Introducing Epic Experiences:
Indulge your senses and ignite your spirit with our newly launched Epic Experiences, custom-crafted for mind-blowing journeys. These specialised mini-packages cater to travellers who value both the journey and the destination. They lead you to hidden gems and ancient sites, connecting you with local communities while keeping distractions at bay. Rooted in authenticity and meaning, these experiences will leave you with remarkable stories to share and memories that will last a lifetime.
These packages can be added to your booking for a special touch or, if you’re ready for a fully immersive take, you can plan your entire trip around our themed packages. Ideal for families, groups of friends, and couples alike, our Epic Experiences are for all who crave a unique venture into Botswana. Come with open hearts and minds, ready to explore, learn, and connect.
Best of Botswana’s Birding: A Tailormade Safari Experience with Specialist Bird Guide Nick Buys
Here, we reveal our carefully crafted itinerary for those passionate about beaks, claws and fathers. This is our Best of Botswana’s Birding Epic Experience itinerary, unpacked alongside expert avian guide, Nick Buys.
From December to March each year, Botswana becomes a birdwatcher’s haven, as migratory birds flood the country. This period offers the perfect opportunity to embark on a birding adventure, exploring pristine wilderness areas, spotting unique species, and experiencing some of Africa’s most stunning landscapes. Our thoughtfully designed 12-day birding itinerary provides unparalleled opportunities to observe both resident and migratory birds, all guided by Nick Buys, a seasoned birding expert deeply rooted in Southern Africa’s avian world.
Day 1–4: Chobe Game Lodge – Chobe Riverfront
The journey begins at Chobe Game Lodge, situated in the heart of Chobe National Park, where you’ll spend four days immersed in the birding riches of the Chobe River and its floodplains. Known for its diverse habitats, Chobe offers incredible sightings of forest birds, waders, and floodplain species. You’ll be on the lookout for the vibrant Schalow’s Turaco and Racket-tailed Rollers, as well as seasonal migrants like Denham’s Bustard and Crowned Crane.
“Watching Broad-billed Rollers hunting flying ants from the Chobe Game Lodge boardwalk at dusk is one of the most magical birding experiences in the area,” shares Nick. The lodge’s proximity to Chobe’s diverse landscapes allows for birding at both dawn and dusk, giving you the chance to enjoy both early risers and the creatures of the evening.
Day 4–6: Savute Safari Lodge – Savute Region
Next, travel to Savute Safari Lodge for three days of birding in one of Botswana’s most unique environments. The Savute Marsh and surrounding riverbeds provide perfect conditions for a variety of species, including the colorful Carmine Bee-eaters, often seen riding on the backs of Kori Bustards. The region’s arid mopane woodlands also host a variety of raptors, pratincoles, and seedeaters.
“One of the most spectacular birding moments here is witnessing thousands of Black-winged and Collared Pratincoles that gather along the seasonal pans and waterholes. It’s a breathtaking sight as they care for their nests and hunt in the air,” says Nick. Birding from the lodge itself is also rewarding, as its permanent waterhole attracts thousands of pratincoles, especially during migration.
“Botswana offers a truly unique birding experience,” Nick adds. “One of the reasons I love guiding here is the absence of mass tourism. At most locations, you can enjoy sightings without the crowds, which allows you to fully connect with the environment.” The exclusive experience of birding in places like Savute provides an extraordinary advantage for birdwatchers.
Day 6–9: Nxamaseri Island Lodge – Okavango Panhandle
Next, head to Nxamaseri Island Lodge along the Okavango Panhandle, a remote location that is a birdwatcher’s dream. The papyrus-lined channels and exposed sandbanks create perfect habitats for species like African Skimmers, Pel’s Fishing Owl, and Wattled Cranes. Boat trips and nature walks through the lush delta islands will bring you close to the region’s diverse birdlife, while the optional Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out offers a chance to witness ancient rock art and explore the Kalahari.
Nick highlights the lodge’s unique position: “Nxamaseri offers one of the finest wetland birding experiences in Africa. The Okavango Delta is one of the world’s most pristine and diverse wetland habitats. Birds like the Pel’s Fishing Owl thrive here in the heart of the delta. It’s an experience birders treasure, often spending a lifetime trying to connect with this elusive species.”
The seasonal dynamics of the region offer both challenges and rewards for birders. “During the green season (December to March), the arrival of migratory birds coincides with the rains, bringing an incredible diversity. The residents also begin breeding, changing into their vibrant plumage. It’s a time when the birding is more active, and species like seedeaters, usually harder to identify, become easier to spot,” Nick explains.
Day 9–12: Leroo La Tau – Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans National Park
The final part of your journey takes you to Leroo La Tau in the Kalahari, where you’ll explore the dry Boteti Riverbed and the arid Nxai Pans. These regions are renowned for their incredible birding opportunities, especially during the migratory season. Watch for korhaans, bustards, and a range of larks and pipits in the open grasslands. The Kalahari transforms into lush grasslands during the rains, attracting migratory wildlife like zebra and wildebeest, which in turn attracts numerous raptors and vultures.
“Spending time at the waterholes, watching hundreds of Burchell’s Sandgrouse and Double-banded Sandgrouse flocking to drink, is one of the most rewarding birding moments,” says Nick. The lodge also features a bird hide, ideal for observing birds from the edge of the Boteti River, where you can enjoy a peaceful late-afternoon birding experience.
“The Kalahari is an underrated gem for birders, especially in the wet season when it comes alive. It’s less crowded than other places, and the landscape is stunning,” adds Nick.
Why Birding in Botswana with Nick Buys is Unforgettable
With his deep knowledge of Southern Africa’s birdlife and a sharp eye for spotting rare species, Nick Buys is the ideal guide for your Botswana birding safari. Nick shares, “Botswana offers a birding experience like no other. The pristine wilderness areas of Savute, the Okavango Delta, and Makgadikgadi are habitats you won’t find anywhere else, making them an unmissable destination for any birdwatcher.”
Whether you’re searching for migratory species or resident birds, Nick’s expert guidance ensures you’ll have the best chance of spotting Botswana’s birding treasures, all while soaking in the breathtaking landscapes and exceptional wildlife encounters the country is known for.
“As a birder, it’s not just about ticking off species – it’s about enjoying the process of discovery. And in Botswana, every moment offers that opportunity,” Nick reflects.
This comprehensive birding itinerary is perfect for both dedicated birdwatchers and those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Botswana. It promises to deliver unforgettable experiences, with expert guides ensuring you make the most of every moment. The birds are waiting – will you be there to see them?
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