Luxury Botswana Safari
Conversely, Botswana is home to the expansive Kalahari Desert and the Makgadikgadi Pans, the latter an ancient lake now one of the world’s largest salt pans. There’s nothing quite like a Botswana safari for immersing yourself in the contrasts between delta and desert, nor is there a destination better-suited for untethering from daily life. The finest safari lodges here are remote, designed to integrate with the environment and accommodate just a few visitors at a time – ensuring a delightfully private, luxurious holiday.
Seasoned bush pilots will fly you between lodges where you’ll meet experienced local guides who understand the land and wildlife movements. Botswana is spectacular year-round, but its nuanced seasonality and animal migration patterns demand expert planning. Let Journeysmiths curate your exclusive safari and connect with nature like never before.
- Best in southern Africa for an exclusive, ultra-private safari.
- Spectacular landscape contrasts from river to desert.
- Home to Africa’s largest population of elephants and hundreds of species of birds, plus big cats, wild dogs and rare antelopes – just to name a few.
- Superb small lodges on vast private wildlife concessions.
- Diverse activity and wildlife viewing options including boats, walks, open vehicles, canoe and horseback.
- Great for safaris all year round.
Botswana’s Okavango Delta is one of southern Africa’s most iconic landscapes. The elaborate waterways ebb and flow with the seasons, creating an unparalleled wildlife viewing experience any time of year.
From dry savannah to delta wetlands, the Moremi Game Reserve is a wildlife oasis. Created in 1963 to protect wild animals from hunters, Moremi’s expanse includes one-third of the eastern Okavango Delta.
The Selinda Spillway connects the Okavango Delta to the floodplains and swamps of the Linyanti River. During the dry season, this region becomes a magnet for incredible concentrations of wildlife.
Easily reached via Kasane Airport, Chobe National Park protects a vast swath of northern Botswana’s diverse landscapes. From forest to floodplain, all manner of wildlife can be found in this magnificent park.
In dramatic contrast to the Okavango Delta, the Kalahari Desert receives almost no rain for most of the year. Wildlife and plants alike must adapt to the harsh conditions until the rainy season arrives.
The Makgadikgadi Pan is an expansive salt flat – one of the largest in the world – that offers a safari experience like no other. Zebras migrate across the pan from December to March and the birdwatching is outstanding, too.
The sheer quantity of wildlife in Botswana is staggering; tens of thousands of elephants are just the headline when it comes to the immense diversity of life. A safari to Botswana feels as though you are stepping back thousands of years into what untouched Africa once was. We’ve compiled a list of our favourite experiences to inspire your imagination.The sheer quantity of wildlife in Botswana is staggering; tens of thousands of elephants are just the headline when it comes to the immense diversity of life. A safari to Botswana feels as though you are stepping back thousands of years into what untouched Africa once was.
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite experiences to inspire your imagination.
All the descriptions in the world can’t compete with seeing the magnificent and huge Okavango Delta from the air. It’s only then that it’s possible to appreciate the expanse of the delta as it fans into a myriad of waterways and wetlands bringing life-giving water to a place that would otherwise be arid and sterile.
From your seat in a nimble and rapid chopper, you will buzz over the wildlife and landscape of this African Garden of Eden, a birds-eye view enabling your pilot to show you great groups of elephant, herds of wildebeest, zebra and the water-adapted lechwe.
There is nothing quite like the beauty of an African sunset. In northern Botswana, it’s a time for animals to sip from the waterways of the Chobe River in the subsiding heat before the land is handed over to nocturnal creatures.
For a front-row seat, take a sundowner cruise on the Chobe River. The glorious skies reflecting off the water create an enveloping spectacle. You’ll sit back and sip a cocktail whilst you watch elephant, buffalo and antelope lapping at the water’s edge, senses alert to the possibility of lurking wild dogs and lion.
You’ll see the sentinels of the meerkat, groups of rapidly-running ostriches, and the landmarks of sparse but prominent and surreal baobab trees as you head out into the salt pans of Makgadikgadi. It’s here that the environment becomes dazzling white, flat and sterile.
The pans are what remains of an ancient great lake, once larger than Switzerland but now all but gone through evaporation, so there is plenty of space to have an exhilarating adventure on your own four-wheeled steed of powerful propulsion.
From water level, the world seems bigger and more personal: you’ll see looming elephants drinking and basking crocodiles, and there’ll be intimate sights of flitting dragonflies and colourful reed frogs.
By taking a tranquil journey in a Mokoro canoe, expertly punted by your guide, you’ll be having an experience shared by local inhabitants of the delta for thousands of years. These slender and elegant canoes were traditionally made from the hollowed-out trunks of hardwood trees, but the modern fibreglass versions not only preserve local trees but are also much more comfortable.
There’s a festival atmosphere to the great congregations of elephant during the months of August to November. At every turn, you’ll see more of these magnificent mammals browsing, bathing and consuming thousands of litres of water.
The Chobe Linyanti area contains the largest population of free-ranging elephants on the whole of the African continent, and this becomes abundantly apparent during the dry season when they have no choice but to flock to the more permanent sources of grazing and water provided by the Chobe and Linyanti Rivers. This isn’t just a herd of elephant, it’s a herd of herds; a meta-herd that will blow your mind.
The Swahili word ‘safari’ means ‘journey’, and the best and most authentic journeys are those of discovery. We suggest that you return to the spirit of pre-modern African journeys by including a few days of mobile safari. In the company of an expert guide and small team, you will have the same safari camp moving with you, just as all true explorers would do.
It’s still as comfortable as possible, but it’s an environmentally friendly and low-impact way of seeing the glory of the Okavango Delta. This is the style of a true safari, and every animal encounter along the way will be richly deserved.
We may think we are wise, but a day spent with the San people of the Kalahari Desert may encourage you to re-assess yourself and the values of the modern world. These people have walked the sands for more than 70,000 years, surviving in harmony with their environment through click-laden oral traditions which maintain their survival against the odds.
Imagine a society where material wealth is considered a burden, where there is no personal property and therefore nobody can think themselves better than anyone else. The wisdom of elders and of fellow animals is revered, plants are deeply understood, dance and rock art are interwoven with a rich spiritual tradition: there is much to learn from these wise and gentle people.
The cool air of the dawn is the best part of the day in any African country. It’s the time to head out on an early-morning safari to see the stirring animals as they start their foraging and daily rhythm of life. You’ll already have had unforgettable encounters by the time you arrive at a grove of trees where there is – as if by magic – a table laden with abundant and delicious food.
It’s a breakfast like no other, expertly prepared by cooks who have years of experience of conjuring up delicacies with minimal equipment. There’ll be omelettes and pancakes, pastries and bacon, fresh fruit and yoghurt, along with juices, tea and gorgeous coffee. Then it’s time to head back to camp for a snooze!
From your perch above a waterhole, with the whole spectrum of animal life journeying back and forth below, your eyes will be drawn increasing upwards as the day comes to its conclusion, first to the blood-red blazing sunset and then to the glorious heavens above.
It’s a humbling experience to lie in a sky bed atop the platform beneath the whole sweep of the Milky Way, with shooting stars and a moon so clear that it seems to be within touching distance. On the Khwai Private Reserve, their three sky bed platforms are quietly exclusive. Your alfresco bedroom is raised two stories above the ground, there’s a warm duvet and even a hot water bottle if required, all the better to revel in the majesty of the Botswanan sky.
The evening belongs to the stealthy feline predators of the African bush. You’ll set off in the late afternoon at the time when these agile and highly tuned animals begin to stir and start their daily hunt. In the lengthening shadows, coolness and the encroaching dusk, their senses and patience come into their own: herbivores beware, there are hungry eyes watching and considering an easy meal. Expert guides, with instincts fine-tuned to the habits of the big cats, will reveal leopard and lion as they stalk the diverse and fertile Okavango environment. This is their domain, and, for the evening, you will glimpse their dominance.
Catering to just 24 guests, Xigera Safari Lodge in the Okavango Delta offers an exclusive, intimate and personal experience, with phenomenal animal encounters both on land and on the water. The thoughtful service and generous hospitality is the cherry on top.
One of the most authentic ways to visit Chobe National Park without compromising on luxury, Chobe Under Canvas offers excellent service, delicious ‘bush’ cuisine and an unmatched atmosphere. The camp is repositioned regularly to give you exceptional game viewing of the rich wildlife inhabiting the Chobe Riverfront.
Under a canopy of ebony trees, Botswana’s first Relais & Châteaux member property sits in all its glory. A photographer’s dream, Zarafa Camp is a private property where guests revel in luxury, as well as natural beauty. Downstream, the show stopping Dhow Suite - perhaps the most exclusive property in the whole of Botswana - promises to be absolutely unforgettable.
An iconic camp that harks back to an era of glamour, Jack’s Camp is set in the striking Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Whether visiting in the dry or green season, Jack’s offers guests an exceptionally stylish place to stay while admiring the wildlife and unique beauty of the pans.
Choosing the right country is the starting point in creating the perfect luxury safari for your family. On safari in South Africa, you can expect exciting game viewing, a range of activities, privacy and the chance to engage with local cultures.Choosing the right country is the starting point in creating the perfect luxury safari for your family. On safari in South Africa, you can expect exciting game viewing, a range of activities, privacy and the chance to engage with local cultures.
Booking your family safari to Botswana opens a door to a world of exciting adventure. From the minute your Cessna touches the bush strip, your family will be in the wilds with expert guides. We curated the top 10 family experiences in Botswana to whet your appetite.
From the glistening floodplains of the Okavango Delta, to the pristine wilderness of Linyanti, and beyond to the shimmering salt flats of Makgadikgadi - this family friendly safari will leave you all with lifelong memories. Experience the diverse ecosystems and wildlife Botswana has to offer in this spectacular journey from Delta to Desert.
Botswana is Africa’s most exclusive safari destination. Each enormous private reserve has just one or two luxury lodges guaranteeing a series of private experiences as you travel from one exquisite location to the next. Expert guides will take your family on safari among big cats and vast elephant herds in beautiful deltas and deserts.
"I contacted Paul to help sort a special holiday. He delivered the most incredible itinerary that fulfilled all of our expectations and more. We felt the attention to detail in all aspects of our trip to both Botswana and Zambia enabled us to relax and enjoy this special occasion. We have memories to treasure and have already started talking with Paul for our next adventure. Thank you for a very professional service."
We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.
From the pristine wilderness of Linyanti, to the glistening floodplains of the Okavango Delta, and beyond to the shimmering salt flats of Makgadikgadi - this Botswana safari will leave you with incredible memories from beginning to end. Experience the diverse ecosystems and wildlife Botswana has to offer in this epic journey from plains, to delta to desert.
This memorable safari combines a journey through one of Africa’s most game rich areas, with a visit to one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Experience Botswana’s abundant wildlife in the spectacular Okavango Delta and Linyanti, before heading to the winding Zambezi River to see the astonishing Victoria Falls.
Travel across Southern Africa in complete luxury, staying at some of the most exclusive properties on the continent. With every single detail taken care of by exceptional guides and staff at each location, you can concentrate on what really matters - immersing yourself in an exclusive African safari experience.
From the glistening floodplains of the Okavango Delta, to the pristine wilderness of Linyanti, and beyond to the shimmering salt flats of Makgadikgadi - this family friendly safari will leave you all with lifelong memories. Experience the diverse ecosystems and wildlife Botswana has to offer in this spectacular journey from Delta to Desert.
Botswana is Africa’s most exclusive safari destination. Each enormous private reserve has just one or two luxury lodges guaranteeing a series of private experiences as you travel from one exquisite location to the next. Expert guides will take your family on safari among big cats and vast elephant herds in beautiful deltas and deserts.
Imagine gliding silently along an Okavango waterway in a mokoro canoe as zebra and impala graze the grasslands. Or cantering on horseback with your guide alongside giraffe. In the Kalahari, take an early morning walk with a San Bushman as he explains the ancestral secrets of survival.
Here’s something you might not expect. The people looking after you on safari might create some of your happiest safari memories. You’ll remember laughter and those after dinner stories and jokes around the campfire. During a three-night stay in a luxury camp, you’ll get to make friends with your guide, the chef, the vegetable gardener and the other people who love their work.
Botswana is a great choice for an exclusive family safari. Roaming the spectacular deserts, deltas and savannahs are literally millions of animals. The fertility and abundant water of the Okavango and Linyanti Deltas supports an incredible 200 different mammal species. The Government’s high value, low volume tourism policy helps conservation and enables you to enjoy a top quality private safari.
Between safaris there is plenty for children to do in camp while the adults relax. Safari lodges may be small and in remote locations, but they have excellent facilities and your hosts’ purpose is to give you the best possible time. In this section we also suggest a couple of places that combine easily to complement your Botswana safari.
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite experiences to inspire your imagination.
The best way to give your family the facilities it seeks may be to book out an entire camp or lodge. Perhaps you are planning a multi-generation safari. Or you may want to fulfil a dream of walking, mokoroing and camping out in the Okavango. You may simply crave an extra degree of privacy. Most lodges we use take fewer than 16 guests, some take only eight, so booking a whole lodge is a viable option.
Booking your family safari to Botswana opens a door to a world of exciting adventure. From the minute your Cessna touches the bush strip, your family will be in the wilds with expert guides. We curated the top 10 family experiences in Botswana to whet your appetite.
Escape into the wilds of Botswana, where the pristine landscape and varied wildlife abound. On a luxury safari in Botswana, you can expect to share your safari with only a handful of other guests, as our travel insider Philippa Page discovered.
Botswana is one of the best places for a family holiday of a lifetime! There are millions of animals across plains, deserts and deltas.
The Kalahari is a fascinating place for a family safari. The children can sit by a meerkat den watching these curious little creatures foraging and playing as one stands guard on its hind legs looking out for eagles. They can watch enthralled as a San Bushman reveals hidden secrets that have enabled them to survive here for thousands of years.
A land of contrasts, Botswana has long captured the hearts of countless travellers with its seasonal ebbs and flows. Each year, the flooding channels of the Okavango Delta beckon wildlife from near and far; rains transform the stark Makgadikgadi and Nxai salt pans into blankets of green; and dusty footprints trace paths to the vast elephant herds that gather in Chobe National Park. Comparing the verdant patchwork of green in the north to the lunar Kalahari landscapes further south is a feast for the senses, a feast which makes for an unforgettable geographical study in the span of a single trip. Discover Africa’s most exclusive safari destination in complete luxury.