Okavango Delta in Depth | Botswana Camping Safaris

Even by Botswana's legendarily high wilderness and wildlife watching standards, the Okavango Delta is special. The Okavango is our planet's most pristine freshwater river delta and a haven for some of Africa's most spectacular wildlife populations. It is a vast seasonally flooded wilderness set in the centre of the blistering Kalahari Desert.

These small-group mobile tented safaris take you to three great areas within the Okavango Delta, where opportunities to see lions, leopards, huge herds of buffalo, elephants, hyenas, giraffes and lots more, abound. Camping also sets you right inside the Okavango wilderness - an unforgettable adventure, but still with good food, a comfortable raised bed, shower, seated toilet, excellent guiding and camaraderie of no more than 8 other travellers.

Private versions of this safari can be arranged, with the itinerary tailored to your interests & needs.

Mababe Private Concession

For three nights of this safari, you will be in an areas called Mababe: a 124,000 acre community owned concession at the eastern end of the Okavango Delta, just to the south of Chobe National Park. The Khwai River runs through the reserve, providing year-round water and habitat to thirsty mammals. The chances to see wildlife are excellent, with a maximum of 19 other safari vehicles scattered across this huge wildlife haven.

In addition to daytime game drives, you will also be taken on a night time game drive, in search of wildlife you are most unlikely to see by day. Night drives are not something we can do in national park and game park areas.

Moremi

Next on the agenda will be Moremi - a Game Reserve which occupies about one third of the Okavango Delta, covering 4,871 km². This area is at the southeastern extreme of the Delta, with the Khwai River providing permanent water and huge plains either side, drying and flooding according to the season. Game is again plentiful here, with rare possibilities of wild dogs and cheetah, as well as excellent chances to see big cats, hundreds of buffalo and excellent birdlife.

If water levels are as we need, you will have the chance to explore deep water channels in Moremi by boat.

Gomoti River

From Moremi you will be driven deeper into the Okavango Delta and a wilderness of river channels and islands. Here you will be able to experience river-based safaris using traditional canoes (makoros) and join walking safaris on the islands.

Camping here will be based on a private island.

& Beyond

If you have time, we can tailor further exploration of Botswana, before or after this mobile safari. This could include lodge-based experiences in:

-   Victoria Falls
-   Chobe National Park
-   Central Kalahari Game Reserve
-   Makagadikgadi Salt Pans

Speak to one of our Botswana specialists to assess your options.

Itinerary

Okavango in Depth

Deluxe Mobile Tented Safari

Day 1 - Maun to Mababe

The safari begins in Maun where your guide will meet you at around 2.30pm at Maun airport, or your pre-safari hotel in Maun. From Maun you will drive about 2 ½ hours in a custom-built 4x4 through to the Mababe Wildlife Concession in the east of the Okavango Delta. Your first night in Mababe will hint at things to come - arriving into camp in time for sunset, you will settle into the beauty and sounds of this unique wilderness area and enjoy dinner cooked by your camp chef. You will be staying in Mababe for 3 nights.

Days 2 & 3 - Mababe Wildife Concession

2 days of morning and afternoon safaris in the Mababe Wildife Concession. Perfectly positioned between the southern section of the Chobe National Park, and the Khwai and Moremi wildlife areas, Mababe's environment offers a mix of habitats. The Khawi River Channel winds through the savannah, attracting a diverse mix of animals that come to drink in the dry season, and enjoy the abundant grasses following the rains. Acacia woodland provides shade for all in the heat of the day, with large herds of elephants, buffalo and general game making the best use of it.

Early morning and afternoon game drives through the area will give you the best opportunity to witness this raw nature. You will also have the opportunity to venture out on a night drive, experiencing a very different type of safari, focussing on the wildlife that uses darkness to its best advantage.

The Mababe private concession belongs to the local community, and as caretakers for this pristine wilderness, there are controls in place which restricts the numbers of visitors to the area, making it a truly special experience for you.

Day 4 - Mababe to Moremi

After breakfast and morning safari in Mababe, you will take an adventurous 90km drive across the Okavango Delta to the Moremi Game Reserve, stopping for a picnic lunch en route. Once in the reserve, a relaxed game drive will take you to your private campsite where you will staying for the next 3 nights.

Days 5 & 6 - Moremi Game Reserve

2 days of morning and afternoon safaris in the Moremi Game Reserve, where land and water meet to create an exceedingly striking preserve of waterways, lagoons, pans, floodplains, riverine forest and woodlands. This incredible diversity of habitats makes for excellent game viewing and birdwatching opportunities. You will enjoy game drives each morning and afternoon, going in search of nature's best kept secrets.

On the second day of your Moremi adventure, you will get to explore the mesmerizing deep-water channels of Moremi on a three-hour boat safari (subject to water levels and environmental conditions). This will give you the opportunity to explore the area from a different perspective, spotting wildlife such as hippos and crocodiles on the riverbanks.

Day 7 - Moremi to Okavango Delta

Today you will head towards the edge of the Okavango Delta by the Gomoti River. The journey is only 90km, but your journey will be a combined transfer and safari taking 5 hours. Youl will be staying here for 2 nights.

Day 8 - Okavango Delta Private Island

Today you will meet your polers from the local community with their mokoro traditional canoes. Quietly cruising along river channels and floodplains, you will be able to enjoy the Delta from a completely different perspective, with just a faint lapping of water on your canoe to mix with the sounds of the Africna bush. Look out for beautiful Malachite Kingfishers, Pied Kingfisher, Fish Eagles, African Darts and other cormorants.

You will also be able to experience Botswana on foot, taking a guided nature walk on the islands and floodplains of the Okavango.

Day 9 - Return to Maun

On your final day, you will drive from the Okavango Delta and head towards Maun. A game drive on your way offers another opportunity to spot elusive wildlife that you may have missed. You will arrive in Maun around midday, where your guide will drop you off at Maun Airport or your booked lodge.