Botswana’s story is written in water and sand: the emerald Okavango Delta fans into the Kalahari, inviting elephant herds and big cats to its seasonal lagoons, while the Chobe River draws one of the world’s greatest concentrations of wildlife. Independence in 1966 set the stage for stable governance, thriving conservation, and a low-impact safari model that protects vast wilderness for future generations.

Expect days defined by dawn game drives, mokoro glides past papyrus, and dusk boat cruises where elephants wade through sunset. The Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve deliver intimate encounters with lion, leopard, and wild dog. Chobe National Park raises the stakes with riverfront herds, prolific birdlife, and cinematic skies over Sedudu Island.

Practical notes: The best wildlife viewing is during the dry season (May–October), when animals cluster at water. The wet season (November–April) brings migrant birds and lush landscapes. Carry a card and some pula (BWP), book malaria prophylaxis on medical advice, and pack a warm layer for winter mornings. Border formalities for a Victoria Falls day trip are straightforward with the KAZA Univisa (when available).

Maun (Gateway to the Okavango Delta)

Maun is where safari dreams take flight—literally. Bush planes buzz the horizon, polers steer mokoros through reeds, and outfitters trade stories over strong coffee. It’s a relaxed, riverine town with an adventurous heartbeat.

• Top sights and vibes: The Thamalakane River at golden hour; artisan textiles and baskets at the Nhabe Museum Craft Shop; sunset chatter at lively lodge decks.
• Why stay: Close access to Moremi Game Reserve and mokoro concessions, excellent day trips for first-timers, and a great food scene for such a small town.
• Local bites: Marc’s Eatery for seasonal plates and slow-cooked oxtail; Tshilli Farmstall for farm-fresh brunches and baked goods.

Where to stay (search and compare): VRBO Maun stays | Hotels.com Maun hotels

How to get to Maun: Fly into Maun (MUB) via Johannesburg or Cape Town. Compare fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Typical routings take 2.5–4.5 hours from Johannesburg, plus time for a quick plane change.

Day 1: Arrive in Maun, settle on the Thamalakane

Afternoon: Touch down in Maun and check in. If you have energy, stroll through the Nhabe Museum Craft Shop for woven baskets and hand-dyed textiles—great context on Bayei and Hambukushu artistry.

Evening: Dinner at Marc’s Eatery—book ahead for their garden-to-table plates; the kudu steak and house-made sorbets are standouts. For a nightcap, find a riverside perch at Thamalakane River Lodge restaurant for stargazing and frogsong.

Day 2: Full-Day Big 5 safari in Moremi Game Reserve

Head into one of Africa’s finest reserves, a mosaic of floodplains and mopane woodland. Expect elephant, hippo-filled channels, and, with luck, leopard draped over sausage trees. Picnic bush lunch and expert guiding included.

Moremi Full Day Trip From Maun (Viator)

Bring a warm layer for the dawn start, a hat, and a soft-sided daypack. Back in town, celebrate with pizza and cold beers at Okavango River Lodge Bar & Grill—casual, friendly, and right on the water.

Day 3: Mokoro day trip—quiet channels, waterlilies, and wildlife

Today is slow safari at its best. Glide in a traditional mokoro as your poler threads reed-lined channels, scanning for red lechwe, malachite kingfishers, and the swirl of hippos from a safe distance. Walking on an island (conditions permitting) deepens the sense of scale.

Full-Day Mokoro Experience in the Okavango Delta (Viator)

Back in Maun, grab late-afternoon coffee and carrot cake at Tshilli Farmstall. For dinner, try Motsana (check what’s on—sometimes live performance nights) or the Sedia Riverside Hotel for a relaxed, family-friendly meal.

Kasane (Chobe Riverfront & Four-Country Corner)

Kasane sits where Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe converge, with the Chobe River unfurling like a stage for elephant pageantry. It’s the launchpad for river cruises, game drives, and an easy day trip to Victoria Falls.

• Top sights and vibes: Herds crossing to Sedudu Island at dusk; fish eagles calling; the sleek arc of the Kazungula Bridge.
• Why stay: Chobe National Park’s year-round wildlife and the rare chance to combine land and water safaris in one day.
• Local bites: The Old House restaurant for fresh bream and burgers; Coffee Buzz at Thebe River Safaris for smoothies and hearty breakfasts.

Where to stay (search and compare): VRBO Kasane stays | Hotels.com Kasane hotels

How to get from Maun to Kasane (Day 4 morning departure): The quickest option is a 1–1.5 hour flight (often US$150–250 one-way). Compare on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Overland transfers take 6–7 hours via Nata, scenic but long; most travelers fly.

Day 4: Maun to Kasane, riverfront sundowners

Morning: Fly Maun → Kasane. Check into your lodge and regroup by the pool with views of the Chobe River.

Afternoon: Wander Kasane’s small craft stalls for basketry and carved animals. Refuel with an iced latte and a chicken mayo toastie at Coffee Buzz (Thebe River Safaris).

Evening: Toast your arrival with a classic Chobe water-level safari: the Chobe 3hr sunset boat cruise (Viator), gliding past hippos and elephants crossing to Sedudu Island.

After docking, dinner at The Old House—think locally caught bream with lemon butter, crisp salads, and a good South African wine list.

Day 5: Chobe National Park—dawn game drive and river time

Morning: Pre-dawn departure for a game drive along the Chobe Riverfront. This is prime time for lions on patrol, buffalo herds, and sable antelope in the woodlands. Your lodge or local operator can arrange; expect 3–6 hours with coffee stops.

Afternoon: Siesta and lunch back at the lodge; or head to Nando’s Kasane for a quick peri-peri fix and people-watching. Optional add-on: light fishing on the river for tigerfish with a local guide.

Evening: Sunset at Sedudu Bar (Chobe Safari Lodge) overlooking the water—birds in silhouette and boats drifting past. Dinner at Hunters Pub & Grill for hearty steaks and grills in a convivial setting.

Day 6: Day trip to Victoria Falls (Zambia or Zimbabwe)

One of the Seven Natural Wonders, Victoria Falls is a straightforward day excursion from Kasane. Expect a border crossing (carry passport and cash/credit; the KAZA Univisa—when available—covers both countries), guided falls tour, a bridge viewpoint, and free time for markets or a café stop.

Vicfalls daytrip from Kasane (Viator)

Pack a light rain jacket for the mist, non-slip shoes, and protection for your camera. Back in Kasane, celebrate with a wood-fired pizza and local beer at The Old House.

Day 7: Slow safari morning and departure

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely birding walk on the riverbank; watch for African jacanas and pied kingfishers hovering before a dive. If time allows, detour to the Kazungula Bridge viewpoint for a final photo of the Zambezi–Chobe confluence.

Afternoon: Early lunch at Coffee Buzz—their smoothies and wraps travel well—then transfer to Kasane Airport for your onward flight. Compare options on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com.

Evening: In transit. If you have a late-night connection, keep a warm fleece handy—regional planes can be cool after sunset.

Good to know (and delicious to try)

• Seasonality: Peak game viewing May–October; mokoro routes vary by annual flood—operators adjust accordingly.
• Health & safety: Consult your clinician about malaria prophylaxis; use DEET repellent, wear long sleeves at dusk, and drink plenty of water.
• Tipping: Around 10% in restaurants; for guides and trackers, many travelers budget US$10–20 per person per day depending on service and group size.
• Try these: Seswaa (shredded slow-cooked beef), madila (soured milk), and fresh bream from the Chobe—simple and memorable.

Optional upgrades and extensions

• Delta sleepout: For a deeper nature immersion, consider the Overnight Mokoro Experience (Viator) after Day 3.
• Grand circuit: If you have more time, a mobile safari linking Moremi–Khwai–Savute–Chobe stitches Botswana’s greatest hits into one epic route.

In one adventurous week, you’ll glide past lilies in the Okavango, track big cats in Moremi, and watch elephants cross the Chobe at sunset—then feel the roar of Victoria Falls. Botswana rewards the curious with quiet moments and wild abundance. You’ll leave with memory cards full and a promise to return.