An In-Depth Look at the 11 Days Botswana’s Great Safari Experience
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing elephants, lions, and flamingos in their natural habitat amid some of Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes, this 11-day Botswana safari might just be your next adventure. Curated by Outdoor African Tour Safari, this tour promises an immersive journey through Botswana’s prime wildlife areas, all wrapped up in a seamless, all-inclusive package.
What we love about this safari is how it balances luxury camping with authentic wilderness experiences, from game drives to mokoro canoe trips. The guides are praised for their knowledge, elevating the experience with expert insights, while the itinerary offers a well-paced, diverse look at Botswana’s natural beauty. Plus, all park fees, meals, and accommodation are included, so you can focus on spotting animals rather than budgeting on the go.
One thing to consider is the length and intensity—11 days is quite a commitment, especially if you’re not used to long days in a safari vehicle or camping. It’s best suited for travelers who have time to spare and truly want an all-encompassing experience of Botswana’s wildlife hotspots. If you’re after a deep dive into Africa’s wild side with comfort and guidance, this tour hits the sweet spot.
Key Points
- Comprehensive itinerary: Visits to Moremi, Khwai, Savute, and Chobe cover Botswana’s best wildlife hotspots.
- Inclusive package: Accommodation, meals, park fees, and activities like mokoro rides are all included.
- Expert guides: Highly praised guides enhance the experience with their knowledge and friendly approach.
- Diverse activities: From game drives to water safaris, the tour offers a variety of ways to see wildlife.
- Authentic safari camping: Staying in campsites offers close-to-nature experiences without sacrificing comfort.
- Ideal for animal enthusiasts: With opportunities to see the Big Five and migratory birds, it’s perfect for wildlife lovers.
A Complete Breakdown of the 11-Day Botswana Safari
This safari is designed as a rundown of Botswana’s most renowned wildlife areas, with efficient transport and well-planned stops to maximize your viewing opportunities.
Looking for more options in Maun? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Day 1-2: Moremi Game Reserve
Your adventure kicks off at Maun Airport, where a guide greets you and you set off around lunchtime. The drive from Maun to Moremi offers a scenic introduction, stopping for a picnic lunch en route—think of it as your first taste of Botswana’s wild cuisine. Upon arrival, you’ll settle into your campsite, with the evening capped off by sundowners as you soak in your first sunset over the wilderness.
During Day 2, the focus is on game drives within Moremi, a part of the Okavango Delta’s ecosystem. With about one-third of the delta, Moremi boasts surreal landscapes full of wildlife. According to reviews, this area offers spectacular game viewing and birdwatching, with over 400 bird species including migratory and endangered ones. Notably, Black and White Rhinos have been reintroduced here, making it a Big Five destination—meaning the chance to spot lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos. Guides are praised for their eye for detail and deep knowledge, enhancing the chances of spotting elusive creatures.
Day 3-5: Khwai Concession
The journey continues into the Khwai Concession, a 1,800 km² conservation area managed by local villagers. This area used to be a hunting ground but is now a thriving part of Botswana’s conservation efforts. The village-managed concession offers a more authentic, community-involved experience.
In Khwai, you’ll enjoy game drives where the main attractions are the rare Roan and Sable Antelope, along with herds of elephants, kudu, and wildebeest. The landscape features Mopane woodland, which attracts large predators like lions, hyenas, and wild dogs—if luck’s on your side, you might spot a leopard, too.
On Day 5, a highlight is the mokoro ride across Khwai River, a peaceful water-based experience that takes you into the delta’s waterways. This activity offers a different perspective on the ecosystem—silent, close-up encounters with waterbirds and aquatic wildlife are common. Reviewers mention that guides are skilled and friendly, making this water adventure a highlight.
Day 6-7: Savuti
The safari then moves into the Savuti area of Chobe National Park, famous for its dramatic landscape and history—its river once changed course due to tectonic shifts, leading to lush, verdant surroundings in an otherwise arid region. The area is notable for wildlife migration, especially zebra herds, which attract predators like lions and hyenas.
Over two days in Savuti, you’ll experience vibrant game drives through marshlands and rocky outcrops. The landscape’s stark beauty is captivating, with sightings of elephants, giraffes, and various antelopes. Birdwatching is superb, with a wide variety of species, including many waterbirds and raptors. Guides are credited for their local knowledge, which is crucial in such a varied environment.
One reviewer loved how the region’s landscape changes—”the river that once stopped flowing has now run again, making the area lush once more.” This dynamic ecosystem means wildlife numbers fluctuate, but the chances of sighting predator-prey interactions are high here.
Day 8-10: Chobe National Park
Moving into Chobe National Park, known as the “elephant capital of Africa,” you’ll encounter some of the continent’s largest herds of elephants, especially along the Chobe River. The park covers over 11,700 km² of diverse ecosystems—floodplains, grasslands, woodlands—each supporting different species.
Your days will include a morning game drive and an afternoon boat cruise, both offering different vantage points for wildlife spotting. The boat cruise is particularly popular, as it brings you close to elephants bathing, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds. Many travelers mention the stunning sunsets over the river and the high likelihood of seeing massive herds of elephants during the dry season.
The reviews praise the guides’ ability to find game, and some mention the delicious packed lunches, which make long days comfortable. As one reviewer states, “You might find yourself stopping repeatedly to watch elephants cooling off in the river—a spectacle that’s hard to beat.”
Day 11: Kasane
Your safari concludes in Kasane, where after breakfast, a short game drive takes you back to the meeting point around 10 am. It’s a fitting way to finish, with a final chance to glimpse wildlife before heading home or onward to your next destination.
What Makes This Tour Stand Out?
Value for Money: At $3,520 per person, this tour packs in a lot—11 days of guided safaris, park fees, meals, and accommodation—making it more cost-effective than booking each element separately. The inclusion of activities like mokoro rides and water safaris adds value that many standalone trips can’t match.
Guided Expertise: The tour’s guides receive high praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to find wildlife. Their insights turn simple game drives into educational, memorable experiences.
Diverse Ecosystems: From the lush delta of Moremi to the marshlands of Savuti and the floodplains of Chobe, you’ll get to see a wide range of landscapes, each supporting different species and atmospheres.
Authentic Yet Comfortable: Staying in campsites immersed in nature means you’re close to the action, yet the tour’s logistics ensure comfort with well-organized meals and vehicle transport.
Water and Land Experience: The mokoro canoe trip in Khwai and boat cruises in Chobe diversify the safari, providing both land-based and water-based wildlife encounters.
Practical Details and Tips
The tour is designed for travelers who have the time and flexibility to enjoy a lengthy, active safari. The group size is capped at 40, but reviews suggest that the experience feels intimate thanks to knowledgeable guides and well-managed logistics.
Timing-wise, the departure from Maun is around noon, with flexible pickup options, including hotel pickup and group discounts. The tour runs most of the year, but it’s especially suited for dry season safaris when wildlife congregates around water sources—most reviews hint at excellent game viewing in this period.
Since all meals and park fees are included, you can avoid surprises or additional costs, which is a real plus. Just keep in mind that tips and souvenirs are not included, and travel insurance is your responsibility.
Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?
This 11-day Botswana safari offers a well-rounded, immersive experience into some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife areas. If you’re an avid animal lover who appreciates expert guides, diverse landscapes, and a mix of land and water safaris, this tour provides excellent value. It’s especially suitable for those with a week or more to dedicate to wildlife discovery, who want to enjoy comfort within a wilderness setting.
Travelers who enjoy structured itineraries, wildlife photography, and authentic safari camping will find this experience rewarding. The inclusive nature of the tour means less planning stress and more time for game spotting and relaxing in nature.
However, if you prefer a more flexible or private experience, or if long days of camping aren’t your thing, you might want to explore other options. But for those ready to embrace the adventure and fully enjoy Botswana’s wildlife, this safari delivers on its promise of a spectacular, unforgettable journey.
FAQ Section
Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation in specialized safari vehicles is included, ensuring comfort and safety throughout the trip.
Are park fees covered?
All Botswana park fees for the activities included in the itinerary are covered, so there’s no extra cost for entrance or permits.
Can I expect to see wildlife every day?
While wildlife sightings depend on various factors such as season and luck, guides are experienced at locating animals, and the diverse locations increase your chances.
What activities are part of the tour?
The tour includes game drives, mokoro canoe trips, and water safaris, providing a mixture of land and water wildlife encounters.
Is meals and accommodation included?
Yes, all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and camping accommodations are included, with some reviews highlighting delicious meals prepared by camp chefs.
What’s the best time of year for this safari?
While not explicitly stated, most safaris in Botswana focus on the dry season for optimal game viewing, usually in the cooler months when animals gather around water.
This 11-day Botswana safari offers a fantastic blend of adventure, wildlife viewing, and cultural richness—perfect for travelers eager to see Africa’s iconic animals in their natural habitat while enjoying guided comfort. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a first-timer, the experience promises memories that last a lifetime.