Botswana Deluxe Safari

13-Day Self-Drive Safari Adventure

Day 1 – Arrival at Nata Lodge

We meet at Nata Lodge, situated on the edge of the vast Makgadikgadi salt pans. This beautiful lodge is the perfect place to begin the safari and ease into the Botswana wilderness.

If you arrive early you can join the lodge’s optional afternoon excursion to Nata Pan, where the endless salt flats create spectacular scenery and, in season, large flocks of flamingos gather in the shallow water.

The lodge restaurant is well known for its excellent food and relaxed atmosphere, making it the perfect place to meet fellow travellers and kick off the adventure.

Day 2 – Nata to Kasane (Gateway to Chobe)

After breakfast we head north toward Kasane, a lively town located where Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe meet. It serves as the gateway to Chobe National Park, famous for its huge elephant population.

We arrive early enough to do some final shopping and prepare for the days ahead in the bush. In the afternoon you may choose to join one of the famous Chobe River sunset cruises, where elephants, hippos, crocodiles and a wide variety of birdlife can often be seen from the comfort of a boat.

Day 3 – Chobe Riverfront Drive

Today we enter Chobe National Park at Kasane and begin one of the most famous game-viewing drives in southern Africa — the legendary Chobe Riverfront route.

This stretch of river is known for its incredible concentrations of wildlife. Large herds of elephant and buffalo gather along the banks, while predators such as lion often patrol the area. Birdlife along the river is also exceptional.

We slowly make our way west along the river toward Ngoma Gate, enjoying the scenery and wildlife before continuing to our campsite for the night.

Day 4 – Into the Linyanti Region

This morning we head deeper into the wilderness toward Linyanti, one of Botswana’s most remote and rewarding wildlife areas. The region forms part of the greater Okavango ecosystem and is characterised by wetlands, lagoons and river channels that attract large numbers of animals.

The drive itself often produces excellent sightings, particularly elephant, buffalo and predators. We arrive at our iconic bush campsite early enough to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and stunning surroundings of this remarkable area.

Day 5 – Savuti Exploration

Today we make our way to Savuti, one of Botswana’s most legendary wildlife destinations. The area is famous for its dramatic landscapes and intense predator activity.

During the day we explore the region including:

• Savuti Plains
• Rhino Vlei
• The ancient San rock art site in the Savuti hills

The Savuti region is also known for producing some of the largest elephants in Africa, making it a truly special place for wildlife enthusiasts.

Day 6 – Savuti to the Mababe Area and North Gate

Our journey continues south through the Savuti Channel and the vast Mababe Depression, an open landscape that often hosts large concentrations of wildlife including buffalo, elephant and antelope.

By late afternoon we arrive at the entrance of Moremi Game Reserve at North Gate, where we set up camp near the beautiful Khwai River.

Day 7 – Exploring the Kwai Region

The Khwai area is one of the most productive wildlife regions in northern Botswana. The permanent water of the Khwai River attracts animals throughout the year and provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.

Game drives in this area frequently produce sightings of predators such as lion, leopard and wild dog, along with large herds of elephant and other plains game.

Day 8 – Into Moremi Game Reserve (Xakanaxa)

Today we travel deeper into Moremi Game Reserve, heading toward the beautiful Xakanaxa region. Located on the edge of the Okavango Delta, this area features a unique mixture of lagoons, islands and floodplains.

The scenery changes dramatically as water channels wind through the landscape, creating one of Africa’s most spectacular wilderness areas.

Day 9 – Exploring the Okavango Delta Channels

We spend the day exploring the surrounding Moremi areas including:

• Dead tree island
• Paradise Pools
• Xini Lagoon

These rich wetlands attract a wide variety of wildlife and birdlife. During our stay we also enjoy a boat excursion on the Okavango Delta, offering a completely different perspective of the landscape and its wildlife.

Day 10 – Third Bridge Area

Today we move to Third Bridge, another famous camping area within Moremi Game Reserve. The landscape here is a maze of waterways, floodplains and palm-covered islands.

The day is spent exploring this beautiful wilderness area, which is well known for excellent wildlife sightings and dramatic scenery.

Day 11 – A Final Day in the African Bush

Our final full day in the park is dedicated to enjoying the African bush. We take relaxed game drives through the surrounding areas, looking for any wildlife we may not yet have encountered.

Evenings around the campfire under the stars are often a highlight of the safari, offering time to reflect on the incredible experiences of the journey.

Day 12 – Moremi to Maun

Today we leave Moremi and travel to Maun, the gateway town to the Okavango Delta.

Those interested may take the opportunity to enjoy an optional scenic flight over the Delta, providing breathtaking aerial views of the waterways, islands and wildlife below.

Day 13 – Departure

At first light I begin the journey back toward Johannesburg, marking the end of an unforgettable Botswana safari adventure.