11 Nights of Botswana Birding Safari Experience

11 Nights of Botswana Birding Safari Experience

Duration: 12 Days | 11 Nights

Days: 1-4 Chobe | Days: 4-6 Savute |Days 6-9 Okavango Panhandle | Days 9-12 Makgadikgadi Pans

Countries: Botswana                  

Camps: Chobe Game Lodge, Savute Safari Lodge, Nxamaseri Island Lodge & Leroo la Tau

Type of Safari

Classic: Fully Inclusive Custom Itinerary for group size (2+)

Departure Date: All year round

Summary:

From December to March every year, Botswana’s migratory birds arrive en masse. Together with the expert birding guide, guests will travel through Botswana’s great floodplains of Chobe and into the miombo & mopane woodlands of the hinterland areas. Guests will travel across the Okavango wetlands for wading species and the aquatic birds of the Panhandle region of the delta, and finish in the outskirts of the Kalahari & Makgadikgadi. These itinerary promises to deliver not just the best opportunity for spotting the key species of the region but also stunning scenery and some of Botswana’s most spectacular game-viewing.

This trip includes a highly experienced birdwatcher host who has intimate knowledge of the local region and where to go to have the highest chance of sighting the key species. This itinerary is also designed for birders who are not just coming to tick off key species but to maximise time on their safari witnessing unique birding behaviour and enjoying time with the special birds at this time of year. Our handpicked professional birding guides promise to adapt to the preferences of each group and ensure you enjoy time away from other travellers, surrounded only by epic bird sightings.

Transfers can be arranged for an additional cost from Victoria Falls or Livingstone.

Highlights of this safari:

• 4 Days at Chobe Game Lodge: Move between the Chobe floodplains and teak forests for sightings of Rosy-throated Longclaw, Schalow’s Turaco, Racket-tailed Rollers, Stierling’s Wren-Warblers, African Cuckoo Hawks, White-crowned Lapwings, and seasonal migrants like Debham’s Bustard, Crowned Crane, and Black Coucals.
• 3 Days at Savute Safari Lodge: Game drives exploring various birding environments, with sightings of Carmine Bee-eaters riding on the back of Kori Bustards, raptors, pratincoles, and seedeaters. The lodge’s permanent waterhole attracts thousands of pratincoles at certain times of the season.
• 4 Days at Nxamaseri Island Lodge: Nature walks on the Okavango Delta islands, boat trips, and an optional night at the Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out camp. This region within the Okavango is a prime location for sightings of African Skimmers, waders, warblers, Wattled Cranes, Pel’s Fishing Owls, and all Botswana kingfisher and bee-eater species.
• 4 Days at Leroo La Tau: Explore the dry Boteti Riverbed and arid regions of Nxai Pans for sightings of korhaans, bustards, larks, pipits, migratory zebra and wildebeest, vultures, insectivorous species, sandgrouse, and francolins. The lodge’s bird hide offers perfect late-afternoon birding from the edge of the Boteti. Private activities are included in this itinerary, and per-person rates vary depending on the number of guests booked.

Safari Itinerary

Days: 1-4

CHOBE NATIONAL PARK

On arrival in Kasane, Botswana you will be met by a representative to assist with guest’s road transfer to Chobe Game Lodge.

Starting at Chobe Game Lodge for four days, this unique lodge is the only permanent property on the Chobe River that is located within the Chobe National Park. This presents a whole host of advantages, allowing you to get out at first light to the floodplains and shorelines for sightings as well as staying out as late as possible rather than departing the park gates. Chobe’s sightings are incredible for a range of forest birds, waders, and floodplain species. Special sightings include Schalow's Turaco and Racket-tailed Rollers.

Overnight at Chobe Game Lodge (3 Nights) – Fully inclusive

Days: 4-6

SAVUTE

From Chobe Game Lodge, guests and the host head into the Savute region at Savute Safari Lodge for three days of game drives and wonderful sightings of Carmine Bee-eaters swooping along the side of the vehicles and elephant herds. Habitats include the Savute Marsh, arid-mopane woodlands, riverbeds, and rocky outcrops.

Overnight at Savute Safari Lodge (2 Nights)- Fully inclusive

Days: 6-9

OKAVANGO PANHANDLE

The next four days will be spent in the Okavango Panhandle at Nxamaseri Island Lodge, which has regular sightings of Pel's Fishing Owls, African Skimmers, Lesser Jacana, and White-backed Night-herons. The region is also renowned for large numbers of bee-eaters, kingfishers, and many of the migratory cuckoos.

Overnight at Nxamaseri Island Lodge (3 Nights)- Fully inclusive

Days: 9-12

MAKGADIKGADI SALT PANS & BOTETI RIVER

The trip will finish at Leroo La Tau for four days exploring the prolific Kalahari species from bustards and korhaans to Arnot’s Chats and a number of pipits and larks in a variety of grassland habitats.

Overnight at Leroo la Tau  (3 Nights)- Fully inclusive

Day 12: End of Safari

After a final morning activity, guests will depart the camp for Maun Airport. On arrival a representative will meet you to ensure you connect to your onward travel arrangements.

We Love it here!

Included

• Accommodation: As per itinerary Meals: 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 11 dinners
• Meet and greet: Maun International Airport
• Drinks: Selected local brand drinks
• Transfers: Scheduled air, road transfers
• Activities: Game drives; Water-based activities; Nature walks; Bird watching; Cultural visits
• Entrance fees: National Park fees
• Guide: Registered guide per lodge/boat.
• Other language guides are subject to availability

Excluded

• Flights (other than specified in the detailed safari itinerary)
• Visas 
• Compulsory comprehensive insurance 
• All relevant entry and departure Government taxes 
• Travel, medical and personal accident insurance
• Gratuities 
• All personal purchases (including curios, spirit liquors, telephone calls, etc.) 
• Optional extra activities 
• Pre and post safari tours 
• All other travel arrangements pre or post the safari and any new Government taxes 
• Levies 
• Fuel or industry increases which are beyond our control
• Excursions not detailed in the itinerary
• Private charters/transfers or specialized guides
• Premium brand drinks
• Porterage

Transport

Lite Aircraft, 4 x 4 safari vehicle, Mokoro, Boat

Luggage: Soft sided duffel bag / 20kg maximum inclusive of hand luggage