Set Departure Safari

The Lion Safari – 15 Days Mobile Participation Safari

"On this mobile safari through Botswana's best national parks, you'll help pack, making the value for money unbeatable."

Price 2,900 USD * (See price tab)

Country

Botswana, Zimbabwe

Duration

14 Nights

Safari Type

Camping, Lodge, Mobile Safari

Location

Maun, Northern Botswana, Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls

Safari Rating

adventure

wilderness

wildlife

comfort

photographic

guiding

This 15-day round trip visits much of Botswana’s best game areas. From the magic of Nxai Pan National Park to the unique Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. The safari starts in Kasane, ends at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

The Lion Safari through Botswana is based on semi-participation, which means that guests pitch their own tents during this safari and help out with other tasks around camp, which is actually quite fun! It brings a great sense of community and accomplishment to camp with like-minded people in true wilderness! Since the tour is more affordable, a maximum of 12 guests can be accommodated in a single safari vehicle.

The safari begins in Kasane, where your journey starts right with the first highlight, a sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River.
The following morning starts early so that you can reach your next destination, the Nxai Pans north of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park in time to sufficiently enjoy the magic of this region.

The journey continues via a peripheral area of Maun towards the Okavango Delta. Here you will have the opportunity to book a scenic flight over the incomparable natural spectacle of the Delta. You will also take mokoro rides in the waterways of the Delta and explore the area on foot with a trained guide. This area is a true paradise.

Continue towards Moremi Game Reserve, which is considered one of the best game viewing locations in Botswana. The game drives during sunrise and sunset are just too magical. Here you also have the opportunity to enjoy a helicopter flight over the delta. This flies without doors or windows which makes the experience even more authentic and allows for unique views.

Your next destination will be the southern Chobe National Park, Savuti. But before you reach it, you will stop in the Khwai River area where you will do some game drives to explore the area extensively.
The dry areas of the Savuti are best known for the numerous bull elephants that roam the landscape impressively and powerfully.

You continue to the northern part of the Chobe National Park, which in contrast to the south is characterized by flood plains and thus offers a completely new impression. Here, too, the wildlife viewing opportunities are overwhelming.
The last highlight is crossing the Botswana border into Zimbabwe, where the famous Victoria Falls await you – a truly majestic end to a safari.

highlights map and overview start dates detailed itinerary accommodation price additional information

highlights

Sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River
2 nights Nxai Pan National Park
Optional Scenic flight over the Delta
Okavango Delta & mokoro excursions
3 nights Moremi Game Reserve
3 nights Chobe National Park
Optional visit to the Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (extra charges apply)
1 night at a comfortable lodge in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

map and overview

1 night: Campsite, Kasane
2 nights: Wild camping, Nxai Pans
1 night: Campsite, Maun
2 nights: Wild camping, Okavango Delta
1 night: Campsite, Okavango Delta near Moremi Game Reserve
2 nights: Campsite, Moremi Game Reserve (west)
1 night: Camping, Khwai Consession
1 night: Campsite, Savuti
2 nights: Campsite, Chobe National Park
1 night: Lodge, Victoria Falls

start dates

9 April 2025 - 23 April 2025

29 June 2025 - 13 July 2025

13 July 2025 - 27 July 2025

27 July 2025 - 10 August 2025

10 August 2025 - 24 August 2025

24 August 2025 - 7 September 2025

7 September 2025 - 21 September 2025

21 September 2025 - 5 October 2025

5 October 2025 - 19 October 2025

detailed itinerary

Day 1: Kasane, camping

The safari officially begins in Kasane, Botswana, at 13h00. We is happy to assist with pre-tour arrangements such as accommodation and transfers from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe or Kasane, Botswana, if required. On arrival in Kasane your guide will give you a full safari briefing and take you shopping for your safari drinks. The first highlight of your safari will be a sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River. Camping will be in Kasane at a public campsite with permanent ablutions. (L, D)

Day 2: Nxai Pan National Park, camping

Rising with the sun, your route takes you 500 kilometres south to Nxai Pan National Park where sweet grasses host a variety of wildlife. You will stop en route for a picnic lunch and enjoy an afternoon game drive in the park before getting to your campsite. Camping will be at a private designated campsite with bush ablutions. (B, L, D)

Kasane – Nxai Pan: 500km, 6-8h

Day 3: Nxai Pan National Park, camping

The next day you will explore Nxai Pan and enjoy the plains which are often dotted with grazing herds of impala and springbok. In the afternoon you will visit the magnificent Baines Baobabs. These regal trees, immortalised by the explorer Baines’ painting, are situated on the edge of an expansive saltpan. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Maun outskirts, camping

After enjoying a morning game drive, you will leave Nxai Pan and continue your safari to the outskirts of Maun – the gateway to the Okavango Delta. In the afternoon, you will have the option of taking a 45 minute scenic flight over the Delta. Rate TBA by your guide/agent. This experience has to be booked during the safari, and payment made in USD cash only. The flight over the Okavango gives you an eagle’s eye perspective of the area and it is even possible to spot large game animals such as Elephant, Giraffe and Hippopotami. You will spend the night at a campsite just in the outskirts of Maun with permanent ablution facilities. (B, L, D)

Nxai – Maun: 210km, 3-4h

Day 5: Okavango Delta, camping

Your adventure will take you to the southern tip of the Okavango Delta, a special corner of paradise. Once you have reached the edge of the Delta, you will meet your polers from the local community with their mokoro (traditional dugout canoes). Quietly cruising along reed lined channels and floodplains, you will enjoy the spectacular landscape of this unique region during the tranquil transfer taking you deeper inside the Delta. You will spend two days exploring this beautiful area with mokoro excursions and guided nature walks on the islands and floodplains of the Okavango, camping wild with bush ablutions on a small island for two nights. (B, L, D)

Maun – Okavango Delta: 60km, 1.5-2h

NOTE: You will leave your main luggage in the trailer and will need to pack a smaller bag (small backpack, hand luggage) with what you need for the 2 days on the island. Transfers from the mainland to the island where you will stay are done on traditional dugout canoes (mokoro) which cannot accommodate large bags. Your main luggage will safely remain in the vehicle that will be parked in a secured area while you are on the island.

Day 6: Okavango Delta, camping

Mokoro excursions and nature walks to explore the islands and waterways of the Okavango Delta. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Maun outskirts, camping

Leaving the channels of the Okavango Delta, you will start making your way towards the drier regions of the delta where you will camp and refresh before proceeding into the reserve the next day. This afternoon you will have the option of doing a 30min flight in a helicopter with no windows and doors, allowing magnificent views from above. Rate TBA by your guide/agent. You will spend the night at a campsite just in the outskirts of Maun with permanent ablution facilities (B, L, D)

Okavango Delta – campsite outside of Maun 50km, 1.5-2h

Day 8: Western Moremi Game Reserve (3rd Bridge / Xakanaxa area), camping

Morning of Day 8, you will enter Moremi Game Reserve, one of the best wilderness areas of Botswana which covers swamp and dry areas. The next three days will be spent searching for the wide variety of wildlife and birds that this area is renowned for while absorbing the sounds and beauty of this region. Game drives in the early morning as the sun rises and in the late afternoon as the sun sets will be the norm. After your morning game drives, you will return to camp for lunch and a siesta. On Day 10 you will move campsites to explore a different area of this diverse park. Camping will be in private designated campsites with bush ablutions. (B, L, D)

Campsite outside Maun – Western Moremi: 80km, 5-7h (transfer and game drive)

Day 9: Western Moremi Game Reserve (3rd Bridge / Xakanaxa area), camping

Game drives to explore the Moremi Game Reserve around the 3^rd Bridge / Xakanaxa areas. (B, L, D)

Day 10: North-East Moremi Game Reserve / Khwai Concession, camping

Transfer / game drive from Western Moremi to the region surrounding the Khwai River (North-east Moremi / Khwai Concession). Game drives to explore the areas. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Southern Chobe National Park (Savuti / Zwei Zwei), camping

Chobe National Park, with its diverse and striking landscapes, will be your next destination. As you continue your search for wildlife, you will traverse the drier region of Savuti where bull elephants dot the plains. You will then head northwards to the Chobe River where your game drives will meander along the banks of the river, followed by the call of the majestic African Fish Eagle. Camping will be in private designated areas with bush ablutions, first in the Savuti area (Day 11), then in the northern part of the park closer to the riverfront (Days 12 & 13). (B, L, D)

Eastern Moremi – Savuti: 120km, 7-8h (transfer and game drive)

Day 12: Northern Chobe National Park, camping

Transfer / game drive from Southern Chobe National Park to the Chobe river floodplain. Game drives to explore Northern Chobe National Park. (B, L, D)

Savuti – Chobe River: 170km, 5-6h (transfer and game drive)

Day 13: Northern Chobe National Park, camping

Game drives to explore Northern Chobe and floodplain. (B, L, D)

Day 14: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe comfortable lodge

After a short morning game drive you will then drive to Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side (Visa required), where you will spend the night at a comfortable lodge. In the afternoon there will be time to visit the thunderous Victoria Falls and shop for curios. Dinner will be at your own expense. (B)

Chobe River – Victoria Falls: 100km, 3h (excluding border crossing)

Day 15: End of Safari

The safari officially ends after breakfast on Day 15, at the lodge.

Bush Ways is happy to arrange post-tour accommodation, activities and transfers to Victoria Falls airport or lodges or Kasane, Botswana, at an additional cost. Activities in Victoria Falls include White Water Rafting down the Zambezi Gorge, Canoeing on the upper Zambezi and Helicopter Flights over the Victoria Falls, please ask your guide for further details. (B)

accommodation

DESCRIPTION

Camping safari requiring a minimum participation from the guests, i.e.: setting up the tent and packing it / carrying their bag from/to the vehicle at campsites. The rest of the camp chores are carried out by our team made up of one guide and one camp assistant.

EQUIPMENT

Tents are 2.1m x 2.1m x 1.75m. A 5cm high-density foam mattress is provided for each guest. Ablutions are shared and bush ablutions set up by our team when staying in game reserves and national park campsites.

VEHICLE

4×4 safari vehicles custom-built – custom built trailers.

# OF GUESTS

Max 12 guests – departure is guaranteed as soon as we have confirmed 1 guest.

price

Prices 2024/2025

Low season: 2,660 EUR per person sharing
High season: 2,870 EUR per person sharing
Single supplement: 155 EUR per person

(Low season: Nov-Jun / High season: Jul-Oct)

Price includes:

Camping equipment and accommodation (spacious bow tents with mattresses), room at a comfortable lodge in Victoria Falls, all transfers and activities as per the itinerary, all meals that are indicated (B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner) and filtered drinking water, tea/coffees, services of a Professional Guide and Camp Assistant, all Botswana park fees for activities included on itinerary and transport in specialised safari vehicles.

Does not include:

Restaurant meals (Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe), entrance to the Falls, visas, airport transfers, tips, curios, optional excursions (scenic flight over the Delta and activities in Victoria Falls), beverages (alcohol, soft drinks), Insurance to cover for cancellation and curtailment, medical, baggage, emergency evacuation, sleeping bag (and small pillow) on all camping sectors, any increase in National Park Fees.

additional information

LUGGAGE

One large kit bag (preferably a rucksack or a bag with soft sides – Please do not bring hard suitcases as they are very difficult to pack in our trailers and can pose a problem for any light aircraft flights you may take as part of your safari. Semi-hard suitcases should be avoided as well.
One item of hand luggage (e.g. a small backpack) – there will be room for this at your feet
Main luggage: max weight = 12kg, max. size = 700mm x 350mm x 350mm
The sleeping bag can be carried outside the main luggage.
If you are travelling to the Delta we request that you take only what you need for the 2/3 nights in a smaller pack. You can leave the large bag with the vehicle which will be locked in a secured area while you will be staying on a small island, with transfers by traditional dugout canoes.
Remember that on safari you need far fewer clothes than you think so bear this in mind when packing

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

Sleeping bag (note that nights can be chilly all year round and cold in winter, therefore, a warm sleeping bag is advised). A sleeping bag and small pillow can be hired (EUR 20 for the duration of the safari, please book this in advance)
Torch with spare batteries and bulbs – a head torch is a good idea
Hat/cap
Scarf and gloves (especially for winter months – note that if you also have gardening or working gloves, they can be convenient to set up & pack your tent)
Warm jacket/fleece/jumper – windproof in winter months (May – Sept), waterproof in summer months (Nov – Mar)
Swimming costume
Towel
Natural clothing (i.e. no bright colours and no white), t-shirts, shorts, a pair of lightweight long trousers and a lightweight long sleeve shirt (long sleeves are extremely useful for sun protection during the day and mosquito protection during the evening)
Please note that camouflage printed clothing is fine for the bush but please do not to wear in towns or when crossing borders.
Comfortable walking shoes and flip-flops/sandals
Camera equipment, binoculars, lots of spare films, batteries and spare memory cards for digital cameras are essential as the opportunity to download photos is limited.
Adapters for cables, chargers, USB, etc.: note that we recommend you label them to avoid confusion on the vehicle charging station
Water bottle and a small daypack for walks

TOILETRIES AND FIRST AID

Personal toiletries and medications in small bag, not a vanity case
Sunscreen
Malaria prophylaxis (see below section “medical precautions” for further information)
Mosquito repellents/lotion/spray
Toilet paper (this is only necessary if you prefer 2 or 3 ply toilet paper)
Waterproof/zip lock bags for storing personal items to keep dust free and/or dry.
Personal First Aid Kit
Please note: A First Aid Kit will be present throughout the safari but personal medicines must be brought for the duration of the safari.

MEDICAL PRECAUTIONS

Check with your local immunisation authority, travel clinic, public health facility or personal physician
Visit the WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION website for up to date information www.who.int
Botswana is considered a malaria area -consult your medical professional.
Between 2012 and 2015, both South Africa and Botswana required that all travelers coming from / going to Zambia should have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Beginning of 2015, both South Africa and Botswana officially communicated that they shall not require the yellow fever vaccination certificate for travelers coming from / going to Zambia. However, beware that regulations could change again without prior notice.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION

Valid passport: your passport must be valid at least 6 months after the end date of your trip and there must be at least 6 blank visa pages.
Many nationalities are able to obtain tourist visas for Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe at the border posts HOWEVER citizens of certain countries are required to obtain a visa before travelling. Please note that certain visas can take up to 3 months to be processed so please consider this when booking.
For more information see www.botswanatourism.co.bw, www.zambiatourism.com, www.zimbabwetourism.co.zw and www.namibiatourism.com.na
Valid visas – it is your responsibility to arrange visas
For up-to-date visa requirements please check with your travel consultant and/or Embassy
If you need to get a visa for one of the countries visited during your safari, please check when and where the visa can be obtained, and which currency is required for its payment.
Requirements for minor traveling through all Botswana ports of entry
Effective from the 1st October 2016 minors travelling through the country’s borders will be required to produce certified copies of unabridged birth certificates in addition to their valid passports. In the event that one parent is not travelling with the child, the other parent’s affidavit consenting to such travel should be availed. However, an affidavit will not be required if the father’s name does not appear on the child’s birth certificate.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

For all our safaris, it is COMPULSORY to take out travel insurance covering for: cancellation and curtailment, medical situations, baggage, emergency evacuation.
We can assist you to sign up for the Okavango Air Rescue membership. The service provides medical evacuation from isolated areas of the bush by a medically equipped helicopter and emergency doctor, ensuring smooth and swift operations. International insurance companies are not always familiar with the practicalities of dealing with emergencies in the Botswana bush, which can add to delays in obtaining medical care. Although the OAR membership is not compulsory and does not replace an international medical insurance and evacuation (which remains compulsory with or without OAR membership), we highly recommend to sign up for the OAR membership which is only BWP175 / USD 17 / EUR 15.
Please note that you will be required to provide your insurance details prior to your arrival so we can liaise with your insurance company in the shortest amount of time in case of an emergency. Required details include: medical evacuation insurer’s Name, medical evacuation policy number, 24-hour contact number of Medical evacuation insurer (must be able to phone it from Botswana – USA 800 numbers don’t work from here).

SAFARI DRINKS

Drinks (soft drinks and alcohol) are not included on all our camping safaris and are to be bought the day prior if your safari leaves early on day 1.
We provide filtered drinking water during the entire duration of the safari
Please note that our safari teams do not sell drinks during the safari and drinks can only be bought in town prior to and/or during the safari.
A minimum 3 litres of drinking water is recommended per person per day
At all hotel/lodge accommodation drinks are on a cash bar basis