Fancy one of those iconic safaris that provides enough adventure for a lifetime of memories? Then stick with us, we’ll take you far…far off into the wild depths of Botswana. Our combination of camps introduce you to the heart and soul of Botswana, where you’ll spend days weaving your way through un-touristy, wildlife-rich destinations. Our Trails Route is not a scheduled/set expedition route, but is rather a series of camps and lodges located in both renowned and remote safari hotspots throughout Botswana. You can custom make your own trails route using our portfolio of camps, or get itinerary advice from Chelsea about the best trails camp combo. We have helped a few intrepid explorers over the years plan their safari, and we’ve found a similar thread with the type of questions asked. As a result, we decided to write a blog about your Trails of Botswana FAQs.
Where do I fly into?
We handle travel arrangements upon arrival in Botswana, but the international flights you will need to co-ordinate. Depending on the route and camps you’ve chosen, you’ll either need to fly into Kasane (serves Chobe area) or Maun (serves the Okavango Delta and Moremi regions). Both Kasane and Maun are international airports located in major safari towns considered the gateway to the surrounding regions, but aren’t served by all carriers. You may need to fly into Johannesburg first before catching a connecting flight. The transport logistics after your arrival in Maun or Kasane, will be arranged by our team.
How do I get to each camp?
That’s not for you to worry about! We have you covered. If you are taking charter flights between camps, you will arrive at the international airport and then head to your connecting charter flight. The charter planes are small and fly quite low, which means you get to experience incredible aerial views of Botswana. If we can give one bit of advice while flying low over Botswana, it’s – LOOK DOWN! Herds of elephants are regularly spotted from air. Your charter flight will land on a typical bush airstrip, which is a clear runway surrounded by the wild – and sometimes wildlife. We also offer a road transfer option, which is suitable for certain camps. If you are travelling by road, you will be met by a representative at the airport to escort you on your onward journey. Road transfers never feel like your typical transfer —they’re more like a game drive. Again, keep your eyes open for wildlife.
Which camps will I stay at?
You will stay at camps and lodges within our portfolio. The choice is yours whether you stay at one or all of our camps. Each camp offers something unique to your Botswana safari, ensuring you get to experience the best that Botswana has to offer. Boteti Tented Camp Locally owned Boteti Tented Camp is a must for safari-goers who have a keen interest in local life, philanthropy, community and Maun’s farming culture.
Conveniently located just 45-minutes from the safari capital of Maun, Boteti is the perfect stopover en route (or returning) from the Okavango Delta region. It also makes for a great place to stay if you have business to conduct in Maun, as it offers a taste of the safari life and access to a few iconic wildlife activities. Boteti Tented Camp provides every opportunity for guests’ to give back.
The owner grew up in the area and built a camp to help support the local community. Produce and dairy sourced from neighboring farms and every effort is made to support the surrounding communities. The cost of your stay includes one activity a day, and others can be added on at an extra cost. Upon If you are only staying for a short time, we highly recommend the day trip into the Moremi Game Reserve or the Okavango Delta safari which includes a short game drive, walk and mokoro.
Mankwe Tented Retreat is a sanctuary for the soul. Situated in a private concession on the doorstep of the game-rich Moremi Game Reserve under a canopy of mopane trees, Mankwe is ideal for those seeking something more elevated in the comfortable luxury bracket. Located in woodlands close to the Moremi Game Reserve, Mankwe is perfectly place to enjoy an array of land and water based activities.
One of Mankwe’s major selling points is that it has two swimming pools and numerous relaxation areas. In total, there are 10 tented suites hiding out in the woodlands. Rooms all have private viewing decks and are kitted out with showers with views. The whole retreat is built from wood, giving it a light feel that harmonises with its surrounding environment. To keep in line with the sanctuary feel, there is a small area ideal for spa treatments. These treatments need to be booked in advance.
Eager safari-goers can tailor-make their own activity schedule. Most guests opt for a full-day excursion into the Khwai River section of Moremi, and boat cruises through the Okavango Delta’s reed-lined channels. Mankwe does offer game drives on their own concession and has extended traversing rights to the Khwai Riverfront. On Mankwe’s own concession, guests can expect to see birdlife, African wild dogs, honey badgers and abundant herds of elephants.
Magical Mboma Island Expeditions is the quintessential Okavango Delta camp. Located in the heart of the Delta, Mboma is perfect for those seeking a laid-back mobile camp experience. Although it’s a mobile camp, Mboma offers small luxuries and all the creature comforts from home. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at just how stylish Mboma’s interiors are.
Magical Mboma has 5 light Meru-style canvas tents equipped with twin beds and en suite, open-air bathrooms. Mboma is completely eco-friendly and off grid. You can expect solar-power, to bucket showers, and chemical toilets; and a maximum level of comfort.
Moremi is a well-known wildlife hotspot and a protected part of the famed Okavango Delta. Game drives are conducted through the Moremi Game Reserve, where iconic red lechwe, burly lions and array of wildlife can be spotted. Elephants regularly walk through camp.
Game drives aside, Mboma’s main activities include boat excursions (when the water levels are high), traditional mokoro trips, and sundowner set-ups in remote regions.
Located in an unexplored concession in Kasane Forest Reserve, Chobe Mopani Forest Lodge is the perfect hideaway. There’s a thriving waterhole on-site that’s a major drawcard for elephants and plains game, which means guests are always rewarded with a spectacle of sightings while at the lodge. The closest safari town is Kasane, making Chobe Mopani Forest Lodge an easily accessible destination.
Chobe Mopani Forest Lodge is fast becoming a sought-after safari destination for large groups seeking a lodge of superior quality with African inspired design.
All 20 bedrooms face the waterhole (two levels), and ensures every need is met in terms of accommodation. Fans, mosquito nets, safes, private balconies with seating, and butler’s trays in each room provide a much needed sense of comfort. In addition to the standard bedroom options, there are also 2 luxury Meru style tents on raised platforms that cater for guests requiring something a little bit more luxurious.
Camp Savuti *(currently closed until July 2023 for renovations)
Camp Savuti epitomises the Botswana safari experience. From the abundant game viewing to the authentic, tented accommodation, this is the traditional way to spend time in one of Africa’s most superb wildlife regions. Visitors are able to witness the unique interaction of the resident predator species and the prolific elephant herds in one of Africa’s most revered and remote regions.
Can I create my itinerary or must I use one of your set ones?
You are free to create your own Botswana itinerary using the camps within our portfolio. Design your own trails route, and we will quote you. However, it is always best to speak to our consultants – they have expert knowledge about the best routes and the time it takes to travel between destinations.
My budget is low, can you work within it?
Because Botswana is remote and aims to preserve its environment, camps and lodges can carry a hefty price tag. However, costs include all activities, meals and everything in between. We can work within a low budget – our camps don’t carry premium price tags. This can be done by shortening your time on safari, or eliminating camps outside of your budget.
What are the most common not-to-be-missed activities?
Apart from the standard game drives, you really shouldn’t miss a mokoro activity. A mokoro is a traditional mode of transport for locals in waterlogged areas, and is perfect for navigating through narrow channels. A guide/poler uses a pole to move the vessel through water. Mokoro trips are the most unique activity to try out in Botswana.
Leave a Comment