3-Day Okavango Panhandle Safari with Tsodilo Hills from Nxamaseri

3 Days Round trip from Maun Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Fly in by light aircraft, then transfer by boat into the Okavango Panhandle
02 Cruise at sunset on a motorboat safari, spotting elephants, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife
03 Hike with a guide at Tsodilo Hills to see 4,000+ rock paintings and learn their spiritual significance
04 Glide quietly on a mokoro excursion through water-lily fields in search of reed frogs and rare birds

Experience the water-world of Botswana’s Okavango Panhandle on a relaxed 3-day safari based near Nxamaseri. Arrive by light aircraft and settle into island life, with time to enjoy fresh meals under the trees, sundowners on the channels, and unhurried wildlife viewing from the comfort of a boat. Take a standout day trip to the UNESCO-listed Tsodilo Hills for a guided walk with a local San guide, where ancient rock art and living cultural stories bring the landscape to life. Finish your journey with a serene mokoro glide through lily-covered waterways before your onward transfer.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Maun, Kasane, Okavango Delta

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival and Sunset Water Safari

Morning - Fly in by light aircraft charter from Maun or Kasane. On arrival at the Nxamaseri airstrip, continue with a short vehicle and boat transfer to the island.
Lunch: Enjoy a fresh, family-style lunch on the raised wooden deck beneath the forest canopy.
Afternoon - Boat Cruise: Head out on a motorized boat to explore the deep channels of the Okavango Panhandle. Look for elephants bathing, crocodiles along the banks, and colorful birdlife.
Evening: Sip a sundowner on the water as the sun sets, then return to the lodge for a candlelit dinner and drinks around the fire pit.

Day 02

Ancient Sacred Art at Tsodilo Hills

Early Morning: Enjoy an early breakfast before departing by boat and 4x4 vehicle to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tsodilo Hills.
Mid-Morning - Guided Hike: Walk the ancient trails with a local San guide. View some of the 4,000+ rock paintings and learn about the spiritual significance of the hills.
Lunch: Enjoy a packed picnic lunch in the shade of the massive rock faces.
Late Afternoon: Return to the island lodge. Take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool or relax on your private teak viewing deck.
Evening: Gather with other guests for dinner and share stories of the day's historical discoveries.

Day 03

Mokoro Exploration and Departure

Morning - Mokoro Glide: Wake early for a peaceful excursion in a traditional dugout canoe (mokoro). A professional poler will guide you quietly through water-lily fields in search of tiny reed frogs and rare birds.
Brunch: Return to the main camp for a hearty brunch.
Midday - Departure: Pack your bags and take a final boat ride back to the mainland for your transfer or charter flight to your next destination.

The route

Where you'll travel

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

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Food & Beverages
All Meals: Daily breakfast, freshly prepared lunch, and multi-course dinners served family-style.
Daily Snacks: Traditional high tea, afternoon pastries, and savory snacks for safari activities.
All Drinks: Complimentary local beers, house wines, spirits, soft drinks, and mineral water.
Activities & Excursions
Tsodilo Hills Day Trip: A guided excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage rock art site, including vehicle transfers, entry fees, a packed lunch, and a local San guide.
Daily Water Safaris: Scheduled motorboat cruises and traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions.
Fishing Trips: Use of specialized boats and standard fishing equipment (tackle/lures) for tigerfish and bream angling.
Luxury Accommodation: Stay in an en-suite, stilted canvas chalet with a private teak viewing deck.
Mainland Boat Transfers: Scenic boat transfers to and from the designated mainland vehicle pickup point.
Laundry Service: Daily complimentary laundry service provided by the lodge team.
Park & Conservation Fees: All emergency medical evacuation insurance and local national park entry fees.

What's Not Included

Flights: Light aircraft charter flights from Maun or Kasane to the Nxamaseri airstrip.
Premium Beverages: Imported champagnes, rare vintage wines, and premium spirits.
Fly-Fishing Equipment: Serious fly-fishermen must bring their own rods, specialized lines, and flies.
Gratuities: Tips for the lodge staff, boat captains, and San guides.

What to bring

The Bag
Soft-Sided Duffel Bag: Absolutely mandatory for charter flights. No hard shells, rigid frames, or pull-out trolley wheels.
Essential Footwear
Sturdy Hiking Shoes: Broken-in trail runners or hiking boots with deep tread for climbing the rocky cliffs of the Tsodilo Hills.
Boat/Camp Shoes: Lightweight sneakers or secure, strap-on sandals, such as Chacos or Tevas, for walking on boardwalks and stepping in and out of motorboats and mekoro.
Clothing (Neutral Earth Tones)
Avoid bright whites (which scare wildlife), dark blues/blacks (which attract biting tsetse flies), and military-style camouflage (illegal for civilians in Botswana).
Lightweight Hiking Pants: Long pants protect your legs from sharp brush, rocks, and insects during the hills excursion.
Long-Sleeved Safari Shirts: Breathable, moisture-wicking shirts protect your skin from intense sun exposure on the open water.
Warm Layers (May-August visits): A windproof jacket, fleece, beanie, and scarf. Early morning boat cruises can be freezing.
Sun & Element Protection
Wide-Brimmed Sun Hat: Must have a chin strap or secure fit so it does not blow off during high-speed boat rides.
Polarized Sunglasses: Crucial for cutting through the intense water glare to spot fish, crocodiles, and birds.
High-SPF Sunscreen & Lip Balm: Eco-friendly, biodegradable formulas are preferred to protect the pristine delta water system.
Swimwear: For the lodge's plunge pool.

Know before you go

Luggage Restrictions for Charter Flights
If you are arriving via a light aircraft charter flight from Maun or Kasane, strict luggage rules apply due to plane weight limits.
Max Weight: 15 kg (33 lbs) per person, which must include your camera gear and hand luggage.
Bag Type: Use soft-sided duffel bags with no rigid frames or pull-out wheels. Hard suitcases will not fit into the small plane cargo pods and will be left behind at the airport.
Health & Malaria Precautions
Malaria Zone: The Okavango Panhandle is a high-risk malaria area due to permanent standing water. Consult your doctor well in advance for the correct prophylactic medication, such as Malarone or Doxycycline.
Vaccinations: Ensure your routine boosters are up to date. If you are entering Botswana from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever virus transmission, you will be required to show proof of a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate at border control.