Welcome to Botswana! After your arrival at the airport, you will be met by a representative of your hotel. You have two nights to acclimatise after your travels and get used to the warm, dry climate as well as explore Maun. Use this time to recover from travel and adjust to the altitude and perhaps join the local running community on a run.
English-speaking welcome by hotel
Transfer to accommodation
Ultra Trail DAY 1 - Today you start on your epic adventure by flying via charter flight from Maun to Nxamaseri Island Lodge in the heart of the Okavango.
Begin your trail running journey along the beautiful Nxamaseri Channel of the Okavango Panhandle, following waterways through remote fishing villages where life continues much as it has for generations. Cross forested islands rich in birdlife and seasonal floodplains, and when water levels rise, travel by mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) paddled by local experts. The terrain is flat with sandy trails and soft ground, offering constant views of the delta. Along the way, pass homesteads, witness traditional fishing methods, and see how communities thrive in harmony with nature.
Distance: Approximately 30 - 35 km
Luggage is restricted to 20 kg per person on Safari Air flights. This 20 kg includes both hand luggage and travel luggage. Bags should be soft sided, flexible bags. Bags with a solid frame do not constitute soft bags. Bags MUST be completely flexible to facilitate being stowed in the ‘belly pod’ luggage compartment of the light inter-camp transfer aircraft. By not adhering to these luggage requirements, travelers stand to cause delays and incur additional costs to themselves.
Ultra Trail DAY 2 - From the lush Okavango into the arid Kalahari, this is the day you truly connect two World Heritage Sites. Follow ancient trails alongside the mega scale parallel sand dunes—one of Africa’s great geological mysteries. Watch the land transform from delta to desert, then the sacred Tsodilo Hills rise before you. Explore the ancient paths and centuries-old rock art here before resting beneath these “Mountains of the Gods.” You’ll overnight here, at the Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Expedition Camp, hosted by the San community.
Distance : Approximately 40 - 45 km
Ultra Trail DAY 3 - Wake before sunrise to circle the Tsodilo Hills on the perimeter trail, further exploring sacred rock art sites as morning light washes the cliffs. Traverse varied terrain around the base before taking on the optional summit of Male Hill— Botswana’s highest peak at over 1,400 m. The 400 m ascent offers sweeping views across the Kalahari and back toward the Okavango Delta, marking a powerful finish to your journey between two UNESCO sites. Return to Nxamaseri Island Lodge for a celebration dinner and rest.
Distance : Approximately 20 - 25 km & optional summit climb
Ultra Trail DAY 4 - Enjoy a leisurely day at Nxamaseri Island Lodge, with options for gentle recovery activities such as spa treatments, poolside relaxation, or mokoro excursions. Celebrate your achievement with fellow runners before departing in the morning.
Upon your return to Maun, you will be greeted by a Desert & Delta Safaris representative and escorted to your charter flight to Camp Okavango. After your flight, it's just a 5-minute walk from the airstrip to camp. Make yourself comfortable and relax as you look forward to unforgettable bush adventures.
Luggage is restricted to 20 kg per person on Safari Air flights. This 20 kg includes both hand luggage and travel luggage. Bags should be soft sided, flexible bags. Bags with a solid frame do not constitute soft bags. Bags MUST be completely flexible to facilitate being stowed in the ‘belly pod’ luggage compartment of the light inter-camp transfer aircraft. By not adhering to these luggage requirements, travelers stand to cause delays and incur additional costs to themselves.
Charter-Flight to Camp Okavango Airstrip
Lodge-/ Camp Activities
Today, we head into the bush. After a scenic flight, you'll reach Botswana's beautiful remote wilderness. Upon arrival, it's a 25-minute drive to Camp Moremi. Camp Moremi is famous for its boat safaris to the Xakanaxa Lagoon and the surrounding channels. Observe fish eagles, malachite kingfishers, and even Pel's angel owls as you cruise past mopane woodlands and open grasslands home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs.
Charter flight to Xakanaxa Airport
Lodge/Camping Activities
The flight from Moremi Game Reserve to Savute is a scenic and exciting journey through the heart of Botswana's wilderness. The landscape changes from the lush wetlands and forests of Moremi to the dry, open plains and ancient riverbeds of Savute, part of Chobe National Park. This short bush flight often offers glimpses of wildlife—elephants, buffalo, and even large predators. The road transfer to camp takes approximately 25 minutes.
Charter-Flight to Savute Airstrip
Lodge-/ Camp Activities
The final highlight of your safari trip is the world-famous Chobe National Park, known for its large herds of elephants and buffalo that congregate along the Chobe River. Treat yourself to a romantic champagne breakfast while cruising along the river, enjoying the tranquil scenery and abundant wildlife. The lodge is a 15-km drive from Kasane International Airport, initially on a paved road to the Sedudu Gate (entrance to Chobe National Park). The final stretch is on dirt roads suitable for four-wheel drive vehicles only.
Charter-Flight to Kasane Airport
Road transfer to Lodge
Lodge-/ Camp Activities
Transfer to the airport and check-in for your flight back home.
Thank you for traveling with Terra Nova Tours!
Transfer to Airport
