Botswana wildlife safari
Single supplement from £380 - £395.
Mimimum age 16.
Late availability on these dates: 02 Nov, 07 Nov, 21 Nov, 28 Nov
Description of Botswana wildlife safari
For many seasoned safari-goers, Botswana is the ultimate destination. Botswana’s firm commitment to conservation and responsible tourism, combined with well-preserved ancient migration routes and the vast Okavango Delta providing water and shelter, means that the range of animals here is astonishing. If it’s memorable moments you’re after, a Botswana wildlife safari will not disappoint.
This is a fantastic two-week trip, with a stay in the Okavango Delta bound to be a highlight. You’ll spend three nights aboard a handsomely refurbished houseboat in the delta, either sailing the river or heading out on launches, depending on water levels. Meals in the dining room, watching the sunset over the river basin through panoramic windows; sundowner cocktails on deck as you spy crocodiles and hippos floating past; exchanging greetings with fishermen passing in traditional mokoro canoes – what a way to travel.
A must-do day trip when in the Okavango Delta is a tour of the San rock paintings in the Tsodilo Hills. Thousands of rock paintings have been discovered here, a link to ancient ways of life in the region. An expert local guide will take you on a walking tour to see the rock art and understand the meanings behind it.
Moving west and leaving Botswana temporarily, Victoria Falls is on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. This natural spectacle on the Zambezi River is known as ‘the smoke that thunders’, and there are many optional adventurous activities to try here, from white water rafting to helicopter flights. Back in Botswana, you’ll spend a few nights under canvas in the legendary Chobe National Park, home to some 120,000 elephants as well as an enormous cast of predators and prey species including lion, leopard, impala, and zebra. Your days will be taken up with safari drives accompanied by informative guides, while at night you’ll return to the comforts of a luxurious tented camp.
The wildlife wonders continue in Moremi Game Reserve, which is considered to contain some of the most beautiful terrain in Africa. In the northeastern section of the Okavango Delta, it is also something of a paradise for birdwatchers, with many resident and migratory species to be found. Binoculars and cameras at the ready as you again set out on a series of thrilling safari drives.
New for the 2024 season is an excursion to the starkly beautiful Makgadikgadi salt pans, one of the largest salt flats in the world. Not many Botswana wildlife safaris come here, and you can expect to capture some pretty awe-inspiring photographs.
Through its use of houseboats and bush camping, this safari offers you a wonderfully immersive experience. You’ll be surrounded at all times by the sights, sounds and smells of nature, while your trip also supports many local communities through the employment of guides, drivers and accommodation teams.
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Price information
Single supplement from £380 - £395.
Mimimum age 16.
Check dates, prices & availability
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Holiday information
Reviews
2 Reviews of Botswana wildlife safari
Reviewed on 13 Oct 2023 by Kay Scoresby
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It's really hard to say as every day was brilliant. On safari we saw leopards, a cheetah, elephants, zebras, ostrich family, wart hogs, a hyena, wild dogs, lions,
kudos, red antelope, impalas, fish eagles and a range of birds - all close up. We were really fortunate to have Bibi as our guide as he is a brilliant tracker, driver
and guide.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take clothes that don't show the dust. Definitely pack a scarf or even a mask to prevent the dust getting in your throat.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I'm not sure about the benefits for local people as we only came in contact with people working in the tourism industry or in shops. It would have been good to
have had a short time looking at the market stalls in Maun, to maybe buy goods from local people. Using one jeep, everything about the camp site helped the
impact on the environment. The Botswana Government and all the people working in tourism are fully committed to the conservation of the National Parks.
It is noticeable in comparison to the neighbouring countries.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I would fully recommend this holiday as Botswana is definitely the best place to see wildlife. The balance of safari, staying on the boat and visiting Victoria
Falls was just right.
Reviewed on 05 Sep 2019 by Joanna Benn
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Fun and relaxation on boat. Beaches and sea.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Cabin can be hot -Sleeping on deck more pleasant bring ear plugs and travel pillow
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not really - perhaps money in restaurants in evening
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Responsible Travel
Planet
Each element of this trip contributes to being a truly immersive experience in to the natural wildlife and flora of Botswana. The accommodation is varied and is specifically chosen to blend with surroundings and leave minimal traces behind.The camping in particular allows uninterrupted access to the natural behaviours and sounds of the parks, without human interference and boundaries. Each site is respected, cleaned and rotated to ensure the future sustainability of these wonderful areas. There is very minimal waste, water is conserved and the camping is primarily off grid. It is a genuinely authentic insight in to the wilderness of Botswana.
The houseboat glides through the delta accompanied by smaller boats to nip in and out of the narrow channels. The use of smaller boats is less intrusive, less intimidating and allows for greater access to the lives of the hippos, crocodiles and abundant bird life that surround the delta and it's edges.
We have a maximum group size on this trip of 12, particularly small, which helps ensure our impact on the environment in minimal. All of the included camping meals will be prepped and cooked by the guide team prior to being enjoyed around the campfire under the stars. We use a purpose built four-wheel drive vehicle with 12 seats and excellent wildlife watching opportunity.
As a travel company we are continually looking for ways to improve and are proud to be ‘Responsible in everything we do’. Education is key, and so all staff, Tour Leaders and partnering suppliers are trained in responsible and sustainable tourism. At our Head Office, we continually strive towards a sustainable and planet-friendly working environment, including having solar panels installed and a company commitment to reducing our plastic usage.
People
We work with inspiring, knowledgeable local leaders who bring the holiday to life with their own experiences and insights in to living in Botswana. Whilst camping and on the boat we also have a local team who help with preparing and cooking delicious meals as well as setting up the camps and dissembling them after our stay. We are guided by their safety expertise with the wildlife and their passion for the natural environment and keeping the bush as pristine as it was found.There are cultural elements to the trip, including the ancient rock paintings in the Tsilodo hills, the villages that we pass through and opportunities to purchase local wares. It is our priority to always to be welcomed back wherever we visit, interact positively with the local community and provide a fair deal for all those included.
As a company we have valuable and longstanding partnerships with UK charities Toilet Twinning and Send a Cow, plus many smaller initiatives and projects around the world. We’re members of the UK travel industry body AITO because we believe it’s important to share our knowledge and experience, as well as learn from other operators.
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