5-Day Okavango to Tsodilo Ultra-Trail with San Sleep-Out

5 Days Round trip from Maun Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Trail and water-based adventure along the Nxamaseri Channel, including optional mokoro travel
  • 02 Pass through remote delta villages and learn about traditional fishing life in the Okavango Panhandle
  • 03 Cross from lush wetlands to Kalahari desert, following ancient routes beside megascale parallel sand dunes
  • 04 San-hosted sleep-out at Tsodilo Hills and exploration of sacred rock art sites (UNESCO World Heritage)
  • 05 Optional climb of Male Hill (over 1,400 m) for panoramic views, plus recovery days at Nxamaseri Island Lodge

Take on an unforgettable 5-day ultra-trail that links Botswana’s wild Okavango Panhandle with the sacred Tsodilo Hills, blending long-distance adventure with deep cultural connection. You’ll move through remote delta fishing villages, forested islands and floodplains—sometimes by mokoro—before crossing into the arid Kalahari along ancient routes lined by vast parallel sand dunes. At Tsodilo Hills, explore revered pathways and remarkable rock art, then rise early for a perimeter trail with an optional summit push up Male Hill for far-reaching desert-and-delta views. The journey rounds out with well-earned recovery time at Nxamaseri Island Lodge, where you can unwind and celebrate your achievement.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Luxury
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Maun, Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Okavango Delta
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Along the Nxamaseri Channel and Delta Villages

  • Start your journey along the scenic Nxamaseri Channel in the Okavango Panhandle, traveling through remote fishing villages where traditions have been preserved for generations.

  • Cross forested islands abundant in birdlife and seasonal floodplains, and when water levels are high, continue by mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe) paddled by experienced local guides. The terrain is predominantly flat, with sandy trails and soft ground, offering uninterrupted views of the delta.

  • Along the route, you will pass homesteads, observe traditional fishing practices, and gain insight into how local communities live in balance with their natural surroundings.

Distance: Approximately 30-35 km

Overnight: Nxamaseri Island Lodge

2
Day 02

From the Okavango into Sacred Tsodilo Hills

  • Travel from the lush Okavango into the arid Kalahari, connecting two World Heritage Sites in a single day.

  • Follow ancient trails alongside megascale parallel sand dunes, one of Africa's great geological mysteries.

  • Observe the landscape transform from delta to desert, then watch the sacred Tsodilo Hills rise ahead.

  • Explore ancient pathways and centuries-old rock art before resting beneath the "Mountains of the Gods."

Overnight at the Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Expedition Camp, hosted by the San community.

3
Day 03

Tsodilo Perimeter Trail and Male Hill Option

  • Rise before sunrise to follow the Tsodilo Hills perimeter trail, continuing your exploration of sacred rock art sites as the morning light illuminates the cliffs.

  • Traverse varied terrain around the base before opting for the summit of Male Hill, Botswana's highest peak at over 1,400 m.

  • The 400 m ascent rewards you with sweeping views across the Kalahari and back toward the Okavango Delta, providing a memorable conclusion to your journey between two UNESCO sites. Return to Nxamaseri Island Lodge for a celebratory dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Distance: Approximately 20-25 km + optional summit climb

Overnight: Nxamaseri Island Lodge

4
Day 04

Recovery Day at Nxamaseri Island Lodge

  • Enjoy a leisurely day at Nxamaseri Island Lodge, with optional recovery activities such as spa treatments, poolside relaxation, or mokoro excursions.

  • Celebrate your achievement with fellow runners before departing the following morning.

5
Day 05

Leisurely Finish at Nxamaseri Island Lodge

  • Enjoy a leisurely day at Nxamaseri Island Lodge, with options for gentle recovery activities such as spa treatments, poolside relaxation, or mokoro excursions.

  • Celebrate your achievement with fellow runners before departing in the morning.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Maun 3 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Professional Support: Expert trail running guide with extensive local knowledge, a qualified medic accompanying the group throughout, and support staff at refreshment and refuelling points

  • Accommodation & Meals: 4 nights' accommodation (3 at Nxamaseri Island Lodge and 1 at Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Expedition Camp); full board with all meals and drinks; celebration dinner on return to Nxamaseri

  • Activities & Experiences: All guided trail running or hiking; traditional mokoro crossings (when water levels permit); cultural connection with local communities; San Bushman cultural evening at Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Expedition Camp; guided exploration of Tsodilo Hills rock art sites; optional Male Hill summit

  • Logistics: Refreshment and refuelling points en route; luggage transfers between camps; emergency support and communications; park fees and community contributions

What's Not Included

  • Flights & Transit Exclusions

  • International Flights: Airfare from your home country to and from the primary hubs (Maun International Airport or Kasane Airport) is not covered

  • Departure Taxes: Additional regional departure taxes of approximately $20 USD apply to routes departing Maun or Kasane and must be paid separately

  • Personal Gear & Medical Requirements

    • Running Gear: You must provide all your own personal trail footwear, hydration vests, and specialist running apparel.

    • Medical & Travel Insurance: Comprehensive medical and travel insurance coverage is mandatory and must be procured independently before arrival.

    • Visas & Entry Levies: Any required entry visas for Botswana or specific tourist or conservation levies not explicitly listed in the booking itinerary are your financial responsibility.

    • Out-of-Camp & Optional Expenses

      • Optional Activities: Any extra excursions, spa treatments, or tours outside the core 100 km itinerary schedule (often marked as 'Our Tip' or 'Optional') incur extra charges

      • Personal Extras: Gratuities or tips for safari guides and camp staff, personal laundry service, and cellular roaming or data packages are excluded

What to bring

  • Essential personal equipment: Hydration pack or running vest with water capacity

  • Essential personal equipment: Trail running shoes (broken in)

  • Essential personal equipment: Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen)

  • Essential personal equipment: Personal medications and any specific nutrition requirements

  • Essential personal equipment: Head torch for early starts

  • Essential personal equipment: Running gear suitable for hot conditions

  • Essential personal equipment: Optional trekking poles for support

  • Detailed kit list provided upon booking.

Know before you go

  • What makes this safe? This region of the Okavango Panhandle has been carefully selected not only for its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, but also for safety. Predator sightings in this area are rare, making confrontations with big cats or buffalo extremely unlikely.

  • While sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and occasionally elephants are possible, the route is professionally planned and you'll be accompanied throughout by expert guides trained in wilderness safety and a qualified medic. The group moves together under professional management, ensuring both safety and an enriching experience.

  • Trail difficulty: Moderate to challenging for fit individuals with trail running or hiking experience.

  • Climate: Hot and dry (can reach 35°C+ during the day).

  • Group philosophy: This is an adventure together, not a competitive race.

  • Note: Runners are expected to carry their own hydration packs and personal running equipment. *See Planning & Preparation.

  • Pre-trail acclimatisation is highly recommended: We recommend arriving 2-3 days before the trail begins. Use this time to shake off travel fatigue, adjust to the warm, dry climate, and explore Maun. Arriving well-rested and acclimatised to the conditions will significantly enhance your experience on the trail.

  • Set departure: 11-15 April 2026 (& 1-5 April 2027).

  • Private group dates: Year-round, subject to availability (min 4, max 16 participants).

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Maun Airport or your lodging area in Maun
Tour start
Maun
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 5 days finish where they began, in Maun.

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Starting from

USD 3,346 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $3,346.00 — $5,573.00
Double Sharing $5,573.00 — $7,530.00

When

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