The Ultimate Luxury Botswana Safari Experience: 9 Incredible Places to Stay & Explore
Botswana is one of Africa’s most coveted safari destinations, offering extraordinary wildlife encounters, pristine landscapes, and activities that bring travellers to the desert and the delta, covering land and water-based adventure, and more than one UNESCO World Heritage Site. Desert & Delta Safaris offers the ultimate Botswana safari experience—blending luxury and adventure—with its collection of 9 incredible places to stay and explore.
Whether you’re drawn to the rich wetlands of the Okavango Delta, the lunar-like environment of the wonderous Makgadikgadi Salt Pan, Tsodilo Hills and its ancient cultural significance, or the famed Chobe National Park for Africa’s highest concentration of elephants, Desert & Delta Safaris will get you there for an experience doused in excellence and dripping with soul.
Here’s your ultimate guide to the best of Botswana with Desert & Delta Safaris, for your African safari adventure:
1. Camp Moremi: Gateway to Moremi Game Reserve
Nestled in the heart of Moremi Game Reserve, Camp Moremi provides a classic safari experience in one of Botswana’s prime wildlife havens. The reserve’s varied ecosystems—from lush floodplains to arid grasslands —set the stage for incredible game-viewing opportunities.
The Lodge:
A charming retreat with 12 expansive thatched safari tents, including a family room. Each tent offers private decks with views of the reserve, blending comfort with natural harmony.
The Area:
The Moremi Game Reserve is a mosaic of landscapes and wildlife, famed for its diverse ecosystems and prolific game.
Activities:
Explore the wilderness with morning and afternoon game drives or boat excursions along the Xakanaxa Lagoon. Witness leopards lounging in trees, herds of elephants grazing, and vibrant birdlife, including the rare Pel’s Fishing Owl.
Why Visit?
- Exceptional sightings of lions, elephants, and wild dogs.
- A perfect mix of land and water-based safaris.
Unique Feature:
Mokoro excursions and game drives in the Okavango Delta.
2. Camp Okavango: Water-Based Safari Adventure
Situated on Nxaragha Island, Camp Okavango offers an exclusive water-based safari experience in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Perfect for exploring tranquil waterways and lush islands.
The Lodge:
Accommodating just 24 guests, this eco-sensitive lodge features safari suites with private decks and en-suite bathrooms designed for serenity.
The Area:
Located in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Okavango Delta is a water wonderland teeming with life and beauty.
Activities:
Glide silently through reed-lined waterways in a mokoro, embark on motorboat safaris, or explore nearby islands on guided bush walks. Birdwatching and fishing are also highlights.
Why Visit?
- Immerse yourself in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.
- Birdwatching with over 450 species, including African Fish Eagles.
Unique Feature:
Sleep under the stars on the new sleep-out deck.
3. Nxamaseri Island Lodge: Seclusion and Serenity
Located in the Okavango Panhandle, Nxamaseri Island Lodge is an intimate haven for nature lovers. It’s a paradise for fishing, birdwatching, and cultural experiences.
The Lodge:
A secluded retreat with eight chalets, each set on private teak decks beneath a forest canopy. The lodge’s design celebrates Botswana’s vibrant culture.
The Area:
The calm waters of the Okavango Panhandle provide a peaceful contrast to the bustling delta.
Activities:
Enjoy mokoro trips, guided bush walks, and exceptional birding. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site adorned with ancient San rock art.
Why Visit?
- Incredible fishing for tigerfish and unrivaled birdwatching.
- Cultural insights and sleepouts at the sacred Tsodilo Hills, with a fireside serenade by the San Bushmen
Unique Feature:
Remote island experience with both water and land-based activities.
4. Chobe Game Lodge: Wildlife and Luxury on the Chobe River
As the only permanent lodge within Chobe National Park, Chobe Game Lodge combines luxury with exceptional wildlife experiences. Famous for its elephant herds, this lodge offers eco-friendly safaris in style.
The Lodge:
A spacious and elegant retreat accommodating up to 94 guests. All river-facing rooms feature private terraces and modern amenities, with suites offering added luxury.
The Area:
Set along the Chobe River, the lodge boasts front-row seats to Africa’s largest concentration of elephants and a diverse array of wildlife.
Activities:
Experience land and water-based safaris with electric-powered game drive vehicles and solar-powered safari boats. Explore Chobe’s stunning landscapes and witness herds of buffalo, lion prides, and roaming giraffes.
Why Visit?
- Access to abundant wildlife, including iconic Big Five sightings.
- Silent, eco-friendly safaris on land and water.
Unique Feature:
Unmatched river access and proximity to Chobe’s wildlife-rich floodplains.
5. Chobe Savanna Lodge: Intimate Safari on the Chobe River’s Namibian Side
Situated on the Namibian side of the Chobe River, Chobe Savanna Lodge offers a peaceful, intimate safari experience with breathtaking views of the floodplains and Caprivi Strip, perfect for guests seeking tranquillity combined with wildlife adventures.
The Lodge:
A tranquil retreat with a thatched, open-sided main building providing 270-degree views of the Chobe River and surrounding floodplains. The lodge is set in lush gardens, complete with a secluded swimming pool for guests to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Accommodation:
The lodge accommodates 26 guests in spacious, beautifully furnished thatched chalets, each with a private deck, integrated bedroom/lounge area, en-suite bathroom, and air-conditioning. Every chalet includes a complimentary mini bar for added comfort.
Activities & Wildlife Sightings:
Guests can enjoy water-based safaris, river excursions in small boats, and catch-and-release fishing trips for Bream or Tiger Fish. Cultural village visits to nearby Namibian communities offer an opportunity to experience local traditions.
Why Visit?
- Intimate boat safaris along the Chobe River.
- A peaceful, secluded location ideal for a more private experience.
Unique Feature:
270-degree views over the Chobe River, perfect for spectacular sunsets.
6. Xugana Island Lodge: Peaceful Retreat in the Okavango Delta
Nestled in the Okavango Delta, Xugana Island Lodge offers a serene and intimate escape, ideal for birdwatchers and those seeking peace. The lodge’s expansive deck provides stunning views of the permanent waters of the Okavango Delta.
The Lodge:
Located on a private concession, the lodge boasts an open-air dining area and lounge under the shade of Ebony and Mangosteen trees. The swimming pool, set in gorgeous gardens, offers a perfect spot for relaxation amidst the natural beauty.
Accommodation:
Xugana Island Lodge accommodates 22 guests in raised, lagoon-facing luxury tents, each with en-suite facilities and private viewing decks located on the shaded edge of the island.
Activities & Wildlife Sightings:
Explore the Okavango Delta’s waterways by mokoro (dugout canoe) or motorboat, and enjoy guided nature walks. The lodge also offers catch-and-release fishing (seasonal) and exceptional birdwatching opportunities.
Why Visit?
- Exclusive mokoro safaris and boat cruises.
- A private island setting ideal for relaxation and immersion in nature.
Unique Feature:
A peaceful, private island experience with expansive views and birdwatching opportunities.
7. Savute Safari Lodge: The Heart of the Savute Channel
Set in the heart of Botswana’s Savute region, Savute Safari Lodge offers unmatched predator sightings, including lions, leopards, and hyenas, in one of the most dynamic wildlife habitats in the country.
The Lodge:
A tranquil, intimate lodge with 11 thatched chalets and one family room, all built using local materials. The lodge provides expansive private decks with views of the Savute Channel, and the main building includes a comfortable lounge, dining area, bar, and a shaded viewing deck.
Accommodation:
Savute Safari Lodge accommodates 24 guests in luxurious, neutral-toned chalets, each with en-suite facilities and expansive private decks.
Activities & Wildlife Sightings:
Guests can enjoy offroad game drives through the Savute area, with frequent visits to the Savute Marsh and opportunities to see predators, including the annual zebra migration. Additional activities include visits to the ancient San rock paintings at Gubatsa Hills.
Why Visit?
- Exceptional predator sightings, including lions, leopards, and hyenas.
- Dynamic safari experiences in the ever-changing Savute Channel environment.
Unique Feature:
Prime location on the Savute Channel with unparalleled access to one of Botswana’s most exciting wildlife habitats.
8. Leroo La Tau: Desert Adventure in the Makgadikgadi Pans
For a unique safari experience, Leroo La Tau is situated on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans, offering surreal desert landscapes and the chance to see desert-adapted wildlife like meerkats and zebras.
The Lodge & Accommodation:
Leroo La Tau offers 12 luxurious thatched suites with en-suite bathrooms, each raised on wooden platforms overlooking the Boteti River Valley. The lodge’s main lounge and dining area provide stunning views and a relaxing atmosphere, while the swimming pool offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding area.
Activities & Wildlife Sightings:
Guests can explore the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park via guided game drives. Cultural excursions to Khumaga Village and day trips to Nxai Pan and Baines Baobabs are also available. Guests can also enjoy the unique experience of sleeping under the stars on the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.
Why Visit?
- See desert-adapted wildlife in a strikingly unique landscape.
- Stargazing in one of Africa’s clearest skies.
Unique Feature:
The surreal, mineral-rich Makgadikgadi Pans offer a distinct safari experience different from traditional safaris.
9. Camp Xakanaxa: Authentic Okavango Delta Experience
Camp Xakanaxa, located in the heart of the Okavango Delta, offers a classic safari experience with access to both water and land-based activities. Its location in the Moremi Game Reserve provides exceptional wildlife viewing year-round.
The Camp:
The camp consists of 11 Meru-style luxury tents, with a private viewing deck for each. The main area, built on raised platforms, offers expansive views of the Khwai River and surrounding lagoons. Guests can relax in the lounge, dining room, or enjoy the plunge pool and fire-deck overlooking the river.
Accommodation:
Camp Xakanaxa accommodates 24 guests in spacious, canvas safari tents with en-suite facilities, offering the essence of a classic tented camp experience.
Activities & Wildlife Sightings:
Enjoy year-round game viewing in open 4×4 vehicles and powerboats, with sightings of elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and more. The diverse ecosystem also supports excellent birdwatching, especially during migration seasons.
Why Visit?
- An authentic, year-round safari experience with access to diverse wildlife.
Unique Feature:
The camp’s location on the Khwai River offers the perfect setting for both mokoro rides and game drives.
Desert & Delta Safari lodges offer a unique and diverse safari experience allowing you to explore all that is epic about Botswana. So much so that we have crafted Epic Experiences just for you. Your Botswana holiday awaits, book now!