10-Day Botswana Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Maun
Your adventure begins in Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. After landing, you’ll likely be tired, so take it easy today. Check into your lodge or guesthouse and spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool. If you feel up for it, head to the Maun Educational Park. It’s a peaceful spot on the banks of the Thamalakane River, perfect for a gentle introduction to Botswana’s wildlife.
For dinner, try a local restaurant where you can sample traditional dishes like seswaa—a slow-cooked beef stew that’s a national favorite. While Maun is not a bustling metropolis, it offers plenty of charm as a hub for travelers.
Day 2: Explore the Okavango Delta
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Okavango Delta. Today, you’ll take a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) ride through the winding channels of the delta. Gliding alongside reeds and papyrus, you’ll feel totally immersed in nature. Keep an eye out for elephants, hippos, and crocodiles as your guide navigates the waterways.
You’ll also have time for a short bush walk in the afternoon. The local guides will explain the unique ecosystem and point out birds and other wildlife. Tonight, camp under the stars on one of the delta’s islands if you’re feeling adventurous, or head back to your lodge in Maun for some more comfort.
Day 3: More of the Delta
Dedicate another full day to exploring one of Africa’s richest wildlife areas. Today, you can take a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta. From the air, you’ll see the delta’s intricate network of rivers and channels and spot herds of buffalo, elephants, and maybe even lions.
If you prefer to stay on the ground, you can choose an additional mokoro ride—or, if you’re feeling up to it, book a motorboat excursion to cover more ground. End the day watching the sunset over this serene environment, soaking in all the natural beauty Botswana has to offer.
Day 4: Maun to Moremi Game Reserve
It’s time to head deeper into the wilderness. Today, you’ll make your way to Moremi Game Reserve, one of the most wildlife-dense regions in the Okavango Delta. Most people either book a private safari or join a group tour. You can opt to camp inside the park to fully experience the calls of the wild at night.
Once you arrive, go on a guided game drive where you’ll spot elephants, lions, and giraffes. Moremi is a great place to view predators, so keep your eyes peeled for leopards and packs of wild dogs. The park is a haven for bird watchers too.
Day 5: Full Day at Moremi
Spend a day taking in everything Moremi has to offer. You’ll go on both morning and afternoon game drives, maximizing your chances of seeing as much wildlife as possible. Between drives, relax at your camp or take a bush walk with your guide.
The diversity in Moremi is impressive, with marshes, savanna, and lush forests. Enjoy the mix of landscapes as you search for elephants bathing in waterholes and herds of buffalo. Take in the beauty of Botswana by night too as the sky lights up with stars.
Day 6: Moremi to Savuti
Today, you’ll travel to one of the best places in Botswana for spotting predators: Savuti. This area of Chobe National Park is known for its strong lion population and often sees dramatic clashes between lions and elephants. Book a stay at a camp or lodge that can organize morning and evening game drives.
Savuti is a much drier and more rugged area compared to the Okavango Delta, but no less stunning. In addition to lions, you may spot cheetahs and hyenas roaming the national park. At dusk, step out of your lodge or camp to listen to the distant roars of lions echoing through the savanna.
Day 7: Exploring Savuti
After an early breakfast, head out on a morning safari. While lions are the stars here, you’ll also see other large mammals like elephants, giraffes, and zebras. Take a break during the heat of the day before heading back out in the late afternoon for a sunset drive.
A highlight in Savuti is the presence of massive baobab trees scattered across the landscape. These ancient trees add a unique vibe to this already stunning region. Don’t forget your camera!
Day 8: Savuti to Chobe Riverfront
It’s time to visit Chobe, Botswana’s first national park. The Chobe Riverfront is famous for its giant herds of elephants—it’s home to one of the largest concentrations of elephants in the world. Drive along the riverfront, where you can spot not just elephants, but also hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of birdlife.
In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Chobe River. This is one of the best ways to see elephants as they come down to the water to drink and bathe. The highlight of the cruise will likely be watching the sunset while enjoying a cold drink from the deck.
Day 9: More of Chobe Riverfront
Wake up early for another game drive along the riverfront. Your morning is likely to be filled with sightings of elephants, impalas, and possibly a lion if you’re lucky. Head back to your lodge for lunch and relaxation before doing another boat cruise in the late afternoon.
Chobe may be the best place in Botswana to take it easy while still seeing plenty of wildlife. The slow rhythm of the river and the diversity of animals make for a perfect, relaxed day.
Day 10: Chobe to Kasane (Departure)
On your last day, head to the town of Kasane, from where you can catch a flight back home or to your next destination. If you have time in the morning, squeeze in a final game drive or walk around the markets of Kasane.
Kasane borders Namibia and Zimbabwe, so if you have extra time, consider extending your trip to visit Victoria Falls. Otherwise, reflect on your amazing adventure in Botswana as you head to the airport!
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