Embark on a true African safari to Botswana, where the wildlife is pristine, and our days are timed with the rhythm of nature. Each of Botswana’s signature habitats have distinct features, most famous of which are the expansive reed and papyrus beds and palm islands of the Okavango Delta. This safari takes you into the heart of it in world-renowned Moremi Game Reserve where from two mobile camps we have opportunities to witness giraffe, wild dog, leopard, and lion with habitat variety that makes for great birding and a mix of some of the smaller, more elusive wildlife. We start in the small city of Maun, where birding is excellent along the Thamalakane River. Six nights are spent in the heart of Moremi Game Reserve camping at two different mobile safari sites with a legendary local guide, capped off by two nights at a lovely, tented camp that provides a pampered level of creature comforts in an area of the delta we can explore by boat and small mokoro. We take a small flight from an airstrip in Moremi Game Reserve to Moremi Crossing, and then fly from this camp back to Maun for a final night and fun farewell dinner.

Botswana is known for having impressive numbers of elephants; watch interactive behaviors in some of the largest herds in Africa, often drawn to waterholes in the arid landscape. Daily we find zebra, a variety of antelope, warthog, giraffe, and impressive birds including Southern Ground Hornbill, Secretarybird, Southern Carmine Bee-eater, Malachite Kingfisher and Lilac-breasted Roller—all classic birds of Africa—as well as regional specialty species like Slaty Egret, Wattled Crane, and Kori Bustard. On a boat trip we have the chance to find Pel’s Fishing Owl. On land, we travel in an open safari vehicle, perfect for wildlife viewing and photography. Due to the presence of large predators, we get out mainly for rest stops and the main walks are done in camp, when out we are driving, scanning, and finding an incredible mix of species.

Moremi Game Reserve is one of the top areas in Africa for seeing predators in the wild, a vast area that includes Mopane Woodland and savanna interspersed with fingers of the Okavango Delta, an amazing mosaic of terrain. We stay three nights each at two mobile camps—the two sites provide contrast, and as large mammals move around, give us the best chance possible for seeing predators. We go deep into Okavango delta water habitats by small boat to view activity at the famous Gadikwe Lagoon rookery where Yellow-billed Stork, Marabou, and various herons nest. Our timing is great for spectacular sightings and excellent photography. When heading on to cap off our trip with a lodge stay, you see the vast Okavango Delta from the air!

For those that want to experience more while in Africa, we have arranged a post-safari extension to see Botswana’s famous Kalahari Desert where a stark landscape and adapted animals present us with a number of new species. Nxai Pan Lodge is located on a waterhole that has lots of bird and mammal action, and game drives in Nxai Pan National Park let us find numerous species.

If big game, southern constellations, a rainbow of colorful African birds, and the enchanting sounds of wild Africa beckon, our Botswana is sure to entice.

Tour Highlights

• Arrive in Maun, Botswana, home of the Okavango Brewery and primo birding along the Thamalakane River that flows through town
• Seek out elusive predators and colorful birds with expert guides on a six-night mobile camp in the heart of the renowned Moremi Game Reserve
• Greet dawn with a chorus of African birds, then head out for game drives to check out the activity of lion, leopard, wild dogs or cheetah
• Watch great herds of lechwe in the wetlands and impala, zebra, buffalo, wildebeest and waterbuck in the uplands
• Boat through papyrus-lined channels and lagoons from a riverside camp at Linyanti and Mopane forests of Moremi Game Reserve
• On an optional extension, experience the fabulous Kalahari Desert with prime lodging at Nxai Pan, where wildlife and birds congregate at our elegant, tented camp’s waterhole
• Live “National Geographic moments” in real time on each morning and afternoon game drive
• Find signature birds like Slaty Egret, Black Heron, African Openbill Stork, Hamerkop, African Fish Eagle, Southern Ground Hornbill, bustards, hoopoes, and of course, the stunning Lilac-breasted Roller
• Capture that ultimate African sunset—acacia tree, giraffes, leopard, and more
• Admire supremely dark skies completely filled with stars and southern constellations

Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Sat., Aug. 2    Arrival in Maun, Botswana*

The flight to Africa is long, so our first days are set at a leisurely pace in Maun, at the Cresta Riley Hotel where you can rest up from travels. This lovely shaded property is situated on the banks of the Thamalakane River, where, if water levels are good, bird life abounds. Watch African Hoopoe and Magpie Shrike on the lawn, and Goliath and Purple Herons at the water’s edge. We enjoy patio dining under blooming Jacaranda trees.
Accommodations at Cresta Riley Hotel, Maun (D) 

*To arrive in Botswana today, you likely need to depart your home airport on August 1 or 2, pending your route as you cross the date line. This works in your favor going home where despite the long flight hours you typically arrive the “same” day.

Sun., Aug 3     Maun Birding Hotspots

The morning dawns with a chorus of new sounds, and right along the river by our lodgings beckons us out to explore. We return to a nice breakfast under the jacaranda trees on the patio, then head out to explore birding hotspots around the city. Most of these are at points along the river where we can walk along the shoreline in search of African Pygmy Goose, African Fishing Eagle, African Openbill, Hamerkop, Squacco Heron, Little Bee-eater, and other species. We enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and a break. In the afternoon as it cools down we head back out to explore additional areas. In the evening after dinner at the hotel, we tally up our species sightings and have a briefing for our incredible mobile safari embarking in the morning.
Accommodations at Cresta Riley Hotel, Maun (B,L,D)

Mon., Aug. 4    Mobile Safari—Moremi Game Reserve

Ewan Masson, our local guide with decades of experience in the African bush, picks us up after breakfast at the hotel. Once we pack up the gear we head out, getting right into safari mode with a drive north to our first camp in Moremi Game Reserve north of Maun. Much of the route is on sand roads, and we see wildlife even ahead of entering the park gate.

Moremi Game Reserve is one of the most important in Africa. Within its boundaries lies about a third of the land area that makes up the Okavango Delta. Landscapes of Moremi reveal upland tracts of Mopane Forest, open savanna, and papyrus-lined water channels, lagoons, and mature riverine forests. Aquatic animals and water birds abound, along with herds of plains game and predators. It has an amazing combination of vegetation types, animal species, and bird life. One of the treats is seeing Yellow-billed and Red-billed Hornbills calling from the crowns of trees. Birdlife abounds and there are babblers, shrikes, coucals, rollers, barbets, and the gaudy and comical African Hoopoe. Black-backed Jackal, warthog, Kudu, impala, and Red Lechwe are often observed here. 

Our safari begins and we dive right into the adventure! For six nights at two camps, we keep things simple, going totally mobile. A wonderful camp crew sets up camp and takes care of the details, so we are free to focus on wildlife. There is no better way to get close to prime wildlife areas where there are few lodges. From the circle of our dining area, vehicles, and ring of small tents, it is truly an incredible experience to hear the night sounds, sit around a campfire, jump in the vehicles to be out at dawn, and see predator and prey in their realm.

Our hosts and guides are from Masson Safaris, an ecologically friendly, family-run small safari company. Naturalist Journeys has been with them for many years now and we consider them good friends. They provide safaris aimed at wildlife viewing, bird watching, and spending quality time in nature. They have over 30 years of experience, and a marvelous camp staff and chef. Our camps are private and set up in remote areas. Tents are large enough that you can stand, with windows, and a private bathroom area equipped with bush (chemical) toilets. Hot water is brought to you each morning to freshen up, and hot water for showers is set up as needed in two shower tents. This is as authentic as it gets—a true African safari with a strong focus on seeing birds and wildlife. We are out early and back after watching sunset with the game.

Our safari vehicles are open, extended Land Rovers that offer the very best photographic opportunities and are great for binoculars and scopes. They have a fridge in which we stock a good variety of fruit juices, bottled waters, and because we love sunset light for photography, we wait for our return to camp on these days to have our sundowners, with mixers, gin (or other on request) beer, wine, and sparkling water. Batteries can be fully charged from the vehicles mid-day and evenings.

Learn the rhythm of safari: An early breakfast, out at sunrise for a full morning game drive, followed by lunch back at camp, and then time for a siesta, in-camp viewing, and photography or relaxing. This is a great time to take a refreshing camp shower. We then have an afternoon game drive lasting until sunset. Dinner is after dark, under an airy tent with candlelight and stars. It is served with fresh-baked breads and beer or wine, all included.  
Mobile tented accommodations under the stars (B,L,D daily)

Tues., Aug. 5 & Wed., Aug. 6    Two Full Safari Days: Mobile Camp in Central Moremi Game Reserve

Our days start with the call, “Morning, morning, time to get up,” as our lead guide gets us ready for an early start. A quick field breakfast with coffee and tea gets us ready to go out searching for wildlife at first light. Our group is usually the first out and that always pays dividends. Nocturnal hunters like African Lion and Spotted Hyena are finishing their hunts, while browsers and grazers (such as Waterbuck, Impala, and Kudu) are breathing a sigh of relief as daylight offers them better visibility. It is also the time when the diurnal predators such as African Wild Dog and Cheetah start their hunting forays. We stay out for much of the morning.

After our lunch, it’s time to tally up the species list and take a mid-day siesta before we head out again, this time looking for those same animals finishing their hunts while the nocturnal predators are starting theirs. Elephant and giraffe appear out of nowhere, and it is not uncommon to have lion and other wildlife laying in the shade of a Mopane tree along the road. We are the eyes and ears for our drivers as they take us deeper into the heart of this game preserve. It takes a bit of getting used to, but after a while you are picking out zebra in the dappled shade that makes them seemingly disappear.

Each evening we gather around the fire for drinks and light appetizers before dinner (and after dinner around the campfire) where we all discuss our day’s sightings, photographs, and experiences. Then the kitchen staff arrive carrying serving dishes filled with Dutch-oven cooked food that just tastes so good after our drives.
Accommodations in a Mobile Tent Camp (B,L,D)

Thurs. Aug. 7    Move to Second Mobile Safari Camp at Khwai River, Moremi Game Reserve

As we move from our first camp to our second, there are several routes we can take to traverse the park. Water levels are constantly changing in the delta, so we choose our route accordingly. There are some large lagoons we like to visit where we may spy Lesser Jacana, African Pygmy Goose, or troops of baboon. Passing though Mopane Woodland, we look for some of the smaller songbirds and listen for Striped Kingfisher or one of the African species of woodpecker. This is a good spot to look for Sable, one of the most beautiful antelopes.

We often choose one of the public campgrounds for our lunch break/rest stop, arriving at our second camp in the afternoon. Our tents await and we are now well-trained on the routine. If time permits, we head down the Khwai River to watch elephants bathing and drinking or to see if tracks of lion or Leopard are around. Then it is back to camp, on to drinks, dinner, night-sky viewing, and sleep!
Accommodations in a Mobile Tent Camp (B,L,D)

Fri., Aug. 8 & Sat., Aug. 9    Two Full Days in the Khwai River Area, Moremi Game Reserve

Riverine forests line the Khwai River channel and in this mosaic of habitats we look for Red Lechwe, Kudu, and giraffe. Lion of the Okavango have taken freely to hunting in the water?a behavior rarely seen in other areas. Wild dogs also find a stronghold here and with luck (and persistence) we may find them! Leopards in this area are known to enjoy resting in massive, often flowering Sausage Trees; our route winds between many of them as we search.

This is our guide’s favorite part of the park as game animals and their predators abound. We should find ample numbers of Blue Wildebeest, various antelope species, Common (Burchell’s) Zebra, warthog, lion, and elephant. We make every effort to see as many mammals as possible. Birds are also plentiful (often up to 250 species) and some are huge, such as Ostrich, Kori Bustard, and Southern Ground Hornbill. Some of the birds bear spectacular colors?Carmine and Swallow-tailed Bee-eaters to name just a few. And each bend of the river makes for good shorebird and wading bird habitat, with many to inspect at close range!

Khwai has had active African Wild Dog packs on both sides of the river in recent years, and at least one of our groups has spotted two species of otter! It’s a scenic area and memorable. Time goes quickly here.
Accommodations in a Mobile Tent Camp (B,L,D)

Sun., Aug. 10    Flight from Local Airstrip to Moremi Crossing Lodge   

After a final game drive and brunch, we pack up and head to the airstrip. While almost adjacent in the larger Moremi ecosystem, we need a short flight to reach our camp, which offers eco-friendly luxury tents in a watery realm where we explore by boat. The camp is small, just 16 tents and the dining area overlooks the water and Chief’s Island. Our flight gives us a bird’s eye view of the matrix of Moremi National Park habitats and the Okavango Delta and how it all fits together. Prepare to unwind with a little luxury after camping.

We say good-bye to Ewan and the camp crew, and at the local landing strip we are met by our local lodge guides in rugged 4-wheel drive safari vehicles. They review safety guidelines, and we go to camp to settle in. Our “tents” here feel luxurious on their raised platforms, with antique furnishings, spacious inside bathrooms that include indoor and outdoor showers, and a private veranda with views of the riverine habitat. Delightful cuisine is featured and at day’s end you can listen to night sounds from your large and comfortable bed. One could get used to this safari life! Often, we enjoy afternoon tea with snacks before heading out for a sunset boat ride or a night outing, allowed now as we are in a private concession just south of the national park. 
Accommodations at Moremi Crossing (B,L,D)

Mon., Aug. 11    Moremi Crossing Boat Trips | Guided Walking Safari

Our time here offers a nice contrast and change of pace to our travel in the Land Rovers. We explore mainly by boat, watching for birds and mammals in a maze of channels. Elephants may be in the water swimming, and beautiful Malachite Kingfishers shine like jewels from the reeds. With our group all helping with spotting, we see so much! We often feel that we are experiencing a National Geographic moment, one right after the other.

This is the realm of the African Fish Eagle and numerous herons, storks, cormorants, and ibis. Hippos and Nile Crocodile abound. The Okavango region is not unlike our Everglades, a slow moving, major river system that allows water to fan out across the otherwise arid landscape, transforming it into a paradise for wildlife. It is the largest Ramsar designated site in the world, set up to protect globally important wetlands.

Do not be surprised if an elephant feeds along the Boro River shore as you take your after-lunch rest, or if Green Pigeon come to roost in the large shading tree. Camp is one of the few places you can walk safely, so it is fun to birdwatch as you come and go between your tent and the main dining area. There may be a roosting Pearl-spotted or Barred Owls, a dashing Crimson-breasted Shrike, one of the snazzy African woodpeckers, or a mixed flock with some of the tree-dwelling species. For those that wish, there is a chance to take a guided walk on Chief’s Island with a ranger. In the evenings, we listen and look for Pel’s Fishing Owl, one of the region’s most sought-after species, often present at this camp. We also hear the hooting of Spotted Hyena and the wails of Black-backed Jackal.

Food is healthy and delicious and yes, there are sweet treats for dessert and with your tea. There is complimentary laundry, perfect after our camping nights! African sunsets are memorable; something to savor as we gather for cocktails or tea followed by dinner in the spacious open-air tent or out under the stars. 

Accommodations at Moremi Crossing (B,L,D)

Tues., Aug. 12     Flight to Maun

We have the morning to enjoy the camp, possibly do another boat trip, and we have requested a flight out after lunch back to Maun. We are subject to the airline so please stay flexible, but we fill our time well once that is set. We return to the Cresta Riley Hotel with time to re-pack, freshen up, and collect items you may have left there in storage. There are tempting shops by the airport if you need to pick up any last minute gifts or mementoes. Then it’s time for a festive farewell with a chance to record our highlights and favorite species.

Those going on to the extension head on to Nxai Pan tomorrow.
Accommodations at Cresta Riley Hotel, Maun (B,L,D)

Wed., Aug. 13     Departures or Nxai Pan/Kalahari Extension

Those flying home today can enjoy breakfast, a bit of birding, and head to the airport to catch your flights. These are typically mid-day, routing through Johannesburg, South Africa. Alternately, there are flights from Maun to visit Victoria Falls or Cape Town if you wish to independently expand your holiday. (B)

Kalahari Post-Tour Extension

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Wed., Aug. 13 : Nxai Pan/Kalahari Extension

Those continuing on the extension to Nxai Pan can expect a dramatic change of habitat. We fly into Nxai Pan, and from the air the arid Kalahari seems stark and barren; on the ground we quickly realize that’s not so! It is a fascinating realm and fun to explore.

Nxai Pan is part of the greater Makgadikgadi/Nxai Pan National Park. From our comfortable base, we enjoy birding and wildlife drives with lodge naturalists. Little has changed there since 1862, when the British adventurer and artist, Thomas Baines, explored the area and made famous its enormous Baobab trees. Watch for breeding larks that are active at this time, including Sabota, Rufous-naped, Red-capped, and Fawn-colored.

Nxai Pan National Park has a small tented camp, featuring nine beautifully crafted accommodations on the edge of a large salt pan, replete with birds and wildlife. The camp is 100% solar powered, with a spacious and impressive central area dining and bar. Rooms face the permanent waterhole, which draws in numerous mammals and birds. They are spacious with high ceilings, a sitting area, large comfortable bed, electricity for charging gear, and large bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers.

We take an afternoon game drive watching the sky for raptors such as Pale Chanting Goshawk, Martial Eagle, or Lanner Falcon. Capped Wheatear, White-quilled Bustard (Black Korhan), and Kori Bustard can be found in open country; watch for barbets and hornbills and possible Bat-eared Fox starting to consider their den sites.

Gather around the campfire for tea or a cocktail (drinks are included) and then enjoy dinner at this lovely lodge, with a view of the night sky.
Accommodations at Nxai Pan Lodge (B,L,D)

Thurs., Aug. 14 & Fri., Aug. 15 : Nxai Pan National Park | Explore the Kalahari

We have two full days to explore this arid-land national park and we take both a morning and afternoon game drive each day. Star attractions here are two waterholes, one by the lodge and the other along our drive.

Elephant frequent the waterhole; their presence against the immense silence of this remote location is memorable. We should see family groups and huge bachelor males. The arid setting is in such contrast to those we viewed in Moremi, we start to understand the endurance and flexibility of this species.

One day we may venture farther afield to look for Gemsbok near some of the largest Baobab trees. Close to camp we see many Springbok, desert adapted animals that are rare and typically not seen in Moremi. Zebra, Kudu, Lion, Giraffe, Impala, and Wildebeest are here too, as are some of the more elusive species: Bat-eared Fox, Aardvark, Honey Badger, or (rare) Cheetah. Photographically, the edge of the waterhole provides unending beauty as species line up to drink—multiple species shots are prized!

On a long loop drive through the park, our coffee/tea break is enjoyed at the South Campground which has restroom facilities and large trees that can make it a very active place to see songbirds. Kalahari Scrub Robin may venture out of a brush pile with its cocky tail alert, Cape Crombec are vocal and alert us to a mixed flock that may have Common Scimitarbill, Green-winged Pytilla (a beauty!), Southern Cordonblue, and Golden-breasted Bunting.

For those that wish, the lodge provides a unique experience. Many of their staff members are people of the Kalahari, the San or Bushman. You can go with one of the San trackers to enjoy an informative walk that takes place within the camp’s footprint. Learn about how the San lived nomadically, how they hunted, gathered food, their water sources, and which plants were used for medicinal purposes. Their wealth of true bush knowledge is unparalleled, and one of our guests’ favorite experiences at our desert camps.

Coffee around the campfire starts our day and drinks (included) and social time around the fire, under the beautiful African night sky, ends our day. Our final evening is here, around the campfire—few of us will want to say goodbye.
Accommodations at Nxai Pan Lodge (B,L,D)

Sat., Aug. 16: Morning Game Drive | Departures

Our amazing journey must come to an end. We have time for a quick game drive and brunch, and then head to the airstrip. We time this short flight to be in Maun for the mid-day flights back to Johannesburg and places beyond. (B)

Cost of the Journey

The cost of this Botswana safari is $9390 DBL / $9950 SGL, based on double occupancy. Single supplement is limited; please inquire. This cost includes accommodations for 11 nights, internal flights, all meals as specified in the itinerary, professional guide services, other park and program entrance fees and miscellaneous program expenses. The mobile camp provides a limited selection beverages and lodges are all-inclusive so alcohol and bar drinks are included. The cost of of the extension is $2990 DBL or SGL and includes internal flights.

Tour cost does not include flights to and from Maun or items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone charges, gratuities for guides, lodge staff members and drivers, or at your hotel in Maun, and beverages from the bar.

Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.

• Greg Smith, Guide Emeritus
  

  Greg spent over 20 years working as an ecologist managing sensitive bird species for California State Parks along the Central coast. His decision to promote to the Park Superintendent series allowed him to work directly with partners in conserving lands for the benefit of birds, people, and resources. And then he retired! Three days later he started his now eleven-year career with Naturalist Journeys by leading his first of over sixty tours. He had already traveled to all seven continents, and now has a Master Bird Banding permit, both of which made him a great fit to work with Peg and to lead natural history and birding tours to her exceptional array of tour locations. His relaxed style and breadth of knowledge makes his tours both educational and fun, all while exploring Naturalist Journeys' diverse locations and viewing the areas' distinctive birds, wildlife, and plant species. Two of his favorite past times are good food and photography, so take a peek at his Flickr site to see some of what he shares with those that join him on his tours.

  Other trips with Greg Smith, Guide Emeritus

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  • Madagascar: 8th Continent!
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    October 31 - November 14, 2024
  • Lesvos, Greece: Migration!
    April 19 - 26, 2025
  • Madagascar: 8th Continent!
    November 4 - 18, 2025

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