14-Day Botswana & Rwanda Classic Safari
A Journey Through Botswana’s Wild Heart and Rwanda’s Primate Forests
Embark on an extraordinary journey with Winton Africa Safaris on this 14-Day Botswana and Rwanda Classic Safari, a once-in-a-lifetime expedition that seamlessly combines the untamed wilderness of Southern Africa with the lush, biodiversity-rich landscapes of Rwanda. This safari has been meticulously crafted for wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and cultural explorers who wish to immerse themselves in the very best that Africa has to offer. From the sprawling salt pans and acacia-studded plains of Nxai Pan National Park, the predator-rich Moremi Game Reserve, and the riverine wonder of Chobe National Park to the world-famous mountain gorillas and golden monkeys of Volcanoes National Park, every day delivers unforgettable encounters with Africa’s natural and cultural heritage.
The Botswana portion of this safari is an immersive experience in Botswana Wildlife Safaris, offering intimate encounters with elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, and a remarkable variety of bird species. Explore the mystical Okavango Delta, traverse the floodplains of Moremi, and experience walking safaris in Khwai Concession, where the bush speaks to you through tracks, sounds, and signs invisible to the untrained eye. Chobe National Park introduces you to large elephant herds along the famous Chobe River, offering unparalleled photographic and wildlife observation opportunities. This combination of landscapes and ecosystems defines why Botswana Safaris are considered among the most rewarding in Africa.
The Rwandan segment of your Botswana & Rwanda Classic Safari adventure brings a contrasting, yet equally mesmerizing experience. Witness chimpanzees in the dense Nyungwe Forest, trek among endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, and track the playful golden monkeys. Engage with local communities, learn about Rwanda’s conservation legacy at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, and explore the vibrant capital city, Kigali. This part of the journey embodies a Botswana Rwanda Safari Holiday, merging wildlife adventures with rich cultural encounters, and offers travelers a holistic African experience that touches both heart and mind.
Whether you are embarking on a Botswana Wildlife Tour, a Botswana Cultural Safari, or a combined Botswana & Rwanda Classic Safari, these itinerary balances wildlife encounters, scenic exploration, cultural immersion, and relaxation. Each day has been carefully curated to provide a seamless blend of adventure, comfort, and learning, ensuring that your journey leaves a lasting impression as the ultimate African safari.
Detailed 14 Days Botswana & Rwanda Classic Safari
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Nxai Pan National Park
Your Botswana & Rwanda Classic Safari adventure begins upon arrival at Maun International Airport, Botswana’s gateway to the Kalahari wilderness. You will be met by your Winton Africa Safaris guide and transferred to Nxai Pan National Park, a striking landscape of open salt pans, baobab trees, and sweeping savannahs. This park is renowned for its vast herds of zebra and springbok, which congregate across the plains, creating iconic African vistas.
The journey from Maun to Nxai Pan offers your first glimpses of Botswana’s diverse wildlife and dramatic landscapes. Expect to encounter ostriches strolling across the plains, small antelope grazing, and a variety of birdlife coloring the sky. Your lodge or camp is strategically located to offer panoramic views, providing the perfect setting to unwind and absorb the sounds of the bush trumpeting elephants, the distant roar of lions, and the whispering wind over the salt flats.
Evening activities may include a brief sundowner walk around the camp and a welcome dinner under a starlit African sky. This first day is designed to acclimate you to the rhythms of the Botswana wilderness, laying the foundation for a Botswana & Rwanda Classic Safari that emphasizes wildlife immersion, relaxation, and anticipation for the adventures ahead.
Day 2: Exploring Nxai Pan National Park
Start the day with an early morning game drive, the optimal time to witness Nxai Pan’s wildlife awakening. The park’s salt pans glisten in the morning sun, providing the perfect stage for wildlife sightings. Zebra, springbok, and gemsbok are often seen grazing in large herds, while lions and cheetahs may be spotted stalking their prey across the open plains. Your expert guide will provide insight into animal behaviors, predator-prey dynamics, and the ecological significance of this unique environment, making your Botswana Wildlife Tour both thrilling and educational.
After a morning drive, return to camp for breakfast before embarking on a midday exploration, perhaps on foot or in a safari vehicle. Walking in Nxai Pan allows for closer inspection of tracks, insects, and the subtle signs of wildlife that often go unnoticed. This immersive experience offers a connection to the land that is rare in larger, more vehicle-oriented safaris. As the sun begins to set, enjoy a traditional sundowner, witnessing the sky ablaze with orange, pink, and purple hues reflected over the vast pans. The day concludes with a night under the stars, listening to the symphony of nocturnal wildlife a perfect introduction to the essence of a Botswana & Rwanda Classic Safari.
Day 3: Transfer to Moremi Game Reserve (Kazikini Campsite)
Today, you journey deeper into the heart of Botswana’s wilderness, transferring to the iconic Moremi Game Reserve. Known for its rich biodiversity, Moremi combines wetlands, floodplains, and mopane woodlands, creating habitats for an impressive array of wildlife. Upon arrival at Kazikini Campsite, your home for the next two nights, you can unwind and enjoy the serene environment, setting the stage for your explorations.
The journey itself is scenic and wildlife-rich. Expect to see elephants migrating across floodplains, giraffes nibbling the treetops, and possibly even predators on the hunt. As you enter Moremi, the landscapes shift, showcasing the complex beauty of Botswana’s ecosystems. This transfer exemplifies the diversity of Botswana Wildlife Safaris, where each region offers distinct species and unique scenery. In the evening, gather around a campfire as guides share stories of wildlife encounters, conservation efforts, and local folklore, creating a cultural layer to your wildlife adventure that enriches your Botswana Cultural Safari experience.
Day 4: Full-Day Game Drive in Moremi Game Reserve
Rise early for a full day of game drives in Moremi, an unforgettable highlight of any Botswana & Rwanda Classic Safari. Your day begins with a drive through dense woodlands, where leopards and lions hide amidst the foliage. Expect to encounter buffalo, elephants, giraffes, and an impressive variety of antelope species. Each sighting provides an opportunity to learn about the delicate balance of predator-prey relationships and the critical importance of habitat preservation.
During mid-morning, enjoy a bush breakfast in a scenic location, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African wilderness. Afterward, continue your exploration, visiting Moremi’s floodplains where waterfowl and hippos abound. The afternoon may include a guided walk along the Okavango channels or another game drive, providing alternative perspectives on the reserve’s landscapes. As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery shades, reflect on a day filled with remarkable wildlife encounters and photographic opportunities.
This immersive day exemplifies why Moremi is considered a crown jewel of Botswana Wildlife Tours, offering both the thrill of predator sightings and the tranquility of observing herbivores against pristine landscapes. Your Botswana & Rwanda Classic Safari guide’s expert knowledge ensures every sighting is meaningful, educational, and memorable.
Day 5: Transfer to Khwai Concession
After breakfast, depart Moremi and head toward the Khwai Concession, an area famed for its walking safaris and intimate wildlife encounters. This community-managed area offers a unique perspective on conservation, combining wildlife preservation with local livelihoods. Upon arrival at your lodge or camp, settle in and enjoy the surrounding scenery of grassy plains and forested islands.
The Khwai Concession emphasizes low-impact tourism, allowing for guided walking safaris that bring travelers closer to the intricate details of the bush. Here, you may track animals on foot, observe spoor, and learn about plant species, insect life, and the subtle interactions of smaller wildlife. This day bridges Botswana Wildlife Safaris with Botswana Cultural Safaris, offering a holistic safari experience that highlights both ecological and human dimensions of the wilderness. The evening is perfect for relaxing by the fire, sharing stories, and marvelling at the starlit African sky.
Day 6: Full-Day Exploration of Khwai
Spend a full day exploring Khwai, engaging in both walking and vehicle safaris to maximize your wildlife encounters. Khwai is home to predators such as lions, leopards, and wild dogs, alongside elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and numerous antelope species. The walking safari provides an unmatched intimate experience, where the sounds, smells, and signs of the bush are heightened, fostering a deep connection with the environment.
In the afternoon, enjoy a sundowner at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the floodplains, reflecting on the diversity of species observed throughout the day. This day encapsulates the essence of Botswana Wildlife Tours, combining adrenaline, serenity, and education. Your guide’s expertise ensures that every track, call, and movement is interpreted, providing insight into the delicate balance of the bush. Khwai offers an immersive experience that few other safari destinations can match, making it a highlight of any Botswana & Rwanda Classic Safari Holiday.
Day 7: Chobe National Park (Mababe Area)
Today, journey to Chobe National Park, renowned for its elephant populations and riverine landscapes. Entering the Mababe area, you immediately notice the density and diversity of wildlife, with large herds of elephants, buffalo, and antelope visible across the floodplains. This area provides a contrasting environment to Moremi and Khwai, emphasizing Chobe’s unique role in Botswana Wildlife Safaris.
Upon arrival at your lodge, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding floodplains, a perfect vantage point for afternoon wildlife observations. Evening activities may include a guided sunset drive or quiet reflection at the lodge, preparing you for a full day of exploration in Chobe. This transfer highlights Botswana’s ecological diversity, transitioning from dry plains and mopane forests to lush, riverine ecosystems.
Day 8: Full-Day Exploration of Chobe National Park
Embark on a full day in Chobe, combining morning and afternoon game drives with optional boat cruises. Chobe’s Mababe area offers high-density elephant sightings and opportunities to observe lion prides and other predators in action. The park’s diverse habitats from woodlands to floodplains ensure a rich safari experience, making it a premier destination for Botswana Wildlife Tours.
Morning game drives focus on terrestrial wildlife, tracking elephant herds, buffalo, and antelope. Afternoon activities may include a boat cruise along the Chobe River, observing hippos, crocodiles, and birds up close. Guides share knowledge about species behavior, ecosystems, and conservation efforts, enriching your safari with education alongside adventure. Chobe’s iconic landscapes provide a spectacular setting for photography and reflection, cementing your experience as a highlight of any Botswana & Rwanda Classic Safari Holiday.
Day 9: Kasane Village and Chobe River Boat Cruise
After a morning in Chobe, visit Kasane Village to explore local markets and cultural sites. Interact with residents, learn about local crafts, and gain insight into the community’s connection with wildlife and tourism. In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the Chobe River, a serene and unforgettable experience where elephants, hippos, and birds converge at the water’s edge.
This combination of cultural interaction and wildlife observation perfectly exemplifies a Botswana Cultural Safari, where understanding the local communities enhances the appreciation of Botswana’s natural heritage. The boat cruise, especially at sunset, offers extraordinary photographic opportunities, with mirrored reflections of wildlife against fiery skies. This day encapsulates the diversity and richness of Botswana Wildlife Tours, providing both adventure and cultural insight.
Day 10: Road Transfer to Kasane Airport and Flight to Entebbe Airport, Rwanda
Today marks the transition from Southern Africa to East Africa. Transfer to Kasane Airport for your flight to Entebbe, Rwanda. Upon arrival, transfer to Kigali and prepare for the Rwandan leg of your Botswana & Rwanda Classic Safari Holiday. Reflect on your Botswana adventures from Nxai Pan to Chobe River and anticipate the unique wildlife encounters awaiting in Rwanda’s forests and mountains.
Day 11: Morning Road Transfer to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
After breakfast in Kigali, embark on a scenic road transfer to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s premier destination for mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. The drive offers breathtaking views of rolling hills, terraced tea plantations, and traditional Rwandan villages, giving you a glimpse into Rwanda’s cultural and natural diversity.
On arrival, settle into your lodge, relax, and explore the surroundings. This day serves as a bridge from urban Kigali to the lush forests of Volcanoes National Park, preparing you for immersive wildlife encounters in the coming days. This transition demonstrates the essence of a Botswana & Rwanda Classic Safari, where the journey itself is an extension of the safari experience.
Day 12: Mountain Gorilla Trekking & Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Visit
The pinnacle of your safari begins with mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Guided by expert trackers, navigate bamboo forests and steep slopes to observe a gorilla family in its natural habitat. Witness their social interactions, behaviors, and gentle nature an awe-inspiring experience that defines Rwanda Wildlife Safaris.
In the afternoon, visit the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to learn about the legendary conservationist’s work and ongoing efforts to protect these endangered primates. This visit enriches your understanding of gorilla conservation and Rwanda’s commitment to preserving its unique wildlife, enhancing the educational and emotional depth of your Botswana & Rwanda Classic Safari Holiday.
Day 13: Golden Monkey Tracking & Afternoon Transfer to Kigali City
Start the day with golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park. Observe these playful, endangered primates interacting in the forest canopy, providing rare photographic and wildlife observation opportunities. In the afternoon, transfer to Kigali City, reflecting on Rwanda’s ecological richness and cultural heritage.
Upon arrival, relax at your accommodation or explore Kigali’s vibrant cityscape, preparing for your departure the following day. This combination of wildlife observation and urban immersion highlights the diversity of Botswana & Rwanda Classic Safari, balancing adventure with cultural exploration.
Day 14: Half-Day Kigali City Tour & Departure
Conclude your safari with a half-day tour of Kigali. Visit local markets, artisan workshops, and the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a reflective and educational experience. This final day blends culture, history, and urban exploration, offering a comprehensive conclusion to your Botswana & Rwanda Classic Safari.
In the afternoon, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure, carrying memories of extraordinary wildlife encounters, scenic landscapes, and rich cultural experiences—a journey that embodies the ultimate African safari experience.
14 Days Botswana & Rwanda Classic Safari Inclusions and Exclusions
Safari Inclusions
- Accommodation in lodges, camps, and luxury tented camps as indicated
- All meals during safari
- Guided safari activities (game drives, walking safaris, boat cruises, gorilla and golden monkey trekking, cultural visits)
- Expert safari guides and trackers
- Internal flights within Botswana and transfers to Rwanda
- National Park fees, permits, and conservation contributions
- Airport transfers in Maun, Kasane, and Kigali
- Bottled water during safari activities
Safari Exclusions
- International flights to and from Botswana and Rwanda
- Travel insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation
- Personal expenses (tips, souvenirs, laundry)
- Visa fees for Botswana or Rwanda
- Alcoholic beverages and premium drinks
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
This 14-Day Botswana and Rwanda Classic Safari is a masterful blend of wildlife, culture, and scenic exploration. From Botswana’s Nxai Pan, Moremi, Khwai, and Chobe regions to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Kigali, every day is filled with immersive experiences, iconic wildlife sightings, and unforgettable cultural interactions. This journey combines the best of Botswana Wildlife Safaris, Botswana Cultural Tours, and Rwanda Wildlife Adventures, making it the ultimate African safari experience curated by Winton Africa Safaris.
