Botswana Explorer

An optional paid for extra or you can exchange 2 x lodge activities for this trip (3-night stays + only).

A full day activity to experience the magic of the Falls in neighbouring Zimbabwe. You will be transported from the lodge to the entrance of the National Park for a tour of the Falls at your own leisure. You will then be collected and transported to lunch, into town, to the local markets or for a spot of shopping, as you wish. Please note that although we will happily make suggestions this is an unguided activity and excludes Victoria Falls Park fees, Zimbabwe Visa fees (USD$ cash only for Visa fees) and lunch and the transfer may be shared with other guests).

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Credit: Paul Karnstedt

Bakwena is the proud owner of seven custom built game viewers.

While offering the usual early morning and evening game drives we aim to maximise the game viewing experience.

Chobe can get busy during high season and our guides are always finding new ways of innovating . Our goal is a quality experience through extended drives and exploring new areas of the Park. Our experienced, hand picked guides are, we believe, the finest in Chobe. From insects to bird specific experiences these professionals never disappoint.

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Credit: Zack Murphy

Credit: Zack Murphy

Credit: Zack Murphy

Credit: Zack Murphy

Credit: Paul Karnstedt

Credit: Paul Karnstedt

Credit: Paul Karnstedt

Credit: Paul Karnstedt

Credit: Zack Murphy

Credit: Paul Karnstedt

There are boat cruises then there are Chobe cruises. Exquisite and beyond comparison, the Chobe river boasts one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on the planet. Dry season brings a game viewing bonanza well capitalised on by the resident Lion prides.

Our guides currently have the option of three boats to showcase the river experience to our guests. Without a doubt the most sedate game viewing experience to be had in Botswana. Being metres away from the legendary Chobe Elephant, herds of thirsty buffalo or the myriad of waterbirds is unparalleled.

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Credit: Paul Karnstedt

Credit: Paul Karnstedt

Credit: Paul Karnstedt

Credit: u/k

Credit: Paul Karnstedt

Guided Village Tour either on foot or by bicycle.

Experience the Botswana Culture. A guided exploration of the local village provides an opportunity to experience and understand the local customs and culture and take a little slice of village life back home with you.

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Credit: u/k

This activity offers a unique experience to cruise along the Chobe River to the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers where four countries - Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe meet - a distinctive geographical point.

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Credit: u/k

Credit: u/k

Nogatsaa Pans Lodge is built with sweeping views of the Kwikamba Pans. Careful thought has been given to the layout and design of this Lodge to promote Safari experience of yester year. Enjoy unsurpassed experience of sitting quietly watching as the animals of Africa come down to a waterhole to drink, so no better place to be to enjoy the proverbial safari straight from your armchair.

Kwikamba Pans is one of the few reliable water sources in this harsh area, making it a hot-spot for large herds of elephants. It is the perfect spot for a relaxed armchair safari: you don’t need to leave camp, with all animals making their way to Kwikamba Pan in front of the Lodge.

With this in mind our Game Activity is flexible to give you the best experience.

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Guests normally arrive at Nogatsaa Pans around midday or during the afternoon.

Upon arrival a warm welcome awaits you from the awesome Nogatsaa Team. You will be given a short welcome briefing in the main lounge while enjoying the sweeping views of the Kwikamba Pans, after which you will be shown to your room for relaxation and freshening up.

High Tea is served at 16h00 in the open-plan dining area, where you can enjoy spotting all the game coming down to drink at the Pan. Various delicious cakes and savouries will be available for your enjoyment with cold or hot beverages. Your guide will come to meet you during High Tea to get your orders for refreshments during your afternoon Sundowner drive or you can choose to enjoy your sundowner right there on the deck. The afternoon sunset game drive departs around 16h30 utilising our private network of roads, sundowner drinks to be enjoyed either at the Kabungwa or Nogatsaa Hides.

Depending on the season our resident pride of lion, Herds of elephants, buffalo, impala, kudu, giraffe, zebra and roan antelope are some of the possible sightings around camp. Not to mention the numerous different bird species, including the Ground Hornbill which is on the vulnerable list. Enjoying the quiet of the bush and the surrounding environment while out on a drive is an absolute bonus.

You will return to camp around 18h30 giving you time to freshen up before dinner. Your guide will meet you at a pre-arranged time at your room to accompany you the Main area for a pre-dinner drink around the bonfire in the Boma and catch up with the other guests and their stories. Dinner is in the Dining Area anytime from 19h30 onwards

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You can choose to get up early or sleep a little later – enjoy the activity around the Pan while having your breakfast on the outside deck of the restaurant. You have a choice of continental buffet or ordering hot breakfast. A mid-morning departure to visit the Poha Hide overlooking a waterhole where you will enjoy a midmorning break and some outstanding photographic opportunities.

An alternative route would be to Mapororo Hide which showcases endless views over the marsh.

You will return to Nogatsaa Pans for lunch which is served between 13h00 – 14h00.

OR

You can spend the day in camp enjoying the relaxed “Armchair” Safari

After lunch you can relax in the lodge area, have a swim or book a spa treatment to be had in the privacy of your room. Use our complimentary Wi-Fi to you connect to loved ones or just catch up on the news or just enjoy your armchair safari on the deck in front of your room or in the main area.

High Tea and Sundowners starts again at 16h00 that afternoon.

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High Tea is served at 16:00 in our open-plan dining area, offering stunning views of the Savuti and the bustling activity around the waterhole below. Here, you'll meet your personal guide and fellow travelers while indulging in a selection of our home-baked cakes and treats. Your guide will take note of your preferred refreshments for the afternoon Sundowner drive, which departs around 16:30. This drive will traverse our private network of roads, with a maximum of six guests per vehicle to ensure a comfortable viewing experience.

During the drive, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy your chosen drinks at either our private hide overlooking the waterhole or at our special Baobab site, renowned for its magnificent sunset views. This unique landscape offers a paradise for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

In this area, you may encounter herds of elephants, buffalo, impala, kudu, giraffe, zebra, roan antelope, as well as spotted and brown hyenas. The Ghoha pride of lions and leopards are also among the possible sightings. Not to mention the numerous bird species and the spectacular Baobab trees that adorn the landscape.

You'll return to camp around 18:30 to freshen up before dinner. Your guide will meet you at a pre-arranged time at your room and accompany you to the main area for a pre-dinner drink around the bonfire in the Boma, where you can share stories with other guests. Dinner is served in the dining area starting at 19:30.

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This highlight game experience is tailored to seasonal activities and guest preferences, ensuring a unique adventure each day. The day begins early with a 5:00 AM wake-up call. Your guide will pick you up from your room at 5:30 AM for a delightful continental breakfast and coffee, followed by departure around 6:00 AM for your day excursion.

The journey includes several stops, such as tea, coffee, and rusk breaks at various stretching points en route to the Savuti Marsh. Your professional guide will lead you through magnificent ancient landscapes and wildlife areas, including Harvey’s Pan, where numerous animals roam daily, Kudu Hills, Quarry Hill with Bushmen Rock Paintings, the Theatre of Twelve Baobabs, Pimple Hills, and Twin Hills.

As the drive continues, you'll experience the wonders of the Savuti Marsh, home to majestic herds of buffalo and elephant, the renowned Savuti Pride of Lions, and an array of other game species and birdlife.

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You have a choice of sleeping late, having a hot breakfast and then departing to the airstrip depending on time of flight, a short game circuit en-route can be done to revisit sights and pans closer to the airstrip.

OR

Getting up early for a drive to the hide for Coffee & rusks and then returning for a hot breakfast and then departing to the airstrip – depending on flight time

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You can pre-book a scenic helicopter flight (quote available on request).

Early morning/ or afternoon departure from Ghoha Hills to just outside the Ghoha gate where your helicopter adventure awaits you.

Our scenic/ photography flights are a not to miss opportunity. We take the doors off for an even better photographic experience while flying.

Moments after departing you will enjoy the breath-taking views seen only from a helicopter - flying in the direction of the Linyanti Swamps.

This is a 30 minute flight where you will then land and enjoy delights from a special picnic basket packed for you – 30 minutes later you will then return back to the Ghoha gate – total excursion time 90 minutes.

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Our professionally trained therapists will ensure you walk away from your soothing spa
treatments feeling pampered and relaxed. Our therapists understand that this is YOUR
experience and will do their utmost to ensure a sense of comfort and relaxation.
Our treatments are done in a room with sweeping views of the wilderness below. While our therapists use their natural rhythm and specific techniques to ensure a calm mind and de-stressed body, the wilderness beyond will take care of the harmony between you and nature.

Feeling a bit stiif after spending a lot of time travelling and on safari - spend some time in the gym with a view.

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Setari Camp offers a range of boating activities including cruises in the nearby lagoons and waterways in their boats. Two of the boats have a viewing deck which make the ideal spot to enjoy the spectacular sunsets with a glass of bubbly and to view this marvellous ecosystem and its resident wildlife. The largest boat can take a maximum of 10 guests and the other 2 can take 8 guests each. Boat safaris are offered inclusive in the cost and go out twice a day with expert professional guides.

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In our view, there is no better way to immerse yourself in the bush than by going on a bush walk! We offer walking safaris on the islands to the south of the concession. Each of the walks is guided by one of our professional guides who is armed. We take a maximum of 8 people on a walking safari and each walk is accompanied by both guide and back up guide. Unfortunately, we do not accept children younger than 12 years old on our bush walks.

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Fishing in available at Setari and tackle and rods are provided. Spend a lazy afternoon trying your hand at fishing with your professional guide exploring the lagoons or main channels. The fishing at Setari is amazing and the Barbel run between August and end of October makes for an exhilarating sport for the keen fisherman with tiger fish in abundance.

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For guests spending 3 nights with us, we offer a full day out exploring the Okavango. We leave early in the morning and travel by boat to the South of the concession to the idyllic islands where we go on a bush walk before having a picnic. A leisurely boat ride back in the afternoon affords the opportunity to watch the sun setting before reaching camp. A fantastic way to spend the day!

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Our airstrip is located on the beautiful and remote Jao Village, a small and isolated island with approximately 400 inhabitants. We offer the opportunity to go and visit the villagers and to see their fascinating way of life.

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We offer a chance to glide through the waters of the Okavango in a traditional Mokoro which is a dug-out canoe navigated by an expert poler. Spot the exquisite malachite kingfisher or marvel at the crystal clear waters.

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