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

  • Exclusive Wildlife Encounters in Selinda Reserve – Discover a secluded safari paradise.
  • Mokoro Excursions in the Okavango Delta – Glide through waterways for a unique wildlife view.
  • Witness the Zebra Migration in Makgadikgadi Pans – Experience one of Africa’s great spectacles.

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.

Book a FREE Consultation

When you’re ready, select “book a call” and connect with one of our expert safari specialists by video, phone, or email.

Collaborate with Our Team

We’ll ask the right questions, and work with you to design a once in a lifetime trip that you’ll be proud to share with your travel companions.

Confirm Your Custom Itinerary

Once you’re 100% satisfied with the custom itinerary we’ve prepared for you, we’ll make it safe and easy for you to confirm your reservation.

  • 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

    grey elephant in water
  • 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

    A herd of zebra standing on top of a snow covered field
  • 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

    car passing by in between trees

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

Selinda Explorers Camp

Zarafa Camp

Camp Okavango

Jack’s Camp

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

Start planning your Africa safari adventure with us today!

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