Premium Botswana

Premium Botswana

7 Days Starting in Kasane and ending in Maun

Visiting: Chobe National Park, Zambezi River, Makgadikgadi Pans, Thamalakane River, Thamalakane River (Okavango Delta), Thamalakane River (Maun)

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

UBPB

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-99 years

From: $5276 $4748 Operator discount: -$528

NB: Prices correct on 22-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Experience the wilderness and welcoming people of Botswana on a 7-day Premium adventure through its heart. Set out in search of wildlife on a series of game drives, cruise down the Zambezi River from the Namibian banks, drift through the endless channels of the Okavango Delta, and hang out with a family of meerkats at the Ntwetwe Salt Pans. From the rich diversity of Chobe National Park to the curious beauty of the Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana’s natural wonders will take your breath away.

Highlights

  • Take a morning game drive in Chobe National Park – home to Africa’s largest concentration of elephants, this is one of the world’s great wildlife destinations.

  • Spend two magnificent evenings at your Feature Stay camp. Perfectly positioned on the Namibian banks of the Zambezi River, enjoy a morning and afternoon boat cruise along the fourth largest river in Africa.

  • Uncover the unique beauty of the Makgadikgadi Pans during an Exclusive Experience – a 4x4 excursion through the sprawling landscape, stopping for drinks and snacks as the sun goes down.

  • Explore the Okavango Delta's maze of lagoons, lakes, and streams via a traditional mokoro boat safari. Enjoy lunch on a delta island and spot wildlife on a bush walk with an experienced guide.

  • Meet a family of Meerkats on the edge of the Ntwetwe Salt Pans and watch them go about their morning rituals as the sun rises.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust. Donations help employ a team of Community Guardians who collaborate with locals to find sustainable solutions to human-wildlife conflict and conservation in Southern Africa.

  • Spend two magnificent evenings at your Feature Stay camp. Perfectly positioned on the Namibian banks of the Zambezi River, enjoy an afternoon boat cruise along the fourth largest river in Africa.

Places You'll See

Chobe National Park

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Chobe National Park

Location: Chobe National Park

Accommodation: Chobe Marina Lodge or similar

Meals Included: dinner

Welcome to Botswana! Your adventure begins at Chobe National Park – one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations and home to its largest population of Elephants. You will be collected from the airport and transferred to your accommodation on the banks of the Chobe River at the fringe of the national park. Here you will meet your tour leader and small group of fellow travellers for a 6pm welcome meeting. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. After your meeting, join your group and leader for dinner at the lodge. Enjoy a celebration of indigenous food and the rich flavours of Africa as you dine alongside the scenic Chobe River.

Included Activities:
-Chobe - Welcome Dinner
-Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Optional Activities:
-Chobe National Park - 4x4 Game Drive

Day 2: Zambezi River

Location: Zambezi River

Accommodation: Zambezi Mubala Lodge (Feature Stay) or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Rise early for a morning game drive in Chobe National Park. You might see elephants drinking at the water's edge, large herds of cape buffaloes and many impalas within the park. Head back to the lodge for breakfast, then journey to the Ngoma Border Post before continuing to the Namibian side of the Zambezi River. Here you will find your Feature Stay accommodation, the fabulous Zambezi Mubala Lodge. Newly-built, modern, innovative and stylish, Zambezi Mubala is a secret river hideaway where you can find hippo, vervet monkeys and over 450 species of birds. Arrive in time for a hearty lunch at the lodge, then enjoy some downtime to relax by the pool, spot wildlife from the bar or soak up the wild surroundings on the banks of the Zambezi River. Speak to your leader about some fabulous optional activities for the afternoon, including a canoe trip, guided walking trail or a birding drive.

Included Activities:
-Chobe National Park - 4x4 Game Drive

Day 3: Zambezi River

Location: Zambezi River

Accommodation: Zambezi Mubala Lodge (Feature Stay) or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Today, enjoy a restful morning at leisure to get some extra rest or enjoy your beautiful feature stay. This afternoon, take a cruise down the Zambezi River. The privileged position of your camp allows you to access a part of the river that most visitors don’t get to see, which means you’ll have the special opportunity to view abundant wildlife without the crowds. This region offers a wildlife spotting experience like no other – with a bit of luck, you will see large herds of elephants, buffalo and antelope. Afterward, head back to the lodge to enjoy dinner and refreshments as you watch the changing colours of the spectacular landscape at sunset.

Included Activities:
-Zambezi River - Afternoon River Cruise

Optional Activities:
-Zambezi River - Morning River Cruise - Free

Day 4: Makgadikgadi Pans

Location: Makgadikgadi Pans

Accommodation: Nata Lodge or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Heading south, cross the Ngoma border back into Botswana and continue your journey to the vast salt flats and grassy plains of the Makgadikgadi Pans. Located in the north-east of Botswana, the Makgadikgadi Pans are situated in the middle of a dry savanna and are all that remain of the former Lake Makgadikgadi. This afternoon, get to know your surroundings during a 4x4 excursion. The immense, sprawling salt flat will unfold in front of you as you look out for birds and animals, some that are seasonal visitors and some who call the area home year-round. Savour the landscape as you sit out on the pans and enjoy drinks and snacks as the sun sets. Return to the lodge for dinner and relive the highlights of an exciting day.

Included Activities:
-Makgadikgadi Pans - Sunset 4x4 Excursion & Sundowner

Day 5: Thamalakane River

Location: Thamalakane River

Accommodation: Thamalakane River Lodge or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Embrace a very early start this morning and head out with a packed breakfast in hand. Today’s experience will surely be one to remember. Travel to the edge of the Ntwetwe salt pan, home to a resident family of entertaining Meerkats. With the aid of trackers, arrive in time to observe their morning rituals as the sun rises. Watch the meerkats bask in the morning sun before heading out for their daily foraging – the fantastic conditions and lighting will help you snap an unforgettable picture of these marvellous creatures. Stop at a neighbouring lodge for lunch, then continue to Maun, the gateway to one of the world's most complex ecosystems, the Okavango Delta.

Included Activities:
-Makgadikgadi Pans - Meerkat & Kalahari Bushman Experience

Day 6: Thamalakane River (Okavango Delta)

Location: Thamalakane River (Okavango Delta)

Accommodation: Thamalakane River Lodge or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Today, you'll take a traditional mokoro – a dugout canoe steered by friendly local 'polers' – for an Okavango waterways experience. With some luck, you could spot some of the delta's unusual wildlife and exotic birdlife. Spend some time today exploring the maze of lagoons, lakes and streams by mokoro before exploring on foot with a local guide. View plants, trees and animals from a different perspective and observe close-up details often missed on game drives. Your guide will provide expert knowledge and help you gain a deeper understanding of the environment. Lunch will be served on one of the many secluded islands created by the Delta waterways.

Included Activities:
-Okavango Delta - Mokoro safari
-Okavango Delta - Expert Guided Bush Walk
-Okavango Delta - Full Day Mokoro

Day 7: Thamalakane River (Maun)

Location: Thamalakane River (Maun)

Meals Included: breaksfast

The trip concludes today after breakfast, but this doesn’t mean the adventure has to end. If you’d like to spend more time here, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability). Please speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
For those interested, there is the opportunity to fly over the delta in a helicopter for a bird's-eye view. This is a great way to appreciate the vast scale of this waterscape. Your leader can give you more information on this activity and how to reserve a place.

Optional Activities:
-Okavango Delta - Helicopter Scenic Flight

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Lodge (6 nights)

  • Chobe - Welcome Dinner

  • Complimentary airport arrival transfer

  • Chobe National Park - 4x4 Game Drive

  • Zambezi River - Morning & Afternoon River Cruise

  • Makgadikgadi Pans - Sunset 4x4 Excursion & Sundowner

  • Makgadikgadi Pans - Meerkat Pan Experience

  • Okavango Delta - Mokoro safari

  • Okavango Delta - Expert Guided Bush Walk

  • Meals

    6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners

  • Zambezi River - Morning River Cruise

show more

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

Transport

  • 4WD , Open Safari Vehicle , Private Vehicle

Accommodation

  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
  • Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
  • If you require a Sleep Apnea Machine to sleep please ensure that it is battery operated. Lodges and Permanent Tented Camps are often powered by generators which are turned off during the night.

Important Information

  • 1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
  • 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room?on this trip, subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
  • 3. Travel is always an adventure, and our leaders are experts when it comes to dealing with anything unexpected along the journey, so pack your understanding and flexibility, sit back and relax while they take care of the rest.
  • 4. Border crossing delays in the region have been sporadic and difficult to predict. What takes an hour one day may take four hours the next. This may affect the order of activities in the itinerary. We understand this uncertainty can be frustrating, and we strongly recommend packing a bit of patience and flexibility.

Mode of Transport

  • 4x4 , Open Safari Vehicle , Private Vehicle

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    As the early bird catches the worm, the early riser sights the animals. There will be many early starts either to make use of the better safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

North American Adventure

12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

Cambodia Discovery

22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Merouane Harkat   Uk

Explore Southern Africa

08-Mar-2024

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

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Saturday - Friday

Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025
$5484 $4936

Operator discount: -$548

Saturday - Friday

May 10, 2025 - May 16, 2025
$5276 $4748

Operator discount: -$528

Saturday - Friday

May 24, 2025 - May 30, 2025
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Operator discount: -$528

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Operator discount: -$592

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Operator discount: -$548

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Operator discount: -$554

Saturday - Friday

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Operator discount: -$548

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Operator discount: -$615

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Operator discount: -$615

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Operator discount: -$615

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Operator discount: -$615

Saturday - Friday

Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
$5484 $4936

Operator discount: -$548

Saturday - Friday

Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
$5484 $4936

Operator discount: -$548

Saturday - Friday

Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
$5324 $4792

Operator discount: -$532

Saturday - Friday

Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025
$5276 $4748

Operator discount: -$528

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Dec 20, 2025 - Dec 26, 2025
$5275

Saturday - Friday

Feb 21, 2026 - Feb 27, 2026
$5540

Saturday - Friday

Apr 18, 2026 - Apr 24, 2026
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Saturday - Friday

May 09, 2026 - May 15, 2026
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Saturday - Friday

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Saturday - Friday

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$5760

Saturday - Friday

Jun 20, 2026 - Jun 26, 2026
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Saturday - Friday

Jun 27, 2026 - Jul 03, 2026
$5275

Saturday - Friday

Jul 04, 2026 - Jul 10, 2026
$5760

Saturday - Friday

Jul 18, 2026 - Jul 24, 2026
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Saturday - Friday

Jul 25, 2026 - Jul 31, 2026
$5980

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Aug 01, 2026 - Aug 07, 2026
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Saturday - Friday

Aug 08, 2026 - Aug 14, 2026
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Saturday - Friday

Aug 22, 2026 - Aug 28, 2026
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Saturday - Friday

Sep 05, 2026 - Sep 11, 2026
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Saturday - Friday

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$5980

Saturday - Friday

Sep 26, 2026 - Oct 02, 2026
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Saturday - Friday

Oct 10, 2026 - Oct 16, 2026
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Saturday - Friday

Oct 31, 2026 - Nov 06, 2026
$5540

Saturday - Friday

Dec 19, 2026 - Dec 25, 2026
$5540
Prices last published on 20-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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