THREE WAYS TO PLAN AND BOOK YOUR BOTSWANA SAFARI WITH AFRICANMECCA

We look forward to planning your dream safari to Botswana.

Follow Us On: facebook twitter instagram

TRAVEL & OPERATIONS OFFICES

  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • Africa

13 DAYS TIER THREE ITINERARY FOR BEST OF BOTSWANA SAFARI

AfricanMecca's Best Of Botswana Safari - TIER 3 sets out to discover Nxai Pan - Greater Makgadikgadi ecosystem (Nxai), Linyanti Reserve (Kwando) combined with 2 unique ecology (Gunn's & Kwara Concessions) within the Okavango Delta experiencing the best of what Botswana's premier wilderness can offer.

TIER 3 SAFARI SUMMARY FOR BEST OF BOTSWANA SAFARI

Itinerary Highlights:

  • 3 nights stay in Okavango Delta – Water Based Ecology. Overnights at Gunn's Camp.
  • 3 nights stay in Okavango Delta – Land Based Ecology. Overnights at Kwara Camp.
  • 3 nights stay in Linyanti Reserve (Kwando) - Savannah & River Ecology. Overnights at Lebala Camp.
  • 3 nights stay in Nxai Pan - Greater Makgadikgadi - Desert Ecology. Overnights at Nxai Pan Camp.
  • Roundtrip flights from/to Johannesburg - Maun (base safari start town).
  • All flights from/to Maun - Okavango Delta, Linyanti and Nxai Pan.
  • Botswana meet and greet service at Maun Airport - Maun.
  • Various noted game activities are included with your overnight stay as indicated.
  • Ability to customize and add more days to the existing program e.g Chobe, Victoria Falls and Cape Town.
  • This program can further be combined with other AfricanMecca safaris/itineraries/locations in Botswana or to include other parks and destinations within Africa and Indian Ocean Islands.
The first delta ecology you will visit specializes as year round water based concession situated close by game-rich seasonal floodplains and permanent rivers or water channels. On your water based safari experience, you will visit Gunns Concession bordering Moremi's game-rich seasonal floodplains and the Boro River. The concession offers a close short scenic flight from Maun. As you fly over the Delta you can see the intricate twisting and turning of the waterways and the ever-changing colors where dry land meets Delta. In contrast to the northern Okavango Delta where the waters are fast-flowing and the channels and view is enclosed by high reeds and papyrus, the channels around this concession offer far reaching vistas of the Moremi’s floodplain, grasslands and marginal woodlands interspersed with Mokolwane palm islands. This part of the concession specialized in water based camp offering a wide variety of animal and bird species, walks close to Chief’s Island give you the opportunity to get a better view of not just the big animals but the smaller insects and birds that contribute to the Okavango’s vast ecosystem. Game which has been spotted on walks has been lion, leopard, wild dog, elephant, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, red lechwe and many more. On the mokoro’s you get to see the water birds like African Jacana’s, African Fish eagles and if you look carefully you will see the Malakite Kingfishers darting between the reeds, there is also a chance that your guide will find the rare Pel’s Fishing Owl.

The second specializes as a land based concession concentrating on vehicle game drives spotting big game supplemented with plains game and avi-fauna. Few land based concessions and camps have accessibility to minimal water sources dependent on the water levels, and only offer only a teaser based water activity or none at all if the water levels are very low. Combining a water based concession with a land based concession in the Okavango Delta will maximize flora and fauna experiences with a myriad of choices of safari activities.  On your land based safari experience, you will visit Kwara Concession bordering the Moremi Game Reserve on the northern edge of the Okavango Delta. The Kwara Concession shares a 30km water boundary with Moremi Game Reserve but being a private concession offers night drives, boat and mokoro trips, walking and fishing that cannot be offered in the Game Reserve. The concession has both permanent water and seasonal flood plains ensuring the best of the Okavango Delta as well as extensive dry bush wilderness. Favored with labyrinths of permanent water channels and secret islands the concession offers you the privacy and tranquility available in the Okavango Delta. The year round waters at Kwara makes this one of the most consistent game viewing experience available in southern Africa with all the large exciting game species as well as all the interesting smaller species. Big game is plentiful and includes frequent sightings of giraffe, blue wildebeest, tsessebe, impala, zebra, buffalo, elephant, red lechwe, hippo and warthog. Dominant carnivores include lion and spotted hyaena with occasional leopard and wild dog. For bird enthusiasts, some 380 different species can be found.

Lebala, part of the Linyanti savannah and river ecosystem, is situated in the south of the Kwando concession, adjacent to the head waters of the Linyanti marshes that form the boundary between Botswana and Namibia. The southerly flowing Kwando river disappears into the vast marshland before emerging as the Linyanti river. The triangle formed by this vast wetland is home to the Mamili National Park in Namibia. The Kwando River concession is 232000 ha (573000 acres) of unfenced wilderness area and features two camps on the Kwando River – Lagoon and Lebala. The concession has 80km (50 miles) of exclusive river frontage. Famous for huge herds of elephant and buffalo with our wild dog viewing considered the best in Africa. Predators include lion, leopard, hyena, cheetah and four species of smaller cats. The daily safari routine at Lebala usually involves an early morning wake up call, and a gathering around the fireside for piping hot tea and coffee, a bowl of sumptuous porridge and freshly baked muffins. As well as the clean early morning air and dazzling sun rise, an early departure greatly increases the chances of unusual sightings, as the majority of mammals are active at the beginning and end of the day when temperatures are lower. The game viewing at Lebala is amongst the best in Africa due to the high concentration of game and the excellent visibility on the plains. Lebala focuses on game drives – both off road and at night. Bush walks are at the discretion of the guides due to the seasonal high concentration of elephants. Lebala, like Lagoon, has a reputation for predator action with lions known to hunt and kill mega fauna like buffalo and hippos. A serious safari goers paradise.

Nxai Pan National Park offers a desert ecology experience, and is located at the northern periphery of the ancient Makgadikgadi basin. The Nxai Pan, a water basin located approximately less than 3 kilometres from the main access point of the park is the core point of flora and fauna experiences - a perfect place to start your Nxai game viewing safari in Africa. It is embedded at the middle of a fused arid and grassy terrain of the park spotted with bunches of umbrella thorn trees. The park boast of leopard, honey badger, lion, cheetah, spotted and elusive brown hyenas, gemsbok, zebra, giraffe, kudu, hartebeest, black-backed jackal, rare wild dogs, bat-eared fox, impala, hartebeest and many more. Occasionally, rhinos have also been sighted but a much rare occurrence. An extraordinary scene at Nxai is the presence of the springbok and impala that otherwise do not cohabit because of different habitat requirement. The park has over 200 species of resident and migratory birds in the heavens of Nxai that include rollers, secretary bird, bee eaters, korhaan, kestrel, pale chanting goshawk, red billed francolins and many. The dynamic ecosystem makes the park a discerning and an offbeat destination for your Botswana safari in Africa.

GUNN'S CONCESSION - OKAVANGO DELTA - WATER BASED ECOLOGY

Fly from Johannesburg, South Africa to Maun. Upon arrival at the Maun Airport, our airport guest relations’ officer will personally meet all arriving guests. We will be standing outside the arrival section holding a signboard with your name on it. You are met and transferred by air to the first Okavango Delta concession for 3 nights stay at Gunn's Camp. The camp consists of 6 fully furnished, deluxe Meru tents with en-suite bathrooms featuring standalone baths and outside private showers. Set on raised platforms overlooking the delta plains, Gunn’s Camp is ideal for honeymooners or guests looking for a more intimate and personalized safari experience. All 6 tents are discretely set within the densely treed island ensuring privacy and tranquility. Each has been traditionally furnished with an eclectic mixture of solid wood and African furniture and offers a lounge area as well as private veranda. The accommodation area is connected to the main camp via raised wooden walkway crossing the wetlands and magically lit by a series of fairy like lanterns. Guests have access to the elevated bar, lounge and dining room, campfire boma and swimming pool.

Gunn's Camp is leading the way in making the Okavango Delta as environmentally friendly as possible. The camp runs off a massive solar-panel, which feeds power to the entire camp. Hot water is supplied through a state-of-the-art solar-heated geyser system, delivering hot water to each room. Gunn’s Camp Delta activities include motor boat cruises, mokoro excursions and guided game walks. The walks take place on the border of Chief’s Island, in the Moremi Game Reserve, separated from Ntswi Island by the Boro River channel. Each guide takes two guests by mokoro to different areas of the Reserve, where the focus is not solely on the larger species but learning about the habits of the smaller animals, sighting birds and learning their calls, as well as identifying plant-life and their medicinal uses. Guides converse in English and offer a rare insight into the unique phenomenon of the Delta, with guests appreciating how important the “little things” are to this diverse ecosystem.

Activities Included: Specialized water based activities - see accommodation for complete details.

Overnight Accommodation: Gunns Camp

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT CONNECTION GUIDE: Most guests on international flights arrive into South Africa with onward connecting to Maun in Botswana as there are no direct flights to Botswana. If arriving on a morning flight at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, and you may want to relax for a day before connecting to Maun in Botswana or so to explore Johannesburg Tours like Apartheid Museum Tour, Johannesburg City Tour or the various tour offerings while getting over your jet lag, AfricanMecca can arrange for these services. Pre-arrangements need to be made before your arrival so please let us know. Please see Johannesburg Hotels available to AfricanMecca guests for your overnight in Johannesburg.

KWARA CONCESSION - OKAVANGO DELTA - LAND BASED ECOLOGY

Fly from Johannesburg, South Africa to Maun. After breakfast, you will fly to your second Okavango Delta concession experience for 3 nights stay at Kwara Camp. The camp is set overlooking a secluded lagoon in the northern Okavango Delta. This region offers a contrasting experience, as its location allows access to the permanent waterways of the Delta as well as expansive dry land areas, admired for their quality game viewing. Kwara accommodates a maximum of 16 guests in eight traditionally styled tents on raised decks, each offering superb views of the lagoon. Towering African ebony and mangosteen trees ensure that the camp is always cool while the hundreds of birds add to the feeling of serenity in one of the Okavango's best kept secrets. The main area has a lounge, dining room and a bar area with vistas of the lagoon and surrounding flora and fauna. Guests can also enjoy the pool to relax between game drives during siesta time and share safari stories or listen to the sounds of the night by the camp fire.

The daily safari routine at Kwara usually involves an early morning wake up call, and a gathering around the fireside for piping hot tea and coffee, a bowl of sumptuous porridge and freshly baked muffins. As well as the clean early morning air and dazzling sun rise, an early departure greatly increases the chances of unusual sightings, as the majority of mammals are active at the beginning and end of the day when temperatures are lower. The year round waters at Kwara makes this one of the most consistent game viewing experience available in southern Africa with all the large exciting game species as well as all the interesting smaller species. Kwara offers all the activities one expects in an exclusive concession in the Okavango Delta - day and night drives, game walks, power boating, mokoro trips and fishing (spinning equipment is provided but fly fishermen need to bring their own equipment).

Activities Included: Land and water based activities - see accommodation for complete details.

Overnight Accommodation: Kwara Camp

LINYANTI - SAVANNAH & RIVER ECOLOGY - KWANDO RESERVE

After your early morning activity, fly to Linyanti. On arrival, transfer to Lebala Camp for your 2 nights stay. Lebala Camp in Setswana means “open plains” which aptly describes the extensive grasslands and seasonal flood plains of the Linyanti marshes in Kwando Concession. The camp itself is comprised of eight custom designed tents, with unique mosquito net walls, allowing an unobstructed flow of cooling breezes and stunning views. Each spacious tent has its own viewing deck, bathroom and luxurious double outside showers. The main area has a lounge with a bar offering a vista of its marsh surrounded with elusive fauna that sometimes pass through it. There is a also separate dining area. Guests can also enjoy the pool to relax between game drives during siesta time and share safari stories or listen to the sounds of the night by the camp fire.

Lebala is situated in the south of the Kwando concession, adjacent to the head waters of the Linyanti marshes that form the boundary between Botswana and Namibia. The southerly flowing Kwando river disappears into the vast marshland before emerging as the Linyanti river. The triangle formed by this vast wetland is home to the Mamili National Park in Namibia. The Kwando River concession is 232000 ha (573000 acres) of unfenced wilderness area and features two camps on the Kwando River - Lagoon and Lebala. The concession has 80km (50 miles) of exclusive river frontage. Famous for huge herds of elephant and buffalo with our wild dog viewing considered the best in Africa. Predators include lion, leopard, hyena, cheetah and four species of smaller cats.

Activities Included: Land based activities - see accommodation for complete details.

Overnight Accommodation: Lebala Camp

NXAI PAN - GREATER MAKGADIKGADI - DESERT ECOLOGY - NXAI

After your early morning activity, fly to Nxai Pan for your 3 nights stay at Nxai Pan Camp. The accommodation is located on the western edge of the fossil pan from which the camp takes its name. The camp faces east over the open grasslands of the pans and accommodates a maximum of eighteen guests in 9 thatched chalets specially designed to provide a constant and comfortable temperature throughout the year, when seasonal temperatures can fluctuate from below freezing to well over 45 degrees. All of the chalets have private viewing decks, inside and outside showers and fans. The main area has a swimming pool, curio shop and library. Excellent game viewing is possible from the comfort of your rooms as the water hole in front of the camp draws a multitude of mammal species.

The camp is located in Nxai Pan National Park which adjoins Makgadikgadi Pans National Park on its northern border. The Nxai Pans were once part of the great lake that covered central Botswana – which included The Nxai Pan National Park, Makgadikgadi and Lake Ngami to name a few. Home to the famous “Baines’ Baobabs” which lies on the southern side of the park – The pan itself is a fossil lakebed about 40 sq km in size. The landscape is largely covered by grassland and dotted with clusters of umbrella acacia trees and mopane woodland in the north. During the rains from November to April – the pans become covered in grass which is a landscape very similar to the Kalahari. Nxai Pan is well known for its huge springbok population and once the rains have started, gemsbok, elephant and zebras migrate to the region. Once the rains have started the bird life is also excellent.

Activities Included: Specialized desert land based activities - see accommodation for complete details.

Overnight Accommodation: Nxai Pan Camp

DEPARTURE & TRIP EXTENSIONS

Day 13: Maun Departure & Extensions

Breakfast. Morning activity. Thereafter, transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Maun Airport with a onward connection to Johannesburg, South Africa. Upon arrival in Johannesburg, check in for your international flight back home. OPTIONALLY customize the below extensions to Cape Town, Victoria Falls and/or Chobe as part of your itinerary.

RECOMMENDED PRE AND POST SAFARI AND TOUR EXTENSIONS IN CHOBE, VICTORIA FALLS & CAPE TOWN

After your Best Of Botswana Safari - TIER 3 safari, we recommend a combination off-beat extension to distinct destinations such as Chobe National Park and Victoria Falls. Thereafter, harmoniously conclude with a coastal rest and relaxation in Cape Town with speckled seaside, cultural, winelands and historic experiences. You may customize to include any other destination of your preference in Eastern and Southern Africa. The options are endless!

4 Nights Cape Town Extension (South Africa)

Transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) via Johannesburg. Upon arrival at the Cape Town International Airport (CPT), a transfer officer will personally meet all arriving guests. They will be standing in the main arrival section holding a signboard with your name on it. They will meet you and transfer you to Commodore Hotel for your 4 nights Cape Town experience. Escapism is not only a state of mind; it's a place at the cosmopolitan Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town. That place is The Commodore, a Legacy hotel where stylish living, excellent service and a tranquil setting comes standa rd. Enjoy breathtaking views of the charming 'Mother City' from the upper floors of the hotel's superior rooms or treat yourself to cocktails on the terrace. Commodore offers 236 elegantly furnished standard rooms and suites. All rooms have individual air conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities, bathroom with toilet and separate bath and shower, direct dialing phones, electric razor plugs, hair dryers, DStv and 24-hour room service. Our service ethic is one of utmost efficiency, allowing you to leave everything to us so that you can find time to enjoy the beautiful 'Mother City'.

Optional Activities Available: Cape Town Tours

Overnight Accommodation: Commodore Hotel

2 Nights Livingstone Victoria Falls Extension - (Zambia)

Transfer to Livingstone - Victoria Falls area in Zambia; thereafter, you will be transferred to Waterberry Lodge for your 2 nights Victoria Falls experience. The accommodation is a short drive from Livingstone town but in a breathtaking, secluded position on the banks of the spectacular Zambezi River is a perfect setting for a holiday visiting the amazing Victoria Falls in Livingstone and enjoying the wide range of activities available. Guests can relax at Waterberry Lodge on the sun deck, in the upstairs viewing lounge or round the pool and enjoy sunset cruises, alfresco meals and barbecues cooked under the stars. Hippo and elephant are visitors to Waterberry, especially at dusk, and keen eyed birders can check out the long list of bird sightings.

Activities Included: Tour of Victoria Falls

Overnight Accommodation: Waterberry Lodge

3 Nights Chobe Extension - (Botswana)

Transfer to Kasane. On arrival, transfer to Chobe Safari Lodge for your 3 nights stay. The accommodation is located on Botswana’s far northern border where the Kwando, Linyanti and Chobe River systems lie and form a mosaic of lakes, islands, channels and floodplains. Part of this ecosystem is the Chobe National Park, renowned for its vast herds of elephant and buffalo. It is a huge lodge compared to Botswana standards, and consists of 46 Luxury Safari Rooms, 22 Luxury River Rooms and 8 Rondavels. Family rooms with separate children room (bunk beds) are also available.

Along with many species of big game, Chobe National Park boasts the largest concentration of elephant in Africa, and game drives and boat cruises from Chobe Safari Lodge offer guests the opportunity to witness this amazing spectacle.Game drives within the Chobe National Park offer the opportunity to view the abundant elephant and other big game species up close, and also the possibility of an encounter with one of the large predators. Game drives depart three times a day (approximately 3 hour duration). Alternatively there is an option of booking a full or half-day drive with a picnic lunch. Chobe River cruises have to be one of the finest game viewing experiences in Africa. With over 80 000 elephant in the park alone they are a very frequent sighting. Hippo, water birds, buffalo, crocodile and puku are also viewed from the river. Private cruises, led by our expert guides are available throughout the day to suit your individual needs.

Activities Included: Land and water based activities - see accommodation for complete details.

Overnight Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge

LOCATION OF YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN OKAVANGO DELTA, LINYANTI & NXAI PAN

With the various customization and personalization options available as an independent and/or combination safari with other countries in Southern and East Africa, the prices for this safari/tour are best available by having a discussion with our safari professionals to ensure a perfect match. Please contact us to customize your safari and request prices based on your travel preference.

AFRICANMECCA REVIEWS

What are our Customers saying about our safari holidays?

  • On behalf of myself, my wife and my two adult daughters, I want to sincerely thank you and AfricanMecca Safaris for our fabulous recent safari. Everything you promised exceeded our expectations and was superb, which is saying a lot since this was our second trip, having had a wonderful Botswana Safari 10 years ago. Do not ever hesitate to use me as a reference.
    Robert Schenkein - prVision Photography Studio - Colorado, United States
  • Chobe was delightful, less than half full. Sussi and Chuma, very nice, again only 13 people in all. All the game drives and river cruises were excellent. We had great weather. The ability to get really close is in inspiring. EVERYWHERE we went, the people were warm, helpful and charming. Thank you so much. We will be recommending your services to all.
    Thomas Kelch - California, United States
  • Raza Visram at AfricanMecca planned the most amazing trip for my friend and I. I wanted to go to 4 countries in 15 days and he made it happen. It was an aggressive itinerary and Raza planned it so well, that the transitions were seamless. The last leg of the trip was Botswana for another Safari and we stayed at the most beautiful lodge. The excitement in seeing the animals so closely is indescribable.
    Karin Alsdorf - New Jersey, United States
  • I had a wonderful trip to Africa and I would highly recommend your company.I have been to Africa many times and I have never had such wonderful service. The guide and safari vehicle were both great and all the lodges were outstanding. We will be going to Africa again the year after next and I assure you I will be contacting you. Thanks again for arranging such a great trip.
    Ronald Price, President, Ron Price Motors Group - California, United States
  • Our Botswana safari was FANTASTIC! It truly was a luxury, but rustic enough, safari. We really loved our trip! We saw everything here. From lions to leopards to elephants to buffalos. Our guide, Rams was truly amazing. He really knew his stuff! While on the bush walks we encountered zebras, warthogs and much more. Thanks for your help! We will definitely do another trip within a year.
    Duncan Rosen - Florida, United States
  • Thank you for everything; we had an amazing honeymoon. Words really can't describe our experience, all we can really say was that it was the most amazing experience of our lives and we would recommend AfricanMecca to anyone. We hope to visit Africa again sometime next year! Thank you & all of your staff for an amazing & perfect honeymoon.
    Rick Sagoo - London, United Kingdom

CONTACT AND TALK TO OUR BOTSWANA TOUR EXPERTS TODAY TO START YOUR TRIP PLANNING PROCESS

Request Botswana Custom Or Tailor-Made Safari Vacation Pricing Based On Your Specific Travel Dates At Your Preferred Safari Tier Lodge Or Camp

CONTACT AN EXPERT ON BOTSWANA SAFARI PRICES & TOURS
TOP
Contact Us
  • HOW TO CONTACT US


  • Send this to a friend