7 Days Botswana Safari | Okavango, Khwai River & Chobe

This seven-day Botswana safari combines the waterways and wildlife of the Okavango Delta with the community-managed Khwai area and the Chobe River.

Trip Highlights

• Scenic light aircraft flight over the Okavango Delta
• Mokoro excursions through Delta channels
• Guided walking safari
• Game drives in the northern Okavango
• Wildlife viewing around the Khwai River
• Night game drive in Khwai
• Community-based safari experience
• Scenic flight from Khwai to Kasane
• Chobe River boat safari
• Game drives in Chobe National Park
• Opportunities for elephant, buffalo and predator sightings

Overview

The journey begins with a light aircraft flight from Maun into the northern Okavango Delta, where mokoro excursions, walking and game drives provide different ways to experience the wetlands.

From there, the safari continues to Khwai before moving north to Chobe National Park.

The itinerary deliberately combines water-based and land-based wildlife viewing.

Mokoro trips bring you close to the smaller details of the Delta, while game drives offer opportunities to search for elephants, buffalo, big cats, wild dogs, and other wildlife.

In Chobe, the focus shifts towards riverfront wildlife, with boat safaris complementing the game drives.

The Okavango’s seasonal flood cycle is an important part of the experience.

Floodwaters originating far upstream arrive in Botswana during the region’s generally drier months, changing the availability and character of waterways and influencing where wildlife concentrates.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Maun to the Okavango Delta

Arrive at Maun International Airport and board a light aircraft for a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta.

On arrival, a Petnah Africa Tours representative will welcome you and transfer you to your camp in the northern Delta.

After settling in and some time to rest, head out on a two- to three-hour mokoro safari through the reed-lined channels.

The quiet movement of the mokoro is particularly suited to observing the smaller details of the Delta, including aquatic plants, frogs and waterbirds, while hippos and red lechwe may also be encountered.

Return to camp for a sundowner overlooking the Delta before an evening stargazing session, weather permitting.

Dinner and overnight at Vumbura Plains

Vumbura Plains is a luxury safari camp positioned in the northern Okavango Delta near the Moremi area, with accommodation raised above the surrounding landscape.

Day 2: Okavango Delta Exploration

After an early breakfast, head out on a morning game drive in an open-sided 4×4 safari vehicle.

The Delta supports a wide variety of wildlife, so the morning may bring sightings of elephants, giraffes, antelope, and other species.

The itinerary specifically highlights the elusive sitatunga, a wetland-adapted antelope that can be difficult to spot.

In the afternoon, choose between another mokoro excursion and a guided walking safari, depending on conditions and camp operations.

Return to camp in the evening and enjoy the Delta views.

Overnight at Vumbura Plains

Day 3: Khwai Concession

After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your charter flight to Khwai. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your camp.

In the afternoon, head out on a game drive along the Khwai River.

The area is known for productive wildlife viewing, with opportunities to look for African wild dogs, leopards, buffalo, elephants and other species.

Return to camp for the evening and gather around the campfire, where your guide can share stories and observations from the day’s safari.

Dinner and overnight at Sediba Sa Rona

The camp overlooks the Khwai River and sits beneath mature trees close to the Moremi Game Reserve. Its luxury tents feature en-suite bathrooms and outdoor decks overlooking the surrounding area.

Day 4: Khwai Exploration

Start the day with a three-hour mokoro safari along the Khwai River, moving quietly through the waterways in search of hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds such as herons.

In the afternoon, head out on a game drive through the Khwai area.

The route provides opportunities to search for lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, giraffes, buffalo and other plains game.

Continue into the evening for a night game drive, when nocturnal species such as genets and owls may become active.

Dinner and overnight at Sediba Sa Rona

Day 5: Khwai to Chobe National Park

After breakfast, transfer to Khwai Airstrip for a light aircraft flight to Kasane.

On arrival, a Petnah representative will meet you and transfer you to your lodge in the Chobe area.

In the afternoon, head out for a game drive along the Chobe River. Elephants are a major feature of the riverfront, particularly when animals come to the water to drink and bathe.

Buffalo, impala, and other wildlife may also be encountered, while the riverine habitat supports a wide variety of birds.

Return to the lodge in the evening and enjoy the riverfront setting.

Dinner and overnight at Chobe Game Lodge

The lodge is situated along the Chobe River and provides a base for exploring the Chobe Riverfront and surrounding national park.

Day 6: Chobe National Park

After breakfast, take a morning boat safari of approximately three hours on the Chobe River.

The river offers a different perspective from vehicle-based game viewing.

Look for hippos and Nile crocodiles around the banks, waterbuck near the water, and elephants moving between islands or entering the river.

Birdlife is another attraction, with opportunities to see kingfishers and other water-associated species.

In the afternoon, head out on a three-hour game drive through Chobe National Park. Look for lions, leopards, zebras, giraffes and sable antelope, among other wildlife.

An optional sunset river cruise is available at an additional cost.

Overnight at Chobe Game Lodge

Day 7: Final Game Drive and Departure

Wake early for breakfast before heading out on a final two-hour morning game drive.

The early hours can provide good opportunities for wildlife activity as the day begins, with elephants, zebras and predators among the species you may encounter.

Later, return for your transfer to the airstrip and onward flight arrangements as specified in the itinerary.

Your Botswana safari comes to an end as you continue to your next destination or onward journey.

What’s Included

• Meet and greet services
• Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
• Full-board meals at the lodges
• Soft drinks
• House wine
• Local-brand spirits and beer
• Tea and coffee
• Water-based activities where offered and when seasonally available
• Game-viewing activities offered by the camps and lodges
• Refreshments on game drives
• National park fees
• Emergency medical cover as specified by the supplier
• Administration fees
• Transfers to and from lodge airstrips

What’s Not Included

• Gratuities
• Personal expenses
• Meals and drinks not specified above
• Visa costs
• Travel insurance
• Champagne and premium cellar wines
• Cognacs
• Cigars and cigarettes

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the Okavango Delta best for water-based activities?

Water activities depend on seasonal flood levels and the specific area of the Delta. The flood pulse generally reaches Botswana during the dry season, but conditions vary from year to year.

2. What is the difference between a mokoro safari and a game drive?

A mokoro provides a quiet, low-level view of the Delta’s waterways and smaller wildlife, while a game drive allows you to cover more ground and search for larger animals across different habitats.

3. Can I see wildlife at night in Khwai?

The itinerary includes a night game drive in Khwai. Nocturnal species such as genets and owls may be active after dark, while predators can also be encountered.

4. Is Chobe mainly about elephants?

Elephants are one of Chobe’s major attractions, particularly along the riverfront, but the park also supports buffalo, antelope, predators and substantial birdlife. Sightings vary with season, location and conditions.

5. Are all Delta activities guaranteed?

No. Water-based activities can be seasonal and are dependent on local water levels, weather, safety conditions and camp operations. Your camp will confirm which activities are available during your stay.

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.