Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Botswana's capital city and ease into your adventure with cultural landmarks and nature reserve exploration.
Morning
Begin your Botswana journey at this iconic monument honoring three tribal chiefs who played crucial roles in the country's history. The bronze statues stand impressively in the city center, offering insight into Botswana's path to independence. Take time to read the informational plaques and appreciate the symbolism of this important national landmark.
1 hour
Free
Lunch
A traditional restaurant in the city center serving seswaa and pap
Botswana traditional
Mid-range
Afternoon
Just minutes from the city center, this compact reserve offers your first wildlife encounters. Drive or walk the trails to spot impala, warthogs, ostriches, and various antelope species. The reserve provides an excellent introduction to Botswana's fauna without venturing far from civilization. Bird watchers will appreciate the diverse avian species around the dam area.
3-4 hours
$10-15
Arrive by 3pm to maximize wildlife viewing in cooler afternoon hours
Evening
Dinner and rest
Enjoy dinner at a modern restaurant in the Main Mall area, then retire early to prepare for your safari adventure ahead
Where to Stay Tonight
Gaborone city center (Mid-range hotel near government enclave)
Central location provides easy access to attractions and restaurants while offering comfortable amenities after international travel
Exchange currency at banks rather than airport kiosks for better rates, and purchase a local SIM card for navigation during your trip
Day 1 Budget: $180-250
Climb Gaborone's scenic hill for panoramic views, then explore local craftsmanship and spiritual sites before preparing for your northern safari.
Morning
Tackle this popular hiking spot early to avoid midday heat. The trail ascends steadily through rocky terrain, offering increasingly spectacular views of Gaborone and surrounding countryside. At the summit, you'll be rewarded with 360-degree vistas perfect for photography. The hike takes you through typical Botswana bushveld vegetation with occasional wildlife sightings including rock hyrax and various bird species.
2-3 hours
Free
Start by 7am to enjoy cooler temperatures and better lighting for photos
Lunch
A café in the Village shopping area with outdoor seating
International
Mid-range
Afternoon
Botswana Craft and ISKCON Temple visits
Visit Botswana Craft to browse authentic handmade baskets, textiles, and pottery created by local artisans. This is the perfect place to purchase meaningful souvenirs while supporting community craftspeople. Afterward, stop by the peaceful ISKCON Temple to experience Gaborone's spiritual diversity. The temple's colorful architecture and serene atmosphere provide a contemplative contrast to the morning's physical activity.
2-3 hours
$50-100 for crafts
Evening
Preparation and early dinner
Pack for your northern safari circuit, enjoy an early dinner at a steakhouse featuring Botswana beef, and confirm your morning departure
Where to Stay Tonight
Gaborone city center (Same hotel as Day 1)
Staying put allows you to pack efficiently and depart early for your journey north without changing accommodations
Purchase snacks and water for the long drive north tomorrow, as options become limited once you leave the capital
Day 2 Budget: $160-220
Travel north to Botswana's wildlife capital, arriving in time for your first sunset cruise on the legendary Chobe River.
Morning
Depart early for the approximately 10-hour drive north, or take the morning flight to
Kasane. The drive passes through changing landscapes from semi-arid terrain to increasingly lush vegetation. If driving, stop in Nata for fuel and refreshments. Flying saves time and offers aerial views of the
Makgadikgadi Pans. Either way, you'll arrive in
Kasane by afternoon, ready to begin your Chobe adventure.
Full morning and early afternoon
$150-300 for flight or $80 for fuel and stops
Book flights at least 2 weeks in advance for better rates
Lunch
Stop at a roadside restaurant in Nata if driving, or eat at the airport café if flying
Simple local fare
Budget
Afternoon
Check-in and rest at
Kasane accommodation
Arrive in
Kasane and check into your lodge near
Chobe National Park. Take time to freshen up and relax after your journey. Many lodges offer stunning river views where you can spot hippos and crocodiles from your room. Use this time to acclimate to the safari environment and prepare your camera equipment for the evening activity.
2-3 hours
Included in accommodation
Evening
Sunset river cruise on Chobe River
Join a sunset boat cruise departing around 3:30pm for incredible wildlife viewing along the riverbanks. Expect elephants bathing, hippos surfacing, and crocodiles basking while enjoying drinks as the sun sets over the water
Where to Stay Tonight
Kasane riverfront (Mid-range safari lodge with river views)
Proximity to Chobe National Park entrance and the river allows early morning departures and maximizes wildlife viewing opportunities
Bring a light jacket for the river cruise as temperatures drop quickly on the water after sunset
Day 3 Budget: $320-450
Experience full-day game viewing in Africa's elephant capital, with morning land safari and afternoon river activities.
Morning
Depart at sunrise for a game drive through
Chobe National Park, home to over 50,000 elephants. Your guide will navigate the network of tracks seeking lions, leopards, buffalo, and diverse antelope species. The morning hours offer the best chance to see predators active before the heat. The park's varied habitats from riverine forest to grassland support incredible biodiversity. Expect close encounters with massive elephant herds moving to the river.
4-5 hours
$80-120 per person
Book through your lodge the evening before to secure a good vehicle position
Lunch
Return to your lodge for a hearty buffet lunch on the terrace
International with African touches
Mid-range
Afternoon
Visit this prime viewing area where the Chobe River creates a natural gathering point for wildlife. From elevated viewing positions, watch elephants crossing between Botswana and
Namibia, hippo pods lounging in shallows, and countless bird species. The afternoon light creates perfect photography conditions. This area consistently delivers spectacular wildlife encounters, particularly during dry season when animals concentrate around remaining water sources.
3-4 hours
$60-90
Evening
Dinner at lodge and night sounds
Enjoy dinner at your lodge while listening to hippos grunting and lions roaring in the distance. Many lodges offer outdoor bomas for atmospheric dining under the stars
Where to Stay Tonight
Kasane/Chobe riverfront (Same lodge as Day 3)
Staying multiple nights allows you to fully explore Chobe without the disruption of changing accommodations
Request a window seat on the river side of your game drive vehicle for unobstructed photography of elephants at the water's edge
Day 4 Budget: $350-480
Focus on the aquatic ecosystem with boat-based game viewing around Sedudu
Island and the Chobe floodplains.
Morning
Sedudu Gate area exploration
Begin with a game drive to Sedudu Gate area, the access point for viewing Sedudu
Island (also known as Kasikili
Island). This disputed border
island sits in the Chobe River and attracts enormous concentrations of wildlife. From the banks, observe elephants swimming between islands, buffalo herds drinking, and puku antelope grazing the floodplains. The area's channels and backwaters create exceptional habitat diversity.
3-4 hours
$70-100
Combine with a guide who knows the best vantage points for viewing the
island
Lunch
Packed lunch from your lodge enjoyed at a scenic picnic spot along the river
Picnic fare
Mid-range
Afternoon
Extended boat safari on the Chobe River
Spend the afternoon on a specialized photographic boat safari, getting closer to wildlife than possible on land. Your guide will position the boat for optimal viewing of elephants bathing, crocodiles sunning, and the incredible birdlife including African fish eagles, kingfishers, and bee-eaters. The boat allows unique perspectives of hippo behavior and elephant family dynamics. This is often the highlight of visitors' Chobe experience.
3-4 hours
$90-130
Request a smaller boat for more personalized positioning near wildlife
Evening
Celebrate your Chobe experiences with dinner at a restaurant in
Kasane town, sharing stories with fellow travelers before tomorrow's journey
Where to Stay Tonight
Kasane (Same lodge as previous nights)
Final night in Chobe area before heading to the salt pans region
Bring binoculars even on boat safaris for bird watching and viewing wildlife on distant banks
Day 5 Budget: $340-470
Journey south to the otherworldly
Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the world's largest salt flats and a landscape unlike anywhere else in Botswana.
Morning
Depart
Kasane for the approximately 5-6 hour drive south through Nata to the
Makgadikgadi Pans region. The landscape transforms dramatically from lush riverine forest to increasingly arid terrain. Stop at Nata for lunch and fuel. Consider taking a charter flight instead to maximize time at the pans. As you approach, the horizon opens to reveal the vast white expanse of ancient salt flats.
5-6 hours driving
$60-80 for fuel or $250-350 for charter flight
Charter flights should be arranged at least one week in advance
Lunch
A simple restaurant in Nata serving grilled meats and local staples
Local
Budget
Afternoon
Check into your accommodation near
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park and receive an orientation about this unique ecosystem. The pans are remnants of an ancient super-lake that dried up millennia ago. Take a short drive to the pan edge to witness the stark beauty of endless white salt crusts meeting blue sky. The silence and scale are overwhelming. Watch for springbok and other desert-adapted wildlife.
2-3 hours
$30 park entry
Evening
Sunset on the salt pans
Drive onto the pans for sunset, when the white surface reflects golden and pink hues. Many lodges offer drinks on the pans for a magical first evening experience
Where to Stay Tonight
Near Makgadikgadi Pans National Park (Tented camp or lodge on the pan edge)
Specialized camps here offer unique experiences like sleeping under the stars and walking on the pans
The pans can be disorienting due to the lack of landmarks; always go with a guide and never venture alone
Day 6 Budget: $280-400
Visit the legendary Baines Baobabs and explore the surreal landscape of the salt pans with guided activities.
Morning
Sunrise at Baines Baobabs
Wake before dawn for the journey to Baines Baobabs, a cluster of ancient baobab trees immortalized by explorer Thomas Baines in 1862. These massive trees stand on a small
island, creating one of Africa's most photographed scenes. The sunrise light transforms the white pan surface and gnarled trees into a photographer's paradise. The trees remain virtually unchanged since Baines painted them over 150 years ago, creating a tangible connection to exploration history.
4-5 hours including travel
$120-180 for guided excursion
Book this popular activity when you arrive at your lodge as spaces fill quickly
Lunch
Return to lodge for brunch after the early morning excursion
International buffet
Mid-range
Afternoon
Join a guided walking safari on the pans themselves, an experience unique to this environment. Your guide will explain the geology, point out salt formations, and help you spot tracks of animals that crossed during the night. Learn about the San Bushmen who have inhabited this harsh environment for thousands of years. The scale becomes even more impressive on foot, with nothing but white salt and sky in every direction.
2-3 hours
$80-120
Evening
Stargazing experience
After dinner, join a stargazing session on the pans. With zero light pollution and the reflective white surface, the Milky Way appears breathtakingly clear. Many lodges offer astronomy guides and telescopes
Where to Stay Tonight
Makgadikgadi Pans area (Same camp as Day 6)
Two nights allows you to fully experience this unique environment without rushing
Bring sunglasses and sunscreen; the reflective white salt surface intensifies UV exposure significantly
Day 7 Budget: $380-520
Explore the neighboring
Nxai Pan National Park, where seasonal grasslands attract different wildlife and the landscape shifts from salt to savanna.
Morning
Drive to adjacent
Nxai Pan National Park, which offers a contrasting ecosystem to Makgadikgadi. During wet season, these grasslands attract massive zebra and wildebeest migrations. Even in dry season, you'll encounter giraffe, gemsbok, springbok, and predators including lions and cheetahs. The park's famous baobab cluster provides shade and photographic opportunities. The transition from white salt pans to golden grasslands demonstrates the region's ecological diversity.
5-6 hours
$100-150 including park fees and guide
Arrange through your lodge for the best local knowledge
Lunch
Picnic lunch in the shade of ancient baobabs within the park
Packed lunch
Mid-range
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon tracking wildlife across the pan's grasslands and acacia groves. Visit the park's waterholes where animals congregate during dry months. The open terrain makes wildlife spotting easier than in dense bush, and you may witness predator-prey interactions. Bird enthusiasts will appreciate species adapted to grassland environments. The afternoon light creates beautiful conditions for photography against the flat horizon.
3-4 hours
Included in morning activity cost
Evening
Return to Makgadikgadi accommodation
Drive back to your lodge for dinner and relaxation, processing the day's wildlife encounters and preparing for tomorrow's journey to the Kalahari
Where to Stay Tonight
Makgadikgadi Pans area (Same camp as previous nights)
Central location between Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan allows exploration of both areas
Nxai Pan is particularly spectacular if you visit during or just after rains (December-April) when the pans fill with water and flamingos
Day 8 Budget: $320-450
Journey deep into Africa's largest game reserve, entering a remote wilderness of red dunes, fossil river valleys, and adapted wildlife.
Morning
Depart early for the drive south and west to
Central Kalahari Game Reserve, one of the world's largest protected areas. The journey takes 4-5 hours depending on your entry point. As you travel, the landscape transforms to red Kalahari sand and scattered acacia trees. This reserve offers true wilderness remoteness with minimal tourist infrastructure. Stop at Rakops or Mopipi for supplies before entering the reserve where facilities are non-existent.
4-5 hours
$70-90 for fuel
Ensure your vehicle is properly equipped with spare tires and emergency supplies
Lunch
Packed lunch from your previous lodge, eaten at the reserve entrance
Picnic
Mid-range
Afternoon
Enter the vast
Central Kalahari Game Reserve and begin exploring its unique desert ecosystem. Unlike typical safari destinations, the Kalahari offers wide-open spaces with exceptional visibility. Look for gemsbok with their striking black-and-white faces, springbok herds, and Kalahari lions with distinctive black manes. The reserve's fossil river valleys create natural game viewing routes. Your guide will explain desert adaptations that allow wildlife to thrive in this arid environment.
3-4 hours
$150-200 including park fees and guide
Reserve accommodation and guides well in advance as options are extremely limited
Evening
Dinner under Kalahari stars
Enjoy a traditional bush dinner at your remote camp, experiencing the profound silence and star-filled skies of one of Africa's most isolated wilderness areas
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Kalahari Game Reserve interior (Remote mobile camp or basic lodge)
Staying inside the reserve allows early morning and late afternoon game viewing during optimal wildlife activity periods
The Kalahari is not a true desert; it receives seasonal rainfall and supports surprising biodiversity despite its arid appearance
Day 9 Budget: $400-550
Full day exploring the Central Kalahari's vast landscapes, tracking desert-adapted wildlife and learning about San Bushmen culture.
Morning
Set out at first light when predators are most active and temperatures are coolest. The Kalahari's big cats are legendary, with lions and cheetahs hunting across the open plains. Track black-maned lions, spot caracals and bat-eared foxes, and observe massive herds of springbok and gemsbok. The landscape's subtle beauty reveals itself in golden grasses, red sand dunes, and ancient camelthorn trees. Your guide will interpret animal tracks and behaviors unique to desert environments.
4-5 hours
$100-150
Lunch
Return to camp for lunch during the hot midday hours
Camp cuisine
Mid-range
Afternoon
Afternoon exploration and cultural experience
After the midday heat subsides, venture out again to explore different areas of the reserve. Many camps offer optional cultural experiences with local San Bushmen communities, learning about traditional survival skills, medicinal plants, and tracking techniques developed over millennia. The San have inhabited the Kalahari for over 20,000 years and possess intimate knowledge of this challenging environment. Alternatively, focus on bird watching for endemic species like Burchell's sandgrouse.
3-4 hours
$80-120
Cultural experiences should be booked through your camp to ensure ethical, community-approved interactions
Evening
Sundowner and night drive
Enjoy drinks at a scenic viewpoint as the sun sets over the Kalahari, then participate in a night drive spotting nocturnal species like aardvarks, porcupines, and honey badgers
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Kalahari Game Reserve (Same camp as Day 9)
Multiple nights in this remote location justify the long journey in and allow deeper exploration
Bring a good camera with zoom lens; the open terrain allows for dramatic wildlife photography with minimal vegetation obstruction
Day 10 Budget: $420-570
Morning
Begin the long journey southwest toward
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, a unique conservation area spanning Botswana and
South Africa. The drive takes most of the day through remote Kalahari landscape. This is one of Africa's most isolated routes with minimal settlements. The transfrontier park concept allows wildlife to move freely across borders as they have for millennia. Stop in Hukuntsi or Tshabong for fuel and supplies.
6-8 hours
$80-120 for fuel
Depart very early to arrive at Kgalagadi with time for afternoon activities
Lunch
Packed lunch from your Kalahari camp, eaten at a roadside stop
Picnic
Budget
Afternoon
Enter
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park through the Botswana side and check into your accommodation. If time permits, take a short evening game drive along the dry Nossob riverbed, which serves as a natural highway for wildlife. The park is famous for its red dunes, black-maned lions, and excellent predator sightings. The stark beauty and remoteness create an authentic wilderness experience.
2-3 hours
$50-80 including park entry
Evening
Dinner and rest
Enjoy dinner at your lodge or camp, recovering from the long drive and preparing for full-day exploration tomorrow
Where to Stay Tonight
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Botswana side (Safari camp or basic lodge near park entrance)
Staying within or near the park allows early morning game drives when wildlife is most active
The Botswana side of Kgalagadi is less developed than the South African side, offering a more remote experience with fewer vehicles
Day 11 Budget: $300-420
Full day tracking the legendary predators of Kgalagadi along ancient riverbeds and red dune landscapes.
Morning
Embark on an extensive morning game drive along the Nossob and Auob riverbeds, the park's main wildlife arteries. Kgalagadi offers some of Africa's best predator viewing, with healthy populations of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas. The open terrain and concentrated wildlife along riverbeds create excellent sighting opportunities. Watch for gemsbok, springbok, blue wildebeest, and the unique Kalahari's adapted species. The red dunes provide dramatic backdrops for photography.
5-6 hours
$120-180
Request an experienced guide who knows predator territories and den sites
Lunch
Picnic lunch at one of the designated sites along the riverbed
Packed lunch
Mid-range
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon exploring different sections of the park, perhaps venturing toward the South African side if your permits allow. Visit waterholes where animals congregate during the dry season. The park's raptors are spectacular, including martial eagles and pale chanting goshawks. As afternoon progresses, position yourself at productive waterholes for the possibility of predator activity. The late afternoon light enhances the red sand's color.
4-5 hours
Included in morning cost
Evening
Sunset at a scenic viewpoint
Find a high point to watch the sun set over the red dunes, then return to camp for dinner sharing the day's sightings with fellow travelers
Where to Stay Tonight
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park area (Same camp as Day 11)
Two nights allows thorough exploration of this remote park without rushing
Kgalagadi's extreme temperatures mean early morning and late afternoon are not just best for wildlife but essential for comfort
Day 12 Budget: $380-510
Begin the journey back to Gaborone, stopping at
Mokolodi Nature Reserve for a final wildlife experience near the capital.
Morning
Drive from Kgalagadi toward Gaborone
Depart Kgalagadi for the long drive back toward Gaborone. The journey takes most of the day, retracing your route through remote Kalahari landscape. Alternatively, arrange a charter flight to save time and enjoy aerial views. This is a good day for reflection on your safari experiences. Stop in Tshabong or other small settlements for fuel and refreshments. The landscape gradually transitions back to more populated areas.
7-8 hours driving
$100-150 for fuel or $350-450 for charter
Charter flights require advance booking and should be arranged before entering Kgalagadi
Lunch
Simple meal at a roadside stop or small town restaurant
Local basics
Budget
Afternoon
Stop at
Mokolodi Nature Reserve just outside Gaborone for a final wildlife experience. This community-owned reserve offers rhino tracking, giraffe encounters, and various antelope species in a more intimate setting than the vast parks you've visited. The reserve focuses on conservation education and breeding programs for endangered species. Take a guided drive or walk to see wildlife up close and learn about Botswana's conservation efforts.
2-3 hours
$40-60
Call ahead to confirm rhino tracking availability if interested
Evening
Dinner in Gaborone
Enjoy a celebratory dinner at an upscale restaurant in Gaborone, perhaps featuring Botswana beef and local specialties, reminiscing about your safari adventures
Where to Stay Tonight
Gaborone city center (Comfortable hotel near the airport)
Convenient location for your departure flight tomorrow and access to restaurants for your final evening
Mokolodi offers a gift shop with high-quality crafts; it's a good last chance for souvenirs supporting conservation
Day 13 Budget: $280-400
Final morning in Botswana with optional activities before your departure flight, completing your comprehensive safari journey.
Morning
Matsieng Footprints and last-minute exploration
If your flight allows, visit the Matsieng Footprints, a sacred site featuring ancient rock engravings and indentations believed by local tradition to be the footprints of ancestors emerging from the earth. This cultural site provides meaningful context for Botswana's heritage. Alternatively, revisit Botswana Craft for any final souvenir purchases or simply relax at your hotel reflecting on your journey through Botswana's incredible wilderness areas.
2-3 hours
$20-30
Lunch
Final meal at a restaurant near the airport or in your hotel
Your choice
Mid-range
Afternoon
Airport departure
Transfer to
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport for your departure flight. Arrive at least two hours before international flights. Take time at the airport to browse the duty-free shop for last-minute purchases. Reflect on your incredible journey from the elephant herds of Chobe to the vast salt pans of Makgadikgadi and the predator-rich Kalahari landscapes. Botswana's wilderness will call you back.
Varies by flight time
$20-30 for airport transfer
Evening
Departure
Board your international flight home with memories of Africa's finest wildlife encounters and Botswana's pristine wilderness
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (N/A)
Departure day
Keep some
pula currency for airport purchases as not all vendors accept cards, but don't exchange too much as rates at the airport are poor
Day 14 Budget: $120-180