Botswana Tours in May 2026

showed us so much and was very passionate about South Africa. I loved the safaris and Kruger was my favorite our guide was very professional and knowledgeable. also had a great eye for spotting animals. Loved Victoria Falls it was fun to explore and really enjoyed the white water rafting.

This trip is the ideal way to explore Botswana with a great mix of accommodation and an excellent itinerary. It allows you to get up close to many iconic African animals. Highly recommended.

This was a trip of a life time in so many ways. It was a retirement present and a chance to prove we could still do it. It was a chance to see so many animals and different environments and to see a wonderful country determined to benefit from It's wildlife while protecting this precious resource. We were guided on the adventure by N'gand who was so knowledgeable and happy to share his love of the wild and his country. Melo, the cook, fed us amazing meals, whether in a layby on route or on an open fire in the bush, we were stuffed with fresh bread and tasty food. Timon and Derek just quietly work on our creature comforts putting up and striking tents, digging the "bushy bushy" and making sure that we were safe and left nothing behind except warm memories. We did games walks and drives and mokoro rides. We saw all the animals on our lists and more besides. Even the " its just a bird" traveller began to appreciate the diversity out there. There were changes of plan, 2 punctures, one dead rear axle and so much late rain that the salt pans were lakes but all was dealt with so we hardly noticed with Nata being a good substitute, even if meeting other not so well behaved groups reminded us that bird watching needs quiet. It is a trip in the wild with dangers that we are not used to and we had total trust in our team that they would make it the best they could but keep us safe. The Falls are impressive and Zimbabwe provides time to recharge batteries (ours and cameras) as well as washing clothes.The group pulled together well, loading this arthritic pensioner in and out of the bus. We will keep in touch to share amazing photos and memories of this wonderful trip.

Botswana is a country the size of France or Texas, but with a population of just over 2 million and some of the most stunning scenery and wildlife. We arrived at the beginning of May, just after the rainy season, so much of the country was still green. It was also the rutting season for some animals. Our safari was in the northern half of the country, starting in Maun and then taking a mokoro (canoe) journey through the waterways of the Okavango Delta to the wild campsite (ie a clearing in the trees with no other people or facilities around). Our arrival was livened by the hippos in the pool by the campsite. Hippos came be my favourite animal, for my wife it was the many colourful birds. Hippos spend the day in water if they can, coming out after dusk. Whilst in the water, they come up for air, grunt, yawn, play and make the occasional belly flops when not sleeping: they just like to enjoy themselves. After our time in the Delta, we took an optional 40 minute plane ride over the Okavango Delta and realised the vastness of it, particularly as we only saw part of it in that time. There were great stretches of waterways, grasslands and scrub with herds of animals scattered across it. No wonder it takes time to find the animals, they are all there but just scattered over this vast area. During our journey in Botswana, first east to the salt flats near Nata, then up to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, before returning via the Chobe, Savuti and Moremi national parks in Botswana, we saw herds of zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, buffalo, baboons and assorted types of deer, as well as ostrich, tortoise, puff adder, elephants, lions and a leopard up a tree with a lioness underneath waiting for her dinner to come down. We saw two Impala challenging each other and two giraffe fighting, using the horns on their heads to hit their opponent's side, as well as the amorous attentions of male impala and kudu for their females, and a lion kissing a lioness behind her head. We had elephants walk past our campsites and saw a den of hyena with the pups playing outside. On another occasion we saw an elephant thoroughly enjoying her bath, rolling in the water and throwing water over herself. At Victoria Falls, we organised our own walk to the bridge, which straddles the gorge between Zimbabwe and Zambia. At the Zimbabwe customs we got a bridge pass which allowed us to visit this 100 year old bridge and see the gorge, as well as bargain with the many pedlars of wood carvings and copper bracelets. Then it was on to visit the falls, with its 17 viewing points. Start at the first viewing point, which looks over the Zambesi river, before it plunges over the falls. From there on the viewing points get progressively wetter and the views more spectacular - so go expecting to get very wet. After that we dried out at a cafe, with magnificent views of the bridge and Zambia across the gorge. Our return was diverted by elephants on the footpath and rewarded by seeing a warthog on route as well as monkeys and a family of mongoose. That evening we joined the dinner cruise on the Zambesi, for some more hippos, a four course meal with plenty of wine and another great sunset. Our team of four led by Ngande and Melo (our cook), set up our tents and kept us well fed and looked after, even providing "pottys" for some of the wild camps where a night time walk might not be advisable. We all got used to the bush toilets, even the occasional collapse when the sand gave way! Bush showers were also provided, with a water bag slung over a branch and suitable enclosure. Mello's ability to provide three great meals a day in the bush was outstanding. He even provided "home" cooked bread with "Welcome to ... " moulded into the bread, something most of us would struggle to do with a fully equipped kitchen, let alone on a camp fire. This is a great safari, with superb staff, scenery and wild life. And one that all ages can enjoy, our oldest member was 80.

So many wonderful moments. First the people of Botswana are the nicest I’ve ever met. And I’ve traveled a lot. The guide, Ngande, was so knowledge about plants, animals, birds, reptiles and his country. He was professional, friendly and handle even breakdowns (there was one) with efficiency. The cook, Mello, ensure 3 delicious meals a day cooked on an open fire. And the assistants put up tents and made sure details were taken care of. Now for the wildlife - lions, leopards, warthogs, hyenas, zebras, elephants, hippos, incredible bird life and so much more. My friend and I agree it was truly the best ever trip and worth our 39 hours of flying❣️❣️❣️

Day 1 Landed at one of the smallest airports I have ever seen in Maun on a a two propped plane. Temperature 31 degrees, holiday has begun. I meet the group there are 5 of us. Our guide Sam (Samason Chihohwa) explains we need to change 100 dollars to local currency for tips and meals this side of the border. So with 4 different currencies in my wallet...... To Audi camp via the Choppie Store to purchase water and snacks. Warm showers great us and the first sight of our tented homes. Day 2 - Okavango Delta Today we headed into the delta as we drove we saw zebra, an elephant and even a giraffe. What a start to the day. At the poling station we were met by 5 members of a local tribe who took us by canoe to set up camp in the wilderness. Toilet built and camp shower all set up in minutes. We had a rest whilst the hottest part of the day passed. Baboons in the tree tops. At 4.30pm we took our first walking safari, very strange experience no safety of a jeep and no rifles to be seen. Just us, our guides and their experience. Concerned that the safety briefing (orientation) may be remembered wrongly. Run from a buffalo not a lion. Yep that's right. We were met by a loan Impala, a wart hog family and hippos, what a noise they make letting us know we were in their space. They blow water from their snouts so far it's like a fountain. Baboons again greeted us as we arrived back at our camp just before dark. Camp fire dinner of rice and spiced stew. The stars are amazing and the forest noises sometimes worrying. Tomorrow we get up at 6am and walk again I wonder what we will see. Day 3 Coffee and rusks at 6am and off for our second walking safari. Today the first thing moving other than the various birds flying was birds of a very different kind ostriches running away from us. There were 5 in all the female is a slightly different colour to aid incubation apparently. The male is black as takes his turn on the nest at night and the female lighter brown. Lots of animal prints. Ostrich, aardvark, elephant, hippo. Interestingly hippo and rhino prints are similar except that hippo has 4 toes and rhino effectively the middle two are joined making one larger pad. As we walked we saw buffalo and used a termite mound to approach closer without disturbing them. Yes because it's run from a buffalo. Impala were seen near a water hole, we sat a while watching them before zebra joined us to. Before walking back towards camp. On route and as if to add icing to the cake a loan elephant walked past. I wonder if that elephant thinks we are the mad ones walking in the sun. In the heat of the day brunch and bush shower before our canoe cruise at 5pm. Just before our sunset canoe ride sitting in the shade I hear an excuse me from one of the tribe. Elephant he says. Not just one several make the crossing right in front of our camp. Biggest leading, smallest at the rear. Then minutes later another herd. 5pm sunset ride a giraffe is spotted in the distance we quickly reverse and land the canoe. We are facing the sun so we try to creep around on land to get the sun behind us. Back in the canoe we continue to a spot to watch the sunset. Whilst waiting the hippos grunt and let us know they are there, there is also a fish eagle in the distance perched on a tree. Tonight's dinner chicken stew with mashed potatoes. Tomorrow we leave this part of the delta. Day 4 This morning our last game walk. We came across house sparrow weaver birds protecting their nests from a little owl of all things in broad daylight. The owl attacked at least one nest while we were there and looked like it would be hanging around a while yet. We stopped at the hippo pool they were shier today. A bird was having its own safari on the back of one, the hippo didn't manage to dislodge it even though he went under water. On the way back we saw the giraffe we had seen against the sun the night before a large male. Before we reloaded the canoes and headed back towards Maun for supplies and a shower before our afternoon flight. 4pm Delta flight (Optional) You get some kind of scale from above. The delta is a huge area. Lots of elephant herds below and hippos from above look even more comical. We had we are told a rare sighting of 5 rhinos. Not something the pilots see every day. Ours was keen to make sure he looked out for them on his next fight. Our main guide Sam explains that some areas that are badly poached for rhino are sending rhinos to Botswana for their protection as poaching is not a problem here. For the 2 million population of the whole country there is plenty of work. Day 5 - Makgadikgadi Long drive to the salt pan. All our shoes have to be brought out at the veterinary station to treat to prevent foot and mouth. We stop for a picnic on route and to purchase firewood for cooking tonight. A walk on the pan before watching sunset by the fire. We are told it will be cold tonight and in the morning may be 5 or 7 degrees so got the coat out handy. We saw 2 southern ground hornbills, some zebra and a stein bok on route. Day 6 5.30am wake up to be packed and driving by 7.30am. Very cold, but the quietest night we have had no wild noises out here. The drive is long passing through national reserves. Elephant, giraffe and other smaller animals occasionally line the route. Border controls and visa obtained and onwards to Victoria Falls. Tonight's dinner at a traditional African restaurant. Chicken Piri Piri I had with popcorn and small peanuts as a snack with drinks. Very nice. Day 7 - Zimbabwe Victoria Falls National Park. Prepared to get wet with camera in a dry bag we headed into the park. 16 view points the first 3 not too wet however we were then in for a soaking. Lots of rainbows absolutely drenched and dressed as if walking in the Cotswolds. Actually it's quite nice being wet in the heat of the day. Having dried off a little we headed to The Victoria Falls hotel as recommended by a family member before travelling. However the path we had taken earlier now has 5 elephants on it having a late breakfast so we thought better of it and took the road. At the hotel we headed straight out onto the veranda and ordered coffee and cheese cake. The nicest cheese cake I have had for sometime. There were wart hogs patrolling the immaculate lawns. It's a great view. One of the guards asked if we had been bungee jumping. I think I'll pass. Dinner Cruise tonight (Optional) On the dinner cruise we saw more hippos these ones were in much deeper water than we had seen before. We also witnessed the engagement of a German Couple. Most people were dressed for dinner and then there was our table. The safari campers. We watched sunset before dinner of butternut squash soup, bream and more cheese cake I can definitely recommend this cruise. Choice of food and drink. Day 8 - Chobe We leave Victoria Falls and head to Thebe River Camp. This afternoon we take a cruise on the Chobe. This was a fantastic trip and if you are a photographer keen amateur or otherwise you may use a whole card just on this, you get very close to a nest colony of bee eaters. We were very lucky and saw a pride of lions hunting a water buffalo although the buffalo was giving as good as it got. Bee Eaters were brilliantly colourful and elephants in the water. It was a brilliant cruise lots of photos taken to remember it by. Day 9 - Savuti Early start getting up at 5.30am before packing up camp and taking a morning game drive along by the river we cruised in last night. Lots of buffalo and giraffe. The beautifully coloured lilac breasted rollers and lots of hornbills and fish eagles line the route. On leaving the park we hit the main road momentarily before back on the massaging sandy and bumpy surface on the way to the marsh where there are lots of elephants. A lot of them are missing parts of their tails because in this part of Botswana the lions have learnt to hunt elephants. In the middle of nowhere is our camp site and you won't believe what we have for dinner. Fish and chips, honestly who'd have thought that possible! It was really nice. We are really wild camping. I am desperately hoping I don't have to get up in the night. Day 10 6am our breakfast is coffee and rusks so we can head out straight away for our first game drive of the day. We are looking for lions and we are not disappointed our wildlife guide (Kenny) tells us to get out video ready because we are going to see some loving. A large male and a female lie in the grass and we now realise Kenny isn't joking. Twice we see the male mount the female and strut his stuff. Kenny explains this goes on all day for a week and neither eat anything in that time 'whatever happened to wine and dine'. We had an incredible view, but all decided a female lions life isn't one we fancy. In 3 months she should have some cubs. There is a lot of wildlife out this morning and the tinniest elephant crosses our path before another trumpets at us. Brunch and a bush shower meet us when we return to camp. 4.30pm afternoon game drive to the water holes to see the elephant herds come together for bath time at sunset. Day 11 - Moremi We get up early to break camp and head out of this reserve onto the next and last wild camping experience of this trip. Although we were told by having bush showers yesterday we would wash away our luck. Within 5 minutes of driving we have 5 wild dogs running in front of us. This is a special and rare sighting and we are told to take as many pictures as possible. Leaning out of the vehicle and on a bumpy road not quite as easy as it sounds. The lions are still within 100 metres of where we saw them yesterday and yes they are still mating! A black backed jackal and bat eared foxes are also about today. Giraffe seem to be everywhere they have no where to hide. Arrived at our second wild camp site. This one initially felt less in the wilderness than the first it was nearer the park gate. However I was wrong..... Lions had walked past us very close by when we set up camp. The paw prints in the sand gave them away. Kenny follows them on our afternoon game drive and we came across two females and a male. The females were looking to hunt as the light faded. The male it seems again had other things on its mind. What is it with these lions! We watched them setting up for a hunt until the light began to go and we headed back to camp. T Bone steak for dinner. Day 12 Our last full day of game drives and wild camping before returning to Maun tomorrow. We have been lucky with what we have seen so far. Again 6am wake up and Coffee and rusks before we first headed in search of a leopard. Our guides had heard one in the night. We headed past the hippos the river appearing to steam in the cold of the morning. Most were already under water keeping warm. Our guides were convinced we were on the trail of a leopard and after some severe off road driving we spotted it tiny and camouflaged in the grass. She was hunting. We followed her for a while before leaving her in peace to look for lunch. So of the big 5 we have all of them under our belts and wild dogs as a bonus. If the holiday finished now it wouldn't be disappointing. As we have been very lucky and it was a fantastic morning. One last bush shower this afternoon and an evening game drive before our last night in the wild. On our afternoon game drive we watch the hippos at sunset and on the way back to camp I spotted a short eared eagle owl. Day 13 One last 5.30am start we pack up camp and head for one last game drive. Everything is quiet a hippo moving slowly to bathe for the day. Then we hit the bumpy road over 100km, our last Botswana massage on route to Maun for our last night here.