Botswana Tours
Botswana Leopard Safari Holiday
Join our 17 night adventure camping safari travelling throughout Botswana.
Tour Overview
Embark on an extraordinary 17-night camping safari holiday that promises an unparalleled experience in the breathtaking African wilderness!
Come on this remarkable journey deep into the heart of Botswana, where nature's splendour awaits at every turn. Your adventure begins with an enlightening encounter with the San Bushmen, one of humanity's oldest cultures. Here, you will gain a deep appreciation for their rich traditions and intimate connection to the land.
Following this meaningful introduction, you will venture into the enchanting Okavango Delta, renowned for its spectacular biodiversity. From there, prepare to explore the stunning landscapes of Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park, where unforgettable wildlife experiences are sure to delight.
This immersive journey combines the thrill of exploration with the breathtaking beauty of some of the world's most diverse ecosystems. Traverse lush plains and vibrant deltas, all alive with incredible wildlife encounters! Marvel at the majestic elephants, graceful giraffes, and a dazzling array of bird species. Along the way, you'll connect with local cultures, enriching your understanding of this remarkable region.
As the sun sets, gather around the cosy campfire, sharing stories beneath a sparkling blanket of stars. The grand finale of your adventure is witnessing the awe-inspiring power of Victoria Falls – an unforgettable memory that will forever hold a special place in your heart. This safari is designed for those with a passion for adventure and a desire to connect with the wild essence of Africa.
Day By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Start the Leopard Safari in Maun
On arrival in Maun, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation for the evening. After your journey, the rest of the day is leisure time.
Overnight in Maun
DAY 2-3
Deception Valley
Meet your guide at your lodge at 7:30am for a scenic 160km journey to a private reserve bordering the vast Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Set up camp and get a safari briefing before two days of exploring this incredible wilderness – game drives searching for desert-adapted animals like oryx, springbok and eland, plus predators such as lions, brown hyenas and cheetahs. Join a local San tracker on a nature walk to learn their ancestral knowledge of the bush. This is adventure camping in its purest form – water and communications are limited, and the group travels self-sufficiently.
Overnight in Camping, Deception Valley · Meals included: Day 2: lunch, dinner; Day 3: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 4-6
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Depart at sunrise for the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana's most significant wildlife sanctuary – a 3-4 hour journey including a game drive through untouched wilderness. Set up camp in the northern part of the reserve for three nights at a secluded, designated spot with basic amenities and incredible surrounding scenery.
Overnight in Camping, Central Kalahari Game Reserve · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 7
Makgadikgadi
After packing camp, a relaxed 3-4 hour drive to the Makgadikgadi region, camping on the edge of the national park overlooking the Boteti River, which flows through Khumaga village. In the afternoon, a game drive into the vast Makgadikgadi National Park.
Overnight in Lodge, Makgadikgadi · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 8-10
Okavango Delta
After a sunrise breakfast, set off for the Okavango Delta, stocking up on drinks in Maun before reaching the Gomoti River, the Delta's gateway, to meet your local polers and their traditional mokoro canoes. Cruise quietly along river channels and floodplains deep inside the Delta. For three days, glide through channels teeming with life, take guided walks across islands and floodplains, and camp under the vast African sky with basic amenities – imagine sleeping on a secluded island, lulled to sleep by the sounds of the Delta. On the third afternoon, an optional helicopter ride is available (payable locally, cash only). Note: main luggage stays in the vehicle in a secured area, as mokoro canoes cannot carry large bags – pack a smaller bag for the two nights on the island.
Overnight in Camping, Okavango Delta · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 11-13
Moremi Game Reserve, Xakanaka & Khwai
A pre-dawn breakfast fuels the journey to Moremi Game Reserve, known for its diverse and striking landscapes, from lush floodplains to woodlands teeming with wildlife and birds. Spend three nights at two different campsites, with game drives at sunrise and sunset – the prime times to spot animals – and evenings at comfortable private campsites under a starry sky.
Overnight in Camping, Moremi Game Reserve · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 14
Southern Chobe National Park – Savute / Zwei Zwei
Trade lush greenery for the drier plains of Savute, home to magnificent bull elephants and an ever-changing ecosystem of waterholes, dry riverbeds and hidden marshes. Every game drive is an adventure in this dynamic region. Rest comfortably at private campsites in the peace of the African bush.
Overnight in Camping, Chobe National Park · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 15-16
Northern Chobe National Park
Continue north to the Chobe River, where game drives follow the riverbanks to the cry of the African Fish Eagle – a unique river environment teeming with wildlife, from the rare puku and Chobe bushbuck to a stunning array of birds. Transfer from the southern part of Chobe National Park deeper into the lush floodplains for even more animal encounters.
Overnight in Camping, Chobe National Park · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 17
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
After a short morning game drive, transfer to the Kazungula border to meet your lodge transfer for Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (visa required). Spend the night at a comfortable lodge, with time to visit the thunderous Victoria Falls and shop in the afternoon (lunch and dinner at your own expense).
Overnight in Lodge, Victoria Falls · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 18
End of the Leopard Safari
The safari officially ends after breakfast. Post-tour accommodation, activities and transfers to Victoria Falls airport, lodges, or Kasane, Botswana can be arranged at an additional cost – ask your lodge reception about activities such as white water rafting down the Zambezi Gorge, canoeing on the upper Zambezi, and helicopter flights over the Falls.
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Know Before You Go
Included & Excluded
What’s Included
All accommodation as per the safari itinerary – spacious dome tents with mattresses, and rooms at a comfortable lodge in Maun / Victoria Falls
Transfers and activities as per the safari itinerary
Meals as indicated – breakfast, plus lunch and dinner as shown in the itinerary
Tea and coffee
Services of a professional guide and camp assistant
All Botswana park entry fees for activities included in the itinerary
Transport in specialised safari vehicles
What’s Not Included
International flights to the start and end point of the tour – contact us for information and flight options
Any airport taxes
Travel insurance
Visa requirements
Transfer at the end of the tour
Optional excursions – scenic flight over the Delta, activities in Victoria Falls/Maun, entry into the Falls
Items of a personal nature
Tips for guide and driver
Beverages (alcohol, soft drinks and bottled mineral water)
Sleeping bag (£20 to hire for the duration of the safari)
Book With Confidence
Dates & Prices
Departure dates run throughout 2026 and 2027 – get in touch with Our Local Tour to book. Please note that dates, schedules and itinerary are subject to change; contact us for more information.
From £2,995 per person (Low Season) / £3,175 per person (High Season), based on two people travelling and sharing
Good to Know
Travel Information
Safety, Passport, Visa and Health Information
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice for Botswana.
Botswana is considered a safe destination, economically and politically stable – listen to your guide, who will brief you on safety in the bush and towns. As you spend only a short time in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, you should not encounter many of the problems that affect the rest of the country – avoid displaying valuables when visiting the Falls and markets.
What to Bring on Safari
One large kit bag (preferably a rucksack or a bag with soft sides – hard or semi-hard suitcases are difficult to pack in the trailers and can be a problem for light aircraft flights), plus one item of hand luggage. Main luggage should be a maximum of 12kg and 700mm x 350mm x 350mm – a sleeping bag can be carried outside the main luggage. For the Delta, pack only what you need for 2-3 nights in a smaller bag, since transfers to the island are by traditional dugout canoe; your main luggage stays locked in a secured vehicle. You need far fewer clothes than you think on safari.
Bring a sleeping bag (nights can be chilly year-round and cold in winter – hire available at £20 for the safari, book in advance), a torch with spare batteries (a head torch is useful), hat/cap, scarf and gloves (especially in winter), a warm windproof/waterproof jacket or fleece, swimming costume, towel, natural-coloured clothing (no bright colours or white), t-shirts, shorts, lightweight long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt for sun and mosquito protection, comfortable walking shoes and sandals, camera equipment with spare batteries and memory cards, cable adaptors, a water bottle, a small day pack, and personal toiletries including sunscreen, malaria prophylaxis (Botswana is a malaria area), mosquito repellent, waterproof/zip-lock bags, and a personal first aid kit with any personal medicines.
While You're There
You'll need to cover your own beverages, bought in shops in Kasane or Maun (Botswana Pula cash or Visa/Mastercard accepted). Scenic flights are an optional activity, paid in cash in EUR to the partner operator in Maun. If staying at a lodge, drinks and lunch/dinner are not included; in Victoria Falls, pay for extras in cash in USD. Banks and currency exchange bureaus in Botswana do not accept damaged, defaced, or older (pre-2006) notes. ATMs are available in major towns (Maun, Kasane, Victoria Falls) but aren't always reliable – Visa and Mastercard are most widely accepted, Amex and Diners rarely so. USD is the primary currency in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, alongside Zimbabwe bonds.
Tipping isn't compulsory but is appreciated, and is a personal decision reflecting the service you received – in Botswana, tip in local currency (foreign currencies also accepted); in Zimbabwe and Zambia, tip in foreign currencies. Consider tipping your professional guide, camp assistant and translator, mokoro polers, boat drivers, lodge porters/bar staff, and your pilot for any optional scenic flight. For curios and crafts, the best value shopping is around Victoria Falls, with a good variety of Botswana crafts such as basketry also available locally – space is limited on safari, so shopping at the end of the trip works best. Drinks are not included on camping safaris and must be bought in town before or during the safari (vehicles have a water filtration system for safe drinking water). All meals are cooked on an open fire, with an African flavour to the menus – dietary requirements can be catered for if notified at booking, though specialist gluten-free/vegan foods are not always available locally.
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