We depart Johannesburg at 6:30 am and travel north to Botswana and the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. The Khama Rhino Sanctuary Trust is a community-based wildlife project established in 1992 to reintroduce many wild animals into their natural habitat. This reserve, located on the Kalahari Sandveld, features several natural waterholes and provides prime habitat for rhinos, zebras, and wildebeest. A wonderful start to your Botswana safari. A notice: For a pleasant start to your Botswana trip, we recommend booking an overnight stay in Johannesburg beforehand. Supplement: €31 per person in a double room, €60 per person in a single room.

1 night · Double room · Lunch, Dinner Khama Rhino Sanctuary Lodge is located within the Khama Rhino Sanctuary near Serowe in central Botswana. This community-based wildlife sanctuary was established with the aim, among others, of protecting and reintroducing rhinos to the region. In addition to various chalets, camping facilities are also available within the sanctuary. From the lodge, you can participate in game drives through the reserve. With a bit of luck, you might spot black and white rhinos, as well as zebras, giraffes, various antelope species, and numerous birds. Guided drives are offered in the morning and late afternoon, when temperatures are usually more pleasant and many animals are active. The Khama Rhino Sanctuary is run as a community project. Revenue from tourism is used for the operation and conservation of the reserve, as well as for projects in the surrounding communities. Located directly within the protected area, the lodge offers a wonderful opportunity to experience Botswana's wildlife and learn more about the work of the Khama Rhino Sanctuary and the protection of the rhinos living there.

Since its founding in 1915 as the main settlement of the Batawana tribe, Maun has had a reputation as a rugged "Western town," primarily attracting cattle ranchers and safari tourists. The name Maun derives from the San word "Maung," meaning "place of short reeds." The rest of the day is free for independent exploration or relaxation. Optional activities (bookable on site): Scenic flight over the Okavango Delta (+/- US$ 95 – 120 pP depending on the number of passengers in an aircraft).

1 night · Double room · Breakfast, lunch Island Safari Lodge is located in Maun on the banks of the Thamalakane River and is surrounded by lush riverside scenery. Approximately ten kilometers from the airport, it offers a convenient base for excursions to the Okavango Delta and the Moremi Game Reserve. Guests can choose from various room categories, including thatched chalets, heritage rooms, and family rooms. The lodge also features a camping area. Two swimming pools, a restaurant with a bar, and a terrace overlooking the river offer opportunities to relax between activities. From Maun, you can take various excursions, including mokoro and boat trips, as well as guided safaris. The area also offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching. Depending on the water level and time of year, you might also spot hippos or crocodiles in and along the river. Island Safari Lodge is owned by Botswanans and employs local staff. The lodge also supports various social and conservation projects in Maun. Waste separation is one of the lodge's standard practices. The restaurant offers a diverse menu, including beef from Botswana. Located on the Thamalakane River, the Island Safari Lodge is well suited for the first or last days of a Botswana trip, as well as a base for excursions around Maun.

You'll travel to the world-famous Okavango Delta to your wild and romantic campsite in the heart of the world's largest inland delta. First, you'll travel by safari jeep to the delta's edge, where you'll transfer to a mokoro (dugout canoe). The stunning natural landscape has much to offer: numerous lechwe antelopes, buffalo, elephants, and with a bit of luck, even kingfishers, as well as many other bird species. One of the most incredible experiences you can have in the Okavango Delta is to drift slowly along the reed-lined channels in a mokoro, steered by a local driver. Sit back, relax, and listen to the gentle lapping of the water and the driver's fascinating explanations about the flora and fauna. Accommodation: Pre-erected tents in the breathtaking wilderness: Two nights will be spent in pre-erected tents in the Okavango Delta. Each tent has two camp beds with linens and a chemical toilet. Shared bucket showers (hot or cold water) will be set up by the team. The tents have mosquito nets. We bring our own drinking water and equipment. Wild camping is a true delight, and the only traces we leave behind are our footprints.

2 nights · Double room · Full board You'll spend two nights in a simple, nature-oriented tented camp in the Okavango Delta. The tents are equipped with two camp beds including bedding and each has its own chemical toilet. A shared bucket shower with hot water heated over a fire is also available. All tents have permanently attached mosquito nets. As this is a mobile wilderness camp, water, food, and all camping equipment are carried along. The camp leaves no trace in nature. All waste is taken away again, so the environment remains untouched. Bed linen, blankets, and pillows are provided. The camping chairs have backrests for added comfort. Please bring your own towel. Wi-Fi is not available at this campsite.

We travel in an open safari jeep to the Moremi Game Reserve and observe the fantastic wildlife. A must on any Botswana safari. Chief's Island is the largest landmass within Moremi. The area was a rich hunting ground of the Batawana tribe until they themselves declared it a game reserve in 1963. You spend three days on game drives in the Moremi Game Reserve and the adjacent private reserves, marveling at the abundant biodiversity that characterizes Botswana. This includes elephants, hippos, buffalo, lions, and other wild animals.

3 nights · Double room · Full board You will spend three nights in a remote and private tented camp in the heart of pristine wilderness. Located in a private concession area bordering the Moremi Game Reserve, this exclusive camp offers excellent opportunities for intensive nature and wildlife observation off the beaten track. You'll stay in comfortable, permanent safari tents, each designed for two people and equipped with a private bathroom. The tranquil location and small camp size ensure a particularly authentic safari experience amidst the natural beauty of Botswana. WiFi is not available at this camp.

On day 8, after a morning game drive, we return to Maun. Dinner at the lodge or a local restaurant is at your own expense.

1 night · Double room · Breakfast, lunch

We have time for an optional flight over the Okavango Delta before continuing on to Nata. The shimmering salt pans of Makgadikgadi appear to the observer as an endless, dazzlingly bright plain. When the rains begin, a dramatic transformation takes place in this otherwise inhospitable landscape. Thousands of wildebeest and zebras migrate to the nutrient-rich grasslands, and flocks of flamingos gather in the algae-rich waters to feed. This natural spectacle is a rare occurrence in this otherwise arid region and is also short-lived.

1 night · Double room · Breakfast, lunch Nata Lodge is located approximately 10 km outside the village of Nata, right on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and in close proximity to the Nata Bird Sanctuary. It offers travelers a comfortable mix of lodge accommodation and camping and is ideally situated for self-drivers and tour guests en route to the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Francistown, or Victoria Falls. The accommodation comprises 22 thatched wooden chalets built on stilts, each equipped with air conditioning, an en-suite bathroom (some with a bathtub and outdoor shower), and two family chalets with additional bunk beds. Ten luxurious safari glamping tents with en-suite bathrooms and outdoor showers are also available. For guests wishing to camp under the stars, there is a large, shaded campsite with clean sanitary facilities, hot showers, and central electrical hookups – campers are also welcome to use the lodge facilities, such as the pool and restaurant. Central communal areas include a restaurant with an à la carte menu and terrace, a bar and gift shop, and a swimming pool. Wi-Fi is available in the main areas. The beautiful, shaded gardens are ideal for birdwatching and wildlife viewing, including the local Meyer's parrots, duiker antelopes, and lesser-known bushbabies, directly from the grounds. Activities that can be booked directly from the lodge include guided trips to the Nata Bird Sanctuary – an important breeding ground for thousands of flamingos and pelicans –, excursions to the vast salt pans of the Makgadikgadi, quad bike tours, canoeing on the Nata River, village and cultural tours in Nata, and special offers such as bush breakfasts under baobab trees, conferences in the wilderness, and even wedding arrangements. Overall, Nata Lodge is a versatile, nature-oriented and comfortable accommodation with good service and a wide range of offerings – perfect for travelers seeking a relaxing break in beautiful surroundings or wanting to immerse themselves in the vast landscapes of Botswana through activities.

The Chobe River is one of Botswana's most breathtaking attractions and a must-see on any Botswana safari. Flowing gently along the northern border of Chobe National Park, the river is a popular gathering place for elephant herds, which are among the largest in Africa. Early in the morning, we set out with our cameras in search of wildlife and return to camp for a delicious brunch. In the late afternoon, as the highlight of the day, we embark on a twilight tour where we once again encounter huge herds of elephants quenching their thirst at the Chobe.

2 nights · Double room · Breakfast, lunch The Thebe River Safaris Lodge is located in Kasane, near the Chobe River and just a few kilometers from the entrance to Chobe National Park. This makes it an ideal base for game drives and other activities in the Chobe region. The lodge offers a variety of rooms as well as a spacious camping area. The rooms are arranged around a courtyard and feature a private bathroom, air conditioning, mosquito nets, tea and coffee making facilities, a safe, and Wi-Fi. Guests also have access to a swimming pool. The campsite offers shaded pitches, shared sanitary facilities with hot water, and cooking and barbecue facilities. The restaurant and bar serve a variety of food and drinks, including wood-fired pizza. Thebe River Safaris is owned by Botswanans and employs local staff. Some of the food used, including vegetables, is grown on the premises or sourced regionally. The lodge also implements measures such as waste separation and recycling, as well as energy-efficient lighting. Its location in Kasane makes the lodge an ideal base for exploring Chobe National Park. From here, you can enjoy activities such as game drives and boat trips on the Chobe River.

We'll visit "Mosi-oa-Tunya," the "Smoke That Thunders"—the spectacular Victoria Falls. These magnificent waterfalls are undoubtedly among the natural wonders of the world. The Victoria Falls Bridge was commissioned by the colonialist Cecil Rhodes in 1900. Rhodes did not live to see its completion in 1905. Spanning the impressive Zambezi Gorge, it's the starting point for a unique adrenaline rush: bungee jumpers plunge 111 meters from the center of the structure into the depths below. Other leisure activities include whitewater rafting or a scenic flight over the breathtaking landscape (at your own expense). Optional activities (bookable on site): Whitewater rafting, sunset boat trips, scenic flights and much more.

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast Shearwater Explorers Village is located just a short walk from the impressive Victoria Falls and offers ideal accommodation for travelers who want to combine nature experiences with comfort. The lodge is nestled in extensive gardens, where wildlife such as elephants and buffalo can often be spotted. At the same time, the town center of Victoria Falls, with its restaurants, markets, and cafes, is easily accessible on foot. The accommodation offers a variety of options, including comfortable deluxe and standard chalets with air conditioning, private bathrooms, mosquito nets, tea and coffee making facilities, and Wi-Fi. For more adventurous guests, there are also well-equipped safari tents with comfortable beds, electricity, and access to well-maintained communal facilities. A separate campsite completes the offerings. The beautifully landscaped pool area invites you to relax, as do the open bar and the restaurant with its outdoor terrace, where a variety of food and drinks are served. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming – perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers. Numerous activities can be arranged from the lodge: helicopter flights over Victoria Falls, white-water rafting on the Zambezi, sunset boat trips, bungee jumping, or guided hikes in the surrounding area. Day trips to game reserves or cultural sites are also possible. Shearwater Explorers Village is therefore a versatile and welcoming accommodation that combines adventure and relaxation in close proximity to one of Africa's most spectacular natural wonders.

The tour ends at approximately 8:00 AM after breakfast. You say goodbye to southern Africa and begin your journey home. WILD BOTSWANA.