10-Day Botswana Big Five Safari
Few countries anywhere in Africa deliver the Big Five as reliably as Botswana. The 10-Day Botswana Big Five Safari by Terenga Africa Safaris and Travel Ltd targets exactly that remarkable achievement. This journey moves through the Okavango Delta, Khwai, Chief’s Island, Chobe, and Savuti, chasing lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Few itineraries anywhere in Africa combine this many prime wildlife territories within a single, well-planned route.
Terenga Africa Safaris and Travel Ltd designs every itinerary around genuine access, luxury camps, and authentic cultural exchange. Consequently, guests never feel rushed through checklist attractions or repetitive scenery. Instead, expert guides shape each stop into something personal, memorable, and deeply connected to the landscape. This philosophy transforms an already ambitious route into something genuinely rewarding for every traveler involved.
This 10-Day Botswana Big Five Safari suits dedicated wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and serious safari collectors alike. Meanwhile, the pacing balances water-based tranquility with adrenaline-filled game drives across five distinct wilderness areas. Rhino tracking, lion prides, and leopard sightings fill these ten days generously.
Beyond wildlife, this journey introduces travelers to Bayei, Khwai, Subiya, and San communities across Botswana’s varied wilderness regions. Traditional poling, storytelling, riverside fishing, and ancient rock art add remarkable depth throughout. As a result, guests leave carrying insight far richer than typical safari photographs alone. Terenga Africa Safaris and Travel Ltd built this 10-Day Botswana Big Five Safari to deliver Africa’s most complete wildlife checklist experience.
10-Day Botswana Big Five Safari Highlights
Day |
Activities |
Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival in Maun, scenic flight to the Delta, mokoro canoe excursion | Delta Reflections Camp |
| 2 | Full-day boat and mokoro game viewing, Bayei village visit | Delta Reflections Camp |
| 3 | Transfer to Khwai Concession, afternoon game drive | Khwai River Lodge |
| 4 | Full-day Khwai game drive, Khwai village cultural visit | Khwai River Lodge |
| 5 | Transfer to Chief’s Island, afternoon game drive and rhino tracking | Mombo Plains Camp |
| 6 | Full-day Mombo game drive, Big Five tracking | Mombo Plains Camp |
| 7 | Fly to Kasane, afternoon Chobe River boat cruise | Chobe Riverside Lodge |
| 8 | Chobe National Park game drive, Subiya village visit | Chobe Riverside Lodge |
| 9 | Transfer to Savuti region with en route game drive | Savuti Safari Camp |
| 10 | Morning Savuti game drive, San Bushmen rock art visit, transfer to Kasane, departure | Departure day |
Detailed: 10-Day Botswana Big Five Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Maun and Mokoro Canoe Excursion
Guests land in Maun, Botswana’s safari capital, and meet their Terenga Africa Safaris and Travel Ltd guide promptly. A scenic light aircraft flight then carries travelers directly into the heart of the Okavango Delta. Aerial views reveal winding channels, grazing elephants, and lily-covered lagoons stretching endlessly below. Arrival at Delta Reflections Camp introduces guests to luxury tented accommodation surrounded by pristine wilderness. Afternoon settling-in time allows for lunch and a brief orientation around the camp grounds.
Later, guests board traditional mokoro canoes, poled silently through narrow, reed-lined water channels. This centuries-old mode of transport, developed by local Bayei communities, offers unmatched intimacy with the Delta’s ecosystem. Skilled polers navigate effortlessly, sharing knowledge about water lilies, frogs, and elusive sitatunga antelope nearby. Sundowner drinks on a quiet lagoon mark a peaceful close to arrival day. This gentle introduction sets a tranquil tone for the entire 10-Day Botswana Big Five Safari.
Day 2: Full-Day Boat and Mokoro Game Viewing with Bayei Village Visit
Morning brings an extended boat safari through deeper channels, revealing hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. Guides identify fish eagles, kingfishers, and jacanas while navigating skillfully through the Delta’s watery maze. Elephants frequently wade across channels, offering dramatic, close-range photographic opportunities throughout the morning session. This water-based perspective on African wildlife feels entirely different from typical vehicle-based game drives elsewhere.
Afternoon includes a visit to a nearby Bayei village, where traditional mokoro-poling skills are still taught. Community members demonstrate canoe-carving techniques, using hollowed-out tree trunks shaped through generations of inherited knowledge. Women showcase basket weaving using local palm fronds, dyed naturally with plants harvested from the floodplain. Their deep, generational connection to these waters shapes every aspect of Bayei cultural identity. Evening returns guests to Delta Reflections Camp for a candlelit dinner beneath star-filled skies. This day captures the elephant portion of the Big Five within the 10-Day Botswana Big Five Safari.
Day 3: Transfer to Khwai Concession and Afternoon Game Drive
Morning departure carries guests toward the Khwai Concession, bordering Moremi Game Reserve’s northern boundary. This transitional flight reveals a shift from permanent waterways toward mopane woodland and open floodplains. Arrival at Khwai River Lodge introduces guests to comfortable accommodation overlooking the Khwai River itself. Afternoon settling-in time allows for lunch before the day’s first exciting game drive begins.
Late afternoon brings an introductory game drive through Khwai’s diverse woodland and riverine habitat. Buffalo herds gather along the floodplain, while impala and kudu graze cautiously nearby. Guides explain how Khwai’s unfenced boundary allows wildlife to move freely between the concession and Moremi proper. This connectivity creates exceptional game viewing, rivaling areas deep within the reserve itself. Sundowner drinks overlooking the river mark a memorable close to this transition day. This day adds the buffalo chapter to the 10-Day Botswana Big Five Safari.
Day 4: Full-Day Khwai Game Drive and Khwai Village Cultural Visit
Morning brings an extended game drive exploring Khwai’s varied habitats in greater depth. Leopards frequent riverine forest edges here, rewarding observant and patient travelers with rare sightings. Guides track fresh signs patiently, building excitement toward potential predator encounters throughout the morning session. Lions also rest within this well-connected wilderness corridor, particularly near permanent water sources.
Afternoon includes a visit to Khwai village, home to a mixed Basarwa and Hambukushu community. Community members demonstrate traditional storytelling, sharing legends about the land long before it became a protected reserve. Local guides showcase basket weaving, bushcraft skills, and traditional dance performances passed through countless generations. Their intimate knowledge of this landscape once shaped hunting and gathering practices across the entire region. Evening returns guests to Khwai River Lodge for a relaxed dinner overlooking the water. This day advances the leopard and lion chapters within the 10-Day Botswana Big Five Safari.
Day 5: Transfer to Chief’s Island and Rhino Tracking
Morning departure carries guests toward Chief’s Island, the largest landmass within the entire Okavango Delta system. Historically reserved for royal hunting parties, this island now protects some of Botswana’s densest wildlife concentrations. Arrival at Mombo Plains Camp introduces guests to a region often nicknamed the Predator Capital of Africa. Afternoon hours allow for lunch and orientation before the day’s exciting game drive begins.
Late afternoon game drives focus specifically on tracking Chief’s Island’s successfully reintroduced rhino population. Conservation programs relocated both black and white rhino here, restoring a species once absent from this ecosystem. Guides share fascinating details about anti-poaching efforts protecting these animals around the clock. Locating a rhino here delivers a profound sense of conservation success rarely felt elsewhere. Evening dinner at camp builds anticipation for tomorrow’s full day of Big Five tracking. This day secures the rhino chapter within the 10-Day Botswana Big Five Safari.
Day 6: Full-Day Mombo Game Drive and Big Five Tracking
A full day dedicated entirely to Chief’s Island’s exceptional wildlife awaits eager travelers this morning. Extended game drives cover floodplains, islands, and mixed woodland scattered across this exceptional landscape. Lion prides here hunt buffalo regularly, creating dramatic, well-documented predator-prey dynamics throughout the island. Packed lunches allow guests to remain within prime wildlife territory throughout the day’s peak activity hours.
Afternoon game drives continue the pursuit, often rewarding guests with leopard sightings along riverine tree lines. Guides share insights from decades of research conducted within this internationally renowned conservation area. Elephants and buffalo herds round out an already remarkable day of concentrated Big Five encounters. Evening dinner at Mombo Plains Camp celebrates a day many travelers consider their safari’s absolute highlight. This day represents the climax of the wildlife checklist within the 10-Day Botswana Big Five Safari.
Day 7: Flight to Kasane and Chobe River Boat Cruise
Morning departure includes a scenic flight from the Delta region toward Kasane, gateway to northern Botswana. Terenga Africa Safaris and Travel Ltd arranges smooth connections, minimizing layover stress throughout this transition day. A short transfer leads to Chobe Riverside Lodge, positioned directly along the Chobe River’s scenic banks. Afternoon hours allow for lunch and settling into comfortable, riverfront accommodation before the day’s main activity.
Late afternoon brings a signature Chobe River boat cruise, revealing wildlife from a uniquely intimate perspective. Elephant herds frequently wade into the water, drinking and bathing just meters from the boat. Hippos, crocodiles, and countless bird species round out this remarkable introduction to the region. Guides share fascinating details about the river’s ecology and its role sustaining such dense wildlife populations. Sundowner drinks aboard the boat mark a memorable close to this transition day. This day reinforces the elephant chapter within the 10-Day Botswana Big Five Safari.
Day 8: Chobe National Park Game Drive and Subiya Village Visit
Morning brings an extended game drive through Chobe National Park’s famous riverfront section. Elephant herds numbering in the hundreds gather here, particularly during the dry season’s peak months. Guides explain how Chobe holds one of the highest elephant densities anywhere on the African continent. Buffalo, giraffes, and impala graze alongside these massive herds throughout the extended morning session.
Afternoon includes a visit to a nearby Subiya village, where traditional riverside life continues largely unchanged. Community members demonstrate reed basket weaving, using materials harvested directly from the Chobe floodplain nearby. Local fishermen share stories about traditional techniques passed through generations of families living along this river. Their deep connection to the water shapes daily routines, diet, and cultural identity profoundly. Evening returns guests to Chobe Riverside Lodge for a relaxed dinner overlooking the water. This day strengthens the buffalo and elephant chapters within the 10-Day Botswana Big Five Safari.
Day 9: Transfer to Savuti Region with En Route Game Drive
Morning departure carries guests southwest toward the remote and legendary Savuti region within Chobe National Park. This extended drive doubles as a game drive, passing through diverse habitats along the way. Savuti’s dry, marshy channel has fascinated researchers for decades due to its unpredictable, shifting water flow. Arrival at Savuti Safari Camp introduces guests to one of Africa’s most renowned predator territories.
Afternoon game drives reveal why Savuti earns its reputation among wildlife documentary filmmakers worldwide. Lion prides here have developed unusual hunting strategies, occasionally targeting young elephants during difficult dry seasons. Hyenas and elusive leopards also frequent this dramatic, sparse landscape favored by predators. Evening dinner around the campfire allows guides to share stories from decades of Savuti wildlife research. This day adds a final predator chapter to the 10-Day Botswana Big Five Safari.
Day 10: Morning Savuti Game Drive, San Bushmen Rock Art Visit, and Departure
The final morning offers one last opportunity to complete the Big Five checklist within Savuti’s dramatic landscape. Early game drives often reward guests with active lion and leopard behavior during cooler dawn temperatures. Guides remain alert for any final sightings still missing from the group’s collective wish list. Breakfast overlooking the marsh provides a peaceful, unhurried close to an extraordinary ten days.
Afterward, a visit to ancient San Bushmen rock art sites offers a fitting cultural close to the journey. These paintings, some thousands of years old, depict animals and hunting scenes across Savuti’s rocky hills. Transfers toward Kasane International Airport then connect guests with onward flights for departure. Terenga Africa Safaris and Travel Ltd ensures smooth logistics through this final transition period. Reflecting on rhino tracking, lion prides, and leopard sightings leaves lasting impressions on every traveler. This closing day completes an extraordinary 10-Day Botswana Big Five Safari filled with meaning throughout.
Safari Inclusions
- Light aircraft transfers between Maun, all camps, and Kasane
- All ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking safari guide throughout
- All game drives, mokoro canoes, and Chobe River boat cruises
- Accommodation as listed on a full-board basis
- All park and concession entrance fees
- Bayei village visit fee
- Khwai village cultural visit fee
- Subiya village visit fee
- San Bushmen rock art site entrance fee
Safari Exclusions
- International and regional flights to Maun and from Kasane
- Visa fees where applicable
- Travel insurance
- Premium and imported alcoholic beverages
- Spa treatments and optional activities
- Tips for guides, polers, boat crew, and lodge staff
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs and curios
- Vaccinations and medical costs
Extend Your Adventure With a 4- Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking safari
After completing the 10-Day Botswana Big Five Safari, you can extend your African journey with an unforgettable 4-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari. This extension creates an extraordinary combination of Tanzania’s open savannah wilderness and Uganda’s ancient tropical forests.
The journey takes travelers toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of Africa’s most important mountain gorilla destinations. Instead of endless grasslands, Uganda introduces misty forests, rolling hills, and beautiful green landscapes. Gorilla trekking provides the main highlight of this extension. Travelers enter the forest with experienced guides and trackers in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.
The journey through Bwindi becomes an adventure itself. Dense vegetation, forest sounds, colorful birds, and changing trails create an exciting atmosphere. Eventually, visitors spend valuable time observing mountain gorillas in their natural environment.
The extension can also include cultural experiences around Bwindi. Travelers may discover local traditions, crafts, music, food, and community life. A Batwa cultural experience can provide further insight into the human heritage connected to Uganda’s ancient forests. Combining the 10-Day Botswana Big Five Safari with a Uganda gorilla trekking safari creates an exceptional East African journey.
Optional Safari Extension: 4- Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking safari in Uganda
Day |
Activities |
Accommodation |
Day 1 |
Flight from Maun International Airport, Botswana to Kigali airport and have afternoon Kigali city tour | Kigali: chez lando hotel
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast |
Day 2 |
Morning road transfer to Bwindi impenetrable forest (Rushaga sector) and afternoon relaxation at the lodge | Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Meal: Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Drinking Water |
Day 3 |
Go mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable forest and afternoon enjoy batwa cultural experience with community involvement | Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Drinking Water |
Day 4 |
Road transfer to Kigali international airport Rwanda for a flight back home | NoneMeal: Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast |