13-Day Botswana Camping Safari – Kalahari & Okavango
Experience the raw beauty of Africa on this affordable Botswana Camping Safari, a journey through some of the most iconic and remote wilderness areas in Southern Africa. Discover the contrasting ecosystems of the lush Okavango Delta and the arid Central Kalahari Game Reserve, camp under the stars, and encounter a wealth of wildlife along the way.
Quick Overview of This Botswana Camping Safari
- Visit the sacred Moremi Gorge and learn about local culture and wildlife
- Marvel at the surreal beauty of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and Kubu Island
- Explore the Okavango Delta by mokoro and on foot with local guides
- Discover rare desert-adapted species in the Central Kalahari
- Support conservation at the Khama Rhino Sanctuary
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Johannesburg to Goo Moremi Gorge (Botswana)
Depart Johannesburg and head north to Botswana. Cross the border and explore the lush Moremi Gorge, tucked away in the desert. Walk among waterfalls, sacred pools, and ancient cliffs known for endangered Cape Vultures. Overnight camping near the gorge.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner | Distance: ±530km (9 hrs incl. border) | Accommodation: Campsite with hot showers
Day 2: Moremi Gorge to Kubu Island, Makgadikgadi Pans
Travel to the mystical Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and set up camp near Kubu Island, a prehistoric granite outcrop surrounded by a crusty salt desert. Explore ancient ruins and enjoy unforgettable sunsets.
Meals: All meals | Distance: ±375km (5.5 hrs) | Accommodation: Basic community campsite
Day 3: Makgadikgadi to Gweta
Journey along the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans to Gweta. Enjoy the lunar landscapes dotted with ancient baobabs and camp at a well-equipped site with modern facilities.
Meals: All meals | Distance: ±330km (8 hrs incl. stops) | Accommodation: Campsite with hot showers, pool, and bar
Day 4: Gweta to Maun
Morning at leisure with optional meerkat encounter (own expense). Travel to Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Resupply for the next leg of your Botswana Camping Safari.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch | Distance: ±220km (3.5 hrs) | Accommodation: Campsite with full amenities | Optional: Scenic flight over Okavango Delta
Days 5–7: Okavango Delta Exploration
Venture into the heart of the Okavango Delta by mokoro canoe. Camp on remote islands, enjoy guided bush walks, birdwatching, and swimming. This pristine ecosystem teems with life, and your visit supports the local Kopano Mokoro Community Trust.
Meals: All meals (except Day 7 dinner) | Activities: Mokoro trips, game walks | Accommodation: 2 nights wild camping, 1 night in Maun campsite
Days 8–11: Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Head into one of the largest protected areas in Africa – the Central Kalahari. Spend four days tracking wildlife and exploring the vast, sandy wilderness where black-maned lions, oryx, and brown hyenas roam. Learn about the San people and their traditional ways of life.
Meals: All meals | Activities: Daily game drives in open 4×4 | Accommodation: Wild camping with basic facilities
Day 12: Central Kalahari to Khama Rhino Sanctuary
Travel to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, a community-run reserve dedicated to rhino conservation. Take a game drive to spot rhinos, zebras, and other species in this restored wildlife haven.
Meals: All meals | Distance: ±380km (7.5 hrs) | Accommodation: Campsite with hot showers
Day 13: Khama Rhino Sanctuary to Johannesburg
End your Botswana Camping Safari with a scenic drive back to Johannesburg, passing through the border and stopping for lunch along the way. Arrival at OR Tambo International Airport is scheduled for 17:00.
Meals: Breakfast only | Distance: ±650km (9.5 hrs incl. border)
Child Policy
Children aged 12 to 17 are welcome on this Botswana Camping Safari when accompanied by an adult.
Why Choose This Botswana Camping Safari?
This overland adventure offers the ultimate immersion into Botswana’s diverse ecosystems—from shimmering salt pans to watery deltas and remote desert plains. Perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and eco-conscious travelers, this safari combines cultural experiences, conservation, and wildlife encounters for an unforgettable journey through Southern Africa.