7 Day Botswana Safaris
2 Nights Mboma Island Camp, 2 Nights Camp Savuti and 2 Nights Taita Falcon Lodge
- 7 Days
From
2 Nights Xaxaba Mobile Camp, 2 Nights Mboma Islands Camp and 2 Nights Camp Savuti
- 7 Days
From
3 Nights Camp Savuti and 3 Nights Taita Falcon Lodge
- 7 Days
From
Introduction
Botswana is situated in Southern Africa, with approximately 70 percent of its territory being the Kalahari Desert. It is bordered by South Africa to the south and southeast, Namibia to the west and north, and Zimbabwe to the northeast. Zambia lies to its north.
The Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta define Botswana’s geography. Giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas, and even wild dogs can all be found roaming the undulating grasslands and fossilised river valleys of Central Kalahari Game Reserve.
Botswana is not only regarded as one of the most exclusive safari destinations in Africa, but one of the most remarkable wilderness areas on earth. As a safari destination, Botswana is hard to top.
You need to spend time in Botswana to be able to enjoy all it offers as a tourist destination. If you can afford to go for 7 days, it is best to focus on one or two places and try to see as much as you can in that area.
What to Expect from a 7-day Safari in Botswana
If you plan to spent seven days in Botswana, you can expect to visit one or more of the following attractions:
Northern Botswana is where you’ll find the Okavango Delta. It’s well-known for the wildlife that calls the huge, flooded grasslands there home. To avoid the crocodiles, hippos, and elephants, locals here use dugout canoes. You can navigate the rivers of the Okavango Delta in a mokoro (canoe).
Chobe National Park is the third largest National Park of Botswana. It is also situated in the northern part of Botswana about an hour away from the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. The park is 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.
Located in the heart of the Kalahari Desert is the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, another of Botswana’s large reserves. Sightings in this arid region are unique, despite the fact that the difficult desert ecosystem does not support the same variety of wildlife as more verdant locales.
Another must area to include in your tour is the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park which is situated south of the Nxai Pan National Park and forms with its huge salt pans an impressive surreal landscape.
Best Time to Go on a 7-day Safari in Botswana
Best time to visit Botswana for nice daytime temperatures of between 22°C to 35°C, and chilly night-time lows is during the dry, primarily winter season, which runs from May to October.
This is also the period of year when the Okavango Delta experiences its highest water levels, leading to the development of several rivers and channels.
When the leaves fall, the animals gather at the last watering hole they can find. The drinking holes are easy to locate because animals congregate there. Most animals, even carnivores, have more activity levels during the day than they do at night.
Itinerary 1 – Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta
You can opt to start your trip in Kasane or Maun and can easily change direction to even include Victoria Falls.
- Day 1 – You will be collected from the airport in Kasane and transported for a short trip to a lodge in Chobe.
- On arrival you will have time to unpack, enjoy lunch and go on your first sundowner game safari or boat cruise.
- You’ll return to the lodge, freshen up and sit down for dinner.
- Day 2 – You will be woken at dawn.
- You will be served a cup of tea or coffee and a light breakfast.
- Head out for an early morning game drive or if preferred a boat cruise.
- You will return to your lodgings late morning and enjoy lunch, after which you can relax and explore the camp area.
- Supper will be served after your late afternoon game drive.
- Day 3 and 4 – You will be woken at dawn, pack your bags and transported to your next lodging in the Okavango Delta.
- The next two days you will be taken on game drives in the morning or evening.
- You can also go on a water safari in dug out mokoro’s which is one of the best ways to experience the Okavango Delta.
- Breakfast, lunch, supper and snacks will be included.
- Day 5 and 6 – The next two days can be spent in Moremi Game Reserve also situated in the Okavango Delta.
- Once again, although you are still in the Okavango, you will be able to go on game drives, bush walks, mokoro trips or motorboat sunset cruises, for another unique bush experience.
- All meals will be included.
- Day 7 – Time to head home.
- After breakfast you will be transferred back to Maun, either by road or air and dropped off at the airport or your hotel of choice.
Itinerary 2 – Start in Victoria, travelling to Chobe, Makgadikgade Pans and the Okavango Delta
Start your trip at Victoria, in Zimbabwe and then head into Botswana.
- Day 1 – You will be picked up in Victoria at the airport or your hotel off choice and head to Kasane, a village on the edge of Chobe National Park.
- You will enjoy a game drive during the afternoon and see large herds of elephants and Cape buffalo as well as many other animals that inhabit the woods and lagoons around the Linyanti Marsh.
- Day 2 – You will rise early and be treated to coffee and a light breakfast.
- After breakfast you will head out for an early morning game drive and return for lunch.
- For the afternoon you can opt to relax in the camp or go on a boat safari on the Chobe River.
- The evening will be spent in the lodge before heading out to your next destination the following day.
- Day 3 and 4 – You will rise early and be treated to coffee and a light breakfast.
- After breakfast you pack your bags and head out to the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.
- On your game drive you will see the wildlife activity found at the Boteti River, and this is where most of the lodges are situated.
- You will travel through the variety of habitats that pans have to offer, enjoy the game viewing and surrounding landscape, and arrive at the lodge of your choice for the night.
- Day 5 and 6 – You will rise early and be treated to coffee and breakfast.
- After breakfast you will head out for a safari in the Okavango Delta at the Moremi Game Reserve. This is where you will spend the next two days.
- The Moremi Game Reserve occupies the east and central areas of the Okavango Delta and you can participate in game drives, bush walks and river cruises.
- You will enjoy all your meals at the lodge.
- Day 7 – You will rise early and have coffee or tea.
- You will embark on your last game drive or cruise.
- Returning to your lodge you will have breakfast and then pack your belonging.
- You will be returned Maun and dropped off at the airport or hotel.
Budget vs Luxury 7-day Safaris in Botswana
On a 7-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 7-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 7-day Safari in Botswana
For a 7-day safari you will 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.
Tips for Going on a 7-day Safari in Botswana
When you plan your trip, think about what exactly it is you want to see on your 7-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 7-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.
You need to discuss your needs and wishes in depth and know exactly what you’re paying for. A short safari will still be expensive, so you should be able to get all of your questions answered.
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 7-day safari in Botswana?
During a 7-day safari in Botswana you will be able to visit a number of the game parks and tourist attractions offered in Botswana.
Is a 7-day safari feasible in Botswana?
For a well-rounded experience, 7 days are more than enough to have the safari of your dreams.
What must-see wildlife viewing locations in Botswana will I be able to visit on a 7-day safari?
On a 7-day safari in Botswana you should visit the country’s famous Chobe National Park or the Okavango Delta.
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.
What kind of accommodations can I expect while on a 7-day safari in Botswana?
You can expect accommodation options that range from basic camping to luxurious safari lodges, depending on what you can afford.
