11 Days and 10 Nights Private Northern Explorer Tour

Travelers dreaming of an authentic Botswana safari will find this 11-day private journey offers a compelling mix of wildlife, comfort, and expert guidance. While the price tag of $7,052 per person might seem steep, the value lies in the carefully curated itinerary, high-quality accommodations, and the chance to see some of Africa’s most iconic animals in their natural habitat.

What we love most? The knowledgeable guides who seem to have a sixth sense for wildlife, the luxurious yet authentic camping experience, and the variety of landscapes from floodplains to savannahs. The only potential hitch? The tour is non-refundable, so it’s worth planning with certainty if you’re set on the dates.

This tour will appeal most to travelers who prioritize wildlife photography, appreciate comfort amid adventure, and want an intimate, personalized experience in Botswana’s prime reserves. It’s perfect for those who value expert guiding, stunning scenery, and a well-organized itinerary that hits Botswana’s best spots.

Key Points

• Expert Guides: Guides like Lucas are commended for their wildlife-spotting radar and deep knowledge, ensuring you don’t miss key moments.
• Comfortable Camping: Luxury tents with private bathrooms elevate the traditional safari camping experience.
• Diverse Ecosystems: From Moremi’s floodplains to Savuti’s marshlands, each area offers unique wildlife encounters.
• Flexible Activities: Options like mokoro rides add variety, depending on water levels.
• Authentic Wildlife Viewing: Expect close encounters with elephants, lions, wild dogs, leopards, and more.
• High Photo-Opportunity: Rear-mounted game-viewing seats allow for 360-degree views perfect for photography.

A Practical Overview of This Botswana Safari

This private safari offers a well-balanced blend of adventure, comfort, and photography opportunities across Botswana’s most renowned wildlife areas. Starting and ending in Maun, the 11-day itinerary is designed for travelers who want to explore at a relaxed pace without sacrificing quality or authenticity.

Transportation & Accommodation

Travel is in customized safari vehicles equipped with rear-mounted seats under a canvas canopy, providing unobstructed views in all directions. This setup might be one of the reasons why many reviews mention the superior game-viewing experience, with guides positioning vehicles perfectly for photos.

Accommodations are luxury tents — not roughing it at all. Guests enjoy beds, linen, towels, and private ensuite bathrooms, blending outdoor adventure with comforts akin to boutique hotels. Multiple reviews highlight the tents’ quality, often exceeding expectations.

Professional Guides & Crew

The guiding team, led by Lucas, is highly praised for their keen wildlife detection skills and friendly demeanor. Reviewers note Lucas’s ability to find elusive animals like wild dogs and leopards, as well as his helpful tips for wildlife photography. The team also includes a safari chef and camp assistants, ensuring a seamless experience from game drives to meal times.

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

Days 1-3: Moremi Game Reserve

Starting with a 45-minute charter flight from Maun, you’ll fly over herds of elephants before landing inside the Okavango Delta’s heart — Moremi. This area is heralded for its diversity of species, with a particular focus on the endangered African Wild Dog, lions, elephants, and lechwe antelopes.

Spending days in Xakanaxa, you’ll be immersed in flood plains, lagoons, riverine forests, and islands. This is where wildlife density is high, and the scenery is ever-changing. Reviewers describe it as “Africa’s best game reserve,” especially for game spotting and photography.

Days 4-6: Khwai & Mokoro Excursions

Moving northeast to Khwai, you’ll follow the Manuchira Channel and Khwai River, weaving through mopane woodlands and floodplains brimming with animals. Expect to see elephants bathing along the river, hippos at the Dombo Hippo pools, and predators like leopards, lions, cheetahs, and wild dogs.

One of the tour’s highlights is the mokoro excursion — a traditional shallow canoe ride through marshes. This activity offers a different perspective for photography and wildlife viewing at water level, especially for aquatic birds and plants. Be aware, water levels can influence whether this option is available.

Days 7-9: Savuti & Chobe National Park

Traveling further north, you’ll reach Savuti, famous for its predator activity, including lions that hunt elephants. The landscape here varies from marshlands to open savannahs, creating perfect hunting grounds.

Early mornings are ideal for spotting predators on the move, and reviewers point out that the guides excel at positioning vehicles for the best shots. Afternoon game drives often include picnics in scenic spots, combining comfort with adventure.

The final days feature a game drive through Chobe National Park, ending with a river cruise on the Chobe River. Here, the close-up photos of elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and waterfowl from eye level are unforgettable.

Day 10-11: Kasane & Departure

The last morning wraps up with a final game drive before a transfer to Kasane Airport. The boat cruise adds a gentle, scenic ending to the safari, giving you one last chance to photograph wildlife with a different perspective.

Authentic Experiences & Photographic Opportunities

Throughout the tour, expect many moments that make for incredible photos — from elephants crossing the river to lions stalking prey. The rear-mounted seats under canvas are a game-changer for wildlife photography, providing panoramic vistas and stability for your shots.

Guests have shared appreciation for how guides like Lucas know exactly where to find elusive animals, often setting up perfect framing for photos. Many reviewers mention that the guides are attentive to individual quirks and preferences, making for a personalized experience.

Food & Camping Experience

The safari chef and camp staff receive high praise for their delicious meals and attentiveness, turning camping in the wild into a gourmet experience. Tents are noted to be above expectations, combining the authenticity of camping with a touch of luxury.

Value for Money

While $7,052 per person is on the higher side, the comprehensive itinerary, quality of accommodations, expert guiding, and exclusive access to prime wildlife spots justify the price. Many reviews describe the experience as “worth every penny,” especially considering the high success rate of wildlife sightings and photography.

Potential Drawbacks & Considerations

The main point to keep in mind is the non-refundable policy — plans must be firm before booking. Some reviews mention inconsistency in vehicle condition and guide communication, but these are outliers. Most guests find the guiding team and overall organization top-notch.

Water-dependent activities like mokoro rides are subject to water levels, so flexibility might be necessary. The tour’s focus on private game drives means you’ll be sharing the experience with only your group, which appeals to many but might be a consideration for solo travelers.

Who Will Love This Safari?

This trip is ideal for wildlife photography enthusiasts wanting close, high-quality sightings, and adventure lovers comfortable with luxury camping. It suits travelers who value expert guides and a well-planned route through Botswana’s most iconic parks. If you’re seeking a personalized, intimate experience with the option to explore diverse ecosystems, this safari hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

The 11 Days and 10 Nights Private Northern Explorer Tour promises a memorable adventure filled with stunning vistas, expert guiding, and extraordinary wildlife encounters. It’s a good investment for anyone eager to experience Botswana’s wilderness in comfort, with the bonus of professional photos to bring home.

While the cost might seem high, the quality of the experience — from the luxurious tents to the knowledgeable guides like Lucas — makes it well worth considering. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want a tailored, premium safari that balances adventure with comfort.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best suited for those comfortable with camping and early mornings, as game drives start pre-dawn.

What does the accommodation include?
Guests stay in luxury tents with beds, linen, towels, and private bathrooms, providing a comfortable camping experience.

Are water activities available?
Yes, mokoro excursions are included on Day 6, but they depend on water levels in the channels. If water is low, alternative game drives will be offered.

How experienced are the guides?
Guides like Lucas are praised for their extensive wildlife knowledge, spotting skills, and friendly, attentive service.

What kind of wildlife can I expect?
You’ll see elephants, lions, wild dogs, leopards, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, and many bird species, depending on the day and location.

Is the trip worth the price?
Many reviews highlight the excellent guiding, exclusive locations, and quality accommodations as worth the cost.

What if I want to extend or customize the trip?
Since this is a private tour, customization might be possible — contact the provider for options.

What is the cancellation policy?
The booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed, so plan carefully before confirming.

In a nutshell, this safari offers a well-rounded, premium Botswana experience with exceptional wildlife viewing, expert guidance, and comfortable camping — perfect for those looking for a serious adventure with a touch of luxury.