This luxury Botswana safari showcases the diversity of one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife countries, from the desert landscapes of the Kalahari, to the glistening waters of the Okavango Delta. Exploring a broad cross-section of the country, expect epic game drives, relaxing mokoro canoe safaris through the Delta, and up-close encounters with Africa’s most iconic wildlife, all seamlessly connected by efficient bush flights – allowing you more time on safari, and less time getting there.
Camps are located in private concessions, which safari insiders know is key, allowing flexibility to explore off-road, on foot, and by boat, having the area practically to yourself. From the Kalahari’s impressive black-maned lions, to the Okavango’s robust elephant population and incredible diversity of wildlife, this 9 day/8 night itinerary will introduce you to the Botswana’s essential experiences.
Itinerary in Brief:
Pre-safari (optional)
Arrive to Johannesburg for 1 night Intercontinental Hotel at the airport (or similar).
Days 1-3: Kalahari
Arrive to Maun, Botswana; bush flight to Dinaka Camp.
Your safari begins in Botswana's remarkable Kalahari, a landscape that surprises almost everyone who visits. Rather than endless sand dunes, you'll find sweeping golden grasslands, ancient fossil riverbeds, and productive waterholes that attract an astonishing diversity of wildlife.
Dinaka enjoys one of the finest wildlife areas in the region, where desert specialists—including brown hyena, honey badger, Cape fox, porcupine, eland, and red hartebeest—share the landscape with lion, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and large herds of antelope.
Game drives venture out both morning and afternoon, with opportunities for night drives that reveal the fascinating nocturnal life of the Kalahari. Guided bush walks offer a chance to slow the pace and learn how expert guides interpret the landscape, while an authentic Bushman tracking experience provides insight into one of the world's oldest surviving cultures.
Photography enthusiasts will especially appreciate Dinaka's underground and elevated photographic hides, allowing eye-level images as wildlife approaches the camp's busy waterhole throughout the day.
The camp itself is intimate, with just eight spacious thatched tents overlooking the waterhole. Between safari activities, relax beside the pool or simply watch the constant procession of wildlife from the comfort of camp.
Days 3-6: Northern Okavango Delta
A short scenic flight brings you from the dry Kalahari into the lush waterways of the Okavango Delta - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most extraordinary wildlife ecosystems on Earth.
Set beside beautiful Shinde Lagoon, this private concession offers one of Botswana's finest combinations of both water- and land-based safari experiences throughout the year.
Morning game drives often reveal lions, leopards, African wild dogs, and the scavengers that follow them, while elephants, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, kudu, lechwe, and waterbuck thrive throughout the surrounding floodplains.
Depending on seasonal water levels, you'll explore the Delta by traditional mokoro canoe, glide quietly through reed-lined channels by boat, or venture into the larger waterways of the Maunachira Channel. Guided walking safaris provide another perspective, allowing you to experience the Delta at a slower pace while learning about its remarkable plants, tracks, and smaller wildlife.
With only eight beautifully appointed tents connected by raised boardwalks, Shinde offers an elegant yet relaxed safari atmosphere. Spacious verandas overlook the lagoon, creating the perfect setting to unwind after each day's adventures.
Days 6-9: Southwest Okavango Delta
Your final camp explores a different corner of the Okavango, where permanent waterways, seasonal floodplains, and rich woodlands support an extraordinary diversity of wildlife and birdlife.
Wildlife viewing is equally rewarding. Lion, leopard, African wild dog, elephant, buffalo, and an abundance of plains game are frequently encountered on both day and night drives.
Kanana is also known for its spectacular birding. The concession is home to one of Southern Africa's largest breeding heronries, while elusive species such as Pel's Fishing Owl are regularly seen by fortunate guests.
Seasonal water levels permitting, boating and mokoro excursions provide peaceful opportunities to experience the Delta from the water, while guided walks reveal the smaller details often missed from a vehicle.
One of Kanana's most memorable experiences is the sleep-out deck, where guests can choose to spend a night beneath Botswana's spectacular star-filled skies, listening to the sounds of the African wilderness all around them.
With just eight classic safari tents, Kanana maintains the intimate feel that defines the finest Botswana camps.
Day 9: Depart or Extend your Trip
Depart from Maun or extend your travels - options include Cape Town, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and more.
Essential Botswana Highlights
- Seamless logistics from the time you arrive in Africa, until you depart for home, including assistance with pre/post safari travels
- Land based safari activities including game drives and bush walks with qualified guides.
- Water based safari activities including mokoro and boat excursions to observe iconic African species, and optional fishing in season
- Learn about the desert from Kalahari bushmen
- Exceptional birdlife, including one of Africa's largest heronries
- Sundowners, meals al fresco, photographic hides, and more
Pricing 2026/2027
May-October, December holiday season, Easter week: $15,075 per person sharing
March, April, November, December (excluding holiday periods noted above): $11,420 per person sharing
January 7-February 28: $6,995 per person sharing
Children’s discounts are available – please enquire.
Inclusions
These rates include:
- Bush flights connecting camps beginning and ending in Maun, Botswana
- Full board accommodation, house drinks, and laundry services throughout
- Game drives in specially adapted 4×4 game drive vehicles - a private vehicle can be reserved at additional expense
- Services of expert safari guides
- All camp activities, such as game drives, bush walks, boat exploration, mokoro (depending on water levels), and more
When to Go
- May-Oct (cooler dry season, annual Okavango inundation)
Suggested Pairings
Other Luxury Safari Options
Questions? Ready to start planning?
Email us or schedule a call below, or just dial 1-802-222-6320 to start the conversation.
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