Buffalo Safari – Okavango Delta landscape

Footsteps of the Delta: The Ultimate Mid-Range Mobile Safari

Embark on an extraordinary, mid-range wilderness journey through Botswana's most iconic wildlife havens. This expertly paced itinerary takes you from the dramatic wilderness of the Mababe Depression to the predator-rich floodplains of Khwai and the pristine lagoons of Moremi's Xakanaxa region. Combining the romance of classic mobile camping with water-based excursions, this safari promises the adventure of a lifetime.

Itinerary Overview

  • Day 1: Welcome to Maun, the Safari Capital – Your African journey begins at Maun International Airport, where a friendly Okavango Exploration Safaris representative will greet you. You will be transferred to a comfortable mid-range lodge in town to relax after your travels. Spend the afternoon unwinding by the pool or enjoying a refreshing drink as you prepare for the grand expedition ahead.
  • Day 2: Maun to the Wild Mababe Depression – After an early breakfast, we leave civilization behind and journey by open 4x4 vehicle into the rugged Mababe Depression. Once an ancient lake bed, this vast, remote landscape is now a thriving wildlife corridor. Arrive at your private mobile tented camp for lunch, followed by an exhilarating afternoon game drive searching for large elephant bulls, prides of lions, and unique desert-adapted species.
  • Day 3: Tracking Predators on the Mababe Plains – Spend a full, rewarding day uncovering the secrets of Mababe. This region is famous for its dynamic predator action, offering superb opportunities to spot lions, cheetahs, and the elusive African wild dog. We will explore the sweeping grasslands and pockets of woodland, returning to camp at sunset for a hearty meal around the campfire.
  • Day 4: Mababe to Khwai Concession via Mokoro – Today we travel to the vibrant Khwai Concession, a lush wildlife sanctuary bordering the Moremi Game Reserve. Upon arrival, step into a traditional Mokoro (dugout canoe) for a serene water safari. Gliding silently through the crystal-clear channels of the Okavango Delta allows you to appreciate the river life from water level, spotting painted reed frogs, colorful kingfishers, and drinking wildlife.
  • Day 5: Exploring the Rich Floodplains of Khwai – Enjoy a full day exploring the diverse habitats of Khwai. Because this area sits just outside the formal reserve boundaries, it offers incredible flexibility and unmatched wildlife density. We will track leopards along the riverine forests, watch hippos jostle in the deeper pools, and observe herds of buffalo crossing the floodplains.
  • Day 6: Khwai to Moremi Game Reserve (Xakanaxa) – Our journey takes us deeper into the heart of the protected Moremi Game Reserve as we head to the world-renowned Xakanaxa region. This striking area features a beautiful contrast of deep lagoons, open savannah, and dense mopane forests. Arrive in time for lunch at your new campsite, followed by an afternoon game drive looking for Moremi's famous leopards and wild dogs.
  • Day 7: Xakanaxa Wilderness & Scenic Boat Cruise – After an early morning game drive, we swap our 4x4 for a motorized boat to explore the deeper waterways of the Okavango Delta. This Scenic Boat Cruise navigates winding channels lined with papyrus, offering unmatched birdwatching, up-close views of hippos, and a completely different perspective of this incredible ecosystem.
  • Day 8: Xakanaxa to Maun – Enjoy a final early morning game drive through Moremi, savoring your last glimpses of Botswana's magnificent wildlife. After a bush brunch, we begin our journey back to Maun. Check into your lodge for the evening and share stories of your safari adventures over a final farewell dinner.
  • Day 9: Final Farewell – Savor a relaxed breakfast at the lodge before checking out. Your memorable journey with Okavango Exploration Safaris Ltd. concludes with a smooth transfer to Maun International Airport for your onward flight home.

Why Choose This Safari?

  • True Comfort in the Wild: Rest easy in spacious, walk-in dome tents equipped with comfortable stretchers, fresh linen, and classic bush showers.
  • Fully Serviced Adventure: A dedicated camp chef and camp crew handle all cooking, cleaning, and camp chores, leaving you free to enjoy the wilderness.
  • Perfectly Balanced: Experience the best of both worlds with immersive 4x4 land safaris and peaceful water-based excursions (Mokoro and motorboat).