14-Day Botswana and Uganda Classic Safari – Ultimate Wildlife & Cultural Adventure
Experience the ultimate fusion of Southern and East African wildlife, culture, and natural beauty on this Botswana and Uganda Classic Safari, curated by Winton Africa Safaris. Over 14 days, travelers traverse Botswana’s iconic savannahs, pans, and river ecosystems, before venturing into Uganda’s lush rainforests and scenic lakes for primate encounters, including gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and cultural immersion with local communities.
Botswana offers a quintessential safari experience. From the vast open landscapes of Nxai Pan National Park to the pristine floodplains of Moremi Game Reserve, the wildlife is abundant and diverse. In Khwai Concession, walking safaris and vehicle game drives immerse you in the rhythms of the African bush. Chobe National Park, home to Africa’s largest elephant populations, offers unparalleled photographic opportunities and river-based safaris.
Uganda complements this Botswana and Uganda Classic Safari adventure with unique primate experiences. Trek Bwindi’s dense forests to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, visit the Batwa communities for cultural insights, and enjoy serene lakeside activities at Lake Bunyonyi. Optional extensions to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park can provide additional gorilla trekking opportunities for those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
This safari is designed for those seeking a Botswana and Uganda Classic Safari Holiday that blends adventure, relaxation, wildlife, and cultural discovery. From Mokoro excursions and game drives to gorilla trekking and community engagement, this journey offers immersive encounters, expert guidance, and luxurious mid-range accommodations, ensuring a premium experience that will remain etched in your memory forever.
Detailed 14 Days Botswana and Uganda Classic Safari
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Nxai Pan National Park
Your Botswana and Uganda Classic Safari adventure begins upon arrival at Maun Airport, Botswana, where you are met by your Winton Africa Safaris guide. After a brief orientation, embark on a scenic transfer to Nxai Pan National Park, part of the Central Kalahari ecosystem. Nxai Pan is renowned for its expansive salt pans, acacia-dotted plains, and seasonal wildlife migrations, providing a quintessential start to your Botswana Safari.
The drive from Maun offers glimpses of Botswana’s semi-arid landscapes, herds of springbok grazing along the roadside, and occasional giraffes stretching their necks to nibble on acacia leaves. Upon arrival at your lodge or campsite, you are greeted with panoramic views of the park’s salt flats and surrounding savannahs.
Afternoon activities include an introductory game drive, allowing you to spot zebra, gemsbok, and giraffe against the dramatic backdrop of the open plains. Guides share insights into local ecology, predator-prey dynamics, and the adaptation of wildlife to arid conditions. As sunset approaches, the landscape transforms into a palette of golden hues, perfect for photography and reflection. Dinner is served under a starlit sky, accompanied by the distant calls of nocturnal wildlife, immersing you fully in the wilderness.
- Main Destination: Nxai Pan National Park, Botswana
- Accommodation: Nxai Pan Lodge – Mid-range luxury
- Meals: Dinner included
- Drinks: Not included
Day 2: Exploring Nxai Pan National Park
Wake up to the crisp morning air and the sounds of the African savannah. After breakfast, embark on a full-day game drive across Nxai Pan National Park. The park’s wide-open salt pans provide a unique vantage for observing wildlife, particularly during the dry season when animals congregate around water sources.
During the drive, spot lion prides lounging in the shade, cheetahs surveying the plains for prey, and elephants moving purposefully in small family units. Birdlife is prolific, with kori bustards, secretary birds, and flamingos adding vibrant splashes of color to the landscape. Your Botswana and Uganda Classic Safari guide provides in-depth commentary on species behavior, ecological balance, and the conservation challenges that Nxai Pan faces.
A midday bush picnic allows you to pause amidst the wilderness, enjoying local cuisine while listening to the subtle sounds of the African bush. In the afternoon, continue exploring remote areas of the park, venturing off the beaten path to discover hidden watering holes and the unique flora of the Kalahari ecosystem.
As evening descends, capture the dramatic sunset over the salt pans, when shadows of wildlife stretch long across the horizon. Return to your lodge for dinner, reflecting on a day rich with encounters, colors, and African savannah splendor.
- Main Destination: Nxai Pan National Park, Botswana
- Accommodation: Nxai Pan Lodge – Mid-range luxury
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
- Drinks: Not included
Day 3: Transfer to Moremi Game Reserve (Kazikini Campsite)
Depart Nxai Pan for the world-famous Moremi Game Reserve, located in the eastern part of the Okavango Delta. The Botswana and Uganda Classic Safari journey introduces you to Botswana’s diverse landscapes, from acacia woodlands to floodplain grasslands, and provides opportunities to spot wildlife en route.
Upon arrival, settle into Kazikini Campsite or lodge. This reserve is renowned for its dense wildlife populations, including lions, leopards, elephants, and wild dogs. Afternoon activities include a guided game drive, where expert trackers share knowledge of wildlife behavior, bush survival tactics, and conservation efforts within the delta ecosystem.
The reserve’s rich ecology allows close encounters with plains game, observing giraffes browsing treetops, zebras grazing in herds, and elephants navigating seasonal floodwaters. Bird enthusiasts can delight in sightings of African fish eagles, kingfishers, and numerous wader species along the Okavango channels.
Return to the lodge for dinner under a canopy of stars, where the night sounds of the bush the distant roar of lions and calls of nocturnal birds remind you of the untamed wilderness surrounding you. Moremi Game Reserve provides a quintessential Botswana Wildlife Safari experience, blending Botswana and Uganda Classic Safari adventure, comfort, and intimate wildlife encounters.
- Main Destination: Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
- Accommodation: Kazikini Campsite – Mid-range luxury
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
- Drinks: Not included
Day 4: Full Day Game Drive in Moremi Game Reserve
Rise early for a sunrise game drive in Moremi, capturing predators and prey in the golden morning light. The floodplains are teeming with wildlife, and you may spot elephants using their trunks to draw water, lions returning from nocturnal hunts, and cheetahs moving stealthily across the grasslands.
Lunch at the lodge allows a mid-day respite before embarking on an afternoon game drive to explore Moremi’s diverse habitats, from dense mopane forests to open floodplains. Guides provide insight into the Okavango Delta’s unique hydrology, the adaptations of desert and floodplain wildlife, and the challenges posed by human-wildlife interaction.
This immersive safari day exemplifies the Botswana and Uganda Classic Safari, combining observation, photography, and understanding of the ecosystems that make Botswana a top safari destination.
Return to camp for a sunset sundowner, reflecting on a day rich in wildlife encounters.
- Main Destination: Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
- Accommodation: Kazikini Campsite – Mid-range luxury
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
- Drinks: Not included
Day 5: Transfer to Khwai Concession
Depart Moremi and journey to the Khwai Concession, an area renowned for walking safaris and close encounters with elephants, buffalo, and predators. The transfer passes through scenic floodplains, seasonal lagoons, and acacia woodland.
Upon arrival, settle into your lodge and prepare for afternoon game viewing, either on foot or in a vehicle. Walking safaris in Khwai offer unique perspectives on wildlife tracks, insects, birds, and small mammals, while vehicles provide access to wider areas for observing larger animals and predators.
Sunset drives reveal elephants silhouetted against the sky, prides of lions stretching across the grasslands, and giraffes gracefully moving among the trees. The day concludes with dinner under the stars, offering panoramic views of the African bush and reflections on the day’s encounters.
- Main Destination: Khwai Concession, Botswana
- Accommodation: Khwai Safari Lodge – Mid-range luxury
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
- Drinks: Not included
Day 6: Full-Day Exploration of Khwai
Start early with a walking safari or game drive, observing wildlife in the Khwai Concession. Learn about local flora and fauna, track animals, and enjoy intimate encounters with elephants, buffalo, and antelopes.
Afternoon activities may include another game drive or photography session, capturing the exquisite light and shadow of the African landscape. Cultural insights from guides enrich your understanding of Botswana’s local communities and conservation initiatives.
Return to the lodge for sundowners and dinner.
- Main Destination: Khwai Concession, Botswana
- Accommodation: Khwai Safari Lodge – Mid-range luxury
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
- Drinks: Not included
Day 7: Chobe National Park – Mababe Area
After breakfast at Khwai, embark on a scenic transfer to Chobe National Park, Botswana’s jewel known for its vast elephant herds and riverine ecosystems. The journey showcases diverse landscapes: acacia woodlands, mopane forests, and grasslands dotted with wildlife, offering excellent photography opportunities along the way.
Upon arrival in the Mababe area, check into your lodge and prepare for an afternoon game drive. Chobe is famous for its large populations of elephants, often seen moving in majestic herds along the floodplains. Lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, and a variety of antelope species roam freely, while the abundant birdlife includes African fish eagles, kingfishers, and storks.
Your safari guide provides fascinating insights into predator-prey dynamics, animal behavior, and conservation efforts in Botswana. The Mababe region offers intimate encounters with wildlife, allowing you to observe elephants bathing in waterholes, herds of zebras grazing, and hippos lounging along riverbanks.
As the sun dips, enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Chobe floodplains, with golden hues reflecting off the water. Return to your lodge for a sumptuous dinner, enjoying the sounds of the African bush at night. This day exemplifies the richness of Botswana and Uganda Classic Safari, combining scenic drives, wildlife encounters, and the tranquil rhythm of the African wilderness.
- Main Destination: Chobe National Park, Botswana
- Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge – Mid-range luxury
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
- Drinks: Not included
Day 8: Full-Day Exploration of Chobe National Park
Begin the day with an early sunrise game drive, one of the best times to encounter predators such as lions and leopards returning from nocturnal hunts. The Mababe area provides access to diverse ecosystems: floodplains, forests, and open savannah, each teeming with wildlife.
In addition to elephants, you may encounter Cape buffalo, giraffes browsing treetops, and pods of hippos in the river. Guides share detailed explanations of animal behavior, the ecology of Botswana’s riverine systems, and the cultural significance of wildlife to local communities. Birding enthusiasts will enjoy spotting herons, cormorants, and rare kingfishers along the Chobe River.
After lunch at the lodge, embark on a river safari along the Chobe River, offering a unique perspective of wildlife. Watch elephants drinking at the water’s edge, crocodiles basking on sandbanks, and hippos emerging from the water in dramatic displays. The interplay of light and water provides spectacular photography conditions, while the surrounding forested riverbanks harbor hidden wildlife.
As the day concludes, enjoy sundowners on the riverbank, listening to the subtle calls of birds and the distant roar of lions. The combination of land and river experiences ensures this day remains unforgettable, highlighting why Chobe National Park is a cornerstone of every Botswana and Uganda Classic Safari.
- Main Destination: Chobe National Park, Botswana
- Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge – Mid-range luxury
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
- Drinks: Not included
Day 9: Kasane Village and Chobe River Boat Cruise, Flight to Uganda
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning exploring Kasane Village, a vibrant community near Chobe National Park. Visit local markets, interact with residents, and learn about the region’s cultural heritage and conservation initiatives. This stop provides insight into the human side of Botswana, complementing your Botswana and Uganda Classic Safari experiences.
Later, embark on a Chobe River boat cruise, one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in Southern Africa. Observe elephants crossing the river, crocodiles lurking along the banks, and flocks of flamingos in the shallows. The slow pace of the boat allows you to appreciate the sounds, colors, and rhythms of the riverine ecosystem. Birdlife is prolific, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, and storks. Photographers will be delighted with the golden light reflecting on the water.
After the cruise, transfer to Kasane Airport for your flight to Entebbe, Uganda, marking the transition from Botswana’s dry savannahs to Uganda’s lush tropical forests. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your accommodation near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Kibale Forest depending on your schedule. This day blends Botswana’s wildlife richness with the anticipation of Uganda’s primate encounters, representing the best of a Botswana and Uganda Classic Safari Holiday.
- Main Destinations: Kasane, Chobe River, Entebbe Airport, Uganda
- Accommodation: Lodge near Bwindi or Kibale Forest – Mid-range luxury
- Meals: Breakfast included
- Drinks: Not included
Day 10: Morning Road Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Uganda
Depart early for a scenic road transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its mountain gorilla populations. The journey takes you through rolling hills, tea plantations, and remote Ugandan villages, providing a glimpse into rural life and the region’s rich cultural tapestry.
Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy a leisurely afternoon surrounded by the forest’s lush greenery. Bwindi’s misty slopes, towering trees, and dense undergrowth create a mystical atmosphere, with the sounds of birds, monkeys, and insects filling the air. Relax at the lodge or take a short-guided nature walk nearby to familiarize yourself with the forest ecosystem.
Your Botswana and Uganda Classic Safari guide will brief you on the upcoming gorilla trekking adventure, covering safety protocols, wildlife behavior, and the importance of conservation. This day allows for reflection, acclimatization, and anticipation of the once-in-a-lifetime experience awaiting you. Evening dinner at the lodge is served amid the serene sounds of the rainforest, preparing you for tomorrow’s highlight.
- Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
- Accommodation: Bwindi Lodge – Mid-range luxury
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
- Drinks: Not included
Day 11: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Batwa Cultural Experience
Today is the pinnacle of your Botswana and Uganda Classic Safari. After an early breakfast, embark on a guided gorilla trekking expedition into Bwindi’s dense forest. Trekking times vary, but patience is rewarded when you encounter a gorilla family in their natural habitat. Witness silverbacks commanding their troops, mothers caring for infants, and juveniles playing among the ferns. The experience is intimate, humbling, and profoundly moving.
After trekking, return to the lodge for a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Batwa cultural experiences, interacting with the forest’s indigenous people. Learn about traditional crafts, survival skills, hunting techniques, and storytelling. These encounters provide deep insight into Uganda’s cultural heritage and the symbiotic relationship between local communities and the rainforest.
Evening reflections over dinner at the lodge allow you to relive the day’s incredible wildlife encounters and cultural learnings, making this day a highlight of your Botswana and Uganda Classic Safari Holiday.
- Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
- Accommodation: Bwindi Lodge – Mid-range luxury
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
- Drinks: Not included
Day 12: Full-Day Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi (Boat Cruise, Nature Walks, and Photography)
After several days of intense safari activities, enjoy a day of relaxation and exploration at Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda’s “Place of Many Little Birds.” Surrounded by terraced hills, volcanic islands, and traditional villages, the lake is perfect for photography, kayaking, and boat cruises.
Spend the morning gliding across the lake on a traditional canoe, observing fishermen and birdlife, including kingfishers, herons, and cormorants. Stop at uninhabited islands for short hikes, nature walks, and cultural interactions with local communities. Capture the reflections of islands and hills in the crystal-clear waters, a serene counterpoint to your bush and rainforest adventures.
The afternoon allows leisure, reading, photography, or enjoying lodge amenities. Sunset over Lake Bunyonyi provides a spectacular backdrop, creating lasting memories of Uganda’s scenic beauty and wildlife-rich regions. Dinner is served at the lodge, rounding off a tranquil day immersed in nature.
- Main Destination: Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
- Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi Lodge – Mid-range luxury
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
- Drinks: Not included
Day 13: Optional Gorilla Trekking Extension in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park
For those seeking additional adventure, an optional extension to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park offers another gorilla trekking opportunity. A short flight from Uganda brings you to Rwanda, where you can trek silverback gorillas in the misty volcanic forests.
This experience mirrors Bwindi trekking but allows encounters with different gorilla families, offering comparative insights into gorilla behavior and conservation. Rwanda’s lodges provide exceptional comfort, and guides deliver comprehensive explanations of ecology, behavior, and local culture. Optional visits to Dian Fossey’s research center deepen understanding of gorilla conservation.
This extension is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts desiring a Botswana and Uganda Classic Safari enhanced by Rwanda’s unique gorilla trekking, creating a once-in-a-lifetime East African primate adventure.
- Main Destination: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
- Accommodation: Luxury lodge – Mid-range or higher
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
- Drinks: Not included
Day 14: Morning Road Transfer Back to Entebbe Airport and Departure from Uganda
Your safari concludes with a morning road transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your outbound flight. Reflect on the richness of the past two weeks: Botswana’s floodplains, elephants, and wide-open savannahs; Uganda’s lush forests, chimpanzees, and gorilla encounters; and Rwanda’s volcanic landscapes and primates.
Along the route, enjoy final views of rolling hills, rural villages, and the remarkable landscapes that define East Africa. Arrival at the airport marks the end of a truly Botswana and Uganda Classic Safari Holiday, leaving you with memories of wildlife, culture, and scenery that will last a lifetime.
- Main Destination: Entebbe International Airport, Uganda
- Accommodation: None – End of tour
- Meals: Breakfast included
- Drinks: Not included
Botswana and Uganda Classic Safari Inclusions and Exclusions
Safari Inclusions
- All park fees and permits (Botswana & Uganda)
- Professional English-speaking safari guides/drivers
- Accommodation as specified (mid-range lodges & camps)
- All transfers and private charter flights (Botswana & optional Rwanda)
- Full-day and half-day game drives, boat safaris, walking safaris
- Gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi, optional Rwanda permit
- Cultural experiences (Batwa, local communities)
- Meals as specified in itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during safaris
Safari Exclusions
- International flights to/from home country
- Travel insurance and visas
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks not included)
- Tipping (recommended USD $10 per person per day)
- Optional activities not specified (quad-biking, hot air balloon, etc.)
- Government-imposed tax increases or additional park fees
