Highlights of Botswana

Day 1 : Kasane > Chobe National Park

On arrival at Kasane Airport, a lodge representative will meet and transfer you to the lodge. Deep in the heart of the Botswana wilderness lies Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero Lodge. Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero is a luxurious retreat in the heart of the bush, located on the edge of Chobe National Park, the second largest national park in Botswana, where some 80,000 elephants roam. From the lodge’s hilltop position, guests can enjoy far reaching panoramic views over the Chobe River and floodplain below.

The main public area includes a lounge, library and dining room, which are linked to outdoor viewing patios. Guests are able to relax in the split-level swimming pool or unwind with a pampering session in the full service spa complete with a treetop treatment room. Relax in luxurious thatched cottages, with modern freestanding baths, indoor and outdoor showers, terrace and private garden overlooking the magnificent Chobe River.

Day 2 : Chobe National Park

Today is at leisure to explore the area. Thrilling guided game drives in 4 x 4 vehicles bring you to the heart of Africa’s largest concentration of elephants, as well as hippos, buffalos, antelope, lions and other creatures that gather on the banks of the Chobe River. Morning drives include coffee, tea and freshly baked confectionaries while afternoon game drives include classic sundowner drinks and canapes at specially selected spots.

Spot wildlife from the water, joining one of the acclaimed guides on a water safari on specially adapted motorboats. The best way to end a day of safari here is sipping on a cocktail while watching an African sunset over the still waters of the Chobe River from the comfort of a specially-designed riverboat. Sundowner cruises are also a great way of seeing buffalo up close as they come out of the shade to graze in the cooler evenings and elephants as they wade in the river.

There are additional activities (at an extra cost) that guests can book. These include:

Fishing Excursions: The Chobe River is a great area for fishing which is always on a catch and release basis. The best time for fishing is in winter: May, June, July and August. Guests can expect to catch Bream and Tiger Fish, one of the most sought after game fishing experiences. The use of the boat during this activity is for a maximum of three hours and includes basic fishing equipment. A maximum of three people are allowed per boat and the activity is subject to availability. We suggest booking this activity while at the lodge.

Tour of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe: The lodge is an hour and a half’s drive from the Victoria Falls. A guide will escort guests around the Falls, sharing facts and history along the way. The walk is approximately 90 minutes in duration (3 km), through the rainforest, stopping at various viewing points. Guests will also have the opportunity to do some curio shopping in the adjacent open-air markets. Excluded is a day Entry Visa Fee, which is payable at the border upon entry.

Day 3 : Chobe National Park > Okavango Delta

A light aircraft flight over the Delta to Stanley’s Camp. On arrival at the Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp airstrip, a camp representative will meet and transfer you to Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp. The transfer time is approximately 20 minutes. Enjoy a delicious lunch, and the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the game viewing activities on offer. Activities offered include: morning and evening game drives, walking safaris, traditional mokoro excursions in the channels of the Delta (seasonal), and sundowners in specially selected spots.

Day 4 : Okavango Delta

The day is at leisure to enjoy the activities on offer. Your morning might be spent with three orphaned elephants who have been brought up in the area and are used to being with humans from an early age. Every morning the elephants go for a walk around their home range, foraging for food and checking that all is well. A few people each day are able to accompany them on their walk through the bush and see the wilds of Africa through the eyes of an elephant – a truly uplifting experience that makes a lasting impression on all who share their time with the elephants (this activity is at an additional cost.)

The afternoon might be spent on a game drive or enjoying a mokoro excursion. The Okavango Delta is of course flooded for much of the year and when it is, guests can experience serene silence at the gentle pace of a poled mokoro excursion along the narrow Delta channels. Guests can sit back and relax as they glide through lily ponds on local dugout canoes while they get eye to eye with a buffalo as it laps water from the river, watch crocodiles sunbathe on the banks or cruise past a pod of hippos as they lie in a pool. Fish eagles, frogs and fabulous lilies form much of this experience, but more frequently it is the quietness and gentle pace that makes its impression on guests.

Day 5 : Okavango Delta

Light aircraft to Chief’s Camp. Enjoy breakfast and then a morning game viewing activity. A camp representative will transfer you to the airstrip for your Mack Air shared light aircraft charter flight to Sanctuary Chief’s Camp. The flying time is approximately 15 minutes. On arrival at the airstrip a representative will meet and transfer you to the camp. The transfer time is approximately 10 minutes.

Sanctuary Chief’s Camp is a luxury bush camp situated on Chief’s Island in the exclusive Mombo Concession of the Moremi Game Reserve. Spend two nights at this luxury safari camp enjoying the personal service and exceptional game viewing experience.

The decked lounge, dining area and atmospheric fire pit all overlook expansive floodplains so that guests can continue game viewing in camp. Guest accommodation is comprised of 12 secluded, permanent luxury bush pavilions. The main deck area is split-level and offers expansive views over the floodplain while the lower level of the deck houses an exquisite swimming pool.

The afternoon is at leisure. Activities available include game drives and seasonal mokoro excursions (subject to water levels).

Day 6 : Okavango Delta

The day is at leisure to enjoy the activities on offer. The game viewing opportunities around Sanctuary Chief’s Camp are awe-inspiring. The expert guides are on hand to share a wealth of wildlife knowledge, take guests deep into the bush in specially modified 4 x 4 vehicles on morning and afternoon game drives to find the secluded places where elephant families congregate in search of the tastiest fruits and berries.

On the plains one may find the roaming lions that prey on the thousands of antelope, zebra and buffalo who live here all year round. You may even spot wild dogs. These extremely rare predators have been hunted to the point of extinction in most areas of Africa and this is one of their last strongholds. Intensely curious, painted dogs, as they are known here, are extremely rewarding to view and accessible to only a few. There are several local lion prides as well as leopards, genet cats and hyenas are in abundance.

Guests can also enjoy a scenic helicopter flight over the Okavango Delta (at an additional cost.) These scenic flights involve flying west towards the permanent delta, exposing areas which are unreachable by vehicle or boat and showcasing the sheer enormity of the Okavango Delta. There is the option of the doors being removed for unrestricted photographic opportunities. Choose between 30, 45 or 60 minute flights in a single piston engine Robinson r44 helicopter with 3 seats. This activity is offered on a year round basis. Being a personalised activity, it’s up to you what time of day you would like to do the activity, however we would recommend early morning and late afternoon as this time usually provides the best light for photography. Preferred flight times can be requested on booking.

Day 7 : Okavango Delta > Maun

Morning at leisure to enjoy activities before flying to Maun for your onward flights.