Elephant Safari
13 Days / 12 Nights • Kasane - Nata - Nxai Pan - Boteti River - Maun - Khwai - Savuti - Chobe - Kasane
An Authentic, Hands-On Journey Through Botswana's Iconic Wilderness
Experience the raw, unfiltered beauty of Botswana on this thrilling 12-night, 13-day semi-participatory safari. Designed for true adventurers, this expedition invites you to connect deeply with nature by pitching your own tent and sharing stories around the campfire. From the massive elephant herds of Chobe to the secret channels of the Okavango Delta, you will experience Africa exactly as it was meant to be seen: wild, untamed, and unforgettable.
Expedition Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Kasane & The Gateway to Chobe: Your adventure begins in Kasane, the bustling hub where four African nations meet. After checking in, you will meet your expert guiding team and fellow travelers for a comprehensive pre-safari briefing. Activity: Evening safari briefing and welcome dinner. Overnight: Camping at a designated campsite in Kasane.
- Day 2: Kasane to Nata Bird Sanctuary: We journey south to the edge of the great Kalahari basin. Arriving at the Nata Bird Sanctuary, you will witness the breathtaking expanse of the Sua Pan, part of the vast Makgadikgadi salt flats. Activity: Afternoon sun-downer drive overlooking the shimmering salt pans, looking out for flamingos and pelicans (seasonal). Overnight: Nata Bird Sanctuary campsite.
- Day 3: Nxai Pan National Park & Baines' Baobabs: Today we venture into Nxai Pan National Park, stopping at the legendary Baines' Baobabs. These ancient, oversized trees were immortalized by explorer Thomas Baines in 1862 and stand as silent sentinels over a stark, beautiful landscape. Activity: Exploration of the historic baobabs and an afternoon game drive across the wide-open fossil pans. Overnight: Nxai Pan National Park campsite.
- Day 4: Makgadikgadi Pans National Park (Boteti River): We head to the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, focusing strictly on the life-giving Boteti River area. This region serves as a critical dry-season oasis, drawing thousands of animals to its banks. Activity: Afternoon game drive along the Boteti River to witness the spectacular, thundering zebra and wildebeest migration. Overnight: Boteti River campsite.
- Day 5: Journey to Maun: Leaving the pans behind, we travel west to Maun, the vibrant tourism capital of Botswana and the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Take this afternoon to relax, resupply your personal drinks, or opt for a scenic flight over the Delta. Activity: Afternoon at leisure / Optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta (extra cost). Overnight: Maun campsite.
- Day 6: Full-Day Boro River Mokoro Excursion: Step into a traditional dugout canoe, known as a mokoro, for a peaceful journey into the heart of the Okavango Delta at the Boro River. Gliding silently through reed-lined channels, you will experience the wilderness from water level. Activity: Full-day guided mokoro excursion, including a guided bush walk on a remote Delta island and a picnic lunch. Overnight: Maun campsite.
- Day 7: Moremi Game Reserve (Khwai Concession North) - Day 1: We pack up camp and head into the legendary Moremi Game Reserve, settling into the wildlife-rich Khwai Concession North. This area is famous for its exceptional predator sightings, including leopards, lions, and endangered wild dogs. Activity: Morning and afternoon game drives tracking big game along the Khwai River. Overnight: Khwai Concession North campsite.
- Day 8: Moremi Game Reserve (Khwai Concession North) - Day 2: Spend another full day exploring the wildlife-rich Khwai area. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, searching for the big cats and wild dogs that call this region home. Activity: Morning and afternoon game drives. Overnight: Khwai Concession North campsite.
- Day 9: The Wilds of Savuti (Chobe National Park) - Day 1: Our expedition pushes north into the rugged, mysterious landscape of Savuti. Famous for its intense predator dynamics, ancient elephant-hunting lions, and bold hyena clans, Savuti offers a thrilling, raw safari experience. Activity: Tracking predators along the Savuti Marsh and exploring the unique volcanic hills. Overnight: Savuti campsite.
- Day 10: The Wilds of Savuti (Chobe National Park) - Day 2: Continue exploring the dramatic Savuti ecosystem. A full day of game drives across the historic Savuti Marsh, searching for the powerful lion prides and hyena clans that dominate this rugged landscape. Activity: Morning and afternoon game drives. Overnight: Savuti campsite.
- Day 11: The Chobe Riverfront: We travel to the northern reaches of Chobe National Park. The Chobe Riverfront is world-renowned for hosting some of the largest densest concentrations of elephants and buffaloes on the African continent. Activity: Afternoon game drive along the lush, teeming riverfront. Overnight: Chobe Riverfront campsite.
- Day 12: Chobe River Cruise & Final Camp: Wake up for a final morning game drive before heading into Kasane. In the afternoon, swap the safari vehicle for a boat to experience Chobe from the water. Activity: Morning game drive; afternoon boat cruise on the Chobe River to watch elephants swim and hippos jostle. Overnight: Kasane campsite.
- Day 13: Final Farewell: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at camp before packing down your tents one last time. Your safari officially concludes mid-morning as you transfer to the airport or your next destination, carrying memories to last a lifetime. Meals: Breakfast.
What is Included vs. Not Included
- ✔️ Included: Staff, Transport & Camping Equipment: Professional Staff: Dedicated expert safari guide and a camp cook. Transport: Custom-built, open-sided 4x4 safari vehicles optimized for game viewing. Accommodation: All campsite reservation fees across parks and reserves. Equipment: Spacious dome tents and basic camp furniture (chairs and tables) provided.
- ✔️ Included: Meals & Activities: Meals: Three wholesome, freshly prepared camp meals per day (except dinner on Day 5 in Maun to allow for local exploration). Activities: All park entry fees, game drives, the full-day Boro River mokoro trip, and the Chobe River boat cruise.
- ⚠️ Guest Responsibility (Semi-Participatory): Your Role: Guests are responsible for putting up and breaking down their own tents on moving days. Ablutions: Campgrounds utilize shared, communal bush ablution blocks (showers and toilets).
- ❌ Not Included: Sleeping Gear: Guests must bring their own sleeping bags and pillows (or hire them directly prior to arrival). Beverages: All alcoholic drinks, sodas, and mineral water. Flights: International or regional flights. Travel Insurance: Mandatory comprehensive medical and travel insurance. Gratuities: Tips for the guide, cook, and local mokoro polers. Optional Activities: Scenic Delta flight in Maun.