Botswana Private Safari
Explore Botswana’s most iconic ecosystems on an expertly crafted safari, designed to showcase the country’s incredible wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. This ideal itinerary can be taken as a private expedition on the dates of your choosing, fully customizable to suit your unique needs, available travel days, and personal interests. Led by expert NPE Guides, this journey ensures an intimate and unforgettable experience tailored just for you.
From the vast Kalahari Salt Pans, home to ancient Baobab trees, to the wildlife-abundant Moremi-East Game Reserve in the heart of the Okavango Delta, and onward to secluded northern concessions, this safari provides a comprehensive and exclusive exploration of Botswana.
Avoiding crowded safari routes, this private journey features remote camps selected for their exclusive locations, outstanding wildlife sightings, and meaningful cultural encounters. While not ultra-luxurious, these camps offer excellent service and an immersive experience, perfect for discerning travelers seeking authenticity.
Begin your adventure in Nxai Pan National Park, where seasonal zebra migrations, predators like lions and cheetahs, and the iconic Baines’ Baobabs create unforgettable memories. Then, journey into the Okavango Delta, where game drives, mokoro canoe excursions, and walking safaris in the Moremi-East Game Reserve and Khwai Community Area bring you close to elephants, leopards, African wild dogs, and an abundance of birdlife.
Extend your safari to include Chobe National Park, renowned for its vast elephant herds, and Victoria Falls, where a guided tour and a Zambezi River sunset cruise provide the perfect finale to your African adventure.
WHAT MAKES THIS SAFARI IN BOTSWANA EXTRAORDINARY:
- Kalahari Salt Pans and Baines’ Baobabs, blending dramatic landscapes and incredible wildlife.
- Exceptional wildlife encounters, including the Big Five.
- Remote, crowd-free camps offering an intimate and personalized safari experience.
- Immersive exploration of the Okavango Delta, featuring the Moremi-East Game Reserve and Khwai Community Area.
- Iconic safari activities: mokoro canoe safaris, walking safaris, and night drives.
- Optional extension to Chobe National Park and Victoria Falls, with a Zambezi River sunset cruise.
- Guided by expert local naturalists for unparalleled wildlife and cultural insights.
“An adventure of a lifetime! Botswana’s wild beauty and untamed wildlife made every moment unforgettable. A true safari experience.”
— Jack D.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, please let us know. We are here to help you!
Botswana Safari Itinerary
This is a detailed Botswana Safari expedition itinerary crafted for previous New Paths Expeditions travelers. To prepare the ideal experience for you, please get in touch with our destination specialist.
Arrive in Johannesburg:
Upon arrival at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by your NPE Meet and Greet representative. A short walk will take you to your hotel, the Intercontinental Hotel, conveniently located just steps from the airport. This five-star hotel offers first-class service, comfortable rooms, and an excellent restaurant, making it the perfect spot to relax and prepare for your private safari adventure.
Please note that check-in is available starting at 3 PM. If you’d like to arrange an earlier check-in, let us know in advance—additional costs will apply.
Overnight: Intercontinental Hotel OR Tambo (No meals)
Flight Johannesburg to Maun, and Flight to Nxai Pan National Park – Kalahari
Your private safari adventure begins with a flight from Johannesburg to Maun, the gateway to Botswana’s wilderness. Upon arrival, board a private light aircraft and enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the Kalahari Desert as you head to Nxai Pan National Park, a lesser-known treasure among Botswana’s safari destinations.
Formerly an ancient lakebed, Nxai Pan comes alive during the dry season, attracting herds of zebras, giraffes, and elephants, along with predators such as lions, cheetahs, and wild dogs. A highlight of the day is a private visit to Baines’ Baobabs, a stunning cluster of ancient trees immortalized in the 1860s by explorer Thomas Baines. These towering giants, set against the vast desert landscape, offer a striking glimpse into Botswana’s natural history.
Your accommodations for the next few nights are at Nxai Pan Camp, an eco-friendly retreat featuring solar-powered tents with private verandas. From your camp, enjoy close-up wildlife sightings at the nearby waterhole, delicious meals in the communal area, and evenings around the campfire beneath the dazzling Kalahari skies.
Overnight: Nxai Pan Camp (B, L, D) – Open bar (domestic brands), laundry, and private safari excursions included.
Exploring the Kalahari – Nxai Pan National Park
Spend the next two days fully immersed in the wonders of the Kalahari Desert at Nxai Pan National Park, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.
- Morning and Afternoon Game Drives: Explore the vast, open plains in your private 4×4 safari vehicle, encountering large herds of springbok, zebras, and giraffes, alongside predators like lions, cheetahs, and the elusive leopard. Your personal guide and tracker will ensure thrilling, up-close encounters with these iconic species.
- Visit to Baines’ Baobabs: Marvel at the famous Baines’ Baobabs, a striking cluster of ancient trees set against the stark desert landscape. These natural landmarks are a paradise for photographers and offer a window into Botswana’s geological and ecological history.
- Bush Walk with the San Bushmen: Walk through the Kalahari Desert with members of the San tribe, who will share their deep knowledge of the land, including traditional survival techniques, tracking skills, and their spiritual connection to nature. This immersive experience offers a rare insight into one of the oldest cultures on Earth.
In the evenings, return to the tranquil Nxai Pan Camp, where you’ll savor delicious meals, enjoy the open bar, and relax under the magical Kalahari skies by the campfire.
Overnight: Nxai Pan Camp (B, L, D) – Open bar (domestic brands), laundry, and private safari excursions included.
Flight to Moremi East in the Okavango Delta – Khwai Community Area
This morning, embark on a breathtaking private scenic flight over the stunning waterways and lush landscapes of the Okavango Delta, en route to the Moremi East – Khwai Community Area. Known as one of Botswana’s most wildlife-rich regions, this area features a spectacular blend of floodplains, savannahs, and waterways, creating the perfect habitat for elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, and the elusive wild dogs.
Upon arrival, settle into Saguni Safari Lodge, nestled on a secluded island surrounded by towering riparian trees and overlooking the serene Mbudi Lagoon. The lodge’s name, derived from the Bushman language, means “an area with abundant game and spectacular sights.” The surroundings immediately deliver on this promise, with hippos basking in the lagoon and elephants roaming nearby woodlands.
The lodge offers 17 spacious and comfortable tents, each designed to provide an intimate connection with the surrounding wilderness. Relax in the lodge’s central area, featuring a refreshing pool, a spacious lounge with lagoon views, and a cozy fire pit—perfect for unwinding under Botswana’s star-filled skies.
Your stay includes private guided safari excursions, an open bar with local beverages, and laundry services, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience in the heart of the Delta.
Overnight: Saguni Safari Lodge (B, L, D), with open bar (local brands), laundry, and private safari excursions included.
Discovering Moremi East – Okavango Delta
The next two days are dedicated to privately exploring the Okavango Delta’s rich and diverse ecosystems. Here’s what awaits:
- Game Drives (Day and Night): Embark on thrilling private game drives to discover the Delta’s iconic wildlife. Regular sightings include lions, cheetahs, leopards, and African wild dogs, alongside large herds of elephants and buffalo. After sunset, night drives offer a rare chance to spot porcupines, honey badgers, and the elusive serval cat under the cover of darkness.
- Mokoro Excursions: Glide through the serene channels of the Delta in a private mokoro canoe, a quintessential Botswana experience. As you drift silently, your guide will point out African jacanas, kingfishers, and wattled cranes, along with the flourishing aquatic ecosystems unique to this region.
- Walking Safaris: Step into the Delta’s wilderness on a private guided walking safari. Learn to track animals, identify medicinal plants, and understand the delicate balance of life in this untouched ecosystem.
- Cultural Visit to Khwai Village: Experience the vibrant traditions of the Khwai community during a private visit. Gain insights into their conservation efforts and daily life, showcasing the coexistence of people and wildlife in the Delta.
Each evening, return to the comfort of Saguni Safari Lodge (B, L, D), with open bar (local brands), laundry, and private safari excursions included.
Flight to the Secluded NG12 Concession – Northern Okavango
This morning, take to the skies on a private scenic flight into the remote NG12 Concession, a hidden gem in the Northern Okavango Delta renowned for its untouched wilderness and intimate safari experience. This private concession features a stunning mosaic of seasonal floodplains, open savannahs, and meandering waterways, creating an idyllic habitat for an impressive variety of wildlife.
Your home for the night, Kadizora Camp, offers a serene escape with breathtaking panoramic views of the seasonal floodplains. Designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings, the camp’s spacious tents provide an intimate connection to the wild. The main lodge includes an elevated dining area, a comfortable lounge, and a fire pit—ideal for unwinding while elephants and buffalo roam nearby.
After settling in, enjoy a private afternoon safari, exploring the abundant wildlife of the concession. Each experience is tailored to provide exclusive and close encounters with the Delta’s rich biodiversity.
Overnight: Kadizora Camp (B, L, D), with open bar (domestic brands), laundry, and private safari excursions included.
Exploring Northern Okavango from Kadizora Camp
Spend two remarkable days privately exploring the untouched wilderness of the NG12 Concession, a secluded area in the Northern Okavango Delta that offers incredible wildlife encounters and an authentic connection to nature:
- Game Drives: Embark on private game drives through diverse ecosystems, including savannahs, floodplains, and woodlands. Search for iconic predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards, as well as herds of elephants, buffalo, and plains game such as zebra and giraffe.
- Mokoro and Boating Excursions: Glide through the concession’s serene waterways in your private mokoro (dugout canoe) or motorized boat. Spot hippos, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife, including African fish eagles, malachite kingfishers, and saddle-billed storks, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Delta.
- Walking Safaris: Experience the Delta on foot with your expert private guide. Learn to identify animal tracks, uncover the fascinating behaviors of insects and birds, and gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate web of life in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Each evening, unwind at Kadizora Camp (B, L, D), with open bar (domestic brands), laundry, and private safari excursions included.
To Maun and flight back home
After breakfast, take a final private scenic flight over the breathtaking Okavango Delta, offering one last opportunity to marvel at its intricate network of waterways, floodplains, and wildlife-rich landscapes that make this region a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Upon landing in Maun, your private representative will assist with your onward travel arrangements, ensuring a seamless and stress-free transition for your journey home.
Breakfast included.
Lodgings
Intercontinental Hotel OR Tambo
The Intercontinental Hotel OR Tambo is a five-star oasis of comfort and convenience located directly at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport. This premium hotel serves as the perfect stopover for your private Botswana safari adventure.
With modern, elegantly designed rooms, the hotel provides a tranquil space to relax after a long journey. You can indulge in fine dining at its highly-rated restaurant, rejuvenate with treatments at the wellness spa, or maintain your fitness routine at the fully equipped fitness center.
Its unmatched proximity to the airport eliminates the hassle of additional transfers, making it an ideal choice for discerning travelers seeking luxury and convenience before embarking on their personalized safari journey.
Nxai Pan Camp (Nxai Pan National Park)
Located in the heart of Nxai Pan National Park, Nxai Pan Camp is an eco-friendly retreat designed to immerse you in the stunning beauty of the Kalahari plains. Powered entirely by solar energy, this intimate camp features nine comfortable tents, each with a private veranda offering panoramic views of the open savannah—a perfect spot for wildlife enthusiasts to observe game right from their accommodations.
The camp’s welcoming communal lounge and fire pit create a cozy atmosphere for relaxing after a day of private exploration. While Nxai Pan Camp doesn’t include a pool, its true highlight lies in its exceptional proximity to wildlife, offering you an unparalleled opportunity to experience the untouched wilderness of Botswana.
Saguni Safari Lodge (Moremi East – Khwai
Community Area)
Located on a secluded island in the Khwai Community Area, Saguni Safari Lodge is perfectly positioned for your private and immersive Okavango Delta experience. The lodge features 17 spacious tents, each offering serene views of the Mbudi Lagoon, where hippos, elephants, and other wildlife are frequently spotted.
Designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings, Saguni Safari Lodge provides a tranquil retreat after a day of personalized exploration. You can unwind in the communal lounge, take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, or gather around the fire pit to share stories under Botswana’s star-filled skies. The lodge’s secluded location and thoughtful design ensure a comfortable and intimate connection to the Delta’s rich biodiversity.
Kadizora Camp (NG12 Concession – Northern
Okavango)
Kadizora Camp offers an exclusive and private safari experience in the remote NG12 Concession of the Okavango Delta. With 13 spacious tents, the camp ensures privacy and breathtaking views of the seasonal floodplains, immersing you in the heart of Botswana’s pristine wilderness.
Enjoy the camp’s elevated dining area, a cozy lounge, and a refreshing swimming pool, creating the perfect balance of comfort and adventure. Private activities include game drives, where you may encounter lions, elephants, and leopards, as well as mokoro excursions and boating safaris, allowing you to explore the intricate waterways of the Delta at your own pace.
Kadizora Camp combines thoughtful design with an intimate connection to nature, offering an unforgettable base for discovering one of the world’s most extraordinary ecosystems.
Chobe Game Lodge (Chobe National Park)
Chobe Game Lodge, the only permanent lodge within Chobe National Park, offers an exclusive and unparalleled safari experience on the banks of the Chobe River. Combining modern comfort with breathtaking natural beauty, the lodge features a swimming pool, spa, multiple dining options, and panoramic decks with stunning views of the legendary elephant herds and other wildlife frequenting the river.
Enjoy private activities, including personalized game drives to explore the park’s vast landscapes and private river cruises to witness dramatic sunsets and abundant wildlife along the water. With its prime location and exceptional amenities, Chobe Game Lodge provides a seamless blend of adventure and relaxation, making it an ideal choice for your private discovery of Botswana’s most famous wildlife destination.
Ilala Lodge (Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe)
Ilala Lodge, located just minutes away from the majestic Victoria Falls, offers a tranquil and elegant retreat for your private journey. This boutique lodge features a swimming pool, lush landscaped gardens, and exceptional dining at the renowned Cassia Restaurant, where you can savor gourmet meals in a picturesque setting.
Its prime location ensures easy access to Victoria Falls, allowing you to explore this natural wonder at your own pace. Enhance your experience with an exclusive sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, offering breathtaking views and serene waters. Ilala Lodge seamlessly blends comfort, convenience, and adventure, making it the perfect base for privately discovering one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
When to go
The dry season, which lasts from May to October, is the ideal time to visit Botswana since you can expect bright, sunny days (between 22°C and 35°C), as well as cool evenings. At this time, the Okavango Delta’s water levels are also at their peak, resulting in the country’s iconic rivers and channels.
If you don’t mind the occasional precipitation, the green season (November to April) is a terrific time to travel. Prices and visitor numbers are down, lush vegetation brightens the landscape, and animals are giving birth to new life.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, please let us know. We are here to help you!
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