Signature: Botswana's Wildlife & the Okavango Delta - 8 Days
Trip Snapshot
Age range
12 - 100Start / End
- Maun
- Maun
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 12Meals included
20Highlights
- Embark on exhilarating wildlife safaris in the vast Makgadikgadi Pan National Park, where you'll track iconic predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas, alongside magnificent herds of zebras and wildebeest.
- Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Okavango Delta, gliding through its intricate, shimmering waterways by traditional mokoro canoe and motorboat, observing abundant hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife.
- Gain invaluable insights into Botswana's conservation efforts by engaging with inspiring researchers from the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project and wildlife biologists discussing the delicate balance of human and animal coexistence.
- Savour breathtaking panoramic views with scenic flights over the dramatic Makgadikgadi Pans and the lush, winding channels of the Okavango Delta, revealing the extraordinary scale and beauty of these wild landscapes.
- Discover unique wildlife viewing opportunities, from hidden water-level hides offering intimate glimpses of elephants at the river's edge to secluded bird-viewing spots perfect for observing vibrant avian life.
- Experience authentic African evenings with traditional boma dinners under a blanket of brilliant stars and gather around crackling campfires, sharing the day's adventures and soaking in the tranquil ambiance of the bush.
Everything you need to picture the adventure and pack with confidence — in one free PDF.
What's inside the PDF
Day-by-day itinerary
Every day mapped out, covering activities, travel times, meals and where you'll stay.Packing & kit list
Exactly what to bring, from clothing and essentials to luggage guidelines and what's available to hire locally.What's included
Accommodation, transport, guides and meals, so you can see exactly what your price covers.
Summary
Unveil the untamed wonders of Botswana as you track wildlife in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and deep into the heart of the Okavango Delta. Experience incredible animal encounters, meet leading researchers preserving delicate ecosystems, and glide through pristine delta channels by canoe. Led by experts, this is an immersive safari defined by wild spaces and conservation.
Itinerary
Day 1
Maun
Welcome to Botswana. Your expedition begins as you touch down in Maun, the gateway to one of the world's greatest wildernesses. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel to unpack and unwind. In the evening, gather with your National Geographic Expedition Leader, National Geographic Expedition Expert, and fellow travellers for an engaging welcome that sets the stage for your upcoming explorations. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious welcome dinner.
Day 2
Maun/Makgadikgadi Pans
Start the day with a visit to the Nkashi Knowledge Centre. Here, meet an inspiring researcher from the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project for an illuminating presentation on the origins of the Okavango Delta. Next, transfer to the airport for a scenic flight over changing landscapes to the Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the largest salt flats in the world. The afternoon calls you into the bush for an exhilarating safari drive in the national park. Scan the horizon for zebras and wildebeest and the predators that naturally follow such as: lion, leopard, cheetah, and hyenas. Cap off the day with a traditional boma dinner beneath a brilliant canopy of stars.
Day 3
Makgadikgadi Pans
As dawn breaks over the pans, set out on a morning safari drive to spot wildlife at their most active. Later, meet with a leading wildlife biologist for a presentation on the delicate balance of human and wildlife coexistence, followed by a visit to the local research centre. Back at the lodge, keep an eye out for elephants at the hidden water-level hide, offering panoramic views over Makgadikgadi Pan National Park, ideal for viewing wildlife on the river’s edge. Conclude the day with an afternoon safari drive before dinner.
Day 4
Makgadikgadi Pans
The golden morning light guides you on another safari drive through the rich habitats of Makgadikgadi Pan National Park, keeping an eye out for the resident wildlife in their natural environment. Under the midday sun, stay cool and relax at the lodge, perhaps visit the lodge’s secret hide to spot birds or grazing animals drinking at the edge of the Boteti River. Following another thrilling safari drive, the evening transitions to the warmth of the crackling campfire. Sink into your seat and share stories from the day.
Day 5
Makgadikgadi Pans/Okavango Delta
Board a mid morning flight into the lush green heart of the Okavango Delta, watching the arid plains transform into an intricate puzzle of shimmering waterways below. After lunch, attend an insightful afternoon talk regarding the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project. Learn about the ongoing efforts to secure permanent, sustainable protection for this vital watershed and its rich biodiversity. Afterwards, feel the spray of the water on your face during a boat safari, navigating the channels as the setting sun turns the delta waters into liquid gold.
Day 6
Okavango Delta
Awaken to the symphony of the delta and enjoy a light breakfast before your morning safari. Glide through the glass-like water in a traditional mokoro dugout canoe, listening to the gentle splash of the paddle, then step ashore for a guided nature walk across remote islands to track wildlife on foot. Spend a quiet afternoon at a secluded bird-viewing hide, watching kingfishers and herons fly above the reeds. Following afternoon tea, set out again by boat for another aquatic safari before settling into the lodge for the evening and gathering around the campfire.
Day 7
Okavango Delta
Head out in search of more wildlife with a morning boat safari. Watch for pods of hippos and basking crocodiles as you navigate by mokoro and motorboat, and discover the small wonders of the delta's ecosystems on an island walking excursion. Back at the lodge, spend the midday hours relaxing or gazing out from the bird-viewing area to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the local avian life. Following afternoon tea, a final boat ride reveals the delta's timeless beauty at twilight. Toast your unforgettable African expedition during a celebratory farewell dinner with your companions.
Day 8
Okavango Delta/Maun
Enjoy a final breakfast at the lodge, listening to the rustle of the palms and the distant calls of the bush one last time. Board a flight back to Maun, enjoying a final bird’s-eye view of the vast, winding delta channels you have explored. Your extraordinary wildlife expedition concludes upon arrival at the Maun airport.
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotel (1 nt), Safari Lodges (6 nts).
Meals
Breakfasts: 7, Lunches: 6, Dinners: 7
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Airport Transfers
Arrival OnlyAn airport transfer to the start of the tour is included. Please contact our team if you require a quote for a return transfer.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Aug 2027
from £14,949Sep 2027
from £14,949Oct 2027
from £13,949Jun 2028
from £13,949Jul 2028
from £14,949Aug 2028
from £14,949Sep 2028
from £14,949Oct 2028
from £13,949Jun 2029
from £13,949Jul 2029
from £13,949Aug 2029
from £13,949Sep 2029
from £13,949Oct 2029
from £13,949Nov 2029
from £13,949
October 2027
1 departure- Friday 15 Oct 2027to Friday 22 Oct 20276+ spaces of 12 leftGuaranteed Departure£13,949Pay MonthlyBest offerBook for£250 today, pay the rest later
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Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
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