Speak to a Botswana expert today
and start planning your tailor-made vacation

Alistair

Can't decide where to go? Why not peruse some of our most popular destinations for inspiration then give us a call!
A diverse land brimming with superb safaris, pristine sandy beaches, towering snow-capped peaks and tropical underwater worlds is just waiting to welcome you
Australia offers vibrant cities, diverse landscapes, and iconic wonders like the Great Barrier Reef. New Zealand adds dramatic scenery, Maori culture, and relaxed charm. Together, they promise nature, adventure, culture, and warm hospitality.
If you're dreaming of an island getaway, look no further than the Caribbean with its gorgeous soft sand beaches and lively, diverse cultures.
Head to the amazing destination that is Central America, full of the knowledge of ancient civilizations, incredible mountains, and beautiful beaches.
Discover vibrant cultures, pristine beaches, and tantalizing flavours in the captivating travel haven that is East and Southeast Asia
Embark on a journey through the vibrant tapestry of India, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan—where ancient temples, lush tea plantations, and soaring Himalayan peaks promise unforgettable moments at every turn.
Picture yourself basking on sun-kissed beaches, sipping tropical cocktails beneath swaying palms —where crystal-clear lagoons and luxurious resorts cater to your every desire.
Experience world-class hospitality, mouthwatering cuisines, and the region’s deep-rooted cultural traditions for an unforgettable Middle East adventure.
Experience a captivating blend of modern innovation and centuries-old traditions as you wander through the cities of North Asia, with its serene temples, and breathtaking landscapes.
Venture to the ends of the Earth and behold the icy majesty of polar landscapes. Discover pristine solitude, exhilarating expeditions, and breathtaking views that promise a memorable encounter with nature at its most dramatic
Journey into the heart of South America, where the rhythmic pulse of its vibrant cities meets the majesty of the Amazon rainforest and the timeless wonder of ancient civilizations.
The South Pacific is a paradise of turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and vibrant island cultures. From adventure and natural beauty to pure relaxation, each island offers its own unique charm and welcome.
From the soaring plains of the Southwestern USA to the stunning landscapes of the expanses of Canada, visit some of the most impressive scenery in the world
If you are looking for a trip to knock iconic locations off your bucket list, check out our buck list recommendations
From the graceful stride of giraffes at sunrise to the echoing roars of lions beneath starlit skies, each of our safaris promises an unforgettable dance with nature.
Our family holidays are a perfect opportunity to create lasting memories, whether exploring new destinations or simply enjoying quality time together. From adventure-filled escapes to relaxing beach retreats, they offer a chance to reconnect and unwind away from daily routines.
Our luxury holidays offer the finest experiences, from exclusive resorts and private villas to tailor-made adventures with impeccable service.
For those seeking adventure beyond the usual tourist trails, our off-the-beaten-track trips take you to some of the world’s most remote and untouched destinations, where authentic cultural encounters and breathtaking landscapes await. Let us craft your unique journeys that few travellers ever experience.
For the ultimate beach escape, we offer luxury holidays to some of the world’s most stunning coastal destinations, from the white-sand shores of Antigua to the turquoise waters of Zanzibar.
For those who crave excitement and exploration, our adventure holidays take you to some of the world’s most thrilling destinations, whether trekking through Patagonia, summiting Mount Kenya, or kayaking past icebergs in Antarctica.
Interested in something a bit more focused? How about a horse-riding holiday through Argentina? Or a photography safari? Look through our Special Interest holiday selection for inspiration
Our wildlife holidays invite you to step into unique ecosystems and experience amazing animal encounters. Whether spotting majestic tigers in the jungles of India or marvelling at polar bears in the Arctic, each trip promises awe-inspiring moments steeped in the magic of nature.
Our small group tours offer the perfect balance of expert-guided exploration and personal experience, taking you to incredible destinations with like-minded travellers. Whether it's a wildlife safari in Botswana, a cultural journey through Vietnam, or a chef-led expedition through India, our carefully curated itineraries ensure an intimate, enriching, and hassle-free experience.
Sustainability travel is at the core of what we do and a guiding principle in every choice we make as a business. Let us help you make sustainable travel choices
Read about what we do to make a difference
One of the most important parts of our commitment to responsible travel is protecting our clients, and it is a part that we take extremely seriously.
Not sure what's best for which time of year? Check out our expert-written guides
Looking for some expertise on your destination? Have a look through our selection of guides and articles written by our destination experts
Looking for more inspiration? Read from our range of hundreds of articles from our travel specialists, local guides, and personal travel tales.
Our mission is to make every holiday special. We will do this whilst specifically aiming to minimise the environmental impact of our activity and maximise our opportunity to influence others to do the same.
Whilst Botswana is a world-renowned safari destination, the wildebeest and zebra migration here is one of Africa’s best-kept secrets, even myself self as a major contributor to the Botswana guidebook and having guided in Botswana for a number of years knew little about this migration until spending time living in the Makgadikgadi where I got to experience it first-hand. Often when Africa and migration are mentioned in the same sentence people jump straight to the Great Migration between the Masai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania, and although not on the same scale, this migration in Botswana is spectacular in different ways.
It wasn’t until recent studies that we are able to really see the distances and routes these incredible animals take. There are actually two different movements of zebra in Botswana, the first of which is between the Chobe River and Nxai Pan, called the Nxai Pan Zebra Migration.
During the summer season the animals are making the most of the constant water source and grasses around the Chobe, then as the surrounding land begins to dry out towards the end of November and the rains begin to fall in Nxai Pan the Zebra begin their 250km journey south in search of the nutrient rich grasses.
The second migration is also heading towards the nutrient rich grasses that can be found surrounding the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, although in this case the zebra, are accompanied by wildebeest are heading East from the Boteti River flowing south of the Okavango Delta. Interestingly, only 55% of the zebras actually migrate to the Makgadikgadi, with about 45% staying in the Okavango Delta area for the whole year. The scientist don’t yet know why some stay and the others migrate.
Zebra have been making this migration for thousands of years, however this ceased due to the foot and mouth fences that were erected in the 1950’s and 60s. Stretching across Botswana they hugely effected the crucial movement of wildlife and in the zebras case, completely stopped the migration from the Okavango Delta to the Makgadikgadi. Since the 2004 when the fences were removed the migration has no restarted its annual movement between the Boteti River and the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.
The zebra migration between the Boteti River and the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans can be seen at any time of the year.
From December through to March once the rains have fallen, the migration can be seen in the Makgadikgadi. During this time there is a shallow layer of water over the salts pans that attract a large numbers of migrating birds, as well as high numbers of zebra. The zebra will be feeding on the tall, lush nutrient rich grasses that surround the pans. Suggested camps for seeing the migration at this time would be Jacks Camp, San Camp or Camp Kalahari.
The rest of the year the zebra can be found along the Boteti River, this is a fantastic place to not only see zebra but a wide variety of game, especially large numbers of elephants coming down to drink. A great lodge to see this is Meno A Kwena. It is also important to remember that although the majority of zebra move to the Makgadikgadi, there are still small number which stay around the banks of the Boteti River year round, however, this can often depends on water levels and rain.
With regards to the zebra migration between Chobe and Nxai Pan, this has very similar movement times. The zebra will spend the summer months from July through to December up along the banks of the Chobe River. Once the rains fall in November/December time the zebra will begin their long journey south towards Nxai Pan National Park for the nutritious grazing.
With both migrations there is no ‘right time to go’ as the zebra are always there, but for the most dramatic viewing I would suggest visiting the Makgadikgadi National Park and Nxai Pan National Park during the summer months between December and March to get the full impact on the open plains. Avoid March through to June as there is a good chance the animals may be mid migration and more difficult to see.
When visiting the Makgadikgadi to see the Zebra you can expect activities you would usually find at many other camps such as walking with the san bushmen, taking quadbikes out onto the salt pans and spending time with completely wild but habituated families of meerkats, which are just some of the top things you can do in Botswana.
If you want to see the migration in full swing, then I recommend travelling in January/February time. Keep in mind that during this time there is a good chance of afternoon showers, however these bring the Makgadikgadi to life. The salt pans themselves will not be accessible due to the water on top making them impassable, however the outskirts will be full of life and large numbers of zebra can be seen. As well as the migrating zebra, flamingos are also present at this time and it is common to see lion, leopards and cheetahs bounding across the salt pans as they chase their prey.
A favourite trip of mine to see the zebra migration would be our Luxury Tented Botswana Safari. This 9-night safari includes some of the top camps in Botswana.
Your first 3 nights will be at Duba Explorers in the Northern parts of the Okavango Delta. This camp is famous for its high predator density, as well as the concession being home to large numbers of lion and buffalo whose interactions have been documented many times.
You will then fly south to Gomoti Plains Camp where you will spend 3 nights doing a mixture of game drives, guided walks and taking mokoro trips along the waterways. Gomoti Plains is also known for its big cats and rhino sightings so your best chances of ticking these of will be here.
Your final camp is down in the Makgadikgadi National Park and was also my home for 2 years whilst I was working as a guide there. This is undoubtedly one of the most well known camps in Africa and once you have arrived you will understand why. Having recently undergone a full refurbishment it is the epitome of luxury in one of the most interesting areas in Africa. The desert adapted game here includes Kalahari black maned lion, aardwolf and he illusive brown hyena, here you have a very good chance of seeing all three. It’s difficult to pick one highlight from a stay here, with the opportunity to spend time with the san bushmen, head out on the to salt pans, spent time with the meerkats or explore the grasslands on day and night game drives.
Jacks Camp is also in the heart of the Zebra migration between December and March with views across the pans and surrounding grasslands you can sit there and read or relax on your decking whilst watching the migration slowly move past.
I would suggest taking the usual safari essentials such as camera, mosquito repellent, sturdy boots for walking and clothing with neutral colours, but most of all a good pair of binoculars to scan across the opens expanses are very useful.
Depending if you are seeing the migration on the Boteti River, Chobe River, of the Makgadikgadi/Nxai Pans National Parks I would suggest bringing layers of warm clothing, as temperatures can drop below freezing especially during between June and August and if you are travelling during the wetter months, then a raincoat is advisable.
Wondering when to visit Botswana? Take a look at this guide on the best time to visit Botswana.
Looking for some more inspiration? Take a look at our best safari holidays ideas, our favourite family safaris, our big five safari guide or our top African safari honeymoon suggestions.
Botswana’s zebra migration is truly one of Africa’s last wilderness, hidden gem and a remarkable spectacle. It may not be the largest migration, but it is the most intriguing and truly beautiful, especially when set against the water reflective salt pans of the Makgadikgadi.
Call us today on 01768 603 715 to find out more or enquire here
and start planning your tailor-made vacation
I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!
Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )
We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!
Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.
Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.
Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,
Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!
It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!
Get travel tips directly to your inbox every week
Give us a call on 888 445-2912 or fill in the form below and we’ll be in touch.