Overview
Immerse yourself in nature
An intimate and authentic Botswana safari for the intrepid. Join seasoned guide Andrew Harkness for a completely private weeklong expedition across Botswana’s diverse landscapes, from the dry Central Kalahari to the lunar Makgadikgadi salt pans and lush Okavango Delta.
Staying in an ultra-low impact but thoroughly comfortable camp that moves with you, this is safari as it used to be – canvas tents, open fires, bucket showers and a well-stocked drinks cabinet.
With Andrew and his team guiding you for the whole experience, look forward to a much more personal experience and flexible safari schedule as you encounter Botswana’s rich wildlife on game drives, walks and mokoro canoe excursions. An ideal trip for families and groups of friends after a real African adventure.
Highlights
Trip highlights
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A completely private mobile safari
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Drives, walking and mokoro safaris in the Okavango Delta
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Explore local villages and gain an insight into daily life
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Dedicated staff and no fixed schedule
Inclusions
What's included
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Seven nights accommodation
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Private guiding and staff at mobile camp
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Internal flights and private transfers
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Price per person based on four adults sharing
An unforgettable trip with a positive impact
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Community & Culture
Properties and experiences that uplift and empower local communities.
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Conservation
Supports wildlife projects, protected areas and ecosystem regeneration.
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Footprint
Lodges and camps chosen for their sustainability credentials and initiatives.
Days 1 — 4
Explore the Central Kalahari Game Reserve
From Maun Airport, hop aboard a light aircraft flight to the enormous Central Kalahari Game Reserve where you’ll meet Andrew, your private safari guide for the next week, and drive to your exclusive camp set up deep in the bush.
Discover this sprawling wilderness on dawn and dusk drives, the best time to see the Kalahari’s black-maned lions, leopard, bat eared foxes and other desert rarities. During the day, wander giant fossil riverbeds, pans and savannah on the lookout for oryx, cheetah, giraffe and more. Each night return to camp for hearty three-course meals by the fire. The stargazing here is exceptional.
Days 4 — 5
Overnight by the Boteti River
Drive out of the CKGR to Leroo la Tau, a lovely camp located above the Boteti River. Spend a leisurely afternoon here, perhaps watching from the pool as elephants and zebra gather below to drink.
After a game drive in the Pans or a boating trip up the Boteti River, you can visit Khumaga Village and gain insight into the community's daily life. Leroo La Tau has a strong working relationship with the school, and depending on the time of your visit, you may be able to meet some of the children too.
Days 5 — 8
Mobile safari in the Okavango Delta
Drive north into the Khwai area of the Okavango where you’ll be reunited with your camp and the team. During your days here, explore this corner of the Delta on game drives on the search for lion, leopard and wild dog as well as many elephants. Guided game walks are a more mindful, and occasionally thrilling way to experience the wild.
You’ll also take to the waters by traditional poled mokoro canoe. Being private, you can focus on finding your favourite animals or start your dawn activities a little later if you’ve stayed up around the fire the night before. After a final goodbye, board a light aircraft for a scenic flight back to Maun.
Start your adventure here
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.