Ultimate 5-Day Botswana Safari Itinerary & Costs (6 Options)

Day 1: Maun to Moremi Game Reserve (Okavango Delta)

Total Drive Time (Excluding Game Drives): 4 hour drive or a 30-45 minute flight

Flights into Maun Airport usually arrive at around 1.00 or 2.00 p.m. If possible, try to arrive at least a day before your safari begins. This serves as a buffer in case of any travel delays on the way, and can ensure that you don’t miss a day of your safari!

Your adventure begins with a journey to Moremi Game Reserve, in the east of the Okavango Delta. This famous wildlife destination is known for its winding river channels, annual floods and impressive species diversity.

You can drive or fly into the reserve, depending on your travel preferences and budget. Either way, you’ll set out in the morning and arrive in time for an afternoon game drive.

Moremi Game Reserve (Okavango Delta) Map

Itinerary

You’ll leave Maun after breakfast and head to Moremi Game Reserve. Road transfers are longer (around 4 hours) and cheaper, whilst a flight is more expensive but will have you there in under an hour. The aerial views of the delta are stunning, so it’s worth paying extra to fly, if you can.

If you’re driving, you’ll start out on a tarred road, but the tracks soon turn to dirt, so expect a bumpy ride. The latter part of the trip, where you travel through the reserve, is like a bonus game drive, so keep your camera handy.

Alternatively, if you opt to fly into Moremi, you’ll be met at the airstrip and driven to your camp or lodge for lunch. You’ll enjoy a picnic bush lunch if you’re on a mobile safari.

In the afternoon it’s time for a game drive in Moremi. You’ll be usually be traveling in an open 4X4 vehicle, which will give you 360 degree views for spotting wildlife, and will enable you to take the bumpy roads into some of the reserve’s wilder regions. It’s a tranquil place, with glistening channels of water meandering through the grassy plains and mopane forests. As you drive deeper into the wilderness, watch as hippos glide lazily through reeded waterways and elephants gather to play on riverbanks.

After spending a few thrilling hours searching for wildlife, you’ll head back to your accommodation for dinner.

About Moremi Game Reserve

Covering about 40% of the Okavango Delta, Moremi is a pristine region packed with wildlife and diverse landscapes. Safaris here take place in specially adapted 4X4 safari vehicles, and during the annual floods you can explore the water channels by mokoro – a traditional dug-out canoe.

Moremi was named after Chief Moremi III and his wife, Elizabeth Pulane Moremi, who were the leaders of the BaTawana tribe in the mid-Twentieth Century. Moremi Game Reserve was established in 1963 as Botswana’s first protected area in the Delta and Elizabeth Moremi played a particularly important part in preserving this piece of natural heritage. 

Today, Moremi Game Reserve is a haven for wildlife, with the floodplains, lagoons and forests providing sanctuary for a huge range of animals. You will have the chance to see everything from lions and elephants to hippos and wild dogs in the reserve. It is also home to some of the world’s rarest species, such as the critically endangered black rhino. 

Chief’s Island is one of the highlights of a safari in Moremi. Once a royal hunting ground, this idyllic island bursts with life. It’s the only place in the reserve where you can see all of the Big Five, since rhinos, safe from poachers on the island, are not found elsewhere in the park. 

Tips for Travelling to Moremi Game Reserve

• The road to Moremi is bumpy as you’ll be travelling on corrugated dirt tracks. So, you might want to avoid eating a big breakfast before setting out and take a neck pillow if you fancy napping during the drive.
• Think about downloading audiobooks or music so you can listen to them on your phone. There won’t be any internet access for most the journey.
• Regardless of the time of year you visit, the nights get bitterly cold here. Be sure to pack sufficient warm clothing for your trip.

Where to Spend the Night

You’ll be sleeping out in the wilds of Moremi if you’ve booked a mobile safari. Your luxury mobile camp will be ready and waiting for your arrival with en suite tents and proper beds. This is my personal favourite option

As a lower budget option, basic camps are more rustic with shared facilities, and you’ll be expected to help with the setup and packing up of camp.  

Alternatively, you can stay in a lodge or semi-permanent tented camp inside the reserve. These offer a higher level of service and have more amenities – some even have swimming pools. For a traditional yet luxurious stay, consider places like Camp Moremi, Nokanyana Lodge or Little Sable.

My Experience Visiting Moremi Game Reserve

From sunset drives alongside elephants to the thrilling sound of lions roaring across the river, my time in Moremi was absolutely enchanting! A highlight was watching a group of bull elephants drinking from the river right opposite our picnic spot. Their sheer size was awe-inspiring, and I felt so lucky to witness them up close.

Another amazing encounter happened as we returned to camp at dusk. We came within just ten meters of a leopard! I spent several minutes captivated as I watched him groom himself before he slipped away into the forest. It was a truly special moment.

I also loved observing some of Botswana’s smaller wildlife. The energetic tree squirrels, with their constant alarm calls (though the cause remained a mystery!), were great fun to watch. And I was thrilled to spot my very first side-striped jackals – a rare daytime sighting, as they’re typically nocturnal creatures.

Our afternoon safari took us to Dead Tree Island, a unique area within the Okavango Delta surrounded by water. In 2010, a flood killed all the trees, creating a landscape that is eerily beautiful. We enjoyed a stunning sunset here, watching an elephant  grazing in the water as red lechwe observed from the banks. A flock of vibrant Meyer’s parrots added a splash of colour as they perched in the branches of one of the dead trees.

You can watch a video of my experience visiting Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta below.

Day 3: Moremi Game Reserve to Khwai Community Area

Total Drive Time (Excluding Game Drives): 4 hours drive or 30-45 minutes by plane

It’s a travel day today, but the scenery ensures that the transfers are enjoyable. You’ll have one last game drive in Moremi this morning, before heading to Khwai, either by road or air. After arriving in Khwai, you’ll have your first taste of this pristine wilderness area with a game drive before dinner.

Khwai Community Area Map

Itinerary

Your final game drive in Moremi departs at 6:30am, after an early breakfast, and you’ll spend a few hours exploring new areas in search of wildlife.

If you’re on a mobile safari, a picnic lunch will be provided which you’ll enjoy at a scenic spot during the journey. If you’re staying at a lodge, you’ll return there for lunch before continuing to Khwai.

The transfer to Khwai Community Area takes around 4 hours, but it’s like an extra game drive. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself stopping to observe wildlife along the way!

Alternatively, to cut down on driving time, you can fly to Khwai instead. This is a short but scenic route, and you might even spot some animals down on the floodplains below.

After arriving in Khwai, you’ll get settled into your accommodation, whether a mobile camp or lodge, before heading out on an extended evening game drive until 8:30pm.

Whilst the sun is still high in the sky, you’ll drive deep into the wilderness, passing through open plains and thick forests. Then, as day turns to dusk, keep an eye out for nocturnal animals like porcupines and aardvarks scurrying along the side of the track.

After 8:30pm, you’ll head back to your lodge or camp for a well-earned dinner.

About Khwai Community Area

Located on the edge of Moremi Game Reserve, Khwai Community Area is hidden away in the northeastern part of the Okavango Delta. Khwai is a private concession owned by the indigenous San people. Once a hunting region, today it is managed as a conservation area.

There are several different habitats here, including lagoons, floodplains and forests. This ecosystem diversity supports a huge array of animal species, so it’s the perfect place for a safari.

Khwai is particularly famous for its high predator numbers, with dense concentrations of lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas. This is a good place to try and spot wild dogs too, especially during the dry season when they’re denning.

One of the really special things about Khwai is that night game drives are possible here, since it’s a private concession. This gives you a rare opportunity to discover nocturnal wildlife like civets, genets, porcupines and honey badgers. Predators are active at night too, so this is a great time to witness big cats on the prowl, looking for their next meal.

Tips for Your Moving Day to Khwai

• Flying is the most efficient way to get to the Khwai Community Area and the road from Moremi can be quite bumpy.
• However, the drive is only four hours so I tend to drive and you can see wildlife on the way.

Where to Spend the Night

If you’ve chosen the mobile safari option, your camp will be rebuilt in Khwai.

If you’ve opted for a luxury mobile safari, this will all be done for you in advance and waiting for you when you arrive. However, if you are budget camping, be ready to roll up your sleeves and help set up camp when you arrive. 

There are also a number of high-end lodges located within the concession.

My Experience Journeying from Moremi to Khwai

On our journey from Moremi to Khwai, we paused for lunch by a small tributary. What began as a calm picnic quickly turned extraordinary when a herd of elephants surrounded us. Being so close to these majestic animals was breathtaking, though the mood shifted when one of the bulls grew agitated.

He began flapping his ears and rumbling, a clear warning that we had outstayed our welcome. Thankfully, our guide remained composed, directing us to retreat calmly to the vehicle before clapping his hands to encourage the elephants to move on. It felt like a narrow escape, yet it’s one of those safari memories I know I’ll recount for years to come.

By the time we reached the Khwai Concession, the day was drawing to a close, and we passed through Khwai Village near the entrance. I found it inspiring to see such a strong model of community-based ecotourism in action. The local San people, who manage the concession, live in remarkable balance with their natural surroundings, and it struck me as a genuine success story.

Day 5: Khwai Community Area to Maun

Drive Time (Excluding Game Drives): 5 hour drive or 30-45 minute flight

After a final game drive this morning in Khwai, it’s time to return to Maun. You’ll have lunch in Khwai before driving or flying back to town, where your safari ends.

Itinerary

This morning, you’ll head out into Khwai for one last game drive. You’ll bounce along the trails, deep into the wilderness, looking for a few final animal sightings. Stop beside shallow lagoons and watch antelopes and giraffes taking a drink, whilst herds of buffalo graze out on the surrounding floodplains.

After lunch at your lodge, or a picnic lunch if you’re mobile camping, you’ll begin the journey back to Maun. It takes 5 hours by road, with part of the trip essentially a bonus game drive. Alternatively, you can fly back and admire the delta from above. This is a great way to gain a bit of perspective and to see just how vast the Okavango is.

You’ll spend the night in Maun or fly home this evening.

Tips for Visiting Maun

Maun is a sleepy, tranquil town, with a handful of charming restaurants worth returning to. My favourites are Marc’s Eatery for dinners, and The Duck Café for lunch.

Whilst Maun isn’t a large town, it’s not very walkable because attractions aren’t situated close together. I suggest using local taxis to travel between locations as they’re reliable and fairly cheap. There aren’t any Ubers in Maun. 

I felt extremely safe while in Maun, but it’s sensible to exercise caution when out and about, just as you would in any new city.

Where to Spend the Night

Once back in Maun, you can either return to the same lodge or guesthouse where you spent your first night, or change things up by trying a different spot. Great mid-range choices in Maun include Maun Studios and The Waterfront.

If your flight back to Johannesburg or Cape Town departs in the evening, it may be possible to leave the same day. Be sure to let your guide know your departure time so the schedule can be planned accordingly, and always factor in extra time for any unexpected delays.

My Personal Experience in Maun

Maun is a relaxing, peaceful place to end your safari experience, and spending a night here will really give you a taste of town life in Botswana. I really enjoyed eating dinner at Marc’s Eatery, a restaurant and bakery that has consistently excellent reviews, and for good reason!  

I stayed at The Waterfront, a B&B overlooking the Thamalakane River. It has a swimming pool, if you need to cool off before dinner, and gorgeous, modern rooms. The staff are also exceptional. 

Day 1: Maun to Khwai Community Area

Drive Time (Excluding Game Drives): 4 hours drive or 30-45 minutes by plane

This morning, you’ll travel from Maun to Khwai Community Area, your first stop in the Okavango Delta. You can either drive or fly, and you’ll arrive in time for an afternoon game drive.

Khwai Community Area Map

Itinerary

Your safari begins this morning with a transfer to Khwai Community Area. Flying is more expensive than driving but a lot faster, and you’ll enjoy an aerial perspective of the Okavango Delta. Alternatively, the drive takes around 4 hours on a mix of roads and gravel tracks.

If you’re on a mobile safari, you’ll have a picnic lunch after which you can head out on your afternoon game drive straight away. Alternatively, if you’re staying at a lodge, you’ll check into your accommodation and eat there before your game drive.

Your afternoon will be spent out in Khwai, exploring remote areas and searching for wildlife in a 4X4. Venturing into the heart of the wilderness, you’ll drive across the vast floodplains, passing patches of forest and scattered lagoons teeming with life. Large herds of buffalo graze on the grasslands whilst marabou storks strut about in the shallow water.

After your game drive you’ll return to your accommodation for dinner.

About Khwai Community Area

Bordering Moremi Game Reserve, the Khwai Community Area is located in the northeastern reaches of the Okavango Delta. This private concession is owned by the indigenous San people and is controlled by the local Khwai community.

Ecosystems here are varied, with floodplains, lagoons and forests providing the perfect habitats for a wide range of species. During the dry season, huge herds of elephants and buffalos gather along the banks of the Khwai River. The concession is also known for its large prides of lions and healthy leopard and wild dog populations.

As Khwai is a private concession, night game drives are permitted here. This gives you a rare chance to see nocturnal wildlife which only comes out after dark. You may spot porcupines, aardvarks, honey badgers and, if you’re lucky, even an elusive pangolin!

Tips for the drive from Maun to Khwai Community Area

• The road to Khwai has some very bumpy sections, so be prepared for the traditional ‘African massage’ along the way. If you plan on getting a bit of sleep, take a neck pillow for extra comfort.
• There won’t be any internet during the journey so download some music, podcasts or audiobooks before you depart.

Where to Spend the Night

You’ll be spending the night inside the Khwai Community Area. If you’re on a luxury mobile safari, your camp will be set up in a scenic spot within the concession. Everything will be done for you and you’ll have a bed and an en suite bathroom for extra comfort. On a budget mobile safari, you’ll participate in putting up the tents and will share facilities with your camping team. 

If you prefer a high-end lodge or semi-permanent tented camp, there are many luxury options inside the concession.

My Experience Visiting Khwai Community Area

Our campsite at Khwai Safari Grounds was perfectly situated along a tributary teeming with wildlife. From the comfort of our camp, we were treated to an incredible parade of animals—hippos, waterbuck, elephants, warthogs, and impalas all made appearances right before our eyes!

However, the absolute pinnacle of our Kwai experience was an extraordinary lion encounter. We discovered two lionesses lounging in the shade, and then watched them as they began stalking a herd of waterbuck.

Remarkably, the antelopes didn’t flee — instead, they stood their ground, snorting and advancing toward the predators. Their intimidation tactics worked, forcing the lionesses to retreat across a waterway to a small island.

 What truly elevated this experience was our guide’s exceptional skill. While other vehicles struggled to track the lions, he was able to position us directly in the lionesses’ path, providing us with an intimate and thrilling wildlife moment that felt almost choreographed by nature itself.

You can watch a video of my experience visiting Khwai Conservation Area in the Okavango Delta below.

Day 3: Khwai Community Area to Savuti (Chobe National Park)

Total drive time (excluding game drives): 4 hours drive or 30-45 minutes by plane

You’ll have a final game drive this morning in Khwai, before making your way to Savuti in Chobe National Park. You can choose to drive or fly, and both routes are scenic. In the afternoon, you will have an evening game drive in Savuti.

Savuti Map

Itinerary

You’ll spend the morning out in Khwai, enjoying your last game drive in the concession. As the morning mists lift and the sun begins to warm the floodplains, wildlife springs into action. You might see lions returning from a night of hunting, or wild dogs playing around their dens. Take a moment to soak up the silence, which is broken only by crocodiles sliding into the water or the piercing call of eagles soaring overhead.

Lunch is either at your lodge or out on safari if you’re on a mobile camping trip. Then it’s time to head to Savuti. Your journey will essentially be another game drive through the reserve. You can stop for animal sightings along the way, so it just feels like one big day of safaris. The alternative option is to fly to Savuti, which whilst expensive, is a great way to get your bearings and enjoy some panoramic views.

After checking into your new lodge or campsite, you’ll venture out into Savuti on an evening game drive. Despite being drier than Delta, the landscape here is fertile and the varied ecosystems support a staggering array of wildlife. Driving through the savannah grasslands, you’ll pass volcanic hills, rivers and pockets of green forest. Lions and elephants are often seen in this region, and if you’re lucky you might get to see an evening hunt.

You’ll return to your accommodation for dinner after your game drive.

About Savuti (Chobe National Park)

Savuti lies in the west of Chobe, covering more than 6,200 square miles of the national park. Characterised by dry savannahs and mopane woodlands stretching towards the horizon, this is a land of diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife.

The Savuti Channel runs through the area, but it often dries up completely, sometimes going for decades without flowing. When the water does flow, it transforms the region into marshland, with lush grazing for animals. These days, the landscapes are green and vibrant, making this one of the best places in Chobe for wildlife viewing.

The Savuti region is famous for its predators and has huge populations of lions and hyenas, as well as a healthy number of leopards. This is also a great place to see large bull elephants gathering at watering holes, and out on the plains you’ll find grazing herds of buffalo, wildebeest and tsessebe.

One of the more unusual wildlife sights in Savuti is Botswana’s annual zebra migration. During the wet season, thousands of these striking animals gather on Savuti’s plains to graze on the sweet grass.

Birding in Savuti is superb too, and there are more than 450 species found here. Keep an eye out for the enormous kori bustard, the rare ground hornbill, and the long-legged secretary bird.

The wider Chobe National Park is one of Botswana’s top safari destinations. The region is home to enormous herds of elephants and is famous for its riverfront area, where you can enjoy boat cruises to see wildlife up close. 

Tips for Your Moving Day to Savuti

• Don’t forget to ask your guide about making a quick stop at the fascinating Dead Tree Forest just east of Khwai. It’s one of those unexpected sights that makes you do a double-take – imagine a whole forest of bare thorn trees right in the middle of otherwise thriving bush!
• No one’s quite sure what created the ghostly scene of Dead Tree Forest. People speculate that it could have been hungry elephants, too much flooding, or maybe an old fire that damaged the bark. Whichever way, it’s definitely worth a photo stop!
• Your journey from Khwai to Savuti will effectively just be a long game drive through the park, with stops for animal sightings along the way. It will be bumpy on the rough tracks so be prepared to bounce around a bit.
• I like to take a neck pillow in case I want to sleep on transfer journeys, and I recommend downloading audiobooks or music to your phone, so you have something to listen to if needed.

Where to Spend the Night

If you’re on a mobile safari, your camp will come with you from Khwai and it will be set up when you arrive in Savuti.

There are plenty of up-market lodges on offer as well.

My Experience Journeying From Khwai to Savuti

The drive from Khwai to Savuti took us through such a mix of landscapes that I found myself glued to the window the whole way. We stopped for lunch at the Mababe Depression, and honestly, it took my breath away. The sheer emptiness of that vast, flat expanse is impossible to capture in words, it felt otherworldly, so different from anything I’d seen so far.

By the time we reached Savuti in the late afternoon, I was buzzing with anticipation. We didn’t even bother unpacking and straight onto the game drive we went. And then, the moment I’d been dreaming of: we came across an African wild dog den. I could hardly believe it. These endangered predators had been at the very top of my safari wishlist for so long, and there they were, right in front of me. Pure magic.

Day 5: Chobe Riverfront

Drive Time (Excluding Game Drives): 5 hour drive or 30-45 minute flight

Today you’ll drive to the town of Kasane, where you’ll make a stop for lunch. Then you’ll head down to Chobe Riverfront in the afternoon for a boat cruise before spending the night in Kasane or flying home.

Itinerary

After breakfast, you’ll make your way to Kasane, either with a 5-hour drive or a short flight. The drive is scenic, and you may see wildlife along the way. Flying is more expensive but quicker, and you’ll have a great vantage point for panoramic views of Chobe National Park.  

Kasane has several restaurants and cafes, so you’ll stop here for lunch and a rest after your journey.

This afternoon, you’ll visit Chobe Riverfront for a unique water safari. The boat cruise takes you on a relaxing ride along the Chobe River, where elephants and antelopes often gather on the riverbanks. As you meander along the river, through grassland plains and patches of forest, look out for the nostrils of hippos poking out of the water, and the telltale trails of crocodiles as they swim beneath the surface.

You’ll return to Kasane after your cruise, either to stay the night or to fly home.

Tips for Visiting Chobe Riverfront

• It’s easy to get sunburned out on the water, so wear plenty of sunblock and cover up with a sun hat.
• You’ll have about 3 hours on the river, so take some water with you too.
• Keep your arms inside the boat, and never be tempted to feel the water! Remember, there are crocodiles lurking in the river.

Where to Spend the Night

If you’re not flying home tonight, you’ll stay in Kasane, where there are lots of guest houses and lodges. River View Lodge and Chobe Marina Lodge offer a peaceful stay in beautiful surroundings within easy reach of the airport.

My Experience Visiting Chobe Riverfront

I couldn’t have imagined a better way to end my Botswana adventure than with a three-hour boat cruise. Our little motorboat was compact but comfortable, with a sun canopy offering just the right amount of shade. I loved the feeling of drifting along with Botswana stretching out on one side and Namibia on the other.

Our driver was especially eager to show off the Nile crocodiles! I caught myself holding my breath as we edged within arm’s reach of a massive one. We then crept even closer to an even bigger croc… and that’s when the engine sputtered and died for a few nail-biting minutes.

The moment that truly stayed with me, though, was watching a herd of elephants cross the river. Seeing them wade shoulder-deep through the current on their way to a grassy island was pure magic and a fitting finale to an unforgettable journey.

You can watch a video of my experience visiting Victoria Falls & Chobe Riverfront below.

Day 1: Maun to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Drive Time (Excluding Game Drives): 3.5 hours drive or 30-45 minutes by plane

Your safari begins with a journey from Maun to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, either by road or by air. On arrival, you’ll have some lunch, before heading out into the wilderness on an evening game drive.

Itinerary

This morning, you’ll set off on your adventure, leaving Maun behind and making your way to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. It takes around 3.5 hours to drive, but you might prefer to fly in, especially if you’re visiting during the wet season. The ground is typically very muddy at this time and driving can be challenging. Flying is also a great way to appreciate the vast scale of the salt pans.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild if you’re on a mobile safari, or head to your lodge for a meal if you’ve chosen to stay in more permanent accommodation.

At around 3:30pm you’ll explore the park on an evening game drive, bouncing through the savannah grasslands around the vast white salt flats. This is a great time to see predators, now that the heat of the day has dissipated. Hyenas pad through the grassy plains whilst bat-eared foxes scurry around the edge of the pans, searching for some tasty morsels. If you’re lucky, you might even glimpse the elusive black-maned lions that are known to roam in this area.

After an exhilarating evening out in Makgadikgadi, you’ll return to your camp or lodge for dinner. Take a moment to look up at the night sky – there’s no light pollution here so this is one of the best places in Africa for stargazing.

About Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Makgadikgadi Pans is a vast area of salt flats, stretching for miles towards the horizon in northeastern Botswana. The stark white pans are some of the largest in the world, covering the site of a former lake that was once the size of Switzerland.

This area is famous for its meerkats, who are frequently spotted up on high mounds, keeping watch over the plains. Some groups are habituated to humans, so you can watch them squabbling, playing and hunting scorpions during your visit.

A visit to Makgadikgadi isn’t just about the animals though. During the dry season, wildlife can be scarcer than in other parks, but the lunar landscapes more than make up for their absence. You can walk out on the otherworldly pans, which feel like they belong on another planet. Islands dotted with palms and giant baobabs are scattered across the salt flats, whilst around the edges, the grasslands stretch for miles.

During the wet season, the pans flood, bringing an abundance of wildlife to the park. Lesser flamingos descend in their thousands and herds of large herbivores come to graze on the lush plains surrounding the salt flats. This is a good time to see wildebeests, elands and red hartebeest, as well as healthy populations of lions and hyenas.  

One of the most spectacular animal events in Makgadikgadi Pans is the world’s longest zebra migration. Flooding in the Okavango Delta forces the animals to move, and they journey here to Makgadikgadi in search of drier land and fresh grazing grounds. 

Tips for Travelling to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

• The drive from Maun to Makgadikgadi is only about 3.5 hours, However, some of the tracks are rugged. Take a neck pillow in case you want to sleep during the journey,
• Make sure your phone is fully charged so you can listen to music or audiobooks. Remember to download them before you depart – there will be no internet when you’re on the move.
• The best time of year to see the zebra migration in the Makgadikgadi Pans is during the rainy season, typically from December through March

Where to Spend the Night

There’s no better place in the world to sleep out beneath the stars than the salt pans, so this is a great location to opt for a luxury mobile camping safari. On luxury safaris, which is in fact a good mid-range option, everything will be set up and prepared for you. If you opt for budget mobile camping, you’ll help with the camp setup.

If you prefer a high-end lodge or semi-permanent tented camp, there are many luxury options in the area.

Day 3: Makgadikgadi Pans National Park to Nxai Pan National Park

Total drive time (excluding game drives): 3 hours drive or 30-45 minutes by plane

After a final game drive in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, you’ll journey up to Nxai Pan. This trip is usually taken on the road, and doubles as a game drive, but you can choose to fly if you prefer. Lunch will be a picnic out on the plains or a meal at your lodge. To finish the day, you’ll head out on an evening game drive in Nxai Pan.

Itinerary

This morning you’ll drive out into Makgadikgadi once more, to see what wildlife you can see around the pans. Then it’s time to head up to Nxai Pan National Park where you’ll be based for the next couple of nights.

The land transfer is more like a game drive, so you’ll be stopping along the way at scenic spots and to view animals. You can fly if you want a quicker journey, and the aerial panoramas are out of this world.

If you’re on a mobile safari you’ll have a picnic lunch on the road, usually in a scenic location on the plains or by the river. Alternatively, if you’re staying at a lodge, a hot lunch will be served at your next accommodation.

After a rest this afternoon, you’ll venture out into Nxai Pan for an evening game drive. As you travel across the grassy plains, admire the huge herds of zebras and antelope who are grazing amongst the patches of umbrella thorn trees. You’ll soon reach the watering hole, which is the favourite hangout of many species in Nxai Pan, including elephants and impalas.

You’ll return to camp in the evening for dinner. 

About Nxai Pan National Park

Nxai Pan sits on the northern border of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. This vast salt pan covers much of Nxai, but there are areas of grasslands, mopane woodlands and waterholes to explore too. Game drives and walking safaris are popular here, and you can also sleep out on the pans under a twinkling sky of stars.

Just like in Makgadikgadi, the annual rains transform the arid landscape, attracting large herds of zebra, springbok and gemsbok to the plains. The area is known for its cheetah sightings too, and you might also see some of the more unusual inhabitants, like bat-eared foxes and ostriches. You can expect to see plenty of meerkats during your visit too.

Nxai Pan is one of the best places to witness Botswana’s zebra migration, as the animals are drawn here from Chobe by the seasonal rains. Timings are unpredictable, but you have a good chance of seeing the large herds if you visit in December, January or February.

One of the most iconic sights in the south of Nxai Pan National Park is the Baines’ Baobabs. These enormous trees stand like sentinels, watching over the endless white plains all around them. Used by early missionaries as landmarks for navigation, the baobabs were later named after British landscape painter and naturalist Thomas Baines, who came here in 1862. 

Tips for Travelling to Nxai Pan National Park

• If you’re driving between Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan, it’ll be a bumpy but beautiful journey. There’s plenty to see along the way, so keep your camera close.
• I like to take a neck pillow in case I want to sleep, and always make sure I have audiobooks, podcasts or music to listen to during the ride.
• Your guide should have a drinks cooler on board, so if you’re feeling thirsty, just ask for some refreshments. 

Where to Spend the Night

If you’re on a mobile camp, your team will find a scenic spot to pitch up for the night. You’ll be expected to help with the setup if you’re on a budget safari, but if you’ve booked a luxury trip then camp will be ready and waiting for your arrival.

There’s very little permanent accommodation in Nxai Pan, so it’s best to book early to avoid disappointment, if you’d like to go this route.  If you’re staying in lodges during this trip, there are a number of great options.

Day 5: Nxai Pan National Park to Maun

Drive Time (Excluding Game Drives): 4 hour drive or 30-45 minute flight

This is your last day on safari, so you’ll make the most of it by fitting in a final game drive in Nxai Pan this morning. Then you’ll drive or fly back to Maun, where you can spend the night or head home if you have an evening flight.

Itinerary

It’s up early again for a 6:30am game drive, giving you a final chance to soak up the otherworldly beauty of Nxai Pan. This is the perfect time for photography, with the shadows of baobabs and wildlife herds bringing an extra dimension to the scene.

You’ll enjoy a last lunch in the park, either in your lodge or out on safari, and then it’s time to return to Maun. It’s a 4-hour drive, part of which will be through the park, so your safari adventures won’t end immediately. You can fly instead if you prefer.

Arriving in Maun this afternoon, you’ll have free time to enjoy the town or relax in your hotel. If you have an evening flight home, you’ll be dropped at the airport for your onward journey. 

Tips for Visiting Maun

• Maun may be small, but it’s not walkable, so you’ll need transport to get around town. Uber isn’t available in Maun, so I suggest using taxis instead.
• Crime isn’t really a problem in Maun, but as with most places, pickpocketing does sometimes happen. Keep your valuables out of sight while out and about. 
• Avoid walking close to the riverbank, especially at dusk, as there are crocodiles living here. 

Where to Spend the Night

If you’re not flying home tonight, you will stay in one of Maun’s lodges or guest houses. My personal favourite is The Waterfront, with views of the Thamalakane River.

Day 1: Maun to Savuti (Chobe National Park)

Drive Time (Excluding Game Drives): 5.5 hours drive or 30-45 minutes by plane

Your first day begins with a transfer from Maun to Savuti in Chobe National Park. You can travel by road or take a short flight if you prefer. This afternoon you’ll head out on your first game drive in Savuti, before settling into camp or lodge for the night.

Savuti (Chobe National Park) Map

Itinerary

This morning you’ll depart from Maun and journey up to Chobe National Park. Your destination is Savuti, a remote and wildlife-rich region in western Chobe. After leaving the Maun area, much of the drive is on well-maintained gravel roads – these become sandy as you enter the park. There’s a good chance you’ll enjoy some animal encounters along this route. If you decide to fly, you’ll be in Savuti in under an hour.

On arrival in Savuti, if you’re on a mobile camping safari, you’ll have a picnic lunch out in the bush. If you’re staying in a lodge, you’ll check in and enjoy a hot lunch after your journey. 

Once you’re refuelled and refreshed, it’s time to search for Savuti’s animals. Your guide will take you on an afternoon game drive, following tracks deep into the park. You’ll venture across the undulating grassy plains, where dry river channels wind their way through the landscape, watched over by distant volcanic hills. Lions and elephants are often seen in this area, as well as plenty of antelope.

After your game drive, you’ll return to your accommodation for the night.

About Savuti (Chobe National Park)

Savuti is one of the best-loved regions of Chobe National Park and is known for its wildlife diversity. This popular area spans over 6,200 square miles of western Chobe, so it never feels busy, even in peak season.

There was once a huge lake in Savuti, but tectonic activity caused it to dry up, leaving a vast area of marshland. Unpredictable water levels in the Savuti Channel sometimes lead to extended periods of drought in the region, but when the river is flowing, like it is at the time of writing, the park is lush and full of life. 

The habitats here are varied, and home to an impressive number of animal species. Out on the grassland plains, you’ll see impalas, zebras, wildebeest and giraffes, while the riverbanks and mopane forests are popular with rare antelope like tsessebe and kudu. Bull elephants gather around waterholes in Savuti over the dry winter months, and you can sometimes see up to 50 of them at once. 

Tips for Travelling to Savuti

• It takes over 5 hours to drive from Maun to Savuti, so prepare yourself for a long journey. The first part of the route is relatively smooth, so take a neck pillow and catch up on some sleep if you like.
• I like to pre-download audiobooks and music to listen to during the journey.
• As you get closer to your destination, you’re likely to encounter wildlife, so don’t forget to look out of the window!
• Your guide should have a drinks cooler on board, so if you’re feeling thirsty, just ask for some refreshments.

Where to Spend the Night

If you have chosen a mobile camping safari, you’ll be sleeping out under canvas deep in Savuti. You’ll need to assist with the camp set up if you’re on a budget trip, but everything is done for you if you choose a luxury mobile camping option.

Alternatively, if you’ve flown in or just prefer a more permanent roof over your head, Savuti has several lodging options.

Day 4: Chobe Riverfront

Total drive time (excluding game drives): 5 hours drive or 30-45 minutes by plane

You’ll leave Savuti this morning and travel north to the town of Kasane where you’ll have lunch. This afternoon, it’s time for a boat cruise on Chobe Riverfront, giving you a different perspective of the park. It’s a great way to get close to the animals.

Itinerary

You’ll either drive or fly from Savuti to Kasane this morning. It’s a scenic route, whichever option you choose, so make sure you keep your camera close.

After arriving in Kasane you’ll enjoy lunch in a local restaurant or café. Then you’ll drive down to Chobe Riverfront for your afternoon boat safari.

You’ll enjoy a relaxing few hours cruising along the Chobe River in a canopied boat made for panoramic wildlife viewing. This unobtrusive mode of transport means you can get quite close to the animals on the riverbanks without disturbing them.

It’s common to see groups of elephants coming down to the river to drink, with the younger ones splashing around in the shallows. As you venture further along the river, listen for the grunts of hippos and see if you can spot the watchful eyes of crocodiles.

This evening you’ll have dinner in Kasane and stay the night in one of the town’s lodges or guest houses. 

About Chobe Riverfront

Chobe Riverfront marks the northern boundary of Chobe National Park, bordered by sweeping grassy plains and dense forests. The river draws wildlife from far and wide, and it’s common to see large herds of elephants, prides of lions, and big groups of buffalo, along with plenty of hippos and other plains game.

Wildlife viewing here is outstanding, with some of the highest animal concentrations in the country. Since the Chobe River is the main water source, it becomes a true hotspot for game. Most safari activities are centred around the river, which also provides access to areas that vehicles can’t easily reach.

Exploring by boat offers an unbeatable way to witness these encounters up close, with excellent angles for photography. It’s a relaxed, enjoyable experience, and you’ll often see sights that would be missed from a vehicle. Afternoon cruises are especially rewarding, as elephants frequently cross the river or splash about in the shallows—so be sure your camera is fully charged.

If you’re not flying out of Kasane that evening, you’ll likely spend the night in town. Accommodation options suit all budgets, from guesthouses to riverside lodges, many with lush gardens, swimming pools, and beautiful river views. Popular choices include Chobe Marina Lodge, River View Lodge, and Sunbirds Hotel Chobe.

Tips for Travelling to Nxai Pan National Park

• Bring a pair of binoculars—birdwatching here is outstanding throughout the day, with frequent sightings of bee-eaters, storks, oxpeckers, and hornbills. While guides are often happy to share theirs, it’s best to have your own so you don’t need to rely on others.
• Boat cruises usually last around three hours, so you’ll be out on the water for a while. Most boats have a canopy for shade, but it’s still a good idea to wear sunscreen and bring a sun hat or cap.
• Many operators serve drinks on board, though it’s worth checking in advance. Carry some water just in case, and perhaps a few snacks depending on how much you’ve eaten earlier in the day.

Where to Spend the Night

You’ll spend the night in a lodge or guesthouse in Kasane. River View Lodge and Kubu Lodge are both located next to the Chobe River and offer a beautiful and peaceful overnight stay.

My Experience on a Chobe Riverfront Boat Cruise

One of the best ways to get a sense of the diversity of Botswana’s ecologies and wildlife is on a 3-hour boat cruise along the Chobe River. Nestled under the protective sun canopy of our motorboat, we navigated the waterway along the national border, with Botswana on one side and Namibia on the other.

Our boat driver’s enthusiasm for wildlife was infectious, especially when it came to Nile crocodiles. On a few occasions we drifted perilously close to these prehistoric-looking creatures. At one point, when were within an arm’s length of a particularly large croc, our motor decided to add some unexpected drama by sputtering. This created a few moments of genuine suspense that had everyone on edge!

But nature had an even more spectacular show planned. Suddenly, a herd of elephants began their river crossing—a breathtaking display of grace and power. Watching these gentle giants navigate the water, moving with surprising delicacy despite their massive size, was like witnessing a living, breathing nature documentary. They waded through the river, heading toward a small grassy island, creating a scene so perfect it felt almost choreographed.

You can watch a video of my experience visiting Victoria Falls & Chobe Riverfront below.

Day 1: Maun to Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Drive Time (Excluding Game Drives): 5.5 hours drive or 30-45 minutes by plane

This morning, you’ll leave Maun and travel to the Central Kalahari, ready for several days of safari adventures. You can either drive or fly, depending on your trip preferences and budget.

After arriving you’ll have lunch, and then you’ll set out on an afternoon game drive. This is your chance to get your bearings and enjoy your first animal encounters.

Itinerary

Leaving Maun after breakfast, you’ll either drive or fly to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. The drive is long – it takes around 5.5 hours – but the first section will be on smooth, sealed roads. It’s much faster to fly, with the transfer taking less than an hour.

On arrival in the Central Kalahari, you’ll settle into your accommodation and enjoy a break for lunch. You’ll have a picnic out in the bush if you’re on a mobile camping safari.

In the afternoon, it’s time to head out into the reserve for your first game drive. Heading along the rough tracks, you’ll be surrounded by desert landscapes characterised by sandy plains, gentle dunes and pockets of acacia trees. It’s arid in the Central Kalahari, so only hardy vegetation and wildlife thrive here. Look out for herds of oryx and see if you can spot a lone cheetah surveying the landscape from a high mound.

After your safari, you’ll return to your camp or lodge for dinner.

About Central Kalahari Game Reserve

The Central Kalahari is one of the wildest wildlife reserves in Botswana. It’s the second-largest reserve in the world, spanning 20,000 square miles across the centre of the country. This vast region has a stark beauty that’s very different to the country’s other parks, and it’s a great place to escape from the crowds and feel like a true pioneer.

Wildlife can be more difficult to spot in the Central Kalahari than in some of Botswana’s other reserves, but that just makes encounters even more rewarding. Despite appearances, this untouched wilderness has a few surprises up its sleeve, and if you look closely, you’re likely to come across everything from ostriches to giraffes. The elusive black-maned lion can also be seen here.

Wildlife viewing in most safari parks tends to be better during the dry season, but the reverse is true for the Central Kalahari. Here the best time to see big game, large grazing herds and plenty of predators is during the wetter months, especially around the Deception Valley salt pans.

Even without abundant wildlife during the dry season, there’s plenty to see in the Central Kalahari. Landscapes here are surprisingly varied, with salt pans, river valleys and sandy savannahs all providing great photography opportunities. 

Tips for Travelling to Central Kalahari Game Reserve

• The first part of the road journey to the Central Kalahari is smooth, so you take a neck pillow if you want to sleep
• Pre-download music or audiobooks so you have something to listen to during the trip – there’s no internet out on the road

Where to Spend the Night

There is very little accommodation within the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, so most lodges are located just outside the boundary.

The Central Kalahari lends itself well to mobile camping safaris. You’ll be able to explore some of the remote areas of the reserve, camping in a different place every night. Choose from budget camps, where you’ll be expected to help with setup, or luxury camps, where everything is prepared for you.

Day 5: Central Kalahari Game Reserve to Maun

Total drive time (excluding game drives): 5.5 hours drive or 30-45 minutes by plane

You’ll enjoy a final game drive in the Central Kalahari this morning, followed by lunch at your lodge, or out in the bush. Then you’ll travel back to Maun, where you’ll stay this evening unless you have a flight home.

Itinerary

After breakfast, you’ll head into the reserve for one last game drive. Out at the salt pans, you might come across ground-dwelling birds like ostriches, kori bustards and secretary birds. Don’t forget to look up too – there may be black-winged kites, black-chested snake eagles and goshawks circling overhead.

As you head back to camp, keep an eye out for leopard prints on the sandy tracks. These elusive cats are rare in the Central Kalahari, but they have been spotted here, so you might just get lucky.

After lunch, you’ll drive or fly back to Maun, where you’ll spend the night if you don’t have an onward international flight to catch. 

Where to Spend the Night

If you’re not flying home today, you’ll spend the night here in town. Maun has several guesthouses, hotels and lodges, many of which are located along the river. My personal favourite, The Waterfront has scenic and peaceful surroundings and excellent staff.

My Experience Visiting Maun

Maun offers a perfect, laid-back finale to your safari adventure, and offered me a glimpse into authentic Botswana town life. If you’re looking for a memorable dining experience, Marc’s Eatery is an absolute gem – I enjoyed my dinners here and found that the restaurant really lives up to its stellar reputation. 

I stayed at The Waterfront, a B&B with great views of the scenic Thamalakane River. I found this tranquil retreat the ideal spot to recharge between my safari adventures. It has modern, comfortable rooms and a refreshing swimming pool. The staff are incredibly welcoming and went out of their way to ensure I had a fantastic stay.

Day 1: Maun to Moremi Game Reserve (Okavango Delta)

Drive Time (Excluding Game Drives): 30-45 minutes by plane

This morning, you’ll fly to Moremi Game Reserve from Maun, arriving at the airstrip closest to your campsite or chosen lodge. Then you’ll be driven to your accommodation for lunch, before venturing out into the reserve for an afternoon game drive.

Moremi Game Reserve (Okavango Delta) Map

Itinerary

Today you’ll fly from Maun to Moremi Game Reserve, over in the Okavango Delta. The views from the plane are spectacular, especially during the dry season when the delta is flooded.

On arrival at the airstrip, you’ll meet your driver guide who will be waiting to transport you to your lodge. You might see wildlife along the way, so your safari begins as soon as you step off the plane.

After either a picnic lunch,if you’re mobile camping, or a lunch at your lodge, you’ll head out on an afternoon game drive in Moremi. Driving along the rugged tracks, you’ll head far out into the reserve, travelling across grassland plains and passing swathes of mopane forest. Sparkling waterways meander through the wilderness, attracting animals like wildebeest, red lechwe, buffalo and elephants. There are lions here too, and you might spot them gathering by the riverbank for a night hunt.

You’ll return to your campsite or lodge in the evening for dinner.

About Moremi Game Reserve

Moremi is one of the best places to visit if you want an authentic Okavango Delta safari experience. The reserve covers 40% of the delta and is famous for being the oldest protected area in the region.

The landscapes here are characterised by vast floodplains, river channels, acacia forests and lagoons. These diverse ecosystems support an impressive range of animals, from wild dogs and elephants to impala and hippos.

Game drives can be enjoyed all year round in Moremi. You can also try mokoro safaris when the delta is flooded during the dry season. These traditional dugout canoes give you access to shallow waterways and areas where vehicles can’t go.

Chief’s Island is a prime spot for animal viewing. Named after the BaTawana tribal regent Chief Moremi III, the island is a sanctuary for wildlife and is home to the only rhinos in the reserve. You can see all the Big Five on the island, which is a haven of grasslands, mopane forests and reed-lined channels.

Tips for Flying from Maun to Moremi Game Reserve

• Bush planes have strict baggage limits, so you’ll need to pack light. You’re usually allowed 10-20kg per person, depending on the operator. Take a soft-sided bag, as these are easier to stow in the aircraft than hard suitcases.
• Both mobile campsites and lodges will have laundry services, so you don’t need to pack too much. Be aware that for cultural reasons, staff at some accommodations won’t wash women’s underwear so don’t skimp on the knickers!

Where to Spend the Night

Whether you’re enjoying an immersive and comfortable mobile camping experience or staying at a lodge or semi-permanent tented camp, you’ll be deep within Moremi Game Reserve for the next 2 nights.

My Experience Visiting Moremi Game Reserve

My time in Moremi was truly special, filled with incredible wildlife moments. I’ll never forget watching a group of bull elephants drinking from the river near our picnic spot – their sheer size was breathtaking, and I felt incredibly lucky to be so close to these magnificent creatures.

Our safari to Dead Tree Island was particularly memorable. The landscape, transformed by a flood in 2010 that left behind a forest of skeletal trees, was hauntingly beautiful. As the sun set, we watched an elephant drinking in the water, red lechwes observing from the banks, and a vibrant flock of Meyer’s parrots adding a splash of colour to the stark scene.

As we returned to camp at dusk, a magical moment unfolded when we spotted a leopard just ten meters away. I was mesmerised watching him groom himself before he gracefully slipped into the forest.

The smaller wildlife was just as fascinating. Playful tree squirrels kept me entertained with their constant chatter, and I was thrilled to catch a rare daytime glimpse of side-striped jackals, which are typically nocturnal.

You can watch a video of my experience visiting Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta below.

Day 3: Moremi Game Reserve to Khwai Community Area

Total drive time (excluding game drives): 30-45 minutes by plane

After a final game drive in Moremi, you’ll take a short flight over to the Khwai Community Area, where you’ll be staying tonight. This afternoon you’ll get your first taste of the pristine wilderness in Khwai with a game drive before dinner.

Khwai Community Area Map

Itinerary

You’ll spend the morning out on a game drive in Moremi, revisiting popular wildlife spots or discovering new areas in remote corners of the reserve. Then you’ll take a short bush flight to Khawi.

On arrival in Khwai, you’ll be greeted by your new hosts at the airstrip and driven to your accommodation. There will be time to have lunch, freshen up, and explore the lodge before you depart on your next game drive.

Your guide will drive you into the heart of the concession, across the open plains and through areas of dense forest. Night drives are permitted in Khwai, so you’ll be able to stay out longer than usual, to try and spot some nocturnal wildlife. As dusk falls, you might see aardvarks and porcupines running along the trails. There are pangolins here too, although sightings are rare.

You’ll return to the lodge after dark for dinner with your fellow explorers.  

About Khwai Community Area

Khwai Community Area lies in the northwestern region of the Okavango Delta, next to Moremi Game Reserve. These two locations are often combined on fly-in safaris in Botswana, thanks to their diverse wildlife and good transport links.

Habitats here are varied, with floodplains, forests and lagoons providing refuge for a huge number of different animal species. Elephants, buffalos, hippos and zebras are frequently seen, and you’ll often come across large herds of antelopes like red lechwe, waterbuck and sable.

Khwai is also known for its dense concentrations of lions, hyenas and cheetahs. You’ll find wild dogs here too, especially in the dry season when they’re denning. This is a good time to see the pups playing around the dens.

Formerly a hunting region, Khwai is still owned by the indigenous San people, who now manage the land as a conservation area. Since Khwai is a private concession, night game drives are permitted. This gives you a rare chance to encounter nocturnal animals like honey badgers and civets, as well as potentially witnessing predator hunts, as the big cats head out at night.

Tips for Visiting Khwai Community Area

• Game drives are best during the early morning and evening when animals are at their most active. Temperatures are cooler then too, so safaris will be more comfortable.
• Khwai can be visited all year round, but if you want to go on a mokoro safari, you’ll need to come when the delta is flooded. This occurs in the dry season, with the best water levels being between June and September.
• One of the best places to view wildlife is along the Khwai River. Animals congregate here all year round, and large herds of elephants are often seen here, particularly in the dry season.
• Lodges in Khwai are unfenced, so wild animals do come to visit. Don’t wander around outside after dark without a member of the camp staff to escort you.

Where to Spend the Night

There are several lodges and semi-permanent tented camps to choose from inside the Khwai Community Area.

My Experience Visiting Khwai Community Area

One of the highlights of my time in Kwai Community Area was a sighting of two lionesses stalking a herd of buffalo. Our guide’s expertise were truly impressive, and thanks to him we followed these magnificent cats for hours. 

Our afternoon mokoro trip revealed an entirely different perspective of the delta. Gliding silently through the waterways, we could get much closer to wildlife than in our 4×4, feeling completely immersed in nature. I was amazed by our guide’s incredible attention to detail – he spotted a tiny green frog I would have completely missed without his keen eyes. This was a great example of the incredible biodiversity of this area, and a lesson not to let it go unnoticed.

Being in a private concession allowed for night drives, and one evening proved particularly memorable. We encountered a male leopard who provided an unforgettable display, leaping into a tree to feast on his kill – a raw, powerful moment that will stay with me forever.

On our last morning in Khwai we heard some impala alarm calls. We followed the noise, and encountered a stampede of zebras kicking up huge clouds of dust. It was only as the dust cleared that we saw two male cheetahs pursuing them. The hunt was unsuccessful and the cheetah brothers slunk away into some thickets.

You can watch a video of my experience visiting Khwai Conservation Area in the Okavango Delta below.

Day 5: Savuti (Chobe National Park) to Kasane

Drive Time (Excluding Game Drives): 30-45 minute flight

This is your last day on safari, and you’ll make the most of your time here with a game drive in Savuti this morning. After lunch, you’ll fly to Kasane where you’ll either spend the night or head home if you have an evening flight.

Itinerary

You’ll be up early for the final game drive of your trip. The 6:30am departure is worth it as sightings are more frequent around this time of day. After the night mists have lifted, the sunrise floods the plains with oranges and reds, bringing the landscapes to life. Driving along the peaceful tracks you’ll head deep into Savuti, keeping an eye out for packs of wild dogs playing around their dens, or lions returning from a night’s hunting.

After lunch back at your accommodation, you’ll be driven to the airstrip for a flight to Kasane. Depending on the flight schedule, you’ll have some free time to explore Kasane this afternoon.

Your safari adventures end with a night in Kasane, or you can travel home if you have an evening flight. 

Where to Spend the Night

If you’re staying the night in Kasane, there are plenty of lodges and guesthouses to choose from. River View Lodge and Kubu Lodge offer scenic locations beside the water, whilst Shalakwe Hills Inn B&B offers a budget stay near the airport.

You can fly home tonight instead if you have an evening flight departure.

My Experience Visiting Kasane

I spent two peaceful nights in Kasane, unwinding after a busy safari itinerary before moving on to Victoria Falls (you can find a 5-day itinerary that includes Victoria Falls here). We stayed at the River View Lodge, which is right on the Chobe River. Its excellent online reviews are well-deserved – the rooms were comfortable and food was great.