Arrival in Maun – Gateway to the Okavango Delta

The adventure begins in Maun, often referred to as the “tourism capital of Botswana.” Upon arrival, your Winton Africa Safaris guide will provide a detailed briefing, ensuring your journey is well-prepared and personalized. Guests may take a short excursion to the local market to acquire essentials for the safari, adding a touch of cultural immersion before the adventure fully begins.

In the late afternoon, travelers transfer to the mokoro station for a serene sunset mokoro cruise along the Boro River in the Okavango Delta. Glide silently through papyrus-lined channels, listening to the calls of hippos and the distant roar of lions, as the delta’s calm waters reflect the vivid African sky. This introduction sets the tone for the wildlife encounters and scenic wonders to come.

Accommodation is at a budget camping site within the Okavango Delta, equipped with bush toilets and showers. Guests enjoy all meals, allowing them to rest and prepare for the next day’s early morning excursions. The tranquil evening, punctuated by the sounds of the delta, provides the perfect start to a Botswana Wildlife Tour.

• Main Destination: Boro River, Okavango Delta
• Accommodation: Budget camping
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included, non-alcoholic drinks

Sunrise Mokoro and Walking Safari in the Delta

An early start introduces travelers to the delta’s vibrant ecosystem. The sunrise mokoro cruise allows close observation of hippos surfacing in the early light, elephant herds approaching water, and flocks of waterbirds awakening with the day. Following the cruise, an on-foot safari offers a unique perspective on animal tracks, subtle signs of nocturnal activity, and birdlife that is often missed from vehicles.

Afternoon activities include another mokoro ride or guided bushwalk, capturing the delta at sunset. The quiet waters, abundant flora, and wildlife interactions create the quintessential Botswana Wildlife Safari experience. These excursions provide opportunities for photographers, naturalists, and casual travelers to engage fully with the environment, making this day a highlight for those seeking both adventure and tranquility.

• Main Destination: Okavango Delta
• Best Time to Visit: July to October
• Wildlife Highlights: Elephant, Giraffe, Buffalo, Zebra, Wildebeest, Hippo
• Accommodation: Budget camping inside Okavango Delta
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included, non-alcoholic drinks

Transfer to Moremi Game Reserve (Xakanaka)

After breakfast, guests journey west toward Moremi Game Reserve, entering the Xakanaka area. The drive is scenic, passing delta channels and savannah landscapes teeming with wildlife. Upon arrival, the group settles into a budget campsite before embarking on an afternoon game drive.

Xakanaka is renowned for its large lagoons and abundant wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, lions, and elusive leopards. Game drives here emphasize predator-prey dynamics, birdwatching, and observing natural behaviors across varied habitats. This part of the safari is quintessential Botswana Wildlife Tours, blending adventure with education and conservation awareness.

• Main Destination: Moremi Game Reserve (Xakanaka)
• Best Time to Visit: July to October
• Wildlife Highlights: Elephant, Giraffe, Buffalo, Zebra, Wildebeest, Hippo
• Accommodation: Budget camping inside Moremi GR
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included, non-alcoholic drinks

Xakanaka Safari Exploration

Sunrise signals the start of another immersive day in Moremi’s Xakanaka area. Early morning drives track wildlife patterns, offering encounters with elephant herds, grazing giraffes, and lions on the move. The afternoon sundowner drive across open plains captures the delta’s expansive vistas, with lagoons reflecting the colorful African sky.

Throughout the day, guides provide insights into ecological balance, the behavior of big game, and conservation initiatives in the delta. The combination of morning drives and evening excursions ensures a holistic Botswana Safari experience, connecting guests with both landscape and wildlife.

• Main Destination: Moremi Game Reserve (Xakanaka)
• Accommodation: Budget camping inside Moremi GR
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included, non-alcoholic drinks

Moremi Boat Cruise and Afternoon Game Drive

A morning boat cruise through the edge of the Okavango Delta reveals aquatic wildlife in their natural habitats. Hippos, crocodiles, and various waterbirds are observed as they interact along the channels. After the cruise, an afternoon game drive covers surrounding plains, tracking large herds of buffalo and zebra, with guides pointing out the intricate connections within the ecosystem.

This day exemplifies the essence of a Botswana Wildlife Safari, combining water-based and land-based wildlife experiences. Participants gain an appreciation for the delta’s biodiversity and the delicate balance between predator and prey, water and land.

• Main Destination: Moremi Game Reserve (Xakanaka)
• Accommodation: Budget camping inside Moremi GR
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included, non-alcoholic drinks

Transfer to Khwai Concession

Departing Moremi, travelers head east to the Khwai Concession, bordering the Moremi Game Reserve. This area is rich in wildlife, including leopard, cheetah, and elephant populations. Afternoon game drives introduce guests to the varied landscapes of the concession, from open floodplains to dense woodlands.

The Khwai community exemplifies coexistence with wildlife, allowing travelers to appreciate Botswana Cultural Safaris through interactions with local villagers. Optional guided walks can be arranged to explore smaller flora and fauna, creating intimate and educational wildlife experiences.

• Main Destination: Khwai Concession (Okavango Delta)
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Wildlife Highlights: Elephant, Giraffe, Buffalo, Zebra, Wildebeest, Hippo
• Accommodation: Budget camping inside Khwai Concession
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included, non-alcoholic drinks

Khwai Game Drives

Day 7 begins with an early morning game drive. Khwai’s varied terrain allows sightings of predators in action and abundant herbivores. Afternoon drives cover different areas, increasing chances of spotting elusive leopards, hyenas, and cheetahs. The community-based nature of Khwai adds a cultural dimension, showcasing local conservation practices.

• Main Destination: Khwai Concession (Okavango Delta)
• Accommodation: Budget camping inside Khwai Concession
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included, non-alcoholic drinks

Khwai Safari and River Exploration

Morning and afternoon drives focus on the Khwai River area. Observing elephants along the riverbanks and listening to African fish eagles offers a quintessential Botswana Wildlife Safari experience. Private camping areas provide comfortable bush living while maintaining immersion in nature.

• Main Destination: Khwai Concession (Okavango Delta)
• Accommodation: Budget camping inside Khwai Concession
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included, non-alcoholic drinks

Savuti – Predator and Plains Adventure

Transfer to Savuti on Day 9 marks the next highlight. Over three days, game drives and waterhole visits provide close encounters with lions, elephants, and giraffes. Savuti’s marshes and hills, including rock painting sites, offer both wildlife observation and cultural exploration. Afternoon sundowners on flat plains complete the experience.

• Main Destination: Savuti (Chobe NP)
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Wildlife Highlights: Elephant, Giraffe, Lion, Zebra, Wildebeest, Hippo
• Accommodation: Budget camping inside Savuti
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included, non-alcoholic drinks

Kasane – Chobe River Sunset Cruise

Arrival in Kasane allows for a sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River. Elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and birds provide an ever-changing spectacle, creating memorable photographic opportunities. This experience encapsulates the essence of Botswana Tours, blending riverine and terrestrial wildlife experiences.

• Main Destination: Chobe River
• Accommodation: Budget camping
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included, non-alcoholic drinks

Chobe National Park Game Drive

A morning game drive completes the wildlife experience in Chobe, offering a chance to witness the Big Five and enjoy one last interaction with the African bush. Afternoon options include an additional boat cruise or game drive.

• Main Destination: Chobe National Park
• Accommodation: Budget camping inside Chobe NP
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included, non-alcoholic drinks

Departure from Kasane

After breakfast, transfer to Kasane International Airport or Zambian border concludes the safari. Guests leave with memories of diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and cultural insights.

• Main Destination: Kasane (Town)
• Accommodation: None (End of tour)
• Meals & Drinks: Breakfast included