Botswana Green Season Signature
Lush Landscapes,
dramatic skies and wildlife reborn
The Core Circuit follows a comfortable travel rhythm, covering approximately 800 km (excluding game drives in Makgadikgadi and the Central Kalahari, very much part of the adventure).
Adding the 3–4 days Panhandle & Tsodilo Hills extension brings roughly 800 km more through quieter, less-travelled regions.
Continuing south to end in Gaborone adds approximately 400–450 km, easing the transition from wilderness to city.
One of our personal favourites, this tour showcases Botswana at its most vibrant, just after the summer rains.
From Maun, travel through the expansive Nxai Pan and Makgadikgadi salt flats, follow the Boteti River to wildlife-rich floodplains, and venture into the vast Central Kalahari Game Reserve.
Tailored for the “connaisseur” traveller, it’s not a first-time Africa trip, perfect for those who seek remote, seasonal wilderness.
The route can circle back to Maun or end in Gaborone, with options for rhino tracking at Khama Rhino Sanctuary or a lodge perched on the edge of Goo Moremi Gorge.
A three/four-day side-trip to the Panhandle and Tsodilo Hills adds cultural and scenic highlights.
A seasonal Botswana safari, lush, immersive, and deeply rewarding.
Day 1–2
Maun
Maun welcomes gently. Settle into one of our handpicked lodges, charming B&Bs or intimate campsites. Ease into Botswana’s rhythm — perhaps with a mokoro excursion into the Okavango Delta, drifting silently between papyrus reeds as fish eagles call overhead.
Optional Extension (3–4 days)
Okavango Panhandle & Tsodilo Hills
For those who prefer to begin their journey in quaint riverside retreats (both lodges and scenic campsites), the Panhandle offers the perfect slow start. In this season, expect excellent tiger fishing, boat or mokoro trips on a full river, exceptional birdwatching and golden sunsets.
Nearby, Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveal thousands of ancient rock paintings. A year-round destination, the Hills are especially attractive in the green season. The views from the top of Male Hill are breathtaking, and guided walks add meaningful cultural depth to your safari journey.
Day 3–5
Nxai Pan: Green Season Bliss
From November to April, Nxai Pan transforms from an arid landscape into lush green grasslands, drawing vast herds of zebra, wildebeest and gemsbok. The zebra migration and peak calving season attract high concentrations of predators, lions, cheetahs and wild dogs, offering excellent (though sometimes challenging) game viewing.
We can recommend some beautiful upper-budget lodges in the area; however, Nxai fits perfectly into a mobile safari. For mid-range travellers, the park can also be visited from excellent properties along the Boteti River.
Day 5–7
The Makgadikgadi: Salt Pans come to life
The vast, lunar scenery of the Makgadikgadi transforms into a seasonal paradise. The pans fill with water; fresh grass and blooming flowers attract flamingos, migrating zebra and wildebeest and predators follow close behind. Baobab “islands”, quad biking at sunrise and unforgettable stargazing add to the experience. Here too, you may opt for one of several fantastic lodges, continue your mobile safari, or explore large parts of the region from the Boteti side.
Day 7–9
Deep into the solitude of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Discover the second largest game reserve in the world, where over 52,000 km² of Kalahari wilderness stretch endlessly to the horizon. After the rains, lush grasses, seasonal pans and thriving waterholes attract desert-adapted black-maned lions, cheetahs, giraffe and abundant birdlife.With few visitors, 4x4 drives and small camps offer an intimate, immersive safari experience. The green season delivers dramatic landscapes, soft light and a peaceful, unforgettable adventure in one of Africa’s most remote wild places.
Day 9–12
Return to Maun & the Okavango Delta
You may choose to end your journey back in Maun, keeping the itinerary under two weeks. Spend your final days comfortably lodged in or just outside town close enough to civilisation, yet perfectly positioned to dip into the Delta by mokoro or boat.
Alternative Extension, South (from Day 9)
For those with slightly more time, the journey can continue south towards Botswana’s capital, Gaborone, with unique experiences along the way.
Day 9–11
Next, head to Khama Rhino Sanctuary, a community-based reserve protecting both white and black rhinos and one of only two places in Botswana where you can participate in rhino tracking. An early morning departure in an open safari vehicle, accompanied by a specialized guide, sets the tone. We search for fresh tracks of these magnificent animals. When your guide determines the spoor is recent enough, you leave the vehicle and continue on foot, an exhilarating and humbling experience.
Tracking Rhinos on Foot
We recommend overnighting inside the reserve in comfortable, affordable chalets or at the campsite.If you have a night to spare, we have a true gem up our sleeve: a beautiful lodge perched on the edge of a gorge: think infinity pool, spacious chalets along the ridge, even a nearby vulture colony. Best of all, it can be surprisingly affordable.
Day 11–13
Botswana’s Quaint Capital, Gaborone
Gaborone may not be a destination in itself and is often bypassed by travellers. Yet we believe this safe, medium-sized city offers a calmer and more relaxed finale to your journey compared to Johannesburg.We know the city well and will ensure you stay in accommodation perfectly suited to your preferences and budget. We’ll point you towards Gabs’ finest restaurants and, if energy allows, suggest a few worthwhile spots or activities before your departure.
Duration
Under 2 weeks - Essential
3 weeks - In Depth
Distance
The Core Circuit follows a comfortable travel rhythm, covering approximately 800 km (excluding game drives in Makgadikgadi and the Central Kalahari, very much part of the adventure).
Start & Finish
Starts in Maun
Accessible by domestic flight from Gaborone or Johannesburg. Finish back in Maun or Gaborone.
Travel Style
We recommend self-driving this Green Season route only for experienced 4x4 drivers. Lodge-based & camping combination. Or, recommended, fully guided.
