The Guidebook to a Botswana Safari with Desert & Delta Safaris
Clive Murray, one of our Senior African Travel Experts, recently embarked on an unforgettable 7- day safari through Botswana, staying at several Desert & Delta Safaris properties including: Chobe Game Lodge, Savute Safari Lodge, Nxamaseri Island Lodge and Leroo La Tau. Clive shares his experience at this property as well as his insights and recommendations for travellers going to Botswana on safari.
About Desert & Delta Safaris
Desert & Delta Safaris is one of Botswana’s most established and respected safari operators, offering a range of luxury lodges and camps in prime wildlife areas such as the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and Savute. The company was established in 1982 and with over 40 years in the industry, they now have 9 properties in their expanding portfolio, all of which are run by local citizens.
Renowned for its personalised service, the company ensures guests have unforgettable experiences while maintaining a strong commitment to conservation and responsible tourism. By working closely with local communities and wildlife organisations, they help preserve Botswana’s natural beauty. With expert guides offering deep insights into the region’s wildlife, landscapes, and culture – Desert & Delta Safaris delivers a truly exceptional safari experience for a Botswana safari.
Chobe Game Lodge
Botswana has always held a special place in my heart, having visited this country several times before. While the wildlife and landscapes are usually a crowd favourite, for me, the country’s warm-hearted, kind, and welcoming people are one of the main reasons I was so excited to return on my recent visit.
I started my trip at Chobe Game Lodge, one of the only permanent lodges situated on the banks of the Chobe River within the iconic Chobe National Park. After lunch, we headed out on a water safari, boarding an incredibly comfortable aluminum boat fitted with an electric engine and a roof made entirely of solar panels, reinforcing the lodge’s strong commitment to sustainability. What makes this lodge especially unique is that it boasts the first-ever all-female guiding team, aptly named the ‘Chobe Angels.’ If you find yourself in the Chobe region, I highly recommend a water safari, as it provides unobstructed views and the best chance of remarkable wildlife sightings. We witnessed an overwhelming number of elephants congregating at the water’s edge, along with various hippos lazing in the river and other species, offering a perspective you wouldn’t typically get on a traditional game drive.
Savute Safari Lodge
Logistically there was a light aircraft flight to Savuti Airstrip and here a friendly local guide greeted us and made sure the airstrip was clear of any wandering wildlife as we landed. Savute Safari Lodge, having recently completed an impressive 7-month refurbishment, looks fantastic. The rooms are spacious and modern, featuring convenient USB ports by the bedside lamp, and mosquito nets that glide along rails, creating a cosy sanctuary with an effective, quiet fan overhead.
One of the lodge’s standout new features is the beautifully designed hide, which overlooks a waterhole where elephants frequently gather to drink in the early mornings and afternoons. Guests can also explore ancient San rock paintings nearby, and the lodge offers front-row access to the second-largest zebra migration in Africa. This incredible spectacle occurs between November and December, and again from February to April.
Nxamaseri Island Lodge
The next day, we flew to Nxamaseri Island Lodge, located in the permanent water channels of the Delta. This was, without a doubt, my favourite camp of all time. The lodge features nine chalets, all nestled among Jackalberry trees, which also provide shade over the communal dining and lounge areas.
We had the opportunity to visit the lodge’s newest addition—a sleep-out experience under the stars, set to open later this month. The sleep-out is located in the Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to over 4,000 rock art drawings and a short distance from these significant quartzite rock formations. This offers a unique chance to immerse yourself in Botswana’s rich culture and heritage while exploring the lesser-known parts of the region. We were then whisked back to the lodge by helicopter.
The following morning, we went on a mokoro safari and, as we rounded a bend, were greeted by the entire camp staff singing ‘Two by Two,’ which quickly became our theme song. A hot breakfast was prepared over an open fire, accompanied by delicious coffee. This was such a special moment that I will never forget.
Leroo La Tau
On the final leg of our trip, we stayed at Leroo La Tau, where we were once again greeted by the warm and welcoming locals, with singing and dancing upon our arrival. After flying into Leroo La Tau, we were treated to another beautiful song as we arrived at the lodge. The rooms are light, spacious, and come with a deck offering a view of hundreds of zebras drinking from the pumped waterholes.
Each afternoon, endless lines of zebras gather at these waterholes. My only disappointment was not having enough time to experience the Sleep Out on the Makgadikgadi Pans. Guests have the opportunity to visit the wildlife-rich Nxai Pans on a day trip or venture out onto the breathtaking Makgadikgadi Salt Pans for an unforgettable night under a blanket of stars, accompanied by a dedicated guide.
Looking to embark on a safari to Botswana? Choosing Desert & Delta Safaris offers the perfect locations and activities to immerse yourself in all this region has to offer. Start planning your Botswana safari today, contact us.
