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Northern Botswana
Day 1 – Arrival in Maun
Arrive in Maun and settle in. Afternoon birding along the Thamalakane River for species like Giant Kingfisher, African Jacana, and White-backed Night Heron, Bat Hawk hunting in the evening alongside nightjars in the evening. Overnight in Maun in a comfortable accommodation.
Day 2 – Okavango Panhandle (Shakawe)
Drive northwest to the Panhandle region near Shakawe, famous for riverine birding. First afternoon birding cruise on the Okavango River looking for African Skimmer, African Wood Owl, and White-backed Night Heron. Overnight at a riverside lodge.
Day 3 – Okavango Panhandle (Shakawe and Okavango River)
Morning boat trip in search of the elusive Pel’s Fishing Owl, Wattled Cranes, and African Pygmy Goose. Afternoon birding around the riverine forests near Drotsky’s Cabin for specials such as Western Banded Snake Eagle, Narina Trogon, Southern Carmine Bee Eater and Luapula/ Chirping Cisticola.
Day 4 – Okavango Panhandle
Explore the floodplains of Okavango River and the neighboring farms, home to Slaty Egret, Rufous-bellied Heron, and Sharp-tailed Starling. And when water is low, we can stand a chance to see lesser Jacana and many other waders and other waterbirds within the area.
Day 5 – Transfer to Moremi Game Reserve
Drive southeast back into Moremi. Afternoon birding along the wildlife rich Moremi Game Reserve where, we will tick a lot of interesting animals likes of lions, African wild dogs, leopards and big herds of elephants. Birds to possibly tick are African Barred Owlet, Arnot’s Chat, and Bennett’s Woodpecker and many other wetland species.
Day 6 – Moremi Game Reserve (Xakanaxa area)
A full day birding in Xakanaxa, known for its incredible diversity. Look out for Southern Ground Hornbill, Long-toed Lapwing, Coppery-tailed Coucal, and Rosy-throated Longclaw. Leopards and wild dogs are often sighted here.
Day 7 – Moremi (Boat excursion and woodland birding)
Morning boat trip through the channels for specials like Pel’s Fishing Owl, Malachite Kingfisher, and White-backed Duck. Afternoon woodland birding for raptors and bush species. Big herds of elephants coming down the river to bath, crocodiles out basking in the rising sun.
Day 8 – Transfer to Savuti (Chobe National Park)
Drive to Savuti, a predator-rich savanna. Birding highlights include Kori Bustard, Secretarybird, Red-crested Korhaan, and numerous raptors. Overnight in Savuti.
Day 9 – Savuti Exploration
Morning and afternoon game drives in Savuti. Excellent raptor country with Martial Eagle, Bateleur, and Lappet-faced Vulture. Carmine Bee-eaters nest in riverbanks during their breeding season, and lots of mammals in the neighboring waterholes.
Day 10 – Savuti to Linyanti
Transfer north to Linyanti Swamps, an under-explored birding paradise. Expect Slaty Egret, Lesser Jacana, and Allen’s Gallinule. Sunset boat cruise along the channels.
Day 11 – Linyanti Swamps
Full-day exploration of the swamp system. Key birds include African Skimmer, Coppery Sunbird, Broad-billed Roller, and Collared Palm Thrush. Excellent area for elephants and buffalo as well.
Day 12 – Chobe Riverfront (Kasane)
Drive to Kasane for afternoon boat cruise along the Chobe River. Specials include Rock Pratincole, White-crowned Lapwing, African Skimmer, and heron colonies. Huge elephant herds gather along the banks.
Day 13 – Chobe River Birding
Split day between boat cruise and game drive. Look for Racket-tailed Roller, Schalow’s Turaco, White Fronted Bee-eater, and Yellow-billed Oxpecker.
Day 14 – Kasane to Nata (Makgadikgadi Pans stopover)
Travel south to Nata Bird Sanctuary. Flamingos (seasonal), Chestnut-banded Plover, and Kittlitz’s Plover are highlights. Overnight near Nata.
Day 15 – Return to Maun
Morning birding around Sua Pan before heading back to Maun for departure.
Puso Dimapo