Linyanti was absolutely terrific. We saw hundreds of elephants and hippos, and nearly 100 buffalo.  We saw a lion attempt to take down a giraffe, but she just missed.   Campbell, Joan & Sarah , Toronto ON - July 2016    Read more...

Botswana & Victoria Falls

With the highest number of elephants in the world, a huge continuous wilderness area where animals roam free, the tranquility of the Okavango Delta and rare species such as rhino and wild dog, Botswana is a safari destination like no other.  To top it off, just across the border in Zimbabwe you will find Victoria Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world and a staple of any Botswana safari. 

When to go

The best time to travel to Botswana for game viewing is the dry season from April to October.  During the other months landscapes are lush and young animals are born.  November through April make for great birding in the Okavango Delta. The otherwise bone-dry Central Kalahari, Nxai Pan and Makgadikgadi Pans are great to visit from December to February to see migrating zebra, elephant and buffalo.

Must-See Places

Signature Experiences

Okavango Delta

Lying in the midst of the Kalahari Desert, this giant marshland is a haven for wildlife from lions and elephant to the elusive sitatunga and myriad birds.  Tranquility is king in this otherworldly paradise.

Moremi Game Reserve

A protected area within the Okavango, Moremi Game Reserve has some of the highest density of wildlife in the world.  The area is a great mix of marshland and forests, making for great wildlife viewing.

Chobe

Famed for its large herds of massive elephants, the park consists of three distinct areas.  Chobe Riverfront supports the highest density of wildlife.  It is where most of the lodges are and where you can do river cruises to spot wildlife.  Linyanti Marsh is rich in predators and is far away from civilization - flying in to a luxury safari camp is the best option here.  Savuti, with the adjacent channel, rivals the riverfront in animal density, but is much more remote.

Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

Only a 90 minute drive from the Botswana border, Victoria Falls is a must-see for any visitor to this part of Africa.  The 2 kms (1.2 miles) wide falls can be seen from paths or from a helicopter.  Adrenaline junkies can bungee jump and raft in this, the adventure capital of Africa.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Remote, silent and dry.  This is wilderness at its best.  Game viewing is at its peak during the wet season (December to April).  On clear nights, sleep out on the roof of your luxury lodge and be awed by the millions of stars.

Makgadikgadi & Nxai Salt Pans

At the north-end of the Kalahari, colours fade to white, brown and burnt orange in this network of empty flat salt pans.  Big skies, epic stands of baobab trees and silence are the attractions here.

Game Drives

The best way to see wildlife is from your vehicle, driven by your guide who will explain everything there is to know about the animals you encounter.

Remote luxury lodges

Situated in privately protected areas, the only people you will see (if any) are others staying at the same intimate lodge as you are.  Sit back and let yourself be pampered with great food and wines, relax by the pool and enjoy all those safari activities on offer.

Game Walks

Within private concessions game walks are a unique and thrilling way to get up close to animals and see critters and spoor you would otherwise miss.  Our experienced guides will keep you safe.

Mokoro ride

The main mode of transport in the Okavango, mokoros are dugout canoes.  Let your poler take you deep into the marshes, to observe bird life, flowers and insects, but above all, to enjoy the utter tranquility the area is known for.

Safari flights

Used as an expedient way to get between remote safari lodges, these flights are a safari in their own right.  Seen from the air, you will get a sense how massive the wilderness and how densely populated by animals it is.

Chobe river cruise

A cruise down the Chobe River will allow you to see huge herds of elephants and buffalo as they come to the riverbank to drink.  In addition, spot hippos and crocodiles and incredible bird life.

Adventures at Victoria Falls

At Africa's adventure capital Victoria Falls, activities on offer include bungee jumping from the bridge over the falls, or rafting the wild class IV and V rapids downstream from the falls.  Other activities include guided tours of the falls, helicopter rides and canoe trips.

Suggested Tours

Botswana Explorer

Tour code: FEAW

Why we love this trip: Visiting all major game parks in Botswana, this tented safari provides an experience from a time gone by - pure wilderness with the utmost comfort and fantastic game viewing

Places visited: Okavango Delta, Moremi, Savute, Chobe and Victoria Falls

Signature Experiences: Lots of game drives, safari flights, game walks, mokoro rides, deluxe tenting in private campsites, boat cruise, optional  adventure activities in Victoria Falls

Length: 10 days

Accommodation: fully-serviced wilderness camping in ensuite safari tents

Included meals: all meals while on safari, breakfast in Victoria Falls

Transport: flights & 4x4 Landcruiser

Departures: Set small-group dates with maximum 6 guests

Customizable? Yes, see Botswana Fly-in Safari

Price: Small group departures priced from $5215(low season) - $6715(high season)

Botswana Fly-in Safari

Tour code: FBFI

Why we love this trip: Enjoy unrivalled game viewing in remote little-visited private game reserves, while flying between luxury safari lodges and camps

Places visited: On a typical itinerary you stay in the Okavango, Moremi and Chobe, but each trip is tailored to suit your wishes.

Signature Experiences:

Lots of game drives, mokoro & boat rides, game walks, safari flights, luxury lodges & camps

Length: 7 days and up

Accommodation: Safari lodges & luxury tented camps

Included meals: all meals while on safari

Transport: flights, foot, boats, open safari vehicles

Departures: daily private departures

Customizable?

Yes, price on request

Price: from $4450 (low season) - $9735 (high season) and up

Trans-Kalahari Adventure

Tour code: KTKA

Why we love this trip:

This popular safari shows you the best of Namibia and Botswana on a trip from Cape Town to Victoria Falls

Places visited: Cape Town, Augrabies Falls, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Fish River Canyon, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha NP, Okavango river, Kwando river, Chobe River, Victoria Falls

Signature Experiences: Table Mountain, spectacular views throughout, spectacular waterfalls and canyons, visits with Bushmen and Himba people, desert drives, climb sand dunes, optional ballon & aircraft sightseeing, boat ride on Chobe River, optional adventure activities in Swakopmund and Victoria Falls

Length: 22 days

Accommodation: lodge, chalet and small hotel all with en-suite facilities

Included meals: all breakfasts, 13 dinners

Transport: comfortable overland vehicle

Departures: set small-group dates

Customizable? No

Price: Small group departures prices from $4158