Luxury Botswana Safari

Trip Itinerary

DAY 1 - 3: KWANDO-LINYANTI REGION

Day 1 – Arrival in Botswana & transfer to the Kwando-Linyanti Region

You’ll fly into Maun Airport (MUB), the international airport in northern Botswana, and the gateway to the main safari areas in the country. A friendly local team will be there to meet you and direct you to a light aircraft where you’ll take roughly a 45-minute scenic flight, depending on the number of other stops, to the northern border of the country and the private Selinda reserve. 

You’ll be met by a representative from the camp on arrival at the airstrip, this will most likely be your guide who will be with you for the next three days. Although it is only around a 40-minute vehicle transfer to Selinda Camp, you never know what you might come across so it often depends on what you spot on the way. If you are travelling during the high-water season, your transfer to the camp will be made via vehicle and boat. 

Selinda Camp is a luxurious camp located on the private 136,000-hectare Selinda Reserve in northern Botswana, one of the most incredible wilderness areas in the world. 

The completely rebuilt Selinda Camp reopened in June 2019, with just three lavish safari tents featuring spacious ensuite bathrooms, private swimming pools and large private decks with breathtaking views over the floodplains. As if it was possible, up another level on the luxury scale is the private Selinda Suite, a two-bedroom tented villa, with a private vehicle, butler, chef and safari guide.

Day 2 – Exploring the the Kwando-Linyanti Region

Set on the banks of the Selinda Spillway as it enters the Linyanti River, Selinda Camp is surrounded by diverse, game-rich landscapes.

The camp also has a strong focus on photography safaris, as it is part-owned by famous filmmakers, Dereck and Beverly Joubert. The Selinda Reserve was introduced to the world through their films for National Geographic.

Today you can head out on a picturesque game drive through the vast grasslands, palm-fringed islets, and clumps of leadwood trees, to spot some of Africa’s most famous animals, including elephants, the famous Selinda Lion Pride, leopards, zebra and hippos. You can also spot some rare and endangered species, with regular sightings of the Selinda pack of African wild dogs.

Day 3 - Exploring the Kwando-Linyanti Region

Beyond the classic game drives, Selinda Camp offers a number of activities to soak up this phenomenal region. Go on a boat trip, try catch-and-release fishing, or go on a guided walk through the bush.

It’s also a fantastic destination for birding, with around 200 recorded bird species in the area. You can spot many waterbird species such as kingfishers, cranes, cormorants and herons, as well as other species like the black-shouldered kite.

At the end of an adventurous day, you can relax with an in-room massage, take a dip in the pool, or gather around the campfire to swap safari stories. You’ll stay at Selinda Camp on a full-board basis, with delicious home-grown meals prepared with local ingredients by the chefs, and a range of drinks served at the bar.

DAYS 4 - 6: OKAVANGO DELTA

Day 4 - Transfer to the Okavango Delta

Enjoy one last game drive this morning at Selinda Camp, before boarding your light aircraft flight to Vumbura Plains Camp in the Okavango Delta. You’ll be met by a representative on arrival at the airstrip, who will drive you to Vumbura Plains Camp, your safari camp for the next three nights. It is roughly half an hour’s drive but once again it depends on what you or your guide happen to spot on the way. There is also a helipad for guests who prefer to charter a helicopter.

Set on the game-rich Vumbura Reserve, north of Botswana's Moremi National Park, Vumbura Plains Camp is an exquisite camp in a remote part of the Okavango Delta. The property is made up of two separate but linked camps - North Camp and South Camp - and each camp has seven luxurious suites.

The spacious rooms are beautifully designed and raised off the ground on wooden platforms, and they all feature plush bedrooms, ensuite bathroom, indoor and outdoor showers, a private plunge pool and a ‘sala’ (open living room) where you can watch the passing wildlife.

Day 5 - Exploring the Okavango Delta

Located in an incredibly diverse area with high game concentrations, Vumbura Plains Camp offers phenomenal wildlife viewing. Head out on a game drive through the sweeping floodplains, palm-fringed islets, mopane woodlands and savannah grasslands, to spot a large variety of safari species . You may also be lucky to spot some rarer species such as the Sable antelope and the African wild dog.

Birdwatching is exceptional throughout the year, although it’s at its best from December to April when migratory species arrive, and resident birds are breeding. Some of the more special sightings include Pel’s fishing-owl, wattled crane, pink-backed pelican, fan-tailed widowbird, slaty egret, chirping cisticola and the rosy-throated longclaw.

Day 6 - Exploring the Okavango Delta

Vumbura Plains is surrounded by a maze of waterways dotted with hippos and crocodiles. You can explore the rivers and channels with a boating trip, a catch-and-release fishing trip, or on a mokoro safari in a traditional dugout canoe.

Back on land, you can enjoy classic morning and afternoon game drives, guided bird walks, guided nature walks, or venture out on a thrilling spotlit night game drive, to see nocturnal species and big cats like the elusive leopard, which become more active after dark.

In the evening, return to your lavish suite and even enjoy a relaxing massage as wildlife roams past your room. You’ll stay at Vurumba Plains on a full-board basis, with excellent meals prepared by the in-house chefs, and private or communal dining options available.

DAYS 7 - 8: MOREMI GAME RESERVE

Day 7 - Transfer to Moremi Game Reserve

Enjoy a morning game drive at Vumbura Plains Camp before boarding your flight to the Moremi Game Reserve. You’ll be met on arrival at the airstrip, then make the roughly 15-minute drive in a 4WD vehicle to Mombo Camp, your safari camp for the next two nights.

Recently rebuilt in 2018, Mombo Camp is the height of luxury, with nine elegant, spacious tents featuring indoor and outdoor showers, bathtub, separate bedroom, bathroom and sitting rooms, and stunning views over the floodplain filled with wildlife.

The camp melts into its natural surroundings, with the use of natural materials and a 100% solar status. This afternoon, settle into the camp and relax in the pool, head to the gym, check out the library, or watch the passing wildlife from the large main deck. You’ll stay at Mombo Camp on a full-board basis, with delicious meals and drinks served at the bar.

Day 8 - Exploring Moremi Game Reserve

Mombo Camp is located in the Moremi Game Reserve of the northern tip of Chief’s Island, the largest landmass in the Okavango Delta. It’s one of the most fertile areas in the Okavango, and these rich habitats attract large herds and diverse species of wildlife.

Known as ‘the Place of Plenty’, this wildlife area is widely regarded as one of the best regions for game viewing in Africa. There are remarkable concentrations of big game and predators including large herds of elephant, buffalo, giraffe, spotted hyena, wildebeest and zebra. You can see all the big cats, with frequent lion sightings and rarer glimpses of the cheetah.

You’ll also have the chance to spot some of the more elusive species, including the critically endangered African wild dog and the black and white rhino, occasionally seen after they were first reintroduced to the Okavango in this location in 2001. Only four individuals were relocated here from South Africa after poaching had eradicated them from the region. Although rhinos are dispersing well from this original starting population, this remains one of the most reliable places to see them and complete your Big 5 checklist.

DAY 9 - 12: VICTORIA FALLS (ZIMBABWE)

Day 9 - Transfer to Victoria Falls

Enjoy one last morning walk or game drive at Mombo Camp before boarding your flight to Kasane. You’ll be met by a representative on arrival at the airstrip, then make the one-hour vehicle transfer into Zimbabwe to Matetsi River Lodge, your lodge for the next three nights.

Matetsi River Lodge is an opulent lodge set on a private 15km stretch of the mighty Zambezi River, just 40km upriver from the famous Victoria Falls. It’s an incredible location from which to explore the world’s largest waterfall, and you’ll stay in supreme luxury with spacious suites, private pools, indoor and outdoor rain showers, large bathtubs and beautiful views of the Zambezi River.

The dining is exquisite, with private dining with a private chef and butler at Matetsi River Lodge and River House, along with open camp bars, traditional bomas, and an extensive cellar to enjoy on your full-board stay.

Day 10 - Exploring the Victoria Falls

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and the world’s the world’s largest curtain of falling water - the Victoria Falls are an unmissable sight and a sure-fire tick of the bucket list. What you decide to do at this incredible natural wonder depends on when you travel to Victoria Falls, as river levels dictate which activities are safe. However, with such a wide variety of activities at Victoria Falls, there’s always something to see or do.

Along with the typical thrilling activities of  helicopter flights, spray-filled river walks, and the Devil’s Pool swim, Matetsi can also organise bespoke Victoria Falls excursions, including a private tour of the falls, helicopter flights, and even High Tea on the lush lawns of the historic Victoria Falls Hotel, overlooking the falls.

Day 11 - Exploring Matetsi Private Game Reserve

Set within the 55,000-hectare Matetsi Private Game Reserve, Matetsi Victoria Falls offers plenty of other activities. Explore the reserve on foot, vehicle or boat, accompanied by expert, conservation-minded guides at all times.

You can head out on a morning, evening or night game drive in luxury safari vehicles to spot herds of elephant, buffalo, giraffes, lions and more. Enjoy a canoe or boat cruise along the beautiful Zambezi River, take a thrilling walking safari through the bush, go birdwatching or try your hand at fishing.

After a long day of adventure, head back to Matetsi River Lodge and indulge in a massage or treatment at the on-site spa. There’s also a 20-metre lap pool overlooking the Zambezi, a fitness studio, library, and a shopping boutique.

Day 12 - Departure from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe

It’s time to say farewell this morning. After checking out of Matetsi Victoria Falls, you’ll take a one-hour vehicle transfer to Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) in Zimbabwe for your return flight home.

Although you’re incredible Luxury Botswana Tour has come to an end, you’ll leave with many special memories and more than a handful of photos and stories to share when you return home.

After 12 thrilling days of wildlife encounters, spectacular natural wonders, and the country’s most supreme luxury lodges, we’re sure you’ll be hooked on Botswana and the African continent. Where will you go next?