the curvature of the earth. When the rains come, wildlife moves in to take advantage of lush vegetation and abundant water.

Some wildlife viewing is seasonal and can be dependent on the rains, though there is year-round charm in the Makgadikgadi/Nxai Pans National Park. A visit with a habituated meerkat group is educational, charming and unforgettable, while night drives reveal fascinating nocturnal species. Walking with the bushmen will open your eyes to the abundance around you, while quad biking (ATV) across the pans (seasonal) is a singular thrill. Horseback safaris are also an option for equine lovers.

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve

This sandy scrub semi-desert represents Africa at its most fascinating. One of the world’s largest game reserves, the Central Kalahari is an untouched wilderness that boasts few roads, facilities or infrastructure of any type, which is perfect if you’re seeking to get away from it all. We offer getaways at remote camps offering fantastic seasonal game viewing, star gazing, nature walks, cultural interactions with the bushmen and more.

Tuli Block/Mashatu

This incredible game viewing area is just north of the Limpopo River across from South Africa. Known as the “land of giants” because it is home to giants of African wildlife including elephant, lion, ostrich, giraffe, eland and more, it offers fantastic game viewing, along with many special activities not found elsewhere in Botswana such as hiking, horse riding and mountain bike safaris. Its diverse landscapes include woodlands, marshlands, sandstone cliffs and stunning kopjes – all making for dramatic wildlife viewing backdrops.

When to Visit

While there is no one ‘best time’ of year to visit Botswana, it helps to understand the country’s different seasons. Keep in mind that there are many areas in Botswana that have permanent water sources that attract wildlife, unaffected by the seasons.

Botswana’s dry season generally falls in the months between May and October. The months of June through August tend to have the coolest temperatures – in the Kalahari, they can even drop below freezing at night – though in the Okavango, the water and vegetation keep temperature swings to a more moderate level. These months are good for wildlife viewing with little rain and clear skies. In the Kalahari and the Makgadikgadi Pans area, clear skies make stargazing conditions excellent, and this is the time of year for excursions on the Pans.

Botswana’s wet season is from December to March. Weather can be moody, though rains are usually short. The vegetation is at its most lush and animals generally have no shortages of food and water sources. Photography can be especially wonderful during the wet season with dramatic skies and rain-washed landscapes, and this is the best time to see the migration in the Makgadikgadi Pans area as the desert blooms into life.

Accommodations

zarafa camp

savuti camp

xigera safari lodge

linyanti bush camp

sandibe okavango safari lodge

ghoha hills savuti lodge

little mombo

muchenje safari lodge

nxabega okavango tented camp

jack’s camp

machaba camp

savute safari lodge

duke’s camp

footsteps across the delta

chobe chilwero

camp moremi

stanley’s camp

kwetsani camp

selinda explorers camp

meno a kwena tented camp

Related Reading

Desert vs delta – where to travel in botswana, ciara’s adventures in zambia and botswana, traveler’s corner: adventures and abundant wildlife in southern africa, traveler’s corner: a journey home, 10 safari camps to visit before you die - 2023, capturing botswana's beauty, contact a journey specialist, let our journey specialists help create your trip of a lifetime.

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Botswana Wildlife Safari Tours

Whether you want to see wild animals in their natural habitat or learn about wildlife protection, with 103 wildlife safaris in Botswana you're sure to find a holiday package that will astound you.

103 Botswana wildlife tour packages with 352 reviews

• Photography
• Wildlife & Nature Photography
• Christmas & New Year

Moremi Hippo safari

The food was amazing and the whole team worked great together. I would 100% recommend!

• Wildlife Trekking

Premium Botswana (3 destinations)

8 Days Safari tour itinerary for Makgadikgadi Pan, Maun & Nxai Pan National Park: Unite With The Wild Side Of Botswana

We had a wonderful time! We ate very well indeed. The places we did go were terrific.

• Overland Truck

Botswana Safari

Beautiful places, great food, very welcoming

Moremi reserve and Chobe NP Photographic Safari

Tailor-Made Botswana Tour with Mobile Camping Safari, Daily Departure

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

5 Days Safari tour itinerary for Maun & Moremi game reserve: Play With The Wilderness Of Okavango Game Reserve-Botswana

Game Drive, Boat and Safari Walks Experience

• Sightseeing

MOREMI LEOPARD SAFARI 5 DAYS

Botswana: Chobe National Park group safari

Okavango Delta Highlights 5Days/4Nights (Comfort)

Central Kalahari Game Reserve and Okavango Delta Exploration 7 Days /6Nights

Botswana's wonders 8 Days Top Luxury Safari (Chobe NP & Okavango Delta)

4-Day Okavango Delta & Boteti River Tented Safari

Beautiful place to stay and food arrangements were very good.

• €30 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Kayak & Canoe

9 Day Wilderness & Desert Trail: Okavango & Kalahari - Wild Camping Safari, all-inclusive

We would be more than happy to recommend the Kalahari Breeze Safari Tour. They are incredibly organised and knowledgeable of the region.

What people love about Wildlife Tours in Botswana

The tour was absolutely perfect and exceeded our expectations. Our guide was so knowledgeable and was interested in getting to know us. The chef (Chandolo) was brilliant - his food was amazing and he was also a really warm, welcoming person. The whole team worked great together and I would 100% recommend!

We had a wonderful time! Rocky, Jimmy, and Simba were excellent as drivers, guides, cooks, and problem solvers. We ate very well indeed. I will comment that the tour we took was quite different from the stated description of it. For example, we did not go to the salt pan. It seems that Rocky, the boss of the crew, received a different itinerary than what we thought we would be doing. How did that happen? The places we did go were terrific, and it was not until the second last day of the trip, that we realised the discrepancy. Rocky offered us a way to go to the salt pan, but for a couple of reasons, we declined that offer. Please note that I am not complaining about Rocky, Jimmy, and Simba. They followed the information they had received. I will also say that while we were accepting of the situation, some people could have reacted differently, and that would not have been fair to our crew. To summarise, we loved the trip! Credit to Rocky, Jimmy, and Simba for looking after us so well and sharing their beautiful country with us. Sincerely, Arthur George Busch

The Absolute Africa 6 day safari was quite an adventure. My wife and I were, to be honest, a little daunted by the prospect of camping and bush camping but due to the efforts of guide Joe, driver Emmaus(EMI) and especially a very welcoming group of travellers, despite our ages of 61 and 66, we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The tents were durable and easy to erect, the sleeping mats reasonably comfortable and the briefings each night informative. Chobe NP and the Okavango Delta were clear highlights with game drives and cruises providing excellent opportunities to observe the abundant wildlife. The mokoro trips in the delta were an absolute highlight. Big 5 and ‘Pretty 5’ all spotted repeatedly. We believe there should have been more insight offered to the nature of the safari in terms of joining a group briefly who had already been travelling together for 50+ days and whilst it was made clear we would be helping with meals, packing etc. it was not clear in our package we would be actually shopping, cooking, cleaning the bus, packing, doing ‘security’ etc. and a cook would have been an important and welcome addition. To be fair to our crew the groups functioned really efficiently, we have heard that is not always the case. We also believe the group size was too large for best outcomes. In short, due to the personnel and the itinerary, it was a terrific and memorable safari.

Top operators

"Initial organisation ( small vehicle and no trailer) not so great but Tanya rose to all challenges and fixed any glitches promptly.

Intrepid Premium is an expert in:

"The tour was absolutely perfect and exceeded our expectations. Our guide was so knowledgeable and was interested in getting to know us. The chef (Chandolo) was brilliant - his food was amazing and he was also a really warm, welcoming person. The whole team worked great together and I would 100% recommend!

Travel Creations Botswana is an expert in:

"We had a wonderful time! Rocky, Jimmy, and Simba were excellent as drivers, guides, cooks, and problem solvers. We ate very well indeed. I will comment that the tour we took was quite different from the stated description of it. For example, we did not go to the salt pan. It seems that Rocky, the boss of the crew, received a different itinerary than what we thought we would be doing. How did that happen? The places we did go were terrific, and it was not until the second last day of the trip, that we realised the discrepancy. Rocky offered us a way to go to the salt pan, but for a couple of reasons, we declined that offer. Please note that I am not complaining about Rocky, Jimmy, and Simba. They followed the information they had received. I will also say that while we were accepting of the situation, some people could have reacted differently, and that would not have been fair to our crew. To summarise, we loved the trip! Credit to Rocky, Jimmy, and Simba for looking after us so well and sharing their beautiful country with us. Sincerely, Arthur George Busch

Little Roz Tours is an expert in:

National Park

• Moremi Game Reserve (54)
• Chobe National Park (31)
• Victoria Falls (13)

Regions in Botswana

• Okavango (88)
• Chobe National Park (68)
• Moremi Game Reserve (60)

Travel Styles

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• Botswana Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
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Affordable Botswana Safaris: Discover the Best of Botswana Without Breaking the Bank

Okavango and chobe lodge specials.

Experience the best of Chobe and the Okavango Delta  

With Moremi Crossings and Chobe Bakwena.

Starting Maun Ending Kasane or vice versa.

Experience the best of Botswana with Lelobu Safaris    2 Nights Moremi Crossings + 2 Nights Bakwena Lodge: April 2024: USD3030.00 per person sharing. (Single Supplement USD3370.00) May-June 2024: USD3200.00.00 per person sharing. (Single Supplement USD3620.00) July-Oct 2024: USD3530.00 per person sharing. (Single Supplement USD4530.00) 01 – 14 November 2024: USD3030.00 per person sharing. (Single Supplement USD3370.00)   3 Nights Moremi Crossings + 3 Nights Bakwena Lodge   April 2024: USD4150.00 per person sharing. (Single Supplement USD4660.00) May-June 2024: USD4390.00 per person sharing. (Single Supplement USD5030.00) July-Oct 2024: USD4800.00 per person sharing. (Single Supplement USD6400.00) 01 – 14 November 2024: USD4150.00 per person sharing. (Single Supplement USD4660.00) (Add a night or 2 in Vic Falls and we do the road transfer for free.) Have a look at the full itinerary below.

This safari can run from Kasane to Maun or Maun to Kasane.

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Call Today! 1-800-387-2706

Botswana safaris.

Glide in a mokoro through the waterways of the Okavango Delta, view the mighty Kalahari Desert’s ancient baobabs and meerkats, and discover Botswana’s beautiful landscapes and wildlife in the Chobe National Park, where immense herds of elephants can be found. A luxury safari to Botswana offers unmatched experiences.

Note:  Tours are in order lowest to highest price.  Itineraries without pricing are suggested itineraries and are on request.

Best of Cape Town and Botswana

Explore Cape Town, the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park on safari.

Botswana in Style

Discover Botswana’s beautiful landscapes and wildlife on a safari in the Okavango Delta and Chobe River.

Ultimate Cape Town and Botswana

Explore the coastal scenery of Cape Town and immense wetlands of the Okavango Delta.

Ultimate Botswana and Zambia

Experience unmatched luxury on this Botswana and Zambia safari vacation.

Discover Botswana

Explore diverse wildlife and enjoy exciting safari activities on a luxury safari.

Platinum Botswana

A luxury safari for those who want something different!

Classic Botswana & Zimbabwe 2024

Just one room left.

Tour Cost USD$8,548 /pp twin share

Departs 06 July 2024 – ex Victoria Falls

Call us now

AU +61 3 9249 3777 1300 363 302

USA +1 (646) 217 0354

UK +44 (20) 4518 8166

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African wildlife safaris invites you to join us in southern africa on our newest escorted small group safari:, classic botswana & zimbabwe.

Departs Sat 06 July 2024 – ex Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

Just one room left!

Book by 31 May 2024

*Single travellers on request. Subject to availability. Conditions apply.

Departing on Saturday 06 July from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, this all-inclusive 13-day tour provides guests with a classic safari experience during prime gameviewing season , mobile camping in one of the world’s most remarkable and pristine areas – the Okavango Delta. The maze of lagoons and islands sustains a huge variety of flora and fauna, including iconic African animals such as lion, elephant, leopard and hippo, as well as antelope like lechwe and the shy sitatunga.

In keeping with our company philosophy, this is an African safari of old, visiting breath-taking wildlife areas whilst staying in a comfortable mobile camp. Travelling by 4WD vehicle and accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, we explore three contrasting landscapes, spending a number of days in each. The camps are set up in advance by a superb team of camp staff who cater to our every need. The tents are spacious with ensuite bush showers and toilet. This safari also offers the chance to step out into the bush on foot and paddle by mokoro (dugout canoe) through the delta’s pristine waterways.

The first 3 nights are spent in Zimbabwe, in the heart of Victoria Falls staying at beautiful Ilala Lodge, just 10 minutes’ walk from the falls themselves. Here we will enjoy a tour of the falls, a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River and a fun-filled elephant interaction experience. A special excursion into the Zambezi NP to meet the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit is also planned, who we have supported since their inception over 20 years ago.

This memorable trip will be escorted by James Cameron, one of our experienced team who has travelled many times to Africa. Botswana is one of James’ favourite wildlife areas and this will be the 3rd time he has embarked on this classic safari.

Tour details

Getting there.

• 3 different regions of Botswana – Moremi, Mababe & Chobe
• Mokoro excursion through the waterways
• Listen to the sounds of the African bush at night sitting around the fire
• Elephant interaction experience
• Tour one of the Natural Wonders of the World – Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya)
• Take a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River
• A morning with the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit in the Zambezi NP
• 9 nights mobile tented camping accommodation
• 3 nights accommodation at Ilala Lodge
• Meals and sightseeing as per the itinerary with services of a local English-speaking guide & camp assistants
• Beverages (except in Victoria Falls).
• Internal light aircraft flight Maun – Xakanaxa
• Transfers by air-conditioned vehicle from Victoria Falls to Kasane and whilst in Victoria Falls on included activities.
• All airfares (other than mentioned)*
• Visas and travel insurance
• Items of a personal nature

*We can book international airfares in your preferred class of travel and any additional arrangements. Contact us for details.

Victoria Falls is one of Zimbabwe’s major entry points for visitors travelling to the country for a safari, as it is the site of the renowned Victoria Falls themselves, as well as being very close to legendary Hwange National Park, the Zambian town of Livingstone just across the border and Botswana’s Chobe National Park. Most people arriving into Southern Africa fly to Johannesburg in South Africa. From here it is a 1 hour 40 minute flight to Victoria Falls, operated by several airlines. There are also direct flights to Victoria Falls available from Cape Town in South Africa with Airlink and Maun in Botswana (55 minutes) with Fastjet (both operate select days).

Saturday 06 July 2024 – Ex Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe 13 days/12 nights

Days 1-3  |  06-08 July

Victoria falls.

On arrival in Victoria Falls you will be transferred to Ilala Lodge, located in the heart of the town. This afternoon you will meet your tour escort at the lodge. On day 2, an early guided tour of the famous Victoria Falls beckons, followed by an elephant interaction experience and lunch at the Lookout Cafe. In the afternoon take a scenic sunset cruise along the Zambezi River where we enjoy sundowners. On day 3, head into the Zambezi National Park and meet the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit. D (day 1) B L D (days 2&3)

Day 4  |  09 July

Central chobe region.

We depart early by road from Victoria Falls via the Kazungula border where we clear customs and enter Botswana, arriving in Kasane just across the border where we will meet our guides. Here we will enjoy a morning cruise along the famous Chobe River. After lunch, we travel south through the Chobe National Park and reach our first campsite in the late afternoon. B L D

Days 5-6  |  10/11 July

Over the next two days we will discover the Central Chobe region, exploring the desert-like landscape on game drives. This area is lion and cheetah country, home to the renowned Savuti Marsh, which has been the stage for many of the most dramatic wildlife documentaries in Africa. B L D

Days 7-9  |  12-14 July

Mababe private reserve.

Take one last slow game drive through the Savuti region on our way to the Mababe Concession. The Khwai River flows through the concession, offering plenty of riverside routes to explore. The Mababe Concession allows for walking safaris, night drives and has a strict maximum of just 20 vehicles. Exploring after dark, we may see rarely encountered species such as African wild cat or genet. B L D

Days 10-12  |  15-17 July

Moremi game reserve.

Enjoy a mokoro excursion in the calmer backwaters of the Khwai channels, before carrying on to the Moremi. The reserve is home to sensational bird life and iconic species including hippo, elephant, lion and giraffe. In between game drives, relax around camp each day, and get used to the sounds of the bush around you. This is classic camping at its best! B L D

Day 13  |  18 July

Savour one last game drive before transferring by light aircraft from Xakanaxa Airstrip to Maun where our tour ends. B

Tour escort

James Cameron – Marketing Co-ordinator & Copywriter Growing up with tour operators as parents, James spent many family holidays visiting unique destinations worldwide, which instilled in him a passion for travel, culture and wildlife. His first safari was in 2002 to Kenya and Tanzania, and a long-lasting highlight of that trip was camping in the endless plains of the Serengeti, listening to the roar of lions at night. Since then, he has returned many times to the continent, and has spent time volunteering in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, explored Botswana’s game-rich wildlife areas, witnessed the wildebeest and zebra migration in Kenya, wandered the fascinating cities of Morocco, and discovered the wonders of ancient Egypt. This will be James’ 3rd time on our Classic Botswana safari.

Find out more about our tailor made African safaris. Get in touch with one of our Destination Specialists.

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Portraits of Wild Africa

Botswana and zambia, august 3 to 22, 2024.

Safari Overview

Travel to the edge of the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park in Botswana then to South Luangwa National Park in Zambia to capture unforgettable moments on your camera with professional photographer Tom Murphy. Ride in an open-air Land Cruisers with our expert local guides who are adept at finding leopards, lions, elephants, African wild dogs, giraffes, and other wildlife while positioning the vehicle for the best photographic opportunities. Spend two nights near spectacular Victoria Falls – the widest curtain of water in the world. Travel to Mfuwe in South Luangwa National Park – Zambia’s most abundant wildlife sanctuary. Relish overnighting in mobile camps in Botswana, enjoy the views from the lodge near Victoria Falls, and revel in the permanent safari tents overlooking the Luangwa River in Zambia.

• Feel the pulse of the African bush during carefree mobile camping in Botswana.
• Hear the roar of Victoria Falls, the world’s largest sheet of falling water.
• Spend four days exploring South Luangwa National Park concentrating on the river where animals congregate.
• Study photographic composition and technique in this hands-on photography workshop.

SAFARI OPTIONS

• If you would like to begin your journey early to see meerkats in the Kalahari Desert, please contact us .
• If you would like to extend your trip to see the mountain gorillas of Rwanda, please contact us .

Itinerary Updated: February 2023

Our Trip Leaders

Tom has offered custom photographic tours and seminars specializing in snowy environments, such as Yellowstone National Park and Antarctica, for nearly 30 years. He also holds a great interest in African wildlife and leading African photo safaris. His passion is photographing wildlife in its environment to tell a story. Much of his work centers on Yellowstone as highlighted in a popular PBS nature series program, Christmas in Yellowstone, and several of his own books ( www.tmurphywild.com ).

Detailed Itinerary

A glimpse into our journey, travel to johannesburg, south africa, travel to moremi game reserve in the okavango delta.

In the morning, you’ll fly from Johannesburg to Maun, and then fly as a full group on your charter flight to Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta. Moremi lies on the eastern extremity of the Okavango Delta and has many habitats including wide-open floodplains, marshes, ox-bow lakes, riverine forest, lagoons, papyrus-fringed channels, vast reed-beds of Miscanthus and Phragmites, woodlands, and savannah. En route to your campsite, discover mopane (pronounced Mo-pa-ni), the dominant tree in dense stands that provides a refuge for rare, timid, large antelopes, especially greater kudu. You’ll encounter every type of mopane habitat – the towering cathedral woodlands called Xakanaxa (pronounced Ka-kana-ka), the classic climax mopane woodland, and in the drier and harsher habitats, extensive stretches of scrub mopane. Rainfall from the Angola highlands surges 745mi (1,200km) into the Okavango Delta, creating a unique wetland that supports and sustains a huge diversity of wildlife.

Xakanaxa area of Moremi Game Reserve

You’ll have daily morning game drives to search for African wildlife. Moremi Game Reserve is among the best game reserves in Africa for viewing the endangered African wild dog, especially around Xakanaxa. With luck, you’ll also see breeding herds of African elephant or even red lechwe (one of the more unusual antelope species) moving between their browsing areas in the mopane forests and the fresh water of the Okavango.

In the afternoons, enjoy a walk in the vicinity of the camp looking for animal tracks in Botswana’s sandy surface, the result of thousands of years of termites turning wood into soil. Your afternoon game drives are timed to be in the field for the best light and during the magic hour from dusk to dark, when nocturnal animals become active.

Khwai area in Moremi Game Reserve

The Khwai area is the North Gate region of Moremi Game Reserve. You’ll travel to the Manuchira Channel weaving along from the riverside and floodplains into the mopane veld and the woodlands. You’ll visit the magnificent Dombo Hippo Pools to enjoy the scenery and the antics of the resident hippopotamuses. The western mopane veld is home to breeding herds of elephant, while the eastern reaches of Khwai are home to some impressive old bulls. The mature bulls revel in the cool waters of the Khwai and are more approachable while drinking and bathing.

Khwai is a great ecotone area between the contrasting habitats of the marshy backwaters of the Khwai River, the dry-land leadwood, camel thorn woodlands, and savannahs – truly one of Botswana’s birding meccas! Marula trees, a species of fig that produces a delicious liquor, and giant wild ebony trees shelter outstanding birdlife, such as bat hawks in the delta that hunt along the entire length of the river. Away from the waterways, you will encounter hornbills, bee-eaters, rollers, starlings, and others.

Savuti Marsh area in Chobe National Park

You’ll stop for wildlife along the way from Khwai to Savuti Marsh. You will see the remains of a once vast paleo-lake called Lake Makgadikgadi that dried up some 10,000 years ago. Then, you’ll traverse a winding track through deep sand while crossing the Magwikwe Sandridge that formed the shoreline for this massive inland sea. The old lakebed is now the Mababe Depression, and the dense clay floor of the depression results in high protein food for wildlife after the rains.

The Mababe Depression is a birder’s paradise. The nutritious grasses that grow on the rich soils provide excellent seed for an impressive array of estrilids and viduids such as the village indigobird and shaft-tailed whydah. These birds provide a good food source for small raptors such as the little sparrowhawk, shikra, gabar goshawk, and lanner falcon.

Unlike the vast majority of Botswana, the sandy Savuti area is dotted with small rocky outcroppings of volcanic rock amidst the Kalahari sands that provide habitat for a completely different array of small wildlife and plants. The Savuti Marsh has been the stage for many dramatic wildlife documentaries in Africa because of the wide-open country, healthy ungulate populations, and particularly strong lion prides and spotted hyena clans.

Travel to Zimbabwe

Take a morning flight to Kasane, Botswana and then drive across the border into Zimbabwe to your lodge. Enjoy some well-earned rest relaxing at the lodge for the afternoon.

Victoria Falls Tour

Experience the might and beauty of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, located on the wide and powerful Zambezi River. The spectacular falls are the widest curtain of water in the world and plunges 330ft! Several species of birds, including trumpeter hornbills, do well in the moister forests bordering the falls. This morning, you’ll travel along the Zambezi River, and take a guided tour of Victoria Falls. The Zimbabwean side of the falls is known for having the best views. Enjoy lunch at a café along the edge of the Zambezi River before enjoying another free afternoon.

Explore Victoria Falls and fly to Mfuwe, Zambia

If time allows, soak up the breathtaking scenery at Victoria Falls this morning before transferring to the Livingstone Airport for your flight to Mfuwe via Lusaka. You’ll arrive late in the afternoon to meet your guide at the airport and drive to Flatdogs (meaning “Crocodiles”) Camp. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon on the grounds with a view of the Luangwa River.

South Luangwa National Park in the Mfuwe Sector

South Luangwa is touted by many travel experts (e.g. Lonely Planet, Fodor’s, TripAdvisor) as being one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa. The Luangwa River is the most intact major river system in Africa and supports life within the park's 9,050 square kilometers. More than 60 mammal species and 400 bird species reside along the river.

During night drives in the Luangwa, you’ll have opportunities to see leopards and many other nocturnal animals. You may encounter African civets, common (or small-spotted) genet, spotted hyenas, nightjars, honey badgers (ratels), and lions. On most nights you may hear hyenas and their plaintive, eerie cry so characteristic of the African bush.

The Luangwa River has an extraordinarily high number of Nile crocodiles. At first glance something may look like a floating log, but often will be a crocodile basking on the riverbanks or floating down the river. In Luangwa Valley, many large water birds wade through the shallows. Yellow-billed storks move with their beaks open underwater, disturbing the muddy water with their feet until the fish flop into their mouths. The striking 5ft (1.6m) tall saddle-billed stork will make quick darting movements into the water to capture prey. Southern ground-hornbills emit the sound of a deep base drum early in the morning while the melodious white-browed (Heuglin’s) robin-chat and cry of the African fish-eagle are very distinctive against the ever-present cooing of all the resident doves.

Fly to Lusaka

After a morning game drive, you’ll fly from Mfuwe back to Lusaka for an overnight near the Lusaka Airport.

Depart homeward

In the morning, transfer to the Lusaka Airport to fly to Johannesburg and connect with flights home.

Arrive home

Mobile camping immerses you in the wilds of Botswana, giving you a true African safari experience.

-18.37, 21.84

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See additional photos from our participants.

Cost & Payments

Not included, fitness level, accommodations, transportation.

Costs (in US$)

Costs are per person, double occupancy, not including airfare (except for four internal flights), singles extra. See Included and Not Included sections for more details.

If you are a single traveler, we will try to find a roommate for you, but if we cannot pair you with a roommate, we may charge you a single supplement. Single rooms cost extra and are subject to availability.

Payment Schedule

Payments are due based on the schedule above. All reservations require a deposit to confirm reservation of your space.

Cancellations

Until the Final Payment due date, deposits are refundable except for a cancellation fee of $150 per person, which can be applied toward another trip if reserved within six months of the cancelled trip’s departure date. Cancellations are non-transferrable. No refunds are given after the Final Payment due date.

• All leaders, transport, park entry fees, landing fees, and permits for all activities unless described as optional.
• Four internal flights.
• Accommodations for the nights of August 5 through August 20.
• Meals from dinner on August 5 through breakfast on August 21, except meals listed in Not Included section.
• Assorted drinks while mobile camping and drinking water while on game drives and at Flatdogs Camp.
• Transfers from Moremi Airport to your mobile campsite on August 5, from Lusaka Airport to Protea Tower Hotel on August 20, and from Protea Tower Hotel to Lusaka Airport on August 21.
• Trip Materials – information about flights, packing, entry and departure requirements, airport transfers, gratuities, etc.
• All airfare (except flights listed as included), airport and departure taxes, and excess baggage fees. Airfare is approximately $1,800 to $2,400 from US to Maun, Botswana and back to the US from Lusaka, Zambia, depending on origin.
• Passport and visa fees.
• Lunch on August 14 and lunch and dinner on August 20.
• Divergent airport transfers and extra hotel nights (arranged by us).
• Accommodations, transfers, meals, and any other arrangements in Johannesburg, South Africa.
• Gratuities – tipping is always discretionary. However, we suggest budgeting about $20 per participant per day for 16 days with our guides and camp staff (about $320 total per participant).
• Mandatory emergency medical and evacuation insurance. For more information see travel insurance .
• Optional trip cancellation insurance. For more information see travel insurance .
• Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, medical costs or hospitalization, room service, alcoholic and other beverages (except while mobile camping), items not on the regular menu, etc. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate them on your Reservation Form.

Daily temperatures in August can vary from around 32°F (0°C) at night to around 85°F (29°C) during the day with the possibility of some rain, so plan to dress in layers. The dynamics of climate change have impacted the area by increasing overall temperatures.

Minimal fitness level is required. Game drives require good energy levels, as some days are long. Most travel is in open-air safari vehicles on sometimes dusty and bumpy roads. You may have short walks around camp and lodge grounds between game drives, conditions permitting. Please contact us if you have any health concerns that may make this trip challenging.

Unless listed as included, airfare is not included in trip costs. Detailed logistical information and the contact information for our recommended flight-ticketing agent are included in the Trip Materials we will send you. Please let us know if you are arriving earlier or staying later as we are happy to assist you with any extra overnights that you might want to arrange.

Flights you (or a travel agent) book: Arrive in Maun, Botswana (MUB) from Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB) at 1:45pm on August 5 via South African Airlink – we will send details when the flight schedule is confirmed. Depart from Lusaka, Zambia (LUN) after 12:00am on August 21.

Flights we book for you: Four internal flights are included in the trip cost.

Camp in HATAB (Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana) sites with no fixed buildings or facilities. Our outfitters handle all camp set-up, so you can fully enjoy your wilderness experience. Accommodations are a bit more rugged than a lodge, but you will be in 2-person tents (9x9ft) with a high roof, attached bathroom (9×7.5ft) with shower (hot water provided), and a covered area in front of the tent (9x7ft). Comfortable camp beds are made up with mattresses, sheets, duvets, and pillows. You’ll dine in a dining tent or beneath the stars depending on the weather. Electricity is not available while in our mobile camps; the safari vehicle has the ability to charge camera batteries.

Take comfort in “luxury, en-suite” permanent safari tents at Flatdogs Camp in Zambia. Each tent has a door to a shaded open-air bathroom with a hot shower, flush toilet, and washbasin.

Motion Sickness

Travel in two open-air, jeep-style four-wheel drive vehicles with rows of seats that provide 360° viewing. Bring dust protection for your camera and gear and layers to keep warm (although blankets are provided).

Conservation

Our company ethos has always regarded conservation as inseparable from responsible tourism. We struggle with the dilemma that traveling worldwide expends climate-changing carbon. However, we wholeheartedly believe that traveling with us will cultivate your passion for conserving our beautiful world, while stimulating each destination’s local economies. We encourage you to explore the various ways in which Cheesemans’ operates within this context:

• Ecotourism & Conservation in Botswana
• Ecotourism & Conservation in Zambia
• Cheesemans’ Trips are Carbon Neutral
• Offsetting your Travel to/from our Trip : We ask you to pledge to offset the carbon emissions for your travel to and from our trips. Use this tool to calculate your emissions and purchase your carbon offset today through Sustainable Travel International, or through your favorite carbon offsetting organization.

Read our current Terms and Conditions .

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"Tom is fantastic! Even in great pain he never complained & kept on going. All guides fabulous especially loved the group at mobile camps. The guides, KG, & Vincent became part of our family. KK should be a 5 star chef. What he created only on camp fires was absolutely amazing & delicious. The whole group worked so hard to make our experience memorable & succeeded beyond expectations."

Teddy Moore, 2022

"Wonderful trip overall. Wildlife exceeded expectations. Tom was great (again) and guides and camp staff were excellent. Look forward to traveling with Cheeseman's again."

Jim Horsch and Terry Lim, 2019

Animals Around The Globe (US)

10 Best African Countries for Safari

Posted: April 30, 2024 | Last updated: April 30, 2024

Unleash the explorer within and embark on a journey that echoes with the rhythmic heartbeat of the wild! If you’re craving the ultimate safari adventure, look no further. We’ve meticulously curated the ultimate guide to unveil the 10 Best African Countries for Safari, designed especially for intrepid travelers yearning to witness nature’s grandeur up close.

Investigate the 10 Best African Countries for Safari below:

#1 Botswana

Recommended Tours:

Thus, poachers are seen as enemies of the people. As a result, Botswana has come into view as Africa's most sought-after ecotourism destination. Starting from the Chobe National Park to the Moremi Nature Reserve, you'll be able to witness numerous gems all around the country.

Back in 2014, Botswana widely banned the hunting of wild animals and implemented strict laws which are still in practice. The country resumes its zero-tolerance for poaching and their very own environmental minister, Tshekedi Khama, has even launched a shoot-to-kill policy for poachers.

Botswana, with its wildlife conservation and natural parks, is a haven for nature lovers. It is currently in the top 5, as its approach to the protection and conservation of wildlife is worth the praise. As a country, it is very forward-thinking, some may even call it aggressively forward-thinking when it comes to its preservation and anti-poaching laws.

Not only do they have some of the best conservations, but Kenya is also home to 1100 different species of birds, 115 amphibians, 280 reptile species and not to mention 390 species of mammals. It is without any doubt, one of the best places to go for a Safari and witness wildlife.

When it comes to parks and national reserves, Kenya houses 16 national reserves and 25 national parks. Along with that, the country also boasts numerous private conservations which are open for visitors.

Kenya, as a country for Safari, is a force to reckon with. Its stunning wildlife environment is too phenomenal to put into words. Most of the African countries will not be able to even compete with their national parks and wildlife conservations. If you don't visit there at least once in your life, you're missing out on a huge chunk of excitement.

Its fertile land provides a safe and comforting home to around 200 mammal species. This includes elephants, hippos, monkeys and so much more. Along with 650 bird species and 5,500 plants. Even though the country is still underdeveloped and most of the population live in rural households, its national parks, and sight-seeing destinations are on the top 10 of our lists.

Even though many would face some difficulties in locating Malawi on a map, given how tiny it is, the country is home to the world-renowned Lake Malawi National Park. This is practically one-third of the country and is the most biodiverse lake in the world.

Most of the land in Namibia is occupied by the Kalahari and Namib Deserts. Along with that, the country also has 12 national parks and many other areas which are protected. So, if you go there for a safari, you'll have many rich areas to see and explore.

When it comes to countries with the least amount of population, Namibia is one of them. Which proves to be a good thing for nature. This is because most of the land in Namibia is still unspoiled by human filth or any sort of development, giving nature a chance to breathe.

In the country's Volcanoes National Park, you'll find 10 habituated gorilla families. Groups of 8 trekkers can visit them for one hour per day. But that's enough to get the best African safari experience. And as a nature lover, you'll enjoy the experience to the max.

If you've been around for some time, you'll be familiar with Rwanda's mountain gorillas. They were famously broadcasted and their fight for survival was shown on  National Geographic . This was all thanks to the late  Dian Fossey  back in the 1970s who advocated for the rights of these mountain gorillas throughout her life.

Considering the tragic history surrounding the mass genocide of the people of Rwanda back in 1994, it's truly a blessing what the country has achieved in the past 25 years. There have been countless investments in infrastructure. This has resulted in the country being a very fast-growing destination for ecotourism.

#6 South Africa

But given all the advantages, it's safe to conclude that South Africa also suffers from over-tourism. I mean, if you have so many great attractions, people will flock towards it. Chances are that you'll find yourself in the middle of dozens of unruly visitors who are not too keen on obeying the rules. This occurs mostly during the peak seasons.

Annually, the country has one million visitors. Its biggest attraction is the Kruger National Park with its enrichment in biodiversity. Visitors there also have the liberty to self-drive, thus, getting a first-person private but superb experience. 

For some time now, South Africa has been climbing the charts to become one of the most popular destinations for African safaris. Given its location, South Africa is a very convenient and cheap destination for people from the United States. Besides that, the country also boasts a well-developed infrastructure which makes it perfect for luxury travelers as well.

#7 Tanzania

One of the most popular locations would be the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The country is also a haven for 1100 different bird species. It's no wonder that Tanzania gets this much rep. Especially when the country boasts so many wonders.

We talked about Kenya being the top destination for Safari. Now Tanzania here takes second place in being the continent's most popular safari destination. And why shouldn't it? The country has 16 national parks and an extraordinary amount of wealth and wildlife wonders for the people to witness.

Some of its natural attractions include housing the highest mountain range in Africa. It also has the world's largest free-standing volcano and the second-largest freshwater lake. With its 30 national parks and other wildlife reserves, Uganda boasts many more sanctuaries which are worth the visit. Especially if you're a lover of nature and wildlife.

Often called "The Pearl of Africa", Uganda is certainly a great pick for an African safari. Its reputation as being one of the best ecotourism destinations comes from the country's natural attractions and wildlife.

Out of its 20 national parks, the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is home to many wildlife animals such as African elephants, Angolan giraffes, Cape buffalo, etc. Other than that, there are many private ownerships of National parks, notably the Kasanka National Park which is near the basin of Lake Bangweulu. It's a safe place where visitors can see 400 different avian species.

Zambia may be a bit far down the list of popular destinations for your African safari, but many consider it to be a destination for diversified and immersive safari experiences, and making a notable feature on our 10 Best African Countries for Safari guide. The country is steadily focusing on conservation as their president has shown a keen interest and is working on building the nation's economy as well as the infrastructure.

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