Price
7,685 USD
* (See price tab)
Country
Botswana
When to Go
Mar to Dec
Duration
11 Nights
Safari Type
Mobile Safari
Location
Okavango Delta
Kids Min Age
12
Safari Rating
Explore the Okavango Delta like never before. This 11-night safari covers 3 different areas of the Okavango and wide range of activities including action packed game drives, educational walking safaris, authentic mokoro trips and relaxed boating along the stunning waterways. Alongside some of Botswana best safari guides, this is the ultimate adventure!
The Okavango Explorer is a unique 11-night set departure group safari in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. The 11 nights are separated into 3 separately bookable sections starting and ending from Maun, Botswana.
Section A consists of 4 nights focusing purely on game drives and wildlife viewing by vehicle. Go in search of iconic species such as leopard, lion and if you are lucky wild dogs during this section! The wildlife is fantastic here so bring your cameras.
Section B then carries on with a further 4 nights but now focussing on walking safaris and mokoro trips in a remote community area. Explore this area on twice daily educational walking safaris following fresh animal tracks, listening out for birds and exploring the smaller aspects of the bush. There’s nothing quite like finding a big elephant bull while on foot!
Then for Section C you will fly to the heart of the Okavango Delta for a further 3 nights. Exploring mainly by boat through the permanent waterways and swamps, a totally different landscape with more aquatic mammal and bird species. Camping on and exploring remote islands on foot, this is the real Delta experience!
highlights
- All-inclusive 11 nights of mobile tented safari in Botswana’s Okavango Delta.
- 3 different sections – individually bookable for flexibility!
- High level and memorable guiding from some of the BEST GUIDES in Botswana.
- Fascinating wildlife sightings – Bring your cameras!
- Boating safaris in the Delta’s permanent swamps.
- Walking & mokoro safaris in a remote part of the Okavango Delta with great wildlife.
- Track and approach members of BIG 5 on foot.
- BOTSWANA! Need we say more?
map and overview
- Section A
- Road transfer from Maun to camp.
- 4 nights mobile safari focusing on game drives and wildlife viewing (Mini Meru Tents).
- Road transfer to section B or road transfer back to Maun.
- Section B
- Incoming transfer from section A or road transfer from Maun.
- 4 nights walking safari and mokoro trips in a community concession (Mini Meru Tents).
- Road transfer to Maun or if continuing to section C a small aircraft flight.
- Section C
- Incoming small aircraft flight from Section B or from Maun.
- 3 nights walking safaris and boating in the heart of the Okavango Delta (Dome tents).
- Small aircraft flight to Maun.
start dates
16 December 2024 - 27 December 2024
1 March 2025 - 12 March 2025
16 March 2025 - 27 March 2025
1 April 2025 - 12 April 2025
16 April 2025 - 27 April 2025
1 May 2025 - 12 May 2025
16 May 2025 - 27 May 2025
1 June 2025 - 12 June 2025
16 June 2025 - 27 June 2025
1 July 2025 - 12 July 2025
16 July 2025 - 27 July 2025
1 August 2025 - 12 August 2025
16 August 2025 - 27 August 2025
1 September 2025 - 12 September 2025
16 September 2025 - 27 September 2025
1 October 2025 - 12 October 2025
16 October 2025 - 27 October 2025
1 November 2025 - 12 November 2025
16 November 2025 - 27 November 2025
1 December 2025 - 12 December 2025
16 December 2025 - 27 December 2025
detailed itinerary
Day 1 to 5 – Game drives - Section A
Welcome to Botswana! The safari starts from Maun International Airport and most international flights arrive around noon. You will be met at Maun airport by your guide, introduced to the rest of the guests and depart by road for the start of your adventure.
The drive to camp is approximately 4-5 hours. You can expect to arrive to the camp around sunset on the first day. The first hour of the drive is tar road, followed by about 30 minutes of gravel road before you cross the veterinary fence. Thereafter its possible wildlife viewing all the way to camp so keep the cameras ready!
Over the next 3 full days you will be exploring this wildlife rich part of the Okavango Delta on twice daily game drives. The typical program as follows:
You will be woken up shortly before sunrise for a freshly brewed coffee and breakfast around the campfire. As soon as there’s enough sunlight to not require lights you will depart for your morning game drive in search of the abundant wildlife. Halfway through the drive you will stop for a coffee break and some biscuits before continuing with the drive and slowly heading back to camp.
Depending on wildlife sightings and action during the morning, you typically would arrive back in camp shortly before midday for a well-deserved lunch. After lunch it’s siesta time and typically the time when electrical equipment can be charged by the in-camp charging system. It is also recommended that you request your bucket shower during the midday break as it’s easiest to shower during the day where you have good sunlight.
A time for afternoon tea will be established by your guide. After this you will head on the afternoon game drive. This is typically a shorter drive in the area following up on the action that occurred in the morning. Often you will stop in a scenic location for a relaxing sundowner drink as the sun starts to set – however if the wildlife action is on-going then the group might opt to rather skip the drinks!
You will then head back to camp where a crackling fireplace awaits. Relax around the fireplace with a drink while the chef prepares the 3-course dinner. After dinner a well-deserved rest for the next day.
If you have only booked Section A then you will have a transfer to Maun International Airport for onward travels.
Day 5 to 9 – Walking safaris – Section B
If you are coming from section A then you will embark on a day-trip game drive as you make your way to the next area which is in a more remote community area within the Okavango Delta. If you have booked section B independently then you will be transferred from Maun to the area.
Over the next 3 full days you will explore the area on twice daily activities. These activities will primarily be focused on walking safaris and if water levels allow mokoro (traditional canoes) could also be used to access new walking areas nearby.
The morning walks are typically longer (about 4-5 hours), and more distance is covered because the temperature is lower allowing for a more comfortable experience.
The afternoon walks are more relaxed and will vary according to the group and comfort levels. If water levels allows, afternoon mokoro trips are also an option.
During the walks a wide range of topics will be covered including tracks & tracking, botanical information, birding, insects such as termites, ecology related to the Okavango Delta, local traditional medicines, and also potential encounters with big game. There are no set schedules and walks will be conducted with safety as priority. These areas generally have a high concentration of wildlife so encounters with large animals are highly likely. You will be walking with some of the best walking safari guides in the country.
If your safari concludes after section B then you will be transferred by road back to Maun on the final day.
Day 9 to 12 – Okavango Extension – Section C
For this portion of the safari, you will fly-in and fly-out. This will be the most remote area accessed as you explore the Okavango Delta.
You will fly into Jedibe airstrip where you will hop on a boat for a transfer to your camp which is setup on a stunning island deep in the Okavango Delta. The camp for this section will be setup in smaller 3x3m dome tents with en-suite bush bathrooms. The tents are still comfortable, but their smaller size allow for them to be easier transported to more remote islands.
Over the next 2 full days you will explore this stunning area on a mix of activities. Primarily boating and walking safaris will be the focus. There could also potentially be mokoro safaris however water levels will ultimately dictate the conditions and your guide will plan accordingly.
The landscape in this area of the Okavango is totally different from the first 2 locations. You will find a domination of papyrus, wild date palms and other plant life requiring permanent water. Wildlife concentrations are slightly lower here due to the abundance of water. The birdlife is incredible in this area with chances to spot special rarities such as the pels fishing owl.
After the safari you will return to Jedibe airstrip for a onwards flight to Maun.
accommodation
Serviced mobile safari camping in Mini Meru (Sahara) style en-suite tents for section A & B. 3x3m dome tents with en-suite for section C.
price
Costs for all dates in 2024/2025:
Per person sharing
- Section A – 4 nights Game Drives = USD$ 2,700
- Section B – 4 nights Walking Safaris = USD$ 2,700
- Section C – 3 nights Okavango Extension = USD$ 2,285
Single supplement
- Section A – 4 nights Game Drives = USD$ 400
- Section B – 4 nights Walking Safaris = USD$ 400
- Section C – 3 nights Okavango Extension = USD$ 300
Important Notes
- Each section departure guaranteed with 2 confirmed bookings.
- Maximum 12 guests on each section, but once guest numbers exceed 7 the group will split in 2 with separate activities and guides.
- The activities will never exceed 6 guests for comfort and safety reasons.
- The rates are in US Dollars.
- Due to the nature of this safari the minimum age is 12 years old. Families travelling with younger children must book private safaris where activities will be adapted with safety in mind.
- These safaris are not private. Guests to fit into existing safaris to a maximum of 12 Guests.
- Enquire for private departures.
- Rates are subject to change anytime due to Government levies and other industry fluctuations not in our control.
Inclusions
- Comfortable walk Meru style tents with built-in floors and mosquito gauze at the windows and entrance. Comfortable beds include all bed linen and a towel (section A & B).
- Comfortable 3x3m dome tent style tents with built-in floors and mosquito gauze at the windows and entrance. Stretcher beds include all bed linen and a towel (section C)
- En-suite bathrooms with a traditional hot water safari bucket shower and short-fall pit toilet (bush-loo)
- Section C includes 2x small aircraft flights and departure tax. Strict 20kg baggage limits apply including hand luggage.
- Transfers to/from Maun International Airport for sections A & B.
- Experienced, licensed professional guide.
- Game drives in custom-made open game drive vehicles with shade roof, game viewing seats and long-range fuel tanks.
- All entrance and camping fees for National Parks, Game Reserves and community areas.
- All meals and selected local drinks.
- Dedicated safari team including cook, camp assistants and back-up driver.
- Limited Laundry services.
- Bathroom amenities (soap and insect repellent)
- All activities as specified in the itinerary – subject to water levels and safety which are beyond our control.
Exclusions
- International & domestic or charter flights and airport departure taxes not mentioned.
- Visas (these are your own responsibility to organise)
- Travel, cancellation and medical insurance (essential on all safaris)
- Optional safari excursions (helicopter flights etc).
- Spirits other than gin
- Items of a personal nature
- Tips and gratuities
- Covid-19 testing.
additional information
- This is not a lodge-based safari. This is a Mobile Tented Safaris, meaning that the camp is setup temporarily in dedicated mobile sites specifically for your group and moves with you.
- The camp is unfenced and in a wildlife area. A safety briefing will be given on the first day and must be strictly followed.
- On arrival you will be required to read and sign an indemnity waiver.
- All safaris are accompanied by a full mobile Crew made up of a Bush Chef, Waiter, and camp assistants.
- The Crew is responsible for setting up the camp and all other camp chores.
- All safaris are led by a Botswana Licensed Professional Guide.
- Guests are advised to bring a maximum of 20kg of luggage per person including carry-on bags, and that luggage is soft sided with no wheels or frames (essential for flights).
- The relevant cancellation policy applies should you fail to join or start your safari for any reason, including airline delays or missed connections. Please ensure you have adequate travel insurance for this purpose.
- While these safaris are comfortable, a decent level of fitness is required especially for the walking safaris where walks are conducted in varying and uneven terrain with the presence of potentially dangerous animals.
- The distance and duration of walks vary daily due to wildlife movements, temperatures, guest comfort, safety, or other factors. As a fitness guide, you should be able to comfortably walk 8km in 1 day.
- The Price is subject to any VAT, LEVY, FUEL, or any other industry increases that are beyond our control.
- Two daily activities are included in the Price: this is the morning and afternoon activity.
- These are carried out in Customized 4×4 Toyota Landcruiser for section A. Other extra activities during this section are subject to availability and at additional costs.
- For section B & C activities will be primarily walking safaris and if water levels permit also mokoro (section B) and boating (section C). Note that these activities are planned on site by your guide according to the conditions, animal movements and safety. Due to the unpredictability of the Okavango Delta’s water levels and the wildlife – flexibility is needed to provide the best and safest experience. It is not possible to guarantee water activities.
- The Okavango Delta is considered a Malaria Area. Please consult your doctor or pharmacist and establish what precautions will be required for you.
- Passports must be valid (usually for at least 6 months after date of travel) and have at least 3 blank visa pages (not endorsement pages).
- All visa requirements must be fulfilled, and these are your responsibility.
- Due to logistics of travelling on a safari to remote areas, we strongly recommend that you read all the literature that will be forwarded to you and if you have any queries to please contact us directly.
Ready for an adventure? Lets Talk!
Contact SAFARI FRANK to get started on your safari of a lifetime!
