Botswana Okavango Delta Luxury Safari

Mokoro boat safari with elephant on riverbank at Sanctuary Baines Camp in Botswana

What to expect on this itinerary

Immerse yourself in a true Okavango Delta experience in Botswana. This trip takes you to two of the most beautiful spots in the Delta and invites you to experience the perfect mix of rustic African bush and luxurious comfort. Head out and explore one of the world’s most pristine wetland areas on game drives, boating trips, and bush walks, before returning to camp for cozy drinks around the fire, delicious meals and gorgeous rooms with private decks for ideal relaxation. Search for lion, leopard, and cheetah; be amazed by the stunning variety of birdlife and botany, before returning for a shower under the stars and that famed Botswana hospitality.

Countries Visited

Botswana

Places Visited

Okavango Delta, Linyanti Marsh, Moremi Game Reserve

Suggested Duration

7 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Linyanti Marsh – Arrive to Maun

You will arrive in Maun, the quaint town on the edge of the Okavango Delta, and breathe in your first Botswana air. You will then be met at the airport and taken to your light aircraft charter that will whisk you away into true paradise, tucked away as a unique oasis occurring within the Kalahari Desert. The Delta is one of the world’s few remaining areas of pristine wilderness. The vast majority of its sprawling wetlands are created by trapping the Angola rains that flow down from a catchment area of 200,000 square kilometers which are then caught in a tectonic basin. With the coming of these floods, the area of water in the Delta expands from roughly 6,000 square kilometers to 15,000 square kilometers. The area is subject to high levels of seismic activity because of its position over five major fault lines, two of which are named the Thamalakane and Kunyere fault lines. Astonishingly, deposition over hundreds of years has built up the Kalahari sand basin to such an extent that the “quakes” caused by the geological movements beneath the Delta are completely cushioned by the sand, and no tremors are felt.

Correctly termed an “alluvial fan,” this oasis is the only perennial river that flows east and does not reach the ocean. It is the third largest Ramsar site in the world, which means it is a wetland of international importance, and its status protects it so that privileged visitors may enjoy its jaw-dropping beauty. Spread out into a hand-like shape, this alluvial panhandle is comprised of permanent swamps, deep lagoons, and channels that snake through the would-be desert sands of the Kalahari. During years of high rainfall in Angola, the flood spreads even farther across this dry land, filling up temporary channels and floodplains that in turn attract even greater numbers of game. The spectacular and diverse topography of the Delta has drawn wildlife of unmatched variety and abundance, and it is without doubt Botswana’s reigning glory.

At your first camp you will behold vast and undisturbed plains and woodlands stretching out as far as the eye can see. The gorgeous camp with its authentic and luxurious tent-style rooms was designed with an understated elegance chosen especially for this camp. Your room is raised on a wooden deck, allowing you an ideal vantage point for wildlife spotting from the comfort of your own private space.

Free-standing bathtubs, a writing desk and an outdoor shower (bathing under the stars is a must!) are just a few of the charming highlights of your room. Awake each morning to the rumbling territorial call of a lion in the nearby floodplains, and listen for the cackles of hyena at night as they bicker and squabble in the darkness. You may hear the hooting whistle of a Giant Eagle owl, or hear jackals calling from the distance. These are the sounds of Africa, and they are blissfully worlds away from the noise of the city. Out here the staggering sense of space will overwhelm you, and the air you breathe will be the freshest you can imagine.

What's Included:

Transfer
Accommodation
Activity
Dinner
Day 2 - 3

Linyanti Marsh – Game Drives in Search of Wildlife

Day 4

Moremi Reserve – Fly to Another Corner of the Delta

Day 5 - 6

Moremi Reserve – Game Drives, Bush Walks, Mokoro Excursions, and Fishing

Day 7

Maun – Depart to Home

Trip Highlights

  • Set out into the wilderness on game drives in 4x4 vehicles to search for wildlife
  • Watch the magical Okavango Delta unfold beneath you as you fly in from Maun
  • Enjoy the truly wild bush whilst staying in peaceful and luxurious accommodation
  • Take a peaceful mokoro (canoe) trip through the glistening channels of the Delta
  • Explore your surroundings on a fascinating bush walk with your knowledgeable guide
  • Shower under the stars on your private deck
  • Recline and watch the wildlife come to you without even having to leave your bed

Starting Price

$12,200 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

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.

4.9

Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 449 reviews

Maria L.
South Africa Vacation Review: Johannesburg, Soweto, Safari, Traditional Meal, 6-Night Trip

The itinerary was amazing. I had no real idea what a safari would look like. Zicasso's travel designer talked to me about what our ideal travel experience would be for this trip. We got a mixture of locations. We were able to see the Big Five and other animals, exceeding our expectations. We had wonderful food and people at each location.

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Sean L.
South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana Trip Review: 17 Nights

Zicasso's travel consultant and the tour operator were excellent; the entire trip went flawlessly. They had every detail planned perfectly.

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David B.
Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa Trip Review: Okavango Delta, Safari, Game Drives, Wine Experience, 13 Nights

Our trip was amazing and Zicasso's travel company and our agent could not have been more helpful in planning the trip and making sure it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. She listened to our desires and planned a trip that met all our requirements. She was very patient in making little modifications until we were completely satisfied.

When we encountered some delays during the trip, she was very responsive in helping notify people on the ground and rescheduling our activities so we didn't miss a thing.

She was very knowledgeable about Southern Africa and selected exceptional lodging facilities for us. The accommodations were not only beautiful, but the staff were extremely professional, friendly, and attentive.

I would highly recommend this travel company if planning an African adventure!

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Anne S.
Uganda, Botswana, Zimbabwe Anniversary Vacation Review: Victoria Falls, Johannesburg, Gorilla Trek, Safari, 19-Day Trip

What an incredible experience! Everything was so well organized by Zicasso's tour company, from the moment we stepped off the plane in Johannesburg to the time we got back on to head home in Entebbe. We were treated so well by all the support staff hired to help our trip move along seamlessly. All of our experiences were phenomenal and even more amazing than hoped for. We had excellent in-country assistance, lodge staff and other guides, wonderful accommodations, amazing safaris, and delicious food.

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Tom O.
Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe Travel Review: Wildlife, 12-Day Trip

Zicasso's travel agent was a blessing. Her organizational skills were excellent. The trip plan app was used daily during our trip. What a wonderful tool. Our agent had all the pertinent information in the app and at our fingertips. The trip exceeded our expectations. I would definitely recommend using our travel agent and Zicasso to all my friends.

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Idalia F.
South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana Family Trip Review: Franschhoek, Gansbaai, Sabi Sands, Safari, 3-Week Tour

First, the booking experience with Zicasso's trip coordinator was seamless. She was always very attentive, responsive, and prompt with her replies. She listened to our wants and delivered beyond our expectations. Even our guides commented that she chose well for us. I would highly recommend booking with her.

Our itinerary in South Africa was pure perfection. Everything from the accommodations to the timing was perfect. We cannot say enough great things about the safari in Sabi Sands and the lodge. The lodge in Franschhoek was exceptional and the one in Gansbaai was the ideal ending to our trip.

This was truly a trip of a lifetime for our family. I’m not sure how we will ever top this experience. Thank you to Zicasso for connecting us with our agent.

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist.

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