Wishlist
Bespoke Botswana & Vic Falls
A Place Like No Other
Botswana is a land of pristine wilderness, offering some of the world's most elite wildlife encounters. Its diverse ecosystems range from the lush, winding waterways of the Okavango Delta to the expansive sands of the Kalahari. While the Moremi Game Reserve marks the edge of the Delta, animals roam freely into neighboring regions like the massive Chobe Park and the neighboring concessions.
Travel between these remote areas relies on bush flights rather than roads. Selecting the right combination of locations is vital, as you cannot efficiently drive between most areas. Born Free specializes in curating these experiences, ensuring every stop on your journey delivers a successful and unforgettable safari.
When and where to visit on your Botswana safari can be daunting. The right combination of water and land camps are essential. Born Free knows Botswana, and we will assist in recommending the right combination of camps and locations for your safari.
Dry Camps are located on larger islands or the drier peripheries of the delta. Their focus is on traditional land-based game viewing activities in open vehicles and guided walking safaris, which are ideal for tracking big game.
Wet Camps are situated in areas that are primarily focused on water-based activities such as exploring the waterways. If you are primarily interested in big game, we do not recommend island camps or camps that only provide water-based viewing.
Mixed Camps (#1 Experience) provide a combination of both water and land activities, often adapting their offerings seasonally as water levels rise and fall, providing the ideal delta experience.
PREMIUM PRICING EXPLAINED
Small exclusive properties: Limited guests, food and service extremely high.
There are a few more modest properties but generally the areas are not as prime.
Logistics and Remoteness: Many premier camps are located deep within pristine wilderness expanses and require light aircraft flights between areas. All commodities are flown into camps.
All-Inclusive Pricing: Most luxury Botswana safaris are sold as comprehensive, all-inclusive packages that cover internal flights, accommodation, meals, drinks, laundry, and daily guided activities.
Limited Season: Although some camps are open in green season, May to October is the prime travel time when there are abundant food and water attracting the migrating herds. This is when safari viewing is most productive and weather pleasant.
SAFARI REGIONS
• OKAVANGO DELTA - a phenomenal wildlife region, it covers the heart of the country. Within its waterways are island camps, bordering reserves, and private concessions where all of the "Big Five" can be found. Hippos and crocodiles cool themselves while herds of elephants and buffalo graze in the floodplains. Game viewing is often by boat or mokoro (canoes).
• THE CHOBE REGION - the largest area and closest to Victoria Falls. Generally, this area is fairly crowded with travelers and not that rich in predators. The BEST OF CHOBE is flying further into the park, especially in the Savute region.
• SAVUTI (SAVUTE) REGION OF CHOBE – located on the south end of Chobe, this area is extremely game-rich and exceptional for predator sightings. Large prides of lion hunt on the grasslands, leopards and wild dogs can be seen as well. The Savuti Channel dramatically transformed the area to marsh and a paradise for large herds of elephants and buffaloes.
• MOREMI GAME RESERVE – located within the Okavango Delta, this is one of the most reliable game viewing areas in Botswana. On game drives, travel across wild open grasslands and into the lion and wild dog territories. Elephant gather on the riverbanks, and leopards can be seen in the branches of the trees.
• KALAHARI, MAKGADIKGADI PANS, & NXAI PAN PARK - an awe-inspiring area made up of open grassland punctuated by wooded valleys and moonscape salt pans. There are game drives and walks with the San Bushmen. Wildlife is seasonal.
• PRIVATE CONCESSIONS - exclusive, community land that borders the Okavango and Chobe. The wildlife travels freely between dedicated parks and concessions. Each offers intimate experiences with limited visitors, as well as varied activities including walking, off-road drives, and night drives that are not allowed in the public parklands. The habitats vary from wetlands, forests, plains, and waterways. Examples include Linyanti, Selinda, Khwai, and Kwando.
BORN FREE SAFARIS BOTSWANA PARTNERS
PLATINUM STANDARD: Premium level, Wide Selection of Prime locations
- AFRICA BUSH CAMPS
- GREAT PLAINS CONSERVATION SAFARI CAMPS
- WILDERNESS CAMPS
GOLD STANDARDS: High comfort level, Wide Selection of Prime locations
- DESERT & DELTA
- NATURAL SELECTIONS
- KER & DOWNEY
- &BEYOND
MOBILE & EXPEDITION LEVEL – Selection of High comfort Mobile Camps, bathrooms ensuite, proper bedding, Usually Mixed with Gold Standard Lodges
AND SELECT INDEPENDENT CAMPS
SPECIAL VALUE ADDED: There are often financial specials offered when selecting from one "branded" safari camp organization.
Featured Inclusions:
Flights between safari camps in Botswana
All Safari Activities
Non-premium liquor and laundry
Born Free Concierge Service
24/7 Emergency US & Africa Contacts
Pre-Journey Briefing Booklet, Customized Backpack, Luggage tags
Personalized Bound Final Itinerary
Full list of inclusions and tariff details will be sent upon inquiry.
Is this your dream trip?
Botswana is a destination for the wildlife enthusiast. Days consist of various activities with game viewing being the main goal. It is not for the traveler who is interested in seeing villages and meeting the local people. It is a premium destination and more costly per diem than any other safari area. If you decide this is your dream safari and have a realistic budget, then the extraordinary await!
Lower resources but you still want to visit Botswana? We suggest staying more nights at fewer locations or one camp for three nights that offer water and land activities. This will cut down on charter bush flights. Do not go to a camp that only offers water and walking. They have low prices but are not the preferred location for predators, elephants, and larger species.
Tailor-Made Itinerary:
All trips to Botswana are custom-tailored to suit your vision. Each camp is carefully selected to give you a balance of experiences and a variety of wildlife sightings. You can select your camp preferences, and we will custom design your trip. This does not cost more than selecting a set itinerary. Botswana camp activities are organized by each property.
This is an ideal trip for a solo traveler as are on escorted flights into each location and join others on safari. Your research has led you to Born Free Safaris. Now let our Specialists tailor your journey the way you want to experience it.
Highlights
- Choice of Game viewing areas and accommodations
- Sample itinerary shown on website
- Scenic Flights between remote wildlife areas
- Small limited participation safaris
- All Wildlife Viewing Activities included in Botswana
- Game drives in Open Vehicles
- Motorboat or Canoe in Water Camps
- Nature Walks as offered by Properties
- Victoria Falls - Zambezi Sundowner Cruise
- Most beverages are included in Botswana
- Laundry in Safari Camps
- Excellent Choice for the Solo Traveler
