Ancient baobabs, wild dog country and elephant on every horizon. This 10-day self-drive expedition takes you through the best of northern Botswana, from the Baines Baobabs in Nxai Pan to the remote Linyanti and a sunset cruise on the Chobe River, finishing with a final night at Elephant Sands.
The Journey
We begin on the banks of the Boteti River, where elephant, hippo, zebra and lion drink within sight of camp. A day trip into Nxai Pan brings you to the Baines Baobabs, the Sleeping Sisters, a cluster of ancient trees famously painted by Thomas Baines more than 150 years ago.
From Maun, we head north to Khwai for three days of unhurried game viewing in one of Botswana's richest wildlife areas, with a mokoro experience included and the option of a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta. Predators, including wild dogs, are a real possibility here.
Then it's on through the deep sand of the Savuti to the wild and remote Linyanti, where large herds of elephant roam open floodplains, lagoons and riverine forest. We continue to Kasane for a sunset cruise on the Chobe River, before a last night at Elephant Sands, where elephants gather at the waterhole in front of your camp.
Highlights
Details
We meet at Camelthorn Farmstead, our camp for the next two nights situated on the banks of the Boteti River, lying adjacent to the Khumaga gate of the Makgadikgadi National Park. The afternoon is spent game driving or watching the wildlife drink from the river’s edge from one of the lookout decks without leaving camp – expect elephant, hippo, zebra and lion
Dinner around the campfire under the african sky
(Wi-Fi at Main Camp)
Today we drive to Nxai Pan National Park heading in the direction of Baines Baobabs which lie in the south of the Park. From the Park entrance and a sandy drive of approx. one hour, we reach a cluster of ancient Baobabs known as the Sleeping Sisters. First painted 155 years ago by English artist and adventurer Thomas Baines this impressive huddle of trees still stands seemingly unchanged since the small watercolor first captured the explorer’s attention.
A picnic lunch before the drive back to Camelthorn with sundowners next to the river and dinner around the campfire
An early departure after breakfast, leaving Nxai Pan travelling to Maun and the option of a scenic flight over the Delta - one of Africa's last great natural sanctuaries and home to vast concentrations of wildlife.
Those who decide not to do the scenic flip are able to shop at the local markets and stock up on provisions, enjoy a snack at the Rusty Donkey or explore some of the local markets.
From Maun, the convoy makes it’s way north to the Khwai (Moremi East), sandwiched between Moremi Game Reserve and on the fringes of Chobe National Park. The next three days are game rich viewing opportunities in one of the best places in Botswana to see wild dogs and other predators. With no fences separating any of these areas, you are likely to see just about everything that northern Botswana has to offer.
The Khwai River spreads out forming marshy areas and water channels that have good populations of hippos, crocodiles, waterbuck and lechwe. The dry woodlands away from the river host good populations of sable and roan antelopes, zebras, impalas, giraffes, buffaloes, and many other species.
As is the case with most of northern Botswana, elephants can be found everywhere, as well as lions, leopards and hyenas which are commonly seen. Wild dogs often den in the area during the winter months and can often be seen with their pups. This is a space jam-packed with excellent sighting opportunities and a wildlife photographers dream.
Activities: game viewing at our own pace with plenty of time to kick back a little in this exquisite corner of Africa.
Leaving the Khwai River behind us, we head north through the Savuti to the remote Linyanti area in Chobe National Park. Travelling through thick, deep sand the going is slow but the game along the route more than makes up for it and by the time we arrive in camp, the Bhejane team is preparing dinner leaving us with just enough time to wash off the Savuti dust and enjoy a sundowner.
Located in the northern corner of Botswana, bordering Namibia’s Caprivi Strip and adjacent to Chobe National Park - the Linyanti river and surrounding area may be remote, but the drawcard is a reserve packed with massive herds of free roaming elephant, and high concentrations of predators that inhabit the open floodplains, lagoons and riverine forests.
(Intermittent Wi-Fi)
We continue north east to Kasane, arriving at our destination, Thebe River Camp. Situated on the Chobe River, there are no boundary fences between the park and the town, so don't be surprised to see the odd warthog or elephant meander down to the river as the day winds down.
There will be an opportunity to restock and refuel in town.
No visit to Chobe would be complete without a few hours on the river, exploring the islands and channels. Chobe sunsets are spectacular, especially with all the animals making their way to the water's edge as the day comes to a close.
(Wi-Fi and Comms at Reception)
After breakfast we pack up camp and travel south towards the town of Nata and our camp at Elephant Sands, for our last night set within an unfenced 16 000-hectare private conservancy which is home to a variety of wildlife who are able to roam freely in the area.
This evening we enjoy sundowners around the Elephant Sands unfenced natural water hole. Expect to see herds of elephant congregating around the water hole at the end of the day, right in front of you!
Bring a good torch or headlamp for nighttime strolls to avoid unexpected encounters with browsing giants!
Our last night is spent around the campfire enjoying our last meal together, a more idyllic setting to the end of a memorable holiday one could not find.
(Wi-Fi at reception)
A last breakfast with new friends, perhaps a final cup of coffee and another group photo, and then it’s time to pack up, say our goodbyes and head home.
