5-Day Boteti, Moremi, Khwai & Makgadikgadi Pans Safari
Price
From USD 2575 pps
Duration
Comfort Level
Budget (Lodge)
Departs From
Maun, BW
Ends At
Maun, BW
Journey from the lush, winding channels of the Okavango to the ancient baobabs and shimmering silence of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans on this diverse five-day safari.
Tour Highlights
- Full day Moremi Game Drive
- Full day Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans Game Drive
- Sunset mokoro on the Boteti River
- Afternoon mokoro safari on Mbudi River
- Morning mokoro on Mbudi River OR Guided nature walk in Khwai
This five-day safari offers an authentic and diverse journey through the most iconic landscapes of Botswana, from the lush waterways of the Okavango region to the vast, open salt flats of the Makgadikgadi. Your adventure begins at the peaceful Boteti Tented Safari Lodge, where a luxury elevated tent serves as your base for exploring the riverbanks. On your first afternoon, you will experience the quiet rhythm of the bush during a sunset mokoro ride or an insightful cultural tour of Xobe Village.
The expedition continues into the world-renowned Moremi Game Reserve, a premier destination for spotting lion, leopard, and the endangered African wild dog. Following a day of exhilarating wildlife encounters, you will spend the night immersed in the wilderness of the Khwai Community Concession. Here, you have the opportunity to participate in a sunrise mokoro safari on the Mbudi River and explore the diverse habitats of the Mogotho area and Dead Tree Island.
The final part of your journey takes you to the breathtaking Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans. You will witness the immense scale of these ancient salt flats while enjoying a continental breakfast in the open air and a picnic lunch beneath the historic Baines Baobabs. Whether you are tracking desert-adapted wildlife or sleeping under a brilliant canopy of stars at an exclusive bush camp, every moment is curated to provide a deep connection to nature. This safari is designed to showcase the incredible contrasts of Botswana in a relaxed and inviting manner.
Room Amenities
Available Room Types
Departure Type
Special Catering
Child Friendly
Day 1: Arrival and sunset mokoro ride on the Boteti River
Your Botswana expedition begins at Maun Airport, where you will be met by your professional ranger and guide. A short twenty-minute transfer brings you to the peaceful Boteti Tented Safari Lodge. After checking into your luxury elevated tent, which features a private veranda and en-suite facilities, you can enjoy a refreshing welcome drink while soaking in the sights of the surrounding bush.
As the heat of the afternoon begins to fade, you will head to the riverbanks for a signature sunset mokoro safari. Drifting quietly along the Boteti River in a traditional dugout canoe allows for an intimate perspective of the local wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and an array of vibrant waterbirds. If river levels are too low, you will instead enjoy a cultural tour of Xobe Village, featuring traditional dances and local craftsmanship.
Your first evening concludes with a delicious, traditionally prepared dinner served around a crackling open fire under a brilliant canopy of stars.
Accommodation: Safari-tented room with en-suite bathroom
Transfers: Transfer from Maun
Activities: Sunset mokoro ride on the Boteti River (or Xobe Village Tour if water levels are too low)
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Full-Day Moremi Safari & Overnight in Khwai
Following early morning coffee and rusks, you will depart for a full-day exploration of the legendary Moremi Game Reserve. This area is world-renowned for its incredible biodiversity, and you will spend the day tracking lion, leopard, and the endangered African wild dog from an open safari vehicle.
After a scenic picnic lunch served deep within the reserve, the adventure continues as you move into the Khwai region.
In the late afternoon, you will enjoy a short mokoro excursion on the Mbudi River, exploring the winding waterways as the sun begins to set.
Tonight, you will experience the raw heart of the bush at Khwai Mokoro Safaris and Campsites, sleeping in a comfortable dome tent under a massive blanket of stars.
For those seeking additional refinement, an upgrade to a luxury tented lodge such as Saguni Safari Lodge is available at an extra cost.
Accommodation: Standard: Khwai Mokoro Safaris and Campsites (Camping); Upgrade (extra cost): Saguni Safari Lodge or similar (Tented Lodge)
Activities: Full-day Moremi Game Drive; Afternoon Mokoro safari on the Mbudi River
Meals & Drinks: Continental picnic breakfast, Picnic lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Morning Mokoro Safari & Return to Boteti
The magic of the Delta is best experienced in the stillness of the early morning. Following a light breakfast, you will embark on a morning mokoro safari or a guided nature walk along the Khwai waterways. This is a peaceful time to observe the smaller details of the ecosystem, from intricate bird nests to animal tracks along the water’s edge.
By midday, you will begin the journey back toward the Boteti region, enjoying a packed lunch along the way. You will arrive at Boteti Tented Safari Lodge in the late afternoon, leaving plenty of time to relax by the pool or reflect on your wildlife encounters before another traditionally prepared dinner is served under the vast African sky.
Accommodation: Safari-Tented Room with en-suite bathroom
Activities: 2,5-hour mokoro safari on the Mbudi River or 2,5-hour nature walk along the Mbudi River
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4: Makgadikgadi, Nxai Pans & Baines Baobab
Today marks a dramatic change in scenery as you leave the riverbanks behind and travel toward the Makgadikgadi Pans. You will enjoy a continental breakfast in the middle of these massive salt flats, where the silence and scale of the landscape are truly awe-inspiring.
A major highlight of the day is a stop at the iconic Baines Baobabs—a cluster of ancient trees that have stood as landmarks for centuries.
After a picnic lunch beneath the majestic canopies, you will continue through the Nxai Pans to spot desert-adapted wildlife such as springbok and zebra. Your final night is spent at an exclusive wilderness camp right on the pans. Here, you will enjoy a bush dinner over an open fire and experience the spectacular clarity of the desert night sky.
An upgrade to a tented lodge like Leopard Plains is also available for guests desiring extra comfort.
Accommodation: Standard: BOGA Campsite in Makgadikgadi / Nxai Pans (Camping). Upgrade (extra cost): Leopard Plains or similar (Tented Lodge)
Activities: Full-day Game Drive in Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 5: Morning in the Pans & Return to Maun
Your final morning begins with a spectacular sunrise that transforms the white salt pans into shades of gold and pink. After a hearty bush breakfast and a few last moments of quiet reflection in this otherworldly environment, you will begin the journey back to Maun.
You will arrive by late morning or early afternoon for a comfortable drop-off at Maun Airport or your preferred local destination. You will depart with a deep appreciation for the incredible contrasts of Botswana, carrying memories of the lush Delta and the silent desert that will stay with you forever.
Transfers: Transfer to Maun
Meals: Breakfast
Included in this tour:
- Return transfers between Maun Airport and all safari destinations
- 2 nights’ accommodation at Boteti Tented Safari Lodge
- 1 nights’ accommodation at Khwai (as per selected option)
- 1 nights’ accommodation in Makgadikgadi or Nxai Pans (as per selected option)
- Meals as specified as included
- Tea, coffee, and drinking water
- Professional safari guide and game drives in open safari vehicles
- Park fees and conservation levies for Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans
- Full day Moremi Game Drive (Day 2)
- Full day Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans Game Drive (Day 4)
- Sunset mokoro on the Boteti River (Day 1, subject to water levels)
- Afternoon mokoro safari on Mbudi River (Day 2)
- Morning mokoro on Mbudi River (Day 3)
- Guided nature walk in Khwai (Day 3 optional)
- All scheduled activities as per itinerary
Excluded from tour:
- All flights (local or international)
- Visas and related fees
- Travel Insurance
- Meals not listed as included
- Beverages not included / served with included meals
- Items of a personal nature
- Tips and gratuity to staff
- Optional upgrades in accommodation
Optional Upgrades:
- Guests have the option to upgrade to more luxurious accommodation at additional cost on Day 2 and Day 4.
Transfer directly from the Maun Airport:
You will be collected by our lodge driver at Maun Airport/Town, the closest point of arrival. Please ensure to send us your flight details and arrival times at least two days in advance.
The lodge is about 20 mins away and located on the banks of the Boteti River.
Note: Arrivals by self-drive is also welcome, please contact us for specific arrangements before booking.
FAQ – What happens if I have a question or emergency?
For urgent problems and delays – please give us a call / WhatsApp message to assist. Our contact details will be provided with your booking confirmation documents. We are available on WhatsApp from 07:00AM until 20:00PM (SAST) daily.
Malaria Information
The Okavango Delta, Makgadikgadi Pans and Nxai Pans (and surrounds) are all high-risk malaria areas, with peak risk times during the warmer months (October to April). While we may not give direct recommendations on malaria prophylaxis, we urge you to speak to your doctor or medical professional for authorized medical advice on the matter.
Proper precautions and measures can however go a very long way, including:
- A proper mosquito repellant – the easiest is in a spray form (e.g. Peaceful Sleep or Tabard)
- A room mosquito spray (e.g. Peaceful Sleep or Doom) to keep the room mosquito free
- Wearing light trousers and long sleeve shirts in the early morning or evening
- Keeping you room / tent door closed to keep bugs outside.
- We also recommend an “after bite” lotion or spray if you get bitten by a mosquito (not a malaria cure, but it takes away the itch!)
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Disclaimer, Booking Terms & Conditions
- Availability & Pricing: All packages are subject to availability at the time of booking. Rates are indicative, based on current Rate of Exchange (ROE), and are only finalised upon receipt of a formal quote and at least a deposit payment (if a deposit is applicable).
- Provisional Bookings: Can be held for a maximum of 48 hours and will be automatically released if not confirmed with a deposit.
- Intermediary Role: For certain packages, or parts of packages, Mzansi Experience acts as an agent or intermediary only. All bookings are subject to the specific Terms & Conditions of the third-party service providers (airlines, hotels, and operators). This will be advised as part of each quote.
- Responsibility: It is the traveller’s sole responsibility to ensure all passports, visas, and health documents are valid for the duration of the trip.
- Insurance: We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance to cover cancellations, medical emergencies, or baggage loss. While we cannot strictly enforce it, we view it as absolutely mandatory for an international trip.
- Liability: Mzansi Experience shall not be held liable for any injury, loss, delay, or damage caused by third-party suppliers or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control (Force Majeure).
Please read our complete Terms & Conditions for further information.