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

5 Days Round trip from Maun Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Run between the Okavango Panhandle and Tsodilo Hills, linking two UNESCO World Heritage Sites
02 Follow the Nxamaseri Channel past remote fishing villages, homesteads, birdlife-rich islands, and seasonal floodplains
03 Experience traditional mokoro travel, guided by local experts when water levels permit
04 Discover Tsodilo Hills' sacred paths and ancient rock art with a San-hosted overnight stay
05 Complete the perimeter trail with an optional Male Hill climb for sweeping Kalahari views

Take on an unforgettable 5-day ultra-trail linking two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from the water-laced Okavango Panhandle to the sacred Tsodilo Hills. Follow sandy, flat trails along the Nxamaseri Channel past remote fishing villages, homesteads, forested islands, and seasonal floodplains, with traditional mokoro crossings when water levels allow. As the landscape shifts from delta to desert, trace ancient paths beside the Kalahari's vast parallel sand dunes and explore Tsodilo's "Mountains of the Gods" and ancient rock art. Complete the journey with a perimeter trail, an optional Male Hill summit, and a recovery day back at Nxamaseri Island Lodge.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Maun, Okavango Delta

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

The Water Route through the Okavango Panhandle

Begin your journey along the beautiful Nxamaseri Channel of the Okavango Panhandle, following waterways through remote fishing villages where life continues much as it has for generations.
Cross forested islands rich in birdlife and seasonal floodplains, and when water levels rise, travel by mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) paddled by local experts.
The terrain is flat, with sandy trails and soft ground, offering constant views of the delta.
Along the way, pass homesteads, witness traditional fishing methods, and see how communities thrive in harmony with nature.
Distance: Approximately 30-35 km
Overnight: Nxamaseri Island Lodge

Day 02

From the Okavango to the Sacred Tsodilo Hills

From the lush Okavango into the arid Kalahari, this is the day you truly connect two World Heritage Sites.
Follow ancient trails alongside the megascale parallel sand dunes - one of Africa's great geological mysteries.
Watch the land transform from delta to desert, then see the sacred Tsodilo Hills rise before you.
Explore the ancient paths and centuries-old rock art here before resting beneath these "Mountains of the Gods."
You'll overnight here at the Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Expedition Camp, hosted by the San community.
Distance: Approximately 40-45 km
Overnight: Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Expedition Camp

Day 03

Perimeter Trail and Optional Male Hill Summit

Wake before sunrise to circle the Tsodilo Hills on the perimeter trail, further exploring sacred rock art sites as morning light washes the cliffs.
Traverse varied terrain around the base before taking on the optional summit of Male Hill - Botswana's highest peak at over 1,400 m.
The 400 m ascent offers sweeping views across the Kalahari and back toward the Okavango Delta, marking a powerful finish to your journey between two UNESCO sites.
Return to Nxamaseri Island Lodge for a celebration dinner and rest.
Distance: Approximately 20-25 km + optional summit climb
Overnight: Nxamaseri Island Lodge

Day 04

Recovery and Celebration 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.

Day 05

Morning Departure

Depart in the morning.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Maun 2 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Professional support: expert trail running guide with extensive local knowledge; qualified medic accompanying the group throughout; support staff at refreshment and refuelling points.
Accommodation & meals: 4 nights' accommodation (3 at Nxamaseri Island Lodge; 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/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

International airfare: you must book your own long-haul flights into the region.
Travel insurance: medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and personal property insurance are mandatory but not provided.
Premium beverages: while standard local beers, wines, and soft drinks are included, premium spirits and imported champagnes incur an extra charge.
Personal running gear: hydration packs, trail shoes, and specific endurance nutrition (such as energy gels and electrolytes) must be brought by the runner.
Staff gratuities: tips for the safari guides, trackers, camp staff, and medical team are discretionary and handled out of pocket.
Travel logistics (depends on itinerary)
- Pre/post-trip lodging: hotel stays in Maun or Kasane before Day 1 or after Day 4 are typically separate unless you book an extended itinerary.
- Visa fees: any entry visa costs required for your nationality to enter Botswana.
- Excess luggage charges: the small charter flights between Maun and Nxamaseri Island Lodge enforce a strict weight limit (usually 20 kg / 44 lbs in soft bags). Overweight bags will require booking extra cargo seats.

What to bring

Essential personal equipment: hydration pack or running vest with water capacity
Trail running shoes (broken in)
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen)
Personal medications and any specific nutrition requirements
Head torch for early starts
Running gear suitable for hot conditions
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 will 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.

PLANNING

Set departure: 11-15 April 2026 (& 1-5 April 2027).
Private group dates: Year-round, subject to availability (min 4, max 16 participants).
Trail difficulty: Moderate to challenging for fit individuals with trail running/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.
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.
Recommended pre-trail package: 2 nights at Sedia Hotel, Maun, known as the gateway town to the Okavango Delta.