Plan my trip

5 days - the Chobe River and the Okavango Delta

Chobe's elephants, the Chobe River and the Okavango Delta

Five days on the Chobe River and in the Okavango Delta, with a river cruise, mokoro trips and a night drive.

1 Country
2 Stops
4 Nights
Medium to Luxury Service level
  • The storyThe headline tells the journey in a few lines, one after another.
  • At a glanceThe figures beneath it are the essential facts of the trip.

The journey

When to go

Chobe river and wildlife
Okavango water and mokoro
Heat and rain
Chobe river and wildlife Okavango water and mokoro Heat and rain Avoid
June Primary window

The flood builds towards its peak, and mokoro trips are rewarding. Chobe’s riverfront starts to fill with herds. Dry and sunny, with cold early mornings.

Rising flood Mokoro opens up Cold mornings

The route

Chobe National Park Okavango Delta
01

Botswana

Chobe National Park and the Chobe River, then the Okavango Delta.

A 20-minute transfer from Kasane Airport, and you can hear the trumpet howl of a majestic elephant. You will marvel at the prospect of neighbouring elephants at the aptly-named Elephant Valley Lodge as you set down amidst wondrous luxury and the impending wanderlust. Chobe National Park is unique in that it has some of the highest game densities in all of Africa. As is customary in a country like Botswana, you will also be able to take in the splendour of some of the most unspoiled natural habitats in the world.
The cruise along the stunning Chobe River with its many watering spots gives access visitors to even more of the park’s spectacular wildlife. The waterbed is the only place where one might see puku antelope as well as families of giraffes and cape buffalo. Aboard our luxurious watercraft, one will witness the contrasts of the region. Covered by extensive grassland and savannah, this allows for further sightings of the park’s plentiful wildlife. From rhinos, zebras, warthog, and wildebeest, as well as the predators who go after them – to the rich birdlife -abundant during the rainy season.
Situated between the Selinda Spillway and Vumbura River, Kadizora Camp is located in the remote areas north of the Okavango Delta. Overlooking a panoramic landscape comprised of sycamore figs and Rain trees, Kadizora is the only camp that allows you to explore the Delta on a hot air balloon. It’s also perfect to experience open vehicle and walking safaris, Mokoro excursions, and seasonal fishing activities. Make your visit memorable by indulging in the fine bush cuisine Kadizora offers. Overlooking the Mbudi Lagoon, Saguni Safari Lodge offers the ultimate Okavango Delta experience, chock-full of experiences you’ll recall fondly. Set on an island of mature riparian trees, the game-rich property features Africa’s big wildlife attractions, from the majestic lion to the elegant giraffe and more. Guests also have the option to experience a night-time drive around the area in addition to Saguni Safari Lodge’s warm, generous hospitality.

The detail

About this trip

Those seeking a path less beaten need to look no further than the 5-Day Botswana itinerary. Home to the Moremi Game Reserve, the land here contrasts across wetter and drier regions. This allows for some startling and unexpected contrasts in its inhabitants. A single foray might yield the sight of abundant elephants and hippos and commonly seen giraffes and zebras. The reserve has recently reintroduced both black and white rhinos, meaning an experience of the Big 5 can be had in beautiful Botswana.

What is included

  • Park fees (For non-residents)
  • All activities (Unless labelled as optional)
  • All accommodation (Unless listed as an upgrade)
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation (Unless labelled as optional)
  • Round-trip airport transfer
  • Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Drinking water (On all days)
  • Gifts

What is not included

  • International flights (From/ home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Increase in taxes and/or fees for parks set by the government

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

How is the 5-day Botswana trip laid out?
Day 1 begins with a 20-minute transfer from Kasane Airport to Elephant Valley Lodge in Chobe. Days 2 and 3 are on the Chobe River, and days 4 and 5 are in the Okavango Delta, at Kadizora Camp north of the Delta and Saguni Safari Lodge. The written itinerary does not list the Chobe-to-Delta transfer, so your proposal confirms the transfer and its timings.
When is the best time for Chobe and the Okavango Delta?
June to September score highest at both. The flood builds in June, peaks in July, the best month for mokoro, and the Delta holds its fullest water in August, with big herds along the Chobe riverfront. May and October are alternatives, with October very hot. November to April is green and wet, the Delta is low and water activities depend on the camp.
What does a typical day look like on this itinerary?
Chobe days are built around the river: the cruise gives access to more of the park’s wildlife and its many watering spots. In the Delta, the camps offer open vehicle and walking safaris, mokoro excursions and seasonal fishing at Kadizora, and an optional night drive at Saguni. Dinner at Kadizora features fine bush cuisine.
What can be added or chosen on the Botswana itinerary?
Kadizora is described as the only camp that lets you explore the Delta by hot air balloon, so ask us about availability. Saguni offers an optional night-time drive. Mokoro and fishing depend on the water level and season, so tell us your dates and we advise which activities suit them. Dates and lodges are confirmed in your proposal.
Can you combine more than one country in a single trip?
Yes. Many of our journeys cross borders, for example Botswana with Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, or Cape Town with a safari and the Falls. Tell us the places you have in mind through the enquiry form and we will plan the route and transfers as one itinerary.
What meals are included on safari?
Meals depend on the camp or lodge and are set out in your itinerary. On safari they are usually taken at camp, with a picnic or packed meal on some days. Tell us about any dietary needs when you enquire.
Do I need vaccinations or medication before an African safari?
Health requirements depend on where you are travelling from and where you are going, and they change. Check your country's official travel health advice or TravelHealthPro (travelhealthpro.org.uk), and see a travel clinic well before you depart. Ask about malaria prevention early.
What should I pack for an African safari?
Lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your arms and legs helps against sun and insects, in neutral colours. Bring comfortable closed shoes (boots if you will walk), a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and a camera with spare batteries and memory cards. Your itinerary lists any luggage limits for charter flights.
How do I stay safe on safari?
Your guides brief you on how to behave around wildlife. Follow their instructions, stay in the vehicle or camp area as told, and never approach or disturb animals. Conditions differ by country and change over time, so check your government's current travel advice before you book and again before you travel.

On this trip

Photographs from the route, not stock library scenery.

Four wooden dugout canoes pulled up on a grassy bank beside a flooded wetland at sunset

Book it in this order

Work down the list. Each step depends on the one above it.

Field notes

The practical detail that decides whether a trip runs smoothly.

The Chobe River cruise

The river cruise brings you close to elephants, buffalo, giraffe and hippo at the water’s edge, with rich birdlife in the wet months. Puku antelope, uncommon elsewhere in Botswana, can be seen along the river. Bring a hat, sunscreen and a layer for the early morning.

Mokoro trips

A mokoro is a traditional dugout canoe poled through the channels. Trips depend on the flood, which is highest in July and August, so in the drier months the camp may offer walks and game drives instead. Sit still and low, and keep cameras in a dry bag.

Night drive and walks

Delta camps offer open-vehicle and walking safaris, and some a night drive, so pack closed shoes and a warm layer for the dark. Ask us what your camp offers.

What to wear

Choose neutral colours, with layers for cold early mornings from May to August and light cotton for the heat of October. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, a head torch and binoculars.

Photography

A 100-400 mm lens covers most sightings on the river and in the Delta. Pack spare batteries and cards, and a dust cover for drives.

Tipping

Tipping guides, polers and camp staff is customary. Your final documents include a general guide, and amounts vary by lodge and group size.

Plan this journey

Make this trip your own

Every journey is planned around your dates and your party. Tell us who is travelling and when, and a specialist will come back with a tailored itinerary and a quote. Payment is by invoice.

Plan this trip with a specialist Browse more journeys