Elephant River Safari
Cruise through Chobe National Park, gliding through floodplains, swamps and woodland spotting herds of elephants from the water.
This family holiday to Botswana perfectly showcases the culture, wildlife and diverse landscapes of northern Botswana, from the Okavango Deltas labyrinth of islands and waterways to the elephant herds of Chobe and the vast salt pans of the Kalahari.
Spend two nights onboard a houseboat, drifting through the wildlife rich landscapes of the Chobe National Park spotting wildlife from the deck, fishing and exploring smaller tributaries. On to the floodplains of the Okavango Delta for game drives, bush walks and mokoro explorations before ending amidst the otherworldly landscapes of the Makgadikgadi pans where traditional game viewing is switched for lunar landscapes, meerkat meets and quad bike adventures.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Desert Widsom
Join the San Bushmen of the Kalahari – track and forage with them, master fire making skills and experience a simpler existence.
Land and Water
Explore on land and water, taking game drives, bush walks and exploring in canoes and glass bottom mokoros.
Space & Silence
Quad bike across the Makgadikgadi salt pans before camping under immense skies – escape the normal routine and re-connect as a family.
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Day 1
Johannesburg - Kasane - Chobe National Park
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Day 2
Chobe National Park
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Day 3
Chobe National Park - Kasane - Okavango Delta
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Days 4-5
Okavango Delta
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Day 6
Okavango Delta - Makadi - Kalahari
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Days 7-8
Kalahari
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Day 9
Kalahari - Makadi - Maun
Day 1
Johannesburg - Kasane - Chobe National Park
Arrive into Kasane and transfer to Chobe National Park to board the Chobe Princess.
Day 2
Chobe National Park
Cruise the River Chobe, spotting wildlife, fishing and heading ashore to explore.
Day 3
Chobe National Park - Kasane - Okavango Delta
Transfer to the airport and fly to the Okavango Delta.
Days 4-5
Okavango Delta
Spend the next two days exploring the landscapes of the delta on foot, game drives and by mokoro.
Day 6
Okavango Delta - Makadi - Kalahari
Fly to Makadi and transfer overland to your accommodation on the Makgadikgadi pans.
Days 7-8
Kalahari
Explore the Kalahari – meet meerkats, walk with the San bushmen and spend a magical night under the stars.
Day 9
Kalahari - Makadi - Maun
Transfer to the airport for flights to Maun for onward travel.
More Details
Okavango Delta
Begin at Camp Okavango, at the heart of the delta. Offering year-round water activities, this beautiful camp affords idyllic views over the delta. The airy wooden suites blend into the natural surroundings, with a large communal area providing numerous places to relax and enjoy the wilderness location.
With flexibility, explore the waterways, reed banks and islands of the delta. Move slowly through this watery landscape in a traditional mokoro, spotting wildlife on land, in the sky and beneath the water. For children, there is the chance to go fishing. With the help of the camp guides, attempt to catch local tiger fish and bream.
Chobe National Park
Finish in Chobe National Park, home to a vast elephant population. Stay at the largest of the four camps, Chobe Game Lodge. Positioned within the park, this comfortable lodge gives children room to explore and make use of its beautiful communal areas and sweeping decks.
Spend time driving through Chobe’s woodland-dominated landscape or take a quiet boat cruise down the Chobe River. Relaxed and slow-moving, the latter offers lovely views across the river, as well as great wildlife viewing.
A note on price
This trip is based on a family of four with two children over the age of 12.
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchase through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £5,290 Per person
When to travel
Botswana in January
A hot time of year, with thunderstorms periodically clearing the air. The peak of the wet season brings lush grass and the chance to spot newborn animals and birds.
Botswana in February
It remains hot and wet throughout the country, with the Central Kalahari turning into lush grasslands. Fruit sweetens and many different species scour the trees for a tasty meal.
Botswana in March
The high temperatures continue but the rains start to abate as the rainy season draws to a close.
Botswana in April
Temperatures start to drop, and days become drier. Antelope are breeding at this time, and are visible trying to flaunt themselves to their respective females.
Botswana in May
The start of the dry season. A good time of year to travel with pleasant temperatures, before the peak season.
Botswana in June
The winter brings warm days but chillier nights, so it is worth bringing a jacket. There is very little rainfall now, so wildlife is easier to spot around watering holes.
Botswana in July
The driest and coolest month across the country, with almost no rainfall at all. The waters of the Okavango rise as the rains finally filter down from the mountains of Angola. The aridity means that there are fewer mosquitoes at this time of year.
Botswana in August
Temperatures rise again, meaning less chilly nights and hot days, still with very little rainfall. A great time to spot wildlife in the Okavango delta as the waters reach peak levels.
Botswana in September
Continued rising temperatures and clear blue skies make for hot days and pleasantly warm evenings. Much of the country becomes dry and dusty as it has now been many months since any significant rains. Wildlife can be spotted easily around receding watering holes.
Botswana in October
The hottest month with some temperatures close to 40C, and the first signs of rain approaching. Water levels fall in the Okavango delta, causing catfish to migrate upstream, feeding on smaller fish along the way.
Botswana in November
The heat continues, as the rainy season begins. Greenery starts to return to the plains, and it is possible to spot some newborns.
Botswana in December
The rains return in full swing, with regular thunderstorms providing some relief from the heat. Grass carpets many of the landscapes, providing plenty of food for the young.
Holiday Ideas
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