Botswana Okavango Delta Luxury Safari

Mokoro boat safari with elephant on riverbank at Sanctuary Baines Camp in Botswana

What to expect on this itinerary

Immerse yourself in a true Okavango Delta experience in Botswana. This trip takes you to two of the most beautiful spots in the Delta and invites you to experience the perfect mix of rustic African bush and luxurious comfort. Head out and explore one of the world’s most pristine wetland areas on game drives, boating trips, and bush walks, before returning to camp for cozy drinks around the fire, delicious meals and gorgeous rooms with private decks for ideal relaxation. Search for lion, leopard, and cheetah; be amazed by the stunning variety of birdlife and botany, before returning for a shower under the stars and that famed Botswana hospitality.

Countries Visited

Botswana

Places Visited

Okavango Delta, Linyanti Marsh, Moremi Game Reserve

Suggested Duration

7 Days

Customizable Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1

Linyanti Marsh – Arrive to Maun

You will arrive in Maun, the quaint town on the edge of the Okavango Delta, and breathe in your first Botswana air. You will then be met at the airport and taken to your light aircraft charter that will whisk you away into true paradise, tucked away as a unique oasis occurring within the Kalahari Desert. The Delta is one of the world’s few remaining areas of pristine wilderness. The vast majority of its sprawling wetlands are created by trapping the Angola rains that flow down from a catchment area of 200,000 square kilometers which are then caught in a tectonic basin. With the coming of these floods, the area of water in the Delta expands from roughly 6,000 square kilometers to 15,000 square kilometers. The area is subject to high levels of seismic activity because of its position over five major fault lines, two of which are named the Thamalakane and Kunyere fault lines. Astonishingly, deposition over hundreds of years has built up the Kalahari sand basin to such an extent that the “quakes” caused by the geological movements beneath the Delta are completely cushioned by the sand, and no tremors are felt.

Correctly termed an “alluvial fan,” this oasis is the only perennial river that flows east and does not reach the ocean. It is the third largest Ramsar site in the world, which means it is a wetland of international importance, and its status protects it so that privileged visitors may enjoy its jaw-dropping beauty. Spread out into a hand-like shape, this alluvial panhandle is comprised of permanent swamps, deep lagoons, and channels that snake through the would-be desert sands of the Kalahari. During years of high rainfall in Angola, the flood spreads even farther across this dry land, filling up temporary channels and floodplains that in turn attract even greater numbers of game. The spectacular and diverse topography of the Delta has drawn wildlife of unmatched variety and abundance, and it is without doubt Botswana’s reigning glory.

At your first camp you will behold vast and undisturbed plains and woodlands stretching out as far as the eye can see. The gorgeous camp with its authentic and luxurious tent-style rooms was designed with an understated elegance chosen especially for this camp. Your room is raised on a wooden deck, allowing you an ideal vantage point for wildlife spotting from the comfort of your own private space.

Free-standing bathtubs, a writing desk and an outdoor shower (bathing under the stars is a must!) are just a few of the charming highlights of your room. Awake each morning to the rumbling territorial call of a lion in the nearby floodplains, and listen for the cackles of hyena at night as they bicker and squabble in the darkness. You may hear the hooting whistle of a Giant Eagle owl, or hear jackals calling from the distance. These are the sounds of Africa, and they are blissfully worlds away from the noise of the city. Out here the staggering sense of space will overwhelm you, and the air you breathe will be the freshest you can imagine.

What's Included:

Transfer
Accommodation
Activity
Dinner
Day 2 - 3

Linyanti Marsh – Game Drives in Search of Wildlife

Day 4

Moremi Reserve – Fly to Another Corner of the Delta

Day 5 - 6

Moremi Reserve – Game Drives, Bush Walks, Mokoro Excursions, and Fishing

Day 7

Maun – Depart to Home

Trip Highlights

  • Set out into the wilderness on game drives in 4x4 vehicles to search for wildlife
  • Watch the magical Okavango Delta unfold beneath you as you fly in from Maun
  • Enjoy the truly wild bush whilst staying in peaceful and luxurious accommodation
  • Take a peaceful mokoro (canoe) trip through the glistening channels of the Delta
  • Explore your surroundings on a fascinating bush walk with your knowledgeable guide
  • Shower under the stars on your private deck
  • Recline and watch the wildlife come to you without even having to leave your bed

Starting Price

$12,200 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

4.9

Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 414 reviews

Carolyn T.
South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe Trip Review: Wildlife, Local Cuisine, 13-Day Trip

Wow, I ran out of superlatives–fantastic, awesome, amazing. Everything was well organized and the recommended accommodations were all top-notch. The guides were so expert in their field. Every activity was well worth the time. Every meal was delicious.

See more

Anil M.
South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana Tour Review: 10 Nights

Our first trip to southern Africa was amazing, exceeding all expectations. We saw everything we came to see, and more. The game rides were well structured and safe, the visuals were unbelievable, and taking a side trip to Victoria Falls was a great idea. The accommodations were quite luxurious, despite being considered mid-range. There was always someone there to greet us and guide us at every travel point.

Zicasso's tour operator tailored our itinerary to our wishes and was wonderful to work with. Things couldn’t have gone better.

See more

bonnie A.
South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe: Safari, 13 Nights

The service before, during, and after our trip was totally "white-glove," and there were extra perks that we were surprised with each day of our trip. Zicasso's travel company listened to our goals and met and exceeded every one. We recommend them in every way and will be using them in the future!

See more

Edward L.
Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe Tour Review: Wildlife, 28-Day Trip

Fantastic job! Zicasso's travel specialist set up 28 days with flights, drivers, etc, and not a thing went wrong. She understood my needs and tailored the trip expertly.

See more

Mary B.
South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana Vacation Review: Safari, Cuisine, Camping, Welcome Songs, 17 Nights

The Zicasso tour operators did an exceptional job from start to finish. I would highly recommend this company. Plus, they were in my time zone, making communication much easier. Our agent always responded within 24 hours and when I had to contact him while in Africa, he responded within the half hour. Every aspect of our trip that was planned for us was exceptional and beyond my expectations.

See more

Meghan C.
South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe Travel Review: Safari, River Cruise, Winelands, 11 Nights

We had the most incredible experience! Zicasso’s travel agent was so easy to work with and made all of our dreams come true, from the hot-air balloon ride to the day trip in Botswana, she had every detail covered and made it so easy for us. When we had some last-minute questions while on our trip, she was incredibly responsive and provided helpful information. I cannot recommend her enough!

See more

Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist.

28,000+ Verified Traveler Reviews
Zicasso in the News