Kensington
8 Day Botswana Unveiled: Chobe & the Okavango
8 Day Botswana Unveiled: Chobe & the Okavango
With its meandering mysterious channels, deep, still lagoons and palm-fringed islands teeming with vibrant birds, the Okavango Delta is like no place else on Earth.
For the discerning traveler, as well as the hard-core thrill seeker, Botswana is the African safari destination of choice. With vast open savannas, astounding inland deltas and abundant wildlife, Botswana is the perfect match for those who’ve been dreaming of experiencing Africa beyond the well-trodden tourist path. Enjoy heart-pounding game drives in search of the Big Five, canoe through Okavango’s many waterways, and take in the most beautiful sunsets imaginable. In the evenings, relax in charming camps as the wild night songs begin their melodies around you. With your expert guide, explore Moremi Game Reserve, home to nearly 500 species of bird as well as buffalo, lion, cheetah, leopard, giraffe, jackal, impala and the elusive African wild dog. Head to the Okavango Delta and roam the vast expanses of water from the comfort of a modern motorboat or the old-fashioned way, in a traditional mokoro canoe. Your journey through Botswana promises to be one you’ll never forget.
Kensington Tours offers local support in each region you visit, another reason we deliver unbeatable value. Enjoy a personalized vacation that best suits your needs, developed by one of our experienced destination experts. Relax during your trip with our 24/7 support and expert local guidance.
| Day 1 |
Travel to Johannesburg, the cosmopolitan city at the heart of South Africa, and find some of the country’s most iconic landmarks. Replete with cultural excursions, historical sites, and superb restaurants, Johannesburg has plenty to explore. A visit to the city’s Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill Human Rights Center, and Mandela House is absolutely essential; immerse yourself in these crucial exhibits to learn more about the country’s recent history of apartheid, as well as the important work of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu to combat racial discrimination. Take advantage of Johannesburg’s diverse flavors by indulging in culinary bites and cocktails at the sprawling Neighbourgoods Market, or head east of the Fashion District for boutique shopping and eclectic art galleries at the Maboneng Precinct. Unwind at the Gold Reef City Amusement Park, where you can hop aboard thrilling roller coasters and water rides, or head just outside the city to the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to venture inside ancient caves brimming with fossils. Johannesburg is guaranteed to enchant you! |
| Day 2 |
Chobe National Park, located in the far northeastern corner of Botswana, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and one of Africa's premier safari destinations. Known for its immense elephant population—estimated at over 120,000—the park offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The Chobe Riverfront, a major highlight, provides a unique vantage point for game viewing, particularly during the dry season when large herds of elephants, buffalo, and other wildlife congregate at the river's edge. Game drives and boat safaris along the Chobe River afford visitors close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and a myriad of bird species, making Chobe a photographer's paradise. Beyond its riverfront, Chobe National Park is divided into four distinct ecosystems: the Serondela area (Chobe Riverfront), the Savuti Marsh, the Linyanti Marsh, and the dry hinterland of Nogatsaa. Each region offers a different experience, from the wide-open savannahs of Savuti, famous for its lion and hyena populations, to the remote and quiet Linyanti, known for its exclusive lodges and intimate wildlife experiences. Exploring these diverse landscapes reveals an ever-changing panorama of nature, where a single safari can transition from tracking elusive predators to watching herds of antelope grazing on the plains. A trip to Chobe is not just about wildlife; it is also a chance to immerse oneself in Botswana’s rich culture. The nearby town of Kasane serves as the gateway to the park and offers a glimpse into local life. Visitors can enjoy the flavors of traditional Setswana cuisine, learn about the region's history at the Kasane Hot Springs, or take a day trip to the Chobe Crocodile Farm. For a truly unique experience, consider a sunset cruise on the Chobe River, where you can sip sundowners as you watch elephants bathe in the golden light—a quintessential African safari moment. Fun fact: Chobe National Park was Botswana’s first national park, established in 1967, and remains one of the most biologically diverse parks in the country. Not only does it boast one of the largest concentrations of game in Africa, but it is also renowned for the Chobe bushbuck, a subspecies of antelope that is rarely found outside this region. With its abundance of wildlife, stunning scenery, and authentic cultural experiences, Chobe National Park is a destination that promises to leave a lasting impression on all who visit. |
| Day 3 |
Chobe National Park, located in the far northeastern corner of Botswana, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and one of Africa's premier safari destinations. Known for its immense elephant population—estimated at over 120,000—the park offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The Chobe Riverfront, a major highlight, provides a unique vantage point for game viewing, particularly during the dry season when large herds of elephants, buffalo, and other wildlife congregate at the river's edge. Game drives and boat safaris along the Chobe River afford visitors close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and a myriad of bird species, making Chobe a photographer's paradise. Beyond its riverfront, Chobe National Park is divided into four distinct ecosystems: the Serondela area (Chobe Riverfront), the Savuti Marsh, the Linyanti Marsh, and the dry hinterland of Nogatsaa. Each region offers a different experience, from the wide-open savannahs of Savuti, famous for its lion and hyena populations, to the remote and quiet Linyanti, known for its exclusive lodges and intimate wildlife experiences. Exploring these diverse landscapes reveals an ever-changing panorama of nature, where a single safari can transition from tracking elusive predators to watching herds of antelope grazing on the plains. A trip to Chobe is not just about wildlife; it is also a chance to immerse oneself in Botswana’s rich culture. The nearby town of Kasane serves as the gateway to the park and offers a glimpse into local life. Visitors can enjoy the flavors of traditional Setswana cuisine, learn about the region's history at the Kasane Hot Springs, or take a day trip to the Chobe Crocodile Farm. For a truly unique experience, consider a sunset cruise on the Chobe River, where you can sip sundowners as you watch elephants bathe in the golden light—a quintessential African safari moment. Fun fact: Chobe National Park was Botswana’s first national park, established in 1967, and remains one of the most biologically diverse parks in the country. Not only does it boast one of the largest concentrations of game in Africa, but it is also renowned for the Chobe bushbuck, a subspecies of antelope that is rarely found outside this region. With its abundance of wildlife, stunning scenery, and authentic cultural experiences, Chobe National Park is a destination that promises to leave a lasting impression on all who visit. |
| Day 4 |
Moremi Wildlife Reserve, nestled in the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, is a premier destination for those seeking an extraordinary safari experience. This pristine reserve, established in 1963, offers a rich tapestry of landscapes including lush floodplains, verdant woodlands, and expansive lagoons. Its diverse ecosystems make it one of Africa's most sought-after wildlife viewing locations. The reserve is renowned for its high concentration of game, including elephants, lions, leopards, and rare wild dogs. A visit here promises an immersive adventure, with opportunities for both traditional game drives and exhilarating mokoro (dugout canoe) safaris. Moremi's unique terrain creates a dynamic environment for wildlife. The seasonal floodwaters from the Okavango Delta turn the area into a rich mosaic of wetlands and savannahs, attracting a plethora of bird species, including the colorful lilac-breasted roller and the majestic fish eagle. This varied habitat supports a thriving population of animals and makes for spectacular game viewing year-round. The reserve's commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism ensures that visitors experience its beauty in a manner that preserves its ecological integrity. A fun fact about Moremi is that it was one of the first protected areas in Africa to be managed by a local community. Named after the Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela Chief Moremi III, the reserve embodies the deep connection between the local people and their natural environment. |
| Day 5 |
Moremi Wildlife Reserve, nestled in the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, is a premier destination for those seeking an extraordinary safari experience. This pristine reserve, established in 1963, offers a rich tapestry of landscapes including lush floodplains, verdant woodlands, and expansive lagoons. Its diverse ecosystems make it one of Africa's most sought-after wildlife viewing locations. The reserve is renowned for its high concentration of game, including elephants, lions, leopards, and rare wild dogs. A visit here promises an immersive adventure, with opportunities for both traditional game drives and exhilarating mokoro (dugout canoe) safaris. Moremi's unique terrain creates a dynamic environment for wildlife. The seasonal floodwaters from the Okavango Delta turn the area into a rich mosaic of wetlands and savannahs, attracting a plethora of bird species, including the colorful lilac-breasted roller and the majestic fish eagle. This varied habitat supports a thriving population of animals and makes for spectacular game viewing year-round. The reserve's commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism ensures that visitors experience its beauty in a manner that preserves its ecological integrity. A fun fact about Moremi is that it was one of the first protected areas in Africa to be managed by a local community. Named after the Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela Chief Moremi III, the reserve embodies the deep connection between the local people and their natural environment. |
| Day 6 |
The Okavango Delta, located in Botswana, is one of Africa’s most extraordinary natural wonders. This vast inland delta, renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, offers a unique opportunity to experience a pristine wilderness. As the Okavango River meanders into the Kalahari Desert, it creates a sprawling floodplain that transforms into a lush oasis during the annual flood. The delta’s complex network of channels, lagoons, and islands provides diverse habitats for wildlife and spectacular views. For an immersive experience, consider staying at one of the delta’s luxurious lodges, which blend seamlessly with the environment and offer exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. The seasonal flood, which peaks between May and August, brings life to the delta and is the best time for wildlife sightings and photographic safaris. Fun Fact: The Okavango Delta is the world’s largest inland delta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its unique seasonal flooding pattern supports one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, making it a vital haven for both endemic and migratory species. A visit to the Okavango Delta promises a mesmerizing adventure amidst some of the most breathtaking and unspoiled landscapes in Africa, offering unparalleled wildlife encounters and tranquil natural beauty. |
| Day 7 |
The Okavango Delta, located in Botswana, is one of Africa’s most extraordinary natural wonders. This vast inland delta, renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, offers a unique opportunity to experience a pristine wilderness. As the Okavango River meanders into the Kalahari Desert, it creates a sprawling floodplain that transforms into a lush oasis during the annual flood. The delta’s complex network of channels, lagoons, and islands provides diverse habitats for wildlife and spectacular views. For an immersive experience, consider staying at one of the delta’s luxurious lodges, which blend seamlessly with the environment and offer exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. The seasonal flood, which peaks between May and August, brings life to the delta and is the best time for wildlife sightings and photographic safaris. Fun Fact: The Okavango Delta is the world’s largest inland delta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its unique seasonal flooding pattern supports one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, making it a vital haven for both endemic and migratory species. A visit to the Okavango Delta promises a mesmerizing adventure amidst some of the most breathtaking and unspoiled landscapes in Africa, offering unparalleled wildlife encounters and tranquil natural beauty. |
| Day 8 |
Maun, often referred to as the "tourism capital" of Botswana, is a vibrant gateway to the Okavango Delta, one of the world's largest inland deltas. This bustling town offers a unique blend of modern amenities and traditional charm, making it an ideal starting point for safaris and wildlife adventures. Visitors can explore the nearby Moremi Game Reserve, known for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, or take a scenic flight over the delta for a bird's-eye view of this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite its rapid development, Maun retains a frontier-town feel, filled with local markets, traditional crafts, and a lively atmosphere. The Thamalakane River winds through the town, providing a picturesque setting for leisurely walks and relaxing boat trips. Maun is also home to the Nhabe Museum, which showcases the cultural heritage of the region through a variety of historical crafts, instruments, artwork and more. The town's unique blend of old and new, along with its strategic location, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Botswana. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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05/01/24 - 12/31/26 |
Starting At $9,608 |
Get A Quote |
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Offer is subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.
