9 days Botswana: two giants by plane

4.9/5

Based on 908+ reviews

4.8/5

Based on 565+ reviews

9 days Botswana: two giants by plane

As soon as you arrive, you can switch into your adventure mode and explore Maun, or you can take a well-deserved nap in your first lodge. Whatever you do, it will be the perfect start to an unforgettable trip.

The first giant on your agenda is the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, which transports you into a different world. Explore life in and around the Boteti River, and get enchanted by animals that have mastered a life in this arid land – from zebras, wildebeest, and playful meerkats to hyenas, lions, and unique birds. Fancy a day trip to the neighboring Nxai Pans National Park? Here you get to discover the park and hug enormous Baines baobabs. Back in Makgadikgadi, you jump into the pans themselves (not literally). Take a walk with the San, go on a thrilling game drive, and meet the biggest stars of them all: quirky meerkats.

Three baobab trees in the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana with a blue sky

Zebra walking in the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

For your second giant, you take a plane to Maun and hop into a helicopter, or you take a direct charter flight to your next stop. Either way, you end up flying above the famous Okavango Delta, a paradise for flora and fauna alike (and for you). After marveling at this unique piece of land from above, you also explore it on land and, if you like, from a mokoro boat. Prepare to be blown away since the wildlife and the landscapes are unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.

Upon arrival in each lodge, you can pick two activities to do in this destination (included in your package). They are carried out by the lodge, and you will be joined by other guests, unless you book a private excursion. The links in the daily outlines below give you an idea of what’s possible.

: Yes, Botswana is a safe travel destination. In fact, it’s widely regarded as one of Africa’s safest countries, with a solid tourism infrastructure, low levels of corruption and a strong democratic tradition. As in any country in the world, there are some areas to better avoid, especially in big cities like Gaborone, Maun or Francistown.

Best talk to your guide or travel consultant if you plan to go to any of these areas. Apart from that, simply stick to the safety rules you’d follow anywhere else in the world, and you’ll have an unforgettable time in Botswana.
: A safari in Botswana is truly unique: it’s more remote, more immersive and holds both small and big adventures. With floodplains, deserts and everything in between it’s home to an unparalleled ecosystem. And the rich wildlife knows exactly how to thrive in it. While enormous elephant herds, predators and all the stars of a typical safari roam the north of the country (Big Five included), the dunes of the south are home to those who have adapted to the harsh conditions like the gemsbok, meerkats or hyenas.

In general, Botswana is all about authenticity. It’s renowned for low-impact experiences, protecting its pristine wilderness, and its traditional values with indigenous communities like the Kwhai or the San.
: At Africa Safari Trips, we’re all about co-creating your perfect journey. When you plan your African adventures with us, you’re not just booking a trip; you’re embarking on a personalised experience. We start by understanding your wishes and preferences, and we won’t stop until every aspect of your journey aligns perfectly with your vision. Our team works closely with you to ensure that your entire trip is tailor-made to your satisfaction. And for added convenience, we offer a selection of our most popular African tours and safaris as a starting point for your consideration.
: If you’re looking for a safari that feels like two different planets on one map, Botswana is your spot. Up north, at the Okavango Delta and in Chobe, watch out for lazy or angry hippos (one never knows), thousands of elephants, and of course the Big Five. Other highlights are the African wild dog, the sitatunga, hundreds of different birds, and of course the who’s who of African wildlife.

In the south, around the Kalahari and the Makgadikgadi Pans, wildlife is just as unique as the landscapes themselves. They set the scene for the massive Zebra Migration, black-maned lion and the striking gemsbok. The actual stars are much smaller though: it’s the hyper-alert meerkats. Watch these little fellas hunt, play and dig. And dig. And dig some more.

9 days Botswana: two giants by plane

Low season (March, April, May and 1st of November - 19th of December)

2 persons

$9,431.24 USD*

4 persons

$9,431.03 USD*

6 persons

$9,430.96 USD*

Mid Season (the rest of the year)

2 persons

$8,525.25 USD*

4 persons

$8,525.03 USD*

6 persons

$8,524.96 USD*

High season (January, July, August, September and 20th to 31st of December)

2 persons

$12,990.84 USD*

4 persons

$12,990.60 USD*

6 persons

$12,990.53 USD*

* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets

Here’s how your price comes together.

Included

Local guide
9 days
24/7 service
All accommodations
Drinking water in our safari jeeps
Full board
Mentioned internal flights
Park Fees
Pickup and transfer airport
Reservation costs
Fully accredited under SGR

Excluded

Visas
Travel insurance
International flights (can be booked for you on request)

Make your dream trip come true with Africa Safari Trips

At Africa Safari Trips, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!

Request this trip now

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Maun International Airport + Relax in the lodge in Maun or get active!
Day 2: Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
Day 3: Nxai Pan National Park
Day 4: Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
Day 5: The salt pans of Makgadikgadi
Day 6: The salt pans of Makgadikgadi
Day 7: Scenic helicopter transfer from Maun to Okavango Delta + The stunning Okavango Delta
Day 8: The stunning Okavango Delta
Day 9: Flight home from Maun International Airport

Day 1

Arrival at Maun International Airport

Gold

Platinum

Diamond Luxury

Welcome to Botswana. Upon arrival at Maun International Airport, in the north-west of the country, you step into one of southern Africa’s busiest aviation hubs and the undisputed gateway to the legendary Okavango Delta. Even before landing, you are treated to a spectacular preview, with low-altitude vistas over a vast, shimmering mosaic of waterways and islands. Your private driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall. He will take you to your lodge, where you can get some rest after your long journey and enjoy genuine Botswana hospitality. This is where your dream safari begins!

Activities:

: Today is yours to enjoy - a day to discover Maun at your own pace. Often called the tourism capital of Botswana, Maun blends local life with easy access to nature. Dive into the region’s story and join a fascinating cultural tour; browse colourful markets, watch traditional basket weaving, and soak up everyday life. More into art? Visit The Space, Maun's creative hub, for an arts & crafts workshop, a tour or inspiring conversations with artists. Prefer nature over city life? Visit elephant orphans, or head to the Thamalakane River, where you can go on 1-hour mokoro excursions, sunset boat cruises, or scenic helicopter flights over the delta. Contact your travel consultant to help you find the perfect activity (at an extra cost). Unless, of course, you'd rather stay in the lodge, relax and enjoy all the amenities!

Accommodations:

Gold

Platinum

Diamond Luxury

Day 2

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Gold

Platinum

Diamond Luxury

Characterised by open salt pans in the east and the life-giving Boteti River in the west, the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park covers part of an immense salt pan system, stretching over more than 16,000 kilometers. The national park itself is almost 4,000 square kilometers, and during a game drive you can see wildlife congregating along the greens of the Boteti River, while the vast shimmering salt pans in the east give off an otherworldly vibe, dotted with nothing but quirky baobab trees. At night, the endless stars and distant lion calls make these pans feel both immense and alive—a truly unforgettable slice of ancient nature. And to top it off, you can dive into culture with a traditional village visit, just outside of the national park.

Accommodations:

Gold

Platinum

Diamond Luxury

Day 3

Nxai Pans or sleeping under the stars?

Gold

Platinum

Diamond Luxury

Choose between a day trip to Nxai Pans National Park and seeing the mesmerising Baines baobabs, or a drive to the salt pans of Makgadikgadi for a night of camping under endless stars. The choice depends on your hotel, as only the Moela Safari Lodge offers the Makgadikgadi sleeping trip.

Activities:

: Salt pans, golden grasslands and ancient baobabs; Nxai Pan National Park proves that simplicity can be spectacular. North of the Makgadikgadi salt pans, this vast landscape is known for its fossil pans, open plains and the iconic Baines’ Baobabs, standing proudly for over 1,000 years. During the green season, zebra and wildebeest migrations sweep across the park, followed closely by predators, while the dry months bring excellent wildlife viewing around waterholes. Add dramatic skies and superb birdlife, and you’ve got one of Botswana’s most photogenic wilderness areas.

Accommodations:

Gold

Platinum

Diamond Luxury

Day 4

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Gold

Platinum

Diamond Luxury

Characterised by open salt pans in the east and the life-giving Boteti River in the west, the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park covers part of an immense salt pan system, stretching over more than 16,000 kilometers. The national park itself is almost 4,000 square kilometers, and during a game drive you can see wildlife congregating along the greens of the Boteti River, while the vast shimmering salt pans in the east give off an otherworldly vibe, dotted with nothing but quirky baobab trees. At night, the endless stars and distant lion calls make these pans feel both immense and alive—a truly unforgettable slice of ancient nature. And to top it off, you can dive into culture with a traditional village visit, just outside of the national park.

Accommodations:

Gold

Platinum

Diamond Luxury

Day 5 - 6

The salt pans of Makgadikgadi

Gold

Platinum

Diamond Luxury

The Makgadikgadi can be a little confusing at first. The 3,900 square kilometres wildlife-rich Makgadikgadi Pans National Park forms part of the greater Makgadikgadi ecosystem, which spans more than 16,000 square kilometres. To reach the famous salt pans themselves, you'll need to travel further east, beyond the boundaries of the national park. Out on the pans, the scenery steals the show. Endless white horizons, absolute silence and a sense of space that's hard to put into words create an almost lunar atmosphere. This is the Makgadikgadi of unforgettable meerkat encounters, fascinating walks with the San Bushmen and game drives across the pans in search of desert-adapted wildlife. It's a completely different side of Botswana - so vast it makes you feel wonderfully small.

Accommodations:

Gold Camp Kalahari
Platinum San Camp
Diamond Luxury Jack's Camp

Gold

Platinum

Diamond Luxury

Day 7 - 8

To the Okavango Delta by plane or helicopter

Scenic helicopter transfer from Maun to Okavango Delta

Gold

Platinum

Diamond Luxury

You fly to the majestic Okavango Delta for two days of exploring. Depending on where you stay, you catch a direct charter plane from the Makgadikgadi salt pans to the delta or a charter plane to Maun, followed by a scenic helicopter flight to the Okavango. During the flight, you witness one of Botswana's most remarkable landscape transformations, leaving the white pans behind to find winding channels and palm-fringed islands.

Activities:

: Your scenic helicopter flight from Maun to the Okavango Delta transforms a simple transfer into an unforgettable experience. As you lift off above the gateway town of Maun, you cross winding waterways, palm-fringed islands, floodplains dotted with wildlife and endless stretches of pristine wilderness. Flying lower than a light aircraft, a helicopter offers a unique perspective of the delta's intricate maze of channels and lagoons. Before long, you'll touch down in the heart of one of Africa's most extraordinary ecosystems.
: The Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s seven natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site - an enormous and stunning inland delta caused by a river disappearing into the Kalahari Desert. Seasonal floodwaters transform dry sands into a lush wildlife haven, drawing elephants, big cats, rare antelope, the endangered African wild dog and over 500 bird species. Game spotting from a canoe? Absolutely! The Okavango offers an immersive safari experience with water and wildlife galore amid the desert.

Accommodations:

Gold Cha Cha Metsi
Platinum Eagle Island Lodge
Diamond Luxury andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge

Gold

Platinum

Diamond Luxury

Day 9

Flight home from Maun International Airport

As you board your flight home from Maun, take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey through Botswana's most spectacular wild places. The memories of thundering elephant herds, sweeping salt pans, and golden delta sunsets will stay with you long after you land!

Make your dream trip come true with Africa Safari Trips

At Africa Safari Trips, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!

Request this trip now