Sub-Saharan Africa - Botswana: Ethical Adventures & Pristine Wilderness (Green Season) - JoinMyTrip
Sub-Saharan Africa - Maun - Botswana: Ethical Adventures & Pristine Wilderness (Green Season) - 1
Sub-Saharan Africa - Maun - Botswana: Ethical Adventures & Pristine Wilderness (Green Season) - 2
Sub-Saharan Africa - Maun - Botswana: Ethical Adventures & Pristine Wilderness (Green Season) - 3
Sub-Saharan Africa - Moremi - Botswana: Ethical Adventures & Pristine Wilderness (Green Season)
About this trip

Botswana: Ethical Adventures & Pristine Wilderness (Green Season)

identity verified

Identity

Verified
phone verified

Phone

Verified

Guided trip

Alois will take the lead and plan your journey for you. Just sit back and enjoy the adventure.

Details about this trip
The Secret Emerald Season: An Expert-Led Botswana Safari Experience Botswana through the eyes of a local. Forget the dusty, crowded trails of the dry season. April in Botswana is the "sweet spot"—a time of lush green landscapes, dramatic skies, and the beginning of the great Okavango Delta flood. As a former professional safari guide with 15 years of experience, I’m leading a small group of travelers into the heart of my home region for an authentic, sustainable adventure. Why April? The Best Value: Enjoy world-class wildlife destinations like Moremi and Chobe without the peak-season price tag or the crowds. Wildlife in Bloom: It’s the rutting season for impala and the time for migratory birds; the predators are active, and the bush is teeming with life. The "Smoke that Thunders": We’ll witness Victoria Falls at its most powerful as it reaches peak flow. What Makes This Trip Different? Expert Insight: I don’t just book the trip; I lead it together with my Botswana local expert guide. You’ll learn how to track animals, understand the ecosystem, and hear stories from my decade-plus in the bush. Local & Ethical: We prioritize local guides and environmentally responsible camps. Your travel directly supports the local population and wildlife conservation. A Taste of the Bush: Drawing on my experience as a chef, I’ll ensure our "mobile kitchen" moments are as memorable as the lions we track. Are you ready to see the real Botswana? Join me for a journey that respects the land and its people.

Join Alois, a seasoned expert with over a decade of experience as a safari chef and tour guide in Southern Africa, for the adventure of a lifetime! This is your assurance that you are traveling with a tried and tested trip leader who is deeply passionate about Africa's wilderness and wildlife. By taking advantage of exclusive off-season pricing, you gain access to an unparalleled safari experience led by an insider, ensuring you make the most of every moment. Prepare to "live the dream" with a passionate guide at the helm of your unforgettable journey through Botswana and Victoria falls in Zimbabwe.

Botswana & Zimbabwe: Journey through the Caprivi Strip , Mahango Game Reserve , the unique Okavango Delta , and Chobe National Park , concluding at the magnificent Victoria Falls ("The Smoke that Thunders"). Logistics & Experience: Accommodation: The trip utilizes a mix of lodging and camping. In National Parks and Game Reserves (including the Okavango Delta ), we will be camping. In other locations, we will enjoy the comfort of lodges or budget accommodations. Tripmates can expect to share rooms/tents unless private accommodation is specifically requested and available at an additional cost. Transport: A semi-self-drive adventure, with Alois handling most of the challenging driving on difficult roads, as well as meal preparation. Experience: The trip offers a blend of comfort and rugged wilderness exploration, designed to be accessible and enjoyable for participants while navigating areas that can be challenging for first-time visitors. Flexibility is encouraged to suit group preferences within the established route.

What's included?Hide
Transportation between all stops within
Accommodation
Most meals
Park entrance fees
Camping fees
Wildlife watching activities .
What's excluded?Hide
International flights
Travel insurance

Trip Cover

Your Booking includes free protection from Trip cancellations.
Learn moreview profile
Your trip itinerary

10 days trip

Maun, Moremi & 4 more

Accommodation

Hotel & Camping

Transportation

Car, Other

1
1
map marker

Maun

Day 1-2
Arrive at Maun International Airport (MUB) where I’ll meet you personally. We’ll head to our base at Jump Street Chalets: Relax by the pool in their lush tropical gardens or take a short walk to the nearby Thamalakane River.In the evening we will have our first "Family Dinner" at the chalet. As a chef and former guide, I’ll brief you on the adventure ahead over a cold St Louis lager or a South African wine. Optional: A sunset scenic flight over the Delta (highly recommended in April to see the emerald waters from above)
2
2
map marker

Moremi

Day 2-4
We’ head into Maun to get our provisions. This is a great chance for us to see the "Safari Capital" in action. We’ll visit the local markets for fresh produce—essential for the high-quality meals I plan to cook!We leave Maun to Moremi on a slow ,steady 3-4 hour push to South Gate.We go through Mopane toungues. In April, the elephants love the ripening Mopane seeds. We camp at a designated site near South Gate or moving toward Xakanaxa.In the morning we explore the Xakanaxa/3rd Bridge area. This is where the dry land meets the permanent Delta. The birdlife here in April is spectacular as the "summer" migrants are still present.In the afternoon a boat cruise from the Xakanaxa lagoon. This is the best way to see the rising April waters and get close to hippos and crocodiles.
3
3
map marker

Khwai

Day 4-6
Today we are on a slow "game drive transfer" from Moremi toward the North Gate. We’ll cross the famous (and sometimes nerve-wracking!) Khwai Bridge.We explore the Khwai River front. In April, the river is a magnet for wildlife. This area is famous for its high density of Leopards and Lions.First in the morning we head to the Xakanaxa or 3rd Bridge boat station for mokoro(dug-out canoe) . Starting the day on the water while the air is still cool is magical. In April, the birdlife here is at its peak.Evening (Night Drive): After an early dinner at our Khwai campsite, we head out with spotlights. This is the best chance to see the "Secret Seven" (like Serval or Civet) and predators on the hunt. Evening (Night Drive): After an early dinner at our Khwai campsite, we head out with spotlights. This is the best chance to see the "Secret Seven" (like Serval or Civet) and predators on the hunt. Night 3: Camping in the Khwai Community Area. Unique Feature: Because we are in a Community Concession, we can do a Night Drive. Using spotlights to find nocturnal species like Honey Badgers, Civets, and Owls is always a highlight for JoinMyTrip travelers. Day 6: Khwai Immersion & Culture Morning Activity: A guided Bush Walk with a local Khwai guide. This aligns with your BSP mission of supporting local populations and providing them with a fair income. Afternoon Activity: More exploration of the Khwai floodplains. We’ll look for the African Wild Dogs, which are very active in this area during the impala rut. Night 4: Second night at the Khwai camp. Chef’s Note: Use the fresh produce bought in Maun to create a "Farewell to the Delta" bush dinner before the terrain changes to the dry, haunting beauty of Savute. Summary of the 4 Nights: The World's Elephant Capital: Chobe is home to the largest concentration of African elephants in the world! Witness these magnificent giants in truly astonishing numbers, especially as they congregate along the life-giving Chobe River during the dry season. Unique Safari: The Chobe River is a hotspot for action. Your experience will combine thrilling land-based game drives with unforgettable river safari cruises, providing a unique perspective on wildlife. Abundant Life: Besides the iconic elephants, look out for vast herds of buffalo, lechwe, and massive pods of hippos and crocodiles. The area's diverse ecosystems ensure world-class game viewing and spectacular birdlife. This incredible wildlife encounter sets the stage perfectly for your grand finale at Victoria Falls!
4
4
map marker

Savuti

Day 6-8
Moving from the lush Khwai riverfront to the prehistoric, haunting beauty of Savute is one of the most dramatic transitions in Botswana. In April, we are witnessing the "Green Desert" effect—where the marshes are vibrant, and the famous zebra migration is often still lingering in the area.It’s a 4-5 hour journey through deep sand and mopane forests. We’ll stop for a "Tailgate Brunch" halfway, keeping an eye out for the ghost-like bull elephants that roam these woods.The following day we will do morning and afternoon game drives in search of the Marsh Pride. These lions are legends—known for their unique (and sometimes terrifying) ability to hunt elephants.search of the Marsh Pride. These lions are legends—known for their unique (and sometimes terrifying) ability to hunt elephants.
5
5
map marker

Chobe National Park

Day 8-10
Savute to Chobe Riverfront (The Forest & The River) We head north through the teak forests of the Chobe Forest Reserve. Keep your eyes peeled; in April, elephants often move through these woodlands to reach the river.Arriving in Kasane. We’ll check into a lodge like The Old House or similar, which offers a great local atmosphere and easy access to the park.The riverfront is a vibrant emerald green. You’ll see elephants swimming to the Sedudu Island and hippos basking in the lush grass.A Sunset Boat Cruise on the Chobe River is amazing! The Afternoon: A Sunset Boat Cruise on the Chobe River. Expert Tip: In April, the riverfront is a vibrant emerald green. You’ll see elephants swimming to the Sedudu Island and hippos basking in the lush grass. Chef’s Note: Since we’re back near civilization, I’ll source some fresh local bream for a riverside dinner. Day 10: Chobe Game Drive & T
6
6
map marker

Victoria Falls

Day 10
""The Smoke that thunders".You are at the Falls at their most powerful (April is peak flow).This is a grand finale:The Flight of Angels (Helicopter): A 13-minute flight is the gold standard for a final farewell. It provides the only way to truly grasp the 1.7km width of the falls. Microlight Flight (Zambia Side): For the more adventurous European traveler, this offers a completely open-air, "wind-in-your-face" perspective that a helicopter cannot match. Lunar Rainbow (Full Moon): If the dates align, a guided night tour during the full moon to see the "moonbow" is a rare, ethereal experience that feels like a spiritual conclusion to a trip.