safari lodges Botswana

Botswana

 

the quintessential safari

 

Discover Botswana.

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Be amazed as you explore the dark water channels of the world-renowned Okavango Delta and the large herds of game grazing around the Moremi Game Reserve.

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Located within the heart of the Okavango Delta, the Moremi Reserve is at its most beautiful between April to June (off-peak rates) when the slowly trickling flood waters transforms the barren plains into sparkling waterways spectacularly dotted with water lily ponds

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Moving further north, one can stay a few nights in the famous Savute wilderness or the remote Linyanti before ending at Chobe ‘Riverfront’ showcasing large herds of splashing elephants

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Botswana lodges are either land and/or water based so we suggest staying a few nights at each lodge type for the full game drive AND boating or mokoro Botswana experience

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Compelling game viewing excursions in Botswana, all safely guided by professional rangers, include mokoro or dug-out trips, thrilling walking safaris or day and night game drives

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International flights arrive Maun Airport + connect 30min to 1.5hr flight to safari lodge airstrip.

Lodge rangers do a meet and greet on airstrip before the final road transfer to your lodge.

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Arrive at your safari lodge, enjoy a welcome drink before lunch, have a little chill-out time by the pool before high-tea and… let the authentic Botswana big game safari begin.

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It leaves one feeling sort of …. exhilarated? 

where to stay Botswana

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park and Central Kalahari Game Reserve on request but our favourite lodges are all located in three of the main Botswana big 5 game regions:

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– the Okavango Delta including Moremi and Khwai regions

– the harsh Savute and remote Linyanti  

– Chobe National Park’s northern boundary, the Chobe Riverfront

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First up, the Okavango Delta and its meandering water channels 

 
 

Okavango Delta

 

 

Explore this game rich, watery maze of meandering reed channels, deep pools, tranquil lagoons and overgrown palm fringed islands as you search for big game while keeping an eye open for crocodile and hippo lurking in the still waters…

The Okavango Delta is a vast inland wetland created by seasonal floods from the Angolan highlands. Spanning about 15,000 square kilometers, it transforms the Kalahari Desert into a lush maze of lagoons, channels, and islands.

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It is home to incredible wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, and over 450 bird species, making it one of Africa’s richest safari destinations.

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Scattered across the Delta are luxury lodges and camps, ranging from intimate tented retreats to high-end safari lodges. Either land-based and/or water-based, lodges offer guided game drives, boat safaris, mokoro excursions and bush walks blending comfort with immersive wilderness experiences.

Overlooking the game rich Moremi in the heart of the Delta, we also love the lodges around the Khwai River – a region well worth a visit.

 

Okavango safari lodges

 
 

Wilderness Mombo

Moremi

 

Mombo Camp is located on Chief’s Island in the heart of Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve, within the Okavango Delta. This prime position is renowned for exceptional wildlife densities, earning the camp its nickname “Place of Plenty.” Guests can expect year‑round sightings of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, and large herds of plains game, making it one of Africa’s most celebrated safari destinations.

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The camp offers 9 spacious tented suites, each raised on wooden platforms beneath shady trees. These suites feature private verandas, indoor and outdoor showers, and sweeping views of the floodplains. A highlight is the luxurious copper bathtub positioned to overlook the plains, allowing guests to soak in comfort while watching wildlife wander past. Elevated walkways connect the tents to the main areas, ensuring immersion in nature while maintaining privacy and indulgence.

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Amenities and activities at Mombo Camp are designed to deliver an unforgettable safari experience. Expertly guided game drives provide close encounters with predators and prey, while gourmet dining, a swimming pool, and attentive service ensure indulgence after adventurous days. The camp’s strong conservation ethos and sustainable practices further enhance its appeal, offering guests both luxury and a deep connection to the natural heritage of the Okavango Delta.

 

rates 2026
US$2 889 to US$5 043

per person per night 

 
 

Vumbura Plains

Okavango

 

Vumbura Plains Lodge is located in the northern Okavango Delta, a pristine wilderness of floodplains and waterways. Its position allows guests to enjoy both land and water safaris, with year‑round sightings of elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, and an extraordinary variety of birdlife. The lodge’s setting makes it ideal for diverse adventures, from mokoro canoe rides through reed‑lined channels to game drives across open savannahs.

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The lodge features 14 elevated timber suites, including two family units, spread across two satellite camps. Each suite is designed with natural materials and open‑plan layouts, offering private plunge pools, expansive decks, and sweeping views of the Delta. The architecture blends modern luxury with the surrounding wilderness, creating a tranquil atmosphere that connects guests to nature while providing spacious interiors and contemporary design.

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Guests enjoy a wide range of amenities and activities that make the stay unforgettable. Expertly guided game drives, boat cruises, and walking safaris provide close encounters with wildlife, while gourmet dining and attentive service ensure indulgence after adventurous days. Cultural experiences with local communities add depth to the journey, making Vumbura Plains not only a luxurious retreat but also a gateway to the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Okavango Delta.

 

rates 2026
US$1 903 to US$3 945

per person per night 

 
 

Khwai Lediba

Okavango

 

Khwai Lediba is a luxury tented safari camp set along the Khwai River in Botswana’s Khwai Community Concession, near the Moremi Game Reserve. Its riverside location offers superb wildlife viewing, with elephants, hippos, and predators often seen along the banks, while birdlife fills the skies. Guests enjoy an intimate safari atmosphere in one of the most game-rich corners of the Okavango Delta.

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The camp accommodates up to 16 guests in six tented suites and one family suite, each with en-suite bathrooms, indoor and outdoor showers, and private decks overlooking the river. Designed with eco-conscious style and comfort, the suites blend classic safari charm with modern touches, creating a welcoming retreat that connects guests directly to the wilderness.

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At the heart of Khwai Lediba lies a central lounge, dining area, sunken bar, and pool, all shaded by ancient trees and positioned for river views. Activities include game drives, guided walks, mokoro excursions (seasonal), and cultural visits to the local community. With its small scale, warm hospitality, and prime location, Khwai Lediba offers an authentic yet luxurious safari experience

 

rates 2026
US$630 to US$1 390
per person sharing
 
 

Xugana Island

Okavango

 

Xugana Island Lodge is located on a private island in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, overlooking the breathtaking Xugana Lagoon. This setting is considered one of the most beautiful permanent water features in the Delta, making it ideal for water‑based safaris. Guests can expect tranquil encounters with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a dazzling array of birdlife, all framed by lush papyrus and reed beds.

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The lodge offers 8 reed‑and‑thatch chalets, each with en‑suite bathrooms and private decks facing the lagoon. Elevated walkways connect the chalets to the main lodge area, which includes a thatched lounge, bar, and dining deck shaded by giant ebony and mangosteen trees. The design emphasizes simplicity and harmony with nature, giving guests an authentic yet comfortable retreat in the heart of the Delta.

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Amenities and activities at Xugana Island Lodge focus on water‑based exploration and relaxation. Guests enjoy mokoro excursions, motorboat trips, and guided bush walks on nearby islands, while evenings bring sundowners overlooking the lagoon and starlit dinners. A swimming pool carved into natural rock and attentive hospitality complete the experience, making Xugana Island Lodge a serene and intimate way to discover the magic of the Okavango Delta.

 

rates 2026
from US$690 to US$1 290
per person sharing
 
 
 

remote Savute and Linyanti

 

 

Most visitors normally head from the Delta into Chobe National Park but, hold on, for a remote and exclusive safari experience, consider the wild frontiers north of the Delta – the ruby red sunsets of Savute, the wetland corridor of the Selinda Spillway and the riverine forests and floodplains of remote Linyanti

Historically set aside for hunting only but now, thankfully, with the hunters long gone, wildlife has returned in great numbers to this off-the-beaten-track region 

Enormous herds of elephants pass through in the dry season along with a multitude of grazer game spending winter here before migrating towards the Savute for summer

And hot on their trail, hungry predators like lion, cheetah, wild dog and even leopard

Shared by few, the region offers some surprisingly fabulous lodges but, with most

lodges being rather small and intimate, book EARLY and go remote…

 

Savute & Linyanti safari lodges

 
 

Zarafa Camp

Selinda Reserve

 

Zarafa Camp is an ultra-luxury safari lodge in Botswana’s Selinda Reserve, offering breathtaking views, intimate suites, and exceptional wildlife encounters.

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Nestled within the vast Selinda Reserve, Zarafa Camp overlooks the shimmering Zibadianja Lagoon, the source of the Savuti Channel. This pristine wilderness spans hundreds of thousands of acres and connects the Okavango Delta with the scenic Linyanti waterways. The area is renowned for its rich wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, painted dogs, and hippos, making it one of Botswana’s most rewarding safari destinations. Guests enjoy uninterrupted views of the lagoon and surrounding bush, where wildlife frequently passes by, creating an immersive safari experience right from the camp’s decks.

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Zarafa Camp is deliberately intimate, with only four spacious suites, ensuring exclusivity and privacy. Each suite is crafted from luxurious canvas and elevated on reclaimed railway sleeper decking, spanning over 1,000 square feet. The interiors feature a seamless flow from a plush lounge into a lavish bedroom and an indulgent bathroom, highlighted by a copper claw-foot bathtub. Outdoors, guests can unwind on expansive decks complete with a private plunge pool, outdoor shower, and al fresco seating, all designed to immerse visitors in the tranquility of the wilderness while maintaining the highest standards of comfort.

 

rates 2026

US$1 656 to US$3 1 36

per person per night

 

Savute Safari Lodge

Savute

 

Savute Safari Lodge offers an elegant yet authentic safari experience in Botswana’s Chobe National Park, with prime access to the famous Savute Channel and Marsh.

Situated on the banks of the Savute Channel, the lodge enjoys a front-row seat to one of Africa’s most intriguing ecosystems, where the channel mysteriously floods and dries independent of rainfall. This dynamic environment attracts a wealth of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and large herds of antelope, making it a superb base for exploring the southern reaches of Chobe National Park.

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The lodge features eleven spacious chalets and one family suite, all built on raised wooden platforms with private decks overlooking the channel. Interiors are tastefully decorated in neutral tones, offering comfort and tranquility while maintaining a close connection to the surrounding wilderness.

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At the heart of Savute Safari Lodge lies a welcoming central area with a thatched dining space, lounge, library, and swimming pool, all positioned to overlook a busy waterhole where wildlife frequently gathers. Guests can enjoy game drives in open 4×4 vehicles, often visiting the Savute Marsh, or simply relax with a “sofa safari” from the lodge itself

 

rates 2026

US$ 690 to US$ 1290

per person per night

 
 

Chobe Riverfront

 

 

Situated in northern Botswana and the most northern tip of Chobe National Park, the lush floodplains and dense riverine forests of the Chobe Riverfront offer striking scenery and abundant water that draws animals year-round. 

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Not the wild big game safari experience of the other Botswana reserves but more lazy sundowner cruises along the picturesque Chobe River offering magnificent photo opportunities of large herds of splashing elephants and buffalo, hippo ambling onto dry land and a riverfront that spectacularly fills up with animals gathering to drink

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Chobe Riverfront of course also comes with a sense of that old worldly romance.

Perhaps to do with the love story of a certain Liz and Richard?

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Come and discover Chobe Riverfront and its magnificent Zambezi River.

Is that love in the air?

 

Chobe Riverfront safari lodges

 
 

Chobe Game Lodge

Chobe Riverfront

 

Chobe Game Lodge is a romantic safari retreat set along the Chobe River inside Botswana’s Chobe National Park. Its location offers spectacular views of the riverfront, famous for vast elephant herds and diverse wildlife. Guests can enjoy unique experiences such as silent safaris in solar-powered boats and vehicles, making wildlife encounters both peaceful and eco-friendly.

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The lodge features 40 rooms and four suites, each with private terraces overlooking the river. The suites are especially suited for couples, with plunge pools and elegant interiors that blend Moorish-inspired architecture with modern comfort. This design creates a serene and intimate atmosphere, perfect for romantic getaways.

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Central facilities include a boardwalk deck, bar, pool, and dining areas, all positioned to maximize river views. Activities range from boat cruises and game drives to cultural excursions, while the lodge’s proximity to Victoria Falls adds another layer of adventure. Chobe Game Lodge combines romance, luxury, and exploration in one of Africa’s most iconic safari settings.

 

rates 2026

US$1 010 to US$ 1 570

per person sharing

 
 

Ngoma Lodge

Chobe Forest Reserve

Ngoma Safari Lodge is an intimate luxury retreat set in Botswana’s Chobe Forest Reserve, overlooking the Chobe River floodplains. Its elevated position on the edge of a plateau provides sweeping views of the river and seasonal floodplain, where guests can witness spectacular sunsets and abundant wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, and migrating zebra.

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The lodge offers just eight river-facing suites, ensuring exclusivity and privacy. Each suite is designed with space and comfort in mind, featuring indoor and outdoor living areas, private plunge pools, and decks that open directly to panoramic views of the Chobe River. This layout allows guests to enjoy both luxury and a close connection to the wilderness, with wildlife often visible from the comfort of their suite.

 

Ngoma Safari Lodge’s central area includes a welcoming lounge, dining spaces, and a pool, all positioned to maximize views of the floodplain. Activities range from game drives in Chobe National Park to boat cruises on the Chobe River, guided walks, and cultural visits to nearby villages. With its blend of intimacy, luxury, and diverse safari experiences, Ngoma Safari Lodge offers a romantic and adventurous escape in one of Botswana’s most wildlife-rich regions.

 

rates 2026

US$718 to US$1 315

per person sharing

 

Botswana

Travel from a shimmering Okavango Delta through remote Savuti, Selinda and Linyanti to the splashing elephant herds of the Chobe Riverfront’s Zambezi River.

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Email us to plan your very own dreamy safari into Botswana.

 
 

based in Cape Town South Africa

so remember

 
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