5-Day Botswana Safari: Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve
This concise 5-day Botswana safari offers participants a focused exploration of the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve, providing opportunities for diverse wildlife viewing and cultural interactions.
Duration: 5 Days
Places to Visit: Maun, Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Maun – Okavango Delta
Upon arrival at Maun International Airport, a skilled guide will welcome participants and provide a brief introduction to Botswana’s geography and culture. Maun, with a population of approximately 55,000, serves as the gateway to the Okavango Delta.
Before departing for the Delta, visit the Nhabe Museum in Maun. This small museum showcases the history and culture of the Ngamiland region, including exhibits on the indigenous San people and their traditional hunting techniques.
Transfer to the Okavango Delta via light aircraft (approximately 30 minutes). The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, covers an area of 15,000 square kilometers and is one of the world’s largest inland deltas.
Upon arrival at the camp, participate in a late afternoon mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) excursion. Mokoro rides offer a unique perspective of the Delta’s waterways and wildlife. Learn about the traditional construction and use of mokoros from local polers.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional Setswana dinner featuring dishes such as seswaa (pounded beef) and morogo (wild spinach).
Accommodation: Tented camp in the Okavango Delta
Day 2: Full Day in the Okavango Delta
Begin the day with an early morning game drive or guided walking safari, depending on water levels. The Okavango Delta is home to over 120 mammal species and 440 bird species.
During the activity, learn about the Delta’s unique ecosystem and how annual flooding from the Okavango River creates a haven for wildlife in an otherwise arid region.
Return to camp for lunch and a cultural presentation by local staff. Many camps in the Delta employ members of the local Bayei and Hambukushu communities, who have lived in the region for centuries.
In the afternoon, take another mokoro ride or motorboat excursion to explore different areas of the Delta. Look for iconic species such as elephants, hippos, and the rare sitatunga antelope.
Participate in a traditional basket weaving workshop. The Bayei people are renowned for their intricate basket weaving skills, passed down through generations.
Enjoy a sundowner in a scenic location, followed by a night game drive to observe nocturnal animals.
Accommodation: Tented camp in the Okavango Delta
Day 3-4: Okavango Delta – Moremi Game Reserve
Distance: Varies depending on camp location, typically a short flight or boat transfer
Transfer to Moremi Game Reserve, located on the eastern edge of the Okavango Delta. Moremi covers almost one-third of the Delta and is the only officially protected area of this unique ecosystem.
Spend two days exploring Moremi’s diverse habitats, from mopane woodland to acacia forests, floodplains, and lagoons. The reserve is home to a high concentration of wildlife, including the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino).
Visit Chief’s Island, the largest landmass in the Okavango Delta and a vital wildlife refuge. Learn about the island’s historical significance as the traditional hunting grounds of the Batswana chiefs.
Participate in a guided nature walk with a local San guide. The San people have inhabited this region for thousands of years and possess intimate knowledge of the local flora and fauna.
Take a boat cruise on the Xakanaxa Lagoon, one of Moremi’s most scenic water bodies. Learn about the importance of these waterways to the local ecosystem and wildlife.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional Botswana barbecue (braai) under the stars, accompanied by local folklore and storytelling.
Accommodation: Xakanaxa Camp or similar (2 nights)
Day 5: Moremi Game Reserve – Maun
Wake up early for a final morning game drive in Moremi, focusing on areas like the famous Paradise Pools or Xakanaxa Lagoon.
After the game drive, transfer back to Maun via light aircraft. The flight offers a unique aerial perspective of the Delta’s intricate waterways and palm-fringed islands.
Upon arrival in Maun, time permitting, visit the Botswana Craft shop to purchase locally made souvenirs. The shop supports artisans from across Botswana and offers a wide range of traditional crafts.
Transfer to Maun International Airport for departure, concluding the safari.