botswana boat safari

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Boating in the Delta

Cruise the tranquil waterways of the okavango delta.

• Indian Ocean Islands
• South America
• Central Kalahari Game Reserve
• Chobe National Park
• Makgadikgadi Pans
• Mashatu Game Reserve
• Moremi Game Reserve
• Nxai Pan National Park
• Okavango Delta

A motorised boat cruise

Explore the Okavango Delta’s intricate network of winding channels and glassy lagoons onboard a sleek, motorised boat that covers great distances, showcasing magnificent views of the watery landscape. The unique perspective from the boat offers great sightings of water birds, such as ponderous herons, colourful bee-eaters, solemn owls and jewelled kingfishers. Tiny reed frogs cling to stilt-like grasses, creating colourful dots along the water’s surface. Discover this watery heart of this majestic landscape, which echoes with the regal call of the African fish eagle.

*Please note: This activity may be seasonal depending on where you are staying and your month of travel. Water levels change yearly and weather patterns are unpredictable.

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Boat Safaris

Chobe Game Lodge | Boat Safaris

A uniquely Chobe perspective

No Chobe safari is complete without experiencing the beauty of the Chobe River and its incredible wildlife by boat.

Our ‘skimmer boats’ accommodate up to 12 guests on comfortable adjustable deck chairs. Our boats are designed specifically for relaxation and viewing, allowing you to take in the Chobe’s stunning vistas. The flexible seating and level deck make them a photographer’s dream, offering ample space for equipment and the freedom to shoot unobstructed from any vantage point.

The game viewing while on a river safari in Chobe is unsurpassed anywhere in Botswana. Elephant line the water’s edge, hippo congregate in lagoons, hundreds of antelope and giraffe make their way to the water and sightings of predators along the river banks are common.

Chobe Game Lodge pioneered the use of electric boats when we launched the first electric powered boat (and game vehicle) in 2014. These days we have four electric boats, of which three are fully solar.

Inspiration

A Botswana Boat Safari

Written by  Joseph Cameron

Once the flowing rains descend upon the Kalahari from the Angolan highlands, the landscape becomes a lush, diverse ecosystem. The once arid landscape becomes a flowing playground for man and animal alike. If there is one thing that holds true about the adventure that awaits: nothing is more immersive or eye-opening than a Botswana boat safari. From the top, the three most action-packed ways to experience the unpredictable waterways of Botswana’s backcountry are by far motorboat, houseboat or sunset leisure cruise. Here’s the how, when, where and why:

Photo credit | Zambezi Queen

With a boat safari, you’ll go where safari vehicles can’t, coming eye-to-eye with animals wading, drinking and swimming in the water., where to go on a boat safari in botswana.

Truth be told there are 5 top areas to explore when considering a Botswana boat safari. Whether it’s a faster, intimate encounter you’re after or a slow and steady approach, the  Chobe National Park ,  Selinda Reserve ,  Moremi Reserve  and the  Okavango Delta  offer top of the line experiences. The vast landscapes in each area range from marshland to small streams and roaring rivers offering an array of options in which to view the local wildlife.

Naturally, one would would think that the best time to charter a boat safari in Botswana would be when the water levels are at their highest (July-October). While this is true in part, as this is the time when the birds return and the antelope give birth, the winter months are equally as abundant. With lower water levels come thirsty elephant, lion, hyena, wild dog, cheetah and many more.

Motorboat safari along the banks of the Chobe River

Types of boat safaris in botswana.

For those with a penchant for the fast life, a motorboat gets you right in the thick of things. For a more luxurious experience, a house-boat on the Chobe River or Panhandle region of the Okavango is everything (we recommend the Zambezi Queen). Take in herds of elephant and hippos wading in the shallow waters while you knock back a gin & tonic or catch an African sunset from your champagne laden hot tub. Last but not least, a sunset cruise is equally as leisurely and recommended for those on a bit of a time crunch. Snacks and drinks are served as you float amongst the waterside ecosystems. Not a bad way to end a day in the bush.

Our recommendation | Zambezi Queen

Where to stay.

There are number of camps and lodges who offer boat safaris as an inclusive activity but if you are wanting a bit more time on the water we would highly recommend the Zambezi Queen. This 42-metre long luxury houseboat offers an experience like no other. With a viewing deck, a plunge pool and bedrooms overlooking the banks of the Chobe River, you really can’t go wrong. For more accommodation options, we highly recommend that you enquire with one of our Luxventure® specialists.

The Zambezi Queen Collection

Why you should go.

Whether it’s aboard a speeding motorboat, a luxurious houseboat or a smaller zodiac for a sunset cruise, each unique option presents incredible photographic opportunities and intimate encounters. Water is life which is why a life on the delta offers, in our opinion, the most comprehensive tour of African wildlife. You’ll encounter lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, elephant, alligator, hippo and over 300 species of birds here. Viewing isn’t the only activity on offer as the infamous tigerfish also lurks in these shallow waters. If catch and release isn’t your thing then grab a glass of champagne and let Africa do the work. Go on.

Get in touch  and plan your Botswana boat safari today.

Head office: 7 Bree Street, 6th Floor, Touchstone House, Cape Town, South Africa +27 (0)21 201 2484 [email protected]

United Kingdom: Sportsman Farm, St Michaels, Tenterden, Kent

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Head office: 7 Bree Street, 6th Floor, Touchstone House, Cape Town, South Africa

+27 (0)21 201 2484 [email protected] United Kingdom: Sportsman Farm, St Michaels, Tenterden, Kent

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One Day Okavango Delta Boat Safari

• All Park Fees
• 2drinks per person
• 2 bottled water
• afternoon snack
• Coffee and/or Tea
• Entry/Admission - Okavango Delta
• Mokoro excursion , but can be added at an extra $15pp
• Maun, Botswana We will discuss where it is suitable to meet before trip.
• We do pick ups from all hotels and lodges in Maun.
• Maun Airport, Maun, Ngamiland East Botswana
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Maun Or, you can also get picked up See departure details
• 1 Okavango Delta Stop: 24 hours - Admission included We'll depart at 0700hrs and depending on the wind as well as what we spot along our journey, we expect to arrive at Chief’s Island around lunch time where we will have light lunch, picnic style. You will experience midday silence and the soothing smell of the bush as you relax in awe of the delta breeze. We will head back downstream for the 2nd leg of our delta experience. Our Professional Guide will share his/her in-depth knowledge on birding as we move along the delta and its channels. Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• Resort569660 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fantastic safari company We did a 6 days/5 nights tour from Kasane to Maun, visiting Chobe and Moremi National Parks, and the Okavango river. The trip was absolutely spectacular! Xaa Safaris is a very professional company, they designed a perfect safari trip absolutely well adapted to our requests. Every detail was taken care of to perfection. The guide, Ranger, was not only very knowledgeable but also such a fantastic and friendly person!, we were deeply sad when we had to say goodbye! Same about George, the cook, who cooked great meals in the middle of the bush! and was also so friendly and kind. Maas, the company contact in Maun, was great with us, and very helpful. Nobantu, the main organizer in Gaborone, designed this perfect trip for us. Our greatest thanks to all of you!!. Price for value was simply excellent: We spent one night in Savuti, two in Kwai, and one in the Okavango delta, in very nice tents with shower and toilet, that were moved every night from place to place, to be there waiting for us when we returned from our safari trip. They were placed in fantastic locations. In Kwai we could see the elephants in the river from our dinner place!. All the team was so helpful, nice, warm and friendly. We had such a fantastic time! And we saw pleeeeenty of animals. An unforgettable experience we will never forget!!!! Read more Written August 17, 2023
• -56992162346 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Well, enjoyable,The Moremi Game Reserve is the most exciting,place. The different species , captures your mind. Experience is the most reaches source,trip with Trip Adviser.Tour with Slender Mongoose safaris and enjoy,book us.. Read more Written June 8, 2023
• Moira T 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A wonderful, privileged, experience to the heart of unchanged Africa. Two of us travelled independently to Botswana, and booked with Xaa Safaris for a mobile 3-day 2-night safari, journeying into the fabulous Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Our guide came to meet with us the night before departure at our lodge in Maun, and briefed us on what to expect. The following morning he arrived with his team of 3, in a smart safari vehicle with a trailer stuffed with camping gear. The whole setup was really professional and expert. We have been on numerous safaris before, and it was our choice to try a safari during the rainy season, when the bush is all green - and animals much harder to spot! We did see 3 lions and a cheetah though! Having arrived at our campsite (a small grove of shade trees with long grass) we unhitched the trailer, and the guys started to set up the tents, and the cook place. We went out for the afternoon game drive and returned at dusk to find all ready, including the dining tent set for dinner! They made the hospitality seem really easy, including providing delicious vegetarian food as we requested. Read more Written April 12, 2023
• HilArn 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles A good experience from Maun We ordered the tour but complications arose because January is off season and the company had closed their local office so nobody read the booking on a daily basis. This was not stated on their website and lead us to think they where just collecting money and not showing up. It was quite the opposite. When we after a time got hold of the owner éverything sorted out and we where treated good. Given a free meal and imeadately reimbursed the cost of the ordered trip. But be aware. The website was not updated with working telephone or working e-mail. We discussed this with the owner and representative and they are eagerly working on the issue. So, we think everything should in future be OK. But are you nervous, you could call them before you order. They are nice people Read more Written January 11, 2023
• Wouter79 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent and comfortable mobile camping safari We just returned from a mobile camping safari in Chobe National Park and the Khwai Concession which borders Moremi Game Reserve and the Okavango Delta. Being one of the SafariBookings team members I have been privileged to go on quite a few safaris already but this trip was one of my best bush experiences so far. It was the beginning of the wet season but we hardly had any rain. Afternoon temperatures were quite high during the first couple of days, but we were either in the open vehicle while driving and cooled by the wind or in the camp, where we could relax and enjoy cold drinks in a glass with ice. The heat turned out to be quite doable and the nice thing about this time of year was that temperatures during the morning and evening/night time were lovely (unlike in July/August when it gets really cold at night and during the morning). The scenery was beautiful and green and we saw so much wildlife. An abundance of antelope species, big herds of elephant and buffalo, giraffe, hippo, lion multiple times, two leopards and even four painted dogs on the last day, which was a real treat as encountering those magnificent creatures is quite rare. In addition it was the season where the migratory birds were there and the birding was spectacular. We kept track of the bird species and ended up ticking more than 110 bird species, including beautiful birds of prey and impressive looking storks and egrets. It truly felt like paradise. Our guide, Ranger, was very knowledgeable about both the animals, birds and trees. He really made our trip. The mobile camping was a lot more comfortable than we expected. Tents were large Meru style tents in which you could comfortably stand and move around. They felt like small hotel rooms in the middle of the wilderness. What a great experience and we felt much closer to the bush when compared to staying in a lodge or a larger tented camp. The mess/lounge tent was also great and the food they served was delicious. The camp staff were great people and took care of all the camp chores, including moving the entire camp to the next location. Quite impressive. It was a great experience which I am going to remember for a long time. Read more Written December 9, 2022
• phlpjns 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Do Not Use Xaa Safaris Xaa Safaris did not come to collect us at the hotel and they did not answer the phone. They finally replied to my email over 2hrs after the scheduled pick up time saying they were not able to make it. No reason given. I don’t know if they just forgot, failed to arrange a guide or just couldn’t be bothered. Ruined our time in Maun as we were leaving the next day and were there specifically to do the Okavango Delta tour. Do not use Xaa Safaris as they will probably cancel your tour without telling you and leave you waiting and ruin your day. Read more Written March 7, 2022
• einaxm 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Three day Okavango Trip Excellent organised trip with beautiful arranged dinners. Many day activities like bush walks, individual boat trips etc Read more Written December 13, 2019
• Taileigh S 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent Tour Operator ! A friend and myself participated in the full day Moremi Game Drive and also a Mokoro tour. Our guide was Puso and was absolutely fantastic. I am a tour guide myself by profession and was beyond thrilled with how our two days with Zaa were handled. Puso was super friendly and so knowledgeable! We saw so many different animals. We felt safe, not rushed at all, and in extremely good hands. Special attention was given to my dietary requirement (vegetarian) and everything was very well organised. I wish we were able to spend more time with Puso. I highly recommend! Read more Written November 6, 2019
• Thomas3054 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Top quality agency and great tour We were pleasingly surprised by the quality of Xaa Safari agency and the dedication of the staff. Xaa Safari is a small local agency, with very competitive prices. We stayed in the middle of nowhere in Central Kalahari Game Reserve, with no-one around us for kilometers. The infrastructure they set up for us was amazing: sufficiently large tent with beds and mattress, chemical toilet and shower. We had an (excellent!) cook, two guides and a one other staff member. The food was excellent, every day. The game drives were disappointing as we didn't see any of the big 5, we were just very unlucky. But that is a safari: there are no guarantees. But sitting around the fire at night, and gazing at the sky with millions of stars (as there is absolutely no light pollution), is worth the trip. Read more Written August 3, 2019
• paige s 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Incredible This was an experience unlike any other. Being able to see the serene beauty of the Okavango from the Mokoros with expert polers, going on nature walks with knowledgeable guides, and settling back into a clean and comfortable camp every night. I would have never thought I could be so comfortable camping in the wilds of the Okavango! The tent was equipped with cots, toilets outside, and even an option for hot showers in the evenings! Each meal was prepared for us with attention to detail by our chef Ona, and the staff was so kind, making us laugh and feel at ease throughout our adventure. I would recommend this tour to anyone really wanting to experience the delta. Read more Written July 19, 2019
• baileynd29 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Couldn't have been better We had such an incredible time with this tour. The only negative thing I have to say is that they picked us up a little late, but everything else more than made up for it. Guides made sure we were comfortable for the ride to and from Matsaudi, the chef made wonderful food for us, the guides were knowledgeable and approachable, and you really can't beat the scenery. Our tents were clean and the added perk of a toilet out back was really great. We had such an amazing time getting to know our guides - they were true professionals with great senses of humor. I'd highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a great mokoro experience on the Okavango! Read more Written July 9, 2019
• Lex50 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Trustworthy We booked a one day prepaid boattrip with Xaasafaris. One month before our trip they informed us that the trip has to be cancelled because of low water levels. One day after I have informed them that we were not interested in the alternative trips they offerde, the prepaid money has been refunded on my PayPal account. Read more Written May 28, 2019
• Alisik17 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Good idea and awful implementation. To start from good, the manager, Nobantu, was nice and helpful. She replied to my emails fast and gave me all the details I've asked her about. The camp was designed in a wise and nice manner: every tent is spacious and equipped with en-suite portable shower, bio-lavatory, bed, and blanket. The food was good, and the cook did his best to please us. But this is where good points end. On the first day, we were sailing on a motorboat for about one hour and then on a mokoro, the little canoes, for about three hours. Under the baking sun. But all of that would be fine enough if we could see at least something except a couple of birds... Then we came to the camp and spent the afternoon doing nothing. After we had a 'Nature walk' seeing a lot of excrements of different animals and some insects. The local guides could tell 3-4 sentences as maximum about each species, and we were lucky to have a professor of zoology in our group. From him, we received 90% of information about the Delta and its wildlife. During the night, in the camp (or village, I don't know) that was not far from us they had a kind of party till 3-4 AM and they make such a bad noise, that if I would have been an animal I would run away as far as I could. Next day we had a 'safari walk' on another island, where we saw a herd of zebras and a heard of antelopes. It was early in the morning and from 10 AM to 4 PM we were just sitting in the camp. We were not allowed to walk around because of the 'dangerous wildlife'. I walked a bit at my own risk and saw heaps of rubbish and plastic. Probably that was why it is not allowed to walk around because there is simply NO wildlife in this area, I didn't see there even one simple impala. And I don't think that any wildlife will come there if they won't stop night orgies and pollution. Coming back I found that my bio-toilet is not working. I asked the staff to do something. In the evening, we had a mokoro cruise to the lake with the hippos. They were far away to make good photos, but at least we've seen something - I thought. But at that moment people from this camp/village came on their mokoros shouting so loudly that my group mates started to worry about our lives since hippos are not so tolerated to that crazy sounds as people are. When I came back to my tent I found my toilet clean, but it was still not working. Next day after the breakfast we just went back to Maun, without any morning activity. Honestly, I was expected from Okavango Delta much more. Before that safari, I went to Chobe National Park, for the 3-days-2-nights tour, too. But there we had two safaris every day and just a couple of hours to rest, the staff was experienced and did their best to make us see as much as possible, and we've seen a great number of different animals. In comparison with that, this trip was just for wasting time and money. For this amount, I'd better book a flight and I'm sure I would be impressed much more. Summarising, it was the most expensive and the most disappointing part of my 16-day-travel. Read more Written August 26, 2018

More to explore in Maun

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

One Day Okavango Delta Boat Safari provided by Xaa Safaris

Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta, and Chobe National Park

Botswana: okavango explorer.

From $11,395

Easy to Moderate

Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

Botswana's diverse ecosystems are astounding, from magnificent Chobe National Park, sheltering the world's largest elephant herds, to the wildlife paradise of the Okavango Delta, an exquisite wetland surrounded by the great Kalahari thirstlands. Our Botswana: Okavango Explorer is designed with extra time in the Okavango, exploring the papyrus-lined waterways of its farthest reaches during the best season for wildlife in the delta. On this special safari, we overnight at a special lightweight camp for a true experience of the bush, and also have terrific game viewing on the teeming grasslands of Chobe. We track game by 4WD vehicle, riverboat, and—a Botswana specialty—mokoro (dugout canoe), all in a breathtaking mix of Botswana's most beautiful environments. No one else gets you this close to the action—and in such comfort!

Arrive: Maun, Botswana

Depart: Kasane, Botswana

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

Dates & Pricing

Pricing below is per person and based on double occupancy. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. WT also has the most generous cancellation and transfer policies in the industry, we make it easy if you change your mind. Have a small group of your own? Take over an existing date or choose your own. You’ll have your own private guide–and the adventure–all to yourselves!

Payment & Cancel Schedule

$600 due at time of reservation 90 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge! 61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost 46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost 45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

• Expert leadership of two Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders
• Accommodations in private camps, game lodges, and hotels
• Local beer, wine, and spirits
• All land and boat transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
• All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• Laundry in camp

Not Included

• Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
• Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff
• Optional travel insurance
• Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, etc.)

Accommodations

Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Thamo Telele

Maun, Botswana

Day 1 (1 night)

Botswana Mobile Safari Camping

Multiple Locations, Botswana

Days 2-4 (3 nights)

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Day 5 (1 night)

Xugana Island Lodge

Days 6-7 (2 nights)

Alternate Accomodation: Camp Okavango

Days 8-9 (2 nights)

Days 10-11 (2 nights)

Days 12-13 (2 nights)

Trip Leaders

Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please click on their profiles below.

Anthony Monnaaletsatsi

Daniel Sechi

What the Trip is Like

Our mobile tented camping safaris in Botswana provide a true bush experience without sacrificing comfort. Our comfortable walk-in tents feature cozy beds, linens, tent lamps, and have en suite bathrooms with a toilet, mirror, sink, and hot water shower. Our crew sets up camp and prepares all meals. Delicious food is served in a comfortable dining tent. You'll find camping delightful and very comfortable, and you will appreciate how close to nature you feel, away from the lights and distractions of the lodges. We spend one overnight (Day 5) in a simple lightweight camp that allows us access to very remote areas. The camp consists of dome tents in which it is (just) possible to stand. The tents have bedrolls, thick foam sleeping pads, duvet, sheets, and pillows. There is a shared toilet tent. We enjoy our meals sitting around the fire as this lightweight camp has no dining tent.

We travel by Toyota 4WD Land Cruiser "go-anywhere" safari vehicles equipped with a refrigerator for cold drinks and a reference library on flora, fauna, and avifauna. They carry five trip members per vehicle, with guaranteed window seating.

During drives and walks, we can at times get quite close to wild animals. Being very quiet improves everybody's chances of observation. In the interest of safety, your Trip Leader explains limitations on movement while on game drives, in the safari vehicles, and around camp. Incidents with wild animals are extremely rare on safaris, but no trip can guarantee immunity from such incidents. Wilderness Travel is not to be held responsible for incidents involving the behavior of wildlife.

Extend Your Trip

Among the Elephants and Rhinos Extension

From $2,495

Cape Town Extension

From $1,695

Victoria Falls Extension

Client Testimonials

"It was a fantastic trip, a lifetime dream come true. I am so glad we chose Botswana and Wilderness Travel. We could see other trucks and groups and it was always clear we had some of the best guides and best in the "bush" experiences. The camps were clearly traveled though at night by the animals and the sounds of hippos and lions and hyneas was a welcomed nightly chorus. You don't get that in lodges!"

Lagunitas, CA

"We had a simply amazing experience, exceeding our already lofty expectations. Best travel experience I've ever had. As I sit here writing this, all I want to do is get on a plane back to Maun!"

Belmont, CA

"Everything was fantastic. What great care the team took of us! Nothing went unnoticed, and the team members were skilled and kind and generous and they made us feel welcome."

Princeton, NJ

"The trip was amazing. It was everything I was hoping for and more. It was so great that we are already planning our next safari with WT. I'm not much of a camper, but WT made things so easy that 2 weeks of camping went by in a flash. I already miss the sights, sounds, and camaraderie of the trip! I loved traveling with the same staff the entire time, as we all got to know each other pretty well. All the staff were so incredibly welcoming and upbeat, kudos to all of them. "

Underwood, WA

"How do you improve on perfection?"

Daly City, CA

"The extended itinerary of the Okavango, combined with the tented camping and wildlife viewing, is what sold us on this trip. The level of camping was as expected, as this was our third tented safari in Africa. The crew does a really excellent job—the extra effort to set up a spike camp deep in the delta was amazing and much appreciated. Having Xugana Lodge in the middle of the trip was just right."

Albuquerque, NM

"This was the trip of a lifetime. Every day was an unparalleled adventure, expertly arranged and professionally guided. The Okavango Delta is an amazing miracle of water in an otherwise arid landscape—a true miracle of the natural world. We saw so many exquisite birds and hundreds of animals. The lodges and hotel were gorgeous and the mobile tent camping felt like a real safari. We traveled by 4-wheel-drive jeep, boats, and bush airplanes taking off from airstrips that were little more than a strip of grass traversed by impala and elephant. The people, the land, and the animals of Botswana came alive for us and will live in our memories and in our hearts for all our days."

Makawao, HI

"The combination of the venue, the wildlife, our leader guiding us through the adventure, and the superb support camp staff simply provided a perfect trip."

Plymouth, MN

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

Jim and Carol B.

Kensington, MD

"Our Botswana safari was beyond expectations. I was amazed by the sheer number of beasties we saw, not to mention how close we were able to get to them. Adam’s ability to track, spot, and identify were nonpareil. Also, his short history talks before the afternoon drives helped put today’s Botswana in perspective. And then there was the c(gl)amping. Adam’s camp crew made it a luxe experience. At 71, I want to have my cake and eat it too, and that’s what I got. I was ‘out there’ in comfort. The tent was spacious and well set up. The hot water bottle at the foot of my bed each night was a nice touch. I loved having a ‘just right’ coffee handed to me seconds after arriving at the fire in the morning. The food was good."

South Pasadena, CA

"Trip of a lifetime, with many memories. Our guides added a wonderful perspective of growing up in Africa, tribe life, customs, history."

Granite Bay, CA

"The itinerary and pace of the trip was perfect. I saw more wildlife than I have seen on previous trips to Africa. Camp was charming and very comfortable with attentive and helpful staff. Kay, the cook, was amazing!"

Seattle, WA

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Book your trip today

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Level 1 – Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

• Royal Rajasthan and Villages of India
• Small ship cruises

Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

• Our African safaris
• Costa Rica Wildlife

Level 3 – Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

• Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
• Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
• Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
• Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as  Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin,  are Trip Level 3.

Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

• Ultimate Patagonia
• Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Level 5 – Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Everest Lodge to Lodge

Level 6 – Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

• Everest Base Camp
• Climb Kilimanjaro!

Botswana Safaris

Botswana safari guide – where & when to go, and what to see.

Botswana safaris are truly special. The country doesn’t see as many tourists as most other countries in Southern and East Africa, but this in no way diminishes the quality of the game viewing and safari experience Botswana has to offer – and in many ways, it’s a bonus. Rural Botswana is an inhospitable place for humans, but a country that manages to support an incredible diversity and density of animals. Botswana wildlife is hands down some of the best anywhere in the world.

Botswana is a large, wild country (approximately the size of France) with a decent – but very limited – road network where only the major roads are tarmacked. This makes Botswana a safari destination for the intrepid. If you’re planning on doing an independent, self-drive safari in Botswana a high-clearance 4WD vehicle and spirit of self-reliance are essential to get the most out of your visits to the national parks. The country is easily accessed from South Africa, with the capital Gabaronne just a few hours’ drive from Johannesburg.

Self-drive safaris are a big thing in Botswana and are popular with overland tours and independent travellers alike. You’ll need a rugged 4WD to access all areas, and be confident that you’re totally self-sufficient if camping on your own in the bush. If this safari-style doesn’t appeal then browse our guide to  safari companies in Botswana to speak to a professional.

Geographically Botswana is covered in scrub brush and savannah grasslands, with the occasional impressive geographic feature such as the Okavango Delta and adjoining Chobe National Park, huge salt pans, and the brutally picturesque Kalahari Desert. The country is landlocked and lies at a fairly consistent average elevation of 1,000m. The windswept and sand-based Kalahari Desert covers over 80% of the country in the south, west, and centre. To the north lies 15,000 km sq of the Okavango Delta, fed by the Okavango River and forming the northern border with Namibia .  To the east lie the great salt and clay desert of the Makgadikgadi Pans and occasional deciduous forests towards the Zimbabwe border.

One of the most impressive African rivers for wildlife, Okavango River supplies year-round water to much of northern Botswana, and ends in the inland Okavango Delta, support a vast array of Southern African mammal species. These include the big five , wild dogs , hippos , hyenas , honey badgers , and a broad range of gazelles and hoofed mammals.

Each year Botswana is home to one of Africa’s largest annual migrations , featuring huge herds of wildebeest, zebra, and other wild animals as they move from their winter ranges in the Makgadikgadi plains to the summer feeding grounds of the Nxai Pan region. Not as large in scale as the East African ‘ great migration ‘, but there are also far fewer tourists around to take away from the experience. This lack of tourists, the sheer scale of the wilderness and the abundance of game in Botswana’s national parks come together to make Botswana a safari destination that’s hard to better, wherever you visit in Africa.

Useful resources

Book a Botswana safari

Botswana wildlife

Botswana Tourist Board

Bostwana guidebooks

Botswana safari highlights

Okavango delta botswana, fly-in safari.

Safaris don’t come much better or more luxurious than an all-inclusive fly-in safari deep in the Okavango Delta . Take a four-seater flight over the wetlands, wildlife spotting as you’re flown to an exclusive, out-of-the-way lodge for a few days of game drives, safari walks , and boat trips .

Big five spotting

Go big game spotting at Chobe National Park – perhaps Botswana’s most famous national park . Boat safaris are a big draw here, with a waterfront teeming with wildlife… but you’ll have to be very lucky to see all big five from a boat – game drives in a 4X4 jeep are more the order of the day.

Leopard spotting in Moremi

The east side of the Okavango Delta Moremi Game Reserve is regarded as one of the top African leopard hangouts. On the fringes of the delta where water collects in small lagoons and fills grassy floodplains, antelope (and all sorts of other wildlife) are plentiful. Perfect leopard country.

Mokoro safaris on the water

The Okavango Delta offers ample opportunities to get out on to the water for some top-class wildlife viewing. Traditional wooden mokoros are a fun and eco-friendly way to head out on a canoe safari , though propeller boats are on offer too, and can easily be combined with superb walking safaris .

Best time to safari in Botswana

May to August is the best time to organize a safari in Botswana, as during this winter season the days are cool and sunny, and the lack of water drives the wildlife to congregate around permanent water sources. At this time getting around the country is fairly straightforward, with dust rather than water being the main obstacle. During winter months wildlife spotting is easy – simply find a river or watering hole and dig in to wait for the action. Bear in mind is that July and August is school holiday time, meaning more tourists than usual, higher prices for safari accommodation and tours, and busier national parks.

October to April is summer season in Botswana but brings with it severe heat and the rains – occasionally in extreme amounts. Getting around the country by road during summer can be disrupted by flooding, as many of the secondary roads are not tarmacked. Wildlife is also more dispersed and harder to spot, hidden by lush vegetation. An exception to this is in parts of the Okavango Delta where there’s so much flooding that many islands form, trapping wildlife which can be viewed from a boat – though vegetation still causes a problem.

Flights To Botswana

Search, track and book flights to Botswana, from anywhere in the world.

Botswana Accommodation

Find safari accommodation in Botswana – from budget campsites to luxury lodges.

Botswana Car Hire

Considering a self-drive safari? Research and book car hire in Botswana.

Activities in Botswana

Search and book things to do in Botswana – tours, excursions and activities.

National parks in Botswana

All national parks in Botswana are run by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP), based in Gaborone, who enforce a strict no driving after dark rule in the parks. ( See this great article on driving in Botswana .)

Whilst not actually a national park or reserve, Botswana is renowned worldwide for the Okavango Delta region in the north of the country, providing water and supporting an incredible array of African wildlife.

Top Botswana national park picks

• Moremi Game Reserve

The only part of the Okavango Delta that’s officially a national park, Moremi covers almost one-third of the delta, and is packed with wildlife. There’s no public transport so you’ll have to get yourself there, but the trade-off is fewer tourists to share the plethora of wildlife with.

• Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park was Botswana’s first national park at an impressive 11,000 km sq. There’s easy access for spectacular game viewing from a boat on the Chobe river and the network of dirt and gravel roads. The Savuti area in south west Chobe is recognised as having one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa.

Makagadikgadi Nzai Pan National Park

Feel the unfettered freedom of driving through the never-ending parched-white salt pans, or plan your trip for the when the rains come and bird life and herd animals abound, including one of Africa’s largest migrations .

Central Kalahari National Park

One of Africa’s largest protected area at a whopping 52,000 km sq. Braving the tough conditions of Central Kalahari National Park in your own 4WD may reward you with viewings of hyena packs and prides of lions in the unforgiving desert.

All national parks in Botswana

Use the map to locate all national parks in Botswana. Click the icons for more info.

Get Directions

• Central Kalahari Game Reserve
• Makgadikgadu National Park
• Nxai Pan National Park
• Okavango Delta

Botswana safari resources

Botswana safari companies.

Though Botswana has a relatively low number of inbound tourists each year, a very high proportion of these come for the wildlife. Around the capital Gabarone and also Maun – the de-facto capital of the Okavango Delta – there are numerous safari tour companies to suit all budgets. Check out our reviews of safari tour companies in Botswana .

Botswana safari lodges

Botswana has a focus on low-impact, high-end safaris, and the accommodation on offer reflects this. Luxury safari lodges are the primary accommodation in Botswana, though there are also mid-range accommodation in the tourist enclaves of Maun and Gabarone. If you have your own tent most safari lodges have an area where you can pitch up for the night, along with decent washing and BBQ facilities as standard. Search and book safari lodges in Botswana , or find all accommodation in Botswana below.

Search all Botswana accommodation

Read safari guides to all countries

Botswana safaris , Namibia safaris , Rwanda safaris , South Africa safaris , Tanzania safaris , Uganda safaris , Zimbabwe safaris

Do you have any experience of planning or going on safari in Botswana?

We’d love to hear any feedback or tips you may have – please get in touch , or add to the comments below.

Top countries for safaris

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

Safari basics

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

Most read articles

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

Africa’s best game reserves

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

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• House Boat Safari Cruise

A Different Take on the Botswana Safari Cruising the Rivers and Water-ways

Places to Enjoy a Safari by Boat

Chobe river, kwando and selinda, okavango and moremi, okavango panhandle, chobe river safari - houseboat adventure package.

Unique Wetlands - Deluxe Moremi & Linyanti Fly-in Safari Tour

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• Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is a sanctuary for the senses.

A little bit about the Okavango Delta

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

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

Going on a safari in the Okavango Delta

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

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

About the Okavango Delta

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

Okavango Delta special offers

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

Getting to the Okavango Delta

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

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

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

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

Okavango Delta lodges & camps

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

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

• Price $$$$$

Duke's Camp

lodge style A secluded Okavango oasis

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

from US$ 934 per person per night

Selinda Camp

lodge style Nourishment for the soul

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

from US$ 1,884 per person per night

Camp Okavango

lodge style Relaxing, timeless, African

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

from US$ 629 per person per night

Pom Pom Camp

lodge style Soulful safari

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

from US$ 599 per person per night

Zarafa Camp

lodge style Pure perfection

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

lodge style Elephant encounters

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

from US$ 2,490 per person per night

&Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge

lodge style Spectacular design

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

from US$ 1,850 per person per night

&Beyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp

lodge style Welcome home

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

from US$ 1,270 per person per night

&Beyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp

lodge style Gentle as a water lily

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

from US$ 1,495 per person per night

Sanctuary lodges

lodge style Sanctuary retreats

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

from US$ 1,024 per person per night

Moremi Crossing

lodge style Brand-new safari spot

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

from US$ 450 per person per night

Duba Plains Camp

lodge style Lion-spotting paradise

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

Kadizora Camp

lodge style Lavish luxury safari

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

from US$ 499 per person per night

Kwando lodges

lodge style Kwando safaris

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

from US$ 864 per person per night

lodge style Solar powered safari

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

from US$ 492 per person per night

Wilderness Safaris lodges

lodge style Wilderness collection

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

from US$ 679 per person per night

Belmond Eagle Island Lodge

lodge style Unspoilt splendor

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

from US$ 834 per person per night

Xugana Island Lodge

lodge style Safari serenity

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

Ker & Downey Okavango lodges

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

from US$ 634 per person per night

&Beyond Xudum Okavango Lodge

lodge style Glamorous gleam

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

from US$ 989 per person per night

Oddballs Camp & Oddballs Enclave

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

from US$ 318 per person per night

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

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

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

Okavango Delta video

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

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

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

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

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

Send your enquiry

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

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Botswana Houseboat Safari

A unique river-based safari experience.

Providing a unique river-based experience, a Botswana houseboat safari is ideal for discerning safari travellers and those in search of a more intimate and unusual approach to a safari. Usually a chef, guide and housekeeper ensure guests want for nothing, and the focus in on a personalised stay. Guests aboard a Botswana Houseboat can look forward to plenty of rest and relaxation . The houseboats have a comfortable bar and lounge area as well as sun decks, complete with plunge pool and loungers. Meals are prepared by the boat’s chef and served outside whenever possible.

The Botswana Houseboats are custom built to suit the needs of all the clients and their specific requirements on safari. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, keen photographer, avid birder or are just someone in need of some general rest and relaxation there is a space on board for everyone and the houseboat staff will endeavour to meet your every wish and desire during your time with us. There are at least three staff members aboard at all times (depending on the houseboat) and guests can expect a personalised itinerary. The motor boats are available for game viewing, birding or fishing trips, photographic safaris and a personal guide will accompany you on all trips.

A Botswana Houseboat Safari is perfect for small groups of friends or families to take over the whole boat for a private safari experience. Alongside the houseboat are smaller boats. Most of the houseboats conduct all their safari activities with these smaller boats. This is excellent for wildlife and sunset photography and also avoids the high-season crowds. Travellers on their first trip to the Botswana may however want to combine a houseboat with a stay at a lodge offering game drives. This way, travellers are assured of a comprehensive safari experience and get both a water and land based safari experience. Great examples on the Chobe River are the  Chobe Princess  , Zambezi Queen or the Pangolin Voyager.

A Botswana Houseboat Safari is perfect for small groups of friends or families

The Chobe Princess Houseboat

Drifting along the Zambezi and Chobe Rivers puts the  Chobe Princess in prime position for dramatic game viewing. Small motor boats are piloted by expert local guides, providing an excellent platform for truly amazing animal and bird photography. Wildlife concentrations are exceptional on the Chobe River during the dry winter months and guests enjoy close up sightings of elephants , hippos and buffalo.

Bird watching is impressive all year round but especially during the summer months – nearly 500 species have been recorded in the region. Guests aboard a Chobe Houseboat also enjoy fishing excursions as well as visits to local fishing villages to gain an insight into life on the river.

The Zambezi Queen

Moored on the Chobe River, its decks looking out over floodplains teeming with wildlife, the Zambezi Queen offers one-of-a-kind luxury at the heart of elephant country. Offering boutique hotel sophistication, this modern, smooth-lined house boat has just 14 suites and is ideal for a honeymoon or special occasion.

Inside the Zambezi Queen, crisp linen and minimalist, African-chic décor stand out. There are luxuries such as a swimming pool and library plus internet facilities. Fine dining is enjoyed in a convivial, elegant dining room and the night skies are often magnificent, best viewed from the top-deck bar.

The Pangolin Voyager

The Pangolin Voyager has five delightful en-suite cabins configured as either doubles or twins fitted with the finest linens. The Voyager can sleep a maximum of eight guests, plus a guide or pilot, making it the perfect size for small groups to take over the whole boat for a private Botswana Houseboat Safari.

Alongside the houseboat we have we have an eight-seater photo boat whose chairs can be fitted with specialist camera mounts as well as another boat for general game viewing and visits to the local communities and landmarks. You can do whatever takes your fancy throughout the day and in between you will be well taken care of by our two chefs as they conjure up delicious meals and snacks from the galley.

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Safari Online understood our needs and was able to present us with sensible options to choose from. It was evident that this tour operator has knowledgable and experienced agents who can arrange a seemless tour. We were provided with a professional online itinary which was comprehensive and easy to use, knew exactely what to expect, and encountered no stumble blocks along the way.

Our experience with Safari Online was excellent. After becoming very frustrated trying to search for a safari destination on our own, we turned to Karina for help and she was a lifesaver.  We had an amazing safari adventure at the lodge–the experience of a lifetime–and are so grateful for her help. We literally couldn’t have done it without her!

Excellent service and they supplied good suggestions for our holiday they also organised all internal flights and arranged check in for us so we had no worries while on holiday. We have had a most memorable holiday staying at wonderful places thanks to Sabrina and Safari Online. Would recommend Safari Online to organise your holiday.

Communication was excellent – I asked A LOT of questions and did a ton of research myself and Walter was extremely patient with me and very responsive. he was straight forward and extremely professional. Tour itself was excellent – an incredible experience and one never to be forgotten. Everything was spot on.

We have been to Africa for 24 of the last 27 years so know a bit about what is involved. Walter has arranged the details for the last couple of years, and has done a superb job. He is always quick to respond and comes up with answers immediately……..no evasive tactics, always head-on!

Would highly recommend. Safari online asked questions when booking and were efficient and knew exactly what we were looking for in terms of accommodation and animals were wanted to see. Gave advice on a few little extras with no pressure, which we did and am very grateful which make trip even more exciting. Would definitely recommend booking with them.

Safari Online have been nothing but professional and incredible from the time we made our first enquiry to the last day of our stunning holiday. Nothing was too much trouble for Walter. We are now starting to plan our next family Safari for 2019. Guess who we will be booking with??? Safari Online we hope you are ready!!!!!

Our 28-day itinerary took us to South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. A magnificent and unforgettable adventure. Everything ran smoothly and efficiently from the flights, transfers, rides, connections, etc. Absolutely wonderful! Can’t thank them enough!

From the very first contact we’re very happy about the respond time and quality of information from safari-online.com. Based on the received first tailor-made quote, which is a weblink with all the details about the flights, photos of the lodges etc. we knew that this is “our” partner for this trip. Our expectations were excelled!!!

Our mom grew up in Central and South Africa so we had visited the continent many times. My sister and I wanted to take our teens and husbands to Africa to experience the magic. We had a limited budget but big and specific expectations and by some miracle Walter was able to manage both.

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• Experience Botswana: Boat Cruises & Mokoro Safaris

The options to experience Southern Africa are endless. None really outweigh the others with each one being just as unique as the next. You can’t really get enough of this magical place. 

Despite this, there is something truly remarkable about experiencing Africa from the vantage point of its stunning lakes and rivers. Nowhere is this more true than in stunning Botswana. 

There is something special about seeing the Gem of Africa (Botswana’s nickname) from a perfect view that only mother nature can produce. Boat rides and Mokoro safaris have become increasingly popular, simply because they offer something no other safari can. Keep reading if you want to learn more about this fantastic mode of tourism. 

If you’re planning an adventure in beautiful Botswana, Mack Air offers chartered flights in and around the country.

Immerse Yourself In The Tradition Of A Mokoro Safari

When it comes to boating in Africa, a true highlight is the boat safari that started the entire tradition in breathtaking Botswana . 

Modern-day Mokoro safaris are inspired by the people of the past who used traditional wooden Mokoros as a form of transport. Many years later you get to experience a modern version of this dugout canoe.

What a relaxing way to explore Botswana’s waterways and see first-hand the smaller creatures that you wouldn’t typically see from a vehicle or on foot.

More On The Mokoro

Many years ago the ancient Tawana people used dug-out canoes to make their mark on the famous Okavango Delta. Today, to protect the delta’s environment, an eco-friendly fibreglass version is used for your viewing pleasure. 

This is your chance to see wildlife the way the Bushman did. It is no wonder the Mokoro has become the symbol of the Delta. Come and glide over bodies of water in one of the most serene spots in the entire world. 

Enjoy The Magic Of The Mokoro

If you are looking for an authentic African experience, this is it. Everything seems just a little bit better from a Mokoro.

From this viewpoint, you can truly appreciate nature, everything from the size of the mighty elephant to the intimidating hippos, and crocodiles basking just feet away from you.

Don’t let the cool water fool you though, the sunshine reflecting off of the glossy surface means you can get burnt from above and below your hat. Remember to wear sunglasses, drink lots of water and get yourself strong sunscreen before you start your adventure. 

Boat Cruises In Botswana

Perhaps when you think about boating Botswana the first thing that comes to mind isn’t taking a trip in a small Mokoro. Not to worry, if this mode of ancient transportation is not your style then you can enjoy something bigger for your water tour. 

There are so many places you can enjoy the open water in this marvellous country. Experience a wonderful houseboat safari, or a sundowner cruise on the Chobe River. Go white-water rafting near Victoria Falls. Cast your lines into the great Zibadianja Lagoon, or find your way through the Linyanti wetlands .

The opportunities are endless. Botswana boat cruises are the next best thing for the avid adventurer. 

Fishing In Botswana

You don’t have to just stop at admiring the game, why not get in on the hunt and fish. Depending on where you’re staying some lodges operate a catch and release policy, while others will cook your catch of the day. Lucky for you most safari lodges supply fishing gear so you can really get a first hand experience. 

The Okavango Delta is a superb fishing destination. Make sure you avoid camps on the fringes of the delta where water levels are seasonal and make your way towards permanent-water camps. 

If you are looking for a smaller setting then catch and release fishing in the Linyanti wetland area is for you. Fishing here takes place in a maze of permanent rivers and seasonal floodplains . These calm waters entice keen fisherman to cast to the colonies of fish that thrive under the water’s surface. 

It’s Time To Cruise In Botswana

Why not take to the high seas and live your next adventure. If you think land dwelling in Southern Africa is fun then you are about to take your tourism experience to the next level. 

Whether you are viewing the country by air, land or flowing waters, Botswana is a wonder to behold. It’s time to make your mark on the Gem of Africa. See Botswana in a way you never thought you could. Plan your next trip with Mack Air today.

• Mack Air Botswana’s Delta Airline – by Andreas Spaeth
• Mack Air unveils new Signature Service, elevating luxury safari and corporate travel across Sub-Saharan Africa
• Experience Matusadona National Park: A Haven of Wilderness and Wildlife
• Botswana’s sky-high bush safari – by Andreas Spaeth
• Experience it: Khami Ruins – Zimbabwe’s Silent Echoes of a Forgotten Empire
• Experience It Botswana: Gallop Across The Wild Frontier On A Horseback Safari
• Experience It Zimbabwe: The Magic Of The Shona People
• Experience It Botswana: Take A Walk On The Wild Side – Botswana Walking Safaris
• Experience It Zimbabwe: The African Wild Dog Paints Hwange Red
• Mack Air and South West Aviation announce new hubs in support of Fastjet’s new daily flights within Zimbabwe from March 2023
• Expanded Destinations With Seat Rates and Exciting Relationships in Zimbabwe
• Experience It: Fishing In The Okavango Delta
• Mack Air joins South West Aviation in offering new and extensive flight services across Zimbabwe
• Experience It Zimbabwe: Walking With Rhinos
• Experience it: The Zambezi River
• Experience It: The Muddy Face Botswana Plains Adventure Rally
• Experience It: Bungee Jumping & Whitewater Rafting At Victoria Falls
• Botswana’s Family Safari Holiday – A Child-Friendly Paradise
• Experience It: Nata Sanctuary – Behold The Birds Of Botswana

Botswana Safaris, River Cruises, & Tours

10 best botswana safaris & river cruises for 2024-2025.

• Chobe National Park

Stars of South Africa

Luxury fly-in okavango delta safari, victoria falls & chobe national park, luxury botswana safari, chobe national park & kuzuma forest reserve, luxury chobe national park, golden trails of africa, rivers & rails of africa, botswana family safari, 6 best botswana luxury safaris & river cruises for 2024-2025, favorite botswana river cruise boats, 8 favorite botswana luxury safari lodges for 2024-2025, &beyond sandibe okavango safari lodge, dumatau camp, &beyond xaranna okavango delta camp, linyanti tented camp, &beyond nxabega okavango tented camp, camp okavango, vumbura plains camp, get inspired for a botswana safari & cruise, river cruises, luxury safaris, 6 best places to visit in botswana on 2024 and 2025.

• Okavango Delta

Moremi Game Reserve

Chobe river, botswana safari tips & travel guide.

• Chobe National Park , where buffalos, giraffes, elephants, hippos, zebras, impalas, and white rhinos roam freely.
• Santawani Concession & Mopane Forest , where you will see elephants, different types of antelopes, kudus, tsessebes, wildebeests, and zebras.
• Explore the  Okavango Delta  and the  Khwai River , which are perfect for adventurous families with children.
• The thundering  Victoria Falls  awaits eager travelers hoping to see the world's biggest and most impressive waterfalls.
• In the  Hwange National Park  in neighboring Zimbabwe, you can enjoy open-air vehicle game drives, walking safaris, and nature walks with your professional guide.

Africa Safari Guide to Wildlife Viewing

• The Chobe National Park has the world's largest concentration of African elephants.
• An impressive 38% of the country is covered in national parks, preserves, and dedicated wildlife areas.
• The Okavango Delta (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), is the largest inland river delta in the world.
• The Makgadigadi pans stretches over 12,000 sq. km., making it one of the largest salt pans in the world.
• Although English is the country's official language, Setswana is the national language and is spoken throughout the country.
• The border between Botswana & Zambia is the shortest in the world, at just 150 meters.
• Because it is rather isolated and a bit more expensive to get to, Botswana isn't a top destination and is therefore a great place to go to see amazing things and avoid tourist traffic.

Chobe/ Caprivi: Buffalo, Cheetah, Elephant, Kudu, Hippo, Leopard, Lion, Wildebeest Moremi/ Okavango: Buffalo, Cheetah, Elephant, Kudu, Hippo, Leopard, Lion, White Rhino, Wild dogs, Wildebeest Linyanti/ Selinda/ Kwando: Buffalo, Cheetah, Eland, Elephant, Kudu, Hippo, Leopard, Lion, Wild dog, Wildebeest Savute (Southwestern Chobe): Cheetah, Elephant, Kudu, Leopard, Lion, Wild dog, Wildebeest

Best Time for a Botswana Safari

• Beyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp  - situated in the heart of the wildlife rich grasslands.  
• Gomoti Plains Camp   - allows perfect access to the Gomoti River system.  
• Machaba Camp  - right in the Okavango, it sits adjacent to the Moremi game reserve in the Khwai area.  
• &Beyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp  - enjoys the privacy of an expansive game reserve on its own delta island.  
• Zarafa Camp   - in an area renowned for large wildlife populations, especially the predators!
• AMA Waterways  - has an African cruise and safari program based on Chobe River cruises in Botswana, with travel options to Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. The 28-passenger Zambezi Queen  offers a sophisticated onboard experience designed to maximize animal sightings with a design specific for safari river cruising on the Chobe River. 
• CroisiEurope  - offers shore excursions such as full-day safari in Jeeps to explore the Chobe National Park that is home to more than 1/4 of the total elephant population in Africa. Designed to explore Southern Africa, African Dream  provides an intimate look at the nature and animals along the shores of this incredible region. 

Real Botswana Travel Reviews & Stories

My african adventure, father/daughter africa trip, botswana travel faqs, top botswana travel destinations, botswana trips by departure date.

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Explore & Travel Africa

6-Day Okavango Delta & Khwai Botswana Safari

5.0 /5 – 31 Reviews

$3,108 to $4,010 pp (USD)

Your request will be sent directly to the operator

If preferred, you can contact the operator directly

This unforgettable Okavango and Khwai safari combines the best of both water-based and big-game safaris. Visit the Eastern Khwai area of the delta where a drier habitat is perfect for big game viewing such as lions, elephants, hyenas, leopards, wild dogs and more. Fly to the heart of the Okavango Delta with stunning views. Here, you’ll immerse yourselves in aquatic activities, including boat trips through winding papyrus channels and serene mokoro rides along shallow waters.

Tour Features

Luxury tour.

This luxury tour uses lodges and tented camps.

Private tour

This tour will be organized exclusively for you. However, wildlife viewing activities are run by the lodges/camps and will be shared with others.

Can start any day

If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.

Can be customized

You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.

Suitable for solo travelers

Solo travelers can book this private tour.

Minimum age of 5 years

The minimum age for this tour is 5 years.

Activities & Transportation

Accommodation & meals.

• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
• Day Accommodation Meals

• 6 End of tour (No accommodation) – Breakfast Included Breakfast Included

Interested in This Tour?

Request a Quote

• We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ( Learn why )
• Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
• If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly

Best price guarantee

• This tour is offered by Explore & Travel Africa , not SafariBookings.
• This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
• If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
• Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. If flights cost more, your quote will reflect this.
• The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
• If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
• This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Explore & Travel Africa.
• What is included in this tour

Get a Free Quote

• More About This Operator

Customer Reviews

Prompt, efficient service..

Michelle at Explore and Travel Africa found venues within our date perimeters for us to choose, we chose Honeyguide Montabeni Camp, all additional services were then listed, flights, car hire etc to enable us to finalise the trip. At all...

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• Hotels + Resorts

This 7-night Safari in Botswana Is All About Wildlife, Water, and Sustainability — Here's What It Was Like to Visit

The Okavango Delta creates a safari landscape like no other.

Courtesy of Wilderness Safaris

Less than an hour after landing at a remote airstrip, we're having sundowners en route to the lodge. A troop of dozens — perhaps a hundred — baboons returns to the trees around us to roost for the night. A nosy kudu slowly circles our makeshift camp. Chatty squirrels chitter away in the branches above our heads. We sip our gin and tonics and watch as the Okavango Delta settles into dusk. So it goes on safari in Botswana.

We hop back into the jeep and make for Vumbura Plains, our home for the next few nights, passing elephants under trees and lechwe antelope spread across the flooded plains. But interestingly, it's not the wildlife that captivates me on the ride. It's the water.

The Okavango Delta is a sprawling inland delta, and each winter, floodwaters from the Okavango River inundate some three million acres of grassland and desert. It creates a vast waterscape that not only draws human visitors like me but plenty of animal ones, too. So as we're driving to the lodge, my heart stops as the road disappears into the waters — and I hold my breath as we plunge right in. "You might want to pick up that bag," our Wilderness guide Dave Luck says to me as the water gurgles beneath the floor of the jeep, seeping in through the crevices.

The floodwaters aren't very deep, though, and the local guides know where the roads twist and turn, even if I can't see anything through the murk. It's a surreal feeling to be navigating these waters in a jeep rather than on a boat.

We arrive at Vumbura Plains , and there's plenty more water to be found here. The camp was newly rebuilt in 2022 and now has a series of 14 open-air suites connected by elevated wooden walkways. I sit in my sunken living room adorned with water-lily motifs, and even though it's after dark, I can hear wildlife wading through the water all around me.

The water remains a source of intrigue for me during our stay at Vumbura Plains, perhaps even more so as we take to the skies in a helicopter. From our aerial vantage point, I can see just how expansive the floodwaters are — and how filled they are with wildlife. Water-loving hippos and crocodiles are spread across the saturated plains, while elephants march single-file through the reeds, creating meandering pathways visible from the air. 

Our next adventure takes us away from the floods, in the Linyanti Concession, where the eight-room DumaTau camp becomes our next home. There is water here, too, as the lodge sits on a riverfront that's very popular with elephants. In fact, one waltzes right past my tented suite as I'm reclining for an afternoon nap.

On one of our game drives across the dry terrain, we see dozens of vultures perched on every tree within eyesight. And that means one thing: dinner is served. (Not ours, of course, but lions'.)

As we make our way through the tall, rustling grass, we spot a few lounging lionesses and their playful cubs. Then the smell hits us: it's a slightly putrid buffalo, one that the lions have been feasting on for some time. One lioness is polishing off its exposed ribs, her strong teeth tearing into the flesh and peeling it straight off the bone. Dave hands me a small tin filled with a fragrant salve. "For the smell," he notes, rubbing some under his nose. The trick works wonders, and we continue our observations of the feast.

You might think such a sight (and odor) might deter us from our own dinner back at DumaTau, but the cuisine at this camp is too delectable to pass up. The food system, as the printed menu tells me, is responsible for some 30 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. So Wilderness designs "mindful menus" here, incorporating locally sourced, sustainable ingredients into its dishes to reduce its "foodprint." What's more, food waste is minimized by the kitchen's upcycling team, which turns scraps into preserves, pickles, and stocks. Nothing goes to waste in nature, and so it shall be at Wilderness camps, too.

Our final leg of the safari takes us back to the Okavango Delta, this time to the camp Jao. And here, I'm awestruck at the architecture. Jao feels like a movie set. It's a series of striking, modern tree houses that blend natural elements with high design and sustainable engineering. (The thatch, for instance, is actually made from recycled plastic.)

The room that really takes my breath away is the double-height library and wine room, at the center of which is a giraffe skeleton. Jao is equal parts futuristic and classic safari, and it's certainly a feast for the eyes.

We return to watery adventures in the delta, but not in jeeps. One afternoon, we take a more traditional form of transportation: a hand-carved mokoro canoe. Skilled gondoliers use long poles to propel us through the floodwaters, pausing at points to teach us about the flora of the region. We make necklaces out of water lilies and wear them proudly as we glide through the reeds.

On our last night in Botswana, the staff prepares us a beautiful sundowner send-off — a massive spread arranged on my suite's terrace surrounding a fire pit. As we watch the light fade over the water, we once more sip on our gin and tonics, the sights and sounds of our trip shining brightly in our memories.

A seven-night, three-camp Bucket List Botswana safari with Wilderness starts at $12,120 per person; book your trip at wildernessdestinations.com . 

• The Okavango
• Find A Safari
• Accommodation

Mboma Boat Station

Water safaris for self-drivers in the moremi game resereve.

For those looking at combining Okavango Delta activities with self drive safaris of Botswana the Mboma Boat Station provides an excellent opportunity to get deep into the delta and explore it by motorboat and mokoro.

Situated on Mboma Island in the north west reaches of the Moremi Game Reserve on the permanent waters of the Okavango Delta the Mboma Boat Station provides an excellent way to see this delicate ecosystem. Catering for those making their own arrangements Mboma provides both mokoro excursions and motorboat trips.

Six fiberglass mokoros, each seating two passengers and poled by local professional guides, explore the surrounding waterways and are complemented by two motorboats allowing for trips further afield, including to the Godikwe Heronry, a seasonal breeding site for thousands of waterbirds.

Easily accessible, an hour from Third Bridge and three hours from South Gate, the boat station is signposted from both South Gate and Third Bridge.

Customer Reviews

One of the best holidays we have been on, from the initial inquiry, the organisation, suggestions and safari its self. Worth every pound and would recommend Okavango Delta Explorations to anyone.

Simon Tunstall - travelled Nov 2019

If you’re anything like me, you may be overwhelmed when beginning your Safari planning. Look no further than Okavango Explorations. They were an enormous help, patiently answering my litany of questions and putting together an incredible itinerary within our parameters. She was always available by email and phone and spent the time to get to know our needs.

Drew Simon 2019

Okavango Delta Explorations was an excellent choice. They heard in long telefon calls my wishes and expectations very well and gave me perfect advice on tours and camps/lodges. They are very experienced experts of the region, who know exactly where to send you according to your expectations . The organzation was absolutly perfect. There is nothing to improve. We had a very special and wonderful time.

Kerstin Schonherr – travelled Nov 2019

The whole trip was perfect! Louise made recommendations to us that were all spot on perfect. The recommendations provided were detailed and really brought things to life for us so that we could make the best choices - the guidance we received was first rate. We thoroughly enjoyed the three places we visited and the whole experience was very smooth. Thank you so much! We will be back and would highly recommend.

Kathryn Dyer - travelled 2019

An absolutely superb trip, and this is entirely down to Okavango Delta Explorations. Louise carefully listened to what we wanted to get from the trip, and despite my work schedule patiently kept me informed of all developments in our honeymoon and planned everything. I can't fault Louise or the company's approach to organising this trip. No question or request was too much and everything was planned perfectly. We will definitely be returning and using the company again.

Johnathan Manners -July 2019

I have received excellent recommendations for the two camps selected at Okavanko Delta and Moreni Reserve. Outstanding locations, camps and wildlife. Very professional and knowledgeable guides. Very professional and friendly staff attentive to specific needs of guests. Excellent food and organization for meals either at the camps or in the wild. Thank you.

Charles Morin 2019

We were looking for an authentic family safari, something special for our children to remember forever- without breaking the bank! They listened to what we were looking for and patiently worked with us to plan the perfect trip, attentive to every little detail and answering all our anxious questions! And we had the holiday of a lifetime! Their expert knowledge and passion for Botswana is clear. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to visit Botswana. Thank you!!

Marie Gabrille Arnim

Great service from ODE, the team worked hard to deliver a holiday of a life time!!! Specifically valued the efficiency, attention to detail and understanding when circumstances changed. Would definitely recommend Okavango Delta Explorations to anybody who wants a hassle free holiday organised by experts.

Carla Peek 2019

Safari Planning

A guide to planning your safari to the Okavango Delta

• Best time to visit the Okavango Delta
• Botswana Travel Advice
• How to get to the Okavango Delta
• How long to be on safari in the Okavango Delta?
• Beyond the Okavango – best places to visit in Botswana
• Activities and Seasonal Considerations
• Is the Okavango Family Friendly?
• Private Concession or Moremi Game Reserve?
• Solo Travel
• Helicopter Flights
• Air Charter in Botswana
• African Guide Academy
• Self Drive Safaris

Experience the Okavango Delta

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

• Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park is an unspoilt safari playground.

A little bit about Chobe National Park

Stumble upon wildlife wherever you go in beautiful Botswana.

After driving a few metres along the impressive Chobe Riverfront, your guide suddenly stops. An elephant family slowly wanders across the road, planning to take a bath. As you gaze at this amazing scene, you can hear the dull sound of heavy feet in the sand, the breathing and whiffing, and occasional trumpeting from these beautiful, mighty creatures.

One of the most awe-inspiring safari experiences is the up-close and personal meetings with wildlife at Chobe National Park, and we can assure you will have them frequently during your visit. Welcome to the park with some of the highest game density in all of Africa.

Going on a Chobe Safari

You are considering, or maybe even planning, a trip to the Chobe National Park. Naturally, you want it to be the journey of a lifetime and it will be. Why? There are not not many places left in the world with such unspoilt nature splendor, wildlife and truly pampering lodges.

Before you are ready to grab your suitcases from the attic, we would like to provide a bit more background information - if only to stir the anticipation of going – and answer the questions you might have in the sections below. Please use our contact form below for more questions you might have.

About Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park with its dazzling, deep blue Chobe River, consists of four areas: Ngwenzumba Pans, Linyanti, Savute and the Chobe Riverfront - and you can read all about them here.

Chobe special offers

Waiting for that special offer, one that seems tailor-made for you? Our special deals offer outstanding value for money, so we hope to see you soon in Botswana's Chobe National Park!

Getting to Chobe NP

Airlink operates daily flights between Johannesburg and Kasane, the bustling capital just north of Chobe National Park. Also Livingstone and Victoria Falls are just a stone's throw away.

The accommodations were lovely, the food excellent, and the hospitality was second to none.

Can never tire of watching from our deck the constant procession of elephants that trek to drink each afternoon.

Although not cheap it is worth every penny... You better plan a stay for two or three days since a stopover only would definitely be too short to enjoy this place.

Chobe National Park lodges

Whereas Chobe National Park feels like true wilderness, once you set foot in one of the lodges you will be embraced with true pampering and homelike vibes.

All lodges come with beautiful private suites: the perfect place to start and end an exhilarating day. You only have to pick one of them, or, if you can’t make up your mind, pick several and go lodgehopping. With each and every stay, it will add up to an extraordinary experience.

• Price $$$$$

Chobe Game Lodge

lodge style Midst of the action

The ‘one and only’ game lodge located right in the Chobe National Park, and what a lodge this is: five star luxury, three safari activities included each day, plus, you will venture out an hour before anybody else arrives in the park. Get ready for fresh game tracks!

from US$ 629 per person per night

Savute Safari Lodge

lodge style African escape

Discover this authentic lodge located on the banks of the Savute channel, where elephants come to guzzle water and play. Fly in with a small aircraft, be welcomed by staff who already know your name and immerse yourself in an African ambiance.

Ngoma Safari Lodge

lodge style Valley romance

Perched high up on the valley’s edge, the views of the river and floodplains are unrivalled in the area. Wherever you are in the lodge, you can watch wildlife gathering by the waterhole. Not to mention all the safari activities Ngoma Safari Lodge has to offer.

from US$ 640 per person per night

Chobe Elephant Camp

lodge style 360° Botswana experience

Always wanted to be eye-to-eye with the magnificent grey giants, that have been roaming this land for ages? At Chobe Elephant Camp, you can get up close and personal with large herds of elephants, among many other predators and wildlife.

from US$ 394 per person per night

Zambezi Queen Cruise

lodge style Happy Chobe River coasting

It’s not a lodge, it’s not a hotel. No, the Zambezi Queen is a floating safari boutique hotel, bringing you closer to the Chobe River than ever. Enjoy the best of an adventurous (yet dust-free) safari, while still surrounded by luxury and comfort.

from ZAR 22,289 per person (2 nights)

Chobe Under Canvas

lodge style Right in the heart of nature

Forget what you know about camping: sleeping under canvas in Chobe will be a completely new experience. Meals cooked over open fire, opening your tent in the morning to an awakening bush – together with the comfort of warm showers and soft beds.

from US$ 650 per person per night

Chobe Marina Lodge

lodge style A warm welcome

Whether you are an angler, golfer, wine afficionado, foodie or simply mad about Africa: this lodge accommodates all safari guests. Its mission statement? To let everybody experience the natural splendour of Chobe, in the most comfortable and luxurious setting.

from US$ 465 per person per night

Chobe Bakwena Lodge

lodge style Lush eco-luxury

With two owners who both belong to the Bakwena tribe and have a mission to offer guests a luxurious but also environmentally responsible stay, you know this is the right place to experience the pure silence of Chobe National Park in Botswana.

from US$ 529 per person per night

Chobe  Safari  Lodge

lodge style Safari getaway

Indulge yourself with great game drives, spa treatments, a cocktail bar with the best possible views, river cruise dinners and excursions to Victoria Falls and more. Get ready for an immersive safari experience at Chobe Safari Lodge in Kasane.

from US$ 325 per person per night

Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero

lodge style Tranquility on a hillside

Looking for a family safari? Or a romantic couple’s getaway? Chobe Chilwero has it all: luxurious private cottages, great children’s programs, spa, romantic hideaways for two – located on the borders of the amazing Chobe National Park, this is where you go for a complete safari experience.

from US$ 754 per person per night

&Beyond  Savute Under Canvas

lodge style Wildly beautiful tented camp

Sleeping under canvas can be deeply calming: the sounds of nature trickle right into your ear. And upon opening your canvas to stunning views, you will immediately slip into a relaxed pace of life at &Beyond Savute Under Canvas in this remote corner of Botswana's Chobe National Park.

from US$ 580 per person per night

Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge

lodge style Elephants at your doorstep

Luxurious glamping with incredible wildlife sightings: feel the pulse of the mystic Savute area at this Chobe authentic camp. Enjoy dinners around the open-air boma while elephants water in front of you – there are oh-so- many reasons to stay at Belmond Savute Elpehant Camp.

from US$ 834 per person per night

Ghoha   Hills   Lodge

lodge style luxury hilltop

An eco-friendly hilltop retreat boasting 180-degree views at the savannah and a bustling waterhole, located in the game rich grasslands of the Savuti area. Get ready to take everything to a higher level: wildlife encounters, service, dinners, siestas and your overall safari experience.

from US$ 589 per person per night

Elephant Valley Lodge

lodge style Relax in style

When you kick back in the evening and replenish your wineglass, you peek at the waterhole. Elephants splash about and interact; some are obviously good friends, others, well, not so much. Welcome to the only lodge in the Kasane Forest Reserve with a watering hole near at hand.

from US$ 404 per person per night

Muchenje Safari Lodge

lodge style A local pearl

A privately owned safari lodge, committed to the local community and in the middle of the beautiful Chobe National Park. Encounters with the mythic elephant herds of Chobe, four out of the Big Five and personal hospitality: this is what brings you to the Muchenje Safari Lodge.

from US$ 495 per person per night

lodge style Make memories

This new hotel, a sister hotel of the Chobe Safari Lodge, is the excellent gateway for Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls and Caprivi. If you are looking for a contemporary safari accommodation with all the luxury frills on hand, don’t look any further.

from US$ 350 per person per night

Mowana Lodge

lodge style Mystic safari nights

If you want to experience the magic of a Chobe National Park safari, this is the place. Built around a majestic 800-year- old baobab tree and boasting great river views, this is where modern hospitality and century-old landscapes blend seamlessly.

from US$ 375 per person per night

Ichingo Lodge

lodge style Namibian splendour

A not-to- beat location, child friendly policy, a wide range of activities (including fishing for the famous Tiger Fish or a boat safari) and sleeping under traditional canvas make this lodge a perfect, family safari location. And it is located on a Namibian island!

from ZAR 6,954 per person per night

Chobe River Lodge

lodge style Personal paradise

In the small town of Kasane you will find a beautiful Botswana hideout. Secluded by lush green trees lies this intimate guesthouse, where you are up for a personal treat. Whether you feel like relaxing at the pool or seeking an adventurous safari: this is just the place.

from US$ 454 per person per night

Camp Kuzuma

lodge style Bush pampering

Are you ready to tune in to wildlife TV? The small, luxurious and intimate Camp Kuzuma is situated by a watering hole, where an amazing variety of wildlife – big and small – passes by every day. Kick back after an exhilarating day to watch yet another wildlife parade.

from US$ 434 per person per night

Chobe Princess

lodge style Intimate cruise

Meet the sisters of the Zambezi Queen : the Pride of Zambezi. Three smaller, more intimate houseboats known as the Chobe Princesses. With just four or five cabins, these boutique hotels are the perfect way to find that Botswana flow and cruise the Chobe River in style.

from ZAR 16,125 per person (2 nights)

Nogatsaa Pans Lodge

lodge style In the heart of Chobe

A contemporary and open lodge with a real wow-factor: welcome to the brand new Nogatsaa Pans Lodge. This is the only lodge in the Nogatsaa region, so book your stay and don’t miss out on the sweeping views over the Kwikamba Pan. Its remote location will make you feel one with nature.

from US$ 542 per person per night

River View Lodge

lodge style Affordable lodge

If you are seeking a comfortable, intimate stay in an affordable lodge, River View Lodge is your ideal destination. Nestled on the banks of the Chobe River, this lodge is at a perfect, central location to explore the Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls, or to just relax at the poolside.

from US$ 282 per person per night

Chobe Savanna Lodge

lodge style Family time

As the staff gather their voices for a local song, you find a cold drink in your hand and a warm welcome to this comfortable safari lodge on the Namibian side of the Chobe River. Water-based, intimate, family friendly and relaxing are just a few ways to characterize this remote lodge.

from US$ 449 per person per night

The sunset is an amazing experience as the sun sinks in an array of reds, oranges, pinks and yellows. a sight to behold and one never forgotten.

At nights we could hear all sorts of animals and awoke both mornings to find that the noises we were hearing were wondering next to our tents throughout the night.

The camp and rooms are beautifully done, and the game drive vehicles are in very good condition and comfortable for long drives.

Chobe Video

The best way of getting an idea what the Chobe National Park is about is by seeing some incredible footage from the area. View this video of Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero to experience one of the lodges and wildlfe in the game reserve.

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

The small size means you get to eat family style with the other guests, thereby meeting some new people and comparing notes on the day's activities.

The lodge is set on a hill with a spectacular view over the plains with a waterhole which has a constant stream of wildlife coming for a drink.

We saw thousands of elephant, giraffes, lions, kudu,alligrator, water buffalo, springbok, mongoose, and countless other animals, including the fascinating dung beetle.

Send your enquiry

We hope you have found all information needed to decide that the Chobe National Park is the perfect place for your next travel adventure. Still have questions? Or maybe you would like some more specific information about one of the topics on this page? Please fill in the contact form and we will get back to you soon!

• Kasane, Botswana
• [email protected]

Mokoro Safaris

Explore the water ways of the Okavango Delta in a canoe

Who should go

Where to experience it, accommodations, immerse yourself in a world unlike anything you've ever experienced.

A Botswana mokoro safari is one of the highlights of any Botswana visit. By silently moving through a labyrinth of waterways in the Okavango Delta, you can immerse yourself in your environment and gain a wonderful new perspective on the majesty of this unique habitat. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes and with animal sightings both large and small possible, you soon realise why a mokoro excursion is a key ingredient to the complete Botswana safari experience.

A highlight for photographers and birders

A mokoro trip in the Okavango Delta is recommendable for both those who are discovering Botswana for the first time and those who are returning for more. It awakens the adventurer in you and lets you discover things which you may otherwise never have seen. Keen photographers and birders take special delight in a canoe safari, as they can silently approach the wildlife and birdlife without disturbing the creatures and get great angles and vantage points for amazing photographs.

• Adventurers
• Photographers
• First Timers & Returnees

The most delightful thing for me on my mokoro trip in the Okavango Delta was the sounds I heard as I was drifting along the water. I could hear the wind moving through the reeds, the chirping of the insects nearby and then, I heard the cry of an African fish eagle overhead. It was just my poler and I, exploring one of Africa’s most pristine ecosystems in the most tranquil way possible.

ONE OF THE MOST SPECTACULAR WILDERNESS AREAS ON OUR PLANET

There is no better place in the world for a mokoro safari than the Okavango Delta. Its sparkling, shallow waters, dotted with lily pads and tremendous wildlife creates an environment that is perfect to explore in a mokoro. With an experienced local poler leading you through this maze of waterways, you are able to reach places in the Okavango Delta which cannot be accessed by vehicle and witness things which you won’t be able to see or experience anywhere else.

At certain camps in the Okavango Delta you can go on a mokoro safari pretty much throughout the year. These so-called water-based camps are located on the edge of permanent rivers and lagoons. For the rest of the Delta, the best time of year for a mokoro trip is during the dry season from May until September. Water levels are at their highest point at this time of year and temperatures are usually cooler than during the hot summer months.

May to September Best for high water levels throughout the Delta

There are various ways in which you can enjoy a mokoro excursion and you don’t always have to fly deep into the Okavango Delta to take part in a mokoro safari. Some lodges in Maun offer different mokoro activities that range from a couple of hours on the water to a whole day excursion. Mokoro excursions can usually be undertaken in the cool morning hours, or in the evening. It can even be combined with a refreshing sundowner in the evening too. There really are a number of options available to you.

The activity is naturally water-level dependent, and water-levels are at the highest point during the dry season. In other words, it is during the months of May to September where most mokoro activities are undertaken. In the Okavango Delta there are some camps however, referred to as water-based camps, which are able to offer mokoro activities throughout the largest part of the year.

THE ICONIC BOTSWANA WAY TO EXPLORE THE OKAVANGO DELTA

A Botswana mokoro safari is the most extraordinary way to experience the Okavango Delta. The calming effect which leisurely gliding on the water has is wonderfully complimented by the truly beautiful natural surroundings of the Okavango Delta. It is undoubtably one of the highlights of any Botswana safari and one of the best examples of why Botswana is a unique safari destination.

Chobe & Okavango Delta Safari

Places Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Savuti Region, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls

from 6.050 USD per person sharing

Botswana Fly-In Safari

Places Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, Khwai & Mababe Region (Moremi), Okavango Delta

from 4.890 USD per person sharing

Kalahari & Okavango Delta

Places Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Moremi Game Reserve

Price on request (RQ)

SEASONAL AND WATER-BASED CAMPS IN THE OKAVANGO DELTA

Most camps in the delta will offer canoe tours during the dry season and winter months which brings the highest water levels. There are also water-based camps at rivers, lagoons, and on islands in the heart of the delta which have water throughout the year, even during the summer months. At these camps, you can enjoy canoe safaris throughout the year. However, not all wet camps offer classic game drives. Since mokoro trips are specific to location and season, make sure to communicate to your travel expert, should you wish to do a mokoro safari so they can suggest the best accommodations for you.

Setari Camp

Rra Dinare Camp

Highlights in botswana, a traditional canoe safari in the okavango delta.

There is nothing quite like a mokoro excursion in the Okavango Delta . Once used by the local tribes for fishing and as an important form of transport, mekoro (plural of mokoro) have now become part of the quintessential Okavango Delta experience. By quietly gliding along the still waters you can witness the true magnificence of one of the largest inland deltas in the world and observe amazing wildlife moments.

A mokoro safari is a classic activity and highlight on any safari in the Okavango Delta.

You can see spectacular birdlife and other wildlife sightings while on your mokoro trip.

The polers will explain safety measures and how to sit comfortably in this traditional canoe.

What is a mokoro?

A mokoro is the perfect vehicle to navigate the channels, waterways, and floodplains of the Okavango Delta. These traditional dugout canoes used to be made from the trunk of a sausage tree. Some mekoro are still made according to traditional methods, however most are made from fibreglass these days in order to better preserve the natural environment. This way the mokoro lasts longer and no sausage trees need to be cut down.

On the boat’s stern (rear of the boat) stands a “poler” who, with the help of a long pole (also known as “ngashi” in the local language), can steer and propel the canoe forwarded. This takes a considerable amount of skill to do effectively and years of practice to perfect. Most polers grew up in the Okavango Delta region and have not only mastered this skill, but also know their way through this labyrinth of channels like no other. Inside the mokoro there usually is one or two seats for guests to sit comfortably on while they float gently along the calm waters.

What makes a canoe safari in the Okavango Delta special?

The main difference between a mokoro safari and most other safari activities is the fact that you move almost silently through the water. You hear only the soft sounds of water sliding of your poler’s pole. The remainder of the sounds you hear are those of the nature around you. The fact that your craft does create any engine noise means that potential animals nearby are not disturbed and you can silently observe them from a unique perspective.

You can encounter a variety of wildlife on a mokoro safari in the Okavango Delta, ranging from tiny reed frogs or dragonflies zipping over the water to larger animals such as hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. From your boat, you can really appreciate the size of an African elephant, even more so than when you are seated in a vehicle. If you are lucky, you might even encounter the rare sitatunga antelope too. They are known to be very shy, but in a mokoro, you have the chance to silently approach them.

Is a mokoro safari safe?

Botswana mokoro safaris have the reputation of being a fairly risky activity to undertake on account of the many hippos living in the Okavango Delta and their widely reported grumpy nature. The bottom line is that when dealing with wild animals, there is always a certain element of risk involved due to an animal’s rather unpredictable nature. Fortunately, you will never be alone on a mokoro safari, as you will always have an experienced poler with you to guide you on your adventure. Due to the fact that your poler is standing, he has a better vantage point of your surroundings. He can see what lies ahead and would never take any unnecessary risks or put you in harm’s way.

What to see on a mokoro canoe safari?

Many describe a Botswana mokoro safari as the most relaxing way in which to explore the Okavango Delta. This is one of the reasons why it is so popular with guests. Also, because you are so close to the water level, you can get stunning wildlife photography angles. Through the silent approach, birders have the chance of encountering a wide varied of birds, some of which are commonly found in the Okavango Delta but rarely spotted elsewhere. The Okavango Delta is home to over 400 bird species, and you can enjoy excellent bird viewing throughout the whole year.

Lean back and enjoy the silent ride

Your silent approach may get unnoticed

Few other activities say Botswana like a mokoro trip

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A safari through Botswana’s wildlife wonder

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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