Botswana is a top destination for luxury safaris, thanks to its diverse wildlife, landscapes, and upscale lodges. It stands out as one of the most stable countries in Africa, with strict conservation efforts in its vast national parks to protect its safari tourism.
The largest game park in Botswana, Chobe National Park, features lush vegetation near the Chobe River in the north and the drier Savute region in the west. Neighboring the park is the famous Okavango Delta, where Nxamersi Island sits amid numerous channels, offering a variety of transport options like safari jeeps, biplanes, helicopters, boats, and traditional mokoro canoes, adding adventure to your trip.
Chobe National Park is renowned for its large elephant population. During the rainy season, massive herds traverse the reserve’s two main areas: the northern Chobe River border and the southern Savute area. As water sources in Savute dry up during the dry season, wildlife moves towards the consistent water of the Chobe River. Visitors often see prides of lions, elephant herds, and baboons, whether on jeep safaris or river cruises. The Chobe River is also home to many crocodiles and hippos, with giraffes, zebras, jackals, warthogs, kudus, impalas, and buffalo frequenting the park.
The Chobe Game Lodge, the only lodge within the park’s boundaries, predates the park’s national designation. This five-star lodge offers exclusive early morning game drives and sunrise and sunset cruises on the Chobe River. With 68 rooms and proximity to Kasane Airport, it serves as an excellent starting point for a luxurious safari adventure.
A flight to the Savute area is necessary due to the park’s vastness. The Savute Marsh depends on the irregular Savute Channel, which can dry up unpredictably. Despite this, permanent waterholes make it a prime spot for wildlife viewing. Savute is notable for its wild dog pack, often seen resting in the shade.
The Savute Safari Lodge offers 24-hour game viewing and was recently rebuilt in 2024. Its twelve lodges, arranged around a section of the Savute Channel, feature private outdoor showers and climate control. The main dining area includes a two-level viewing platform overlooking the channel’s waters, where elephants, impalas, kudus, and giraffes come to drink.
The Okavango Delta provides a different safari experience with its intricate channels and wetlands. A brief flight and subsequent boat ride through the delta’s channels lead to the solid ground of Nxamersi Island. Exploring the Pan Handle Channel with its stunning vegetation and water lilies is particularly enchanting.
Birdwatching is a highlight, with sightings of colorful species like the Lilac Breasted Roller, Malachite Kingfisher, and Little Bee-eater. Hippos, elephants, and crocodiles add excitement to boat trips, especially in traditional mokoros. The delta is also famous for bird watching and excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for tiger fish.
Nxamersi Island Lodge, refurbished in early 2024, offers eight exclusive chalets and the delta’s first spa. The lodge’s attentive staff and thoughtful touches, like hot water bottles for cold nights, enhance the luxury experience. Noises at night are often from playful black-faced vervet monkeys or grunting hippos.
Situated within a UNESCO heritage site, Nxamersi Island Lodge is near the Tsodilo Hills, which feature over 4,500 ancient paintings, some dating back 100,000 years. Guests can arrange tours to this unique site using boats, safari jeeps, and helicopters. Guided trails through the hills reveal the stories behind these sacred paintings.
Valery Collins, a seasoned traveler for nearly 30 years, discovered her love for travel during a gap year as a tour manager. She has written for various travel brochures, published four travel books, created her website, and contributed to multiple travel websites. Valery’s passion spans luxury safaris to stylish ski goggles.