10 Day Unveiling Botswana’s Gems (Tented Camps)

Begin your unforgettable safari adventure at Kalahari Tours in Kasane at 9:00 AM. For those transferring from Livingstone or Victoria Falls Town, ensure your arrival at the Kalahari Tours Offices by 8:45 AM to join the boat cruise. Glide through the Chobe River, witnessing the diverse wildlife that call this region home. As you continue your journey, explore the stunning landscapes of Chobe National Park, from the teak woodlands to the sandy plains of the Goha clay basin. Encounter a variety of wildlife, including roan and sable antelope, leopards, buffalo, Burchell’s zebra, greater kudu, and elephants. Keep an eye out for birdlife, such as grey tit-flycatchers, ashy flycatchers, paradise flycatchers, and raptors like Dickinson’s kestrels and red-necked falcons. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Chobe, experiencing the diverse ecosystems and encountering fascinating wildlife.

Central Chobe is a captivating landscape, characterized by volcanic rock formations that rise dramatically from the Kalahari Sands. These unique geological features create diverse habitats for a wide range of wildlife, including a variety of bird species and smaller mammals. The iconic Savuti Marsh, known for its dramatic wildlife interactions, is a highlight of this region. The open plains, abundant wildlife, and powerful lion prides provide exceptional viewing opportunities. The dry Savuti Channel, once a thriving river, now serves as a vital lifeline for wildlife, connecting diverse habitats.

One of the most captivating aspects of Savuti is the dynamic relationship between lions and elephants. The large lion prides have adapted to hunt these massive animals, particularly young elephants, showcasing incredible hunting strategies and teamwork. The marsh also attracts cheetahs and wild dogs, adding to the excitement of wildlife encounters. Birdwatchers will appreciate the diverse avian life in the area. The water sources attract a variety of waterbirds, including Caspian Plovers and Montague’s Harriers. The Kalahari Apple-leaf veld is home to Red-crested Korhaans, while the woodlands host a variety of raptors, such as African Hawk-Eagles and Tawny Eagles.

Embark on a scenic drive through the diverse landscapes of Botswana, venturing into the Mababe Private Reserve. Witness the remnants of the ancient Paleo-Lake Makgadikgadi, exploring the fascinating geological formations and diverse habitats. Navigate the challenging Magwikwe Sand-ridge, a remnant of the lake’s shoreline, experiencing the thrill of off-road adventure. Discover the Mababe Depression, a fertile region teeming with wildlife due to its nutrient-rich soil. Encounter a variety of animals, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, and numerous other species. Keep an eye out for birds of prey, such as raptors and eagles, as well as smaller species like the violet-eared waxbill and black-cheeked waxbill. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Mababe, experiencing the thrill of wildlife encounters and the tranquility of the African wilderness.

The Khwai River winds its way through the concession, offering numerous opportunities for riverside explorations. We will spend the next two nights at an exclusive campsite in the Mababe Concession, which has a strict limit of 20 vehicles at any given time. During our stay, we will embark on day and night game drives to explore the diverse landscapes of the region, including the riverbanks, Kalahari shrubland, and cathedral mopane woodlands. Night drives with spotlights allow us to encounter nocturnal animals that are rarely seen during the day. For a more intimate experience with nature, we will also enjoy guided walking safaris through the wilderness. These walks offer a unique opportunity to observe Botswana’s flora and fauna up close. Please note that night drives and guided walks are not permitted within national parks and reserves. These activities will take place in the Mababe Private Reserve, outside the boundaries of the Moremi Game Reserve.

Today, we’ll embark on a tranquil mokoro excursion through the serene backwaters of the Khwai River and the Mbudi Channel. This serene journey will take us through lush wetlands and diverse ecosystems, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. As we continue our journey, we’ll traverse the mopane veld and woodlands, encountering a variety of wildlife. The western mopane veld is home to breeding herds of elephants, while the eastern reaches of Khwai are known for their impressive old bull elephants. The river itself is teeming with hippos and crocodiles, creating a dynamic and exciting ecosystem. We may also encounter elusive predators such as leopards, cheetahs, servals, and lions. The region is also home to wild dogs, which roam freely across Xakanaxa and Mababe. In addition to large mammals, the area is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Look out for raptors like African Hawk-Eagles, Tawny Eagles, and Gabar Goshawks, as well as a variety of colorful bird species, including Red-headed Weavers, Scarlet-chested Sunbirds, and Long-legged Bustards.

Moremi Game Reserve, situated on the eastern edge of the Okavango Delta, boasts a diverse range of habitats, from expansive floodplains and marshlands to papyrus-fringed channels and dense woodlands. This variety supports a rich diversity of wildlife and birdlife. As we traverse the reserve, we’ll encounter towering cathedral mopane woodlands, classic climax mopane, and the stark beauty of the San-ta-Wani region, with its ephemeral water pans and camel-thorn woodlands. This diverse landscape provides a home for a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs. Birdwatchers will delight in the abundance of avian life. Keep an eye out for raptors such as African Hawk-Eagles, Gabar Goshawks, and Tawny Eagles. The woodlands are also home to a variety of hornbills, including Red-billed, Southern Yellow-billed, African Grey, Bradfield’s, and Southern Ground Hornbills. Additionally, the area is a haven for brood parasites like Diederick Cuckoos, Levaillant’s Cuckoos, and Jacobin Cuckoos.

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll embark on a scenic drive along the Chobe River, taking in the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. We’ll pass through the Goha clay basin, characterized by stunted mopane scrub, and the Zambezi teak woodlands, home to various antelope species, including roan and sable. The Chobe River floodplain is a breathtaking sight, especially during the rainy season when it transforms into a vast wetland. We’ll keep an eye out for elephants, buffalo, hippos, and a variety of bird species, including raptors, hornbills, and waterbirds. As we approach Kasane, we’ll stop for a picnic lunch before embarking on an afternoon boat cruise on the Chobe River before ending our safari adventure. This leisurely cruise offers the opportunity to witness wildlife up close, including hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a diverse array of birdlife.

Please note that for those transferring to lodges in Kasane or Zambia/Zimbabwe, it’s recommended to arrange a transfer to meet you at Kalahari Tours by 3:30 PM.