Ultimate 9-Day Botswana & Rwanda Safari
Embark on the ultimate 9-Day Botswana & Rwanda Safari, a journey that blends the pristine wilderness of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Khwai Community, and Chobe National Park with the mystical mountain forests of Rwanda, home to the endangered mountain gorilla. This Botswana Rwanda Safari Holiday offers an unparalleled combination of wildlife viewing, cultural immersion, and unforgettable landscapes.
From the moment you arrive in Maun, Botswana, you will be transported into the heart of Africa’s diverse ecosystems. Witness herds of elephants navigating floodplains, lions basking in the morning sun, and giraffes gracefully moving through savannahs. Botswana’s safari regions are not only home to iconic wildlife but also offer insights into conservation efforts and community engagement, giving your 9-Day Botswana & Rwanda Safari a meaningful context.
Transitioning to Rwanda, you will traverse the misty slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes, experiencing the thrill of mountain gorilla trekking. Each encounter is intimate and transformative, as you observe gorilla families in their natural habitat. Complementing the wildlife adventure, cultural experiences such as visiting Iby’Iwachu Village provide a glimpse into the daily lives of Rwandans and the traditions that have been preserved for centuries.
This 9-day Botswana and Rwanda Safari is ideal for travelers seeking a blend of Botswana Wildlife Safaris and Rwanda Cultural Safaris, combining active game drives, boat safaris, walking excursions, and primate trekking into a seamless and luxurious adventure. With mid-range accommodations, expert guides, and meticulously planned activities, this safari ensures comfort, safety, and unforgettable memories.
Detailed 9-Day Botswana & Rwanda Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Maun, Botswana & Transfer to the Okavango Delta
Upon your arrival at Maun Airport, Botswana, you will be greeted by your professional 9-Day Botswana & Rwanda Safari guide who will facilitate your transfer to the spectacular Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most pristine wetland ecosystems. The delta, an inland river system, is a labyrinth of waterways, lagoons, and islands, home to a remarkable diversity of wildlife.
Your journey from Maun is a visual feast, as you pass vast grasslands punctuated by mopane trees and acacia woodlands. You may spot your first wildlife along the way, including oryx, impala, zebras, and herds of elephants moving gracefully across the plains. Upon arrival at your lodge, take time to relax and absorb the serene beauty of the delta. The lodge’s location ensures you are immersed in nature, with panoramic views over channels and lagoons teeming with life.
In the late afternoon, embark on an introductory sunset mokoro excursion, gliding through the shallow waters in traditional dugout canoes. The experience is tranquil, allowing you to appreciate the delta’s rich biodiversity. Kingfishers, fish eagles, and herons abound along the waterways, while the gentle lapping of water sets a serene backdrop for your first African sunset. Return to the lodge for a sumptuous dinner, savoring local cuisine under the vast African night sky.
This day sets the tone for your 9-Day Botswana & Rwanda Safari, combining immersive landscapes, wildlife glimpses, and cultural storytelling, preparing you for the thrilling adventures ahead.
- 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
Rise with the sun for an exhilarating day of wildlife exploration in the Okavango Delta. Begin with an early morning game drive, when animals are most active. Witness elephants feeding at the water’s edge, prides of lions lounging beneath acacia trees, and giraffes nibbling tender leaves. The delta’s unique ecosystem supports a variety of antelopes, including kudu, impala, and sable, as well as predators such as cheetahs and leopards, offering photographers endless opportunities.
After a mid-morning breakfast at your lodge, venture deeper into the delta for a mokoro excursion a traditional canoe experience. Glide silently through crystal-clear channels and past papyrus reeds, observing hippos, crocodiles, and waterfowl. Guides share insights on the delicate balance of the ecosystem, local flora, and wildlife adaptations, enriching your understanding of the delta’s ecological significance.
As the sun begins to set, enjoy a tranquil evening sundowner cruise, sipping refreshments while watching the sky turn crimson over the delta’s floodplains. The reflective waters create a mirror-like effect, doubling the beauty of the landscape and highlighting the rich colors of the African sunset. This day perfectly balances adventure and serenity, demonstrating why the Okavango Delta is a cornerstone of every 9-Day Botswana & Rwanda Safari.
Return to the lodge for dinner, recounting sightings and sharing stories with fellow travelers. The combination of land and water experiences ensures a comprehensive and immersive introduction to Botswana’s wilderness.
- 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
Today, transfer to Moremi Game Reserve, a wildlife haven within the Okavango Delta. Known for its biodiversity and pristine habitats, Moremi offers some of the best Botswana Safari experiences in the country.
Embark on morning and afternoon game drives through sweeping savannahs, riverine forests, and mopane woodlands. The reserve’s diverse landscapes are home to large herds of elephants, buffalo, and zebras, as well as elusive predators including leopards, lions, and cheetahs. Bird enthusiasts will delight in Moremi’s abundant species, from African fish eagles to lilac-breasted rollers. Your 9-Day Botswana & Rwanda Safari guide’s expertise allows for close encounters with wildlife, sharing stories about their behavior, mating rituals, and migration patterns.
Between drives, enjoy the lodge’s scenic setting, with views of lagoons reflecting the sky and wildlife gathering at waterholes. Midday meals can be enjoyed at the lodge or as packed picnic lunches in the bush, surrounded by nature. In the afternoon, continue exploring remote areas of the reserve, taking in its dramatic landscapes, hidden channels, and quiet glades where predators may be stalking their prey.
The combination of landscapes, wildlife diversity, and immersive bush experiences makes Moremi an iconic location for those seeking a comprehensive Botswana Wildlife Safari Tour, blending adventure, education, and storytelling that connects visitors with the land and its inhabitants.
- 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
Venture into the Khwai Community Area, a unique region bordering Moremi Game Reserve where wildlife roams freely alongside local villages. Begin your day with a guided walking safari, offering a closer connection to the bush. Learn to track animal footprints, identify plants, and listen to the subtle sounds of the wilderness, gaining insight into the ecosystem that large game drives often overlook.
Local guides share knowledge about predator-prey relationships, bush survival skills, and conservation practices in the region. Walking safaris provide an intimate perspective, allowing you to encounter smaller wildlife such as duikers, warthogs, and birds like hornbills and weavers. The Khwai area is also home to rich cultural experiences; interact with villagers, learn about traditional crafts, and witness how communities coexist sustainably with wildlife.
Afternoon game drives continue to offer views of elephants, lions, and giraffes, with seasonal variations creating diverse sightings. Enjoy sundowners overlooking floodplains, reflecting on the balance between wildlife conservation and community livelihoods. This day exemplifies the fusion of Botswana Wildlife Safaris with Botswana Cultural Safaris, enriching your understanding of the region’s ecological and social landscapes.
- 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
Depart Khwai for Chobe National Park, renowned for its elephant populations and stunning riverine landscapes. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and prepare for an afternoon game drive through the park’s southern regions. The open floodplains and wooded areas are ideal for spotting large elephant herds, lions, leopards, and buffalo.
Later, embark on a Chobe River boat safari, a highlight of any Botswana Safari. Observe elephants drinking and bathing, crocodiles sunning on riverbanks, and hippos surfacing among reeds. Birdlife is prolific, with African fish eagles, storks, and kingfishers providing spectacular photo opportunities. Sunset on the river offers golden reflections and a tranquil conclusion to the day’s adventures.
This combination of land and river activities highlights Chobe’s unique ecological diversity and provides a memorable wildlife experience, preparing you for the transition to Rwanda. Dinner is served at the lodge, overlooking the floodplains as nocturnal wildlife begins to stir.
- Main Destination: Chobe National Park, Botswana
- Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge – Mid-range
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
- Drinks: Not included
Day 6: Afternoon Chobe River Safari and Flight to Rwanda
Start the day with a morning at leisure, enjoying your lodge’s views or a brief guided walk. After breakfast, embark on an afternoon boat safari on the Chobe River. The peaceful flow of the river allows for prolonged wildlife observation elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of antelopes provide excellent photographic opportunities.
Later, transfer to Kasane Airport for your flight to Kigali, Rwanda. Upon arrival, you are greeted and transferred to your lodge near Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s premier destination for Gorilla Trekking Safaris. The lush, mountainous landscape contrasts beautifully with Botswana’s floodplains, offering dramatic vistas and misty forests teeming with wildlife.
Dinner at the lodge provides a chance to relax and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure. This day perfectly bridges the 9-Day Botswana & Rwanda Safari experience with Rwanda’s primate-rich forests.
- Main Destination: Kasane, Chobe River, 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
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic road transfer deeper into Volcanoes National Park. The journey traverses rolling hills, terraced farms, and small villages, offering glimpses into Rwanda’s rich agricultural and cultural heritage. Upon arrival at your lodge, settle in and explore the surrounding forest trails or relax in preparation for tomorrow’s gorilla trekking.
The misty slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes create a magical atmosphere, with the sounds of birds and distant primates filling the air. Lodge guides provide a briefing on gorilla behavior, trekking safety, and park regulations, ensuring a safe and rewarding experience. Dinner at the lodge concludes a tranquil day amidst the mystical Rwandan landscape.
- Main Destination: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
- Accommodation: Volcanoes Lodge – Mid-range
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
- Drinks: Not included
Day 8: Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Iby’Iwachu Cultural Experience
The day begins early with an adrenaline-filled mountain gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park. Trek through dense, moss-covered forests guided by expert rangers, tracking gorilla families. Witness silverbacks assertively leading their troops, mothers nurturing infants, and juveniles playing energetically a humbling and unforgettable experience.
After trekking, return to the lodge for lunch before visiting Iby’Iwachu Village, a cultural community showcasing traditional Rwandan crafts, cuisine, and customs. Learn about local farming practices, basket weaving, and daily life in rural Rwanda. This combination of wildlife and cultural immersion enriches your understanding of Rwanda, balancing adventure with meaningful human connections.
Evening reflection at the lodge offers the perfect setting to share stories, photographs, and experiences from your gorilla encounter. This day exemplifies the fusion of Rwanda Cultural Safaris with 9-Day Botswana & Rwanda Safari, offering both ecological and anthropological perspectives.
- Main Destination: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
- Accommodation: Volcanoes Lodge – Mid-range
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
- Drinks: Not included
Day 9: Morning Road Transfer Back to Kigali Airport and Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a final scenic drive through the Rwandan highlands, passing tea plantations, terraced hills, and small villages. Reflect on your 9-Day Botswana & Rwanda Safari journey through Botswana’s floodplains and savannahs and Rwanda’s volcanic forests, appreciating the contrast and richness of East and Southern African landscapes.
Arrival at Kigali International Airport marks the end of your Botswana Rwanda Safari Holiday. Depart with memories of wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and once-in-a-lifetime gorilla encounters, carrying the story of Africa’s landscapes, wildlife, and people home with you.
- Main Destination: Kigali International Airport, Rwanda
- Accommodation: None – End of tour
- Meals: Breakfast included
- Drinks: Not included
9-Day Botswana & Rwanda Safari Inclusions and Exclusions
Safari Inclusions
- All park fees and permits (Botswana & Rwanda)
- Gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park, optional Bwindi permit
- 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)
- 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
