Are you dreaming of a Botswana safari? If you’ve ever wanted to glide through the Okavango Delta in a mokoro, track wildlife on foot, or experience the magic of the Chobe River, this 7-day itinerary will give you a taste of it all. I recently returned from an incredible week in Botswana, where I stayed in three very different safari camps before boarding an overnight river cruise .
As a safari travel advisor, I help clients design custom itineraries across Africa. From rustic bush experiences to ultra-luxury lodges. On this trip, I was able to test a range of Botswana safari camps, strengthen partnerships, and scout experiences I can recommend to wildlife travelers. If you’re considering a safari, I’d love to help you plan one that matches your style and budget. Click here to send me an inquiry and start planning your dream safari!
7-Day Botswana Safari: Itinerary Breakdown
Before we dive in, my 7-Day Botswana Itinerary video below is the best way to hear about my trip. The video goes into more detail, shares incredible visuals, and really brings this journey to life. I invite you to watch this comprehensive overview of this journey, and see why Botswana is such a spectacular destination for wildlife travelers:
Flying into the Okavango Delta
My journey began with a flight from Johannesburg into Maun, Botswana, the main gateway to the Delta. From there, I boarded a small charter plane, which is the most common way to travel between safari camps in the Okavango. Flying over the waterways and floodplains was an experience in itself, and it set the tone for the adventure ahead.
Oddballs Camp – Rustic Adventure
The first stop was Oddballs Camp, my entry-level camp in the Delta. It’s simple, rustic, and gives you a true “in the bush” experience. One unique thing here: there are no vehicles. Safaris are done entirely on foot, guided by experienced trackers. Walking safaris bring a whole new perspective, as you notice the smaller details you’d usually miss from a vehicle. I also went on a mokoro ride, a traditional dugout canoe paddled through the Delta channels, which was incredibly peaceful and immersive.
Safaris vlogs: if you’re interested to see what my full Okavango experience was like, I vlogged daily throughout my trip! This safari vlog captures what it was like to wake up at the Oddballs Camp, and embark on a day of walking/mokoro safaris. The wildlife sightings were simply incredible.
Delta Camp – Mid-Range Comfort
Next, I stayed at Delta Camp, which offers a mid-range experience. Like Oddballs, there are no game-drive vehicles, it’s walking safaris and mokoro trips only. I loved how intimate and eco-friendly this camp felt, with a strong connection to the local guides who grew up in the area. The pace was slow, the wildlife sightings were raw and authentic, and it felt very different from a traditional safari.
Tubu Tree Camp – Luxury in the Delta
After that, I hopped on another charter plane and headed to Tubu Tree Camp, which is where luxury meets the wilderness. Elevated tents, gourmet dining, and beautifully designed lounges made this stay extra special. Here, I also switched gears from walking safaris to traditional game drives, spotting elephants, big cats, and plenty of other wildlife in classic Delta fashion. It was the perfect high-end finale to my time in the Okavango.
Chobe Princess – Life on the River
From the Delta, I flew to Kasane and transferred to the Chobe Princess, a three-night river safari on the Chobe River. This was a completely different perspective — instead of game drives, we viewed wildlife from the water. Elephants crossing the river at sunset, hippos lounging near the banks, and endless birdlife made this an unforgettable way to end my Botswana itinerary.
Linking Onward to Zimbabwe
After disembarking from the Chobe Princess, I continued my safari into Zimbabwe, which I’ll be sharing in my next itinerary blog. Stay tuned for that adventure!
Final Thoughts
This 7-day Botswana safari gave me a chance to experience the country in four very different ways: rustic immersion at Oddballs, mid-range authenticity at Delta Camp, luxury at Tubu Tree Camp, capped off with the unique Chobe Princess river cruise. If you’re looking for a mix of adventure, wildlife, and comfort, Botswana delivers it all. I can’t wait to go back.
Jeff Hyer 