A 7-Day Botswana Okavango Delta And Culture Safari Itinerary & Costs

A 7-Day Botswana Delta And Culture Safari offers an immersive journey into the Okavango Delta’s waterways and diverse ecosystems, blending thrilling wildlife viewing (elephants, predators) with deep cultural experiences, featuring activities like serene mokoro (canoe) rides, guided bush walks, game drives in areas like Moremi or Khwai, and visits to local communities and sacred sites like Tsodilo Hills, all while staying in unique island lodges or mobile camps, often flying between locations for maximum experience.

This 7-day Botswana safari in Africa’s Okavango Delta, often called the “Garden of Eden,” is part of a unique Trip with a Purpose that uses tourism to help local communities as you have fun and meet interesting people.

The Panhandle of the Delta is the starting point for your adventure at Nxamaseri Island Lodge. Participate in conversations with locals and learn intriguing details about how they’ve shaped their lives to thrive in these untamed and wild places. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to explore the sacred Tsodilo Hills, a national treasure that houses more than 4,500 rock paintings that date back thousands of years. This will provide you with a deeper understanding of the bushcraft and lore of the Delta.

Xugana Island Lodge, located in a private concession overlooking a tropical lagoon, is the next stop on your itinerary. Under the watchful eye of Xugana’s knowledgeable tour operators, you can take exhilarating power boat rides or relax on traditional mokoros. Situated on an island in the middle of the verdant Xugana Lagoon, with its interconnected waterways and papyrus beds, the resort has a prime location beneath the shade of towering trees.

Camp Xakanaxa, situated on the Khwai River, is one of the best places in Africa to see wildlife, and it’s the last stop on your safari. You will be whisked away to a place of unparalleled natural beauty and abundant animals on game drives and boat trips, the pinnacle of land and sea recreation.

A Detailed A 7-Day Botswana Okavango Delta And Culture Safari

Day 1-2: Your Adventure Begins | 2 Nights

Embark on your journey in the picturesque city of Maun. An escort will be waiting to take you to the Nxamaseri Island Lodge when you arrive. A private island in the ever-changing waters of Botswana’s Okavango Delta is home to one of the region’s oldest resorts, providing guests with a one-of-a-kind African experience. Motorised boat or mokoro trips will take you across the Okavango River from the lodge. While this isn’t the best place to see big game, you might still see otters, crocodiles, hippos, and countless bird species.

The nearest property to the Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Nxamaseri Island Lodge. This one-of-a-kind location, which is shrouded in mystery and intrigue, is part of your experience. “Sorile” means “sheer” in the Hambukushu language, from which the word “Tsodilo” is derived. More than 4,500 rock paintings made by Bushmen decorate the stone faces of the hills here, making it a revered site for the inhabitants. You will climb and explore slopes and paths, witnessing and appreciating evidence of ancient life and tales at one of the most historically significant rock art sites in the world.

Visiting the nearby Nxamaseri Village is a great way to get a feel for the local culture while staying at Nxamaseri Island Lodge. The inhabitants of Botswana are well-known for their hospitable nature and remarkable ability to adapt to their naturally harsh environment. During your visits, you will get the opportunity to meet the village chief and make a positive impact on these communities and their way of life.

Day 3-4: Explore a Watery Paradise | 2 Nights

Your journey continues with a stop at the Xugana Island Lodge, which is located in a private concession. Away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the lodge offers a tranquil place to reconnect with nature.

Although game drives are not available at the Xugana water lodge, you will learn about the local wildlife on exciting power boat rides or picturesque mokoros excursions. See a fish eagle reel in its prey or cast your line for some bream or tiger fish. Walking tours of the nearby islands and the bush are an occassionally offered activity. Upon returning to the lodge at the end of each day, you will be greeted by a cosy fire and a crew that is prepared to indulge you with traditional Botswanan cuisine and exceptional African wines.

Day 5-6: A Classic Okavango Safari Camp | 2 Nights

Camp Xakanaxa, the final stop on your Okavango Delta excursion, will be transferred to you after breakfast. The camp is situated on the banks of the Khwai River and offers breathtaking views of a lagoon with the same name. Here, you’ll sleep in sumptuous safari tents designed in the Meru style, perched on elevated decks and cooled by an innovative sprinkler system. Indulge in delectable meals in an elegant dining space, unwind in an outdoor lounge, and take in breathtaking views of the Delta from the plunge pool and sun deck.

In addition to seeing a plethora of birds, this place offers top-notch game drives and boat cruises. The guides at Xakanaxa are not only very competent, but also quite enthusiastic about sharing what they know about the region with anyone who is interested in learning.

Day 7: Farewell Botswana

After a hearty breakfast, your day will begin with a transfer to Maun airport for your trip back home.

What’s Included?

6 nights accommodation
Meals:
Nxamaseri Island Lodge : Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)
Xugana Island Lodge : Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)
Camp Xakanaxa : Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)
All necessary permits, conservancy and park fees
All activities specified, including morning and evening game drives each full day on safari
Chance to meet the chief of the village and experience life in small villages in Botswana
Game drives & boat tours
Transfers as mentioned in the tour
All transfers during your itinerary
24/7 assistance and support during your trip