Botswana Wilderness

Morning and afternoon game drives reveal the rich wildlife of the area. Both plains game and predators thrive, and exploring the length of the Savuti Channel, and its associated woodlands is thus a highlight here. With its enormous seasonal concentrations of elephant, Wilderness Savuti provides essential support to research projects and conservation initiatives relating to this species, as well as others.

A whole new safari experience begins after dark. Look out for nocturnal animals including lesser bushbabies, spring hares, aardwolf, servals, large spotted genets, and if you are extremely lucky, perhaps even pangolin!

Explore on foot, and observe the many signs of the wild from tracks on the ground, to the sounds of the wilderness around you.

* Weather permitting and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide.

In times when the water has receded, the camp's log-pile hide is a perfect place to spend your afternoon siesta hours. Elephant are often the star attraction here: either big elephant feet will obstruct your view, or watch out for sprays of water propelled from their trunks!

The Savuti Star Bed, overlooking the Savuti Channel and facing the Zibadianja Lagoon, to the west, is the perfect place from which to view and photograph animals, and birds. An authentic and unique way to sleep-out under a crystal-clear African sky, experiencing a thrilling perspective of the African bush at night, surrounded by nature from this elevated platform.

Exploring the waters by boat can be undertaken in the morning, during midday, or as an afternoon activity. Boating is a wonderful way of seeing large numbers of waterbirds, and wildlife, attracted to the river and seasonal pans.

* Water levels permitting.

With the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve being an internationally recognised Important Bird Area (IBA), birding is understandably outstanding at Wilderness Savuti, from slaty egret in the water to kori bustard in the dry areas.

Guided morning and afternoon game drives. offered in open 4x4 vehicles, explore the mosaic of Delta habitats, and let you come closer to some of the resident wildlife.

A whole new safari experience awaits after dark. Night drives with spotlights allow you to find those nocturnal animals you wouldn’t see during normal daytime drives. Go in search of the fascinating creatures of the night ... porcupine, aardwolf, serval, large spotted genet and lesser bushbaby are just some of these.

Get your feet on the ground and enjoy a walk through the pristine Jao Reserve. On Hunda Island, the dry season brings in large numbers of mixed species, which makes for supremely rewarding walking safaris. Our expert guides welcome the opportunity to share their bushlore adventures ...

* Seasonal and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide, therefore pre-booking is essential.

There is no better way of viewing the Delta and its wildlife than by floating silently in a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe). Often revealing the smaller critters of the Okavango Delta, keep an eye out for tiny reed frogs, and the fascinating avian life. In summer, guests are driven to the waters edge for this activity.

* Water levels permitting.

Boating is another idyllic form of water wildlife viewing along the waterways. often yielding fabulous sightings of hippo and crocodile and maybe even the elusive sitatunga.

* Water levels permitting.

Try your hand at seasonal fishing on a catch and release basis. The camp has a limited supply of basic equipment for your use.

* Note that fishing is seasonal as it is prohibited by Botswana law in January and February due to breeding purposes.

The Jao Reserve has outstanding birding opportunities. With water and land activities, opportunities to grow your list are excellent. Wattled cranes, slaty egrets, rosy-throated longclaws, Pel’s fishing-owls and African skimmers are some of the "specials" while more common coppery-tailed coucals and pygmy goose are also seen.

During times of high water, Wilderness Kwetsani guests boat to Hunda Island for game drives, complete with a picnic on a full-day excursion.

Hunda Island is famous for adrenaline pumping sightings!

The Qorokwe Concession is defined by the Gomoti Channel in the east, while a large part of it lies across the Santantadibe River to the west. The safari traversing area comprises typical Okavango Delta habitats: seasonal palm-dotted floodplains, wooded islands, tranquil waterways, and dry woodland areas. This variety of habitats, plus the fact that the Qorokwe Concession has permanent water all year round, allows for a unique diversity of wildlife and outstanding game viewing during every season. Concentrations of larger predators may include lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyaena, and African wild dog. While various plains species typically seen are herds of giraffe, zebra, red lechwe and gnarled buffalo bulls.

Scan the bushveld during an evening drive for magical nocturnal mammals such as civets, genets, bushbabies, and owls.

A walking safari offers you the exciting opportunity of coming across big game on foot, as well as observing the smaller things you miss when travelling by vehicle. Step out in the wilderness with our skilled guides, and feel the thrill of being at one with nature.

* On request and seasonal (during the transition season of March to June, flora in the area flourishes, giving predators ample coverage, thus, making walking conditions unfavourable.

There is no better way of viewing the Delta and its wildlife than by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe).
Float along a crystal-clear waterway as you search for painted reed frogs, and beautiful waterlilies.

* Water levels permitting.

Seasonal boating excursions allow you to explore the more distant waterways, and the deep clear channels.

* Water levels permitting.

The camp itself overlooks a lagoon which is a magnet for avian wildlife. Or venture further afield to continue with excellent birdlife viewing which varies throughout the year, depending on water levels and season. These may include African hawk-eagle, ground hornbill, scarlet-chested sunbird, red-billed hornbill, and Gabar goshawk. Time to tick off a lifer.

Take a delightful picnic and explore on a full day excursion to the spectacular and productive area of Gomoti Plains, where wildlife abounds.

* On a minimum two night stay.