A land-locked country situated in southern Africa Botswana was the casting home numerous films such as The Cry of the Kalahari, the hilarious feature film, The Gods Must Be Crazy, feature stories in National Geographic and numerous documentaries all of which have given Botswana international recognition as a top safari destination. The combination of good wildlife, uncrowded reserves, small camps (chalets or tented, most 8-20 beds), with great food and the use of open vehicles for game viewing make this a destination well worth considering. You can view game by open vehicle (during the day and at night), by boat, canoe, mokoro (dug-out canoe) or elephant-back. Some walking safaris are offered outside the reserves. Flying safaris and mobile tented camp safaris (from participatory to luxury) are also available.

There are more elephants in Botswana than any other country, the big cats roam free and there’s everything from endangered African wild dogs to aquatic antelopes, from rhinos making a comeback to abundant birdlife at every turn. This is also the land of the Okavango Delta and the Kalahari Desert, at once iconic African landscapes and vast stretches of wilderness. 38 percent of its total land area are devoted to national parks, reserves and wildlife management areas. Put these landscapes together with the wildlife that inhabits them, and it’s difficult to escape the conclusion that this is wild Africa at its best.

Botswana may rank among Africa’s most exclusive destinations – accommodation prices at most lodges are once-in-a-lifetime propositions – but self-drive expeditions are also possible. And whichever way you visit, Botswana is a truly extraordinary place. For the first time traveler, great value will be found traveling in the “green season” of November to March” when the rains have come and the animals begin their migration movements, especially to the Kalahari. April and May are also fairly good months for game viewing when choosing your camps carefully. For an all around wildlife experience in Botswana, we generally recommend that you visit 3 camp destinations staying seven nights.

Full Itinerary

Days 1& 2: Makgadikgadi Pans

On arrival in Maun, you will fly by light aircraft to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. The park, populated by up to 30,000 zebra and wildebeest closely accompanied by predators, offers guests the chance to experience the exhilaration of seeing large concentrations of game and the resultant predator interaction. Accommodation: Leroo La Tau

Days 3 & 4: Moremi Reserve / Okavango Delta

Fly to Moremi Game Reserve which sits on the edge of the Okavango Delta. Game drives in open 4×4 vehicles, both in the morning and late afternoons, offer frequent sightings of lion, leopard and cheetah as well as wild dog. Alternatively, guest can explore the Xaxanaka Lagoon and surrounding Okavango channels by motorboat. Accommodation: Camp Moremi.

Days 5 & 6: Savute Marsh

Fly to Savute in the northern Chobe National Park. The area is renowned for its population of bull elephant and for the unique interaction of the resident predator species. Open 4×4 game drives are conducted in the Savute area, including the famous Savute Marsh, and the ancient San rock paintings at Gubatsa Hills, add magic to a delightful African safari. Accommodation: Savute Safari Lodge

Days 7: Departure Fly from Savute to Maun and catch your flight back home.