10 Days Botswana Safari | Chobe, Moremi & Okavango
This 10-day Botswana safari combines Chobe National Park, Savuti, Moremi Game Reserve, Khwai and the Okavango Delta, with wildlife viewing on land and water.
Trip Highlights
- Sunset boat safari along the Chobe River
- Game drives through Chobe National Park and Savuti
- Predator-focused wildlife viewing in Savuti
- Full-day game viewing in Moremi Game Reserve
- Night game drive in the Khwai area
- Community and cultural experience around Khwai
- Three-hour mokoro excursion
- Scenic light aircraft flight into the Okavango Delta
- Guided walking safari on a Delta island
- Birdwatching and water-based wildlife viewing
Overview
The route moves through some of northern Botswana’s most productive wildlife areas, beginning along the Chobe River before heading into the drier landscapes of Savuti.
From there, the safari continues into Moremi and the Khwai area before ending in the Okavango Delta, where mokoro excursions and walking provide a different perspective on the ecosystem.
The itinerary’s variety is a major strength. Chobe offers river-based wildlife viewing and large elephant herds, while Savuti is known for predator sightings.
Moremi combines floodplains, woodland and lagoons, and Khwai adds the opportunity for night wildlife viewing and a community-based cultural experience.
The final days slow the pace down on the water and islands of the Okavango Delta.
The Okavango is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an unusual inland wetland system because its waters disperse into the Kalahari rather than reaching the sea.
Its seasonal flooding creates a constantly changing mix of channels, floodplains and islands.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kasane and Chobe National Park
Arrive at Kasane Airport where a Petnah Africa representative will meet you and transfer you to your lodge near the Chobe River.
After settling in and lunch, head out for a sunset boat safari. The Chobe River provides an excellent setting for observing elephants, hippos and crocodiles, while birdlife can include African fish eagles and malachite kingfishers.
Dinner and overnight at Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero
The lodge sits on a hill in the Kasane Forest Reserve overlooking the Chobe River and surrounding floodplains.
Its thatched suites are set among gardens, with private outdoor spaces and views towards the river corridor.
Day 2: Chobe National Park and Savuti
Start with an early morning game drive in Chobe National Park, looking for elephants, buffalo, giraffes and predators as you move through woodland, floodplain and riverine habitats.
After breakfast, continue towards Savuti, a remote area of Chobe National Park known for its changing watercourses and strong predator presence.
Dinner and overnight at Savuti Safari Lodge
The lodge offers an intimate safari setting with spacious chalets, private decks and views across the surrounding landscape.
Day 3: Full-Day Safari in Savuti
Spend the day exploring Savuti on morning and afternoon game drives.
The area’s open plains, dry channels and seasonal wetlands attract elephants and a variety of plains game, with opportunities to look for lions, wild dogs and hyenas.
A bush picnic lunch and sundowners provide a break from the game drives before returning to camp.
Dinner and overnight at Savuti Safari Lodge
Day 4: Savuti to Moremi Game Reserve
After breakfast, leave Savuti and continue towards Moremi Game Reserve through the eastern Okavango region.
After checking in and lunch, head out for an afternoon game drive through floodplains and woodland. Keep watch for leopards, impalas, waterbucks and the area’s varied birdlife.
Dinner and overnight at Xakanaxa Camp
The camp overlooks the Xakanaxa Lagoon and surrounding waterways, with luxury safari tents positioned on raised decks.
Day 5: Full-Day Game Viewing in Moremi
Today is dedicated to Moremi Game Reserve, with morning and afternoon game drives through a mixture of wetlands, woodland and open areas.
Wildlife can include elephants, buffalo, lions, zebras and numerous antelope species. The character of the landscape changes with water levels and seasonal conditions, so sightings are naturally unpredictable.
Dinner and overnight at Xakanaxa Camp
Day 6: Moremi to Khwai and Night Game Drive
After breakfast, travel towards the Khwai area, which lies alongside the Khwai River between Moremi and Chobe.
After lunch and some time to settle in, head out for an evening night game drive.
Darkness changes the safari experience considerably, with nocturnal species such as civets and genets becoming active and predators sometimes easier to observe.
Dinner and overnight at Sango Safari Lodge
This intimate tented camp sits close to the river and offers a traditional safari atmosphere, with spacious Meru-style tents overlooking the surrounding area.
Day 7: Khwai Game Drive, Mokoro and Cultural Experience
Start the morning with a game drive along the Khwai River, looking for elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs and other plains game.
Return to camp for lunch and a period of rest before heading out on a three-hour mokoro excursion.
The traditional dugout canoe allows you to move quietly through the waterways when water levels and conditions permit.
The day also includes a local village visit, providing an opportunity to learn more about community life, local traditions and the relationship between tourism and community-led conservation.
Dinner and overnight at Sango Safari Lodge
Day 8: Bush Flight to the Okavango Delta and Mokoro Safari
After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for a scenic light aircraft flight into the Okavango Delta.
After arriving at your remote Delta camp and settling in, head out on a mokoro safari.
Moving quietly through the channels offers a different kind of wildlife experience, with opportunities to see aquatic plants, frogs, reed frogs, jacanas and, depending on conditions, sitatunga.
Dinner and overnight at Moremi Crossing
The camp has a relaxed, rustic character and is positioned above the Boro River. Water levels around the camp change seasonally, shaping the surrounding waterways and available activities.
Day 9: Walking Safari and Birdwatching in the Okavango
Begin the morning with a guided walking safari on one of the Delta’s islands. Walking allows you to focus on tracks, plants, smaller wildlife and the structure of the ecosystem rather than concentrating solely on larger animals.
Return to camp for brunch and spend the afternoon at a slower pace. Depending on conditions, you can go birdwatching or take another mokoro excursion through the Delta channels.
Dinner and overnight at Moremi Crossing
Day 10: Departure
Enjoy a final short bush walk or mokoro excursion before breakfast.
Later, transfer to the airstrip for your scenic flight to Maun, where the safari ends.
What’s Included
- Full-board meals as specified in the itinerary
- Accommodation
- Registered safari guides
- Bottled drinking water as specified by the confirmed itinerary
- Safari transportation and transfers
- National park entrance fees
- Activities listed in the itinerary
What’s Not Included
- International airfares
- Travel insurance
- Visa costs
- Border and departure taxes where applicable
- Passport costs
- Vaccinations
- Optional activities
- Unscheduled national parks or other activities
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks
- Snacks
- Laundry
- Souvenirs
- Personal expenses
- Sleeping bag if required
- Restaurant meals not specified in the itinerary
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is this safari suitable for wildlife enthusiasts?
Yes. The itinerary deliberately combines several different wildlife environments, from the Chobe River and Savuti to Moremi, Khwai and the Okavango Delta.
2. What makes the Khwai section different?
Khwai provides a different safari experience from the daytime game drives elsewhere on the route. The itinerary includes a night game drive, a mokoro excursion and a community and cultural visit.
3. What is a mokoro safari?
A mokoro is a traditional dugout canoe used to navigate shallow Okavango waterways. It provides a quiet way to experience the Delta, particularly its smaller wildlife, birds and aquatic environment. Availability depends on seasonal water levels and local operating conditions.
4. Will I see the Big Five?
Botswana supports all five species, and the itinerary passes through areas where several of them can be encountered. However, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and rhino sightings in particular should not be treated as an expectation.
5. Is the itinerary physically demanding?
Most wildlife viewing is conducted from safari vehicles or boats, but the itinerary also includes walking safaris. Let Petnah know about any mobility considerations when planning the trip so activities can be matched to your circumstances.
Ready to start planning? Send an inquiry through our contact page or WhatsApp us on +256 705 161344. Petnah Africa Tours can help tailor the route, activities, and accommodation to suit your interests and travel plans.
