Location

Northern Botswana

"Unfenced wilderness as nature intended"

Northern Botswana Safaris: The Okavango Delta and beyond

 

The Okavango Delta and surrounds is an immense and amazing oasis in the Kalahari desert, that constitutes one of the very best all-encompassing safari destinations in the world. Beautifully preserved.

Why choose our Northern Botswana safaris?

Northern Botswana, a gem in the heart of Africa, is a sanctuary where the wild heart of nature beats with a rhythm of pristine beauty and thrilling adventures. It’s a land where each dawn brings new wonders, and every sunset leaves a lasting impression. Some of their most prominent features are:

Diverse ecosystems

Northern Botswana is a vibrant mix of habitats, from the lush waterways of the Okavango Delta to the expansive plains of Moremi and the mysterious Linyati. Each region offers a unique safari experience, ensuring there’s always something new to discover.

Exceptional wildlife viewing

Home to a rich array of wildlife, including iconic African predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and the elusive wild dogs, Northern Botswana offers unparalleled opportunities for game viewing. The area’s commitment to conservation means you’ll witness animals roaming freely in their natural habitat.

Year-round spectacle

Unlike other destinations with distinct high and low seasons, Northern Botswana’s diverse landscapes ensure superb game viewing throughout the year. Each season brings charm, from the lush greenery post-rains to the dramatic wildlife congregations around water sources during the dry months.

A range of safari experiences

Northern Botswana caters to all tastes and styles, whether it’s the thrill of a walking safari, the elegance of a boat cruise through the delta, the authenticity of a mobile safari, or the excitement of a horseback adventure. The variety of activities available makes every journey a unique and personal experience.

A confluence of wilderness and luxury

Renowned for its high-quality, eco-conscious safari lodges and intimate holiday resorts, Northern Botswana blends luxury with the wilderness. The lodges here are not just your regular holiday accommodation, but gateways to some of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters on the planet.

A place of unspoiled beauty

The region’s commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism means the landscapes and ecosystems are beautifully preserved. As you traverse through Northern Botswana, you’ll witness the harmonious balance between nature and human presence, making it a model for conservation efforts worldwide.

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What makes Northern Botswana a unique safari destination?

Northern Botswana is a beacon of natural splendour, offering an array of distinct and mesmerising landscapes that promise an unforgettable safari experience.

The areas hosting these picturesque landscapes present unique wildlife and scenic beauty, making Northern Botswana a premier choice for safari enthusiasts. Let’s explore each of these areas in more detail.

Okavango Delta safari

Known as the ‘Jewel of the Kalahari’ and considered to be one of the great spectacles of the planet, it is in the Okavango Delta that you discover one of the most incredible wilderness areas on earth. 

Comprising 15,000 km² of water channels, lagoons and islands, this vast delta is rich with beauty and wildlife as far as the eye can see. 

The Panhandle 

Located in the northern region of the Okavango Delta, here you will find deep channels lined by papyrus swamps and secret lagoons – the fishing here for bream and tiger fish is fantastic.

The Panhandle is also the gateway to the Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage site with unique religious and spiritual significance to local peoples. An estimated 4,500 rock paintings appear around the area.

Moremi Game reserve

If you can imagine the Okavango Delta is the shape of a hand, its waterways and seasonal floods spreading like fingers, the Moremi Game Reserve would be the palm.

Here, the diverse fauna and flora of the surrounding landscapes merge to create a labyrinth of lagoons, open dry areas, permanent water channels interspersed with Mopani forests and palm-fringed islands in the middle of flooded plains.

Khwai safari

Accessible and smaller than many of the neighbouring reserves, Khwai is an open area into which game freely roams. 

Due to the arid conditions to the north towards Savuti, the game will flock to the Khwai River, especially in the drier winter months, making it a superb place to view predators, particularly wild dogs and leopards.

Read about one of our guest’s mobile safari experiences recently on our guest blog.

Savuti safari

Savuti is part of Chobe National Park and lies south of the Chobe River Front. With the high seasonal floods and waters moving down the Selinda Spillway, the Savuti Channel, fabled as the “Stolen River,” is again in flow and feeds the Savuti Marsh.

Known as one of the country’s most significant game viewing areas, Savuti is famed for its predators, from leopards to the large lion prides who occasionally hunt elephants – behaviour not generally witnessed elsewhere.

Linyati safari

Bordered by the Kwando and Linyanti Rivers, the exceptionally wild area of Linyati is seemingly untouched by human habitation. Adding to the real nature experience, the absence of fences means wildlife is not restricted in its movement. It’s also one of the best areas in Africa to witness wild dogs and view den sites.

Many activities are on offer, such as night game drives and the ability to drive ‘off-road’ when following predators.

Chobe river safari

As the Kwando and Linyanti rivers wind their way through the northern edge of Botswana, they widen to become the Chobe River – one of the great rivers of Africa. 

Famous for its large herds of elephants and buffalo, the Chobe River Front is the perfect place to watch the large herbivores drink against a blood-red sunset.

Interested? Check out Chobe Safari Lodge to learn more!

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Why Northern Botswana is a safari enthusiast’s paradise

From the winding waterways of the Okavango Delta to the vibrant wildlife scenes of Moremi and Savuti, every location in Northern Botswana is a testament to Africa’s raw, unspoiled beauty.

Here, the natural drama unfolds daily, with the roar of lions, the majestic stride of elephants, and the whisper of the African wind setting the stage for an immersive safari journey. 

The serene Chobe River and the mysterious Linyati offer glimpses into the heart of the wild, making each safari a story of discovery and connection with nature.

Northern Botswana is where safaris transcend wildlife viewing, becoming a profound narrative of adventure and an intimate encounter with the wild. Truly, Northern Botswana stands unmatched for those seeking the essence of an authentic African safari.

Frequently Asked Questions About Northern Botswana Safaris:

Can I experience local culture on a Northern Botswana safari?Northern Botswana offers cultural experiences like visiting local villages and interacting with indigenous tribes. These activities provide insight into the region’s history and customs, enriching your safari.
Are safaris in Northern Botswana suitable for kids?Definitely! Safaris in Northern Botswana are fantastic for families. Many lodges have special programs for children, making the safari experience enjoyable and educational for all ages.
Does Northern Botswana do wildlife conservation?Northern Botswana is a leader in wildlife conservation, with sustainable tourism practices and initiatives like anti-poaching efforts and community projects to protect natural habitats.
Is Northern Botswana good for birdwatching?Absolutely! The region is a haven for birdwatching, especially in the Okavango Delta and Chobe River areas, where a diverse range of bird species can be observed.

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