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
Escorted Tour: Namibia + Botswana + Etosha + Caprivi + Chobe + Victoria Falls Park
20 NIGHTS
This 3-week grand escorted tour of Namibia & Botswana visit three fascinating countries. From Windhoek, explore the deserts & canyons of the south – including the Kalahari, the mighty Fish River Canyon, Succulent Karoo & Namib Desert, before heading north to view the wildlife of Etosha, Caprivi, Chobe & Victoria Falls park in Zimbabwe. Regular scheduled departures. English & German. Group size 2-16. No children < 12.
Nxamaseri
Nxamaseri Island Lodge is a unique African experience on a private island in the permanent waters of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. A small, exclusive lodge, it is one of the oldest in the Okavango Delta. The distinct style of Nxamaseri Island Lodge showcases the beauty of the permanent swamp that is it’s home and subtly expresses the rich vibrance of the indigenous people.
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Botswana Region | |
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Okavango Camping Safari Botswana + Chobe + Victoria Falls
10 NIGHTS
For the ultimate safari-goer looking for a true wilderness experience, this luxury Okavango Camping Safari in Botswana is perfect for you, combining river-based and land-based game viewing in Chobe Game Reserve, with Victoria Falls Zimbabwe & water-based game viewing & fly-camping in the Okavango Delta. All light aircraft flights, transfers & game viewing included.
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Desert, rock art and Victoria Falls
21 DAYS
This hands-on safari, which takes you through southern Africa in 21 days, is rich in contrast, diverse and full of experiences.
Ngoma Safari Lodge
Located in the Chobe Forest Reserve in Western Botswana, the private Ngoma Safari Lodge is located on the edge of a plateau, offering endless views over the seasonal Chobe flood plain. It also bears witness to magnificent sunsets – the ultimate way to celebrate the end of another perfect African day. Made from local materials and designed to blend into the natural surroundings, Ngoma Safari Lodge is an intimate bolthole located in a private oasis. Perched on the edge of a plateau overlooking the Chobe flood plain, the Lodge’s central guest area is flanked by a collection of suites that offer guests privacy, luxury and panoramic views.
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Zimbabwe |
Victoria Falls |
7 night Birding Safari through the KAZA Region (Victoria Falls & The Caprivi Strip)
7 nights
Join us for an unforgettable Birding Safari in the KAZA region, featuring stunning wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Explore diverse habitats including teak and riverine forests, grasslands, and wetlands, offering a unique opportunity to observe over 450 bird species (season dependent), including rare and near-endemic species.
Marvel at Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest waterfalls in the world. The KAZA region also boasts the largest elephant population and opportunities to see lions, hippos, and giraffes.
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Adventure, Birding, Boating, Conservation, National Park, Safaris, Walking, Wildlife |
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Australia, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, UK, USA |
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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.
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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
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From the desert sea to the Zambezi
16 DAYS
The Kwando flows hundreds of kilometers through the highlands of Angola before it flows into the mighty Zambezi as the Chobe. Together with the Kavango, it creates a lush green landscape in northern Namibia that contrasts with the country’s endless deserts and savannahs. Elephants stand shoulder-high in the river and feast on sweet lily pads. Openbills comb small lagoons for snails and crayfish. Skilled Mafwe fishermen wade through the shallows with fishing baskets to catch tilapia and catfish. This is the undiscovered green realm of the Caprivi Strip.
Chobe Mopani Forest Lodge
Chobe Mopani Forest Lodge overlooks a thriving waterhole in the remote Kasane Forest Reserve, a relatively unexplored concession bordering the Zambezi National Park in the northern stretches of Botswana.
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Namibia |
Kasane Forest Reserve |
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From the Cape to the Zambezi
21 DAYS
Hands-on safari from Cape Town across the Namib and Kalahari deserts to the Okavango Delta and the Victoria Falls
Only a few thin stems and leaves betray the tuber in the Kalahari sand, which the old hunter digs from the San people to rub them, press them in their hands and obtain vital drops of water. “Bi! (Klicklaut)”, “Milk”, the San call this tuber and they are masters of water search, fire, track reading and survival in one of the most inhospitable terrain on earth. Learn how to catch the morning dew in ostrich egg shells and embark on a unique adventure in the south of the African continent.