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Wild Botswana: A Week in Africa's Safari Paradise

From Chobe Elephants to Kalahari Stars

Trip Overview

This seven-day journey through Botswana showcases the country's extraordinary wildlife, vast wilderness, and rich cultural heritage. Beginning in the capital Gaborone, you'll explore urban attractions before venturing into some of Africa's most pristine national parks. Experience the elephant-rich Chobe National Park, the surreal salt pans of Makgadikgadi, and the remote wilderness of the Central Kalahari. This itinerary balances thrilling game drives with cultural experiences and natural wonders, offering intimate encounters with Africa's iconic wildlife. The pace allows for both adventure and relaxation, with comfortable accommodations and expert-guided safari experiences throughout.

Pace
Moderate
Daily Budget
$250-400 per day
Best Seasons
May to October (dry season for optimal wildlife viewing)
Ideal For
Wildlife enthusiasts, Adventure seekers, First-time safari travelers, Photography lovers, Nature lovers

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Gateway to Botswana

Gaborone
Arrive in Botswana's capital and acclimate with cultural sites and local wildlife encounters just outside the city.
Morning
Visit The Three Dikgosi Monument
Start your Botswana adventure at this iconic monument honoring three tribal chiefs who played crucial roles in the country's history. The bronze statues stand prominently in the city center, offering insight into Botswana's journey to independence and the importance of traditional leadership. Take time to read the inscriptions and appreciate the symbolism of unity represented here.
1-2 hours Free
Lunch
A traditional restaurant in the city center serving local Setswana cuisine
Botswana traditional (seswaa, pap, morogo) Mid-range
Afternoon
Explore Mokolodi Nature Reserve
Just 12 kilometers south of Gaborone, this community-owned reserve offers excellent wildlife viewing including rhino, giraffe, zebra, and various antelope species. Take a guided game drive or nature walk to get your first taste of Botswana's incredible biodiversity. The reserve's conservation education center provides context for the country's wildlife protection efforts and community-based conservation model.
3-4 hours $30-50
Book game drives in advance, especially during peak season
Evening
Dinner and rest
Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the Riverwalk area with outdoor seating, perfect for your first evening in Botswana

Where to Stay Tonight

Gaborone city center (Mid-range hotel near government enclave)

Central location provides easy access to restaurants and early departure for tomorrow's journey north

Visit Botswana Craft to purchase authentic locally-made souvenirs and support artisan cooperatives before heading to remote areas
Day 1 Budget: $200-300
2

Journey to Elephant Country

Chobe National Park
Travel north to Chobe National Park, home to Africa's largest elephant population, arriving in time for an afternoon river safari.
Morning
Scenic drive to Kasane via Nata
Depart early for the approximately 10-hour drive north through Botswana's diverse landscapes. The journey takes you through rural villages and changing ecosystems. Stop in Nata for refreshments and to stretch your legs. Consider flying if time is limited, as the drive is long but offers authentic glimpses of rural Botswana life along the way.
8-10 hours $150-250 (flight alternative: $200-300)
Book domestic flights well in advance for better rates
Lunch
A roadside restaurant in Nata serving local and international dishes
Mixed African and Western Budget
Afternoon
Arrive and settle in Kasane area
Arrive in Kasane, the gateway to Chobe National Park, and check into your accommodation. Take time to relax after the long journey and prepare for tomorrow's early safari activities. If time permits, take a short walk along the Chobe River to spot hippos and crocodiles from the safety of the riverbank, getting your first glimpse of the incredible wildlife concentration.
2-3 hours $0
Evening
Sunset river cruise
Take a sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River to see elephants, hippos, and crocodiles coming to drink, with spectacular photography opportunities

Where to Stay Tonight

Kasane (Safari lodge or guesthouse near Chobe National Park entrance)

Proximity to park gates allows for early morning game drives and easy access to river activities

The Sedudu Gate entrance offers less crowded access to Chobe's riverfront area during peak season
Day 2 Budget: $300-450
3

Chobe Wildlife Spectacular

Chobe National Park
Experience the full splendor of Chobe with morning and afternoon game drives through Africa's premier elephant sanctuary.
Morning
Sunrise game drive in Chobe National Park
Enter the park at dawn when wildlife is most active. Chobe hosts over 120,000 elephants, and you'll likely encounter large herds, especially near the riverfront. The park also offers excellent sightings of lions, leopards, buffalo, and hundreds of bird species. Your experienced guide will navigate the network of tracks along the Chobe River, positioning you for optimal wildlife viewing and photography opportunities.
4-5 hours $80-120
Book guided drives through your lodge for the best local knowledge and vehicle positioning
Lunch
Return to your lodge for a hearty lunch and midday rest during the heat
International buffet or set menu Mid-range
Afternoon
Afternoon game drive at Chobe National Park Stretch Point
The afternoon drive focuses on different areas of the park, including the Stretch Point area known for large buffalo herds and predator activity. As temperatures cool, animals become more active again. Watch elephants bathing and playing in the river, and keep your eyes open for the elusive leopard resting in riverside trees. The golden afternoon light creates perfect conditions for photography.
3-4 hours $80-120
Evening
Traditional boma dinner
Enjoy an outdoor dinner under the stars at your lodge, often featuring traditional music and storytelling around the fire

Where to Stay Tonight

Kasane/Chobe area (Same safari lodge as previous night)

Staying put maximizes time in the park and maintains early access for game drives

Bring binoculars for bird watching - Chobe has over 450 bird species, including African fish eagles and colorful bee-eaters
Day 3 Budget: $350-500
4

Salt Pans and Ancient Baobabs

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
Journey south to the otherworldly Makgadikgadi salt pans and witness the legendary Baines Baobabs at sunset.
Morning
Drive to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
Depart Kasane for the approximately 5-hour drive south to Makgadikgadi. The landscape transforms dramatically as you approach one of the world's largest salt pan complexes, remnants of an ancient super-lake. Stop at viewpoints to appreciate the vast, shimmering white expanse that stretches to the horizon, creating mirages and optical illusions in the heat.
5-6 hours including stops $100-150
Lunch
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the pans
Packed lunch from your lodge Mid-range
Afternoon
Explore Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
Check into your accommodation and venture onto the salt pans themselves. During the dry season, you can walk on the crusty surface of these ancient lake beds. The stark, surreal landscape feels almost lunar, with nothing but white salt and blue sky to the horizon. Watch for springbok, gemsbok, and other desert-adapted species that thrive in this harsh environment.
2-3 hours $50-80
Guided quad bike tours offer a thrilling way to explore the pans
Evening
Sunset at Baines Baobabs
Visit the iconic Baines Baobabs, a cluster of ancient trees on the edge of the pans, painted by explorer Thomas Baines in 1862 and virtually unchanged since

Where to Stay Tonight

Gweta or nearby the pans (Tented camp or lodge on the pan's edge)

Remote location offers incredible stargazing opportunities and authentic wilderness experience

The Makgadikgadi area has some of Africa's darkest skies - arrange a stargazing session with an astronomer guide if available
Day 4 Budget: $300-450
5

Nxai Pan Wildlife Haven

Nxai Pan National Park
Explore the neighboring Nxai Pan National Park, known for its stunning baobab groves and seasonal wildlife concentrations.
Morning
Game drive in Nxai Pan National Park
Just north of Makgadikgadi, Nxai Pan offers excellent wildlife viewing, especially during the wet season when zebras and wildebeest migrate here in vast numbers. Even in the dry season, you'll encounter giraffe, elephant, and various antelope species. The park's famous baobab cluster, known as Baines' Baobabs, provides a dramatic backdrop for wildlife photography. The landscape of grasslands dotted with palm islands creates a unique ecosystem.
4-5 hours $60-100
Combine this with your Makgadikgadi park fees for better value
Lunch
Bush picnic in the shade of ancient baobabs within the park
Packed safari lunch Mid-range
Afternoon
Explore more of Nxai Pan or relax at camp
Continue exploring Nxai Pan's diverse landscapes, or return to your accommodation for a relaxing afternoon. Many camps offer cultural experiences with local communities, including visits to nearby villages or interactions with San bushmen who can share traditional knowledge about surviving in this harsh environment. Alternatively, simply enjoy the solitude and unique beauty of the pan from your camp.
3-4 hours $50-80
Evening
Sundowner on the pan
Enjoy drinks on the edge of the salt pan as the sun sets, creating spectacular color displays across the flat landscape

Where to Stay Tonight

Nxai Pan or return to Gweta area (Safari camp with traditional tents)

Staying in the wilderness area maximizes wildlife viewing opportunities and authentic safari experience

Visit between December and April to witness the zebra migration, one of Africa's most spectacular wildlife movements
Day 5 Budget: $280-420
6

Into the Heart of the Kalahari

Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Journey into one of the world's largest game reserves, experiencing the raw beauty and isolation of the Kalahari Desert.
Morning
Drive to Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Depart early for the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, one of the largest protected areas in Africa. The drive takes you deeper into remote wilderness, where the landscape shifts to classic Kalahari scenery of red sand, scattered acacia trees, and endless horizons. This vast reserve is home to black-maned Kalahari lions, cheetah, and unique desert-adapted species. The sense of isolation and wilderness here is profound.
4-5 hours $120-180
4x4 vehicle is essential for Central Kalahari - arrange through your accommodation
Lunch
Lunch at your remote camp upon arrival
Camp-prepared meals Mid-range
Afternoon
Afternoon game drive in Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Explore the reserve's ancient river valleys and fossil dunes. Wildlife sightings require patience here, but rewards include gemsbok, springbok, wildebeest, and if you're fortunate, the magnificent black-maned lions that have adapted to this arid environment. The reserve's remoteness means you'll likely have vast areas entirely to yourself, offering a truly wild African experience that's increasingly rare.
3-4 hours $80-120
Book accommodations well in advance as options are very limited in this remote area
Evening
Night under Kalahari stars
Experience the incredible silence of the Kalahari at night, with some of the clearest stargazing in the world and possible night wildlife sounds

Where to Stay Tonight

Central Kalahari Game Reserve (Remote wilderness camp or basic camping)

Staying inside the reserve offers the ultimate wilderness immersion and access to dawn wildlife activity

The Kalahari is surprisingly cold at night during winter months (May-August) - bring warm layers even though days are hot
Day 6 Budget: $320-480
7

Return to Civilization

Gaborone
Journey back to Gaborone with time for final wildlife viewing and cultural experiences before departure.
Morning
Early game drive and departure from Central Kalahari
Rise before dawn for a final game drive in the Kalahari, when predators are still active and the soft morning light illuminates the red sand. After breakfast, begin the journey back toward Gaborone. The long drive allows time to reflect on the incredible wilderness experiences of the past week and transition back to urban life gradually.
2-3 hours game drive, 5-6 hours driving $60-80
Lunch
Stop at a roadside restaurant en route for a final taste of Botswana cuisine
Local dishes Budget
Afternoon
Visit Kgale Hill Public Park or Gaborone Game Reserve
If time permits before your flight, visit Kgale Hill for panoramic views over Gaborone and a short hike, or stop at Gaborone Game Reserve for a final wildlife encounter close to the city. Alternatively, visit Botswana Craft to purchase last-minute souvenirs and gifts. The reserve offers a peaceful contrast to the remote wilderness you've experienced, with easy walking trails and smaller game viewing.
2-3 hours $10-30
Evening
Departure preparations
Enjoy a farewell dinner at a restaurant in Gaborone before your evening flight, celebrating an unforgettable week in Botswana

Where to Stay Tonight

Not needed if evening departure (Day room at airport hotel if needed)

Most international flights depart in the evening, but day rooms available if you need to freshen up

Allow extra time at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport for shopping - the duty-free has excellent local crafts and diamonds
Day 7 Budget: $180-280

Practical Information

Getting Around

This itinerary requires a 4x4 vehicle rental for maximum flexibility and access to remote areas, especially Central Kalahari. Alternatively, combine domestic flights between major hubs (Gaborone-Kasane-Maun) with organized safari transfers. Self-driving offers freedom but requires navigation skills and preparation. Most lodges offer game drive vehicles with experienced guides. Roads between major towns are paved but can be long; internal park roads are sand tracks requiring 4x4. Budget $100-150 daily for vehicle rental plus fuel.

Book Ahead

Book all accommodation 3-6 months ahead, especially for peak season (June-October). Reserve Chobe game drives and boat cruises at least 2 weeks in advance. Domestic flights should be booked early for better rates. Central Kalahari permits and accommodation require advance booking due to limited availability. Helicopter tours via Helicopter Horizons need advance reservation.

Packing Essentials

Neutral-colored clothing for game drives, warm layers for early mornings and Kalahari nights, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), binoculars, camera with zoom lens, insect repellent, reusable water bottle, flashlight, basic first aid kit, and any prescription medications. Bring both lightweight and warm clothing as temperatures vary dramatically.

Total Budget

$2,000-3,000 per person for the week (mid-range), excluding international flights

Customize Your Trip

Budget Version

Stay in guesthouses and budget camps instead of lodges, reducing accommodation costs by 40-50%. Use public transport or budget car rental between major towns, camping in national parks where permitted. Join group tours for game drives rather than private vehicles. Focus on Chobe and Makgadikgadi, skipping Central Kalahari. Prepare your own meals where possible. This can reduce total costs to $1,200-1,600 per person.

Luxury Upgrade

Fly between destinations via chartered flights, staying at exclusive private concessions and luxury tented camps like those in the Okavango Delta region. Book private game drives and boats with expert guides. Add a helicopter safari with Helicopter Horizons over the Okavango. Include spa treatments and fine dining experiences. Arrange private cultural experiences with San communities. Budget $800-1,500 per day for ultra-luxury accommodations and exclusive experiences.

Family-Friendly

Base yourself in fewer locations to minimize long drives - focus on Gaborone, Chobe, and Makgadikgadi only. Choose family-friendly lodges with swimming pools and children's programs. Opt for shorter game drives (2-3 hours) with breaks. Visit Mokolodi Nature Reserve for walking safaris suitable for children. Include cultural activities and craft workshops. Book family suites or connecting rooms. Many lodges offer reduced rates for children and special safari programs for young wildlife enthusiasts.

Book Activities for Your Trip

Tours, tickets, and experiences in Botswana

Continue Planning Your Trip

Things to Do

Top attractions and activities for Botswana

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Botswana

Getting Around

Transport options and tips for Botswana

Where to Stay

Accommodation guide for Botswana

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