Tailormade Holidays in Botswana

Tour Code: TBWA

Botswana is one of Africa’s finest wildlife destinations, offering large concentrations of game and a diverse and beautiful range of habitats. In its huge unfenced game reserves the largest herds in southern Africa roam free and wild, together with some of the continent’s most spectacular and varied birdlife.

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Sample Itineraries

Create your own Tailormade holiday to Botswana with dates and an itinerary to suit you. Click one to scroll down and view more info.

Pristine Okavango

9 Days

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Botswana's Northern Highlights

10 Days

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When to Go

Good Time to Go

ALL YEAR ROUND

Best Time to Go

May to November

Speak to a Botswana expert

Paul Stanbury

Operations Manager

Email Call 1-844-433-9473

Where to Go

Okavango Delta
Moremi Game Reserve
Khwai Community Concession
Chobe National Park
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Summary

The Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s most remarkable natural phenomena and an undisputed highlight of the country. It begins life as a result of seasonal rains in the Angolan highlands which are carried southwards for a thousand kilometres by the meandering Okavango River which loses momentum on reaching the Kalahari Desert and fans out to form the world’s largest inland delta system. The resulting Okavango Delta supports an astonishing variety of wildlife from its water-loving African Elephants and Hippos to its Leopards, Lions and packs of African Wild Dogs, not to mention a feast of birdlife!

While the Okavango Delta may be at the top of many people’s wish-lists, there’s a lot more to Botswana! Chobe National Park is one of the finest game reserves on the continent while the Khwai Community Concession offers further excellent wildlife possibilities. Then, by way of sheer contrast, the arid and open expanses of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and the Nxai and Makgadikgadi Pans combine well with the lush Delta and an itinerary that includes both showcases the incredible diversity offered by this magnificent African destination.

Botswana is the'Rolls Royce' of safaris and although it is not the cheapest option, it is, perhaps, the ultimate destination for those in search of African 'plains game', and its lodges are of the highest class.

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Okavango, Botswana Shutterstock 1055659037

The Okavango Delta is a permanently flooded network of crystal clear channels, sweeping green floodplains and palm-fringed islands – a truly magnificent spectacle and wildlife habitat. Exploration of the larger islands (and the floodplains during the dry season) is possible on foot and by jeep safari, but one of the real delights of the central Okavango is searching for wildlife from mokoros, the traditional dugout canoes of the Delta that are silently punted along the waterways by local boatmen. This is a great way to view the rich birdlife found here, including the endangered Wattled Crane, the endemic Slaty Egret and the magnificent Pel’s Fishing Owl. The Sitatunga is the sought-after antelope of the papyrus swamps and Red Lechwe, with their specialised splayed hooves, bound between swamps and grasslands. Larger grazers are to be found in the drier zones, and these include African Buffalo, Blue Wildebeest, Impala, Southern Giraffe, Plains (Burchell’s) Zebra and Tsesebe. African Elephants and Hippos are unhindered by even the deepest channels, their movements forming highways for smaller and more waterreluctant species. These waterways eventually lead to fringe-swamp, islands and floodplains where Leopards and African Wild Dogs wait in the wings. The region is also prime Lion territory, with one particular area in the north, the Duba plains, seeing the timeless struggle between Lion and African Buffalo on an almost daily basis. The Okavango Delta, whether the central heart or northern or southern flank, is largely accessed and explored from two distinct styles of lodge or tented camp – ‘wet camps’ and ‘dry camps’. The ‘wet camps’ specialise in mokoro excursions, while the ‘dry camps’ provide traditional 4WD safaris. There are, however, a number of properties that are able to offer both types of excursion and, with so many options available, it is always best to speak to one of our experts so we can find the most suitable experience for you.

Accommodation in Okavango Delta

Established as a game reserve by the BaTswana tribe in 1963 and encompassing Chief’s island, the Moremi Game Reserve covers nearly 5,000 square kilometres of the north-eastern portion of the Okavango Delta. Its wide-ranging habitats include dry savannah woodland, Mopane forest, riparian woodland, floodplain, reedbeds and permanently flooded delta. Moremi supports large herds of grazers, among them notably high densities of African Buffalo whose presence draws in prides of Lion which are often seen flanking the ever-moving herds. Breeding herds of African Elephants roam between their browsing areas in the Mopane woodland and the fresh water of the Okavango, while African Wild Dogs are always a possibility, along with Leopard, Serval and African Wild Cat. Red Lechwe, too, are a common sight, and very much in contrast to the rare and shy Sitatunga that skulks in the dense papyrus swamps. Moremi is also home to a wealth of birdlife from the Rosy-throated Longclaw, Lesser Jacana and Black Coucal of the wetlands, to Violet-eared Waxbill, Black-cheeked Waxbill and Melba Finch, denizens of the drier regions. The stately Southern Ground Hornbill can often be seen striding across the open grasslands, whilst Paradise Whydahs and a variety of weavers add a splash of colour to the scene. Although rare, the Pel’s Fishing Owl can occasionally be found roosting in the giant Jackal Berry trees that overhang the water. It’s worth noting that walking, night-drives, off-road driving and mokoro boats are not permitted within Moremi and for these you’ll need to stay in one of the private concessions of the Delta.

Accommodation in Moremi Game Reserve

Gunn's Camp

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Pom Pom Camp

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Oddballs Camp

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Moremi Crossing

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There are a few community-owned concessions in the central Okavango and the Khwai is one of the best. It is a huge expanse of protected wetlands, Leadwood forests and open plains that lies adjacent to the eastern limits of the Moremi Game Reserve and the animals wander freely between the two. The concession is managed by the local Khwai people and it is an excellent example of a local community helping to protect, conserve and benefit from their surrounding wildlife. This has been a great success, for the Khwai region boasts some of the best game in the Okavango region, including huge bull African Elephants as well as breeding herds. Lion, Leopard, Serval and African Wildcat are common predators with African Wild Dog and Cheetah also possible. The swampy areas are home to African Buffalo and Red Lechwe, whilst other mammals to look out for during a stay here include Tsesebe, Blue Wildebeest, Plains Zebra, Waterbuck, Southern Giraffe, Greater Kudu, Impala and perhaps even Roan or Sable Antelope. The Khwai River also holds an unusually high density of Hippos as well as many huge crocodiles. The Khwai is also an excellent area for the Okavango’s abundant birdlife including Slaty Egret and the rare Wattled Crane. The liquid song of the colourful Heuglin’s Robin dominates the morning’s birdsong while the Mopane and Leadwood forests are home to Southern Black Tit, Bennett’s Woodpecker and the mighty Giant Eagle Owl.

Accommodation in Khwai Concession

Sango Safari Camp

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Chobe is another of Africa’s finest wildlife reserves, protecting over 11,700 square kilometres from the northern tip of Botswana (where the Chobe River forms the park’s northern boundary) all the way to the Okavango Delta. It is best known for the huge herds of African Elephants which congregate along the Chobe River in the dry season and it is possible to see several hundred of these giants in one day. The broad range of habitats within the park – from floodplain and marsh grasslands to Leadwood forests – support Botswana’s only population of Puku, plus Lion, Hippo, Impala, Southern Giraffe, African Buffalo, Bushbuck, Waterbuck, Spotted Hyena, Roan and Sable Antelope, Greater Kudu, Warthog, Chacma Baboon and many, many others! The birds, too, are excellent, particularly in the ‘green season’, and include Long-toed and Wattled Plovers, Threebanded Courser, White-faced Duck, Giant Eagle Owl, flocks of vultures, including the menacing Lappet-faced Vulture, African Fish Eagle, Lizard Buzzard, Southern Ground Hornbill, Grey-headed Bushshrike, Rosy-throated Longclaw and chattering parties of Helmeted Guineafowl and Red-billed Francolin. Eagles such as Lesser Spotted, Tawny and Steppe seem to circle endlessly overhead while various bee-eaters, shrikes and rollers adorn every lookout. Game drives provide the main form of wildlife exploration in southern Chobe and can also be taken in the northern parts of the park, although early morning and evening sunset boat cruises along the Chobe River are certainly recommended.

Accommodation in Chobe National Park

Chobe Under Canvas

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The juxtaposition of the Okavango Delta and the Makgadikgadi Pans is quite surreal and the landscape alone is worthy of a visit. The region was once a huge lake that has since dried up forming an area of vast saltpans interspersed with scrub bush and grasslands that stretch as far as the eye can see. With the breaking of sporadic rains in November, the parched earth bursts into life and fresh shoots attract a wealth of antelope species and herds of Plains Zebra and Blue Wildebeest. Numbers of game are usually at their best between January and April and, in fact, the Nxai and Makgadikgadi Pans play host to one of the largest zebra migrations in Africa when a huge herd of up to 25,000 individuals passes through between March and April, as long as the seasonal rains don’t fail. The region offers as good a chance as any of seeing the elusive Brown Hyena, and Meerkat colonies are also present. The conventional game-viewing can be supplemented by walks with Bushmen as well as palaeontology explorations.

Accommodation in Nxai & Makgadikgadi Pans

Camp Kalahari

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The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a beautiful expanse of sands, saltpans, scrub bush and grassy plains that roll on for mile after endless mile. Wildlife is at its most abundant between January and March when seasonal rains bring life to this dry region and grazers such as Oryx, Springbok, Impala, Blue Wildebeest and Plains Zebra gravitate here in search of fresh pastures. Inevitably the predators follow and among the most successful are Black-maned Lion and Cheetah, the latter using its superior speed to full potential in the open expanses found here. Leopard, African Wild Dog and Brown Hyena are all possible with a slice of luck, and such iconic African bird species as Ostrich, Secretarybird, Kori Bustard and Pygmy Falcon may also be seen.

African Lion, Kalahari Desert, South Africa.jpg

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park protects over 3.3 million hectares of the vast Kalahari Desert and supports a remarkably diverse range of wildlife. This is a harsh but beautiful environment of sweeping vistas and distant horizons, and of majestic brick-red sand dunes and some of the most beautiful sunsets in all of Africa. Here the black-maned Lions of the Kalahari, as well as Cheetah, Springbok, Gemsbok and Southern Giraffe may be seen, together with a number of more elusive mammals such as Meerkat (Suricate), Bat-eared Fox, Springhare, Aardwolf and the secretive Brown Hyena. Raptors are common and include Bataleur, Tawny Eagle, Black-breasted Snake Eagle, White-backed and Lappet-faced Vultures, Pale Chanting Goshawk and Pygmy Falcon. The huge Kori Bustard is frequently seen pacing through the grasslands, whilst some of the more unobtrusive species include the beautiful Violet-eared and Blackfaced Waxbills, Rufous-eared Warbler, Redheaded Finch and Swallow-tailed Bee-eater. The Kalahari works particularly well in combination with the Western Cape, but to get the best of both regions one must travel in the Austral spring between late August and October.

Accommodation in The Kalahari & Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Polentswa Lodge

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Sample Itineraries

This luxury 'lodge-based' holiday maximises time in the wetland region of the Okavango Delta and continues to the world famous Chobe National Park.

Day

Depart UK

Days

2 - 4

Central Okavango Delta

Days

5 - 7

Chobe National Park

Day

Depart Kasane

Day

Arrive UK

9 Days (Flight Inclusive)

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Optionally Extend Your Holiday:

Option 1 - add amazing variety to your holiday by visiting the arid and starkly beautiful Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Days

8 - 10

Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Day

Depart Muan

Day

Arrive UK

Option 2 – the Victoria Falls are a great place to see one of nature's most stunning spectacles, while also allowing time to relax at the end of your holiday

Days

8 - 10

Victoria Falls

Day

Depart Livingstone

Day

Arrive UK

This mobile camping itinerary is a great way to experience Botswana's stunning wilderness regions and their incredible wildlife 'from the ground'.

Day

Depart UK

Days

2 - 4

Khwai Community Area

Days

5 - 8

Moremi Game Reserve

Day

Depart Maun

Day

Arrive UK

10 Days (Flight Inclusive)

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Optionally Extend Your Holiday:

Option 1 – extend your holiday with a stay in one of the Central Okavango's luxury lodges

Days

9 - 12

Central Okavango

Day

Depart Muan

Day

Arrive UK

Option 2 – many people choose to head for the Victoria Falls. However, it is possible to fly to Namibia or even enjoy some time in South Africa's Southern Cape. Speak to one of our experts to discuss the many available options.

Reviews

Debbie C, Oct 2025

We optimistically asked Naturetrek to prioritise some of the hard to see African animals. They put a tour together that optimised our chances of seeing them. With a fantastic tour guide and professional lodge staff we saw them all, and more. To see Cheetah, pangolins and Wild Dogs was a dream come true. Add in the majesty of the Victoria Falls, it was a dream trip.

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The Essentials

Wildlife Guides

Excellent local naturalists are available at all our selected lodges and wildlife camps. However, should you require a dedicated expert to accompany you throughout your wildlife tour of Botswana, we will be happy to provide this (though it is worth bearing in mind that his/her transport and accommodation costs will have to be covered in Botswana).

When to Visit

This all depends on what you are coming to Botswana to see, and where in the country you want to go. From April to October, following the rainy season, the waters return to flood the Okavango, and this is therefore considered one of the best times to visit, with May being a great month. The waters of the Okavango Delta are at their highest in the middle of the dry season from late July to August making this a good time to holiday here with the family. However, for birders, the ‘green season’ between November and April is most rewarding, as birds are breeding (with males sporting gaudy breeding plumages) and their numbers are swelled by wintering species from the northern hemisphere. Tourist numbers are also lower in this period. For a combination of birds and mammals, then the end of October and November (when mammals are concentrated around limited waterholes but the first rains are triggering the first flush of new growth), is a great time, though very hot.

Getting Around

Journeys within Botswana are often best accomplished by the use of light aircraft, adding a sense of adventure and fun to any holiday here. However, roads do link a range of wildlife reserves, hence the ability to enjoy a mobile camping safari instead (or as well).

Why Naturetrek Tailormade?

A Naturetrek Tailormade holiday allows you, with the benefit of our wildlife travel expertise and destination experience, to enjoy the perfect private wildlife holiday – one that truly matches your requirements, expectations and ambitions. We will ensure the most competitive prices, superb naturalist guides and seamless ground services.

Some of the benefits of Naturetrek Tailormade travel include:
• A bespoke itinerary which is crafted by experts and designed specifically for you
• Private guiding by the very best local naturalists
• Travel with people you know, at your own pace
• Incorporate as much culture, history or relaxation time as you wish
• Choose dates to suit you
• Select your preferred style of accommodation
• Travel with families and children of any age

Furthermore, our Tailormade team are always on hand to help and guide you along the way, with friendly advice, first-hand knowledge and inside information specific to your destination of choice. So if you have any queries about your holiday, we will be delighted to answer them. Please just give us a call!