This fully serviced 12-day Botswana camping safari starts in Johannesburg, South Africa, and ends at the iconic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Designed for adventurous travellers over 40, it offers a comfortable and affordable way to explore southern Africa’s wild beauty. See ancient Bushman rock art at Mapungubwe in South Africa. Head to Botswana for rhino tracking at Khama Rhino Sanctuary and experience 4x4 game drives in Khwai, Moremi, Savuti & Chobe National Parks. Relax with a Chobe River boat cruise before ending this senior safari at the spectacular Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
Welcome to South Africa! Your 12-day Budget Botswana Safari begins upon arrival at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport, where you will be transferred to your hotel. In the evening, join your tour group for a pre-departure briefing at 18:00 in the hotel reception area.
This morning, we depart Johannesburg after breakfast and travel north through Limpopo Province towards the Botswana border. Our destination is the Mapesu Private Game Reserve, nestled near the Limpopo River. This area forms part of the Mapungubwe National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was home to southern Africa’s first kingdom in the 13th century. The park also boasts ancient San rock art. We settle in at our serviced camp, anticipating our safari adventures in Mapungubwe tomorrow.
Day 3 of our safari begins bright and early with a morning walk to view the Kaoxa Bushman rock paintings, and concludes with a sunset game drive offering spectacular views over the baobab-studded landscape.
Today, our safari takes us through the Limpopo Province of South Africa, where we cross the border into Botswana. We then head to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, a vital conservation area for the endangered rhino species. In the late afternoon, you have the option to join a two-hour game drive (at your own expense) to search for white rhinos and other wildlife.
On day 5 of our Botswana Safari, we leave Khama Rhino Sanctuary after breakfast and journey westward along the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans. We reach the safari hub of Maun by late afternoon. Maun is the third-largest town in Botswana and is considered the tourism capital of the country. It is the primary access point or gateway to the Moremi Game Reserve and the Okavango Delta. We settle in at our camp and enjoy a relaxed evening around the campfire in preparation for our Moremi safari adventure ahead.
Safari Note: Fly-in clients arrive in Maun
At mid-morning today, we switch to 4x4 vehicles and head into the wilderness of the Mababe area, which borders the Moremi Game Reserve.
We set up camp with bush showers and toilets at our private campsite for the next two days. This remote region is known for its dense vegetation, towering palm trees, and diverse wildlife. Our safari adventure in Moremi is spent on early morning and late afternoon game drives in both the private concession and the Khwai area of the reserve.
On day 8 of our Botswana Camping Adventure, we travel to the legendary Savute region in Chobe National Park, renowned for its powerful lion prides and dramatic wildlife encounters. We set up camp in our private site with bush toilets and showers, and explore the area on an afternoon game drive.
This morning, our safari continues with a game drive through Savute and Chobe National Park as we make our way to the Chobe Riverfront area. Days 9 and 10 of our Botswana safari adventure are based at a tranquil riverfront campsite along the banks of the Chobe River. We set up camp and enjoy the incredible scenery, abundant wildlife, renowned birdlife, and magnificent sunsets for which Chobe is famous.
On day 10, spend the morning at leisure or go on an optional game drive in Chobe National Park (at your own expense). In the late afternoon, relax with a game-viewing boat cruise on the Chobe River.
We depart from Chobe after breakfast this morning and cross the border into Zimbabwe, arriving at Victoria Falls around lunchtime.
Spend the afternoon and tomorrow morning exploring the adventure capital at your leisure: visit the Falls, browse local markets, or partake in adrenaline activities such as white-water rafting or a scenic helicopter flight (all at your own expense).
Our unforgettable 12-Day Botswana Safari adventure concludes after breakfast this morning when you are transferred to Victoria Falls Airport.
Accommodation in Johannesburg or Victoria Falls (for before and after this safari) can be pre-booked through us. Arrival and departure airport transfers to the selected departure point are included in the tour price. Additional transfers can be pre-booked. For more details, contact African Budget Safaris.
This is a fully serviced camping safari conducted with three staff members who take care of all camp duties, including setting up and dismantling the tents, cooking, and other camp chores. A camping bed, mattress, sleeping bag, and small pillow are provided on this Botswana Senior Tour, which travels with 16 clients at most.
This safari is also available in the opposite direction as the 12-Day Budget Botswana Safari - Camping Adventure Southbound, beginning in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, and ending in Johannesburg, South Africa.
This Botswana Safari is conducted in a custom-designed overland vehicle built for Africa’s rugged terrain. The overland vehicle features 16 or 20 comfortable, forward-facing seats with lap seatbelts, providing guests with extra space and comfort on the road.
Its open cabin design facilitates easy communication with the driver, while large slide-down windows enhance airflow and visibility - ideal for game drives. The overland vehicle features ample storage for baggage and refreshments, including two fridges/freezers, water tanks with potable water, and charging points for devices at each seat. There is also access to guides and reference books on wildlife, birds, etc, to enrich your game-viewing experience. Safety is prioritised with a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, toolbox, and spare tyres. Each overland vehicle is thoroughly serviced after every safari.
Open 4x4 vehicles are used in the Moremi Game Reserve.
This tour does not take children.
All Johannesburg Departures | All Botswana Tours |
This Botswana Budget Safari is a fully-serviced camping safari adventure, a senior tour for mature travellers. Explore beautiful and wildlife-rich wilderness areas of Botswana, including Khwai at Moremi,Chobe, plus Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. See ancient rock art of Mapungubwe in South Africa.
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