Renowned for its amazing wildlife, beautiful Botswana is also home to some unique ecosystems. It proudly boasts the largest, most incredible inland delta in the world - the Okavango. Known as the 'jewel of the Kalahari', the Okavango is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list thanks to the phenomenon of annual floodwaters and its plentiful resident wildlife.
The government of Botswana controls the numbers of visitors using a 'low volume, high value' model, meaning it's a higher priced tourist destination than some, but travellers will benefit. Only those who truly want to travel to Botswana will pay the higher price, resulting in lower visitor numbers and higher quality camps, thereby offering one of the best experiences in Africa.
The other (and possibly most important) reason for Botswana being such a unique safari destination is the ability to view wildlife different perspectives - like nowhere else in Africa. Both land and water-based safaris offer plenty of opportunities and choices. Cruising by luxury boat or being gently moved using traditional mokoro canoes, while surrounded by elephants, hippos, birds and sometimes even big cats, is definitely a once in a lifetime experience. Land offerings include exciting 4WD game drives, as well as thrilling walking safaris. Scenic helicopter or light aircraft transfers to luxury lodges are another exciting way of seeing the wildlife and landscapes from above.
Botswana is also one of the safest destinations in the world, making it an ideal holiday choice for families, couples and solo travellers. Almost everyone speaks English, which makes communication easy and convenient. The locals, known as Batswana, are some of the kindest and friendliest people in Africa.
A good option is to use Desert & Delta Safaris' portfolio of luxury camps and lodges which offer some of the most diverse safari experiences in Botswana. The lodges Desert & Delta own are situated in prime locations including Chobe National Park, Savuti, the Okavango Delta and the Moremi Game Reserve, as well as Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. You can visit all five of them and have a truly unique experience in each, although even visiting just two different areas will leave you with memories of a lifetime.
Here's some information about the lodges and their locations to help you decide on your perfect combination.
The Chobe River forms the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park, renowned for its diverse and abundant game viewing. Botswana is home to one sixth of the world's elephant population, and Chobe has one of the highest densities of elephants in the world. The park also has the highest concentration of greater kudu in Africa, along with a large number of hippos. The waters attract all manner of game including lions and large herds of buffalo. Chobe has reliable game viewing all year round; it could be part of a multi-stop itinerary, or work as a standalone destination in Botswana. Visitors can experience the park either by driving along the river banks in a 4WD, by cruising along the river in motorboat or by staying on a houseboat.
There are plenty of lodges to choose from in the area, one of the best options being the Chobe Game Lodge. This lodge is the only one within the national park offering its guests game viewing away from the crowds, and gives the option of game drives as well as river cruises. What better way to finish your day with a sunset cruise, watching elephants on the shores of the river?
Savuti (also spelt Savute, meaning mystery) lies in the heart of Chobe National Park and offers completely different scenery and experiences. With an almost desert-like landscape, the main feature of the area is the Savuti Channel which links the Savuti Marshes with the Linyanti Marshes. The channel can run dry for years at a time, but pumped waterholes mean a large concentration of animals can be easily spotted on most game drives. Savuti is famous for its predators, especially its resident lion and spotted hyena populations. The abundant wildlife also includes a variety of birds, elephants, wild dogs, black-backed jackal and thousands of migrating zebra and wildebeest. Visitors also have a chance to do an excursion to explore the ancient San rock paintings at Gubatsa Hill, and visit the the famous baobab trees nearby.
Savute Safari Lodge offers the chance to view wildlife from its viewing deck overlooking the channel and a waterhole. The lodge has just 12 thatched chalets, giving an intimate feel and personalised service. Wildlife viewing from the pool is a memory you will never forget.
The annual flooding of the vast Okavango Delta is simply unique - when the rains fall on Botswana from November to February the Okavango dries, but then during the dry season from March to August the waters swell almost three times in size, fed by rainwater from Angola. This natural wonderland is home to vast numbers of African wildlife: the world's most remarkable and endangered mammals, reptiles and over 500 species of birds. With more than 150,000 islands and barely 40 lodges, the exclusivity of being here speaks for itself.
Camp Okavango is one of the most beautiful properties owned by Desert & Delta. Situated in a very secluded location within the Okavango Delta and set on elevated decks with an open air feel, this luxurious camp is just wonderful. The chalets and tents are huge; bright and comfortable with a generous outdoor decking area, and also nicely spread out allowing for privacy as well as an 'in the wild' feel. The camp offers great walking and water-based safaris using mokoro canoes as well as motorboat cruises. It is worth noting that water-based activities may be limited at times due to low water levels (notably December to March).
Xugana Island Lodge boasts an absolutely stunning setting: directly on the water and only accessible by light aircraft and boat, creating a magical arrival to the property. The views from the open dining area are breathtaking. The vegetation here is incredible too: tall trees provide shade around the property and are also home to hundreds of species of birds. This is one of the smallest camps with only eight chalets, making it the perfect choice for couples and honeymooners. Exciting activities include bush walks, motorboat cruises, mokoro excursions and seasonal game drives (October to May).
Within the Okavango Delta lies the beautiful Moremi Game Reserve. The reserve consists of a network of waterways surrounding the land masses of Chief Island and the Mopane Tongue. Moremi is a wilderness paradise with excellent year round game viewing, including both land and water-based safaris. Rare wild dogs can be found here, hunting in the open grass, as well as cheetahs and lions.
Deserts & Delta own two properties in Moremi:
Camp Xakanaxa is situated on the banks of Xakanaxa Lagoon and features cosy authentic safari tents and a peaceful location, making it the perfect choice for nature lovers. The camp attracts many birds and other wild animals, along with a resident hippo named Oscar who visits the camp at night. The communal area is great with plenty of space to relax and admire the views. The game drives here are special as it's a very beautiful, diverse area with plenty of opportunity to spot the Big 5 from either a car or boat.
Camp Moremi, located next door, offers the same stunning setting. Recently refurbished, it's one of Moremi's best camps with beautiful, spacious and very luxurious tents. Camp Moremi is raised on teak decks set beneath a thick wooden canopy which really gives this place the 'wow' factor, and is beautifully decorated with many outdoor areas to relax after game viewing. The camp offers boat excursions, as well as comfortable safari vehicles for game drives. Guests can choose activities depending on their preferences.
The last, but not least, of Desert & Delta's locations and camps is Leroo La Tau. Nestled high on the banks of the Boteti River overlooking the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, it's a hidden gem. Reached by a 45 minute light aircraft flight south east of the Okavango Delta, Leroo La Tau offers a completely different experience to the other camps. The surrounding Kalahari Desert creates a harsh and arid environment, ideal for the diverse wildlife that inhabits the park. During the dry season (May - October) massive herds of zebra and wildebeest migrate here, making exceptional game viewing. Staying at Leroo La Tau provides an amazing opportunity to witness the game from the terrace of your chalet, as well as on great game drives or river cruises (seasonal, depending on water levels). The lodge is also close to a local village, and a visit here offers the chance to get an insight into the local culture led by a knowledgeable guide - a fascinating complement to the safari holiday of a lifetime.
For inspiration on how to enjoy a holiday in this sensational country, take a look at our Botswana Holidays pages.
Written by Sophie Connolly
What to Do in Zanzibar
Read on for our guide on what to do in Zanzibar and discover how to make the most of your time in this exotic and...
Sabi Sabi Selati Camp: Our First-Hand Guide
Sabi Sabi Selati Camp in South Africa is a firm Trailfinders favourite with both our clients and staff. TF’s own Emily...
Where to Stay in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
The Eastern Cape in South Africa has no shortage of amazing lodges to base yourself for a safari. Whether you’re...
Offers and News
Enjoy access to our latest offers, travel inspiration and news
Order the Africa Brochure
Get In Touch
Call our Africa specialists on
01 881 4986