This 7-day Botswana safari encompasses the diversity of northern Botswana's Makgadikgadi National Park, with the enchanting wilderness that is the Okavango Delta. You'll visit the Makgadikgadi Pans and end the adventure on the Chobe River—aboard a luxury houseboat. This unique experience allows you to witness abundant wildlife, excellent birding, and experiencing a breathtaking wilderness feel.

Highlights

  • Watch predator interaction and salt pans in Makgadikgadi Pans
  • Experience Okavango Delta on a traditional mokoro dugout canoe
  • Indulge in a Chobe River Safari and explore the Chobe National Park

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Johannesburg to Leroo La Tau, Makgadikgadi Pans National Park Makgadikgadi Pans
Day 2 Leroo La Tau, Makgadikgadi Pans National Park Makgadikgadi Pans
Day 3 Leroo La Tau to Camp Okavango, Okavango Delta Okavango Delta
Day 4 Camp Okavango, Okavango Delta Okavango Delta
Day 5 Okavango to Pangolin Voyager Houseboat Chobe National Park
Day 6 Leisure cruising through the Chobe National Park Chobe National Park
Day 7 Depart Botswana  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Johannesburg to Leroo La Tau, Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Leroo La Tau
Leroo La Tau

On your first day, you'll be boarding your flight from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport to Maun, Botswana.  On arrival, you will be greeted and first transferred by light aircraft to Makgadikgadi and then by road to Leroo La Tau Safari Lodge, where you will spend the next two nights.

The Leroo La Tau rises majestically above the Boteti River, stretching across the western border of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. Already on your first day, you will experience the pans' wonders—even before you've embarked on your first safari adventure.

Day 2: Leroo La Tau, Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Wildebeest walkin in Makgadikgadi Pan
Wildebeest walking in Makgadikgadi Pan

Today you'll explore Makgadikgadi Pans National Park with its large concentrations of game, populated by up to 30,000 zebras and wildebeests. The park is accompanied by predators, which means you'll experience the excitement of seeing the resultant predator interaction.
 
You'll stay in one of the 12 luxury chalets, each equipped with en-suite bathrooms, overlooking the magnificent Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. The lodge offers a raised camouflaged shelter above the river where you'll enjoy the spectacular wildlife sightings that we’ve come to anticipate in this part of Botswana. There is a dining room, bar, and a reading room in the main lodge—resting on expansive wooden decks with a plunge pool that lets you immerse yourself seamlessly into the wildlife experience in Botswana.

After having observed the spectacular wildlife on guided day and night game drives, you can retire after dinner to a grand fireplace overlooking the river.

Day 3: Leroo La Tau to Camp Okavango, Okavango Delta

Camp Okavango
Camp Okavango

This morning after an early game viewing activity and breakfast, you will be transferred by light aircraft to the Okavango Delta. Here you will check-in at the Camp Okavango, spending the next two nights.

Day 4: Camp Okavango, Okavango Delta

Mokoro Dug Out Canoe Experience
Mokoro Dugout Canoe Experience

Today, your venture will be on a safari in Okavango Delta. Camp Okavango is a unique and exclusive African safari camp, situated on the remote Nxaragha Island. This hidden treasure lies in the heart of the permanent Okavango Delta and assures you of an exceptional water wilderness experience, available all year-round.

Camp Okavango's main area consists of a network of interconnected walkways. These walkways link up two lounge areas, a library, two lounge areas, a dining room, a self-service bar, and a curio shop. Sweeping ramps then lead to the lower level deck, where you'll find two open-air fire pits and comfortable seating areas. It's perfect for relaxing and taking in the natural surroundings. There is a third deck with a rim-flow swimming pool and thatched lounge deck for those warm summer days. Because of its open-air design and elevated position, the new Camp Okavango captures the very essence of the Okavango Delta.

Day 5: Okavango to Pangolin Voyager Houseboat

Group of elephants drinking from the Chobe River
Group of elephants drinking from the Chobe River

This morning, after breakfast and an early game viewing activity, you will be transferred to the airstrip and board your light aircraft flight to Kasane.

On arrival, you will be met and transferred by road to the Kasane Waterfront Immigration, where you will board the Pangolin Voyager. You will spend the next two nights aboard this houseboat, which cruises its way through the Chobe waterways. The boat generally moves between the Kasai Channel as well as Kasika and Serondella within Chobe National Park, and you'll have the opportunity to make use of the photographic equipment aboard the boat, as well as fishing.

Day 6: Day leisure cruising through the Chobe National Park

Leopard at the Chobe River
Beautiful leopard at the Chobe National Park 

Today, you'll wake up on the Pangolin Voyager Houseboat. You'll journey along the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers in absolute luxury and comfort, as the boat gently drifts through one of the most game-rich environments in Africa.

The Pangolin Voyager is spread over three levels with plenty of space to host ten guests at any one time. Five en-suite cabins with double or twin beds occupy the lower level, fitted with the most beautiful linen and specialist mattresses. The cabins have built-in cupboards, a cooling fan, and the windows are equipped with a mosquito net—allowing the gentle breeze from the river and the nighttime sounds of the Chobe National Park to pass through the rooms.

The lounge and dining area occupy the middle level along with a deck at the rear, accommodating the braai (barbeque). The comfortable lounge area is stocked with reference books and binoculars, perfect to use as you drift between the private morning points. In the large dining area, you'll be served a meal prepared from the season's produce, and you can enjoy an extensive selection of alcoholic and soft drinks from the bar throughout the day.

The upper level offers a viewing deck equipped with a table, chairs, and sun loungers perfect for working on your tan in between activities. In the evening, you'll witness the grace of a majestic African sunset.

Day 7: Depart Botswana

Chacma baboon Chobe National Park
Chacma baboon Chobe National Park

This morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to Kasane Airport. Here you will board your flight back to Johannesburg, South Africa. On arrival at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport, you will continue as per your own arrangements. 

Map

Map of Explore Botswana: Okavango, Makgadikgadi Pans, & Chobe Safari - 7 Days
Map of Explore Botswana: Okavango, Makgadikgadi Pans, & Chobe Safari - 7 Days