CLASSIC BIG GAME

8 Days & 7 Nights | Botswana

Kwando Reserve, northern Botswana & Kwara Concession, Okavango Delta

HIGHLIGHTS

GREAT FOR

Honeymooners – Get off the beaten track and away from the crowds

Photographers – Camps are known for emphasizing sightings above all else

AVAILABLE ACTIVITIES

Game drives

Night drives

Off-road game drives

Birding

Nature walks

Sundowners

Mokoro rides

Seasonal catch-and-release fishing

Boating

BEST TIME TO GO

High Season:  July to October

Green Season:  November to June

OVERVIEW

This itinerary has been crafted for those who want to see Botswana’s incredible wildlife in large private concessions that offer excellent value for money. All the camps are small, comfortable and don’t have Wi-Fi as the focus is very much on the immersive wildlife experience. Lebala, Lagoon and Kwara are sister camps and the guides here have been trained to extremely high standards, and are allowed to go off-road and do night drives and nature walks.

This itinerary idea is perfect for seasoned travellers who want a complete escape, honeymooners who want accessible privacy and photographers who want areas highly regarded for reliable sightings.

Extra nights and add-ons to places like the Victoria Falls are easy to arrange with your expert consultant.

THIS ITINERARY WAS DESIGNED BY JOANNE

I lived in Botswana’s safari capital – Maun – for seven years where I worked as everything from a camp manager to a travel agent. Being in the epicentre allowed me experience innumerable lodges first-hand and understand how the Okavango’s fluctuating levels affect your safari.

TRIP SUMMARY

DURATION

7 Nights / 8 Days

DESTINATIONS VISITED

Kwando Reserve, northern Botswana

Kwara Concession, Okavango Delta

 

ACCOMMODATIONS VISITED

DAILY ITINERARY

Taking off from Maun, you’ll soon see how the town gives way to the bush. Flying north, you land at the Lebala Airstrip and your first game drive begins as your guide points out what you can expect to see in the private Kwando Reserve.

Depending on the season, you could go boating or fishing on the Kwando River in between spotting game with your guide-and-tracker team. After dinner, how about soaking in your outdoor bathtub under an unending canopy of stars

Why we love Lebala Camp:

  • Beautiful location on the open floodplains of the Kwando River
  • Custom tents have net walls for uninterrupted views
  • Double outdoor showers mean you can both enjoy alfresco cool-downs
  • The elevated viewing hide is perfect for birders and patient photographers

Waving goodbye to Lebala, you set out on an epic morning game drive that doubles as your transfer to Lagoon Camp, which has a magical setting under ebony and marula trees on the banks of the Kwando River.

This area is especially popular with elephant – as high season draws near, more and more arrive to ensure their access to water. If your luck is really in, you may even see the wild dogs that are thought to den close to camp!

Why we love Lagoon Camp:

  • Stunning setting in a pristine riverine forest
  • Blissful afternoons cruising the Kwando River
  • Lovely views from the elevated library – take your binos with you!
  • Spend siesta on the deck swing or in the plunge pool

Easing into the final stretch of your safari means flying to Kwara Airstrip, giving you a spectacular view of the Okavango’s many channels and oxbow lakes. A change in habitat means a change of species as you look for red lechwe, sitatunga and fish eagles.

It also means exciting new activities like mokoro excursions to see the Delta up-close and appreciate the smaller aspects of this delicate ecosystem of miniscule painted reed frogs, pastel lilies and jewel-coloured kingfishers.

Why we love Kwara Camp:

  • Like Lebala and Lagoon, no Wi-Fi for a full digital detox
  • Again, night drives and off-roading are possible for better sightings
  • Being poled along serenely in a mokoro through the Okavango
  • Chance to spot more aquatic species like hippos and crocodiles

After a week of being away from your email, disconnected from social media and detached from the Internet, you will feel refreshed, rejuvenated and re-engaged with what really matters in life.

Today you have last meander through the bush to the Kwara Airstrip en route to Maun. This safari town is on the edge of the Okavango Delta and within easy reach of Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans – why not extend your digital disconnection for a few days with more time out?

INCLUDED*

  • All activities specified
  • All transfers specified
  • All meals, drinks and sundowners specified
  • Laundry if specified

EXCLUDED*

  • International flights
  • Items from the safari shop
  • Pre- and post-itinerary accommodation
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Medical insurance, tests and vaccinations where stipulated
  • Tips / gratuities

* Subject to change. Your personal consultant will confirm all the details with you while helping you plan your safari to Africa so you have a full understanding of costs with no surprises.

PRICE IS IMPORTANT

This itinerary is here to inspire you and prices may change due to availability, season and the year that you plan to travel.

WHY BOOK WITH BIGGESTLEAF TRAVEL

  • We are passionate about what we sell

  • The most competitive and flexible rates

  • We offer personalised and customised experiences

  • We have consultants who are fluent in English, Portuguese and German

  • Our consultants specialise in different safari experiences
  • Founded in 2014 with years of experience in the travel industry
  • Our quick response and turnaround times

  • We are the trusted travel agent for clients of some of Africa’s sought-after photographic guides