A Botswana safari itinerary is almost always centred on the Okavango Delta and then carefully extended into other regions to create a complete safari experience.
This article explains how Botswana safari itineraries work, why the Delta is the foundation of every journey, and how we design multi-region safaris that include the Delta alongside Botswana’s most rewarding wildlife areas.
Not sure how it all fits together?
Most Botswana safaris are shaped gradually. Routes, regions, and travel time usually come into focus only after talking through what matters most to you. If you are still forming ideas, we are happy to help you think through how a Botswana journey could take shape, without pressure or obligation.
Why the Okavango Delta is included in every Botswana safari itinerary
The Okavango Delta is the ecological heart of Botswana and the starting point for most safari itineraries.
However, the Delta is rarely experienced in isolation. The most successful Botswana safari itineraries combine the Delta with other regions based on the season, wildlife movement and travel pace.
Common regional combinations include:
Moremi Game Reserve for varied habitats and excellent game viewing
Chobe National Park for river safaris and large elephant populations
Savuti for predator sightings and dramatic seasonal changes
Mababe or Linyanti for remote exclusive safari areas
A well-planned itinerary connects these regions in a logical manner, rather than treating them as separate trips.
Shaping safari ideas?
If you are exploring itinerary ideas, we are happy to help you think things through.
How Botswana safari itineraries are structured
Most Botswana safari itineraries follow a similar structure to maximise wildlife time and minimise travel fatigue.
A typical itinerary includes:
Arrival via Maun or Kasane
Several nights in the Okavango Delta for water and land-based activities
One or two additional regions selected for contrast and wildlife density
Light aircraft transfers between camps
Camp choices based on location, season and experience rather than brand
This structure allows travellers to experience the Delta fully while benefiting from Botswana’s broader ecosystems.
Example Botswana safari itinerary durations
These examples reflect common planning patterns rather than fixed packages.
7 to 9 nights
Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve
Suitable for first-time Botswana safari travellers
See a sample itinerary
10 to 12 nights
Okavango Delta plus Savuti and Chobe
Offers greater wildlife diversity and seasonal movement
- See sample itinerary
12 to 14 nights
Okavango Delta combined with multiple regions
Can include Victoria Falls or a Mozambique beach extension
In all cases, the Delta remains the anchor of the journey.
How the season affects a Botswana safari itinerary
Seasonality plays a critical role in itinerary design.
Green season offers dramatic landscapes, wildlife movement and value
Peak flood season enhances mokoro and water-based Delta activities
Dry season concentrates wildlife and influences camp selection
Why bespoke planning matters for Botswana safaris
Botswana safaris do not work well as generic or fixed itineraries.
Small planning decisions such as:
Which Delta concession to use
How regions are sequenced
Transfer timing
Seasonal access
can significantly affect the experience.
Bespoke planning ensures the itinerary matches the traveller rather than forcing the traveller to fit a standard route.
Is a Botswana safari itinerary right for you
A Botswana safari is ideal for travellers who value:
Remote wilderness and low vehicle density
Carefully paced journeys rather than rushed schedules
Seamless logistics handled by experienced planners
Multi-region safaris are built around quality rather than quantity
If this aligns with how you prefer to travel, Botswana is one of Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations.
Start planning a Botswana safari itinerary
If you are researching Botswana safari itineraries or the Okavango Delta, it usually indicates you are ready to move from timing research to structured planning.
We design Botswana safari itineraries that:
Include the Okavango Delta as the core experience
Combine the right regions for your travel dates
Balance wildlife activity, travel time and comfort
Reflect realistic budget expectations
Enquire to begin planning a Botswana safari itinerary designed around the Delta and Botswana’s most exceptional regions.
“Every itinerary requires expert judgement around seasonal routes and wildlife movement. This is where experience matters most.”
Richard White, Founder & CEO