NORTHERN HIGHLIGHTS

8 Days & 7 Nights | Botswana

Chobe River, Khwai Concession & Okavango Delta

HIGHLIGHTS

GREAT FOR

Families – Fun times in three of Botswana’s hotspots

Honeymooners – Sophisticated accommodation without losing the bush atmosphere

Photographers – Great chance to photograph water-based habitats

AVAILABLE ACTIVITIES

Game drives

Mokoro rides

Nature walks

Boating

Cultural tours

Bicycling

BEST TIME TO GO

High Season:  July to October

Green Season:  November to June

OVERVIEW

The north of Botswana is very different to the south, which is home to diamond fields and the great desert of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. The north, however, is lusher and greener thanks to mighty rivers like the Chobe, Khwai and Gomoti as well as, of course, the inimitable Okavango Delta.

This itinerary presents an idea for seeing all of the north’s top spots while staying in superb accommodation that makes you feel like you can kick off your shoes and make yourself right at home…

THIS ITINERARY WAS DESIGNED BY JOANNE

I lived in Botswana’s safari capital – Maun – for seven years where I worked as everything from a camp manager to a travel agent. Being in the epicentre allowed me experience innumerable lodges first-hand and understand how the Okavango’s fluctuating levels affect your safari.

TRIP SUMMARY

DURATION

7 Nights / 8 Days

DESTINATIONS VISITED

Chobe Riverfront, Kasane, Botswana

Khwai Conservancy, Botswana

Gomoti River, Okavango Delta, Botswana

DAILY ITINERARY

Your driver is waiting for you at Kasane Airport to whisk you off to Chobe Bakwena Lodge. As you arrive, you come through a little riverine forest of knobthorn and fig trees. If you look carefully, you might even spot a shy Chobe bushbuck  grazing among the chalets.

The lodge is right on the Chobe River and is a serene haven. Between excursions to Chobe National Park to see Africa’s elephant kingdom, find a relaxing spot to chill out and just… Breathe.

Why we love Chobe Bakwena Lodge:

  • ‘Treehouses’ to wake up to the dawn chorus of birdsong
  • A naturally filtered swimming pool in which to cool off
  • Organic architecture with eco-friendly building materials
  • Guided bicycle tours and boating sundowners on the river

The change from the grasslands of Chobe to the woodlands of Khwai Community Area (KCA) is clear from the air. As you fly into Khwai Airstrip, you can begin to see how the landscape differs. Your guides from Machaba will point out game en route to camp – this is a wildlife rich area because animals can move freely from Moremi Game Reserve.

Because KCA is private, off-roading, night drives and guided walks are all possible with the seasoned team from Machaba Camp.

Why we love Machaba Camp:

  • Understated and spacious tents with outdoor showers
  • Settling into a mokoro to enjoy the Delta at its best
  • Early morning nature walks to see the bush come to life
  • Topping up on sunshine around the circular swimming pool

Today’s transfer back to Khwai Airstrip lets you savour last moments in KCA. You’ll touch down at the Gomoti Airstrip for your final two nights. Gomoti Plains Camp is in a community-run concession along the Gomoti River, meaning night drives, off-roading and walks at your guide’s discretion.

Gomoti trees are rather like small bushes and provide shelter for myriad waterfowl, including herons and storks. If you’re not a birder, there is plenty of other wildlife to keep your binoculars trained on.

Why we love Gomoti Plains Camp:

  • Glamping in large tents connected by raised wooden walkways
  • Sundowners amid the termite mounds of the Gomoti floodplain
  • Leisurely morning walks to understand more about this ecosystem
  • Telling stories around the campfire, under a sheet of stars
Chobe, Khwai, Gomoti… these names will linger with you as you slowly wend your way back to Maun today. As your light aircraft takes off, you can think back to the thrill of an unexpected sighting, the fun of a mokoro ride or the exhilaration of boating in these unspoilt landscapes.

Maun doesn’t have to mean an end to your safari: chat to us about extensions to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or the Kruger National Park and Cape Town in South Africa.

INCLUDED*

  • All activities specified
  • All transfers specified
  • All meals, drinks and sundowners specified
  • Laundry if specified

EXCLUDED*

  • International flights
  • Items from the safari shop
  • Pre- and post-itinerary accommodation
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Medical insurance, tests and vaccinations where stipulated
  • Tips / gratuities

* Subject to change. Your personal consultant will confirm all the details with you while helping you plan your safari to Africa so you have a full understanding of costs with no surprises.

LET US HELP YOU CREATE YOU ULTIMATE BOTSWANA SAFARI

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WHY BOOK WITH BIGGESTLEAF TRAVEL

  • We are passionate about what we sell

  • The most competitive and flexible rates

  • We offer personalised and customised experiences

  • Our consultants specialise in different tour-types

  • We have 10 years experience in the travel industry

  • Our quick response and turnaround times