Okavango delta – Chobe Adventure 7 Nights/8 Days

Experience the Wild Side of Botswana: The 8-Day Okavango Delta & Chobe Adventure

Imagine spending a week surrounded by the sounds of wildlife, with mornings filled with the roar of lions and afternoons watching elephants wade through water. That’s what this 8-day Botswana tour promises—an authentic, guided journey through some of Africa’s most iconic landscapes. It’s designed for travelers eager to see big game, enjoy expert guiding, and sleep out under the stars in private tents.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the personalized small-group setting ensures you won’t be just another face in a herd. Second, the combination of game drives, boat cruises, and mokoro excursions offers a well-rounded wildlife encounter. And third, the tour’s focus on expert guides who truly love what they do delivers insights you won’t find in a book.

One thing to consider is that the tour involves quite a bit of driving across varied terrains—so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with long days in transit. If you’re someone longing to go beyond typical safaris and indulge in authentic, immersive wildlife experiences, this trip could be just what you’re after.

Key Points

• Tailored Experience: Small group size creates a more intimate and personalized safari adventure.
• Diverse Wildlife Encounters: From water-based boat cruises to land game drives, you’ll see elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs, and more.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Titi, with over 30 years of experience, enrich your understanding of Botswana’s wildlife and ecosystems.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Most meals and accommodations are covered, simplifying planning and allowing you to focus on the experience.
• Authentic Activities: Enjoy mokoro rides, bushman paintings, and night drives—adding layers of discovery to your safari.
• Flexibility & Convenience: Pickup from Maun Airport and select hotels makes the journey hassle-free.

The Itinerary in Detail: What to Expect Each Day

Day 1: Entering the Okavango Delta

The adventure kicks off with a scenic 2-hour drive from Maun to the Okavango Delta’s edge. Our guides, like the highly praised Titi, explain what wildlife and landscapes you’ll encounter along the way. Expect to see elephants, zebras, giraffes, lions, and leopards on the route—each sighting a reminder of Botswana’s rich biodiversity.

This first day offers a gentle intro to the bush, setting the tone for the wonders ahead. Staying in the delta’s vicinity allows you to start absorbing the unique environment immediately.

Day 2: Mokoro Excursion in the Delta

The highlight of this day is the mokoro ride, a peaceful journey through the delta’s channels and floodplains. Drifting silently in a traditional dugout canoe, you’ll get close to nature, with waterbirds, aquatic antelopes, and elephants often spotted nearby.

According to reviews, this experience is truly mesmerizing—reviewers emphasize how quiet and intimate the ride feels, offering a “peaceful way to connect with nature.” The expert local guides help identify the wildlife and share fascinating stories about the delta’s ecosystem.

Day 3: Transition to Khwai Concession

Moving to the Khwai Concession, your day combines exciting game drives and night safaris. This area is renowned for spotting leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, and big antelopes like roan and sable. The guides’ knowledge shines here, often pointing out rare bird species and subtle animal behaviors.

Traveling through diverse terrains, you’ll witness the landscape shifting from waterways to bushveld, each providing new opportunities for sightings. Expect to spend around five hours on the road, with comfort and safety as priorities.

Day 4: Full Day in Khwai

Early morning and late afternoon, you’ll go on game drives with a focus on elusive nocturnal animals during the night drive. Guests report seeing wild dogs, elephants, buffalo, and lions—each drive revealing new surprises. The guides are praised for their ability to find animals even in challenging conditions, enhancing your chances of memorable sightings.

This day offers a fantastic balance of active exploration and relaxed photography sessions, with plenty of time to absorb the scenery and wildlife.

Day 5: Into Savute Reserve

Today’s transfer to Savute involves scenic game viewing en route. This area is famous for its large herds of elephants and buffalo, and the chance to see predators like lions, leopards, and wild dogs. The drive itself is an experience—each landscape shift adds to the anticipation.

The guides’ local expertise means you’ll gain insights into the reserve’s ecology, and you’ll have opportunities for panoramic photos and quiet moments watching animals in their natural habitat.

Day 6: Savute & Bushman Paintings

Your morning and afternoon game drives in Savute are prime for spotting big cats and large herds. A highlight here is the chance to visit ancient Bushmen paintings, adding a cultural layer to your wildlife adventure.

Guests mention how knowledgeable the guides are about the area’s history, making the visits more meaningful. The scenery, from open plains to waterholes, offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.

Day 7: Chobe National Park on the Water

Today, you’ll transfer to Chobe National Park for a boat cruise along the Chobe River. Watching elephants and hippos come to drink at the water’s edge sounds cliché but is utterly captivating. Crocodiles lounging on the banks and an array of waterbirds complete the picture.

The boat cruise lasts around five hours, and the relaxed pace allows for great photo opportunities. Reviewers emphasize how much they loved the close-up animal encounters in this setting, often mentioning that it’s a highlight of the trip.

Day 8: Final Safari & Departure

On your last day, a drive through Chobe offers one last chance to spot large herds of elephants, buffalo, lions, and red lechwe. The tour concludes in Kasane, giving you time to reflect on the week’s adventures.

The transfer back is smooth, and most travelers feel this is a fitting wrap-up—packed with images and stories they’ll share for years.

What’s Included & What to Consider

Included:

• All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) throughout the trip
• Accommodations in private tents, adding to the authentic safari vibe
• Pickup from Maun Airport and select hotels
• Guided game drives, boat cruise, mokoro ride, and visits to bushman paintings

Not Included:

• Gratuities and personal purchases
• Additional excursions or activities outside the itinerary

The price of $3,200 per person reflects the comprehensive experience—covering expert guides, all meals, accommodations, and a carefully curated itinerary. This isn’t just a safari; it’s a well-rounded immersion into Botswana’s wilderness, with the value heightened by the personalized attention and diverse activities.

Authentic Experiences That Stand Out

One of the most praised aspects, according to reviewers, is the guiding quality. Guides like Titi are described as experienced, kind, and passionate, which transforms a regular safari into a captivating learning experience. Their ability to spot animals—sometimes at great distances—and share stories makes each game drive memorable.

The diverse activities—from tranquil mokoros to exciting night drives and cultural visits—add richness to the trip. Travelers love the opportunities for close animal encounters and the chance to witness wildlife behaviors that aren’t always visible on standard safaris.

Sleeping in private tents under the stars is another highlight, offering an authentic, immersive experience that appeals to adventure lovers. The sound of wildlife at night creates a sense of connection to the land that many find unforgettable.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Botswana safari is best suited for travelers who crave authentic wildlife encounters and don’t mind long days of game viewing. It’s ideal if you value personalized guides, diverse activities, and immersive experiences, rather than luxury or large-group tours.

If you’re looking for a well-organized adventure that combines the best of Botswana’s wilderness and culture, this trip delivers on all fronts. The small-group format ensures genuine interaction, and the variety of environments—from delta waterways to savannah plains—keeps the experience dynamic and exciting.

The value for money is clear when considering the inclusions—expert guides, all meals, accommodations, and multiple modes of wildlife observation—making it a worthwhile investment for serious wildlife enthusiasts.

FAQ

How does the tour handle transportation?
Transportation involves a combination of driving, game drives, boat cruises, and mokoro rides. All transfers are arranged as part of the package, with the comfort and safety of guests prioritized, including pickup from Maun Airport.

Is this tour suitable for all travel levels?
Most travelers can participate, as the itinerary is designed to accommodate different activity levels. However, expect some long drives and outdoor camping, which might not suit everyone.

Are meals included?
Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided throughout the trip, ensuring you stay fuelled for the adventures.

What kind of accommodations are provided?
Guests stay in private tents that offer a more authentic safari experience. These are well-equipped and set in prime wildlife viewing locations.

Can I expect to see big cats?
While sightings depend on luck and animal activity, the guides’ expertise significantly enhances your chances. The areas visited, like Khwai and Savute, are known for leopard, lion, cheetah, and wild dog sightings.

Is there a cultural aspect to this trip?
Yes, visiting bushman paintings in Savute offers a glimpse into ancient human history, adding cultural depth to the wildlife-focused experience.

What is the best time to book this tour?
While not specified, Botswana safaris generally favor dry seasons for visibility, but it’s best to verify with the provider for optimal timing.

To sum it up, this 8-day Okavango Delta and Chobe tour offers a balanced mix of wildlife encounters, cultural insights, and authentic adventure. It’s perfect for travelers eager for personalized guidance, varied landscapes, and a genuine connection with Botswana’s wilderness. The thoughtful itinerary, expert guides, and immersive activities make it a standout choice for anyone looking to experience the true heart of Africa’s wilderness—without the distractions of luxury hotels or large groups.