Fly-in Safaris
10-Day Best of Botswana Safari
Details:
This adventure provides travellers the chance to discover some of the most breathtaking wilderness regions. Activities are conducted at the various lodges where we stay, utilising lodge game drive vehicles, boats, and mekoro (traditional dugout canoes), in addition to a customised Bush Ways safari vehicle. This safari offers travellers the opportunity to explore the most amazing wilderness areas of Botswana as well as a glimpse of the beauty of Zimbabwe simultaneously providing the comfort of permanent camps and lodges with the incredible privilege of being introduced to these fantastic natural wonders from beginning to end by one of our passionate guides.
The activities are carried out in the various lodges where we are staying using the lodge game drive vehicles, boats and mekoro (traditional dugout canoes).
Departure Dates for 2026:
| NORTHBOUND | 29 MAR | – | 08 APR |
| SOUTHBOUND | 04 APR | – | 14 APR |
| NORTHBOUND | 14 MAY | – | 24 MAY |
| SOUTHBOUND | 20 MAY | – | 30 MAY |
| SOUTHBOUND | 12 JUN | – | 22 JUN |
| NORTHBOUND | 04 JUL | – | 14 JUL |
| SOUTHBOUND | 10 JUL | – | 20 JUL |
| NORTHBOUND | 01 AUG | – | 11 AUG |
| SOUTHBOUND | 07 AUG | – | 17 AUG |
| NORTHBOUND | 29 AUG | – | 08 SEPT |
| SOUTHBOUND | 04 SEPT | – | 14 SEPT |
| NORTHBOUND | 28 SEPT | – | 08 OCT |
| SOUTHBOUND | 04-OCT | – | 14-OCT |
| NORTHBOUND | 21-OCT | – | 31-OCT |
| SOUTHBOUND | 22-DEC | – | 01-JAN |
Price:
Starting from as low as N$87,400 pp sharing.
Includes:
- Accommodations in standard rooms at guesthouses and lodges
- All transfers and activities as outlined in the itinerary
- Meals specified in the itinerary
- Tea/coffee, non-alcoholic (soft) drinks, local alcoholic beverages, and drinking water
- Services of a Professional Guide, Camp Chef, and an Assistant
- Expert tour guide
- Roadbooks & Maps
- Administration fees
Excludes:
- Entrance fee to the Falls
- Visas, airport transfers, tips, and curios
- Optional activities at the lodges (such as helicopter transfers and activities in Victoria Falls)
- Beverages (including alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks)
- Insurance for cancellation and curtailment, medical coverage, baggage loss, and emergency evacuation
- Any increases in National Park fees or government levies.
- Insurance for lost luggage, cancellation, medical repatriation, visas…
- Extra activities not displaying in this itinerary or marked by the symbol “Not Incl.”
- Drinks, tips, curios etc…
Additional Information:
- Mobile Safari
- A Premier Camping experience
- Wide frame mini meru tents with camp beds and bedding provided. Each tent has an ensuite bush toilet and shower.
- Guides do all camp setup
- Expert tour guide, camp chef and all equipment provided
- All inclusive pricing* (see detailed itinerary for details)
- Activities include a sunset boat cruise on the Chobe river and mokoro excursions
Vehicle:
For this safari, a custom-built Bush Ways open game viewer will be used for the activities as well as the drive between properties.
Number of Guests:
Maximum participants 12 pax. Departures are guaranteed from 4 guests confirmed on a tour.
Profile
Activity packed lodge-to-lodge safari that allows you to discover the diversity of Zimbabwe and Botswana in comfort.
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 = 18kg, max. size = 700mm x 350mm x 350mm
- Remember that on safari you need far fewer clothes than you think so bear this in mind when packing.
Personal Equipment:
- Torch with spare batteries and bulbs – a head torch is a good idea
- Hat/cap
- Scarf and gloves (especially for winter months)
- Warm jacket/fleece/jumper – windproof in winter months (May – Sept), waterproof in summer months (Nov – Mar)
- Swimming costume
- Natural clothing (i.e. no bright colours and no white), t-shirts, shorts, a pair of light weight 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.
- Adaptors 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 day pack for walks
Toiletries And First Aid:
- Personal toiletries and medications in small bag, not a vanity case
- Sunscreen
- Malaria prophylaxis (see section 5 for further information)
- Mosquito repellents/lotion/spray
- Water proof/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
- Botswana is considered a malaria area and preventative medications should be taken
- 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:
- Negative Covid PCR result documentation not more than 72 hours valid
- 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
- 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.
- The Botswana Tourism Development Levy has not been reinstated, if put back in place this will be advised.
Travel Insurance:
- For all our safaris, it is COMPULSORY to take out travel insurance covering for: cancellation and curtailment, medical situations, baggage, emergency evacuation.
- Bush Ways Botswana does not provide travel insurance.
- Bush Ways Botswana provides Okavango Air Rescue membership for the duration of the safari nights. 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. Please note this cover does not include pre and post safari arrangements.
- 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 are at your own account at all lodges
- 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.
- We always recommend that people drink a minimum 3 litres of drinking water / juices / soft drinks per person per day to avoid dehydration.
- At all hotel/lodge accommodation drinks are on a cash bar basis
Itinerary Details
Day 1: Maun to Deception Valley Private Reserve - 160km (99miles) - ±3H55min
Your safari will start in Maun, where your guide will meet you at 14:30 at Maun International Airport. You will then travel 160 km to Deception Valley Private Reserve, on the northern edge of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Upon arrival, you will receive a safari briefing and spend the night in a comfortable camp.
Over the next two days, you will go on exciting game drives, and a nature walk with a local San tracker, who will share knowledge of the bush and their captivating culture. You will discover a stunning region home to desert wildlife like oryx, lions, hyenas, and cheetahs, and enjoy open spaces and clear night skies.
Day 2: Deception Valley Private Reserve
Spanning over 43,000 hectares of pristine Kalahari wilderness, Deception Valley Private Reserve stands as one of Botswana’s largest private game reserves, perfectly positioned on the north-eastern boundary of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Here, the vast African sky meets the earth at seemingly infinite horizons, creating an immersive desert experience unlike any other.
The semi-arid landscape unfolds in a mesmerizing tapestry of vegetated dunes, natural pans, and a spectacular valley that gives the reserve its name. The reserve is also home to the San people, whose rich cultural heritage and deep connection to this ancient land add an invaluable dimension to the Kalahari experience. Their traditional knowledge and remarkable history are woven into every aspect of this extraordinary wilderness.
Day 3: Deception Valley Private Reserve to Boteti River (Makgadikgadi National Park) - 120km (75miles) - ±4H35min
You will rise early for a short game drive before heading to Makgadikgadi. You will spend one night at a camp overlooking the Boteti River in Khumaga village, on the edge of Makgadikgadi National Park. After arriving for lunch, you can enjoy a siesta before an afternoon game drive along the Boteti River.
Day 4: Boteti River (Makgadikgadi National Park) to Moremi Game Reserve/Khwai: 340km (211miles) - ±5H35min
After breakfast, we’ll head west, stopping in Maun for lunch at your own expense. We’ll then continue to Khwai, driving through wildlife areas. An optional helicopter transfer to Khwai is available that afternoon. The Khwai River area borders the Moremi Game Reserve.
Khwai Private Reserve is a staggering 200,000 hectares of pristine wilderness. It sits on the northeastern fringe of the Okavango Delta, with Moremi Game Reserve to the south, Chobe National Park to the east and the private Kwara concession to the west. The diverse landscape is one of mopane, acacia woodland, seasonal waterholes, open floodplains and waterways that wind their way across the landscape from the Khwai River.
Over three days, you will search for diverse wildlife and birds while enjoying the region’s beauty. Game drives will explore the Khwai River area, and a mokoro excursion on a river tributary will reveal hidden water system secrets. Accommodation will be in the Khwai Village area.
Day 5: Moremi Game Reserve/Khwai
Wildlife in Khwai Private Reserve is prolific and diverse with large herds elephant, sable and roan antelope and a healthy population of predators – leopard, lion, cheetah and wild dog. Buffalo are always to be found in the reserve, when it rains, they head north to the mopane to graze off the rich grass and in June they move south to the river.
Day 6: Moremi Game Reserve/Khwai
Khwai Community Concession is managed by the Khwai Development Trust on behalf of Khwai Village community. The Trust operates campsites and offers mokoro and boat excursions, walking and cultural tours for self-drive visitors and mobile safari operators.
Natural border between the government-ruled game reserve and the community-run concession, the Khwai river offers a constant water supply that plays a major part in the high concentration of game, and the unparalleled wildlife encounters the Khwai area has become famous for.
Despite its popularity and reputation for being rather busy, the game rich Khwai area offers an intense wildlife experience. Khwai is renowned for offering excellent leopard sightings as well as wild dog. Elephant, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, giraffe, zebra and hyena are ever present. Birdlife is prolific.
Day 7: Moremi Game Reserve/Khwai to Chobe National Park - 200km (124miles) - ±8H00min (including game drives)
Your next stop is Chobe National Park, known for its stunning and varied landscapes.
You will journey to a rustic camp at the edge of Chobe National Park for two nights, exploring its northern regions. The day will include a game drive through the Savuti area to the Chobe floodplains, with a picnic lunch on the way. You will arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon.
The park is teeming with wildlife due to the Chobe River, and you can expect to see large herds of elephants and buffalo, along with predators like lions and leopards. While at Chobe Elephant Camp, you will participate in game drives and a boat cruise.
Day 8: Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park is a true wildlife paradise and one of the best national parks in Southern Africa. Just one peek at the variety of wildlife and lush vegetation and you will be mesmerized forever.
Chobe National Park covers approximately 11,700 sq km, encompassing floodplains, swamps and woodland. The Chobe River forms the park’s northern boundary, which includes four distinct geographical areas: the Chobe Riverfront: the Ngwezumba pans; Savuté; and Linyanti.
Over 460 bird species have been recorded in the park, making it one of Africa’s premier venues for bird safaris. Common species include the Sacred Ibis, Egyptian Geese, the ubiquitous cormorants and darters, Spur-winged Geese, Pel’s Fishing Owl, carmine Bee-eaters, most members of the kingfisher family,
Day 9: Chobe to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe - 160km (99miles) - ±3H30min (plus border crossing)
Following a brief morning game drive, your guide will escort you to the Kazungula border, where you will meet your transfer vehicle to your lodge in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (Visa required). This is where your time with the our Botswana team (including translators) will come to an ends as they handover the group to the Zimbabwean team.
Day 10: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
You will spend the night at a comfortable lodge. In the afternoons, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the thundering Victoria Falls and shop for souvenirs. Lunch and dinner will be at your own expense.
Gallery
Programme Overview
| Day | Location | Accommodation | Food |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Deception Valley | Lodge★★★ | D |
| Day 2 | Deception Valley | Lodge★★★ | FB+ |
| Day 3 | Makgadikgadi National Park | Lodge★★★ | FB+ |
| Day 4 | Moremi Game Reserve/Khwai | Lodge★★★ | HB+ |
| Day 5 | Moremi Game Reserve/Khwai | Lodge★★★ | FB+ |
| Day 6 | Moremi Game Reserve/Khwai | Lodge★★★ | FB+ |
| Day 7 | Chobe National Park | Lodge★★★ | FB+ |
| Day 8 | Chobe National Park | Lodge★★★ | FB+ |
| Day 9 | Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe | Lodge★★★ | B |
| Day 10 | Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe | Lodge★★★ | B |
B – Breakfast
L – Lunch
D – Dinner
SC – Self Catering
FB – Full Board (All meals)
FB+ – Full Board Plus (All meals & Activities)
HB – Half Board (Breakfast & Dinner)
HB+ – Half Board Plus (Dinner, Breakfast & Activities)
Price Per Person
Per Person Sharing: N$ 87,400
Single Supplement: +N$ 13,300
Solo travellers and groups welcomed
Prices Effective From:
Jan 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2026
