The Kalahari Basin – Salt Pans, San People & Meerkats

You can begin your safari in the Kalahari Basin, home to one of the world’s largest salt flats, the Makgadikgadi Pans. These vast white plains stretch to the horizon and offer a surreal, moon like landscape. From May to October, the zebra migration sweeps through the area , which is a lesser known but equally spectacular event compared to the wildebeest migration in East Africa.

Explore the region on guided walks led by the indigenous Kalahari San bushmen, who share their ancestral knowledge of survival and storytelling. Don’t miss a night under the stars on a Kalahari sleepout, no light pollution, just the Milky Way above and the silence of the desert around you.

You can also visit Baines Baobabs where ancient, giant trees stand like monuments on the edge of a salt pan. Or enjoy a quirky close up with habituated meerkats on the plains, they’ll happily climb onto your head for a better view!

The Okavango Delta – A Water Safari Wonderland

The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most extraordinary ecosystems on Earth. This lush inland delta floods seasonally, drawing wildlife from across Botswana and transforming the region into a vibrant mosaic of lagoons, islands and palm fringed channels.

Moremi Game Reserve

Located in the eastern delta, Moremi is famous for its dense concentration of wildlife that includes the chance to see the Big Five and predators like leopards, lions and the elusive African wild dog. Here, you’ll head out on classic game drives, spotting elephants bathing in the channels and lions snoozing in the shade.

Delta Island & Mokoro Adventures

For something truly special, base yourself on a Delta island deep in the floodplains, accessible only by helicopter or mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe). This is a tranquil, immersive way to discover the delta’s smaller wonders such as kingfishers, frogs and the intricate water lilies that flourish in the clear channels.

Okavango Panhandle & Khwai Community Area

In the Panhandle, to the north-west, birdwatchers will be in heaven as there are over 400 species that call this region home, including African fish eagles and rare Pel’s fishing owls. For those wanting to support community tourism, the Khwai Community Area offers a rich safari experience and is co -managed by locals, blending conservation with cultural insight.

Chobe National Park to See Elephants & Iconic Landscapes

In the north east is the Chobe National Park which is best known for hosting one of the largest elephant populations in Africa. The park spans over 11,000 square kilometers, divided into 3 distinct regions which are the Chobe Riverfront, Savuti Channel and Linyanti Marshes.

At the Chobe Riverfront, enjoy sunset boat cruises where you’ll glide past pods of hippos, watch elephants crossing the river, and see crocodiles basking on the banks. Inland in Savuti, expect dramatic dry season game viewing, with big cats like cheetahs and lions often seen on the hunt. Chobe caters to a wide range of budgets, with a mix of luxury lodges, mobile camps and mid range stays, all offering land and water based safari experiences.

End or Start with Victoria Falls

To round off your safari in style, consider spending 1 or 2 nights in Victoria Falls, either at the start or end of your trip. Located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“the smoke that thunders”), the falls stretch 1.7 kilometres across and plunge over 100 meters into the Zambezi Gorge. There are a wide range of high adrenaline activities available like white water rafting, ziplining and bungee jumping, or if you prefer a more chilled experience then simply enjoy sunset river cruises, guided walking tours and relaxing at a luxury lodge.