Regions: Botswana,
Southern Africa

One of Africa’s most iconic landscapes, this vast and pristine wetland is one of the greatest wildlife-watching destinations on earth. The elemental rising and falling of waters from the Okavango River sustain a full complement of African megafauna and stunning scenery that changes with the seasons, making it an unrivalled African Eden.

As the dry season begins across this magnificent wetland, so does the miraculous arrival of its mineral-rich floodwaters, bringing with it a spectacular gathering of animals and birds to take advantage of this watery paradise.

The Okavango’s unceasing web of water made up of countless tributaries and networks of snaking streams are home to huge numbers of game, including elephant, buffalo, lion, hippo, giraffe, and zebra. Vast herds of antelope graze on the lush vegetation in this watery wilderness.

An exquisite montage of lily-covered wetlands, sparkling floodplains, open grassland, and dappled forests, Moremi is one of Africa's greatest wildlife reserves. Cordoned off for the preservation of wildlife and protecting much of the Okavango Delta, Moremi’s distinct dual personality, with large areas of dry land rising between vast wetlands, attracts a myriad of game all year round.

Huge herds of elephant and buffalo wade the waterways, together with a variety of antelope, including the largest population of red lechwe in Africa. Recently introduced rhino has made Moremi the home of the Big Five, with lion, leopard and large populations of endangered African wild dog preying on the ample menu. Crocodiles sun themselves on sunny riverbanks, while hippos dominate the deep lagoons and the distinctive call of the African fish eagle can be heard across the water.

Located in one of the most accessible corners of the Okavango, with well-maintained trails and accommodation that ranges from luxury lodges to public campsites for self-drivers, Moremi delivers an unforgettable safari experience. Join us on a tailor-made tour of this incredible region and journey into the heart of Africa.

Tucked away in the furthest corner of the Chobe National Park, Linyanti is described as the ‘hidden gem of the Chobe.’ Secluded and remote, the Linyanti Swamp covers vast tracts of marshy swampland that attract huge congregations of game and birds.

Dense woodlands border the vast, ancient floodplains and host an abundance of wildlife, including the world’s highest densities of elephant in the dry winter months. Herds of elephant, buffalo, and zebra congregate along the river, while giraffe, impala, and roan antelope feed on the succulent vegetation in the dense riverine forests. Overwhelming numbers of birds flock to the waters, including pelicans in the thousands.

And where there is food, there are predators – big cats abound with lion and cheetah frequently seen while the elusive leopard keeps a distance until nightfall. Large packs of endangered wild dog bare teeth with hyena over prey in this utopian wildlife paradise.

Why not enjoy a tailor-made safari with Africa Exclusive to this magnificent and untouched region? Simply contact one of our expert travel consultants to get more details and take the trip of a lifetime.

Tucked away in the northern Kalahari and home to the famous Chobe National Park, this region is synonymous with vast herds of elephant and buffalo that inhabit the thick impenetrable acacia bush, thousands of zebra and antelope that roam the rolling grasslands, and the mighty predators that follow them.

Flowing through this magnificent landscape are the winding waterways of the Savuti Channel, which when in full force, flows down from the Linyanti waterways to flood the Savuti Marsh, attracting a plethora of game and birds to the watery shores. Impala, wildebeest, giraffe, and tsessebe pick their way through the marshy undergrowth, while herds of buffalo and elephant wade across huge tracts of glistening water. Bloats of hippo bellow their presence, while massive crocodiles sun themselves on sandy islands between the reeds.

On drier land, large prides of lion and packs of haggling hyena wait for the opportunity to grab a meal, while the granite kopjes on higher ground hide the elusive leopard, which make their appearance under the cover of night.

Myriad birds flock to the marshlands, from the ubiquitous fish eagle, whose distinctive call can be heard across the waters, to stately herons wading the shallows for small fry and the rare African skimmer, whose fishing skills are a highlight of a visit to the Chobe.

Lying in the heart of northern Botswana, the Kalahari Desert is a striking contrast to the verdant Okavango and Linyanti regions and a ‘must-see’ for those who wish to experience the full extent of Botswana's diversity.

Encompassing rolling grasslands and temporary wetlands, as well as sand dunes and saltpans, the desert is a surprisingly fertile environment and a unique population of desert-adapted plants and animals.

Breathtaking scenery accompanies a plethora of wildlife, including an array of antelope such as gemsbok, eland and springbok, as well as wildebeest, zebra and giraffe. Famous for their magnificent black manes, the huge Kalahari lion is a formidable predator, while cheetah, leopard, hyena, and wild dogs play second fiddle.

Smaller and more elusive animals are best seen here, such as wildcat, porcupine, aardwolf, meerkat, and honey badger, and the birdlife is surprisingly good, especially in the rainy summer months, when the saltpans undergo a stunning transformation into a breeding ground for huge flocks of migratory birds, including thousands of flamingos.

In a shimmering display of Botswana’s elemental power, the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are the very antithesis of the watery world of the Okavango Delta, Chobe River, and Linyanti Marshes just a few miles away. Once the bed of a massive inland lake, the hallucinatory, horizon-less landscape of burnished oranges, shimmering whites and golden grasslands form the largest network of salt pans in the world, mesmerising in scope and beauty.

Seemingly devoid of life for much of the year, this arid landscape draws small groups of wildlife that gather on the banks of the Boteti River for what little water is present. However, when the annual rains arrive, a breathtaking transformation occurs, turning the land into a lush paradise that attracts a variety of bird and animal life.

Over a quarter of a million zebra arrive en masse, followed by the same numbers of wildebeest and antelope, to feed on the verdant oasis of greenery. Close on their heels are the predators – prides of lion, cheetah and packs of hyena, making for excellent game viewing. Unique and exotic, this is Africa untouched.