Essential Botswana

On arrival in Maun, you will be met and assisted with your light aircraft transfer to Dinaka, located within a private reserve on the northern edge of the vast Central Kalahari ecosystem.

As you fly over Botswana’s dramatic landscapes, the contrast between the Kalahari and the Okavango Delta becomes immediately apparent. Dinaka is a place of endless horizons, golden grasslands and ancient fossil riverbeds, offering a sense of wilderness and remoteness that is uniquely Kalahari. Far from the crowds, this pristine reserve provides an authentic safari experience in one of Botswana’s most captivating regions.

After settling into camp and taking in the surrounding scenery, head out on your first safari activity and begin your exploration of this remarkable wilderness.

Overnight at Dinaka on an all-inclusive basis.

Today, enjoy a range of safari activities within Dinaka’s exclusive private concession. The beauty of the Kalahari lies not only in its wildlife, but also in its vast sense of space and solitude. Sweeping grasslands, ancient fossil riverbeds and open plains create exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing, with regular sightings of lion, cheetah, leopard and brown hyena.

Explore the reserve on game drives by day and night, venture off-road for rewarding wildlife encounters, or join a guided nature walk for a closer look at the region’s unique flora and fauna. You may also gain insight into the traditional survival skills of the San Bushmen through cultural experiences and wildlife tracking activities. Photographers will appreciate the specially designed underground hides overlooking waterholes, offering unique perspectives on the wildlife.

As darkness falls, the Kalahari reveals one of its greatest treasures – some of the clearest night skies in Africa, providing spectacular stargazing far from any artificial light.

Overnight at Dinaka on an all-inclusive basis.

After your morning activity, fly north into the heart of the Okavango Delta, one of the world's largest inland deltas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Your home for the next three nights is Shinde, beautifully positioned on a lush palm island overlooking Shinde Lagoon. This area represents the classic Okavango experience, where permanent waterways, seasonal floodplains and islands combine to create one of Africa's most wildlife-rich environments.

The annual floodwaters arriving from Angola transform the landscape into a vast oasis, attracting extraordinary concentrations of wildlife throughout the year. Enjoy your first Delta safari activity this afternoon.

Overnight at Shinde on an all-inclusive basis.

Spend two days exploring the diverse landscapes of the Shinde Private Concession, one of the Okavango Delta’s most wildlife-rich regions. A mosaic of permanent waterways, islands, floodplains, grasslands and woodlands creates an exceptional variety of safari experiences. Glide through reed-lined channels by traditional mokoro, cruise the Delta’s waterways by boat, or venture into the bush on expertly guided game drives.

This rich habitat supports an abundance of wildlife, including elephant, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, lion, leopard and African wild dog, while the waterways and floodplains attract a remarkable diversity of birdlife. With each activity offering a different perspective on the Delta, Shinde provides one of Botswana’s most complete and rewarding safari experiences.

Overnight at Shinde on an all-inclusive basis.

After your morning activity, transfer by light aircraft to Kanana, located within a private concession in the south-western Okavango Delta.

While still part of the Delta ecosystem, Kanana offers a distinctly different experience to Shinde. Known for its beautiful seasonal floodplains, winding channels and forested islands, the area is renowned for its pristine wilderness and exceptional birdlife.
The concession is home to one of the Delta's most important heronries, where thousands of waterbirds nest during the breeding season, creating a spectacular wildlife spectacle.

Overnight at Kanana on an all-inclusive basis.

Spend two days exploring the rich ecosystems of Kanana, a remote and beautiful region of the Okavango Delta known for its exceptional wildlife and birdlife. A mix of permanent waterways, seasonal floodplains and productive grasslands creates ideal conditions for a variety of safari activities, including game drives, boating excursions, mokoro safaris and guided nature walks.

Kanana is particularly renowned for sightings of the elusive Pel’s Fishing Owl, one of Africa’s most sought-after birds, alongside healthy populations of elephant, buffalo, lion and leopard. Its secluded location and diverse habitats offer a quieter, more intimate Delta experience, where hidden channels, expansive floodplains and spectacular scenery provide a memorable finale to your Botswana safari.

Overnight at Kanana on an all-inclusive basis.

Enjoy a final morning safari activity before breakfast.

Later, transfer by light aircraft back to Maun Airport for your onward arrangements.

For those wishing to extend their journey, additional nights in the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park or Victoria Falls can easily be added.