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6 Day Botswana Safaris

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Introduction

Botswana is topographically flat, with approximately 70 percent of its territory being the Kalahari Desert. It is situated in southern Africa bordered by South Africa to the south and southeast, Namibia to the west and north, Zimbabwe to the northeast, and Zambia to the north.

Botswana is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. About 11.6 percent of the population lives in the capital and largest city, Gaborone.

Botswana, has a landscape defined by the Okavango Delta and the Kalahari Desert. Both areas become a lush animal habitat during the seasonal floods. The massive Central Kalahari Game Reserve, with its fossilized river valleys and undulating grasslands, is home to numerous animals including giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas and wild dogs.

You can’t spend just two days in Botswana and see all of its beautiful wildlife, different landscapes, and rich culture. Because Botswana is fairly big, it would take a lot more time to see everything it has to offer. A 6-day trip will be much more satisfactory.

Plan your route carefully and hire a knowledgeable guide from a reputable tour operator to help you get the most out of your trip.

What to Expect from a 6-day Safari in Botswana

If you plan a six-day safari trip into Botswana, you can expect to visit some of the following attractions:

The Chobe National Park should be first on your list and is the third largest National Park of Botswana. The park is situated in the northern part of Botswana and known for its massive elephant populations. The best place for viewing game is next to the Chobe river where you will find the largest concentration of wildlife.

The Okavango Delta is also found in the northern part of Botswana and well known for its vast expanses of grass that periodically flood, creating a thriving wildlife habitat.  Travelling down the river in a dugout canoe, can be a thrilling experience.

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is another of Botswana big reserves and is situated in the middle of the Kalahari Desert. Although the inhospitable desert habitat doesn’t support the variety of game found in greener destinations, the sightings in this arid landscape are also special.

6-day Botswana Safaris

Best Time to Go on a 6-day Safari in Botswana

The dry, mostly winter season, which lasts from May until October, is the greatest time to go to Botswana since the weather is pleasant during the day (22°C to 35°C) and the nights are cool.

It is also during this time that the water levels in the Okavango Delta are at their peak, which results in the formation of rivers and channels.

As this is the time when the foliage dies back, the wildlife is concentrated around the few remaining waterhole. Animals gathering around the watering holes, making them easy to find.  Also, most animals, especially the carnivores, are busier during the day.

Two Typical Itineraries of the Best 6-day / 5-Night Botswana Safari Packages

Itinerary 1 – Okavango Delta

To spend 6 days in the Okavango Delta can be a truly wonderful and fulfilling experience. Accommodation can be booked at the Moremi Game Reserve and the Khwai Community area. You can experience daily game drives or a cruise down the waterways in a mokoro dugout canoe. Your stay may even include a scenic flight over the Okavango.

  • Day 1 – Your guide will pick you up in Maun and transfer you to the Moremi Game Reserve either by open safari vehicle or you could opt to fly to Moremi over the Okavango Delta.
    • On arrival at Moremi your will enjoy a light lunch and drive to your camp or lodge in the reserve.
    • After the sunset game drive, you can relax around the open pit fires and enjoy supper.
  • Day 2 – Wake up at sunrise.
    • You will be served a cup of tea or coffee and depart for a morning game drive.
    • You will return for lunch and then relax before heading out again on a late afternoon drive or opt for a bush walk.
    • You will return to your lodgings and spend the second night in the camp.
  • Day 3 – 5 Wake up at sunrise.
    • The first morning you will enjoy breakfast and then pack your bags.
    • You will head out to the neighbouring Khwai Community Area where you will spend the next two nights.
    • The Khwai Community Area is tremendous for wildlife, boasting Moremi on one side, and the Okavango Delta on the other.
    • The rest of the day and the next day are spent exploring the region’s lush floodplains on morning and afternoon game drives.
    • You would also be able to enjoy a 2.5-hour mokoro trip into the Okavango, exploring narrow channels and watching wildlife on the bank.
    • Evenings are spent camping at the comfortable mobile camp out in the bush.
  • Day 6 – Wake up at sunrise.
    • You trip has come to an end and after breakfast you will head back to Maun.
    • You will be dropped off at the airport or hotel of your choice.
6-day Botswana Safaris
6-day Botswana Safaris

Budget vs Luxury 6-day Safaris in Botswana

On a 6-day budget safari in Botswana, you will probably stay in a lodge or camp that is simple but safe. You’ll still stay in accommodation with en-suite bathrooms but may have to go without some other luxuries. Your mode of travelling will most probably be by bus or open safari vehicle.

On a Luxury 6-day Safari in Botswana, you will probably stay at a luxury lodge. Most of the time, the accommodation will be of the best quality, with private bathrooms and all possible comforts. You’ll eat gourmet food and be spoiled in many ways.

What Should I Pack for a 6-day Safari in Botswana

For a 6-day safari you will basically only need to pack the following:

  • Clothing that will be sufficient for the reigning weather conditions.
  • Walking shoes.
  • Lightweight jacket.
  • Sunscreen and bug repellent.
  • A hat and sunglasses.
  • Binoculars and camera.
  • Any medication required.

Itinerary 2 – Nxai Pan National Park, Okavango Delta and Linyanti

This 6-day tour will give you the opportunity to explore three areas in Botswana. From the rugged Kalahari Salt Pans to the wetland of the Okavango and the Linyanti areas.

  • Day 1 – The closest point of entry will be to fly to Maun from where you will be transferred to Nxai Pan National Park with a light aircraft.
    • You will arrive in time for lunch and then have some time to settle in.
    • Late afternoon you will go on your first game drive and return to your lodgings in time for supper.
  • Day 2 – You will rise early and be treated to coffee and a light breakfast.
    • After breakfast you will head out to explore the salt pans. This may involve a game drive or a walk with a local San bushman who will tell you about their culture and how they survive in the harsh area.
    • You will enjoy lunch in the bush and return for supper in the boma around an open pit fire.
  • Day 4 – You will rise early.
    • After coffee your will once again go on a game drive or explore the Delta in a mokoro or a motorboat.
    • The afternoon will give you time to relax in the camp before another sundowner game drive and supper.
  • Day 5 – You will rise early and enjoy one last game drive.
    • You will pack your bags and fly or drive to the Linyanti area on the edge of the Delta.
    • The day will be spent in Linyanti going on game drives or boating trips.
  • Day 6 – You will rise early.
    • There will be time for one last game viewing activity before breakfast after which you will pack your bags.
    • You will be driven or catch another light air-craft to Kasane or Maun.
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Tips for Going on a 6-day Safari in Botswana

When you plan your trip, think about what exactly it is you want to see on your 6-day trip. Botswana has many different attractions, so make sure you pick one that fits your needs.

Botswana can be hot and sticky, so pack carefully and bring only what you need since you will travel long distances.

 

Selecting a Tour Operator for a 6-Day Safari in Botswana

If you want to go on a safari in Botswana, the first thing you should do is find a good tour operator. The trip will most probably be expensive so make sure you discuss your needs and wishes in depth and know exactly what you’re paying for.6

Make sure you know what you want to get out of your trip. Is it the animals or the scenery that you want to see the most?

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What will I be able to visit during a 6-day safari in Botswana?

During a 6-day safari in Botswana you will probably be able to visit more than one of the tourist attractions. You could visit one of the games parks and enjoy one or two game drives and safari walks. You will be able to fly between destinations to save on travelling time.

What kind of accommodations can I expect while on a 6-day safari in Botswana?

You can expect accommodation options that range from basic camping to luxurious safari lodges, depending on what you can afford.

What must-see wildlife viewing locations in Botswana will I be able to visit on a 6-day safari?

On a 6-day safari in Botswana you may be able to fit in two to three of the country’s famous tourist attractions like the Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta or the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.

How long does it take to travel between destinations in Botswana?

It can take from a few hours to a whole day to travel between the popular tourism destinations in Botswana.

Is a 6-day safari feasible in Botswana?

A 6-day safari in Botswana is feasible and it will allow you to visit one too three of the country’s iconic attractions.