Northern Botswana: Safari with game drives and a boat trip

Planning a safari that combines wildlife, comfort, and adventure isn’t always easy, but this Northern Botswana safari from Enjanga Tours & Safaris aims to deliver just that. Covering the famed Chobe National Park, the quieter Khwai Concession, and the iconic Savuti, this journey promises a rich immersion into Africa’s diverse ecosystems—all from the comfort of well-equipped mobile camp setups.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the opportunity to witness Africa’s largest elephant populations along the Chobe Riverfront. Second, the chance to see wildlife from a boat cruise, offering a different perspective from land-based game drives. Third, the chance to explore remote areas like Khwai and Savuti, where sightings tend to be less crowded and more authentic. One thing to keep in mind is that the price of $4,343 per person reflects a comprehensive experience, but that’s a considerable investment, especially for those sensitive to budget.

This safari is best suited for adventurous travelers who love being outdoors, are comfortable with camping, and seek a more intimate, off-the-beaten-path encounter with nature. If you prefer luxury lodges or have mobility restrictions, this might not be the ideal choice. But for those craving genuine wilderness and expert guiding, it offers excellent value and unforgettable moments.

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Key Points

Wildlife Abundance: Spot lions, elephants, wild dogs, and more in prime locations like Chobe and Khwai.
Boat & Land Excursions: Enjoy game drives and a sunset boat cruise that reveal diverse wildlife behaviors.
Authentic Camping: Stay in comfortable tents with en suite bush bathrooms, blending adventure with convenience.
Expert Guides & Local Knowledge: Guides are experienced, enhancing your understanding of flora, fauna, and the landscape.
Remote & Intimate: Travel through lesser-visited areas like Savuti and Khwai, often away from crowds.
Flexible & All-Inclusive: Meals, drinks, park fees, and activities are included, simplifying your experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Botswana Safari Experience

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Arrival in Kasane and the First Encounter with Chobe

Your adventure starts in Kasane, the gateway to northern Botswana, where you’ll meet your guide—an important detail because a knowledgeable guide can make or break the trip. From here, a relaxed game drive takes you into Chobe National Park, renowned for its enormous elephant herds and vibrant wildlife. Expect to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, and even some elusive wild dogs, which are considered a rare sighting in many parks.

Guests consistently appreciate the guides’ expertise, with one noting, “Our guide, Peter, knew the park like the back of his hand, pointing out animals I would have missed and sharing fascinating facts.” The setup at the campsite allows you to unwind before a late-afternoon drive along the riverfront, where animals frequently gather around the water’s edge. This is a highlight because of the density of wildlife, especially elephants and buffalo, often seen in large herds.

The Chobe River & Sunset Boat Cruise

The next day kicks off early with a morning game drive along the Chobe Riverbanks. Here, you’ll see animals at their most active—buffalo wallowing, elephants bathing, and predators stalking prey nearby. The river’s vantage point offers a different kind of wildlife spectacle; you’ll likely spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds like fish eagles and bee-eaters.

In the afternoon, the sunset boat cruise provides a peaceful, scenic perspective of the park. The gentle movement of the boat allows for close-up wildlife viewing often impossible from land, especially elephants and buffalo in large herds. As one reviewer shared, “The boat trip was a quiet, awe-inspiring experience—seeing animals from the water gave a new appreciation for their environment.”

Moving into the Heart of Chobe: Savuti

Leaving the riverfront behind, your journey takes you southwest into Savuti, a legendary area within Chobe known for its dramatic landscapes and predator activity. The drive itself is part of the experience, with plenty of chances to see wildlife along the way—birds, antelope, and even nocturnal animals if luck is on your side.

Once in Savuti, your campsite becomes your base for two days of game drives. Savuti’s terrain is drier and more open, making it easier to spot large bull elephants grazing freely across the plains. The area’s reputation for predator sightings, especially lions and wild dogs, is well deserved, and guides often stop to watch these animals in action. One guest mentions, “Seeing a lion pride stalking prey in the open was a highlight I didn’t expect.”

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Into the Khwai Concession: A Hidden Gem

Your adventure then takes a more secluded turn as you head into the Khwai Concession, just outside the Moremi Game Reserve. This area offers a quieter, more intimate wildlife experience, with frequent sightings around watering holes and along the Khwai River. Night drives here are particularly rewarding, giving you the chance to see nocturnal species and predators on the hunt.

Guests rave about the proximity to nature, with one describing Khwai as “an oasis of calm with incredible wildlife encounters just outside the tent flap.” Expect to learn about local flora and fauna, as guides share insights that deepen your appreciation of this unique ecosystem.

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The Final Stretch: Back to Maun

On your last day, a final morning game drive departs Khwai, and then it’s back to Maun. The journey offers a last glimpse of Botswana’s wilderness, making the return feel like saying goodbye to an old friend. The drop-off at Maun Airport makes it easy to catch your flight onward, closing out an experience packed with adventure, wildlife, and stunning scenery.

Practical Aspects & Value for Money

Transportation & Accommodation

Traveling in dedicated safari vehicles makes for comfortable, flexible game viewing—these are specialized for wildlife viewing, with open sides and ample space. The campsite setup is simple yet comfortable, with stretcher beds, linen, and en suite bush bathrooms, blending adventure with some creature comforts.

The all-inclusive package covers meals, drinks, park fees, and activities, which means no surprises on the trip. The local guides are highly knowledgeable, often sharing detailed insights and spotting animals that less experienced guides might miss. According to reviews, guides like Peter and others are praised for their expertise.

Duration & Group Size

The itinerary spans 9 days, offering an in-depth exploration of Botswana’s highlights while allowing ample time for wildlife sightings and relaxation. The trip is designed for small groups, enhancing the intimacy and flexibility of game drives and camp experiences. The group size is not specified but typically small enough to allow for personalized attention.

Cost & Value

At $4,343 per person, this safari is on the higher end but justifiable considering the inclusions: private campsites, all meals, drinks, expert guiding, and a variety of activities. Compared to luxury lodges, this offers a more authentic, up-close experience in remote areas, often with fewer other visitors.

Important Considerations

Travelers should be prepared for camping conditions—warm clothing for chilly mornings and evenings, insect repellent, and suitable footwear. The tour isn’t suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues. Proper planning ensures you’ll get the most out of the experience, especially given the remote nature of the locations.

Who Would Love This Safari?

This experience suits adventure-seeking wildlife enthusiasts who enjoy camping, game drives, and boat trips. It’s excellent for travelers who want to see the Big Five, experience remote wilderness areas, and gain insights from expert guides. Those looking for a more immersive, less commercialized safari will find this itinerary perfect.

If you prefer luxury lodges or are concerned about camping conditions, you might want to consider other options. But for anyone eager to get closer to nature and enjoy Botswana’s spectacular landscapes and wildlife, this trip offers incredible value and memorable experiences.

FAQs

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers comfortable tented accommodation, all meals and drinks, park fees, game drives, boat trips, transfers, and the services of guides and camp staff.

Are flights included?
No, international flights to and from Botswana are not included. You will be dropped off at Maun Airport at the end of the trip.

Is this safari suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 8 years old, likely due to camping and outdoor activities.

What should I bring?
Essential items include passport, comfortable clothes, warm and rain gear, insect repellent, sun protection, camera, binoculars, and personal medications.

Can I extend the trip to include Victoria Falls?
While not included, many travelers combine this safari with trips to Victoria Falls, often arranging independent extensions.

How physically demanding is the trip?
The trip involves game drives and some walking around campsites. It’s suitable for travelers comfortable with outdoor camping and uneven terrain.

Are game drives conducted in small groups?
Yes, the safari typically operates in small groups, ensuring personalized wildlife viewing and guiding.

What wildlife might I see?
Expect elephants, lions, wild dogs, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.

How is the guiding?
Guides are experienced and knowledgeable, often sharing interesting facts and helping spot elusive animals.

Is this tour suitable for seniors or those with health issues?
It’s not recommended for people over 75 or with significant health or mobility issues due to the outdoor camping and vehicle travel involved.

This Northern Botswana safari offers a thorough, authentic wildlife experience suited to adventurous travelers eager to explore remote areas. The combination of game drives, boat safaris, and tented camping creates a balanced mix of comfort and rugged adventure. Guides’ expertise and the opportunity to see Africa’s iconic animals in their natural environment make this a memorable journey.

While the cost reflects the all-inclusive nature and remote locations, the quality of the experience—especially the close-up encounters with elephants, lions, and wild dogs—makes it worthwhile for dedicated wildlife fans. It’s an excellent choice for those craving a real wilderness adventure that’s both immersive and well-organized.

If you’re ready to explore Botswana’s untouched wilderness and love animal encounters with fewer crowds, this safari could be your perfect match. Prepare for stunning vistas, unforgettable sights, and stories you’ll be sharing long after you leave Botswana’s plains.