7-Day Central Kalahari Safari with San Tracker Walk and Camping

7 Days Round trip from JVX7+F65 Hard pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Deception Valley Private Reserve with game drives among desert-specialised wildlife
02 Join a nature walk led by a local San tracker and gain insight into intricate bush knowledge
03 Discover the undeveloped wilderness of the northern Central Kalahari Game Reserve
04 Spot iconic desert species such as oryx, springbok, eland, lion, brown hyena, and cheetah
05 Stay at Boteti River Camp overlooking the Boteti River on the edge of Makgadikgadi National Park

This 7-day safari explores the vast wilderness of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and its surrounding desert landscapes from Maun. Travel through Deception Valley Private Reserve and the northern Central Kalahari, enjoying game drives, camping in remote bush settings, and a nature walk with a local San tracker for insight into intricate bush knowledge and culture. The journey ends in the Makgadikgadi area with a stay at a comfortable lodge overlooking the Boteti River and an afternoon game drive in Makgadikgadi National Park. Ideal for adventure enthusiasts, this safari combines breathtaking scenery, desert wildlife, and an authentic mobile camping experience.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Hard

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Maun, Makgadikgadi Pan, Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Deception Valley, Central Kalahari and Makgadikgadi Safari

Day 1 - 2: Deception Valley Private Reserve, camping

The safari begins in Maun, where your guide will meet you at your lodge. You will travel to a private reserve on the northern border of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Upon arrival, you will set up camp and have a safari briefing.

You will explore the area for the next two days, enjoying game drives and participating in a nature walk led by a local San tracker. They will share intricate bush knowledge and give you insight into their unique and intriguing culture. Game drives will allow you to explore the area, home to a fascinating variety of desert-specialised wildlife such as oryx, springbok, and eland, as well as predators including lion, brown hyena, and cheetah.

Overnight: Camping

Day 3 - 5: Central Kalahari Game Reserve, camping

You will wake up as the sun rises and head toward the pristine wilderness of the largest game reserve in Botswana. The next three days will be spent exploring the undeveloped wilderness of the northern region of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Camping is in a private designated campsite with bush ablutions.

Overnight: Camping

Day 6: Makgadikgadi, comfortable lodge

This is your last morning in the Kalahari. After breaking camp, you will do a slow drive to the Makgadikgadi area. You will spend the night at a camp oasis on the edge of Makgadikgadi National Park, overlooking the Boteti River in Khumaga village. Enjoy an afternoon game drive into Makgadikgadi National Park.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve - Boteti River Camp

Overnight: Boteti River Camp

Day 7: End of the safari

After an early morning breakfast, you will make your way to Maun. We can assist with your onward travel arrangements.

Maun Airport

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from JVX7+F65 3 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Camping accommodation and equipment (spacious bow tents with mattresses), rooms at a comfortable lodge, all transfers and activities as per the itinerary, all meals that are indicated (B - breakfast, L - lunch, D - dinner), filtered drinking water, tea/coffees, the services of a professional guide and camp assistant, all Botswana park fees for activities included on the itinerary, and transport in specialised safari vehicles.

What's Not Included

Restaurant meals, visas, airport transfers, tips, curios, optional excursions, beverages (alcohol, soft drinks), insurance to cover cancellation and curtailment, medical, baggage, emergency evacuation, sleeping bag (and small pillow) on all camping sectors, and any increase in National Park Fees.

What to bring

One large kit bag (preferably a rucksack or a bag with soft sides - please do not bring hard suitcases, as they are very difficult to pack in our trailers and can pose a problem for any light aircraft flights you may take as part of your safari. Semi-hard suitcases should be avoided as well).
One item of hand luggage (e.g. a small backpack) - there will be room for this at your feet.
The sleeping bag can be carried outside the main luggage.
If you are travelling to the Delta, we request that you take only what you need for the 2/3 nights in a smaller pack. You can leave the large bag with the vehicle, which will be locked in a secured area while you stay on a small island, with transfers by traditional dugout canoes.
Remember that on safari you need far fewer clothes than you think, so bear this in mind when packing.

Know before you go

Remember that on safari you need far fewer clothes than you think, so bear this in mind when packing.
Sleeping bag (note that nights can be chilly all year round and cold in winter; therefore, a warm sleeping bag is advised).
Torch with spare batteries and bulbs - a head torch is a good idea.
Hat/cap.
Scarf and gloves (especially for winter months - note that if you also have gardening or working gloves, they can be convenient for setting up and packing your tent).
Warm jacket/fleece/jumper - windproof in winter months (May - Sept), waterproof in summer months (Nov - Mar).

Logistics