11Day WILDERNESS TRAIL:Okavango,Moremi&Chobe -WildCamping Safari +Victoria Falls

Experience the Untamed Beauty of Botswana with the 11-Day Wilderness Trail Safari

If you’re dreaming of a true safari adventure that puts you right in the middle of Africa’s wildest landscapes, the 11-Day Wilderness Trail by Kalahari Breeze Safaris looks like a spectacular choice. This journey promises an authentic bush experience—think no fences, no barriers, just pure nature, and plenty of close encounters with wildlife.

What we particularly love about this tour is the chance to go wild camping (yes, sleeping under the stars), explore through mokoros and game drives, and see the Big Five in their natural habitat. Plus, the itinerary includes iconic sights like the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls, making it a well-rounded adventure.

A possible drawback? The price tag of around $4,897 per person might seem steep, but when you consider the comprehensive nature, expert guides, and authentic experiences, it’s likely worth it—especially for those craving an immersive, off-the-beaten-path safari.

This trip is ideal for adventure lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and travelers eager for a genuine bush experience. If you’re after a tour with knowledgeable guides, stunning vistas, and the chance to truly connect with nature, this one ticks those boxes.

Key Points

• Authentic Wild Camping: Sleep under the stars with no fences, offering an unrivaled closeness to wildlife.
• Expert Guides and Polers: Local guides born and raised in Botswana provide insider knowledge and a real connection to the environment.
• Diverse Landscapes: From the lush Okavango Delta to the sweeping Savute plains, each stop offers unique scenery and animal sightings.
• Active and Varied: Expect mokoro rides, bushwalks, game drives, and boat safaris—something for every adventure appetite.
• All-Inclusive Wildlife Encounters: Big Five sightings, rhino reintroductions, and predator hunts—your camera will be busy.
• Authentic Local Experience: Not just a tour, but a chance to learn about local ecosystems and communities.

A Comprehensive Look at the 11-Day Wilderness Trail Safari

Starting Point: Maun, Botswana

The adventure kicks off with a warm welcome at Maun Airport, where the local team ensures you settle comfortably into your accommodation. This first night is all about unwinding, preparing for the days ahead, and soaking in the calm before the wilderness.

Days 2-4: Exploring the Okavango Delta

The first unforgettable experience begins with a speedboat cruise to the Buffalo Fence, often taking about an hour from Maun. Depending on the season or weather conditions, this might be replaced with a 4×4 drive, but the goal remains the same: to introduce you to Botswana’s iconic waterways.

Once at the Delta, you’re introduced to the polers and guides who have grown up in this environment. Their passion and local knowledge shine through as they navigate the mokoro, the traditional one-tree canoe, giving you a front-row seat to the tranquility and wildlife activity of the Delta’s channels. You’ll love the way these guides eagerly share stories and insights, making the experience both educational and deeply personal.

Your days are packed with guided bushwalks and game drives, which are timed for optimal wildlife viewing—early mornings and late afternoons when animals are most active. Reviewers mention the delicious bush meals cooked over open fires, with some calling the food “fabulous,” adding comfort to the rugged experience.

On the last day in the Delta, you’ll squeeze in a final canoe tour and bush walk, with lunch by the riverside, before returning to Maun at sunset. The peacefulness of the Delta and the chance to see animals like elephants and hippos up close are highlights—one reviewer described it as “a magical place,” and we agree.

Days 5-6: Discovering Moremi Wildlife Reserve

Moving from the Delta, you’ll head into Moremi Game Reserve, often regarded as one of Botswana’s most diverse wildlife areas. The journey in a 4×4 open-sided safari vehicle promises scenic vistas and animal sightings, from lagoons to floodplains.

Both experienced and novice safari-goers will appreciate the chance to see Big Five species, including the reintroduction of rhinos, as well as predators like lions. An early game drive is usually scheduled, with some reviewers noting that predators are often on the hunt early in the morning, making for thrilling sightings.

You’ll also enjoy the delightful bush showers—a real treat after a day in the wild—and meals cooked over the fire. Evenings are spent around the campfire, sharing stories and listening to the sounds of the bush under a star-studded sky.

Days 7-8: Transition to Savute National Park

The shift from lush floodplains to the savanna of Savute is striking. The camp is broken down early, and your cross-park game drive takes you through changing scenery, with a picnic lunch en route. Reviewers quoted in the feedback love the scenic variety and the chance to see animals along the way.

In Savute, the terrain offers different wildlife opportunities, with predators hunting on the plains and elephants often seen wandering nearby. The camp setup here involves a bit of dust and adventure, but the wildfire-cooked dinners and campfire stories make up for it.

Days 9-10: Chobe River and Victoria Falls

Continuing eastward, you’ll spend a day in Chobe National Park, renowned for its large elephant herds and prolific wildlife along the riverbanks. A 3-hour boat safari on the Chobe River offers a different perspective: close-up encounters with elephants, crocodiles, and waterbirds.

The next day involves a transfer to Victoria Falls, where the scenery changes dramatically. A guided tour through the rainforest reveals the thunderous falls, while the evening sunset cruise on the Zambezi River offers calming vistas and a chance to reflect on your adventure.

Final Day: Departure

Your trip ends with a transfer to Victoria Falls Airport, and many travelers express a bittersweet feeling—ready to go home but already planning their next trip.

What Makes This Safari Stand Out?

Authentic Wild Camping

One of the most talked-about aspects of this tour is the wild camping experience. No fences, no boundaries—just you, your tent, and the sounds of the wild. It’s an intimate, often humbling experience, perfect for those who want to connect deeply with nature. Reviewers mention that, despite the rough-around-the-edges setup, the team does its best to ensure comfort, with bush showers and good food in the wild.

Knowledgeable Guides and Polers

Guides like Maria and Chris stand out for their passion and professionalism. Guests consistently praise the guides’ local knowledge, storytelling ability, and their skill at spotting animals—sometimes from quite a distance. The guides often share insights into local ecosystems and animal behavior, which elevates the experience beyond simple sightseeing.

Diverse Landscapes and Wildlife

From the lush waterways of the Delta to the open plains of Savute, the scenery is constantly changing. Expect to see elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, wild dogs, and more. Reviewers highlight the reintroduction of rhinos and the chance to witness predator hunts, making it a truly dynamic wildlife adventure.

Genuine Cultural and Eco-Learning Opportunities

The tour offers more than just animal sightings. You learn about Botswana’s ecosystems, conservation efforts, and local communities, enriching your understanding of this unique part of Africa.

Value for Money

Considering the all-inclusive nature—accommodations, park fees, guides, and most meals—the tour offers good value for an immersive safari experience. While the $4,897 price may seem high, it reflects the level of authenticity, the number of destinations covered, and the quality of guides and equipment.

Practical Details and Considerations

Transportation and Group Size

The tour operates with a maximum of 9 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience. Transportation includes speedboat, 4×4 vehicles, and boat safaris, all suited for navigating Botswana’s diverse terrain.

Duration and Pacing

Spanning 11 days, the itinerary balances active game drives, relaxing meals, and night-time bush experiences. Expect early mornings, often starting around 6:30-7:30 AM, with anticipated long days—reviewers mention 15-hour days are common but filled with unforgettable sights.

Accommodation and Facilities

While the safari emphasizes wild camping, the team makes efforts to keep it comfortable—shower facilities are carefully arranged, meals are cooked over fires, and the team is attentive to guest comfort. Lodging in Maun and Kasane is more standard, offering a baseline of comfort before and after the wilderness experiences.

Potential Security and Vehicle Maintenance Concerns

One reviewer pointed out safety issues, including a jeep breakdown during a lion hunt and the absence of a sat phone for emergencies. While this seems to be an isolated incident, it highlights the importance of understanding the inherent risks of wild camping and remote safaris. The tour company responded with apologies and a commitment to quality.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

Adventure seekers craving a true outdoor experience will love the wild camping and open environment. Wildlife enthusiasts who want to see the Big Five and learn about Botswana’s ecosystems will find this tour highly rewarding. Also, those interested in cultural and ecological learning will enjoy the insights from local guides.

However, travelers seeking luxury hotels or guaranteed comfort might find this experience a bit rugged. It’s best suited for those comfortable with early mornings, basic facilities, and the unpredictability of nature.

The Sum Up

The 11-Day Wilderness Trail Safari from Kalahari Breeze Safaris offers a full-throttle immersion into Botswana’s wild heart. From mokoro rides in the Okavango to game drives in Moremi and Savute, and the stunning vistas of Chobe and Victoria Falls, this tour packs a punch in both adventure and authenticity.

The guides’ local expertise, combined with the chance to sleep under the stars, makes this a truly special journey for wildlife lovers and adventure travelers alike. While it carries a significant price tag, the value lies in the personal connection to nature and the unforgettable wildlife encounters.

If you’re ready to trade luxury for raw, authentic experiences and want to see Africa as it truly is, this safari is a fantastic choice. Just remember to pack your sense of adventure, patience, and a camera ready for one-of-a-kind moments.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The tour covers accommodations, park entrance fees, guides, and most meals cooked over bushfires. Transfers between stops are also included.

How many people will be on the safari?
The maximum group size is 9 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience and better wildlife viewing.

Is wild camping comfortable?
While basic, the team strives to make camping as comfortable as possible with bush showers and delicious bushfire-cooked meals, focusing on authenticity over luxury.

Are there any safety concerns?
Some reviews mention vehicle breakdowns and the lack of a sat phone. It’s important to be prepared for the rugged nature of the safari but the tour provider emphasizes safety and quality.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
You’ll likely see elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, wild dogs, hippos, and possibly predator hunts—big game and more, depending on the season.

Can I customize activities?
Most activities are scheduled as part of the itinerary, but additional activities like Victoria Falls tours can be arranged at surcharge, offering some flexibility.

Embark on this wild adventure if you’re longing for an authentic, close-to-nature journey through some of Botswana’s most iconic landscapes. It’s a trip that promises memories to cherish for a lifetime.