13-Day Botswana Safari: Selinda, Okavango & Makgadikgadi
Selinda, Okavango & Makgadikgadi – The Ultimate Safari Trio
Why This Trip is Special
Discover Botswana’s untamed beauty on this 13-day adventure through its most iconic wilderness areas. Begin in Johannesburg before heading to the remote Selinda Reserve, where pristine landscapes and incredible wildlife encounters await.
Then, explore the Okavango Delta, a lush oasis teeming with wildlife. Experience thrilling game drives and glide silently through its waterways by mokoro, spotting elephants, hippos, and rare birdlife.
End your journey in the Makgadikgadi Pans, where vast salt flats transform with the seasonal zebra migration—one of Africa’s most stunning natural spectacles. With expert guides and luxury camps, this safari is an unforgettable blend of adventure, seclusion, and breathtaking scenery.
Itinerary Highlights

Start Planning
Connect with an Infinite Safari Adventures expert safari specialist to start planning your African adventure today.

Start Planning
Connect with an Infinite Safari Adventures expert safari specialist to start planning your African adventure today.
How to Create the Perfect Custom Itinerary
Review this Sample Itinerary
The following will provide an idea of what we can do. Use it for inspiration, knowing that your itinerary will be customized to fit your needs.
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Day 1: Welcome to Johannesburg: The City of Gold
Welcome to Johannesburg, Africa’s second-largest city and the economic heartbeat of South Africa. Known as the City of Gold, Johannesburg offers a vibrant mix of culture, history, and modern luxury, making it an exciting gateway to your adventure.
Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to DaVinci Hotel in Sandton, a stylish retreat in one of the city’s most prestigious districts. After check-in, take some time to unwind and settle in, preparing for the incredible journey ahead.Welcome to Johannesburg, Africa’s second-largest city and the economic heartbeat of South Africa. Known as the City of Gold, Johannesburg offers a vibrant mix of culture, history, and modern luxury, making it an exciting gateway to your adventure.
Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to DaVinci Hotel in Sandton, a stylish retreat in one of the city’s most prestigious districts. After check-in, take some time to unwind and settle in, preparing for the incredible journey ahead.Flights: Flights to Africa Can Be Arranged
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: DaVinci Hotel

Day 2: From City to Wilderness: Journey to Selinda Reserve
After breakfast and check-out, you will be transferred to O.R. Tambo International Airport for your flight to Kasane, Botswana. Upon arrival, after clearing customs and immigration, you’ll be greeted by an Infinite Safari Adventures representative and transferred by air to Selinda Explorers Camp.
Nestled within the Selinda Reserve, this remote sanctuary lies between the Savute Channel, Chobe National Park, and the Okavango Delta. Far from the crowds, it offers an exclusive, off-the-beaten-path safari experience, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife.After breakfast and check-out, you will be transferred to O.R. Tambo International Airport for your flight to Kasane, Botswana. Upon arrival, after clearing customs and immigration, you’ll be greeted by an Infinite Safari Adventures representative and transferred by air to Selinda Explorers Camp.
Nestled within the Selinda Reserve, this remote sanctuary lies between the Savute Channel, Chobe National Park, and the Okavango Delta. Far from the crowds, it offers an exclusive, off-the-beaten-path safari experience, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife.Flights: Flights Within Africa Are Included
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Selinda Explorers Camp

Day 3: Safari Adventures in Selinda
Enjoy your time in the pristine wilderness of Selinda Reserve, where each day brings new opportunities for exploration. In the mornings and afternoons, set out on game drives, venturing deep into the reserve in search of elephants, big cats, wild dogs, and an array of other wildlife.
For a different perspective, take to the water on a boat trip, gliding through the waterways as you observe the incredible birdlife and animals gathering along the shores. Whether on land or water, Selinda offers an immersive and unforgettable safari experience.Enjoy your time in the pristine wilderness of Selinda Reserve, where each day brings new opportunities for exploration. In the mornings and afternoons, set out on game drives, venturing deep into the reserve in search of elephants, big cats, wild dogs, and an array of other wildlife.
For a different perspective, take to the water on a boat trip, gliding through the waterways as you observe the incredible birdlife and animals gathering along the shores. Whether on land or water, Selinda offers an immersive and unforgettable safari experience.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Selinda Explorers Camp

Day 4: Final Morning at Selinda Explorers & Flight to Zarafa Camp
Enjoy a final early morning game drive at Selinda Explorers Camp, soaking in the last moments of this incredible wilderness. After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airstrip for a scenic short flight over the Selinda Reserve to Zarafa Camp.
Upon arrival, settle into your luxurious tented suite, which overlooks the Zibadianja Lagoon, a prime spot for watching wildlife right from camp. After lunch and some time to relax, set out on an afternoon game drive, exploring a new area of Selinda’s diverse landscapes. As the sun sets, experience the beauty of the bush in the golden light of the evening, rounding out your first day at Zarafa Camp.Enjoy a final early morning game drive at Selinda Explorers Camp, soaking in the last moments of this incredible wilderness. After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airstrip for a scenic short flight over the Selinda Reserve to Zarafa Camp.
Upon arrival, settle into your luxurious tented suite, which overlooks the Zibadianja Lagoon, a prime spot for watching wildlife right from camp. After lunch and some time to relax, set out on an afternoon game drive, exploring a new area of Selinda’s diverse landscapes. As the sun sets, experience the beauty of the bush in the golden light of the evening, rounding out your first day at Zarafa Camp.Flights: Flights Within Africa Are Included
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Zarafa Camp

Day 5: Discovering a New Side of Selinda
Now in a different part of the Selinda Reserve, experience the ever-changing landscapes and abundant wildlife that make this region so extraordinary. Each day brings new opportunities to explore a fresh corner of this pristine wilderness.
Your mornings begin at dawn with an early game drive, when the bush is most alive with activity. Watch as predators stalk the plains, elephants gather at the water’s edge, and birdlife fills the air with sound. After an exhilarating morning, return to camp for a delicious breakfast, followed by time to unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
As the afternoon cools, set out on another game drive, where the soft golden light transforms the landscape, and nocturnal creatures begin to emerge. With each drive, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse ecosystems and wildlife of Selinda.Now in a different part of the Selinda Reserve, experience the ever-changing landscapes and abundant wildlife that make this region so extraordinary. Each day brings new opportunities to explore a fresh corner of this pristine wilderness.
Your mornings begin at dawn with an early game drive, when the bush is most alive with activity. Watch as predators stalk the plains, elephants gather at the water’s edge, and birdlife fills the air with sound. After an exhilarating morning, return to camp for a delicious breakfast, followed by time to unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
As the afternoon cools, set out on another game drive, where the soft golden light transforms the landscape, and nocturnal creatures begin to emerge. With each drive, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse ecosystems and wildlife of Selinda.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Zarafa Camp

Day 6: Final Day at Zarafa: A Unique Safari Experience
Make the most of your last day at Zarafa Camp, where every moment in the Selinda Reserve offers something extraordinary. Head out on a final game drive, taking in the sights and sounds of the bush one last time.
For a truly unforgettable experience, step aboard Zarafa’s special pontoon boat, gliding across the Zibadianja Lagoon. This unique water safari offers a different perspective of the wildlife, with hippos, elephants, and a variety of bird species gathering along the shores. Whether on land or water, today is a chance to soak in the magic of Selinda before your journey continues.Make the most of your last day at Zarafa Camp, where every moment in the Selinda Reserve offers something extraordinary. Head out on a final game drive, taking in the sights and sounds of the bush one last time.
For a truly unforgettable experience, step aboard Zarafa’s special pontoon boat, gliding across the Zibadianja Lagoon. This unique water safari offers a different perspective of the wildlife, with hippos, elephants, and a variety of bird species gathering along the shores. Whether on land or water, today is a chance to soak in the magic of Selinda before your journey continues.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Zarafa Camp

Day 7: Onward to the Okavango Delta: The Jewel of the Kalahari
This morning, you’ll be transferred by road to Kasane, where you will connect to your charter flight to the Okavango Delta—often called “The Jewel of the Kalahari.”
As you fly over this UNESCO World Heritage Site, take in the breathtaking network of winding channels, lush islands, and sparkling lagoons that make up one of Africa’s most spectacular ecosystems. The clear, life-giving waters of the delta attract an incredible diversity of wildlife, from herons and vibrant birdlife to elephants, predators, and their prey. Upon landing, settle into your next incredible safari adventure, where water and wilderness exist in perfect harmony.This morning, you’ll be transferred by road to Kasane, where you will connect to your charter flight to the Okavango Delta—often called “The Jewel of the Kalahari.”
As you fly over this UNESCO World Heritage Site, take in the breathtaking network of winding channels, lush islands, and sparkling lagoons that make up one of Africa’s most spectacular ecosystems. The clear, life-giving waters of the delta attract an incredible diversity of wildlife, from herons and vibrant birdlife to elephants, predators, and their prey. Upon landing, settle into your next incredible safari adventure, where water and wilderness exist in perfect harmony.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Camp Okavango

Day 8: Immersing Yourself in the Okavango Delta
Spend your days exploring the pristine waterways of the Okavango Delta, a unique safari destination where traditional game drives give way to water-based adventures. Glide silently through the channels in a mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe), or venture out by motorboat, taking in the incredible sights and sounds of this lush wilderness.
For a more grounded experience, set off on a guided walk across the surrounding islands, where you’ll have the chance to track wildlife on foot, just as the early explorers once did. The birdwatching here is exceptional, with a dazzling variety of species found throughout the delta. For those looking to cast a line, the waters offer the chance to fish for bream and the legendary tigerfish.
Each experience in the Okavango Delta provides a deeper connection to the wild, making it an unforgettable chapter of your safari journey.Spend your days exploring the pristine waterways of the Okavango Delta, a unique safari destination where traditional game drives give way to water-based adventures. Glide silently through the channels in a mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe), or venture out by motorboat, taking in the incredible sights and sounds of this lush wilderness.
For a more grounded experience, set off on a guided walk across the surrounding islands, where you’ll have the chance to track wildlife on foot, just as the early explorers once did. The birdwatching here is exceptional, with a dazzling variety of species found throughout the delta. For those looking to cast a line, the waters offer the chance to fish for bream and the legendary tigerfish.
Each experience in the Okavango Delta provides a deeper connection to the wild, making it an unforgettable chapter of your safari journey.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Camp Okavango

Day 9: Final Day at Camp Okavango: A Deeper Connection to the Wild
Savor your last day in the Okavango Delta, where the ever-changing landscapes offer something new at every turn. Head out for a final water safari, gliding through the winding channels in a mokoro or motorboat, taking in the rich wildlife and birdlife one last time.
For a different perspective, embark on a walking safari, where you’ll experience the delta on foot, gaining a deeper understanding of its intricate ecosystems. Walking through this untouched wilderness brings you closer to nature, allowing you to observe the smaller details of the bush that are often missed from a boat.
No matter how you choose to spend your final day, the magic of the Okavango Delta will stay with you long after you leave.Savor your last day in the Okavango Delta, where the ever-changing landscapes offer something new at every turn. Head out for a final water safari, gliding through the winding channels in a mokoro or motorboat, taking in the rich wildlife and birdlife one last time.
For a different perspective, embark on a walking safari, where you’ll experience the delta on foot, gaining a deeper understanding of its intricate ecosystems. Walking through this untouched wilderness brings you closer to nature, allowing you to observe the smaller details of the bush that are often missed from a boat.
No matter how you choose to spend your final day, the magic of the Okavango Delta will stay with you long after you leave.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Camp Okavango

Day 10: Onward to Makgadikgadi Pans: A Journey into the Ancient Salt Flats
This morning, after breakfast, you will be transferred to Maun for your flight to the Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the largest salt flats in the world.
Once part of the vast Lake Makgadikgadi, which was larger than Switzerland, these shimmering salt pans are now an otherworldly landscape, dotted with sand dunes, rocky islands, and arid desert terrain. Despite its harsh conditions, the region is teeming with life, offering a stark yet stunning contrast to the lush waterways of the Okavango Delta.
Upon arrival, settle into your remote desert retreat and prepare for an unforgettable exploration of this ancient, surreal wilderness.This morning, after breakfast, you will be transferred to Maun for your flight to the Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the largest salt flats in the world.
Once part of the vast Lake Makgadikgadi, which was larger than Switzerland, these shimmering salt pans are now an otherworldly landscape, dotted with sand dunes, rocky islands, and arid desert terrain. Despite its harsh conditions, the region is teeming with life, offering a stark yet stunning contrast to the lush waterways of the Okavango Delta.
Upon arrival, settle into your remote desert retreat and prepare for an unforgettable exploration of this ancient, surreal wilderness.Flights: Flights Within Africa Are Included
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Jack’s Camp

Day 11: Wildlife Encounters on the Makgadikgadi Pans
Set out on a game drive across the vast Makgadikgadi Pans, where the stark beauty of the landscape is home to a surprising array of wildlife. Keep an eye out for the elusive brown hyena, along with wildebeest, zebra, and bat-eared foxes roaming the concession. If luck is on your side, you may even spot a lion or elephant making its way across this remote wilderness.
One of the highlights of your day will be a close encounter with meerkats, watching as these curious creatures go about their daily routines. Whether basking in the morning sun or standing sentry, their playful nature makes for an unforgettable wildlife experience.Set out on a game drive across the vast Makgadikgadi Pans, where the stark beauty of the landscape is home to a surprising array of wildlife. Keep an eye out for the elusive brown hyena, along with wildebeest, zebra, and bat-eared foxes roaming the concession. If luck is on your side, you may even spot a lion or elephant making its way across this remote wilderness.
One of the highlights of your day will be a close encounter with meerkats, watching as these curious creatures go about their daily routines. Whether basking in the morning sun or standing sentry, their playful nature makes for an unforgettable wildlife experience.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Jack’s Camp

Day 12: Final Day at Jack’s Camp: Adventure & Ancient Wonders
Make the most of your last day at Jack’s Camp with an exhilarating quad biking adventure across the lunar-like expanse of the Makgadikgadi Pans. Feel the thrill of riding through this vast, otherworldly landscape, where the horizon seems endless and the silence is absolute.
Later, visit the Fallen Baobab, one of Africa’s three largest and oldest trees, steeped in history and legend. This ancient giant is said to have been a campsite for famed explorers David Livingstone and Frederick Selous, offering a tangible connection to the past.
Whether seeking adventure or reflection, today is a perfect farewell to the wonders of the Makgadikgadi Pans.Make the most of your last day at Jack’s Camp with an exhilarating quad biking adventure across the lunar-like expanse of the Makgadikgadi Pans. Feel the thrill of riding through this vast, otherworldly landscape, where the horizon seems endless and the silence is absolute.
Later, visit the Fallen Baobab, one of Africa’s three largest and oldest trees, steeped in history and legend. This ancient giant is said to have been a campsite for famed explorers David Livingstone and Frederick Selous, offering a tangible connection to the past.
Whether seeking adventure or reflection, today is a perfect farewell to the wonders of the Makgadikgadi Pans.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Jack’s Camp

Day 13: Until Next Time, Africa Stays with You
All great adventures must come to an end—but this is not goodbye, only until next time. Africa is now a part of you, its landscapes, wildlife, and unforgettable moments forever imprinted in your heart.
At the appropriate time, you’ll check out and be transferred to the airstrip for your flight to Maun, where you will connect to your international journey home. As you depart, carry with you the memories of an extraordinary safari and the promise of future adventures in Africa.All great adventures must come to an end—but this is not goodbye, only until next time. Africa is now a part of you, its landscapes, wildlife, and unforgettable moments forever imprinted in your heart.
At the appropriate time, you’ll check out and be transferred to the airstrip for your flight to Maun, where you will connect to your international journey home. As you depart, carry with you the memories of an extraordinary safari and the promise of future adventures in Africa.Flights: Flights Within Africa Are Included, Flights Departing Africa Can Be Arranged
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: None

Before you go, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude.
Because you chose to explore Africa with us, we have made a tax deductible donation in your name to the Infinite Safari Foundation, helping support the animals and people of Africa.
Go home knowing that your travel has made a positive impact on the environment and local communities you visited.

13-Day Best of Botswana: Selinda, Okavango & Makgadikgadi in Photos
Suggested Accommodations
Accommodations listed here are intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.

DaVinci Hotel and Suites
Located in the heart of Sandton, Johannesburg, the DaVinci Hotel and Suites offers a sophisticated blend of luxury and convenience. Part of Legacy Hotels, this contemporary property features elegant rooms and suites, world-class dining, a lavish spa, and a stunning infinity pool. Positioned on Nelson Mandela Square, the hotel provides easy access to premium shopping, dining, and entertainment. With exceptional service and modern amenities, the DaVinci Hotel is an ideal destination for both business and leisure travelers seeking comfort and style in the bustling city.

Selinda Explorers Camp
Nestled within Botswana’s expansive 130,000-hectare Selinda Reserve, Selinda Explorers Camp offers an intimate and authentic safari experience reminiscent of early African expeditions. Positioned along the banks of the Selinda Spillway, the camp comprises four custom-designed canvas tents, including a two-bedroom family tent, each featuring en-suite open-air bathrooms with hot water bucket showers and flush toilets. The camp’s design reflects a classic explorer aesthetic, with campaign-style furnishings crafted from recycled hardwoods and accents from Zanzibar and the East. Guests can engage in guided walking safaris, early morning and late afternoon game drives, and, when conditions permit, canoeing along the Spillway. The surrounding area is rich in wildlife, offering opportunities to observe lions, leopards, cheetahs, African wild dogs, and large herds of elephants, especially during the dry season. With its focus on experiential luxury and minimal environmental footprint, Selinda Explorers Camp provides a serene retreat for those seeking a blend of adventure and relaxation in a pristine wilderness setting.

Zarafa Camp
Located in Botswana’s Selinda Reserve, Zarafa Camp offers an exclusive safari experience overlooking the pristine Zibadianja Lagoon. The camp features four spacious tented suites, each designed with a private lounge, an open-plan bathroom with a copper claw-foot bathtub, and an outdoor deck with a plunge pool and open-air shower. The main lodge provides a comfortable lounge, dining area, and boutique, all shaded by ebony trees. Emphasizing sustainability, the camp operates entirely on solar power and utilizes recycled hardwoods and a biogas system. Guests can enjoy game drives, bush walks, and exceptional wildlife viewing, with frequent sightings of lions, leopards, elephants, wild dogs, and a variety of birdlife. With its blend of luxury, eco-conscious design, and breathtaking wilderness, Zarafa Camp provides an intimate and unforgettable safari retreat.

Camp Okavango
Camp Okavango, situated on the secluded Nxaragha Island in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, offers an exclusive water-based safari experience. The camp features eleven intimate safari suites and one family suite, each elevated on wooden platforms with expansive private viewing decks. These suites are designed with en-suite bathrooms that include double vanities, double showers, and separate water closets with scenic views. Guests can enjoy guided motorboat excursions through the delta’s deeper channels, traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) trips in shallower waters, and guided bush walks on surrounding islands to observe the diverse wildlife. Additional activities include seasonal fishing and scenic helicopter flights over the delta. The main lodge comprises interconnected walkways leading to two lounge areas, a dining room, library, self-service bar, and curio shop. Outdoor amenities include two open-air fire pits and a third deck with a rim-flow swimming pool and thatched lounge area. Camp Okavango operates sustainably, utilizing a solar plant for 24-hour power and providing Wi-Fi connectivity in guest rooms.

Jack’s Camp
Jack’s Camp is a renowned safari retreat nestled in Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, a vast expanse that was once an ancient super-lake covering much of Southern Africa. Established in the 1940s, the camp exudes an old-world charm with its classic canvas tents adorned with Persian rugs and vintage artifacts. Each of the nine spacious tents offers en-suite bathrooms and private verandas, blending comfort with a sense of adventure. Guests can engage in unique desert experiences, such as guided walks with the San Bushmen, interactions with habituated meerkats, and quad biking across the pans during the dry season. The camp also features a private museum, a swimming pool pavilion, and a tea tent, providing a blend of relaxation and cultural enrichment. Jack’s Camp offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the captivating landscapes and rich history of the Kalahari Desert.
What About the Pricing?
At Infinite Safari Adventures, we design custom safaris tailored to your preferences, which is why you won’t find set prices on our website.
The cost of your safari depends on a variety of factors, like where you go, when you go, how many of you go, what properties we use, what specials they may offer, and what activities you choose to do.
As a guideline, our safaris typically range from $1,000 to $1,500 per person per day. Because our safaris are custom, we will work with you to create an itinerary that aligns with your budget and travel goals.
You’ll always know your safari cost upfront—no surprises. Let’s start planning your adventure.
Typically Included:
- Meals as Described
- Accommodations
- Guides
- Ground Transportation
- Park Entrance Fees
- Activities as Described
- Flights within Africa
Not Included:
- International Airfare
- Visa Fees
- Travel Insurance
- Tips
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Items of a Personal Nature
Our expert safari specialists
are committed to designing a fun, safe, and environmentally sustainable adventure.
The Infinite Safari Foundation
supports conservation projects throughout Africa by making a donation in each guests name.
Our African business partners
are committed to the environment, the animals, the people, and the places they call home.

