Botswana Safari Adventure: Chobe National Park & Okavango Delta
- Laura S.
- Sep 11
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 13
A safari in Botswana had always been a dream of mine, and this trip more than lived up to it. From the elephant herds of Chobe National Park to the untamed beauty of the Okavango Delta, every day brought magical moments. Here’s a day-by-day look at our journey.
Day 1: Arrival in Kasane & First Chobe River Cruise for our Botswana Safari
We arrived in Kasane, Botswana, after an overland journey from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Our home for the next few nights was Chobe Game Lodge, the only lodge located inside Chobe National Park.
The lodge was stunning—vibrant red and purple décor, spacious rooms, and old-fashioned clawfoot bathtubs perfect for a soak after a long travel day. From our balcony, we watched warthogs wander freely across the grounds.
That afternoon, we set out on our first Chobe River safari cruise. The boat glided peacefully along the water as we sipped wine and enjoyed snacks. One of the first animals we spotted was an enormous crocodile—over 16 feet long! Even our guide, one of the all-female staff known as “Chobe’s Angels”, admitted it was one of the largest she had seen.
Soon after, we came across a herd of elephants drinking and bathing in the river. The highlight of the cruise was watching them swim across with their calves—only tiny trunks poking above the waterline.
That evening, dinner was set up under a massive tree, lit only by candlelight. It was romantic, delicious, and the perfect end to our first day in Botswana.
Day 2: Lions on Safari & Elephant Encounters
We woke early for our first morning game drive in Chobe National Park. Within minutes, we spotted a male lion walking along the road, followed by two lionesses with several playful cubs resting in the shade.
During our mid-morning break, we stopped for snacks—though the monkeys seemed more eager than we were to raid the jeep!
Back at the lodge, we relaxed with lunch before heading out on an afternoon safari. That drive gifted us with one of the most memorable encounters: a massive herd of elephants surrounding our vehicle. A curious baby even played near our jeep.
Chobe is home to the world’s largest elephant population, and seeing them up close was awe-inspiring. Along the way, we also spotted giraffes, elands, and an incredible array of colorful birds—reds, greens, blues, and purples that made Botswana feel even more alive.
Dinner that night was served by the pool, under the stars and soft candlelight—another magical evening.
Day 3: From Chobe to the Okavango Delta
We enjoyed one last sunrise boat safari on the Chobe River, sipping coffee while elephants lined the banks. Then it was time to fly deeper into Botswana.
A small bush plane carried us low over the Okavango Delta, giving us sweeping views of the waterways, islands, and wildlife below. From the air, we spotted elephants wandering through the marshes—straight out of a National Geographic documentary.
We landed on a sandy strip in Moremi Game Reserve and drove to our next stop: Camp Moremi by Desert & Delta Safaris. The camp was luxury in the wild, with spacious rooms, a private deck, and even a shower with a mesh wall facing the delta.
That afternoon, we set out on a game drive where we spotted hippos, gazelles, and waterbucks before watching the sunset with a chilled glass of wine. Dinner under the stars and dessert by the campfire made for an unforgettable first night in the delta.
Day 4: Lion Brothers & Sunset at Dead Tree Island
The next morning, we set out in search of lions—and found two magnificent brothers basking in the early sun. Later, we stopped for breakfast beside a pond surrounded by elephants, zebras, and waterbucks.
Back at camp, we enjoyed the infinity pool overlooking the delta, where Cape buffalo and even the resident hippo, Oscar, made appearances.
That afternoon’s drive took us to Dead Tree Island, a hauntingly beautiful landscape of bare trees rising from the flooded plains. We crossed deep waters in our jeep before reaching the island, where we watched one of the most breathtaking sunsets I’ve ever seen—pinks, oranges, and lavenders reflecting off the water.
Day 5: Close Lion Encounters & Camp Okavango
On our final morning in Moremi, we searched for leopards and wild dogs but instead stumbled upon lions again—this time up close. At one point, I locked eyes with a massive male lion just ten feet away. For a moment, I forgot I was in a safari vehicle at all.
From Camp Moremi, we took a quick five-minute bush flight (no roads connect the camps during the floods) to Camp Okavango, another Desert & Delta property. The camp was safari-chic, with beautiful rooms and sweeping views.
That afternoon, we experienced a mokoro ride, a traditional dugout canoe. Unlike the motorized river cruises, mokoros glide silently through the reeds, perfect for spotting the small wonders—tiny reed frogs clinging to stalks, and Malachite Kingfishers perched just above the water. As the sun dipped low, we returned to shore for a surprise sundowner, toasting another African sunset.
Day 6: Walking Safari & Delta Exploration
This morning was a first: a walking safari. With two guides leading the way, we quietly explored an area recently burned by brushfire. Without tall grass, we could spot wildlife more easily. We walked past antelope and elephants, careful to keep our distance. Watching the elephants lift their trunks, catching our scent even from far away, was a reminder of their incredible power.
After lunch and time at the raised infinity pool, we took a faster-paced boat safari through the Okavango. Unlike the slow Chobe cruises, these boats zipped across channels, allowing us to cover more ground.
We saw large pods of hippos (including two males tussling), elephants playing in the reeds, and even the elusive sitatunga, a rare antelope adapted to delta life.
As the sun dipped, our guide served us chilled wine while we floated in the middle of the waterway, the sky ablaze in fiery reds and oranges. It was beautiful and bittersweet, knowing our safari was nearing its end.
Day 7: Farewell to Botswana- The End of Our Safari Adventure
On our final morning, we enjoyed coffee and a last Okavango boat safari. Elephants greeted us along the banks, as if to send us off. We flew from the delta to Maun, then onward back to the USA, hearts full and cameras packed with memories. This Botswana safari—from Chobe National Park’s elephants to the untamed beauty of the Okavango Delta—was truly the trip of a lifetime. I dream of the day I return.
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