Bluerhino Botswana Safari Expedition

Nata – Chobe – Linyanti – Savuti – Moremi – Maun

This guided self-drive safari explores some of the most spectacular wilderness areas in Botswana. The journey travels through the Chobe ecosystem and the Okavango Delta region, ending in Maun after an unforgettable adventure through remote wildlife areas.

Expect large elephant herds, predators, rich birdlife and constantly changing landscapes as we travel through northern Botswana’s most famous national parks and reserves.

This safari is designed as a guided expedition, travelling in convoy through remote areas that require capable 4×4 vehicles and a sense of adventure.

Safari Highlights

• Chobe River boat cruise
• Massive elephant herds along the Chobe River
• The remote Linyanti wilderness
• Predator-rich Savuti plains
• Kwai River floodplains and wildlife
• Boat safari in the Okavango Delta
• Exploring the famous Moremi Game Reserve
• Remote bush camping in Botswana’s wildest areas

A Typical Safari Day

A normal day on a Bluerhino safari follows a relaxed rhythm designed to maximise wildlife viewing while still allowing plenty of time to enjoy the bush.

We normally depart camp about two hours after first light, allowing enough time for breakfast and packing up camp before beginning the day’s drive.

After roughly two hours of driving, we stop for a morning coffee break in a scenic location. These breaks usually last around 30 minutes and give everyone the chance to stretch their legs and enjoy the surroundings.

Approximately two hours later we stop again for lunch, usually a relaxed 45-minute break somewhere along the route.

Coffee stops and lunch stops are simple bush breaks where the guide will boil a kettle, and guests prepare their own tea, coffee, or drinks.

After lunch we normally continue the drive for a short distance and aim to arrive at camp at a reasonable hour, giving everyone time to set up camp and relax.

In camp guests will need to boil their own water for drinks, as kettles are not provided for the group in camp.

Day-by-Day Safari Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival at Nata Lodge

We meet at Nata Lodge in the late afternoon where the group gathers before the safari begins.

If you arrive earlier in the day you may wish to visit the nearby Nata Bird Sanctuary, which is well known for flamingos, pelicans and other waterbirds when conditions are right.

The lodge also offers afternoon guided drives to the sanctuary if you would like to explore the pans before meeting the group.

Nata Lodge has a good restaurant and bar, making it an ideal place to relax and ease into the safari.

Camp Facilities

• Water available
• Hot showers
• Flush toilets
• Restaurant
• 220V electricity

Day 2 – Nata to Kasane (Chobe River)

Today we travel north toward Kasane, the gateway to Chobe National Park.

Kasane sits on the banks of the Chobe River and is famous for its enormous elephant population and abundant wildlife.

In the afternoon there is the option to enjoy a boat cruise on the Chobe River, one of the highlights of the region. These cruises provide excellent wildlife viewing with elephants, buffalo, hippos and crocodiles along the riverbanks.

Kasane is also the last opportunity for shopping and fuel before heading deeper into the wilderness.

Camp – Thebe River Lodge

• Water available
• Hot showers
• Flush toilets
• Restaurant
• 220V electricity

Day 3 – Chobe Riverfront to Mwandi View

Today we enter Chobe National Park and explore the famous Chobe Riverfront.

This area is one of Botswana’s richest wildlife regions and is known for its large elephant herds, buffalo, giraffe and antelope. Lions and leopards are often seen along the river system.

After exploring the riverfront we travel west toward Mwandi View, a scenic campsite overlooking the Chobe River.

Wildlife is often visible directly from camp.

Camp Facilities

• Water available
• Hot showers
• Flush toilets
• Restaurant (pre-book meals)
• 220V electricity

Day 4 – Mwandi to Linyanti

Today we leave the Chobe River and follow sandy tracks toward the remote Linyanti region.

This wilderness area is famous for large elephant herds, predators and excellent birdlife. The route takes us through classic mopane woodland and Kalahari sandveld.

Our campsite sits close to the water and wildlife often moves through the area.

Camp Facilities

• Water available
• Solar showers
• Flush toilets
• No restaurant
• No electricity

Day 5 – Linyanti to Savuti

A scenic drive takes us to the legendary Savuti region of Chobe National Park.

Savuti is famous for dramatic predator sightings and wide open plains. During our stay we explore the area including Savuti Marsh, the Savuti Plains and the ancient Bushman rock paintings.

Later in the afternoon we head out on a game drive across the plains.

Camp Facilities

• Water available
• Solar showers
• Flush toilets
• No restaurant
• No electricity

Day 6 – Savuti to Kwai (Moremi Game Reserve)

Today we travel south toward the Moremi Game Reserve.

As we approach the Kwai region the landscape begins to change as the influence of the Okavango Delta becomes visible with floodplains and channels appearing in the landscape.

After setting up camp we explore the surrounding area on a game drive.

Camp Facilities

• Water available
• Solar showers
• Flush toilets
• No restaurant
• No electricity

Day 7 – Exploring the Kwai Area

We spend the day exploring the Kwai River floodplains and surrounding woodland.

This region is excellent for predator sightings and often produces encounters with lion, leopard and African wild dog.

The mix of river, floodplain and woodland habitat makes the area particularly rich in wildlife and birdlife.

Day 8 – Kwai to Xakanaxa

Today we travel deeper into Moremi Game Reserve toward Xakanaxa, one of the most scenic areas of the Okavango Delta.

The route may include water crossings depending on the seasonal water levels.

The surrounding landscape includes papyrus channels, lagoons and riverine forest.

Camp Facilities

• Water available
• Solar showers
• Flush toilets
• No restaurant
• No electricity

Day 9 – Okavango Delta Boat Safari

Today we explore the Okavango Delta by boat. It is winter and a 2 hour boat cruise is included. If you wanted to go out for a longer period it is available. Please arrange with me prior to departure.

This is one of the best ways to experience the Delta ecosystem and offers excellent opportunities to see birdlife, hippos, crocodiles and red lechwe.

We also explore nearby areas such as Paradise Pools.

Day 10 – Xakanaxa to Third Bridge

Today we travel toward Third Bridge, another famous Moremi campsite.

After setting up camp we explore the surrounding floodplains and woodlands on a game drive.

This region regularly produces sightings of leopard, lion, elephant and large buffalo herds.

Camp Facilities

• Water available
• Solar showers
• Flush toilets
• No restaurant
• No electricity

Day 11 – Third Bridge to South Gate

Today we explore the southern section of Moremi Game Reserve.

Along the way we visit Xini Lagoon and, if time allows, the Black Pools area, both excellent wildlife viewing locations.

This is our final night inside the reserve.

Camp Facilities

• Water available
• Solar showers
• Flush toilets
• No restaurant
• No electricity

Day 12 – South Gate to Maun

After a relaxed morning we leave the reserve and travel to Maun, the safari capital of Botswana.

Our final night is spent at Audi Camp, a well-known riverside campsite with a good restaurant and bar.

It’s the perfect place to enjoy a final meal together and reflect on the adventure.

Camp Facilities

• Water available
• Hot showers
• Flush toilets
• Restaurant
• 220V electricity

Day 13 – Departure

At first light the guide begins the journey back to Johannesburg.

Guests are free to continue their travels from Maun.