Road transfers are limited on Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls Luxury vacations largely due to the sometimes difficult nature of Botswana’s roads. Therefore, on these types of tours travel is generally by small aircraft providing the opportunity to witness unmatched views of the vast wilderness below as well as opening up more time for game activities on ground at each lodge.

Accommodation on Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls Luxury vacations is in luxury lodges. Depending on the region and suggestions based on your preference, some luxury lodges may feature canvas tents or reed-build chalets typical of the waterway regions. Activities at the lodges are dependent on guests’ preferences and interests. In Botswana guests typically arrive to the lodge, settle in and the tracker and guide team consults the group about their knowledge of local wildlife movements and recent sightings before setting out to explore. Victoria Falls can be explored with a guide or on your own. Both ways come highly recommended.

Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls Luxury Vacation Accommodation:

In Okavango Delta:

• Mapula Lodge
• Camp Moremi
• Khwai River Lodge
• Camp Okavango
• Moremi Under Canvas
• Duba Plains Camp
• Kwara and Little Kwara Camp
• Sanctuary Chief’s Camp

In Victoria Falls, Zambia side:

• David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa
• Islands of Siankaba
• Royal Livingstone
• Sindabezi
• Tongabezi

In Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe side:

• The Elephant Camp
• Ilala Lodge
• The Kingdom
• Stanley and Livingstone at Victoria Falls
• Victoria Falls Hotel

How the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls Luxury Vacation Makes a Difference

Botswana’s low impact tourism model and policy of preserving its wildlife and implementing sustainable tourism policies has had a direct result on keeping the natural ecosystem in balance.  It is no secret that Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls are among Africa’s more expensive safari destinations but the park’s entrance fees contributes towards conservation strategies and community development.

Less than 20% of Botswana’s land has been set aside as national parks and private game concessions. However, what makes Botswana special is the number of visitors is limited in each area in order for the area to remain healthy and preserved for generations to come.

An Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls luxury vacation uses local guides who are passionate about nature, wildlife, and their homeland. Their ability to translate local dialects provides guests the privilege to gain in-depth insight into the intriguing local cultures. Their tracker and guide system is incredibly orchestrated to put guests in the best places for wildlife viewing and when things are slow they delight in showing guests the smaller side of things like botany, animal tracks and insects for a unique and informative experience.

The lodges on Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls luxury vacations are balanced by overwhelming comfort with a true wilderness feel. They do a fabulous job on making the most of local resources and are in tune with harnessing energy without causing waste. Where possible, solar panels are used for electrical requirements – these are supported by generators, and guests are advised on how to save power on arrival.

Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls luxury vacations are best when working with 12-16 days. This allows time for guest to properly explore the area, visiting between 2-4 different areas of interest and fully appreciate the uniqueness of the region while relaxing and enjoying oneself. If you’re unsure which side of Victoria Falls is most recommended, don’t be afraid to contact us and ask for our recommendations

The Okavango Delta is perhaps the most well known area and one of the largest wetland areas in the entire world. Okavango Delta safaris are the crowned jewel of all Africa. This area is a lush landscape that attracts and supports a rich ecosystem home to a large diversity of mammals and birds. On Okavango Delta safaris it is guaranteed you’ll be in very close proximity to all the major predators and incomprehensible numbers of elephants and buffalo.

Supporting a mixture of wetlands and dry areas adjacent to the Delta provides a varied experience guaranteed to be full of excellent wildlife sightings amongst beautiful scenery. The Kwando / Linyanti area east of the Delta tends to be drier and open areas offering a pleasant contrast to camps closer to the Delta. The area has some of the best dry season concentrations of elephants as well as year-round predator sightings.

What are the Lodges like on Okavango Delta Safaris?

The lodges in the Okavango cater to small number of guests. Each lodge operates in its own private concession area, affording complete privacy and exclusivity on Okavango Delta safaris.

In Botswana, you will NEVER encounter large number of tourists. The higher investments made by visitors deter larger budget tour groups and maintain a low density of safari travelers throughout the Okavango. The joy of being in absolute nature is the highpoint for the visitor, while the private concessions offer some of the finest lodging and most exclusive Okavango Delta safaris experience.

Okavango Delta Safaris Highlights:

• Game Viewing
• Canoe & Boat Safaris
• Excellent Predators
• Guided Walking Safaris
• Fantastic Bird Watching
• Combines Easily with Chobe

Botswana Okavango Delta Flood

Here are some of the essential factors that you need to consider when planning your Okavango Delta Safaris:

• The 2010 floods were the largest in 50 years
• The 2011 floods are extensive and are changing the prime game viewing areas. The floods make Botswana safaris a very dynamic, always changing environment.
• Water levels are still high from last year – meaning floods will have a magnifying effect
• Many Botswana safari camps are already re-locating guests or encouraging bookings later in the year
• Floods rearrange the game viewing opportunities – animals are flooded out of many usual locations – and congregate in new locales
• I travel to Botswana around three times annually and have witnessed the impact on wildlife with my own eyes
• Utilizing my extensive Botswana travel I’m able to put you in the optimal locations to see wildlife under these dynamically changing conditions

For those who love spending time in the wilderness, a Botswana fly in safari is perfect. It’s the most ideal way to get between remote outposts that are located in environments of pristine condition. And it is here in Botswana where huge herds of game roam between the Kalahari and the Okavango waterways. With the majority of lodges and camps limiting the number of visitors at any given time along with world class wildlife viewing, a Botswana fly in safari makes for one of Africa’s top safari destinations.

Unlike many other African safari destinations, the movement of Botswana’s wildlife is unrestricted. Together its national parks and huge private game reserves protect approximately 40% of the country’s total land. There are no fences and all the animal populations roam freely, thus why self drives are left to the highly skilled and the Botswana fly in safari is so convenient for everyone else.

The use of small light aircrafts is used to transfer guests from lodge/camp to lodge/camp where professional guides are stationed to facilitate your game activities. Time on your Botswana fly in safari is maximized by the use of these light aircraft transfers.

In the days of Hemmingway safaris, before organized lodges and camps, the traditional safari was a mobile safari. Adventure travelers were driven around by a professional guide, all their equipment and food traveling with them. Although such experiences are still possible, in recent times travelers to Botswana can easily explore a different combination of environments on a tailor-made Botswana fly in safari.

Botswana fly in safari in detail

With increased travel by light aircraft, the overwhelming majority of travelers choose a Botswana fly in safari. Flight transfers between lodges/camps are quick and effortless, typically taking 30 -90 minutes. This also gives unique perspectives of the environment from the air, a view one would not usually experience.

These flights make travel efficient, maximizing your time on ground relaxing and on safari. A Botswana fly in safari allows you to quickly jump between different environments in minutes. This is great for families or groups with different priorities. Everyone gets to where they want to be since all itineraries can be tailor-made allowing a selection of 2-4 safari lodges/camps that fit your requirements.

My ideal Botswana fly in safari would look something like this…

An Okavango Delta safari is one of Africa’s top big game regions. It is also a wonderful place to relax and unwind, thus why it would be my first stop. More specifically I would head straight to Mapula Reserve.

Located in the far north of the Okavango Delta, north of Duba Plains and vumbura, the Mapula reserve straddles the Okavango’s “broken” fence. It is here excellent wildlife viewing and water activities is guaranteed throughout the year. The lodge is small, independent, and has strong community ties. Another reason to make this my first stop.

Then after several nights at Mapula I’d then take a short Botswana fly in safari flight to the famous Chobe National Park. The key to this areas popularity is Chobe’s animal migrations. Within Chobe National Park there are 2 areas with several luxurious lodging/camps: The Chobe Riverfront and Savute Marsh. First I would visit the Savute Marsh choosing a mobile camping safari.

Savute Under Canvas moves between its own campsites in the Savute area. Its 6 luxurious tents have en-suite bathrooms, complete with a flush toilet and hot bucket shower, double beds and a butler service. And this is camping? It sure feels like it when the sunsets and a distant lions roar vibrates through your canvas walls. And thus, my reason for stopping here.

However I still want to visit the Chobe Riverfront along my Botswana fly in safari. A quick flight takes me to the western side of the riverfront to Muchenje Safari Lodge. The lodge sits on the escarpment overlooking the Chobe River. Though outside the national park, it sits in the Chobe Forest Reserve and wildlife activities, guided walks, and river cruises are what makes this a favorite stop over.

But I would hate to be so close to Victoria Falls and not finishing my safari there. So to end my Botswana fly in safari I would take one last flight into Zimbabwe and finish my holiday at Vic Falls. Perhaps I’ll even white water raft the Zambezi…

Wouldn’t you want to walk a land where there is more wildlife than people?

Namibia and Botswana safaris exclusivity lies in the fact that its land is divided into national parks and private game concession areas that are quite large and typically home to 1 to 2 camps/lodges for the entire area. This very “limited access” keeps visitor numbers small (but demand is very high! In fact the demand for Botswana safaris is so popular it is essential to book your travels nearly 1 year in advance!) in very large areas of wilderness. In Namibia’s Kunene region, the Skeleton Coast, Erindi Private Game Reserve, and the Namib-Naukluft area as well as Botswana’s Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park regions very few other vehicles will be around at any given time. Generally in these private concession areas in Botswana you are allowed to drive off road allowing visitors to approach very closely to the animals. In other words, you’ll have a real wilderness feel keeping all landscape and wildlife sightings to yourself.

Imagine endless horizons to captivate you by day and draping starry skies that relax you by night.

That is Namibia and Botswana safaris.

What makes Namibia unique?

Unlike East African destinations such as Kenya or Tanzania, countries where the self-drive is more difficult for the average traveler, Namibia is regarded as one of the safest destinations in Africa to travel, and arguably the safest AND easiest in all of Africa in terms of a self-drive safari destination.

Namibia’s infrastructure, road conditions, telecommunications, and creature comforts are similar to those in First World nations.

Namibia’s landscape is unlike anywhere else in Africa as it is a desert nation thus providing brilliant opportunities for landscape photographers to capture Africa’s predators, the iconic elephant, giraffe, abundant plains game and incredible diversity of bird species in addition to the enigmatic Himba peoples of the far northwest – all with backdrops that can’t be found in other African safari destinations.

What makes Botswana special and the demand so high?

Botswana is possibly home to the largest circuit of independent safari camps, lodges and services. This circuit offers guests access to ALL the key areas of northern Botswana; Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Chobe National Park, Makgadikgadi /Nxai Pans, and Central Kalahari. Or in other words, all the places that make Botswana safaris extraordinary.

Botswana’s Ministry of Tourism practices a low density approach, meaning camps are in beautifully remote locations and most safaris usually involve short flights on small airplanes traveling from camp to camp.

Yes, Botswana comes at high investments (because of the low density model) but you get what you demand and that is an exclusive wildlife experience and pristine environments virtually all to yourself. If you’re looking to relax and relieve stress doesn’t this sound like the place you’d want to be?

Namibia and Botswana safaris are the perfect combination…

And when experienced together Namibia and Botswana safaris make for the perfect combination. Divide your holiday between a self-drive Namibia tour exposing you to the freedom of open roads and distant savannahs highlighting on the red sand dunes of Sossusvlei, the creature comforts found in Swakopmund, the extreme beauty of Damaraland, before conducting your own safari in Etosha National Park before heading to Botswana. Once in Botswana step up your holiday a notch and sit back and relax as everything is taken care of for you at the all inclusive lodges that include 2 game viewing activities per day, meals, swimming pools and all the necessities one would expect with luxury lodging –except you’re in the middle of the northern Botswana bush!

And of course you could always finish your holiday with a visit to Victoria Falls. After all you’ve traveled all this way to join Namibia and Botswana safaris.

The aircraft used between camps are small and light, and have VERY LIMITED space. In other words, many of the traditional luggages used for business or city holiday’s are not suitable for a Botswana safari or these small planes.

The air charter companies are strict and enforce this policy – so do come prepared or you will be asked to repack into their smaller bags at the airport.

Regaulations for your Botswana Safari Luggage

The most important aspect is your Botswana safari luggage must be entirely soft-sided. This means no wheels or internal/external frames. This is not an option, it’s a regulation! We have seen peoples luggage left on the runway because they ignored this rule. If your luggage is unable to fit on the plane, you will be forced to decide between leaving it behind or pay for a separate plane to bring your luggage to you.

Botswana Safari Luggage size limit is as follows:

• 10in wide x 12in high x 24in long (25cm x 30cm x 61cm)

Each traveller is allowed up to 2 bags. However, your total Botswana safari luggage weight cannot exceed the maximum limit allowed.

It shall also be mentioned that the baggage compartment is 12in high (30cm) but the doorway is only 10in high (25cm).  I suggest to not pack tightly and leave room for manoeuvre as your bag will certainly be squashed a bit as the pilot loads everyone’s luggage onto the plane.

The TOTAL WEIGHT LIMIT for Botswana safari luggage (whether you have 1 or 2 bags) on light aircraft transfers is:

• 20kg (44lb) in Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa
• 12kg (26.5lb) in all other countries

This includes all carry-on luggage – camera, video equipment.  There is no overhead or under-seat storage on these types of planes. All carry-on luggages will need to sit on your lap.

These Botswana safari luggage limits might sound pretty strict however, with careful packing and the added luxury of many safari camps offering laundry on a daily basis, together this will drastically cut down the amount of clothing you will need to bring.

We recommend the following Duffel:

Click Here to View Other Popular Options

In the event you have extra bags you won’t need on your safari, it’s possible to arrange ahead of time to send them to the next town within that country as unaccompanied baggage at an additional cost (USD$100 per person).  Extra bags can also be arranged to stay at some airports or hotels.

People who absolutely must have more luggage –like serious photographers with a generous amount of gear – should consider purchasing an extra seat on their transfers. This will allow you to bring up to 154lbs (70kg) of additional luggage.  Extra seats must be arranged in advance.

Contact us for a detailed Botswana safari luggage packing list where we suggest what you absolutely need and what you can leave at home.

Here are some other African Safari related resources you may find of value and interest. Beware, THEY WILL LEAVE THIS SITE. First, bookmark this page then click on the link.


Lonely Planet reissues 1100-page Africa guidebook - USATODAY ...
African Safaris: Two Ways to Go - Travel - News - msnbc.com

Botswana safaris exclusivity lies in the fact that…

its land is divided into private concession areas that are quite large and typically home to 1-2 luxury camps for the entire concession.  With such small numbers of visitors in these very large areas of wilderness also means there will usually be no more than 3 vehicles out in the area meaning you have a real wilderness feel keeping all wildlife sighting to yourself.  A true wilderness experience!

Generally Botswana safaris in these areas you are allowed to drive off road allowing visitors to approach very closely to the animals and in most areas you can do night drives allowing the opportunity to see additional animals that are rarely, if ever, seen during the day.

Botswana safaris low-density approach, camps are in beautifully remote locations and most safaris usually involve short flights on small airplanes traveling from camp to camp (typically a 15-45 min. flight). Visitor can expect transfers to be quick and during the middle of the day so you don’t miss any game drives or other activities one would expect on their Botswana safaris.  It also eliminates the need to tire yourself out driving long distances from camp to camp (which isn’t always possible anyways).  Camps tend to be very small with only 3-10 chalets that have all required amenities that one would expect.

Wild Safari Africa is a one stop shop offering a complete travel and reservation service for Botswana Safaris

(We also do South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Victoria Falls). Our team can recommend a range of options for making your trip a success.  We offer the most comprehensive travel service available.  If you’re looking for car rental, accommodation, lodges, safaris, self-drive itineraries, day trips, vehicle hire, travel advice or general information about Botswana (or other southern Africa destinations) or Wild Safari Africa, we are here to assist.

You can choose from our extensive selection of safaris and lodge trips to any area of Botswana with a choice of some of the most stunning lodges in breathtaking surroundings. Adventurous travelers may like to join one of our camping safaris under canvas and on foot to really experience Botswana at its best. If you have a more specialist interest we also arrange fly-in safaris and activities such as bird-watching, hiking, and angling. Of course you can always tailor your own holiday with a custom-made safari that suits all your must see and must do requests.

If you want to drive yourself, we can help you plan your own itinerary, make sure you choose the correct rental vehicle for your needs from a full-range, and make the booking a simple and pain-free process. We provide estimated driving times/ distances and can also book the accommodation you want from a full range of options (rest camps, lodges, hotels, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, campsites and even backpacker hostels) to suit all budgets. We will take care of even the smallest details to make your Botswana safaris a special holiday.

We look forward to working with you to ensure you have a pain-free planning process to Botswana and southern Africa.

Discover Botswana Highlights!

With the exception of Chobe National Park, most camps in Botswana only cater for children age 10 or older.  Nevertheless, there are exceptions to the rule for a family Botswana safari with younger children wishing to visit camps located in the Okavango Delta.

A family Botswana safari  is great for children aged 7-12 and for teenagers.  The majority of camps and lodges offer safe, adventurous safaris for the whole family.  Many lodges also specially hire trained children’s guides who tailor program’s for your children – suiting their ages and interests.  These programs are brilliant and do a fabulous job at sparking curiosity and interest.  The guides interpret the African bush in a fun, easy way to understand and allow for hands-on experience which can include the tracking of animals.

The Perfect Family Botswana Safari

The Young Explorers chain of lodges caters to families with children ages 7-12.

This family Botswana safari program is exclusive.  Each family has the use of a private six-bedded camp, two professional guides, personal chef, waiter, housekeeper, and mokoro guides.  Families are there to explore the bush at your leisure.

The Young Explorers in the Okavango Delta is based at Footsteps Camp – an intimate 6 bedded camp in the Shinde private concession.  Each family books out exclusive use of the camp, ultimately overriding the normal walking program and the minimum age requirement.

The Young Explorers in the Kalahari is based at Edo’s Camp, a private 8 bedded camp on a game conservancy in the western Kalahari Desert.  Again, the family books out exclusive use of the camp, thereby overriding the normal safari experience with the specific family program.

The two camps can easily be combined as one overall family Botswana safari experience.

What topics will the program touch on?  The emphasis is on conservation, respect for the earth, culture, and learning bush survival skills.  The children’s guide explains how animals can be tracked using experience and a little detective work.

Family Botswana Safari Precautions

What about Malaria?  Should I be concerned for my children?

Malarone has now launched a children’s formula and is the first ever malaria tablet designed just for kids.  Generally, many families have held back their desire to safari Africa on account of fear of malaria or reluctance to expose their children to possible side-effects of medication.  The new formulation of Malarone will open new opportunities for families wishing to travel to Africa, enabling them to do so with much greater safety and peace of mind.

Botswana’s Private Game Concessions Guarantee YOU Seclusion and High Wildlife Encounters!

The pristine expanse of bush-veld, flourishing with marauding untamed wildlife is the ideal definition of Botswana.  Botswana’s Government has developed Africa’s best tourism models, a model that ensures both the country and its visitors come out on top.  The Government receives high revenue profits which are in-turn put towards the country’s infrastructure, while the safari goers receive low density tourist destinations guaranteeing seclusion, intimacy, andhigh wildlife encounters.  There is no rush to get the best view, no noise pollution from other crazy safari goers, only you and the wilderness.

No Noise Pollution… Only You and the Wilderness

Its protection of its vast wilderness area, also known as private concessions, makes for an experience unlike any other safari destination throughout all of Africa.  This leaves wildlife sightings to only your vehicle.  In Botswana, safari vehicles are permitted to drive off the road in search for game; night game drives and short flights to other camps are usually the norm, giving you the time and energy saved for what you really need it for, HAVING FUN!!

Botswana’s Top Safari Destinations:

Okavango Delta

The Okavango is the world’s largest inland delta.  Nowhere on earth is the life giving force of water more apparent than this large delta in Botswana.  The Waters of the Okavango River orginate in the highlands of Angola and spill out across 15,000 km², irrigating the Central Kalahari Desert.  Although, the area is subject to seasonal flooding, the Delta is open to safaris year round.

Glide Across the Waters Like a Local in a Mokoro

(Tradtional Dug-Out Canoe)!

The Delta is home to large populations of elephant, Cape buffalo, and its variations of plains game, including southern Africa’s large predators and over 400 species of birds!  The diversity of wildlife makes the Okavango Delta a high quality gem of top African wildlife destinations!

Accommodation (click on lodge)

Mapula Lodge

Delta Camp

Kwando Kwara Camp

Mombo Camp and Little Mombo Camp

Duba Plains

Camp Moremi

The Okavango Delta, Read more…

Chobe National Park

Chobe has the highest density of African elephants in the world, numbering in the tens of thousands!  This area is the most diverse of all of Botswana’s parks thanks to the areas four types of ecosystems.

Chobe is Botswana’s First National Park

and Remains One of the Country’s Top Destinations!

Chobe lacks the private concessions of other areas, however, offers easier accessibility for those traveling on a budget.  There are great opportunities for boat rides on the Chobe River, giving up-close and personal encounters to elephants, hippos, and crocodiles wallowing in the water!

Accommodation (click on lodge)

Chobe Under Canvas

Ngoma Safari Lodge

Muchenje Safari Lodge

Savute Safari Lodge

Moremi Wildlife Reserve

Boasting to be Africa’s most beautiful reserve, Moremi is home to dense concentrations of game during all times of year.  20% of the reserve can be found in the boundaries of the Okavango Delta.  The diversity of its habitat is as diverse as the wildlife itself –woodlands, floodplains, reed beds, permanent wetlands, mopane and acacia forests to dry savannas.

With a Diverse Plant and Animal Life It Can Only Mean One Thing…

A Spectacular and Choice Destination!

Large concentrations of elephant, Cape buffalo, giraffe, lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, hyena, jackal, and the full range of antelope are all found in Moremi!  Also the bird life is PROLIFIC!  Traveling like a local, in a Mokoro (traditional dug-out canoe) is an added extra highlighted bonus!

Moremi, Read more…

Central Kalahari National Park

Painted with vast open plains, saltpans, prehistoric riverbeds, sand dunes, and bush velds, the Central Kalahari National Park is the 2^nd largest game reserve in the world!  For thousands of years the Bushmen have called this area home.  Although their lifestyles have changed very little, it was not until recently have they been forced to abandoned their traditional nomadic lifestyles and reside in settlements, many of which are in the southern half of the game reserve.  The game reserve is prime viewing of wildlife adapted to the semi-arid climate notorious to the area.

Accommodation (click on lodge)

Grassland Bushman Lodge

Tau Pan Camp

What activities are offered while on safari?

Game Drives in Botswana are like no other found in Africa.  The regions of northern Botswana support high densities of diverse game populations, combined with the ability of safari vehicles to leave the beaten path, with few, if any other, vehicles and drives at night make this area the ABSOLUTE BEST destination for a top quality all around original African safari.

Walking Safaris –typically a 2-3 hour journey out into the wild untamed bush, however several day walking safaris can also be arranged.  Walking amongst nature, you are with an armed guide (however if you’re looking to live more on the wild side you can opt to venture out with an unarmed guide).  You are guaranteed to have great surreal vantage points throughout your walk.

Cultural Safaris are the best opportunity to feel like a local!  The Bushman is believed to be the original humans, dating back some 40,000 years!  Take a day or 2 to join them on a cultural safari to learn more about these wise peoples, learning their outstanding, always successful tracking skills, and much more!

The Mokoro, or traditional dug-out canoe, is the indigenous’ peoples way of transport in the river and delta areas.  They are human powered and give you a unique perspective as you glide along the pristine wild waters of northern Botswana.

Independently Owned Safari Camps, Read more…

What is the ideal season to safari Botswana?

June through October is the best season for all around wildlife viewing.  December through March the area is lush, bursting with green life sprouted by the onset of the rains.  Many animals have migrated to the area in search of water, and the bird life is prolific.

How much does a safari to Botswana cost?

The demand for Botswana safaris is high, while the supplies and services are low, thus making a safari to Botswana one of the most expensive of all other options.  Also, because flying between camps is common, this only adds to the cost.  Something to keep in mind:  When planning your Botswana safari, the low season can be as much as 60% less than prices in the high season.

Botswana Green Season Specials (click here)

What vaccinations are needed to safari Botswana?

No vaccinations are required, however, it is recommended to update routine vaccinations such as measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT), and poliovirus.

Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, and Rabies are highly recommended.

Malaria is prolific across the northern regions of Botswana and antimalarial drugs are highly recommended when traveling to these areas.

It is recommended you consult with your health-care provider at least 4-6 weeks before your scheduled departure to allow time for your vaccinations to take effect and to start taking your malaria prophylaxis.

More spectacular Safari destinations!

Safari Botswana

Safari Namibia

Safari South Africa

Safari Zambia

The main Muchenje safari lodge is elegant but relaxed and incorporates a dining area, bar, viewing platforms and decks.  There is also a swimming pool on sight with open horizons and provides a tranquil setting for it guests to simply unwind and enjoy the sounds of nature.

The Muchenje Safari lodge has 11 en-suite rooms that are exquisitely furnished with a delightful African ambience.

Activities at Muchenje Safari lodge include:

• 4×4 Safaris through the park (half / full day)
• Guided walking safaris
• Night drives in the forest reserve
• Boat cruises on the Chobe to seek out the huge elephant herds
• Village tours to Muchenje village

Muchenje Safari lodge is privately owned and managed which opens up the opportunity for a more intimate experience through genuine, friendly hospitality.  The owners cater to each guests needs and strive to ensure the very best of safari experience.

Muchenje Safari lodge has its very own guides and trackers to guarantee the local knowledge needed to find, learn, and see the very best of wildlife in the area.

Chobe is one of Africa’s best wildlife sanctuary and home to some of the world’s best game viewing experiences.  Chobe is well known for its large elephant herds, hippos,  and buffalo, large predator populations – lion, leopards, and African wild dogs, as well as diverse populations of plains game and birds.

Muchenje safari lodge does its best to keep only 4 people per vehicle during their game drives to ensure guests have preferred seating and plenty of room for their camera equipment.

Only 40 minute drive from Kasane and 2 hours from Victoria Falls and Livingstone.

Nestled against a permanent lagoon (home to a large pod of resident hippos!) situated right on the “door steps” of the main complex of Mapula Lodge, the wilderness experience is guaranteed.

What makes Mapula Lodge special

“Mapula” which translates into “goddess of rain” in Tswana, the local language and offers guests a stunning position on the edge of the seasonal floodplains and brilliant access to the diversity of wildlife and environment in the area.

Mapula Lodge accommodates a maximum of 20 guests (often times never fully occupied) at any given time in a total of 10 twin chalets which can easily be converted to doubles or even provided with an extra bed for families traveling with children.

Recruiting their staff from the local villages proves Mapula Lodge concern for sustainability and makes for a very friendly family atmosphere, adding a much appreciated comfort to your stay.  The central complex is decorated in traditional thatch, with a relaxing lounge, dining area, modest sized library, curio shop and large deck sheltered by the canopy of an African ebony.  The lower deck has a small pool and loungers.  The decks make for the perfect perch for birding as the lodge is well positioned amongst the riverine vegetation and lagoon.

Mapula lodge has its own safari guides and together work with local trackers to seek out all the much desired big cat predators as well as –red lechwe, impala, kudu, zebra, wildebeest, steenbok, waterbuck, reedbuck, porcupine, hyena, jackal, genet, caracal, wild dogs and lion! (Just to name a few)

The Mapula Reserve is excellent for wildlife viewing, even though a section of the Okavango’s main buffalo fence runs through part of the reserve.  The wildlife all but ignores this and easily passes between at will.  Game drives operate on both sides of the fence and distance covered depends entirely on flood levels.

Activities at Mapula Lodge include:

• Day drives with guide and tracker
• Night drives with guide and tracker
• Walking
• Mokoro
• Private vehicle and guide (extra cost)
• Swimming pool at the main complex
• Cultural interaction at an authentic village.

Experience the calving season of December and January and benefit greatly by choosing this season to safari Botswana.

In Botswana’s Green Season –also the Low Season – there are some INCOMPARABLE specials.

The demand for Botswana safaris is high, while the supplies and services are low, thus making a safari to Botswana one of the most expensive of all other options.  Also, because flying between camps is common, this only adds to the cost.

However…

When planning your Botswana safari the low season (December – March) can be as much as 60% less than prices in the high season.  And that is still the all inclusive deal – meals, drinks, laundry, and activities. (Read more about Botswana’s Green Season Specials)

Botswana’s Green Season provides the opportunity to witness many of the areas game populations calve newborns that also attract predators and when combined…make for spectacular photographic opportunities!

Mapula Lodge is a 30 minute flight from Maun.

Put your feet down and do a walking safari! Discover Botswana’s walking safaris