Botswana Educational Tour Journal – Desert & Delta Safaris | May 2026

Botswana Educational Tour Journal – Desert & Delta Safaris | May 2026

By Navy Wang, Managing Director MW Tours

Having sold Botswana for many years, I was excited to finally experience Desert & Delta’s properties firsthand. This seven-day educational journey provided a wonderful opportunity to better understand the diversity of Botswana’s landscapes, wildlife experiences and accommodation offerings.

From the vast Makgadikgadi Pans to the waterways of the Okavango Delta and the wildlife-rich Chobe Riverfront, the journey showcased why Botswana remains one of Africa’s premier safari destinations.

Our adventure began in Maun, where we boarded a Cessna Caravan aircraft, the primary mode of transport between many of Botswana’s remote safari lodges. Flying low over the wilderness immediately highlighted the country’s vastness and the unique logistical challenges that make Botswana such an exclusive safari destination.

Leroo La Tau – Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Our first stop was Leroo La Tau, beautifully positioned on a clifftop overlooking the Boteti River. As one of the few permanent water sources in the region, the river attracts wildlife throughout the year and provides spectacular viewing opportunities directly from the lodge.

The contrast between the lush Okavango Delta that Botswana is famous for and the dry landscapes of Makgadikgadi was immediately apparent. Endless stretches of grasslands and salt pans extended to the horizon, creating a sense of scale that is difficult to appreciate until you see it for yourself.

That afternoon we embarked on our first game drive. Within a short time we encountered elephants, zebras and wildebeest while our knowledgeable guide, Doctor, shared fascinating insights into the seasonal zebra migration, one of Africa’s lesser-known wildlife spectacles.

The following morning revealed another side of the region. Hundreds of zebras gathered across the open plains, demonstrating why Makgadikgadi is renowned for hosting one of the largest zebra migrations in Africa. The wildlife viewing was excellent, yet there were virtually no other vehicles in sight, reinforcing Botswana’s reputation for exclusive safari experiences.

The lodge inspection was equally impressive. Spacious rooms, excellent service and its unique location make Leroo La Tau an outstanding option for clients seeking a safari experience beyond the traditional Delta circuit.

Sediba Sa Rona – Khwai Region

Our next destination was Sediba Sa Rona, reached via a scenic light aircraft flight and road transfer into the Khwai region bordering Moremi Game Reserve.

The landscape changed dramatically as we entered the Okavango ecosystem. Dry grasslands gave way to lush floodplains, waterways and dense vegetation, creating ideal habitats for a wide variety of wildlife.

The lodge itself was stunning. Spacious tented suites, elegant design and excellent hospitality combined to create a luxurious safari experience while still maintaining a strong connection with nature.

The wildlife viewing exceeded expectations. During a morning game drive we were fortunate enough to encounter two leopards, a remarkable sighting and one that highlighted the quality of guiding in the region.

Another memorable experience was our mokoro excursion. Gliding quietly through the Delta channels in a traditional dugout canoe offered a completely different perspective of the Okavango. Surrounded by birdlife and pristine wilderness, it was easy to understand why the Delta is considered one of Africa’s most unique ecosystems.

Before departing for our next lodge, we enjoyed a scenic helicopter flight over the Delta. Seeing the intricate network of waterways, islands and floodplains from above was simply breathtaking and provided a completely new appreciation for the scale of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed environment.

Camp Xakanaxa – Moremi Game Reserve

Our journey continued deeper into the Okavango Delta to Camp Xakanaxa, one of Botswana’s most iconic safari camps.

Located within the renowned Moremi Game Reserve, the camp enjoys access to both land and water-based safari activities. The setting is exceptional, surrounded by lagoons, channels and riverine forests.

The game drives were rewarding, with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the reserve. Moremi’s combination of permanent water and diverse habitats creates one of Africa’s richest wildlife environments.

As the sun set over the Delta, we enjoyed a classic Botswana sundowner overlooking the water. Moments like these perfectly capture the magic of safari travel.

Chobe Game Lodge – Chobe National Park

Our final destination was Chobe Game Lodge, reached via flight to Kasane followed by a short transfer into Chobe National Park.

Chobe Game Lodge is unique as the only permanent lodge located within the national park itself. It is also internationally recognised for its pioneering all-female guiding team and strong sustainability initiatives.

The Chobe River immediately proved why it is one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. During our sunset boat safari we watched large elephant herds move along the riverbanks before witnessing a lioness approach the water’s edge for a drink, an unforgettable moment against the backdrop of the setting sun.

The following morning’s game drive delivered outstanding sightings including buffalo, giraffe, antelope and numerous bird species. In the afternoon we encountered a pride of six lions resting in the middle of the bush, providing exceptional photographic opportunities.

One particularly enjoyable experience was a private lunch arranged along the Chobe Riverfront. Sharing stories and experiences with fellow travel professionals while surrounded by wilderness perfectly reflected the spirit of the educational tour.

Final Reflections

As our educational tour came to an end, I reflected on the incredible diversity Botswana offers.

Within just seven days we experienced:

• The vast landscapes of Makgadikgadi
• The wilderness of Khwai
• The waterways of the Okavango Delta
• The wildlife-rich Chobe Riverfront

Each destination delivered a completely different safari experience, while Desert & Delta’s properties consistently provided exceptional guiding, hospitality and comfort.

What impressed me most was the exclusivity of the experience. Despite visiting some of Africa’s premier wildlife regions, we rarely encountered other vehicles and often felt as though we had the wilderness entirely to ourselves.

Botswana is not a destination that can be fully appreciated through brochures and photographs alone. Experiencing the landscapes, wildlife and warm hospitality firsthand highlighted the magic that makes this country so special.

This journey reinforced why Botswana remains one of Africa’s leading safari destinations and why Desert & Delta continues to set the benchmark for authentic luxury safari experiences. I returned home inspired, better informed and even more confident in recommending Botswana to our travel partners and clients.

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