Botswana Northern Highlights

Moremi is considered by many to be the most exceptional area of the Delta region, where all the major habitats and ecozones of the Okavango are conserved. Forming the centre of the Delta ecosystem, Moremi is notable for the density of its wildlife. Vast herds of red lechwe, an ever-present sight on the plains and in the shallow waters, attract lion (there are at least 4 prides here), leopard and wild dog, with sightings of the latter especially good in Moremi. Other rarities include spotty necked otters, and both black and white rhino, which in recent years have been reintroduced to the reserve.

Birding is absolutely wonderful here, with good opportunities to spot raptors such as African hawk-eagle, shikra, little sparrowhawk, tawny eagle, gabar goshawk, dark chanting goshawk. Hornbills are also present in good numbers, including red-billed, African grey, Bradfield’s and southern ground hornbills. A good number of brood-parasites may also be seen, including shaft-tailed whydah, pin-tailed whydah, eastern paradise whydah, greater and lesser honeyguide. Migratory species include lesser spotted eagle and steppe eagle, diederik cuckoo, Levaillant’s cuckoo, great-spotted cuckoo, African cuckoo and Jacobin cuckoo.

The swampy areas of Xakanaka are home to coppery-tailed coucal, African rail, red chested flufftail, black crake, chirping cisticola, purple swamphen, Allen’s gallinule egret and the migratory black coucal and African Crake. On the open waters you can hope to see saddle-billed stork, yellow-billed stork, goliath heron, African fish eagle and the endangered slaty egret and wattled crane.

The Moremi habitat encompasses open floodplains, lagoons, marshes, papyrus fringed channels, savannah and woodland. In addition to the birdlife mentioned above, Moremi sustains lots of big game, including large numbers of buffalo, several packs of wild dog, and breeding herds of elephant.

In the evenings, enjoy a drink by the campfire discussing the day’s sightings with your travelling companions while your delicious meal is prepared and served under the stars.

Among the game to be found here are large pods of hippo and crocodiles. Predators include leopard, serval, cheetah, lion and wild dog, while the grazers include red lechwe, roan and sable antelope, Burchell’s zebra, southern giraffe and tsessebe.

Keen birders will enjoy spotting species such as Stirling’s wren warbler, scarlet-chested sunbird, yellow-breasted apalis, chinspot batis, and long-legged bustard – to name but a few.

Activities here include day and night game drives, walking safaris (depending on water levels), and a mokoro excursion.

En-route to Chobe you will pass the desert-like landscape of the Makgadikgadi paleolake, the remains of an ancient lake that once covered much of northern Botswana. Linking this region is the Savuti Channel & Marsh, and the Mababe Depression. This region is dry and arid for most of the year, but produces rich food for wildlife after the rains. At certain times the depression becomes impassable and an alternative route is used.

This region is renowned as cheetah country and these spectacularly fast cats are a delight to observe in their natural habitat. Lions and elephant also find the place congenial, as do wild dog, who like to hunt in this area.

In addition, the Mababe Depression is a haven for birds attracted by the nutritious grasses which provide excellent seed. Among the species to be found here are the magnificent violet-eared waxbill, black-cheeked waxbill, village indigobird, paradise and shaft-tailed whydah. In turn, these provide a food source for the smaller raptors. Rodents also enjoy the seeds and flourish in the long grass, attracting secretary birds, tawny eagles and black-shouldered kites. Migrant species include Wahlberg’s eagle, steppe buzzard, lesser-spotted eagle and steppe eagle.

Your itinerary ends in Kasane. If flying out this afternoon, we can provide an airport transfer. We can also arrange a night in Kasane and transfer to your hotel if your itinerary/flight schedule requires it. You may also like to consider extending your safari with a couple of nights in Victoria Falls – please ask for more details.