9 night Luxury Elephant Safari

This itinerary offers a luxurious 9 night immersion into the wilderness sanctuaries of the Okavango and Chobe National Park, including a once in a lifetime experience walking with elephants. With three nights in Chobe and six nights in the Okavango this itinerary offers superb game viewing and a fantastic range of safari activities and experiences. Six nights in the Okavango are split between the beautiful plains of the southern Delta and the world famous Chief’s Island in the heart of the Okavango. Staying in some of Botswana’s most luxurious lodges ensures this is an incredibly comfortable and spoiling adventure.

A wonderful range of landscapes are visited on this itinerary. From the mighty Chobe riverfront and its staggering elephant populations to the beautiful Okavango plains and waterways –a complex and rich ecosystem with abundant game. A full spectrum of activities are on offer including game drives, bush walks and a ‘walk with elephants’ at Baines Camp. Boating and mokoro excursions are also available at Baines when water levels permit. Scenic helicopter flights are also available, at an additional cost.

All three lodges offer elegant, upmarket accommodation, good service and guiding – a great all round safari experience for anyone looking for a traditional safari. Dining is private throughout.

This itinerary begins in Chobe, home to the world’s largest African elephant population and in dry season the sight of hundreds upon hundreds of elephants at the river is simply breath-taking. The Chobe Riverfront offers wonderful boating safaris, as animals flock to the river morning and evening. Further into the park the forests and plains are home to variety of wildlife. A boating safari here stands out for the exceptional sightings and photo opportunities. . This is big game country and home to buffalo, lion, leopard and a range of plains game can be seen on game drives too. Chobe Chilwero sits above the river with incredible views across the floodplains towards Namibia. One of the smallest lodges in Chobe, with just 15 rooms, this is an intimate luxury lodge with a full range of facilities too.

After 3 nights in Chobe you fly south west to the Okavango, to Baines Camp. Set in a particularly scenic area of the Okavango on a private concession this lovely little camp overlooks one of the main rivers of the Delta, the Boro river. With just six rooms, featuring the opportunity to sleep and even bath under the stars this is an innately romantic safari camp. (Those who wish to sleep within the reassuring comforts of the room can do so too!). The general game viewing is good here but the standout experience the opportunity to walk with rescued elephants, Baines is one of only 2 camps in the Okavango to offer this activity. Day and night drives, boating and mokoro are also available depending on the season. This is a beautiful corner of the Okavango and Baines offers a very special way to embrace this pristine wilderness.

The final three nights are spent on the largest and most famous island of the Okavango, the game rich Chief’s Island. With only two camps on this huge island this is a truly exclusive safari experience. Excellent resident game here delivers superb year round sightings. Predators including lion, leopard and wild dog are regularly seen as well as hyena, buffalo, elephant, giraffe, zebra and a range of antelope. Chief’s Camp is the epitome of a luxurious safari, one of the flagship Botswana lodges, with extremely spacious and spoiling rooms. This is also one of the few lodges to offer air-conditioning. A stunning camp ensuring you end your safari on a high.

For those interested in visiting Victoria Falls – a day trip from Chobe is easily organized (at additional) cost.

Day 1 - Chobe Chilwero

On arrival in Kasane, Botswana, you will be met by your driver and transferred to the lodge, short drive of about 20 minutes. Keep your eyes out, despite being so close to the airport wildlife roams freely here!

A warm Botswana welcome awaits at Chobe Chilwero. This is a small sophisticated lodge with 15 air-conditioned suites, complete with private decks, and fabulous views across the plains. A swimming pool and spa the chance to rejuvenate after your long journey.

Once you have met the team and settled into your room you will sit down with your guide over some light refreshments. He will discuss the area and activities available – Chobe Chilwero offers morning and afternoon game drives and boating safaris.

You will have the chance to set off on your first activity that afternoon, or you may prefer to relax at the lodge after your long journey. Perhaps ease into the trip with a massage in the spa or stretch out on a lounger by the pool and watch out for the entertaining mongeese who frequently pass through.

After your first game drive or boat safari, or perhaps a gentle afternoon in the lodge you will gather for canapes and dinner. Dining is dine at private tables unless requested otherwise. One has a selection of two or three dishes for each main course.

Day 2 and 3 - Chobe Chilwero

At dawn, fresh tea or coffee is brought directly to your suite. Following a full buffet breakfast you will set out on your morning game viewing activity.

You will be out on your morning activity for around 4 hours, stopping for a coffee and snack break, returning around 11am for a hearty brunch. You will then have a few hours to relax and explore the camp, pamper yourself in the spa and enjoy a dip in the swimming pool. Meeting your guide mid-afternoon for high tea you will then set off on your afternoon activity of your choice, returning after sunset having toasted the setting sun with drinks and snacks. The same schedule follows the next day.

Approximately 80 000 elephants reside within Chobe National Park – a prime Safari destination boasting huge herds of elephant, buffalo, large prides of lion and a wonderful range of antelope. Game viewing is varied and interesting and best during dry months (July-October) when big herds visit the permanent waters of the Chobe. Birdlife is incredible so avid birdwatchers will be in their element. Boating and game drives offer the chance for close but safe encounters with hippos, buffalos, elephant, kudu, red lechwe and other species that gather on the banks of the Chobe River. Lion and leopard are frequently sighted.

For keen photographers, a specialised safari boat featuring lower and upper deck, and 360- degree swivel seats can be booked for the afternoon.

Back at Camp, a complete spa facility with a treetop treatment room provides a few hours of pure relaxation. A split-level swimming pool is a welcome respite from the midday heat for the entire family.

From May to August, one can embark on a tiger fishing excursion for several hours or alternatively opt for a guided tour of Victoria Falls and its local markets (additional cost).

Day 4 -Sanctuary Baines Camp

Today you will fly to the Okavango. Depending on your flight time (to be advised the day before) you will have an early morning activity (or perhaps choose to enjoy a leisurely morning at the lodge) before your short road transfer back to Kasane Airport. From here you will take a light aircraft flight to the southern Okavango, a flight of approximately 1 hour 15 minutes followed by a game drive or boat ride of about 45 minutes, depending on water levels, to Sanctuary Baines Camp

Fully recreated in 2019, Sanctuary Baines Camp is a secluded retreat set on a private concession bordering the Moremi Game Reserve. Fresh from a substantial refurbishment, this eco-friendly camp has just six rooms, each with a private deck and views of the Boro River. The option of rolling your bed onto the outside deck to sleep below the dazzling stars is a standout feature. You can bathe below the stars too as each room features an open air but secluded bath tub.

Having settled into your Okavango home you will enjoy lunch and have some time to relax before your first afternoon activity- Game drives, mokoro, boating and walking are all offered here- water levels depending. You will discuss the current conditions and your particular interests with your guide as you plan your activities for the next few days.

Being set on a private concession means game drives at Baines can be conducted at night too, and off-roading is permissible. Vehicles may also enter the southern Moremi Game Reserve, onto Chief’s Island, if water levels are low enough to permit the crossing. Night drives provide opportunities to witness nocturnal animals not seen during daytime.

Setting off on your chosen afternoon activity in the late afternoon you will explore the area and stop for a sundowner before returning to dinner and your first night in the Okavango. Perhaps pamper yourself with an indulgent bubble filled star bath on your private wooden deck before bed. The option to sleep below the stars or within the comforting surrounds of your room will be offered to you.

Day 5 and 6 -Sanctuary Baines Camp

The two days follow a similar routine with early morning and late afternoon activities. One of these days will feature Baines’ most famous and popular activity – the Living with Elephants experience.

This activity is done in partnership with the Living with Elephants foundation which aims to give rescued elephants a safe home in the wild and second chance. Two orphaned elephants, Jabu and Morula, were rescued from culling operations years ago, join them for a highly informative bush walk and bush brunch Doug and Sandi who care for the elephants. A truly special experience.

Around this activity your guide will plan you game drives, bush walks and any available water activities too. This is a beautiful area which offers good game viewing, best in the dry season from May-October.

Between activities enjoy your lovely private deck or one of the many areas to relax in the common areas which sit on raised decks. The pool area is a great spot to watch the wildlife come and go from the river as you cool below the shade in the midday heat.

This evening your guide will advise you what time your flight to Chief’s Island will be the next day, and you will plan your morning activity accordingly. You may have a shorter activity than normal, depending on the scheduled time.

Day 7 - Sanctuary Chief’s Camp

This morning you will enjoy one last activity (or perhaps a lie in) before returning to the airstrip for your 20 minute flight to Chief’s Island. Your guide will be waiting on arrival to transfer your to camp, a game drive of about 30 minutes, depending on the game sightings along the way.

A warm staff welcome awaits you at Sanctuary Chief’s Camp. Resting beneath mixed woodland on Chief’s Island on the coveted Mombo concession, this exclusive luxury lodge finds you at the heart of adrenalin- filled wildlife action. This is a classically elegant lodge, with 10 well-spaced out rooms offering plenty of privacy. Each room is extremely well equipped with impressive attention to detail with air-conditioning, fans, wifi and tea/coffee making facilities. Each room has a spacious private deck with a plunge pool and lovely outside seating area. All rooms enjoy wonderful views of the Delta.

Take you time to relax and settle into. Your guide meets you at lunchtime on the deck under the shade of the trees to discuss your activity preferences for the next two days. Activities focus on morning and afternoon game drives, with mokoro excursions offered when water levels permit, usually May-December.

Setting off on your first afternoon activity you begin to explore the famous Chief’s Island, stopping for a drink and snacks at sunset. Returning to camp, pre-dinner drinks in the boma area or around the fire precede an evening feast of African inspired dishes. Think fresh vegetables, grilled beef fillet and pan fried Kingklip just to name a few.

Day 8 and 9 - Sanctuary Chief’s Camp

The next two days follow a similar routine with early morning and late afternoon activities as you venture further into this prime game viewing area.

Chief’s Island has permanent populations of antelope, zebra and buffalo attract numerous predators – lion prides and solitary leopards and abundant hyaena as well as the endangered African Wild Dog. Dramatic game viewing is maximised on morning and late afternoon game drives, when predators are most active, finished off with classic sundowner cocktails and canapés at a specially selected spot.

Gain a different perspective on the Delta wilderness by poling thought the waterways created by the floodwaters in the company of a professional mokoro guide.

Between activities spoil yourself at the spa with its range of holistic treatments or at the gym with a bushveld yoga session to restore balance and calm.

Taking advantage of the early morning and late afternoon light, scenic flights by Helicopter expose hidden areas for keen photographers wanting to capture visions of this paradise known as the Okavango Delta. This activity is an additional cost and should be pre-booked.

Day 10 - End of Safari

One final delicious breakfast and morning activity before your guide transfers you back to the airstrip in time for your 25- minute charter flight back to Maun Airport. All transfers and charter flight bookings are made in accordance with your ongoing International flight arrangements as you head off back home with memories to last a lifetime. You will be met at Maun Airport by a representative who will assist you with check in to your onward flight.

Map View

Chobe Chilwero

Chobe Chilwero

Baines’ Camp

Baines’ Camp

Chief’s Camp

Chief’s Camp

Chief’s Camp

Water Level

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