Vast swathes of northern Botswana are far too wild for roads or even for rugged four-wheel driving. Access to the pristine wilderness is by light aircraft, touching down on dusty airstrips surrounded by elephants. Fly in and then explore to spend two days each in five distinctive safari destinations. From the Chobe woodlands to the Okavango oasis, Savute Channel to Makgadikgadi Pans, this luxury safari showcases the mystique and wonder of both the Delta and the desert.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1 - 2
Chobe National Park - Spectacular Woodland and River Safari
Beneath the canopy, you will go to follow sandy trails as you bump into the woodland. An elephant will block the trail, the large tusks forcing you to stop. Soon the rest of the herd will emerge as nearly 30 of them will slowly amble past, including two babies that swing their trunk with near comical curiosity. Inch a little further, and the scene will repeat itself with a big male hooting as the rest of the herd bulldozes their way through the trees. Giraffe is seen equally regularly with their heads above the high branches. As the sandy trail reaches the river, you will get your first glimpse of hippos, along with a buffalo herd chewing and chomping their way across the high grasses. Within an hour or so, some of the animals become so commonplace that you will not even point them out: elephants, giraffe, buffalo, zebra, lechwe, impala. As you continue, much more will continue to surprise, like tsessebe that skips out from the trees or a troop of baboons creating a riot of noise.
After touching down in Maun, you will transfer to a chartered light aircraft and a flight over the Okavango. Beneath the wingtips, the landscapes will transform from desert to delta, and then to the thick awning of the Chobe woodland. Touch down, and you will already be deep in the wilderness. The game drive will take you further in to bring these inspiring first safari impressions as you travel to your lodge, nestled on the Chobe River. Resident buffalo and lion pride create dramatic scenes close to the lodge, while any number of animals could come down to the river for a drink.
Over these first two days, you will combine game drives with cruises along the Chobe River. The latter will take you past hundreds of hippos, an even more evocative sight when you cruise at sunset, and they are seen emerging from the water. You will be staying in one of Botswana's original luxury lodges, a place of opulence that blends seamlessly with the natural environment. Accommodation later on the safari will be a bit more rustic, particularly in revealing how the wildlife roams freely amongst the camps. As a starting point, this lodge eases you into the wilds of Africa, with the salubrious fittings helping to soothe any aches from travel.
What's Included:
Day 3 - 4
Savute Channel – Mysterious Safari Landscape
Day 5 - 6
Shinde Concession – Classic Okavango Water Safari
Day 7 - 8
Moremi Game Reserve – The Big-Game Heart of the Delta
Day 9 - 10
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park – Desert Safari Along the Boteti River
Day 11
Maun – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Fly into the distinctive destinations of northern Botswana using light aircraft to enjoy a sublime aerial safari and explore the rich diversity of the region
- Spend four days on safari in the Okavango Delta, the beautiful blue oasis of islands and lagoons that stretch across the heart of the Kalahari Desert
- Surround yourself with the world's largest elephant population in Chobe National Park with the pachyderms joined by equally impressive numbers of giraffe, buffalo, zebra and more
- Explore wilderness areas that are not accessible by road, your chartered plane a chance to getaway into the wild and unseen big-game landscapes of Africa
- Explore the Savute Channel, a remote stretch of northern Botswana that's full of thrilling predator encounters, including rare wild dogs and leopards
- Moremi Game Reserve is the evocative big-game heart of the Okavango, bringing a safari experience that is full of both drama and charm
- The Shinde Concession offers an iconic water-based Delta experience, with motorboats and traditional wooden canoes that reveal the enchantment of the watery wilderness
- Complete your safari deep in the desert to spend two days in the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park to admire the nomads that come to drink from the Boteti River
- Savor the ultimate of luxury in the bush with a series of handpicked camps and lodges that ensure an immersive safari experience
Starting Price
$18,100 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.93 stars based on 433 reviews.
Our special trip surpassed all of our expectations!
We had a large group wanting to go on safari and started planning around a year in advance. We also had small children coming with us and we were celebrating a milestone birthday! My first call was with Zicasso’s travel agent, who had the best enthusiasm and confidence in delivering what we wanted. The other travel partner was my main point of contact afterwards and she probably ended up answering at least 10,000 questions for me!
Each moment of the trip was specially curated and special. They did a great job finding camps that would give us a unique experience rather than becoming redundant. The hospitality at the camps and accommodations were unique and comfortable. We were all so happy with how everything went! We would definitely use this travel company again for our travel needs!
Reviewed By Shruti B.
We had an amazing trip, planned by Zicasso's travel partner. This is the first time I've ever used a travel agent and I'll admit, I was nervous. She took all of our feedback into consideration while planning. I highly recommend!
Reviewed By Kris C.
The trip was carefully planned and we received optimal assistance throughout the trip and constant availability and monitoring during the journey. Our Zicasso travel agent was very professional and always available to respond to our requests and needs. The choice of hotels was excellent and reflected the expectations. The activities offered in the different locations were very well structured and the guides were of high quality, particularly those in Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta.
Reviewed By Roberto B.
We had a wonderful trip, with nearly seamless arrangements. All hopes and objectives were fulfilled. All camps were in good locations, with excellent service. We had experienced and knowledgeable guides at all camps. We were sorry to have it end!
Reviewed By Jean D.
Zicasso's trip designer arranged a flawless, extraordinary trip.
Reviewed By Bernard L.
We’re still not over our trip! Everything was absolutely fantastic. Thank you for organizing such a great experience and making it so effortless for me. I already have family and friends asking who I went through, and I’m guessing some of them will be reaching out to you in the next year.
I do have one small piece of constructive feedback about our camp in the Olifants West Nature Reserve. The staff, lodge, and food were wonderful, but unfortunately, the safari guide fell short. We had just come from the camp in the Thornybush Game Reserve (where we left our hearts—the guide there was truly exceptional, with such a great personality), so the difference stood out even more. At the Olifants West Nature Reserve camp, we saw very few animals and the guide didn’t engage much—he barely spoke, and when he did, it wasn’t very professional or kind, especially toward my son. My son even said the trip might have worked better in reverse, since after Botswana it was hard to adjust to seeing only a few animals a day.
That said, I’m so grateful for how smoothly you planned everything, especially on such short notice. It really was a trip of a lifetime for us.
Thank you again!
Reviewed By Mona P.