Kavango Trail

Day 1: Arrival in Maun, Botswana

Your safari adventure begins in the frontier town of Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Upon arrival at Maun International Airport, a Bush Rover Safaris representative will meet and give you a briefing about your safari. The representative will then transfer you to your lodge for a restful night at your own expense. If time allows, you may enjoy an optional cultural tour of Maun, camel ride or a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta. Dinner will be served at the lodge as you prepare for the incredible days to come.

Days 2–3: Okavango Delta – Guma Lagoon

After breakfast, depart northward toward Guma Lagoon in the northwestern Okavango Delta. The drive takes you through the Panhandle region, with lush floodplains and reed-lined channels. Upon arrival at your tented lodge near Guma Lagoon, settle in and enjoy views of the peaceful delta waters.

Over the next two days, you’ll explore the Okavango by mokoro (dugout canoe), gliding silently through the water past water lilies, frogs, and abundant birdlife. Guided bush walks on the delta islands offer opportunities to learn about delta ecology and possibly spot animals like red lechwe, sitatunga, or elephants. Guma Lagoon is also a paradise for birders and fishing enthusiasts. Evenings are spent dining under the stars and sharing stories by the campfire.

Day 4: Tsodilo Hills – Botswana’s “Louvre of the Desert”

Today you’ll travel north to the mystical Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and spiritual heartland of the San people. These towering rocky outcrops rise dramatically from the flat Kalahari and are adorned with over 4,500 ancient rock paintings. A local guide will lead you on a walking trail among the hills, explaining the stories, spiritual beliefs, and cultural significance of this sacred site.

You’ll spend the night at a nearby campsite or lodge at the base of the hills, immersed in the peaceful energy of this remarkable place. The day ends with a fireside dinner and stargazing in this remote, soul-stirring landscape.

Days 5–6: Mahangu National Park – Namibia (Caprivi Strip)

Crossing the border into Namibia, you’ll make your way into the lush floodplains of the Caprivi Strip, staying for two nights near Mahangu National Park. This lesser-known gem lies along the Okavango River and is teeming with wildlife including elephants, hippos, buffalo, roan antelope, and crocodiles. It is also home to over 400 species of birds, making it a birder’s paradise.

You’ll enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in both Mahangu and the adjacent Buffalo Core Area, as well as boat cruises on the Okavango River. The scenery is markedly different from the dry interior of Botswana—think papyrus-lined channels, riverside woodlands, and verdant floodplains.

Days 7–8: Bwabwata National Park, Namibia

Continue your adventure deeper into Namibia’s captivating Caprivi region as you journey to Bwabwata National Park, a remarkable conservation area where wildlife and local communities coexist harmoniously. Stretching between the Okavango and Kwando rivers, Bwabwata offers a unique blend of woodlands, riverine forests, and open floodplains that support a rich diversity of wildlife.

During your stay, enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in the park, where sightings of elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, sable, and red lechwe are common. The park is also home to over 450 bird species, making it another paradise for bird lovers. Between safaris, take time to relax by the river , where you can watch hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds against the backdrop of a golden African sunset.

Evenings are spent around the campfire under a canopy of stars, listening to the sounds of the wild. Bwabwata offers a tranquil and immersive wilderness experience, showcasing Namibia’s softer, greener side before your journey continues to Chobe National Park.

Days 9–11: Chobe National Park, Botswana

Re-entering Botswana, you’ll head to the famed Chobe National Park, spending three nights exploring one of Africa’s top wildlife destinations. You’ll be based in or near the Chobe Riverfront, which supports incredible densities of elephants, buffalo, and predators, especially during the dry season.

Each day includes morning and afternoon game drives along the river and into the interior woodlands. One of the highlights is a sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River, where you’ll witness elephants swimming, hippos basking, and possibly even lions stalking the riverbanks. The combination of land and water safaris in Chobe offers unmatched variety and photographic opportunities.

Day 12: Kasane – Final Safari Lodge Stay

Today you’ll transfer to Kasane, a charming riverside town at the edge of the national park and a hub for international travelers. You’ll stay at a comfortable lodge where you can unwind, swim in the pool, or visit the local craft markets.

The afternoon is free for optional activities: another boat cruise, a photographic safari, or simply relaxing at the lodge. Your final safari night includes a farewell dinner, toasting to the memories made on the Kavango Trail.

Day 13: Departure from Kasane

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Kasane International Airport for your onward flight. For those wishing to extend their journey, an optional trip to Victoria Falls (Zambia side) can be arranged, including guided tours, transfers, and visa assistance.