Botswana Migration Magic
Unlike East Africa’s Great Migration, Botswana’s zebra and wildebeest migration is one of Africa’s least-known wildlife spectacles. Every year, tens of thousands of zebras and wildebeest move between the Boteti River, the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, and the Mababe Depression in response to seasonal rains and grazing conditions. This exclusive journey combines this remarkable migration with Victoria Falls and some of Botswana’s finest luxury camps.
DURATION
12 Nights
LOCATIONS
• Johannesburg • Victoria Falls
• Mababe Depression
• Boteti River
• Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
Day 1
Arrive in Johannesburg and enjoy an overnight stay before continuing to Victoria Falls the following morning. This allows time to recover from your international flight and ensures a relaxed start to your safari.
Stay at InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport Hotel or similar.
Days 2-4
Fly to Victoria Falls and check into one of the area’s iconic luxury properties, such as The Victoria Falls Hotel or similar.
Explore one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World with a privately guided tour of the Falls, followed by a sunset cruise along the mighty Zambezi River. Additional activities can include scenic helicopter flights, Devil’s Pool (season permitting), white-water rafting, guided walking safaris, or game drives in Zambezi National Park.
Victoria Falls provides the perfect introduction before venturing into Botswana’s remote wilderness.
Days 4-7
Cross into Botswana and transfer to Wilderness Mokete Camp or similar, situated within the remote Mababe Depression.
Following years of seasonal flooding, this vast wilderness has become one of Botswana’s most exciting wildlife regions. During the migration period, large herds of zebra and wildebeest move through the area, closely followed by lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, and spotted hyenas. The changing water levels create an ever-evolving landscape that delivers exceptional game viewing and very few other vehicles.
Days 7-9
Continue south to Meno a Kwena Tented Camp or similar, overlooking the Boteti River.
The Boteti River becomes a vital water source during the dry season, attracting impressive concentrations of zebra, wildebeest, elephants, and other plains game. Wildlife viewing from camp is exceptional, while guided game drives and walking safaris provide excellent opportunities to witness Botswana’s migration from a completely different perspective.
The Boteti River is generally at its best for migration viewing between May and August.
Days 9-13
Complete your journey at Jack’s Camp, San Camp, or similar, deep within the Makgadikgadi ecosystem.
The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans offer one of Africa’s most extraordinary landscapes. During the green season, seasonal rains transform the pans into nutrient-rich grasslands that attract thousands of zebras and wildebeest, making this one of the largest mammal migrations on the continent. Beyond game drives, guests can enjoy meerkat encounters, quad biking across the salt pans (seasonal), bush walks with San Bushmen, and remarkable stargazing.
The Makgadikgadi migration is typically at its peak between November and March, when fresh grazing draws wildlife onto the pans.
WHAT THIS REALLY MEANS
- Botswana’s remarkable zebra and wildebeest migration
- Combines two of Africa’s most spectacular natural wonders in one journey
- Exclusive luxury camps with outstanding guiding
- Diverse experiences including classic safaris, walking safaris, river cruises, and cultural encounters
- Ideal for travelers looking beyond the traditional East African migration
Starting From
- Peak Season (June – October | Dec 15 – Jan 2): USD $18,000 per person (12 Nights) (~ $1,500 PPPN)
-
Green / Shoulder Season:
USD $15,600 per person (12 Nights) (~ $1,300 PPPN)
Starting prices vary depending on travel dates and the seasonal location of Botswana’s migration.
Seasons
May – August (Dry Season / Boteti Migration)
Cool, dry weather creates outstanding safari conditions. Wildlife gathers around permanent water sources, particularly along the Boteti River, where large herds of zebra and wildebeest can be seen. Clear skies, comfortable daytime temperatures, and excellent predator sightings make this one of the finest times to visit.
September – October (Hot Dry Season)
Temperatures rise considerably, but wildlife viewing remains exceptional as animals continue to concentrate around limited water sources. Predator activity is often excellent during this period.
November – March (Green Season / Makgadikgadi Migration)
Seasonal rains transform the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans into vast grazing plains, attracting thousands of migrating zebras and wildebeest. The landscape becomes lush and green, birdlife flourishes, and photography is particularly rewarding. This is the ideal period to experience the migration across the salt pans.
April (Transition Season)
As the rains begin to ease, wildlife starts shifting between the Makgadikgadi ecosystem and surrounding regions. Conditions vary depending on seasonal rainfall but often provide rewarding game viewing with fewer visitors.
Optional Variations
- 9-Night Version: Combine Victoria Falls, Mababe Depression, and either Boteti River or Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, depending on where the migration is strongest during your travel dates.
- Extend your safari with the Okavango Delta or Linyanti for an even broader Botswana experience.
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- All meals as indicated (Fully Inclusive basis at camps)
- Soft drinks, beer, house wines, and selected spirits at camps
- Transfers and local flights
- Shared game drives (day and night) and walking safaris
- Park fees, conservation charges, and emergency support cover
- Laundry services at camps
Exclusions
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Premium spirits, champagne, and cellar wines
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Optional activities (e.g., Balloon Safaris)
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