8 days of Botswana's Best of Safari Adventure Tour

The vast scrublands of the semi-arid Kalahari Desert stretch across 900,000 km², spanning Namibia, South Africa, and much of Botswana. It forms part of the larger Kalahari Basin, which, along with the desert, hosts notable wetlands such as the Makgadikgadi Pans and Okavango Delta.

Although it’s technically not a desert due to its annual rainfall of 12-25 cm, the Kalahari’s parched earth quickly absorbs any remaining moisture after the wet season. Known for its rust-colored sand dunes and scrubland, the Kalahari holds the title of the largest continuous sand expanse on Earth. Its unique wildlife and plant species have adapted over millennia to thrive in this harsh environment. The indigenous San bushmen have inhabited the region for over 20,000 years, with some still living on its fringes, though many have transitioned to more settled lifestyles.

To truly immerse in the Kalahari landscape, visitors can explore the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. The broader Kalahari Basin also includes fertile regions like the Okavango Delta and verdant areas to the north, such as Chobe National Park and the Moremi Wildlife Reserve.

Highlights

• The Kalahari Desert spans 900,000 km² across Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana.
• It’s part of the expansive Kalahari Basin, home to thriving wetlands.
• The desert boasts the largest continuous sand expanse in the world.
• Visitors can explore the beauty of the Kalahari at the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park and Central Kalahari Game Reserve.

3 Nights in Moremi and Okavango Region

Botswana’s Moremi and Okavango Region offers a captivating and varied landscape. It begins with the Tsodilo Hills, where four rocky slabs bear ancient San artwork, and extends to the marshy shores of the panhandle, eventually fragmenting into the Okavango Delta, which winds its way past Chief’s Island.

Highlights

• The Okavango Region is home to an extraordinary array of biodiversity.
• The iconic Tsodilo Hills bear witness to the enduring legacy of San culture, still visible today.
• The panhandle feeds the Okavango Delta, one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders.
• Many lodges around the Delta feature their own airstrips, with Maun, the gateway to the Delta, offering direct flights from Johannesburg.

2 Nights in Chobe Region

The Chobe Region’s vast wilderness beckons African travelers with its abundance of accommodation options, stunning sights, and, of course, elephants—plenty of elephants! Located at the crossroads of four countries—Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia—this region’s heart is Kasane, a charming town that serves as the gateway to this vibrant part of Africa.

Neighboring Chobe National Park, famous for its large Kalahari elephant population, and the village of Kazungula, where ferries cross to Zambia, offering travelers a chance to witness the majestic Victoria Falls. Chobe’s ever-changing landscape features sprawling floodplains along the Chobe River to the north, home to the rare puku antelope, which transform into mahogany and teak woodlands.

The Savuti marshlands, once an inland lake, are marked by ghostly trees, gradually being overtaken by riverine forests near the Linyanti River. Rocky outcrops throughout the park are adorned with ancient San bushman rock art.

Chobe National Park offers a variety of lodges, houseboats, and camps ready to host visitors. From Kasane, travelers can easily explore the wider Chobe region, make day trips into the park, visit the Chobe Crocodile Farm, or take a short 100 km journey to Victoria Falls. Kasane Airport, with daily flights from Johannesburg, Gaborone, and Maun, ensures easy access to this exceptional destination.

Highlights

• Elephant Capital, home to over 120,000 elephants
• Chobe National Park, Botswana’s first and third largest national park
• A popular destination for wildlife photographers
• Endangered species, like the African wild dog, thrive here