By Anthony Ham
Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Botswana.
Northern Botswana (1.5 to 2 weeks) – Okavango Delta, Moremi GR, Chobe NP, Victoria Falls
After a stopover in Johannesburg, you'll arrive at Maun Airport. From there, you'll take off by charter plane to the Okavango Delta. Each move between camps is accomplished by small aircraft, and part of the experience is the breathtaking views of the surreal scenery these flights offer. It's not unusual to stay at multiple camps in this vast area. Gliding between the water lilies by mokoro canoe is a wonderful way to see the delta. For exciting game drives, you'll visit Moremi Game Reserve. Your next stop is Chobe NP. The best way to see Chobe is from a boat on the river. There is plenty of wildlife on the banks, the afternoon being the best time to find herds of elephant coming to drink, or even swimming across, offering great photo opportunities. Even if you're not a birder, the birdlife will blow you away. You'll end your safari with a visit to Victoria Falls across the border.
Popular add-ons:
- Central Kalahari GR for a desert safari with bushmen in the Deception Valley
- Makgadikgadi Pans and Nxai Pan to witness the annual migration of wildebeest and zebra
Chobe Riverfront and Tuli Block (1 to 1.5 weeks) – Chobe NP, Northern Tuli GR, Victoria Falls
With a stopover in Johannesburg, you'll arrive at Kasane Airport near Chobe NP. You'll discover the park on land by 4x4, and on the river by boat. Mornings are the best time to find predators by car and the afternoons are best spent on the water, when animals congregate to drink. Victoria Falls is only a few hours’ drive, and you can visit the waterfall from Zambia or Zimbabwe. Spending a few nights at the falls is rewarding, but it also makes for a great day trip. There are many activities to keep you entertained: boat and canoe trips, rafting, helicopter flights, bungee jumping and much more. A day trip to Zambezi NP in Zimbabwe is also worthwhile. You’ll return to Kasane to fly to Northern Tuli Game Reserve. There are several private game reserves in this beautiful, rugged area, including Mashatu Game Reserve. Large herds of elephant can be seen in the dry riverbeds digging for water. Leopard and wild dog sightings are common as well.
Popular add-ons:
- Kwando, Selinda and/or Linyanti Concession at the Linyanti Marshes for an exclusive wildlife experience
