Botswana: from desert to delta

Day 1. Arrival in Maun and flight to the Camp

Today, you'll arrive in Maun and travel to a private game reserve in the northern part of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Here, you'll check into a desert safari camp offering comfort, first-class service, and excellent opportunities to explore the natural world. Spacious safari tents provide views of the watering hole, which attracts wildlife throughout the year.

You’ll have the chance to experience the wild beauty of the Kalahari: dunes, vast open landscapes, and rare wildlife such as the black-maned Kalahari lion, graceful springboks, oryxes, and nocturnal predators like brown hyenas. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a photo shoot from an unusual angle — from an underground bunker, allowing you to observe animals at eye level.

The day offers more than just classic morning and evening safaris. You’ll also enjoy a guided walk with Bushmen, who will share insights into their culture and reveal their survival techniques in the desert. You won’t encounter buffaloes or elephants here, which some first-time visitors to Africa might expect. However, if you aim to discover truly remote and unspoiled landscapes, this secluded destination is ideal.

After an eventful day, you’ll have the option to spend the night under the open sky, experiencing the magic of an African night. 

Day 2 — 3. Kalahari Desert safari

Over these two days, you will immerse yourself in the wonders of the Kalahari, a place that redefines the very concept of a desert. Contrary to expectations, this "desert" is far from barren: golden sands and greenish shrubs teem with life. The Kalahari astonishes with its remarkable biodiversity, defying what seems possible in such an arid environment.

The undisputed ruler of these sandy expanses is the black-maned Kalahari lion. These majestic predators are known for their coal-black manes, which appear even darker under the scorching Kalahari sun.

During the rainy season, the desert bursts into life, marking the migration of antelopes. Vast herds of springboks traverse the dusty trails, leaving footprints in the sand. These antelopes can reach speeds of up to 90 km/h, and their distinctive "pronking" — high, vertical leaps performed on stiff legs — is a sight to behold. These jumps, reaching heights of 2–3 metres, are thought by scientists to either help spot predators or serve as displays of strength.

As night falls, the desert reveals a different side when creatures that hide from the day's heat emerge to hunt. You might encounter the elusive brown hyena, a rare sight in most other national parks. Under cover of darkness, you could also spot the adorable fennec fox, with its large, bat-like ears, or the honey badger — a small but fearless animal renowned for its ability to defend itself even against larger predators.

The Kalahari is also home to ancient peoples, such as the San (Bushmen), who possess invaluable knowledge about edible plants and how to locate water in this challenging landscape. You will have the opportunity to meet members of the San community and hear their stories of survival and harmony with nature.

The dunes of the Kalahari shift constantly under the influence of the wind, creating a landscape in perpetual motion. This dynamic terrain occasionally reveals hidden lakes or grassy islands after rare rains, transforming the desert in surprising ways. The Kalahari enchants with its contrasts — ruby-red sunsets, profound silence, and a sense of unbounded freedom.

Day 4. Flight from the camp to Maun and the Okavango Delta

Upon arrival in Maun, you will fly to the Okavango Delta, one of the world's most unique ecosystems, nestled in the arid plains of Botswana. You will check into an island camp located in the heart of the delta, surrounded by floodplains and papyrus swamps. Here, you can observe hippos, crocodiles, and elephants, as well as fascinating feathered inhabitants such as the African jacana, the crowned crane, and the Pel’s fishing owl.

In the Okavango Delta, adventure awaits at every turn. Embark on a boat safari to encounter aquatic wildlife, or glide along the channels in a traditional mokoro canoe while soaking in the tranquillity and beauty of nature. During the dry season, you can explore the area by vehicle, keeping an eye out for lions, wild dogs, and leopards. As the water recedes, hiking reveals vast pastures where you may spot red lechwes, topi antelopes, and sitatungas. There are also extraordinary opportunities for birdwatching: with patience and a keen eye, you may spot some of the more than 930 avian species found in the region.

After a busy day, relax in the solitude of spacious tents perched on wooden platforms among palm trees, surrounded by trees and canals. End your day sharing stories around a campfire beneath the stars.