Botswana Adventure from Maun: Small Group

From Maun to Maun
  • Botswana
  • Small Group Tours
  • Wildlife and Nature
  • Drifters Tours
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Tour Description

Partake in an amazing small group Accommodated Tour of Botswana!

Embark on our captivating small group accommodated journey, exploring Botswana's mesmerizing Okavango Delta and renowned reserves.  Originating from Angola, the Okavango River forms an extraordinary inland delta, teeming with diverse plant and animal life. To truly experience this natural wonder, we navigate through its intricate network of channels aboard traditional mokoro canoes, traverse the enchanting islands on foot, and absorb the wisdom of our knowledgeable local guides.

Nestled on the edge of the lagoon, our comfortable camp awaits, providing a serene haven where we can revel in breathtaking views, find relaxation, and immerse ourselves in the tranquility of the surroundings. We have the opportunity to indulge in leisurely sunset cruises, witnessing the sky ablaze with vibrant hues as the sun bids its daily farewell.

Leaving the delta behind, we board a flight that gracefully soars over its sprawling expanse, carrying us to the Khwai airstrip. From there, we embark on a transfer to our campsite nestled alongside the enchanting Khwai River. Here, in this secluded haven, we find ourselves surrounded by untouched wilderness, far removed from the noise of modern civilization.

Over the next four days, we embark on exhilarating game drives, traversing diverse habitats that unveil a tapestry of awe-inspiring landscapes. From open plains adorned with majestic palm trees to marshlands, dense Mopane woodlands, and the captivating Acacia scrub, every turn reveals a new facet of this pristine ecosystem. With our skilled local guides leading the way in well-equipped, open 4x4 Land Cruisers, we set out to explore the Khwai concession, along with the renowned reserves of Moremi and Savuti.

Our game drives offer countless opportunities for remarkable wildlife encounters. Majestic elephants sauntering across the plains, stealthy predators on the prowl, and graceful antelope gracefully grazing in their natural habitat are just a few of the breathtaking sights that await us. Each day brings new discoveries and unforgettable moments, as we immerse ourselves in the untamed beauty of the region.

As the sun gracefully sets, we make our way back to our bush camp, where the welcoming glow of a crackling fire invites us to gather around. Savoring a hearty meal, we find solace in the symphony of nature's nocturnal sounds—a distant hyena's howl, the earthy roar of a lion, and the deep grunt of a half-submerged hippo—all serving as a lullaby that serenades us to sleep.

Throughout our expedition, our campsite remains exclusive and undeveloped, allowing us to revel in the untouched wilderness and connect intimately with nature. We bring with us everything we need, ensuring we leave no trace when we depart, preserving the pristine environment we've come to cherish.

Depending on the ever-changing conditions and our thirst for exploration, our journey might take us even further afield. We may venture into the vast Central Kalahari Game Reserve or make our way to the unique Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, expanding our horizons and deepening our understanding of the diverse ecosystems that Botswana has to offer.

We explore the world renowned National Parks in fully equipped, open 4x4 vehicles, our route following the age-old game migration tracks, depending on the season.

This tour offers the adventure traveller, the photographer, the birdwatcher and the naturalist the ultimate natural paradise.

Want to see more?  Talk to us about extending your trip today!

Viva's Best Bits...

Experience the thrill of up-close encounters on exhilarating game drives in well-equipped 4x4 Land Cruisers. Explore the untamed national parks, pausing at waterholes and hides to witness wildlife in their natural habitat.

Venture off the tourist trail to discover the best of Botswana's game reserves. This extraordinary experience allows you to witness an abundance of wild African animals.

Discover the wonder of the Okavango Delta, renowned as the world's largest inland delta. Explore its exceptional biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and thriving ecosystem. With over 1,000 species of plants, 480 species of birds, and 130 species of mammals

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Maun

Arriving in Maun make your way to the Drifters Maun Lodge to meet up with the rest of the group.

The Drifters Maun Lodge offers wonderful views over the wide Boteti River – the bird watching is exceptional. Fall asleep tonight to the deep grunts of hippo

Day 2-3
Okavango Delta

After an early start, we leave the lodge and head to Maun in time to catch your flight into the Okavango Delta.

The Okavango River, emanating from central Angola, far to the northwest, flows south- and eastwards, before slowing and spreading into one of the world’s only true inland deltas creating as it does so, a unique ecosystem that supports a huge variety of animal and plant life. The sight of a Jacana striding delicately amongst the flowering lilies, the Bee Eater diving to prey on an unsuspecting insect, and, of course, the familiar cry of the African Fish Eagle - all combine to create the canvas of one of nature’s unique masterpieces. The river, eventually spilling its contents into the vast plains of the Makgadikgadi sands.

Our comfortable and well- appointed camp on the edge of one of the largest lagoons serves as a base from which we explore. We will glide through narrow, reed-lined channels by mokoro, walk on uninhabited islands, and picnic in the wilderness while learning about the animals and plants of the Delta from local guides who have grown up in the area.

Through informal interaction with the guides, we will have the opportunity to learn about the local people and their way of life in this isolated wilderness. We will also have time to simply relax and enjoy the views over a glistening lagoon from a beautiful wooden deck, cold drink in hand, go for a walk with our guide, or take a refreshing dip in the pool. One afternoon we enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on a boat.

Day 4-7
Flexible Game Reserve schedule in Khwai Area

Starting early, we transfer back to the airstrip to catch a second flight over the vast expanse of the Delta and Moremi National park, to the Khwai airstrip. Be sure to take in the breath- taking sights of the vast expanse of the Delta, and also keep an eye out for the wildlife that inhabits it.

Whilst in the air our support vehicle will have gone ahead with your luggage and all the camp equipment, On landing you will be met by the Drifters ground crew and transported in open vehicle game viewers to our campsite on the banks of the Khwai river, where the support staff have erected our tents. This wild experience is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the tour.

For the next 4 days, we game-drive extensively during the day to stop at hides and water holes at leisure, and to make the most of our time here. We travel in well-equipped, open 4x4 Land Cruisers, with our local Motswana guides, exploring the Khwai concession and the famous reserves of Moremi and Savuti. Our route is flexible and depends on the season.

The vegetation is constantly changing - from open plains with palm trees, to marshland, to dense Mopane woodlands or Acacia scrub. This variety of habitats makes for excellent game viewing. The 4x4s aren’t just for show, as the national parks are truly wild places, the roads are just tracks in the sand. We carry only our cameras and day packs, a picnic lunch and drinks for the road.

Towards sunset we arrive back at our camp in the bush, where the ground staff have lit a warm fire to welcome us. After a hearty meal it is time to retire., Drifting off to sleep to the howl of the distant hyena or the earthy roar of a lion and even the deep grunt of a half-submerged hippo. We use an exclusive campsite on the banks of the Khwai river, completely secluded and undeveloped – it is as if we are the first people here, and are alone in the world. We bring everything we will need with us, and leave nothing behind when we depart.

Our backup crew remains with us throughout, so we can concentrate on the wilderness.
Depending on the ever-changing conditions in the National Parks we might also venture into the vast Central Kalahari Game Reserve or the unique Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.

Day 8
Game Reserve Maun

Our last morning in the parks, we slowly game drive our way back to Maun. We enjoy an own expense lunch, and have some time to explore the town. We will spend time stocking up on basic supplies, before travelling the short distance out of town to the Drifters Maun Tented Lodge, our stop for the night.

The lodge is situated on the banks of the Boteti River. This river is known to change its flow direction, depending upon the season and rainfall patterns. The lodge offers comfortable, tented en-suite accommodation, a swimming pool, bar, restaurant and birdlife.

This afternoon we relax at the lodge before enjoying a catered meal and a comfortable night.

Day 9
Maun

Your tour ends after breakfast.

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 4 nights Lodge / Under canvas accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 4 nights remote serviced camping in National Parks
Food
  • Included Copy 20 8 breakfasts
  • Included Copy 20 6 lunches
  • Included Copy 20 8 dinners
  • Included Copy 7 alcohol, bottled water, soft drinks, restaurant meals
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 2 licensed, professional tour managers
  • Included Copy 20 group equipment
  • Included Copy 20 permits and park entry fees
  • Included Copy 7 visas, tips, flights, airport taxes, airport transfers or any optional extras
Transportation

Drifters Expedition Vehicle

Activities

  • Included Embark on a thrilling safari adventure as you navigate the delta's waterways by traditional mokoro
  • Included Enjoy guided walks in the Delta led by local Motswana guides
  • Included Experience the thrill of up-close encounters on exhilarating game drives
  • Included Immerse yourself in the wild with remote, serviced camping in Botswanas National Parks
  • Included Optional: Scenic flight – Okavango Delta
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Some Dates On Special!
Get 15% off for travel in December 2024 - Offer valid until sold out!
Duration

9 days

Price from

$3,998 $3,400 USD

Per person, sharing

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