Ultimate 10-Day Botswana & Rwanda Safari

Embark on 10-Day Botswana & Rwanda Safari Holiday that offers an unparalleled combination of Africa’s most iconic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural experiences. This 10-day journey is designed for travelers seeking the quintessential Botswana Safari paired with the life-changing experience of mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda. From Botswana’s sprawling Okavango Delta, pristine Moremi Game Reserve, Khwai Community, and elephant-filled Chobe National Park, to the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park and vibrant Kigali city, this safari immerses you in both wilderness and culture.

Botswana is famed for its Botswana Wildlife Safaris, providing some of the most memorable land and water wildlife encounters in Africa. In the Okavango Delta, experience tranquil waterways by mokoro and guided game drives that bring you face-to-face with elephants, lions, giraffes, and an array of birds. Moremi Game Reserve and the Khwai Community Area offer deeper insight into the delicate balance between wildlife conservation and local communities. Chobe National Park, with its dense elephant populations, provides spectacular photographic opportunities and a sense of awe as you glide along the Chobe River during a sunset cruise.

Transitioning to Rwanda, the 10-Day Botswana & Rwanda Safari reaches its pinnacle with Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park, where intimate encounters with mountain gorilla families provide an unforgettable wildlife experience. Complementing this, cultural visits to Iby’Iwachu Village and a Kigali city tour, including local markets and historical sites, offer insights into Rwandan life, history, and resilience.

This 10-Day Botswana & Rwanda Safari blends adventure, luxury, and education, ensuring every traveler experiences the very best of wildlife, landscapes, and culture. Whether you are on a Botswana Wildlife Tour, a Botswana Cultural Safari, or a Botswana Rwanda Tour, this itinerary is meticulously crafted to create memories that last a lifetime.

Ultimate 10-Day Botswana & Rwanda Safari

Ultimate 10-Day Botswana & Rwanda Safari

Detailed 10-Day Botswana & Rwanda Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Maun, Botswana & Transfer to the Okavango Delta

Your 10-Day Botswana & Rwanda Safari journey begins at Maun Airport, Botswana, the gateway to one of Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your professional safari guide, who will brief you on the exciting Botswana Safari experiences ahead. A scenic road transfer takes you into the heart of the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its intricate network of waterways, floodplains, and islands teeming with wildlife.

The delta’s unique ecosystem supports a breathtaking array of species, from elephants and buffalo to crocodiles and hippos, along with numerous bird species including African fish eagles and kingfishers. During the drive to your lodge, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the riverbanks and savannahs. The drive itself offers your first immersive experience in Botswana’s diverse habitats, punctuated by sweeping vistas and occasional wildlife sightings.

After settling into your lodge, take your first sunset mokoro excursion, navigating the tranquil channels in a traditional dugout canoe. Glide past papyrus reeds and lily-covered lagoons as the delta comes alive with the calls of birds and the occasional splash of fish. The serene water reflects the colors of the setting sun, creating a magical atmosphere that perfectly introduces you to Botswana’s wilderness. Return to your lodge for dinner under the vast African sky, where the sounds of nocturnal wildlife provide a symphonic backdrop.

This day sets the tone for your Botswana Wildlife Safari, combining immersive landscapes, wildlife glimpses, and the cultural touch of traditional mokoro excursions.

  • Main Destination: Okavango Delta, Botswana
  • Accommodation: Delta Lodge – Mid-range
  • Meals: Dinner included
  • Drinks: Not included
Day 2: Game Drives and Sunset Mokoro in the Okavango Delta

Game Drives and Sunset Mokoro in the Okavango Delta

Wake to the sounds of the delta and prepare for a full day of adventure exploring the waterways and floodplains. Begin with an early morning game drive, when wildlife activity peaks. Elephants forage along the riverbanks, giraffes nibble from acacia trees, and lions patrol their territories. Your experienced 10-Day Botswana & Rwanda Safari guide will share fascinating insights into animal behavior, migration patterns, and predator-prey dynamics, enriching your understanding of the ecosystem.

Mid-morning, embark on a mokoro excursion, gliding silently through tranquil channels, observing hippos surfacing and crocodiles basking in the sun. The delta’s biodiversity is staggering, with small mammals, reptiles, and a symphony of bird species including herons, storks, and African jacanas. Guides provide a wealth of knowledge about the delta’s ecological importance and conservation efforts, making this experience both thrilling and educational.

In the afternoon, enjoy a sunset cruise along the channels, sipping refreshments while watching the sky transform over the floodplains. The mirrored waters create unforgettable photographic opportunities, capturing the essence of Botswana’s wilderness. Return to your lodge for a delicious dinner, recounting the day’s encounters and wildlife sightings.

This day highlights why the Okavango Delta is considered one of the most spectacular regions for Botswana Wildlife Safaris, seamlessly blending adventure, serenity, and education.

  • Main Destination: Okavango Delta, Botswana
  • Accommodation: Delta Lodge – Mid-range
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
  • Drinks: Not included
Day 3: Moremi Game Reserve – Adventure in the Untamed Botswana Wilderness

Moremi Game Reserve – Adventure in the Untamed Botswana Wilderness

Transfer to Moremi Game Reserve, a true gem within the Okavango Delta, known for its biodiversity and conservation initiatives. Morning and afternoon game drives take you across mopane woodlands, floodplains, and riverine forests, providing opportunities to encounter elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, and zebras. Birders will delight in the array of species, from lilac-breasted rollers to African fish eagles.

Your 10-Day Botswana & Rwanda Safari guide will narrate compelling stories about animal interactions, territorial behaviors, and the reserve’s ongoing efforts to protect endangered species. Between drives, enjoy scenic lodge views or picnic lunches in the bush, surrounded by natural sounds. Afternoons are ideal for exploring more remote areas of the reserve, where hidden lagoons, predator tracks, and seasonal wildlife movements reveal the intricate tapestry of life within the delta.

Moremi Game Reserve is a cornerstone for any Botswana Wildlife Tour, offering both adventure and ecological insight. Your 10-Day Botswana & Rwanda Safari experiences here provide a deep connection with Botswana’s wilderness and a profound understanding of the balance between predator and prey, water and land, and humans and wildlife.

  • Main Destination: Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
  • Accommodation: Kazikini Camp – Mid-range
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
  • Drinks: Not included
Day 4: Khwai Community Area – Walking Safaris and Local Engagement

Khwai Community Area – Walking Safaris and Local Engagement

Venture into the Khwai Community Area, where wildlife roams freely alongside local villages. Begin with a guided walking safari, allowing a closer connection to the bush. Learn to track footprints, identify plants, and interpret animal behavior. This intimate experience provides insight into smaller wildlife like duikers, warthogs, and hornbills, often overlooked on vehicle safaris.

Engage with local community members, learning about traditional crafts, farming practices, and the coexistence of humans and wildlife. Afternoon game drives continue with sightings of elephants, lions, and giraffes, while sundowners on the floodplains offer reflection and relaxation. This day exemplifies a Botswana Cultural Safari, combining wildlife adventure with meaningful interaction with local communities.

  • Main Destination: Khwai Community Area, Botswana
  • Accommodation: Khwai Tented Camp – Mid-range
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included

Drinks: Not included

Day 5: Chobe National Park – Elephants and River Safaris

Chobe National Park – Elephants and River Safaris

Transfer to Chobe National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and rich wildlife diversity. Afternoon game drives introduce you to the park’s predators and herbivores, while a Chobe River boat safari showcases elephants drinking along the riverbanks, hippos surfacing, and abundant birdlife including African fish eagles and storks. Sunset on the river reflects golden hues on the water, offering a magical wildlife photography opportunity.

Chobe is a quintessential stop for any 10-Day Botswana & Rwanda Safari, combining land and water-based wildlife viewing in one of Africa’s most iconic parks. Dinner at your lodge concludes a day of spectacular natural encounters.

Day 6: Afternoon Chobe River Safari and Flight to Rwanda

Afternoon Chobe River Safari and Flight to Rwanda

Begin the day at leisure with optional early morning activities, then embark on an afternoon Chobe River boat safari for extended wildlife observation. Transfer to Kasane Airport for your flight to Kigali, Rwanda. Upon arrival, transfer to a lodge near Volcanoes National Park, preparing for the next phase of your 10-Day Botswana & Rwanda Safari Holiday. Dinner at the lodge offers a chance to rest before the gorilla trekking adventure.

  • Main Destination: Chobe River, Kasane, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
  • Accommodation: Volcanoes Lodge – Mid-range
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
  • Drinks: Not included
Day 7: Road Transfer to Volcanoes National Park and Lodge Relaxation

Road Transfer to Volcanoes National Park and Lodge Relaxation

A scenic road transfer takes you into the heart of Volcanoes National Park, through rolling hills, tea plantations, and villages. Settle into your lodge, exploring nearby trails or relaxing in preparation for gorilla trekking. Lodge briefings cover gorilla behavior, safety, and conservation, ensuring a safe and rewarding trekking experience.

Day 8: Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Iby’Iwachu Cultural Experience

Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Iby’Iwachu Cultural Experience

Begin early with mountain gorilla trekking, observing gorilla families in their natural habitat. Witness silverbacks leading, mothers nurturing, and juveniles playing. After trekking, visit Iby’Iwachu Village to experience traditional Rwandan crafts, cuisine, and daily life. This day merges Rwanda Cultural Safaris with wildlife encounters, offering an unforgettable 10-Day Botswana & Rwanda Safari experience.

  • Main Destination: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
  • Accommodation: Volcanoes Lodge – Mid-range
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
  • Drinks: Not included
Day 9: Kigali City Tour, Local Markets, and Genocide Memorial

Kigali City Tour, Local Markets, and Genocide Memorial

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day Kigali city tour, exploring the city’s vibrant culture, local markets, and historical sites, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Gain insight into Rwanda’s resilience, history, and contemporary life, complementing your wildlife adventures with meaningful cultural context. Evening at leisure before your final night in Rwanda.

  • Main Destination: Kigali, Rwanda
  • Accommodation: Kigali Hotel – Mid-range
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
  • Drinks: Not included
Day 10: Morning Road Transfer Back to Kigali Airport and Departure

Morning Road Transfer Back to Kigali Airport and Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure. Reflect on your 10-Day Safari journey through Botswana and Rwanda, from delta waterways and savannahs to misty volcanic forests and vibrant city life. Carry memories of elephants, gorillas, lions, cultural insights, and breathtaking landscapes back home.

10-Day Botswana & Rwanda Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Inclusions:

  • All park fees and permits (Botswana & Rwanda)
  • Gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park
  • Professional English-speaking guides/drivers
  • Accommodation as specified (mid-range lodges & camps)
  • All transfers, road transport, and charter flights in Botswana
  • Full-day and half-day game drives, boat safaris, and walking safaris
  • Cultural experiences (Iby’Iwachu Village, local communities, Kigali city tour)
  • 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 (hot air balloon, quad-biking)
  • Government-imposed tax increases or additional park fees

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