Desert to delta 10-day Botswana adventure

Maun - Dinaka

Day 1: Arrive in Dinaka Camp

Arrive at Maun, then connect to a charter plane for the flight into the Dinaka concession, enjoying a relaxed drive to the camp for orientation.

Nestled on the northern fringe of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Dinaka, meaning 'horns', is an exclusive private reserve offering encounters with some of the most diverse wildlife in Southern Africa, from graceful giraffe, oryx and springbok, to elusive predators like cheetah, lion, leopard and the hyena.

Guests stay in safari tents here, with two-bedroomed tents available for families. Well-spaced, with wooden decks and all wheelchair accessible, each tent has a perfect vantage point over a permanent water hole.

Settle in, then enjoy dinner under the magnificent African sky.

Dinaka

Day 2: Magical Kalahari

An early morning drive is a great way to start today; head out on a search for some of the endangered animals that call Dinaka home.

Head back to camp for a relaxed brunch and a siesta, or spend the rest of the time until dinner relaxing by the pool.

Spend the night on the optional sleep-out deck, a special opportunity to spend the night positioned on an elevated deck with just the stars up above. Wake to the sounds of the African bush and watch animals pass by the deck, moving to and from the nearby watering hole. This is a truly amazing way to experience the magic of the Kalahari.

Dinaka

Day 3: Step into the wild

Game drives are the headline here, with plenty to see on a thrilling journey into the Kalahari. But Dinaka also offers the chance to go on a bushman walk. After breakfast, head out with one of the San Bushmen for a truly immersive, enriching and educational experience. Discover the endearing honey badger, the intriguing bat-eared fox and the elusive porcupine. Bird enthusiasts can enjoy a spectacular array, including the majestic kori bustard and vibrant crimson-breasted shrike. Head back to the camp for lunch and some more poolside relaxation.  

After dinner, if you still haven't had enough wildlife, a night drive is a great way to see a different side to this incredible landscape, witnessing the surprising natural stories that unfold after sunset.

Dinaka - Okuti

Day 4: Magnificent inland delta

After breakfast, you'll have time for a final morning activity, before catching a charter flight to the Okavango Delta.

Situated in the northwestern corner of Botswana, the Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as the largest inland delta in the world. The magnificent Okavango River seeps into the Kalahari Desert, forming a flourishing waterlogged oasis.

Check in to your accommodation, which draws influence from the Maunachira River flowing near the camp. With its abundant birdlife, fish and sandy river banks, it remains an oasis of serenity and peacefulness. Accommodation is in masasas is positioned on raised decks with river views, ideal for spotting more wonders of nature. 

Freshen up after your journey, settle into your new home for the next few days, then enjoy a delicious dinner overlooking the Maunachira. 

Okuti

Day 5: Venture into the Okavango

In the east of the Delta, Moremi Game Reserve is one of Africa's most beautiful reserves, covering more than 4871km sq, with an incredibly varied terrain that includes savannah, winding waterways and dense forest.

Enjoy a morning game drive in one of Botswana's prime game viewing regions after breakfast. Look out for herds of buffalo, wildebeest and zebra, to the rare sitatunga and lechwe antelope; keep your eyes peeled for lion, cheetah and wild dogs in the open grasslands. 

Learn all about the prolific birdlife here, including most of the 550 species on Botswana’s national bird list.

After lunch, slow the pace down and on a boat cruise this afternoon; catch a spectacular sunset while sipping a refreshing cold drink and watching hippos yawn and grunt in the lagoons of the Okavango Delta.

Later, head back to camp for a starlit dinner and a good night's sleep.

Okuti

Day 6: Delta cruise and game drive

After a relaxed breakfast, change your perspective with a morning cruise along the delta waterways to truly appreciate this diverse ecosystem.

A post-lunch game drive in the Moremi Game Reserve later in the day is a chance to see more of the amazing array of wildlife here.

Spend the evening on the deck of the masasa, reflecting and absorb the experience so far over dinner and drinks.

Okuti - Shinde

Day 7: Palm island paradise

After breakfast, enjoy one last activity at Okuti, before catching a charter flight onwards. On arrival, you'll be transferred to your new accommodation, with plenty of time to settle in and enjoy lunch after your journey. 

For the next few days, you'll be nestled on a lush palm island in the heart of the northern Okavango Delta, which simply teems with animal and birdlife. 

Take a stroll around the camp to acclimatise, then enjoy dinner uner the shade of ebony and mangosteen trees.  

Shinde

Day 8: Okavango from the water

Enjoy a lazy breakfast today, then get ready to take part in one of the year-round boating, game drive and walking safari activities on offer.

After lunch, set off at a completely different pace and gain a different point of view on a mokoro dugout canoe excursion. Floating past lily pads and watching aquatic birds in their natural habitat, within touching distance, is a truly extraordinary spectacle.

Afterwards, head back to camp for dinner and an evening of relaxation. 

Shinde

Day 9: Shinde big game

After breakfast today, spend your last full day in Botswana seeking out the big game. Commonly spotted animals here include lions, rhinos, leopards, giraffes, hippos, elephants, crocodiles and countless species of bird.

After dinner, spend the final night around the camp fire sharing stories of adventures and excitement from your trip, and your enjoy a final night, safari-style, in the camp.

Shinde - Maun

Day 10: Farewell, Botswana!

After breakfast, there's time to squeeze in one more activity this morning, before heading to the airstrip for the final charter flight back to Maun, to connect with the lunchtime flight out to Cape Town or Jo'burg.