Our Message on Covid-19

Botswana

Namibia

Expeditions

Can’t see what you’re looking for?

Botswana

Namibia

South Africa

Botswana Wet & Wild

Start planning your safari

PRICE FROM:

$4,270

DURATION:

6 nights / 7 days

DEPARTURE:

Year round

GROUP SIZE:

Enquire with reservations

PRICE FROM:

$4,270

DURATION:

6 nights / 7 days

DEPARTURE:

Year round

GROUP SIZE:

Enquire with reservations

Explore the wildlife in the Okavango Delta, and visit the Khwai Private Reserve for hiking or game watching.

Why You’ll Love It:

  • Game drive through the unique Khwai Game Reserve, keeping your eyes peeled for lion, leopard and wild dog as you go.
  • Gaze at the incredible views from the deck of your bedroom at Sable Alley (G&T in hand!)
  • Feast your eyes on huge herds of elephant. Botswana has one of the largest concentrations of pachyderms in Africa, and we know just where to find them.
  • Stay in the heart of the Okavango Delta at Mapula Lodge and float into unexplored areas on a mokoro or boat safari.

This itinerary is fully customizable. To change this itinerary, please enquire with us.

What’s Included:

  • Accommodation, guest laundry, all meals & local beverages
  • All light aircraft and road transfers to and from Maun
  • All light aircraft and road transfers between camps
  • Daily activities, expert guiding, park entrance fees & VAT

Exclusions: Premium brand drinks, gratuities and fully comprehensive travel insurance.

Start Planning this Safari

AN ADVENTURE IN THE DELTA

Botswana’s Okavango Delta. The very name conjures up visions of quintessential African wildlife, bounding across grassy plains, lily-filled waterways, mokoro (canoe) safaris, and a medley of snorting hippos. Well, this Natural Selection custom itinerary gives you all of that – and a little more.

Over the seven days, we’ll take you to two locations within the Delta, each one offering a unique experience in the pristine wilderness. First on the agenda is a stay at Mapula Lodge where you’ll be surrounded by the most quintessential of Delta scenery from floodplains to forested islands to sparkling waterways. Then it’s off to the 220,000-hectare Khwai Private Reserve, and three nights at the bright and breezy Sable Alley. From your tented base, you’ll game drive through herds of majestic elephant, spot the predators that hide in the shadows, and meander along the Khwai River on a walking safari.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Maun, and fly to Mapula Lodge, Okavango Delta

Your first day on safari is always a good one, and when you arrive at Mapula, you won’t be disappointed. Leap into action on a game drive, or settle into your surroundings with a crisp G&T in camp as the sun goes down.

Accommodations

At Mapula Lodge, you’ll find nine canvas-and-thatch bedroom tents, replete with king size metal four-posters and feather-filled pillows. Ensuite bathrooms have both indoor and outdoor showers and fabulous views across the Delta. There’s also a swimming pool surrounded by shaded sun loungers, a vast outdoor deck and a ‘chill pit’ overlooking the lagoon for lazy afternoons and evenings.

Day 2 & 3: Mapula Lodge, Okavango Delta

Follow the wildlife on an all-day game drive, or park at a waterhole and let the animals meander around you. The next day, float around the watery wonderland on a boat safari watch hippo jousting for territory and crocodile basking in the sun.

Wildlife

The Okavango Delta region is particularly well-known for its diverse and staggeringly high quantities of game and during your stay at both Mapula and Sable Alley you’re more than likely to sight zebra, wildebeest, impala, buffalo, reedbuck, and sable and roan antelope on the plains. On game drives, you’ll watch lion and cheetah on the prowl, and seek out elusive leopard and wild dog – and don’t forget the many elephants that are seemingly ever-present. Then there’s the unique aquatic antelope (sitatunga and lechwe) and the seemingly endless stream of water birds. And that’s just the beginning.

Day 4: Fly to Sable Alley, Khwai Private Reserve

A short flight will take you to Khwai Private Reserve where you’ll settle into your bright and breezy tent at Sable Alley.

Accommodations

Sable Alley will be your home in Khwai. The camp was established to create a meaningful bridge between the tourism industry and local villagers, and we’re proud of what we’ve achieved so far. Sable overlooks a peaceful lagoon (in fact, sometimes it’s not so peaceful with all the wildlife action), and you can enjoy the views from one of the 12, ensuite tents, the swimming pool, or the stylish main area. Limited Wifi is available.

Days 5 & 6: Sable Alley, Khwai Private Reserve

Game drive along the Khwai River, watching the comings and goings of the wildlife, or lace up your walking boots and explore the reserve on two feet.

Extension Idea: Sleep under the stars

Discover your inner adventurer with a night under the stars atop a five-metre high platform in the heart of the Khwai Private Reserve – the Skybeds! Please contact us for details about adding a night at the Skybeds to your itinerary.

Day 7: Fly back to Maun and depart

All good things must come to an end, and today, it’s time to fly back to Maun for your flight home.

Ready to book this safari?

This itinerary starts at $4,270/person* and is fully customizable based on the number of people and travel dates.

Start Planning

Additional Information

When to Go & What to Pack:

Each month of the year in the Greater Okavango region has its own quirks and charms. Water-based safaris are better in the dry season months of April to October, but birding is magnificent in the summer months of November to March. The Skybeds are only open during the dry season months of April to October – there’s no roof to keep you dry! – but if you’d like to travel at a different time of year, this itinerary can most certainly be tailored to suit.

Whatever time of year you’re travelling, we suggest you pack loose, cotton clothes in neutral colours, a sweater or jacket, a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sun block, insect repellent and lip balm. For footwear, bring sturdy, closed walking shoes and socks (but no need to bring heavy hiking boots). Binoculars, cameras and reference books are a must, and of course, bring your swimming kit! All your luggage must be packed into a soft bag, so it can be squeezed into tight corners in small aircraft and vehicles.

Policies & Access:

Child Policy: Children aged 6 years and older are welcome. Please contact reservations for child pricing and policies.

Disabled Access: Please enquire with reservations.

Wifi: Limited Wifi is available at Sable Alley but not at Mapula Lodge.

Excluded: Premium brand drinks, gratuities, and fully comprehensive travel insurance.

Gallery

Click on the images to see larger photos.

Other Trips You May Be Interested In

Photographic Safari with Danny Crous

6 nights/7 days

FROM: Price on request /person*

VIEW SAFARI

Namibia Flying Safari

6 or 8 Nights

NamibRand Nature Reserve, Hoanib Valley, Skeleton Coast

FROM: NAD 107,700/person*

VIEW SAFARI

A Spot of Romance

6 nights / 7 days

Khwai Private Reserve, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

FROM: $9,275/person*

VIEW SAFARI

Vintage Botswana Safari

6 nights/7 days

Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Khwai Private Reserve

FROM: $3,395/person*

VIEW SAFARI

A Kubu Island Adventure

5 nights/ 6 days

Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

FROM: $10,538/person*

VIEW SAFARI

A Desert Adventure

6 nights/ 7 days

Hoanib Valley, Skeleton Coast National Park

FROM: NAD 68,050/person*

VIEW SAFARI

Journey through Northern Namibia

6 nights/7 days

Etosha Heights, Hoanib Valley

FROM: NAD 56,560/person*

VIEW SAFARI

The Scratching Post

Nature Notes and News From Africa

Four Of Our Favourite NS Hide-Outs!

Jules Hadley| January 14, 2022

Get up close and personal, in four of our favourite Natural Selection hide-outs. This is where the wildlife comes to find you... Sunken, raised or floating at Natural Selection all...

Read More »

Wildshots – focusing on youth and conservation

Murray McCallum| November 19, 2021

Natural Selection was founded on the basis of our commitments to environmental conservation and the need to protect Africa’s important wildlife areas.  A key ingredient to the sustainable long-term conservation...

Read More »

Meet Our Characters: Linda Matiki

Pru Allison| October 11, 2021

Linda Matiki There’s no shortage of formidable women here at Natural Selection, and one of our longest standing matriarchs is the utterly delightful Linda Matiki who’s been with our sibling...

Read More »