19-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in Botswana
Botswana is the ultimate destination for those seeking a harmonious blend of raw, untouched wilderness and world-class luxury. This 19-day itinerary is designed for the discerning traveler, moving beyond the standard tourist tracks into private concessions where the wildlife encounters are as exclusive as the vintage champagne served at sunset.
Your journey traverses the country's diverse ecosystems—from the lush, lily-padded channels of the Okavango Delta to the stark, haunting beauty of the salt pans. With travel primarily conducted via private charter flights, you'll maximize your time in the bush, ensuring every moment is spent in the company of Africa's iconic predators and majestic elephants, all while staying in the continent's most prestigious safari camps.
Day 1: Gaborone, Botswana - Arrival & Urban Elegance
Arrival at Sir Seretse Khama International
Touch down in the capital city. Your private chauffeur will meet you at the gate for a seamless transfer to your luxury hotel.
Gaborone Game Reserve
Enjoy a gentle introduction to Botswana's wildlife at this accessible reserve, home to rhinos and various antelope species.
Fine Dining at The Terrace
Savor a gourmet meal overlooking the city skyline, featuring locally sourced Tswana beef prepared with international flair.
Nightcap at Jack's Bar
Unwind with a craft cocktail in an atmosphere of colonial-chic elegance before your first night on African soil.
Day 2: Maun, Botswana - Gateway to the Delta
Air Botswana Flight to Maun
A short domestic flight takes you to the safari capital. Watch the landscape transform into the Kalahari fringe from above.
Lunch at Marc's Eatery
Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch at this local favorite, known for its fresh ingredients and vibrant atmosphere.
Scenic Helicopter Flight
Experience a doors-off flight for unobstructed views and photography of the Okavango’s winding waterways.
Dinner at Thamo Telele
Dine under the stars at this luxury eco-retreat, surrounded by a private giraffe sanctuary.
Day 3: Okavango Delta, Botswana - Deep Delta Immersion
Private Charter to the Inner Delta
Board a small Cessna for a breathtaking flight into the heart of the UNESCO-listed Okavango Delta.
Al Fresco Lunch at Eagle Island
Enjoy a gourmet spread on a private deck overlooking the floodplains, watching hippos bask in the distance.
Mokoro Safari
Glide silently through the reeds in a traditional dugout canoe, guided by an expert poler who knows every secret of the swamp.
Boma Dinner
Gather around a roaring fire for a traditional Boma feast accompanied by local song and dance.
Day 4: Okavango Delta, Botswana - Aquatic Wonders
Sunrise Boat Safari
Navigate the deeper channels to find elephants crossing the water and vibrant kingfishers hunting.
Delta Photography Workshop
Join a professional photographer to learn how to capture the unique light and reflections of the Delta.
Birdwatching Walk
Explore the island's interior on foot, spotting rare species like the Pel’s Fishing Owl.
Sundowner Drinks
Stop at a scenic sandbank for gin and tonics as the sky turns a brilliant shade of orange.
Day 5: Okavango Delta, Botswana - Luxury in Motion
Morning Game Drive
Head to the drier regions of the concession to search for leopards and lions in the acacia scrub.
Riverside Spa Treatment
Relax with a full-body massage using indigenous botanical oils, right on the edge of the water.
Fishing the Delta
Try your hand at catch-and-release fishing for the feisty Tigerfish in the swirling currents.
Private Deck Dinner
A romantic, candle-lit dinner served on your private balcony, far from any other guests.
Day 6: Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana - The Land of Giants
Flight to Moremi
A short scenic hop takes you to the Moremi Game Reserve, where the Delta meets the Kalahari sands.
Chef's Table Lunch
Meet the head chef at Mombo Camp for a curated tasting menu featuring local wild fruits and grains.
Predator Tracking
Moremi is world-renowned for its high concentration of wild dogs and leopards. Join an expert tracker to find them.
Stargazing Session
Botswana’s night sky is legendary; use the camp’s telescope to view the rings of Saturn.
Day 7: Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana - Wilderness Exploration
Early Game Drive
Explore the Chief’s Island area, widely considered the 'predator capital' of Africa.
Bush Picnic
Lunch served in the middle of the reserve under the shade of a giant leadwood tree.
Afternoon Safari
Observe the vast herds of buffalo and elephant that congregate around the seasonal pans.
Gourmet Dinner
Indulge in a three-course meal paired with premium South African wines.
Day 8: Khwai Community Concession, Botswana - Night Safari Secrets
Transfer to Khwai
A game-drive transfer across the wooden bridges into the Khwai Concession, bordering Moremi.
Lunch at Khwai Leadwood
Enjoy a contemporary African lunch with views over the Khwai River.
Afternoon Drive
Search for the elusive sable antelope often found in the mopane woodlands here.
Night Game Drive
Unlike the national parks, Khwai allows night drives to see nocturnal hunters like servals and honey badgers.
Day 9: Khwai Community Concession, Botswana - River Life
Khwai River Walk
Guided by a local community member, learn about the traditional uses of plants and the art of tracking.
Traditional Lunch
Taste Seswaa (pounded beef), Botswana’s national dish, prepared with a modern twist.
Afternoon Boat Cruise
Watch elephants swim across the river just meters from your boat.
Farewell Khwai Dinner
A festive evening with the camp staff, celebrating the rich culture of the Khwai village.
Day 10: Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, Botswana - Private Wilderness
Flight to Linyanti
Fly north to the Linyanti, a remote region known for its dramatic wildlife sightings and lack of crowds.
Lunch at DumaTau
Eat at the floating lounge on the Linyanti River, a masterpiece of sustainable luxury design.
Elephant Herd Tracking
The Linyanti is famous for its massive elephant populations during the dry season.
Star-lit Dinner
Dine on a private jetty extending into the Linyanti marshes.
Day 11: Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, Botswana - The Savute Channel
All-Day Safari Expedition
Pack a luxury hamper and head to the Savute Channel, where the water flows unpredictably, attracting varied wildlife.
Gourmet Bush Hamper
Enjoy chilled salads, artisanal cheeses, and fine wines in a safe, scenic location.
Hippo Lagoon Visit
Spend time at a hide overlooking a hippo-filled lagoon for incredible close-up photography.
Sundowner Barge Cruise
Relax on a double-decker barge with a fully stocked bar as the sun dips below the horizon.
Day 12: Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, Botswana - Luxury and Conservation
Behind-the-Scenes Eco Tour
Learn about the camp’s solar power and water treatment systems that minimize environmental impact.
Leisure Time
Enjoy your private pool and the tranquility of the bush.
Specialist Predator Drive
Focus specifically on the lions and leopards of the Linyanti Fault Line.
Final Linyanti Feast
A celebration of Pan-African cuisine in the camp’s dining room.
Day 13: Chobe National Park, Botswana - The Savute Marsh
Flight to Savute
Fly into the heart of Chobe National Park to the legendary Savute region.
Lunch at Savute Elephant Lodge
Overlooking the Savute Channel, this lodge offers a front-row seat to the drama of the wild.
Savute Marsh Drive
Explore the open grasslands where cheetahs and lions are frequently spotted hunting.
Storytelling by the Fire
Listen to tales of the 'Elephant Killers' of Savute and the unique history of the area.
Day 14: Chobe National Park, Botswana - Ancient Rock Art
Gubatsa Hills Hike
A gentle climb to see ancient San Rock paintings that have survived for thousands of years.
Baobab Tree Tour
Visit the massive, prehistoric baobabs that dominate the skyline in this part of Chobe.
Waterhole Watch
Spend a quiet afternoon at the camp's hide as herds of elephants come to drink.
Savute Steak Night
Enjoy a premium steak dinner under the canopy of the stars.
Day 15: Chobe Riverfront, Botswana - The River of Life
Transfer to Kasane
A scenic drive or flight (depending on road conditions) to the northern Chobe Riverfront.
Lunch on the Chobe Princess
Board a luxury houseboat for a different perspective of the river.
River Cruise Safari
The Chobe River offers the best boat-based game viewing in the world. See hundreds of elephants at once.
Farewell River Dinner
Dine on the deck of your boat as you float past sleeping hippos.
Day 16: Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana - The Desert Silence
Charter Flight to the Pans
Fly south to the edge of the vast Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, one of the largest salt flats in the world.
Arrival at Jack's Camp
Step back in time at this iconic 1940s-style safari camp, a museum of Kalahari history.
Meerkat Encounter
Spend time with habituated meerkats that might even use your head as a lookout post.
Elegant Desert Dinner
A silver-service dinner served in the grand mess tent.
Day 17: Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana - Salt Pan Adventure
San Bushmen Walk
Learn the ancient survival skills and deep spiritual connections of the Zu/’hoasi people.
Lunch in the Pavilion
A refreshing lunch followed by tea and cakes in the library tent.
Quad Biking the Salt Flats
Speed across the crusty white pans into the absolute nothingness of the horizon.
Sleep-out Under the Stars
If the weather permits, choose to sleep on a bedroll on the open pans for a truly cosmic experience.
Day 18: Gaborone, Botswana - Returning to the City
Final Desert Breakfast
One last gourmet meal overlooking the shimmering pans.
Flight to Gaborone
A private charter or scheduled flight back to the capital for your final evening.
Main Mall Souvenir Shopping
Pick up high-quality Botswana baskets and ostrich eggshell jewelry at the Sanitas Tea Garden.
Celebratory Farewell Dinner
Toast to an epic journey at Gaborone's top-rated steakhouse.
Day 19: Gaborone, Botswana - Departure
Leisurely Morning
Enjoy a final dip in the hotel pool and a relaxed breakfast.
Art Gallery Visit
Visit the National Museum and Art Gallery to see contemporary Tswana art before leaving.
Transfer to Airport
Your private car will take you back to Sir Seretse Khama International for your flight home.
Departure
Board your flight, carrying the spirit of the wild with you.
Best Time to Visit Botswana
The best time to visit Botswana is during the dry winter season (May to October). During these months, the Okavango Delta is at its highest flood levels, creating the classic watery landscape. Wildlife is also easier to spot as animals congregate around permanent water sources. Temperatures are pleasant during the day but can drop significantly at night, especially in the Kalahari. If you wish to see the zebra migration in the Makgadikgadi, the 'green season' (November to April) is beautiful, though some lodges may be harder to access due to rain.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Botswana Pula (BWP). In luxury lodges, all major international credit cards are accepted, and most high-end camps include all meals and drinks in their rates. However, it is advisable to carry some cash (Pula or US Dollars) for tipping staff and buying local crafts in smaller villages. Tipping is customary in the safari industry; a general guideline is USD 10-15 per guest per day for your guide and a similar amount for the general camp staff.
Getting Around Botswana
For a luxury itinerary, the primary mode of transport between camps is private or scheduled charter flights, often referred to as 'puddle jumpers.' These flights offer incredible views and save hours of bumpy road travel. Within cities like Gaborone or Maun, private chauffeur transfers are the gold standard. While car rentals are available, they are generally not recommended for the deep bush unless you are an experienced 4x4 driver. Domestic flights are operated by Air Botswana, connecting Gaborone, Maun, and Kasane efficiently.
