Botswana 9 Day Explorer Maun to Maun (2027)

Welcome to the start of your Botswana wildlife adventure. You may choose to fly into Maun Airport and arrange a transfer to the lodge (at your own expense), where you'll meet the rest of your group. Drifters Maun Lodge is our peaceful home next to the Boteti River--enjoy a light lunch (own expense) before spending the afternoon at leisure. Unwind beside the pool, take a stroll along the riverbank, or simply soak up the tranquil atmosphere. The Boteti River's water levels and flow are largely dependent on rainfall in northern Botswana and Angola. When water flows strongly, it transforms the surrounding landscape into a haven for select wildlife. With water drawing animals to the river's edge, sightings of hippos, other wildlife, and an abundance of birdlife are often possible right from the lodge grounds, bringing the magic of Botswana's wilderness quite literally to your doorstep. This evening, enjoy dinner at the lodge restaurant and get to know your fellow adventurers. An evening filled with excitement and anticipation for the wilderness experiences that await in one of Africa's most extraordinary safari regions. Overnight at Drifters Maun Lodge or similar - Dinner

The Okavango River, emanating from the highlands of central Angola far to the northwest, flows south- and eastwards, before slowing and spreading into one of the world's only true inland deltas, creating as it does so a unique ecosystem that supports a huge variety of animal and plant life. The sight of a Jacana striding delicately amongst the flowering lilies, the bee-eater diving to prey on an unsuspecting insect, and of course, the familiar cry of the African Fish Eagle - all combine to create the canvas of one of nature's unique masterpieces. The river, eventually spilling its contents into the vast plains of the Makgadikgadi sands, disappears. Our comfortable and well-appointed camp on the edge of one of the largest lagoons serves as a base from which we explore. We will glide through narrow reed-lined channels by mokoro, walk on uninhabited islands, and picnic in the wilderness while learning about the animals and plants of the Delta from local guides who have grown up in the area. We will also have time to relax and enjoy the views over a glistening lagoon from a beautiful wooden deck, cold drink in hand, or take a refreshing dip in the pool. We will enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on a boat. A helicopter flip, to see the vastness of the Delta from the air, is recommended (own expense). Overnight at Guma Lagoon Drifters Tented Camp (tented units with shared ablution) or similar - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Okavango River, emanating from the highlands of central Angola far to the northwest, flows south- and eastwards, before slowing and spreading into one of the world's only true inland deltas, creating as it does so a unique ecosystem that supports a huge variety of animal and plant life. The sight of a Jacana striding delicately amongst the flowering lilies, the bee-eater diving to prey on an unsuspecting insect, and of course, the familiar cry of the African Fish Eagle - all combine to create the canvas of one of nature's unique masterpieces. The river, eventually spilling its contents into the vast plains of the Makgadikgadi sands, disappears. Our comfortable and well-appointed camp on the edge of one of the largest lagoons serves as a base from which we explore. We will glide through narrow reed-lined channels by mokoro, walk on uninhabited islands, and picnic in the wilderness while learning about the animals and plants of the Delta from local guides who have grown up in the area. We will also have time to relax and enjoy the views over a glistening lagoon from a beautiful wooden deck, cold drink in hand, or take a refreshing dip in the pool. We will enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on a boat. A helicopter flip, to see the vastness of the Delta from the air, is recommended (own expense). Overnight at Guma Lagoon Drifters Tented Camp (tented units with shared ablution) or similar - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We take to the skies again as we board our next morning flight into another world. Our 4-day Botswana safari odyssey starts up high, over the vast expanse of the Okavango Delta and Moremi National Park, towards the Khwai airstrip. We're now in the heart of Botswana's protected wilderness of the Khwai Concession, and/or Moremi. Imagine parading elephant herds and leopards prowling in dappled shadows, or the drama of lions on the hunt, cheetahs in an electric sprint, and the dazzling dance of zebras and elegant antelope across the savanna. Drifters' ground crew will meet you for your transfer in an open vehicle to our secluded campsite on the banks of the Mbudi River. Your tented unit on the riverbank is waiting. This 4-night safari, with daily game drives, is an unscripted adventure that takes shape according to the season's migrations. We will spend long, lazy hours at hides and waterholes, travelling with local Motswana guides in well-equipped, open 4x4 Land Cruisers built for wild places where roads are just tracks in the sand. After a day of rugged adventure, we arrive back at the oasis that is our camp at sunset, met by a cool cloth, a chilled drink and a crackling campfire that's already dancing for the stories to come as night falls. After a soulful evening spent in good company under the infinite galaxy, drift off to sleep in your tent to the cackle of a hyena or the roar of a lion. This is raw Africa, and probably the furthest you will ever be from civilisation. We leave the camp as we find it, with nothing but our footprints in the sand. Depending on the ever-changing conditions in the national parks, we may venture into the Central Kalahari Game Reserve or the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. Overnight at Khwai Drifters Tented Camp or similar - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Savour your final morning in the wild as we depart the Khwai Concession at a relaxed pace, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the remarkable landscapes and wildlife that make this region so special. The journey south traverses a mosaic of habitats, from riverine forests and floodplains to open grasslands and mopane woodlands. Keep your camera close at hand--this route often rewards travellers with sightings of elephants, giraffes, antelope, buffalo, and perhaps even predators making their final rounds before the heat of the day sets in. As we leave the pristine wilderness behind, the scenery gradually changes from the lush waterways and wildlife-rich ecosystems of the Okavango Delta to the drier savannah landscapes surrounding Maun. Birdlife remains abundant throughout the journey, with colourful bee-eaters, majestic fish eagles, and a variety of raptors often accompanying travellers along the way. Arriving in Maun, you'll have time to explore the town and enjoy lunch at your leisure. Reflect on the unforgettable wildlife encounters and wilderness experiences of the past days before settling into the comfort of the lodge - our home in the wilderness. This evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a hearty dinner at the lodge before settling into the cosy bar area for a few drinks, shared stories, and plenty of laughter. It's the perfect opportunity to relive the highlights of your safari adventures, swap photographs, and enjoy the camaraderie that naturally develops on an overland journey. Overnight at Drifters Maun Lodge or similar - Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 | Thursday MAUN (+-40km drive to airport)