Exploring Botswana: Chobe, Khwai & Makgadikgadi Safari

Fly overnight to Johannesburg.

In Johannesburg connect on to the morning flight to Kasane in north-eastern Botswana, arriving at lunchtime. A driver will be waiting to transfer you westwards, through the Chobe National Park to Muchenje Safari Lodge, a stunning lodge which overlooks the floodplains of the Chobe River, for a 3 night stay. Enjoy a late lunch on the deck and perhaps an afternoon dip in the sparkling swimming pool before heading out for a safari activity from the lodge – sundowners on the Muchenje Plains are a great way to start your time here.

Chobe is renowned for its amazing game viewing, with lion and leopard common sightings along with huge herds of elephant and buffalo. Hippo and crocodile are found in strong numbers on the river bank and the birding is fantastic. The lodge offers game drives through the park, boat trips on the river and guided walks as its main activities. You will also have the chance to visit Muchenje Village and learn more about the life of local people who live in and around the park.

After an exhilarating start to your safari you will doubtless want some time to relax and Muchenje is a superb place to sit back, enjoy the sunshine and amazing views. The swimming pool is a very popular spot with guests and staff are always on hand to serve drinks and discuss their life in the bush. The food here is excellent and a real feature of stays at Muchenje which is one of the most popular lodges in Chobe thanks to its remote and beautiful location.

Enjoy breakfast in the camp before setting off on a game drive back through Chobe to Kasane for your flight down to the Khwai airstrip on the edge of the Moremi Game Reserve. From the airstrip you will be transferred to the lovely Sable Alley which will be your home for the next 3 nights. You will have some time to settle in before lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive to enjoy Khwai’s outstanding game viewing and beautiful landscapes.

The joy of staying in Khwai is that get to enjoy all of the amazing game viewing that is associated with the neighbouring Moremi Game Reserve but with far fewer restrictions on activities as it is a private area. As well as game drives you are able to enjoy mokoro canoe safaris and guided walks, meaning you get an incredibly rounded safari experience, with amazing predator sightings, including large packs of wild dog.

In between game drives you can enjoy the wonderfully relaxed surroundings of Sable Alley, which is one of the most laid-back camps in the region. The open-fronted lounge area overlooks a large lagoon where wildlife comes to drink and is a great spot to spend the afternoons. Rooms also come with their own private decks and outdoor baths which are wonderfully romantic and can be set up with candles and even a bottle of champagne for special occasions.

Enjoy a final morning game drive from Sable Alley before having breakfast on the deck of the camp. From there you will be transferred back to the airstrip for a short flight to the safari town of Maun. There you will be met by a driver for the road transfer east to the Makgadikgadi Pans where you will be spending 3 nights at Meno a Kwena. This is a rare opportunity to explore the interior of Botswana by road and gives you a very different perspective on the country’s amazing landscapes.

In contrast with the wildlife heavy activities in Chobe and Khwai, activities from Meno are more varied, with guided walks to spend time with the San Bushmen who live in the deserts a very popular way to spend some time. They also offer boat trips on the Boteti River, game drives within the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park and, when the weather allows (usually between June and October) then chance to sleepout beneath the stars – a wonderful experience and one not to skip.

Of course, given the dramatic location and romantic feel of the camp, you will want some time to relax and enjoy Meno a Kwena as well. The tents lookout over the Boteti River and have small verandas at the front where you can relax and the sparkling swimming pool is always a great spot to soak up the sunshine or escape from the heat of the day. The lounge and bar are also very welcoming and offer the chance to see wildlife coming to drink from the river.

After a leisurely breakfast overlooking the Boteti River you will set off by vehicle for Maun, arriving there in good time to catch an early afternoon flight to Johannesburg. There you will be flying overnight to your home country.