Curiosity Safaris
Safari Retreats
Botswana meerkat, flamingo & delta expedition
Lala Palm Safari Co.
From
$10000
Group Size
10 Guests
Duration
7 Days
Safari Date
January 2027
Location
Okavango Delta & Makgadikgadi
Overview
This unforgettable Botswana journey combines two of Southern Africa’s most extraordinary wilderness regions: the lush waterways of the Okavango Delta and the vast, surreal landscapes of the Makgadikgadi Pans. Together, they create a safari experience filled with striking contrasts, exceptional wildlife encounters, and immersive cultural experiences.
The adventure begins in the Okavango Delta, one of the world’s largest inland deltas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests settle into a charming and comfortable safari camp surrounded by riverine forests, winding channels, and open floodplains teeming with life. Daily safari activities include game drives, mokoro excursions through reed-lined waterways, and guided bush walks led by experienced local guides. Along the way, travellers may encounter elephants wading through the shallows, lions resting beneath shady trees, hippos hidden in the channels, and an incredible diversity of birdlife thriving in this seasonal oasis. The Delta’s ever-changing landscapes offer a peaceful yet exhilarating safari experience where water and wilderness exist in perfect harmony.
From the Delta, the journey continues south to the dramatic salt pans of the Makgadikgadi, one of the largest salt flats on Earth. Here, guests stay at Planet Baobab, an atmospheric and character-filled lodge surrounded by ancient baobab trees often referred to as the “Baobab Capital of the World.” Known for its earthy Afro-chic design and relaxed atmosphere, the lodge provides a memorable base for exploring this extraordinary desert landscape.
The Makgadikgadi experience is both intimate and otherworldly. Guests spend time with a habituated meerkat colony, sitting quietly among them as they forage and bask in the morning sun. Depending on the season, the pans may also host thousands of flamingos, creating shimmering pink reflections across the white salt flats. Additional activities include exhilarating quad biking adventures during the dry season and cultural walks with Zu/’hoasi Bushmen during the green season.
Together, the Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi Pans offer the perfect balance of water and desert, wildlife and culture, adventure and tranquillity — an unforgettable exploration of Botswana’s diverse natural beauty.
Curiosity Safari Guide
BK Manowe is an experienced Botswana based guide. He has worked at various prestigious lodges and is currently guiding for Great Plains Conservation, and based dominantly at Duba Plains. You can expect a laugh a minute with this wonderful character.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in the Okavango Delta
- Arrive in Maun and take a scenic flight into the Okavango Delta.
- Settle into Oddballs’ Camp and enjoy lunch surrounded by the Delta wilderness.
- Head out on a relaxed late-afternoon game drive or water-based activity depending on water levels.
- Gather around the campfire for an evening briefing, dinner, and your first night in the bush.
Day 2 – Mokoro & Island Exploration
- Experience a traditional mokoro excursion through reed-lined Delta channels.
- Listen for fish eagles and discover the rich birdlife and aquatic ecosystems of the Delta.
- Enjoy a guided walking safari on a nearby island to learn about tracks, plants, and smaller wildlife.
- End the day with sundowners beside the water as the Delta comes alive at sunset.
Day 3 – Wildlife & Delta Communities
- Begin the day with a morning game drive in search of plains game and predators.
- Relax at camp during the warmer hours of the day.
- Visit a local village or community project to gain insight into life in the Delta region.
- Return to camp for a traditional bush dinner beneath the stars.
Day 4 – Moremi Game Reserve Adventure
- Embark on a full-day safari excursion deeper into the Delta and Moremi Game Reserve.
- Explore diverse habitats known for exceptional wildlife sightings and elephant herds.
- Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives with a picnic lunch in the wilderness.
- Spend the day searching for predators and experiencing one of Botswana’s richest ecosystems.
Day 5 – From the Delta to the Makgadikgadi
- Enjoy a final sunrise safari activity in the Delta before departing.
- Transfer by road via Maun to Planet Baobab.
- Arrive in the Makgadikgadi region and settle into the atmospheric baobab lodge.
- Spend the evening exploring the giant baobab trees glowing in the soft afternoon light.
Day 6 – Meerkats & Ancient Baobabs
- Visit a habituated meerkat colony and observe their fascinating morning routines.
- Learn about the ecology, folklore, and extraordinary history of Botswana’s ancient baobab trees.
- Explore the surrounding landscapes on guided walks with exceptional photography opportunities.
- Enjoy sunset views among the baobabs before returning to camp for the evening.
Day 7 – Flamingos, Salt Pans & Stargazing
- Visit seasonal flamingo concentrations if conditions allow, creating spectacular pink reflections across the pans.
- Alternatively, explore Ntwetwe Pan, Nxai, or nearby Kalahari wildlife areas.
- Spend the afternoon relaxing and enjoying the unique atmosphere of Planet Baobab.
- End the day with stargazing beneath the vast desert skies surrounded by ancient baobabs.
Day 8 – Departure from Botswana
- Enjoy a relaxed breakfast beneath the baobab trees.
- Transfer by road back to Maun for onward travel arrangements.
- Take in the final landscapes of Botswana’s extraordinary wilderness regions.
- Depart with unforgettable memories of the Delta and Makgadikgadi Pans.
Disclaimer
Please note that as these retreats and expeditions take place in nature, and nature is often unpredictable we cannot guarantee weather and wildlife viewings. Adaptations to itineraries may need to be made to ensure that we can provide the best possible experience for you. In the event of unforeseen circumstances and emergencies facilitators or guides may be substituted. Departures are not guaranteed as a minimum amount of guests are required for retreats to take place. Retreats and wellness experiences are not psychological or medical treatment.
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