Botswana Safari Tour
Botswana safari tour gets you out of your comfort zone. You’ll get into a whirlwind of discovery on this Botswana safari tour.
About Botswana Safari Tour
This 5 day Botswana safari tour gets you out of your comfort zone. You’ll get into a whirlwind of discovery on this Botswana safari tour. This Botswana safari tour takes you to experience one of the greatest wildlife spectacles.
Watch out for the huge herds of zebras, lions and elephants grace the endless plains. This will be during your stay within Savute ecosystem. You’ll conclude your African safari to Botswana in Okavango. Here you’ll journey through the serene surroundings of the Okavango’s water wonderland.
Botswana Safari Tour Itinerary
Days 1 and 2: Maun – Savute
Our Botswana safari rep will meet you on arrival at Maun International Airport. Introductions will be followed by a brief on the 5 day Botswana safari tour. On a charter flight, you will proceed to Savute. Our driver guide will be at hand to receive you.
A short game drive will deliver you to Savute Safari Lodge from the airstrip. You will have your 2-night stay on the banks of the Savute Channel. Here you’ll discover the dynamic Savute ecosystem from your chalet’s private viewing deck. The lodge has a main viewing deck too.
From here, you can monitor the game activity around the water hole. The area is renowned for its large concentration of elephant and large lion prides. You’ll be able to see more on game drive in the Savute area.
You will have a day-outing on Botswana safari tour to the Gubatsa Hills. Here you’ll be able to view the ancient San rock paintings. This is to enhance your historical and cultural perspectives on the area.
At the lodge you can take a dip in the swimming pool. This is placed on a raised wooden teak deck overlooking the channel. This allows you to watch game while swimming.
You’ll dine under the stars in the evening. Later you’ll gather around an inviting campfire for a warm evening. Here you’ll listen to tales about the area from the native people.
Day 3 and 4: Okavango Delta
Your 5 day Botswana safari tour start with an early breakfast. This is to be followed by a short game drive to Savute’s airstrip. This is in time for your charter flight to the heart of the Okavango Delta. Your guide will escort you to Camp Okavango.
Camp Okavango is situated on the remote Nxaragha Island. This is amongst an expansive garden area. Here you are booked on a fully inclusive basis. You will discover a new culture as you indulge in local cuisine. Your evenings will be spent around a campfire.
You’ll spend your days on a discovery of the region’s unique fauna and flora. There will be guided nature walks on the various islands. This is to allow for the tracking of various animal species spotted in this area.
You’ll also set out onto the water channels of the Delta in the evenings. This lets you enjoy a typical African sunset complimented by sundowners. You can opt for traditional Mokoro canoe as your tour guide. There is also the more modern motorboat through the maze of papyrus plants.
Take advantage of this water wonderland by taking fishing trips. You may go for a bite or laze on a shaded hammock with a good book. Here you’re guaranteed to discover the perfection of Botswana.
Day 5: Maun
It is the final day of your 5 day Botswana safari tour. After breakfast, you’ll be taken to Camp Okavango’s airstrip. This will be in time for your charter flight over the Delta. You’ll be destined forMaun International Airport.
———- End of 5 Day Botswana Safari Tour ———-
5 Day Botswana Safari Tour Destination
Savute
The 5 day Botswana safari tour heads to the south of Chobe National Park. Here lies the wild and game-rich Savuti (often spelled Savute). The 5 day Botswana safari tour is a tour to one of Botswana’s wildlife hotspots, the Savuti Region is known in particular for its exceptional predator sightings.
Famously large prides of lion and packs of hyena hunt on the open grasslands, leopard patrol the woodlands, and it’s one of the best places in Botswana to see wild dog.
Ten years ago the Savuti Channel was dry, and most of the tooth-and-claw action centered on artificial waterholes. Then in 2010 this unpredictable river started flowing once again, dramatically transforming the Savuti Region.
The marsh is a watery paradise once more, large herds of elephant and buffalo crowd the riverbanks, and the birdlife is nothing short of phenomenal.
The best way to see Savuti’s predators, herds and birds is on a guided game drive on the 5 day Botswana safari tour. All of our recommended Savuti camps and lodges offer both morning and afternoon drives.
As for the lodges; take your pick from a handful of small, eco-sensitive camps most of which overlook the Savuti Channel. This puts you right at the heart of the action so between drives you can relax, drink in hand, watching wildlife at the water’s edge.
Like most safari destinations, game viewing on the 5 day Botswana safari tour in Savuti reaches its peak during the dry winter months. But early summer is also an excellent time for a Savuti safari; especially around November and December when the annual zebra migration passes through the area.
Imagine the sight of vast herds of zebra converging on the grassy plains, with opportunistic predators hot on their hooves.
The Savuti Channel has a fascinating history of flooding and drying up independently of good rainy seasons and flood levels elsewhere – a mystery that has intrigued geologists and other researchers for many years.
Okavango Delta
The 5 day Botswana safari tour also goes to the Okavango Delta. This is a vast and varied ecosystem created as the Okavango River flows into the Kalahari desert in Botswana.
The Okavango Delta is rich in wildlife, this World Heritage Site is a sanctuary to some of the world’s most endangered animals and birds.
This delta in north-west Botswana comprises permanent marshlands and seasonally flooded plains. It is one of the very few major interior delta systems that do not flow into a sea or ocean, with a wetland system that is almost intact.
One of the unique characteristics of the site is that the annual flooding from the River Okavango occurs during the dry season, with the result that the native plants and animals have synchronized their biological cycles with these seasonal rains and floods.
It is an exceptional example of the interaction between climatic, hydrological and biological processes. The Okavango Delta is home to some of the world’s most endangered species of large mammal, such as the cheetah, white rhinoceros, black rhinoceros, African wild dog and lion.
The 5 day Botswana safari tour takes you unique pulsing wetland. More correctly an alluvial fan, the delta covers between 6 and 15 000 square kilometers of Kalahari Desert in northern Botswana and owes its existence to the Okavango (Kavango) River which flows from the Angolan highlands, across Namibia’s Caprivi Strip and into the harsh Kalahari Desert.
Each year the Okavango River discharges approximately 11 cubic kilometres (1.1 × 10¹³ litres) of water into the Okavango Delta. Most of this water is lost to transpiration by plants (60%) and by evaporation (36%) with only 2% percolating into the aquifer system with the remainder finally flowing into Lake Ngami.
The Okavango Delta is affected by seasonal flooding with flood water from Angola reaching the Delta between March and June, peaking in July. This peak coincides with Botswana’s dry season resulting in great migrations of plains game from the dry hinterland.
Okavango Delta is generally flat, with a height variation of less than two meters across its area. The dry land in the Okavango Delta is predominantly comprised of numerous small islands, formed when vegetation takes root on termite mounds.
However larger islands exist with Chief’s Island, the largest, having been formed on a tectonic fault line.
The 1000th site to be inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2014, the Okavango Delta is an important wildlife area protected by both the Moremi Game Reserve. On its eastern edge, and the numerous wildlife concessions within Ngamiland.
An oasis in an otherwise dry environment the Okavango Delta is known for its superb wildlife, with large populations of mammals and excellent birding particularly in the breeding season.
Flora and Fauna to see on 5 day Botswana safari tour
The incredible wildlife sightings and numbers are usually the biggest attraction for visitors to Savute, but the area also has some interesting and unusual features.
Rocky outcrops – one aptly named “Leopard Rock” dot the northern part of the area, some with primitive rock art, thought to be by the San people. The Baobab Gallery – a collection of these curious trees may also be found to the north. The range of geology and ecosystem is unique.
In 2008, the Savuti Channel, having been dry for many years, once more became a deep, clear waterway harboring Hippo and other aquatic life with a large variety of waterbirds.
Wildlife from plains game to predators, has had to adapt to a new source of water and all the opportunities and menaces it has brought with it. How long will it be before the water dries up again?
Judging from historical records it could be more than a hundred years or less than ten. Nature has the final say in such matters.
On the 5 day Botswana safari tour you will see dead Camelthorn trees on the Savuti Marsh. They have become one of the most prominent features of the landscape – skeletons of trees drowned in the flood-waters at least 40 years ago.
The shallow basin of the Mababe Depression is now the waterless bed of an ancient lake and the marsh itself is grassland that is home to large numbers of animals.
The western edge of Savuti is formed by the Magwikhwe sand ridge, which is approximately 100 km long and 20 m high. This is the ancient shoreline of a super-lake that once covered most of Northern Botswana. It is hard to imagine that this harsh, dry landscape was once submerged under an enormous inland sea.
Another part of the Savuti is characterised by the Gubatsa Hills, which were formed millions of years ago during volcanic movement. These hills rise to a height of about 90 meters out of an otherwise completely flat landscape.
The Savuti area offers 5 day Botswana safari tour guests great game viewing at certain times of the year. The annual Zebra migration is closely followed by many Lion prides. Good sightings of Cheetah and Leopard are possible and the endangered Wild Dog also occurs here.
Savuti is famous for its large concentrations of Elephants that congregate around the waterholes, making game-viewing exceptional.
Birdlife for those on 5 day Botswana safari tour is also amazing, with Secretary Birds and Kori Bustards often seen around the Savuti Marsh.
Summer migrants and water birds include Abdim’s Storks, Carmine Bee-eaters, and Fish Eagles. Red-billed Queleas, which gather in their thousands, are a spectacular sight as they wheel and turn in unison.
The wildlife of the Okavango Delta is varied and plentiful thanks to the rich ecosystems and protection. The Okavango Delta supports large concentrations of animals on both a permanent and seasonal basis. Through careful wildlife management it has become perhaps one of the best places to see wildlife in Africa.
There is a dynamic seasonal shift of animals between the arid region that surrounds the delta and the Okavango Delta itself.
During the wet season most large animals move away from the delta to take advantage of the lush grazing that surrounds it. As this grazing begins to die in the winter animals’ move back to the delta.
Wildlife of the Okavango Delta includes a myriad of species including African Bush Elephant, African Buffalo, Hippopotamus, Lechwe, Topi, Blue Wildebeest, Giraffe, Nile crocodile, Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Brown Hyena, Spotted Hyena, Greater Kudu, Sable Antelope, Black Rhinoceros, White Rhinoceros, Plains Zebra, Warthog and Chacma Baboon.
Notably the endangered African Wild Dog still survives within the Okavango Delta and exhibits one of the richest pack densities in Africa.
In addition to the large animals the wildlife of the Okavango Delta, guest on 5 day Botswana safari tour can see over 500 species of birds and 85 recorded species of fish including Tigerfish, Tilapia and Catfish.
Who is the 5 day Botswana safari tour Suitable for
The 5 day Botswana safari tour is for both fly-in visitors, staying at one of the luxurious lodges in the area or those who are camping as part of a self-drive or mobile safari expedition.
The lodges offer the highest level of comfort and luxury for the discerning traveller looking for a superior level of service and experience. The lodges will offer game activities focused on finding the best animal sightings.
These will include the many pans scattered around the area, as well as the hills to look at the rock paintings. Due to sensitive park regulations, no game drives at night or off track are permitted.
The campsites for self-drivers are well maintained and provide good ablution facilities. Each has a fire pit and braai (barbecue) area. Mobile drive guests may be accommodated in one of the area’s private campsites and all facilities will be provided by the mobile safari operator.
5 Day Botswana safari tour Accommodation
Ghoha Hills Savuti Lodge
5 day Botswana safari tour to Ghoha Hills Savuti Lodge is a Botswana tour to an eco-friendly and committed lodge that serves Chobe National Park and supports the mission of the Global Alliance of National Parks.
Within the Chobe National Park lies the fascinating game rich Savuti area. Ghoha Hills Savuti Lodge is ideally positioned on the edges of the Ghoha Hills overlooking the Savuti Plains.
The lodge is designed and built to blend into the natural surrounding environment and the elevated position assures spectacular unparalleled 180 degree views.
11 Luxurious tents with high quality beds & linen ensures ultimate comfort. The understated elegance of the décor, the views and the attention to your comfort is a perfect mix to make your 5 day Botswana safari tour extra special.
The thatched main area has an open dining area, bar and various small lounges overlooking an active waterhole. We have a refreshing pool, gym and a spa to take care of the mind, body & soul.
Ghoha Hills Savuti Lodge is ideally positioned on the edges of the Ghoha Hills in Savuti within the Chobe National Park approximately 150km south west of Kasane and 230km north east of Maun.
How to get there: Road transfer is approximately 3 hours taking you through parts of Chobe, some local villages and different 4 x 4 terrains. Transfers can be pre-booked at time of reservation from Kasane Airport. (Minimum 2 people)
Savuti camp site
Savuti camp site has moved over the years, and now is more central and has better infrastructure than ever. The new public camp site has a relatively new ablution block, surrounded by an ingenious circular wall. The toilets and showers (with hot water) are relatively clean and in good order.
The idea of a fence around the whole site has been abandoned, though the site now has an impressive office and entrance gate.
The camping pitches (eight at last count) are separated and marked, albeit not always clearly. Many sit under old camel thorn trees, with site number one being particularly good.
Camp Savuti
Camp Savuti epitomises the Botswana safari experience. You will have rewarding game viewing opportunities on your Chobe National Park safari and authentic, tented accommodation. This is the traditional way to spend time in one of Africa’s most superb wildlife regions.
Your 5 day Botswana safari tour will visit Camp Savuti to experience the thrill of getting close to top predators and to watch them in their natural habitat from the comfort of an open-air 4×4 vehicle, guided by knowledgable rangers.
Camp Moremi
Situated in the world-renowned Moremi Game Reserve, Camp Moremi enjoys breath-taking vistas over the Xakanaxa Lagoon. Nestled within a natural riverine forest of teak and ebony trees, twelve tented safari suites have an East-African flavour and a classic touch.
Hidden in lush green trees and branches, it feels like you are walking in an African fairytale forest. Enjoy outside dinners under an amazing starry sky, let a professional staff pamper you with their humour and warmth, dive in the large pool, start your day with homemade pancakes and enjoy excellent elephant, lion and leopard sightings (among many other species).
With no Wi-Fi connection, you are truly away from your fast pace life. Move with the rhythm of elephants, smell the sweet, warm breeze and explore African land and waters – you will leave Camp Moremi with an everlasting experience (and new friends). Feel at home.
The suites feature glass sliding doors opening out to private decks where you can enjoy manicured bush views and an attractive woodlands setting. All tents are beautifully decorated, with a soft, king size bed, luxurious en suite bathroom, comfy chairs and a desk to write down all your safari memories.
Traditional thatch and timber communal spaces invite you to relax or read, since the elevated lounge includes a wildlife reference library. Nestle yourself down on the viewing platform and marvel at extensive panoramas, mind blowing sunsets (with amazingly coloured African skies), and hippos at the lagoon. For breakfast, lunch and tea, of course, venture out to the outside boma.
There is nothing like a meal in the fresh African air. After an exhilarating safari day, order yourself a cocktail at the bar and reminisce about today’s wildlife sightings, while a homemade dinner is prepared.
Xugana Island Lodge
Xugana Lagoon is widely recognised as the most spectacular permanent water site in the entire Okavango Delta, which itself is Africa’s largest and most awe-inspiring oasis. The Okavango River rises in the highlands of Angola yet never reaches the sea; instead its immense waters empty over the sands of the Kalahari, where the great thirst of the desert is quenched in a wilderness of freshwater lagoons, channels and islands.
Xugana Island Lodge is situated on a private concession and takes full advantage of this magnificent site. An expansive deck and al fresco dining area overlooks the vast, pristine body of water that makes up the permanent Okavango Delta.
The lounge, bar and dining areas are set back under the Ebony and African Mangosteen tree canopy in open-sided thatched structures, and the swimming pool, located within the mature gardens in the centre of the island, is a perfect place to relax.
The lodge accommodates only sixteen guests in large, raised, reed and thatch lagoon-facing chalets, with en-suite facilities and private viewing decks optimally placed on the shaded fringe of the island.
The area is renowned for its large population of bull elephants and visiting Camp Savuti offers 5 day Botswana safari tour guests the chance of witnessing the unique interaction of the resident predator species.
Experienced and passionate guides will ensure that visitors on Chobe National Park safari leave with irreplaceable memories in wildest Botswana.
5 day Botswana safari tour guests at Camp Savuti will be accommodated in private and peaceful Meru-style tents. There are 5 individual tents built on elevated wooden platforms offering some height for overlooking the channel.
Each unit has a private wooden veranda, complete with chairs for two; carpeted floors inside; twin or king-size beds with headboards and pure cotton linen; shelving space; a safe; and an ensuite bathroom with an outdoor, open-air shower.
The bathroom is separated from the main bedroom interior by a dividing canvas curtain that can be fastened back or pulled closed for privacy. There is a flush toilet and indoor bath.
The accommodation is wonderfully comfortable and cosy for cooler weather, yet it can be open and airy for those ultra-hot months from September to December. Guests can choose to rest and relax in the privacy of their rooms while watching game gathering at the channel.
Savute Elephant Lodge
Beside the mysterious Savute Channel, this tented oasis is the perfect base to discover the wonders of tehe wild when on 5 day Botswana safari tour.
Breathlessly captivating, this corner of Botswana has long been associated with the world’s greatest explorers, including David Livingstone. Follow in their footsteps at Savute Elephant Lodge.
When on the 5 day Botswana safari tour, you can head out to the unique viewing hide at dusk or dawn, overlooking the watering hole, and see elephants, hyenas and cheetahs in their element.
Then find a serene welcome back at the lodge. The contemporary interiors reflects the earthy tones of the wilderness, while eco-friendly design features keep you in harmony with the stunning landscape. Savute Elephant Lodge is now open.
Soak up the savannah in style on your 5 day Botswana safari tour at Savute Elephant Lodge. The lodge boasts 12 luxurious tented rooms, each raised on a wooden platform to allow a breathtaking view of elephants in their natural habitat.
Stretch out on your four-poster bed, or unwind in your shaded outdoor lounge. Pad out onto your sun-soaked deck for a spot of wildlife viewing, cocktail in hand.
Savour the finest flavours of Africa on the 5 day Botswana safari tour. As impala glide through the savannah, be seated on our deck for an out-of-this-world dining experience.
Sample signature African dishes prepared by our talented chefs paired with fine wines and champagnes. During the cooler season or in wet weather, meals are enjoyed under cover––but still in full view of the reserve’s abundant wildlife.
