Mophane Trail

ARRIVAL DAY

Maun

You will be met at Maun International Airport by Bush Rover Safaris representative holding a board that reads “Bush Rover Safaris”. A short briefing about your trip will be done. You will stay for 1 night on a bed and breakfast basis at your own expense in Maun. Lunch and dinner will be served at your own expense. Optional activities may include Camel Ride or Scenic flight over the Okavango Delta, at the client’s expense.

Day 1 - 3

Moremi Game Reserve – Exploring Xini, Xakanaxa, Bodumatau, and Third Bridge

Your safari adventure begins with a warm welcome in Maun before you depart into the heart of the Moremi Game Reserve. This vast protected area, nestled within the eastern reaches of the Okavango Delta, is celebrated for its diverse ecosystems, from mopane woodlands to floodplains and lagoons teeming with life. Upon arrival, you’ll settle into your mobile safari camp, set in a scenic location near the Xini or Xakanaxa.

Over the next three days, you’ll explore Moremi’s wildlife-rich zones, beginning with game drives around Xini Lagoons, a tranquil area known for leopard sightings, grazing antelope, and the occasional pack of wild dogs. From there, you’ll venture north to Xakanaxa, a lush region of waterways and floodplains that attract large herds of elephants and red lechwe, with vibrant birdlife soaring overhead.

The adventure continues at Bodumatau, a remote and less-traveled region where predator sightings are common—lion prides and hyena clans patrol this area’s open plains. Finally, you’ll explore Third Bridge, famous for its mix of wet and dry habitats and thrilling water crossings. This area provides excellent opportunities for close encounters with buffalo, giraffe, and even the elusive sitatunga. Evenings are spent by the campfire, sharing stories beneath the star-filled African sky.

DAY 4–6: Khwai Community Concession – Wildlife and Mokoro Excursion

After breakfast on Day 4, you’ll travel to the Khwai Community Concession, a pristine wilderness bordering the northeastern edge of Moremi. This area is community-managed, offering exceptional game viewing and a more intimate safari experience. Unlike national parks, off-road driving and night drives are permitted here, increasing your chances of spotting nocturnal wildlife.

Over three days, you’ll explore Khwai’s varied landscapes—riverine forests, open plains, and winding waterways—all home to a high density of wildlife including elephants, lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The highlight of your Khwai stay is a serene mokoro excursion on the Khwai River. Accompanied by expert polers from the local community, you’ll glide silently through lily-covered channels, observing frogs, birds, and perhaps a shy sitatunga hidden among the reeds. This traditional canoe experience offers a peaceful and deeply immersive connection with the delta’s ecosystem.

Cultural interaction is also a unique aspect of Khwai, with opportunities to learn about local traditions and conservation efforts led by the community.

DAY 7–9: Savuti – Land of Giants and Predators

Leaving the Khwai area, your journey continues northward into the legendary Savuti region of Chobe National Park. Known for its dramatic landscapes—arid savannas, rocky outcrops, and the historic Savuti Marsh—this area is famed for its intense predator activity and elephant population.

Over three days, you'll track lion prides and spotted hyenas that dominate the open plains. With luck, you may witness interactions between predators and prey—a defining feature of Savuti’s raw wilderness. During the dry season, elephants converge in large numbers around the remaining waterholes, often leading to dramatic interactions between bulls.

The mysterious Savuti Channel, which flows and dries unpredictably, adds a geological intrigue to the area. Its revival in recent years has drawn crocodiles and hippos back into the region, along with aquatic birdlife. The baobab-dotted landscape and ancient San rock paintings around Gubatsa Hills provide further points of interest for nature and history lovers.

DAY 10–12: Chobe National Park – River Safari and Elephant Encounters

Your next destination is Chobe National Park, specifically the riverfront region near the town of Kasane. Known for having one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Africa, Chobe offers stunning game drives along the Chobe River and dramatic sunsets over the water.

On Day 11, you'll embark on a boat cruise on the Chobe River, a highlight of the trip. From the comfort of the boat, you can witness elephants swimming across the river, hippos lazing in the shallows, and crocodiles sunning themselves on sandbanks. Large herds of buffalo, sable, and puku graze along the banks, while fish eagles call overhead. This water-based safari offers a completely different perspective from the game drives and provides superb photographic opportunities.

In addition to river cruises, your days in Chobe include traditional morning and afternoon game drives in open safari vehicles, searching for lions, leopards, and the elusive Chobe bushbuck among others.

DAY 13: Kasane – Rest and Reflection

Your final night is spent in Kasane, the gateway town nestled on the banks of the Chobe River. This day is reserved for rest and reflection. Depending on your energy and interest, optional activities may include a visit to the local craft markets, a guided birding walk, a photographic safari workshop or Victoria Falls Day trip.

You’ll enjoy a farewell dinner at your lodge or a local restaurant, reminiscing on the unforgettable moments and wild wonders of your journey through Botswana. The following day, you’ll transfer to Kasane International Airport for your onward travel, bringing your safari to a graceful close.