There are FOUR main regions to consider in Botswana:
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1. Okavango Delta
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2. Moremi Game Reserve in the heart of the Delta
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3. Linyanti and Savuti region - north of the Delta
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4. Chobe Riverfront - far north Botswana and gateway to Victoria Falls
- (and see close proximity of Victoria Falls from Chobe Riverfront)
okavango delta
Explore this game rich, watery maze of meandering reed channels, deep pools, tranquil lagoons and overgrown palm fringed islands as you search for big game and keep an eye open for crocodile and hippo lurking in the still waters... Luxurious land and/or water based camps are dotted across the 15000 sq km area and offer compelling game viewing excursions either by mokoro, on foot or on guided day and night game drives.
Our FIVE favourite Delta lodges are:
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stay
an eco-retreat of contemporary design offering excellent game density and sensational lodging
2 camps, each with 7 spacious suites with open lounge, outdoor shower, plunge pool & 'sala'
a central lounge/dining area with open fire-pit deck protrudes scenically into vast floodplains
sumptuous and romantic retreat in an unspoilt region of the Delta, great for honeymooners
year-round day/night drives, walks, mokoro/boating, cultural tours & seasonal fishing -
travel
45min charter flight from Maun -
rate
rates 2024 - from $2218 to $3830 per person per nighthigh season jun-oct & 20dec-5janINCLUDED all meals, local bar brands, 2 daily activities, park fees and laundryEXCLUDED premium bar brands, travel insurance, charter flights and staff gratuities
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stay
linked by walkways, 8 raised tented rooms with walk in mosquito net, shady veranda & outdoor shower
thatched & open sided central lounge/bar area with library, fire pit and plunge pool with views
situated in a private concession, on an island, with plentiful prey and a range of predators
open grasslands, acacia woodland, shallow waterways and lots of game on day/night drives -
travel
20min charter flight from Maun -
rate
rates 2024 - from $1760 to $2940 per person per nighthigh season jun-oct & 20dec-5janINCLUDED all meals, local bar brands, 2 daily activities, park fees and laundryEXCLUDED premium bar brands, champagne, travel insurance, charter flights and staff gratuities
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stay
set on a lush, tropical island surrounded by wild palms with views across tranquil waters
5 raised tents with large beds, ceiling fan, balcony and glorious double outdoor shower
elevated main dining/lounge area with bar, plunge pool and fire-pit under starry skies
year-round boating/mokoro activities & dry season drives dependent on water levels
hippo all around camp with elephant and other game best seen in the dry seasonno night drives -
travel
40min charter flight from Maun -
rate
rates 2024 - from $900 to $1475 per person per nighthigh season jun-oct and 20dec-5janINCLUDED all meals, local bar brands, 2 daily activities, park fees and laundryEXCLUDED premium bar brands, travel insurance, charter flights and staff gratuities
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stay
9 elegant safari tents on platforms with breathtaking views of the ever-changing Delta
central lounge/dining/bar area with pool overlooks open channels in front of camp
water & land adventures on day/night drives, mokoro/powerboat cruises & bush walks
good for green season viewing and offers water & land activities all year-round -
travel
25min charter flight or 25min helicopter transfer from Maun -
rate
rates 2024 - from $1665 to $3100 per person sharing per nighthigh season jun-oct & 21dec-10janINCLUDED all meals, local bar, game drive & refreshments, laundry, medical evacuation insurance, VAT, airstrip transfers & park fees.EXCLUDED landing fees, premium bar, landing fees, travel insurance and staff gratuities
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stay
10 airy & luxurious riverside tents with bathroom, living area and outdoor showers
classic 1950's style camp (owner operated) offering game viewing from your tent
central, tented area with library, swimming pool and picturesque river views
affordable luxury & a classical tented safari with day/night guided drives -
travel
30min charter flight from Maun + 20min road transfer -
rate
rates 2024 - from $798 to $1190 per person sharing per nighthigh season jun-octINCLUDED all meals, laundry, Khwai airstrip transfers, local bar, levies & taxesEXCLUDED premium bar brands, charter flights, travel insurance and staff gratuities
Moving on into the heart of the Delta
moremi game reserve
Within the heart of the Delta, the Moremi is at its most beautiful between April to June (right before peak season rates...) when the slowly trickling flood waters has transformed the barren plains into sparkling waterways spectacularly dotted with water lily ponds. Large numbers of game migrate towards these abundant waters and peaks from July to end October when huge herds congregate around smaller remaining watering holes. Being a public park, night drives and off roading is not allowed here but Chief's Island lies at the centre of the Moremi and becomes home to enormous numbers during high water season as herds literally get trapped here. And with such a high concentration of game, night drives are probably not necessary...
Take a look at THREE fabulous lodges here:
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stay
9 spacious en-suite tents, on 2m high decks, with veranda, indoor/outdoor showers & sala
enormous concentrations of plains game and predators found literally on camp's doorstep
central thatched lounge/bar/dining area with boma, 2 plunge pools and a gym with VIEWS
large prides of lion, all the cats, large herds of buffalo, elephant, rhino & giraffe
luxurious seclusion in this sumptuous flagship camp in the heart of the Delta
no night drives due to being located within Moremi Reserve borders -
travel
55min charter flight from Maun
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rate
rates 2024 - from $3189 to $4846 per person per nighthigh season jun-oct & 20dec-5janINCLUDED all meals, local bar brands, 2 daily activities, park fees and laundryEXCLUDED premium bar brands, champagne, insurance, charter flights and staff gratuities
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stay
nestled in a woodland, 10 spacious pavilions with bath, outdoor shower and deck with poolalso a 6 sleeper suite with private ranger/vehicle, butler, chef, housekeeper and pool deck
sumptuous four poster beds, draped mosquito nets, ceiling fans and floodplain views
elevated central bar/lounge area - lower deck with dining room, pool and fire-pit
views change from dry flood plain teeming with game to a lush & tranquil lagoon
excellent game viewing on guided day drives and seasonal mokoro excursionsno night drives due to being located within Moremi Reserve borders -
travel
25min charter flight from Maun
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rate
rates 2024 - from $2400 to $4350 per person per nighthigh season jun-sept & 21dec-2janINCLUDED all meals, local bar, game activities, park fees, laundry, emergency medical evacuation and airstrip transfersEXCLUDED premium bar, spa, heli-trips, charter flights and staff gratuities
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stay
a hidden gem, set under a lush green canopy overlooking a water lily fringed lagoon
11 safari tents on raised teak platform with private facilities and viewing deck
elegant thatched lounge/dining/bar area with library, pool and thatched boma
an authentic safari experience offering land/water based game activities
no night drives due to being located within Moremi Reserve borders -
travel
40min charter flight from Maun
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rate
rates 2024 - from $645 to $1160 per person per nighthigh season jun-octINCLUDED all meals, local bar, game activities, medical evacuation insurance, park fees/levies and laundryEXCLUDED premium bar, charter flights, transfers and staff gratuities
And then, we go off-the-beaten-track
Linyanti and savuti
Most visitors normally head from the Delta into Chobe National Park but, hold on, for an even MORE remote and exclusive safari experience, take a look at the wild frontiers of Selinda Reserve and the neighbouring Linyanti region. Until recently set aside for hunting only but now, with the hunters long gone, wildlife has returned in great numbers and has put this off-the-beaten-track firmly on the big game safari map. Enormous herds of elephants pass through in the dry season along with a multitude of grazer game spending winter here before migrating east towards the Savute for summer. And hot on their trail, hungry predators like lion, cheetah, hyena, wild dog and even leopard. Shared by few, the region offers some surprisingly fabulous lodges but, with most lodges being rather small and intimate, book EARLY to get in - and go remote...
THREE favourite wilderness lodges are:
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stay
envisioned as the ultimate luxury tented safari camp offering the most excellent wildlife encounters
4 immense and sumptuous tented suites raised on wooden decking with panoramic lagoon views
copper bath, fireplace, polished floors, rugs, plunge pool and indoor/outdoor showers
telescope and complimentary use of Swarovski binoculars and a Canon 5D SLR camera
remote and exclusive - dramatic landscapes - day/night drives and lagoon cruises -
travel
45min charter flight from Maun
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rate
rates 2024
tented suites from $1935 to $3665 per person per nightDhow Suites from $9290 to $17590 per night for 4adultshigh season 15jun-31oct & 20dec-10janinclude all meals, full bar, 2 daily activities, park fees, laundry and air strip transfers
exclude levy, spa, travel insurance, charter flights and staff gratuities
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stay
set on a lagoon and dramatically centred between two elephant highways10 luxurious riverside tents on raised wooden decks linked by elevated walkwaysan expansive dining/lounge area with pool, floating fire pit and sweeping lagoon/river viewsa haven for wildlife on land and water, offering both day/night game drives & river cruisesin the midst of the hunting grounds of lion and the critically endangered wild dog -
travel
55min charter flight from Maun
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rate
rates 2024 - from $2218 to $4201 per person per nighthigh season jun-octinclude all meals, local bar brands, 2 daily activities, park fees and laundry
exclude premium bar brands, champagne, travel insurance, charter flights and staff gratuities
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stay
in a remote part of the Linyanti with elevated front row seats to the resurgent Savute Channel
stopped flowing between 1980 & 2008 but now a deep, clear waterway with hippo & aquatic life
raised off the ground and facing onto the channel, 7 spacious walk-in tents with bathrooms
a raised central thatched dining area with plunge pool, large viewing area and fire pit
abundant game, dense dry-season concentrations of elephant and spectacular birding -
travel
55min charter flight from Maun
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rate
rates 2024 - from $1259 to $2038 per person per nighthigh season jun-oct
include all meals, local bar brands, 2 daily activities, park fees and laundry
exclude premium bar brands, champagne, travel insurance, charter flights and staff gratuities
And finally Chobe Riverfront - gateway to Victoria Falls.
Chobe Riverfront
Situated in northern Botswana and the most northern tip of Chobe National Park. The lush plains and dense forests in the Chobe River area is known for its enormous herds of elephant and buffalo. Not the wild big game safari experience like the more remote lodges mentioned above, but memorable sundowner cruises along the Chobe River offer magnificent photo opportunities of hippo ambling onto dry land and a riverfront that spectacularly fills up with animals gathering to drink.
THREE great places to stay here are:
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stay
the only permanent lodge within park, overlooking Chobe River and only a 2hr transfer from Vic Falls
47 river facing, air con rooms with overhead fans, mini bar, en-suite bathrooms & private terrace
and 4 exclusive river view suites, each with a separate lounge area and private plunge pool
large central area with swimming pool terrace, riverside boma, in-house beautician and gym
guided game drives (can get busy in season), game viewing by boat and sunset cruises -
travel
fly 1hr45min JNB/Kasane or 1hr40min charter flight Maun/Kasane + 15min complimentary road transfer to/from Kasane Airport
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rate
rates 2024 - from $645 to $1406 per person sharinghigh season jun-oct
include all meals, local bar brands, mini bar, scheduled activities, laundry, emergency medical evacuation insurance, park fees/levies and Kasane airport transfers
exclude premium bar brands, charter flights and staff gratuities
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stay
set well away from the busy Chobe riverfront in quiet area a 1 hour drive from Kasane Airport
situated within Chobe Forest Reserve and overlooks the Chobe River and its open floodplains
only 6 spacious thatched river suites plus 2 family units (extra bed to accommodate a child)
all suites with aircon, bath, indoor/outdoor showers, lounge and sundeck with plunge pool
game viewing from suite can include Chobe elephants, migrating zebra & grazing buffalo
central restaurant/lounge/bar area with sundeck, pool and floodplain and river views
do day and night game drives, guided walks, birding and game viewing by river boat
2 night stay includes full day safari: a Chobe drive, river cruise & picnic lunch -
travel
1hr road transfer from Kasane airport
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rate
rates 2024 - from $798 to $1190 per person sharinghigh season jun-octinclude all meals, Kasane/Kazangula return transfers, local bar brands, laundry, lodge activities, park fees and levy
exclude exclude premium bar brands, private transfers, Conservation Levy and staff gratuities
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stay
based on the eastern tip of the Caprivi Strip - so actually operating on Namibia side
3 houseboats sleeping 10 adults max in 4/5 double or twin aircon en-suite cabins
explore the Zambezi and Chobe Rivers with 3 tender boats for daily excursions
modern shower, toilet, hand basin and large sliding windows for river views
huge herds of elephant often cross the river in front of these houseboats
non-stop game viewing as docking sites overlook prime game habitat
buffalo, lion, lechwe, puku, giraffe, zebra, sable, kudu & leopard -
travel
complimentary transfer from Kasane airport (incl river boat to Namibian passport control)
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rate
rates 2024 - from R19036 to R23466 per person sharing 2 nightshigh season mar-nov(2night departures on Mon and Wed - rates in Rands)include all meals, local bar and Kasane Airport/Immigration office return transfers
exclude premium bar brands, Chobe National Park Game Drive and staff gratuities
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Victoria Falls - note
Chobe Riverfront to Victoria Falls is only a 1.5hr road transferso either start in Vic Falls - followed by a Botswana safarior end the safari with 2 blissful nights in Vic Falls
itinerary ideas
Travel when YOU want to - choose YOUR favourite lodge
and combine destinations as YOU wish.
Take a look:
8 nights - Cape Town and Botswana
14 nights - Cape Town, Winelands and Okavango
arrive Cape Town and stay for 8nights
day 9
1hr self drive to Franschhoek winelands and stay for 3nights
day 12
drive 1hr to Cape Town airport and drop rental car
fly 2.5hr direct Cape Town to Maun Botswana
charter flight Maun to lodge
day 15
return charter flight lodge to Maun
fly 1hr45m Maun to Johannesburg
12 nights - Cape Town, Vic Falls and Okavango
arrive Cape Town and stay for 5nights
day 6
1hr self drive to winelands and stay for 2nights
day 8
drive 1hr to Cape Town airport and drop rental car
fly 2hr45m direct Cape Town to Victoria Falls
transfer to hotel or lodge and stay for 2nights
day 10
1.5hr road transfer to Kasane Airport, Botswana
1hr-1.5hr charter flight Kasane to Okavango and stay 3nights
day 13
30-60min charter flight lodge to Maun
fly 1hr45m Maun/Johannesburg
14 nights - Namibia, Vic Falls, Botswana & Cape Town
arrive Johannesburg Airport and overnight to rest up
day2
fly 2hr Johannesburg to Windhoek
charter flight Windhoek to lodge
day4
return charter flight lodge to Windhoek
fly1.5hr Windhoek to Victoria Falls
transfer to lodge or hotel
day6
1.5hr road transfer Vic Falls to Kasane Airport, Botswana
1hr charter flight Kasane to Okavango Delta
transfer to lodge
day9
30min charter flight to Maun
fly 2.5hr Maun to Cape Town
end your holiday with 5nights in beautiful Cape Town
or stay as long as you want!
'We visited 2 different lodges in Botswana and you were spot on with your suggestions - luxurious accommodation, friendly staff and excellent game viewing at both! Just delightful - thank you, Daniel!!!!'
David and David, USA