9-Day Budget Botswana Safari: Chobe, Okavango Delta & Deception Valley
Experience the ultimate Budget Botswana Safari on this fully-inclusive 9-day lodge safari through three of Botswana’s top wildlife destinations: Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta, and Deception Valley in the Kalahari Desert. This safari includes comfortable lodge accommodation, daily game drives and activities, park fees, community levies, meals, and flights between camps.
Quick Safari Overview
Start your Budget Botswana Safari at Chobe Elephant Camp with game drives and Chobe River cruises. Then fly to the Khwai River Area, where you’ll explore the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve from Khwai Guest House. Your final stop is Dune Camp in Deception Valley, where you’ll discover the San culture and the wildlife-rich Kalahari ecosystem.
Itinerary Highlights
Days 1–3: Chobe National Park – Chobe Elephant Camp
Your safari begins with a transfer from the airport near Chobe National Park to Chobe Elephant Camp. Located on a rocky ridge with sweeping views of the Chobe floodplains, this eco-lodge provides the perfect start to your Budget Botswana Safari.
Enjoy open-vehicle game drives and Chobe River cruises, where you’re likely to encounter elephants, buffalo, lions, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and numerous bird species. Learn about local culture with a visit to a nearby Sibuya village. Expect early morning and late afternoon activities with time to relax between meals back at the lodge.
A full-day boat and game drive excursion is also available, with flexible scheduling based on wildlife sightings and water levels.
Days 4–6: Khwai & Moremi Game Reserve – Khwai Guest House
Fly to the Khwai River Area on Day 4, where you’ll stay in the traditional village of Khwai, near the renowned Moremi Game Reserve. Explore the Okavango Delta on mokoro excursions, game drives, night drives, and bush walks (seasonal), guided by experienced local rangers.
Wildlife freely roams between Khwai and Moremi, offering excellent chances to see predators and large herbivores. Mokoro rides provide a peaceful and intimate way to discover the delta’s rich ecosystems. Activities are customized and scheduled according to seasonal conditions and your preferences.
Days 7–8: Deception Valley Private Reserve – Dune Camp
On Day 7, fly to Deception Valley Private Reserve, a vast Kalahari wilderness bordering the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Stay at Dune Camp, a lodge designed to immerse guests in the natural and cultural heritage of Botswana.
Join open-vehicle game drives, night drives, and guided bush walks with the local Naru Tribe. A key feature of this part of your Budget Botswana Safari is the chance to experience the San bushmen’s traditional way of life, providing a cultural dimension to your wildlife adventure.
Day 9: Fly to Maun
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic flight back to Maun, where your unforgettable 9-day Budget Botswana Safari concludes.
Safari Accommodation
Chobe Elephant Camp
This eco-friendly lodge overlooks the Chobe floodplains and is styled like a traditional homestead, using local materials and sustainable architecture. Guests stay in spacious chalets with en suite bathrooms and private verandas. The camp features a swimming pool, viewing deck, and communal lounge and dining areas, all designed for comfort and wildlife watching.
Khwai Guest House
Set in the heart of the Khwai village, this guest house features six thatched bungalows with rustic-modern décor and open-air showers. It’s the perfect base for accessing both the Khwai Concession and Moremi Game Reserve, as well as experiencing local culture.
Dune Camp
Located on a vegetated dune in Deception Valley, this camp offers spectacular views of the Kalahari and an authentic experience with eight chalets, each with private verandas. The main area includes a viewing lounge, boma, bar, dining area, and swimming pool. Wildlife gathers at the nearby waterhole, providing excellent sightings from camp.
Optional Extras
Additional safari activities can be arranged at an extra cost, including:
- Night game drives
- Full-day game drives in Khwai and Moremi
- Cultural experiences with local communities
Child Policy
Children are welcome on this safari. For safety reasons, the following age restrictions apply:
- No game drives for children under 6
- No mokoro rides for children under 12
- No walking safaris for children under 16
Why Choose This Budget Botswana Safari?
This 9-day lodge safari offers unbeatable value while exploring Botswana’s top wildlife destinations: Chobe, the Okavango Delta, and the Kalahari Desert. With comfortable accommodation, knowledgeable guides, and varied activities, it’s the perfect adventure for nature lovers seeking a quality safari on a budget.