WELCOME TO THE KAVANGO-ZAMBEZI
BOTSWANA
The Kavango Zambezi TFCA is enormous, larger than Germany and Austria combined and nearly twice as large as the United Kingdom. It lies in the Kavango and Zambezi river basins where Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe converge.
Botswana in depth.
Botswana is a bucket list destination for the wildlife enthusiast, boasting several of the world’s top wildlife reserves. It is thus hardly surprising that the north of this wild country makes up the largest slice of the Kavango Zambezi pie, its 153,000 km² representing around 30% of the park’s total area. Much of Botswana is semi-desert, dominated by the seemingly endless Kalahari. Within the Kavango Zambezi area, however, is one of the world’s most important wetlands, the lush Okavango Delta, together with the wild woodlands and floodplains of the Chobe-Linyanti river system. The park also extends south to the sweeping grasslands and shimmering salt plans of Makgadikgadi, and west to the remote, mysterious Tsodilo Hills.
The Okavango Delta is a watery labyrinth of islands and channels formed where the southbound Okavango river – its original course diverted by ancient tectonic upheavals –meets the Kalahari and fans out before disappearing into the desert sands. It exerts a magnetic pull upon the region’s wildlife, its annual floods drawing thousands of elephant, buffalo, zebra and others from across northern Botswana to the lush growth.
For the visitor, the delta is best considered as several distinct areas, each accessed separately. In the far northwest, the main channel, known as the ‘Panhandle,’ is home to a wealth of water birds. Further east, the river splits into a myriad islands and hippo-dredged channels, where a mokoro dugout is the best way to seek out wildlife such as the shy sitatunga. In the far northeast, Moremi Game Reserve, run by the local community, has game viewing to rival anywhere in Africa. Huge seasonal herds of elephant and buffalo crowd the waterfronts alongside abundant giraffe, zebra and numerous antelope – notably red lechwe on the floodplain and shy roan and sable in the mopane woodlands. White rhinos have been reintroduced and predators abound, with the whole area – including the adjoining Khwai concessions – boasting perhaps Africa’s densest population of African wild dogs.
North of the Okavango lie the Linyanti Swamps, a similar but smaller wetland formed where the Cuando River flows south from Namibia and doglegs eastwards, spilling into another maze of waterways. This remote region harbours similar wildlife abundance, and is the location of several private concessions, including the Kwando Game Reserve and Linyanti Game Reserve. With no borders separating it from the Okavango – or from Chobe National Park to the east – animals migrate freely across. During the dry season, elephant are everywhere, along with red lechwe, zebra, impala and buffalo, while lion, wild dog and cheetah are regularly seen. Visitors can explore on wheels, on foot or even in a canoe.
Chobe National Park is Botswana’s oldest reserve, contiguous with the Okavango/Linyanti region to the west and Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park to the east. The Chobe River is, in fact, the easternmost stretch of the Cuando, and flows into the Zambezi at Kazangula, where Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe all converge. The dry season sees huge elephant gatherings along the waterfront, while buffalo herds thousands strong draw lions onto the floodplains. Other predators include leopard, spotted hyena and wild dog, while hippos and crocodiles throng the river and carmine bee-eaters dazzle among the birdlife. Southwest, beyond miles of dense mopane woodland, lies the Savuti region – an area of open plains where the Savuti Channel draws abundant wildlife. Here you will find nature in the raw, with plenty of lion/hyena action and elephant bulls wandering through camp. The grasslands are prime cheetah habitat, with stately kori bustards conspicuous among the birdlife.
East of the Okavango, on the Kalahari’s northern fringe, lie the Magkadikgadi and Nxai Pans. These flat, shimmering expanses of salt briefly flood after good rains, drawing flamingos and other water birds to breed. The surrounding palm-studded grasslands support typical Kalahari species such as springbok, springhare, brown hyena and meerkats. In summer, the semi-arid landscape is transformed by lush green growth, drawing thousands of zebra south from Chobe. This is one of Africa’s greatest large mammal migrations and marks another of Kavango Zambezi’s key wildlife dispersal areas. Look out for lion and cheetah tailing the herds.
While most visitors come to northern Botswana for the wildlife, the region also has a fascinating human heritage. This is evident at Makgadikadi, where stone tools and other prehistoric hunter-gatherer relics litter the pans. Most impressive, however, are the remote Tsodilo hills – a separate region in the country’s far northwest that has a human history dating back 100,000 years and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, among massive quartzite rock formations punching up from ancient dunes, is such a spectacular concentration of rock art that Tsodilo has been dubbed ‘The Louvre of the Desert.’
Explore Botswana
Find out more about Botswana
THE PEOPLE OF TSODILO HILLS
Uncover Kavango Zambezi’s Hidden Gems – Chobe and Bwabwata 4 Day Land and Boat Safari Combination
OKAVANGO CRAFT BREWERY, Maun, Botswana
Selected Trips to Botswana
Botswana Birding Tour: Moremi, Okavango Delta + Chobe + Victoria Falls
15 NIGHTS
From October to April, this specialist Botswana birding tour departs from Maun, travelling overland in a 4×4 vehicle to Moremi
Safari Holiday: Masai Mara, Kenya + Botswana + Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe + Zanzibar
14 NIGHTS
This amazing safari holiday visits 4 countries – starting with Big Five game viewing in the famous Masai Mara in
Destination | |
---|---|
Partners | |
Trip Budget |
Kaza Undercover
21 Nights/22 Days
Join this 22-day adventure through Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, starting in the Okavango Delta—a National Heritage Site pulsating with life. Experience different activities at Nxamaseri Island Lodge and continue the adventure in Moremi Game Reserve, Savute, and Chobe, encountering abundant wildlife and landscapes. Explore Victoria Falls, known for its exploration activities, and venture into Hwange National Park for game viewing. Enjoy immersive encounters in Hwange, with visits to local village schools. Depart to Livingstone for thrilling adventures and proceed to Kafue National Park for diverse wildlife encounters. Continue the safari quest in Lower Zambezi with morning drives, canoeing, tiger fishing, and walking safaris. Bid farewell with a shared transfer to Jeki airstrip on the way to Lusaka Airport.
Destination | |
---|---|
Interest Category |
Adventure, Backpackers, Birding, Boating, Conservation, Cultural Experiences, Culture, Fishing, National Park, Photography, Safaris, Walking, Wildlife |
Partners | |
Partner Location |
South Africa |
Trip Budget |
Safari Holiday: Victoria Falls, Zambia + Zimbabwe + Botswana + Namibia + Zambezi
7 NIGHTS
Visit 4 countries on this thrilling safari holiday to Victoria Falls, with its many adventure activities. Stay on both sides of the falls – Zambia & Zimbabwe – as well as enjoying a safari in Chobe Game Reserve in Botswana, famous for its huge herds of elephants, buffalo & hippos. Also take a day trip to a village in Namibia & enjoy a Zambezi river cruise. All game drives & transfers included.
Namibia, Botswana & Victoria Falls Tour: Africat + Etosha + Caprivi + Chobe Safari Holiday
13 NIGHTS
This Namibia, Botswana and Victoria Falls tour is ideal for wildlife viewing, birding & photography, as you will travel with your own private guide throughout. We visit the Africat Foundation & Etosha National Park, before continuing via the Caprivi and Okavango River to Chobe. Safari holiday ends at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. English speaking guide, all specified activities & park fees included.
Destination | |
---|---|
Partners | |
Trip Budget |
THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE THROUGH WILD BOTSWANA
9 nights
An epic overland odyssey from Namibia to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, through one of the most wildlife-rich countries on Earth.
DAY 1
Welcome to Windhoek
DAY 2
Kalahari Desert road trip
DAY 3
Okavango Delta
DAY 4
Bushwalking in the Okavango Delta
DAY 5
Goodbye Delta, hello Maun
DAY 6
Baobab bushwalk
DAY 7
Chobe National Park
DAY 8
Chobe National Park game drive and river cruise
DAY 9
On to Victoria Falls
DAY 10
All good things must come to an end
Destination | |
---|---|
Interest Category |
Adventure, Boating, Conservation, National Park, Safaris, Walking, Wildlife |
Partners | |
Partner Location |
Australia, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, UK, USA |
Trip Budget |
Kubu Lodge
Set on the bank of the Chobe River in Northern Botswana. As the longest owner-operated lodge in the area, Kubu has a reputation for friendly hospitality.
Destination | |
---|---|
Interest Category | |
Botswana Region | |
Partners | |
Description |
Chobe Bakwena
Chobe Bakwena Lodge is a small owner run eco lodge built on the banks of the Chobe River. Bakwena is focussed on service excellence, our incredible team will give you the safari of a lifetime. For a unique, boutique lodge experience and incredible game viewing options, choose Bakwena Lodge.
Destination | |
---|---|
Botswana Region | |
Partners | |
Description | |
Zimbabwe |
Victoria Falls |
Cresta Mowana Safari Resort
Situated on the banks of the mighty Chobe River, luxury exists in harmony with nature at Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa. This is a unique location from which to explore the magical wonders of untamed Africa. Plentiful wildlife, including herds of elephant, antelope, giraffe, zebras, lions, leopard and more, roam freely in the nearby Chobe Game Park. Sunrises and sunsets, with the river and Namibian flood plains as a backdrop, are the stuff of dreams.
Destination | |
---|---|
Namibia |
Chobe NP |
Partners | |
Description |
Victoria Falls Luxury Train, Rovos Rail: South Africa + Zimbabwe + Botswana
10 NIGHTS
Travel to Victoria Falls by luxury train with Rovos Rail, journeying northwards from Pretoria in South Africa to Zimbabwe & Botswana. Visit the iconic waterfalls, view wildlife by boat on the Zambezi & enjoy a safari in Chobe Game Reserve, with river-based & land-based game viewing. Regular departures in both directions (Pullman, Deluxe or Royal cabin). All transfers & game drives included.
Destination | |
---|---|
Interest Category | |
Partners | |
Trip Budget |
Linyanti Bush Camp
Spend your time exploring the raw African wilderness on thrilling game drives, learn about the fascinating fauna and flora on walking safaris or float serenely along the waterways in a mokoro (canoe). A life-changing wilderness experience awaits you at Linyanti Bush Camp. With just six luxury tents, Linyanti Bush Camp offers an intimate Chobe safari experience in a private concession on the border of Botswana’s iconic Chobe National Park. The Chobe Enclave teems with wildlife and is best known for its large herds of elephants and buffalo. Our Chobe safari lodge sits on the banks of the Linyanti Wetlands – a significant area that is one of the primary sources of water during the drier months. Look forward to exceptional and diverse wildlife encounters year-round.
Destination | |
---|---|
Botswana Region | |
Partners | |
Description |
Africa at its best
19 DAYS
Safari adventures to the highlights of three countries: Sossusvlei, Okavango Delta and Zambezi
You glide almost silently in a mokoro through a labyrinth of water arms. “Tchzrrr-tchzrr!” – shrills the call of a shrike, which warns the other animals of your dugout. Joyce, your Bayei guide, stops punting and points to a tiny reed frog, well camouflaged, bobbing on a papyrus stalk. How she manages to spot such a fingernail-sized dwarf will probably remain her secret forever. But that’s how it’s been all morning… Lechwe antelopes under Ilala palms; jacanas on lily pads; Hippos, always breaking new waterways in the man-high reeds. Joyce knows the Okavango Delta like the back of her hand, this green island of life in the middle of the Kalahari.