12 Days Botswana and Rwanda Luxury+ Safari Experience (From Desert to The Misty Rain Forests)

Embarking on the 12 Days Botswana and Rwanda Luxury+ Safari from the arid expanses of Botswana to the misty rainforests of Rwanda is a journey unlike any other. This bespoke itinerary combines the untamed wilderness of southern Africa with the mystique of Rwanda’s volcanic mountains, offering travelers an unparalleled encounter with wildlife, landscapes, and culture. From the moment you land in Maun, Botswana, you will be immersed in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Okavango Delta, one of the world’s last remaining pristine wetland ecosystems.

Guided by highly trained expert rangers, every game drive and mokoro excursion reveals intricate details of the Delta’s delicate ecosystem, showcasing elephants, lions, leopards, and the vast array of bird species that thrive among its channels and islands. Transitioning to Linyanti, the safari shifts to an environment renowned for its concentration of elephants and rare predators, blending luxury accommodations with raw wilderness for an intimate wildlife experience.

Botswana Wildlife Safaris

12 Days Botswana and Rwanda Luxury+ Safari Highlights

Transfers and Activities

• Private aircraft transfers between camps
• Expert guides and trackers
• Gourmet meals and fine wines
• All activities and excursions, including game drives and boat safaris
• Double Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Golden Monkey Tracking

Tour Quotation Based on Luxury+ Safari Experience

Botswana Guided Nature Walk Safari

12 Days Botswana and Rwanda Luxury+ Safari Experience (From Desert to The Misty Rain Forests)

After an extraordinary Botswana adventure, the journey takes a seamless flight to Rwanda, where the focus shifts to the majestic Volcanoes National Park. Here, guests encounter one of nature’s most profound experiences: tracking mountain gorillas through mist-shrouded forests, observing their behaviors, and learning about conservation efforts at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Golden monkey tracking and immersion in Rwandan culture enrich the experience further, providing a deep appreciation of the region’s biodiversity and heritage.

Throughout the 12 Days Botswana and Rwanda Luxury+ Safari journey, luxury camps and lodges ensure comfort, fine dining, and personalized service, making the safari not only an adventure but a lavish retreat. Every moment is carefully curated to provide a balance of excitement, tranquility, and cultural insight, creating memories that last a lifetime. By combining Botswana’s dynamic wetlands and savannahs with Rwanda’s lush rainforests, this 12 Days Botswana and Rwanda Luxury+ Safari exemplifies the pinnacle of Africa luxury travel.

• Animals to Spot: African elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, crocodile, various antelope species.
• Birds to Spot: African fish eagle, lilac-breasted roller, carmine bee-eater, kingfishers, hornbills, weavers.
• Cultures to Experience: Tswana heritage, traditional Rwandan culture, conservationist communities.

Day 1 – Okavango Delta Arrival & Introductory Safari Moments

Upon arrival at Maun Airport, travelers are met by Deks Safaris’ professional guides and transferred to a private charter flight that soars over Botswana’s diverse landscapes, offering breathtaking aerial views of the Okavango Delta. The flight lands at an intimate airstrip within the heart of the Delta, where a luxury mobile safari camp awaits.

Guests are immediately enveloped in a serene wilderness atmosphere, complemented by world-class service, gourmet cuisine, and meticulously designed tents that blend comfort with nature. The afternoon begins with a gentle introduction to the Delta’s intricate ecosystem, often through a mokoro excursion, where skilled local paddlers navigate the narrow waterways, allowing close encounters with waterbirds, hippos, and sometimes elusive predators at the water’s edge.

How is a Game Drive in Okavango Delta Like?

Game drives during the late afternoon bring travelers into the open floodplains, where sightings of elephants, lions, giraffes, and buffalo are common. Expert guides share insights into animal behavior, ecology, and the Delta’s seasonal rhythms, ensuring each safari moment is both educational and thrilling. The first evening concludes with sundowners overlooking the waterways, highlighting the Delta’s ethereal beauty as the sun casts a golden glow across the floodplains.

Meals at the mobile camp are crafted from locally sourced ingredients and complemented by fine wines, ensuring an indulgent experience. Nighttime brings the sounds of the wild, from the distant roar of lions to the gentle lapping of water, immersing guests fully into the heart of the African wilderness. This opening day sets the tone for an unforgettable 12 Days Botswana and Rwanda Luxury+ Safari journey, combining luxury, adventure, and nature in perfect harmony.

• Animals to Spot: African elephant, lion, giraffe, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, impala, lechwe.
• Birds to Spot: African fish eagle, malachite kingfisher, pygmy goose, jacana, sacred ibis.
• Cultures to Experience: Tswana village heritage, traditional canoe paddling culture.

Mokoro Exploration

Day 2 – Immersive Delta Game Drives & Mokoro Exploration

Day two begins with a dawn awakening, where guests are treated to the tranquility of sunrise over the Delta’s shimmering waters. Guided game drives provide a full morning immersion into the Delta’s wildlife-rich landscapes. Tracks of predators are closely monitored by expert trackers, allowing for thrilling encounters with elusive leopards and lions.

Each observation is complemented by detailed explanations about hunting strategies, social dynamics, and ecological interconnections. Mid-morning, a mokoro excursion navigates narrow waterways and hidden channels, revealing bird species that inhabit reeds and islands. Hippos, crocodiles, and waterbuck often share these aquatic corridors, creating memorable photography opportunities and intimate wildlife interactions.

How About the Luxurious Guided Nature Walks in Delta Islands?

Lunch is served back at the camp, offering a restful interlude while discussing morning sightings and planning the afternoon excursions. As the day progresses, guests have the choice of guided walks on delta islands, where footprints of wildlife and vegetation diversity become apparent. These walks reveal the intricate relationships between plants, insects, and herbivores. Afternoon game drives continue, often extending to floodplain areas where large herds of elephants and buffalo gather.

Sunset brings another opportunity for reflection and photography as the sky transforms into rich hues of orange and purple. The evening concludes with a bush dinner, where under the starlit sky, guests experience African storytelling, local music, and the soft sounds of nocturnal wildlife. This day solidifies the Delta’s reputation as one of the world’s most remarkable wilderness experiences.

• Animals to Spot: Leopard, lion, African elephant, hippo, giraffe, buffalo, waterbuck, sable antelope.
• Birds to Spot: African fish eagle, lilac-breasted roller, kingfisher, jacana, herons, hornbills.
• Cultures to Experience: Mokoro paddling traditions, Tswana storytelling.

Day 3 – Advanced Delta Safari & Fine Dining Under the Stars

The third day in the Okavango Delta emphasizes deeper engagement with the environment through specialized excursions and expert-guided wildlife tracking. Early morning drives are dedicated to observing predator-prey dynamics, particularly in areas where lions and cheetahs are known to hunt. Guests are provided with field scopes and cameras to capture rare moments of predator interaction with the diverse ungulate populations.

Post-morning safari, travelers enjoy a gourmet breakfast in a scenic setting, often accompanied by the call of birds and the subtle rustle of elephants nearby. Midday allows for private relaxation in the luxury camp or an optional guided photography session, ensuring every guest’s safari experience is personalized and immersive.

How is the Mokoro Journeys Like in Okavango Delta?

Afternoon activities include mokoro journeys through narrower delta channels, where encounters with shy species such as sitatunga antelope and African jacanas are common. The guides provide ecological insights into the Delta’s seasonal flood patterns and their impact on wildlife distribution, enabling guests to understand the intricate balance of this wetland ecosystem.

As the sun descends, guests are treated to a traditional sundowner setup, allowing reflections on wildlife encounters while enjoying fine wines. Evening bush dinners under starlit skies offer an exquisite combination of gourmet cuisine and the atmospheric sounds of the Delta. This day exemplifies the perfect blend of luxury, adventure, and education, leaving guests fully immersed in Botswana’s natural grandeur and prepared for the next leg of the 12 Days Botswana and Rwanda Luxury+ Safari journey.

• Animals to Spot: Cheetah, leopard, lion, African elephant, hippo, sitatunga, buffalo.
• Birds to Spot: Malachite kingfisher, African fish eagle, hammerkop, hornbill, weaver birds.
• Cultures to Experience: Traditional bush meals, Tswana wilderness knowledge.

Mokoro Exploration

Day 4 – Linyanti Arrival & Afternoon Game Drive

After a morning charter flight from the Okavango Delta, guests arrive at Linyanti, a region renowned for its vast floodplains, dense woodlands, and exceptional wildlife density. The flight offers dramatic aerial views of Botswana’s varied ecosystems, transitioning from Delta channels to the savannah expanses of Linyanti. Upon arrival, travelers are welcomed into the luxurious mobile safari camp, where finely appointed tents overlook waterholes frequented by wildlife.

The afternoon is dedicated to an introductory game drive, where 12 Days Botswana and Rwanda Luxury+ Safari expert guides highlight the area’s rich biodiversity and provide insight into the region’s unique conservation efforts. Guests may encounter large herds of elephants, majestic lions, and the rare sight of wild dog packs navigating the savannah. The guides’ expertise ensures that even elusive species, such as leopard or pangolin, can sometimes be observed in their natural habitats.

How are the Panoramic Views of Linyanti Floodplains?

As the sun sets, the camp offers elegant sundowners with panoramic views of Linyanti’s floodplains, accompanied by the gentle calls of African wildlife. Dinner is a lavish affair, featuring gourmet cuisine prepared from locally sourced ingredients and complemented by fine wines.

Night drives allow guests to explore nocturnal species, revealing a different dimension of wildlife activity, from aardvarks and genets to hyenas and bushbabies. Every element of this day is designed to balance adventure with comfort, introducing travelers to one of Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas while ensuring the luxury and exclusivity expected from 12 Days Botswana and Rwanda Luxury+ Safari experience.

• Animals to Spot: African elephant, lion, leopard, wild dog, buffalo, giraffe, impala, hippo
• Birds to Spot: African fish eagle, African pygmy goose, kingfisher, hornbill, weaver birds
• Cultures to Experience: Tswana heritage, traditional safari guide knowledge

Day 5 – Full-Day Linyanti Game Drives & Boat Safari

Day five in Linyanti begins with a sunrise game drive, when wildlife activity peaks, providing prime opportunities for observing predators returning from nocturnal hunts and herbivores grazing in the early light. Guided by expert trackers, guests follow elephant herds, spot lions in their pride territories, and, with patience, may encounter elusive leopards resting in dense acacia thickets.

The 12 Days Botswana and Rwanda Luxury+ Safari guides share detailed explanations about animal behavior, social hierarchies, and ecosystem interdependence, ensuring every sighting is meaningful and informative. Mid-morning, travelers return to the camp for a leisurely brunch before embarking on a scenic boat safari along Linyanti’s waterways. These boat excursions reveal a different perspective of the wildlife, including crocodiles basking along riverbanks, hippos in pods, and waterbirds thriving in the wetlands.

Enjoying the Guided Game Drives in Linyanti’s

The afternoon includes another game drive focused on rare or endangered species, such as sable antelope or roan antelope, enhancing the diversity of sightings. Sundowners in the bush highlight the region’s unparalleled landscapes, with the sun casting fiery hues across the floodplains. Returning to the camp, guests enjoy a luxurious dinner beneath a canopy of stars, often accompanied by soft sounds of the nocturnal bush.

The day balances exploration, photography, and education, allowing travelers to fully absorb Linyanti’s rich biodiversity and dramatic landscapes. Expert guides ensure that every moment in the bush provides both adventure and insight, creating memories that last a lifetime.

• Animals to Spot: Lion, leopard, African elephant, hippo, crocodile, sable antelope, buffalo, giraffe
• Birds to Spot: African fish eagle, kingfisher, hammerkop, herons, hornbill, lilac-breasted roller
• Cultures to Experience: Local tribal stories, conservationist insights

Linyanti Afternoon Game Drive

Day 6 – Morning Game Drive & Relaxation at Linyanti

On the sixth day, travelers enjoy an early morning game drive, with the soft light illuminating the savannah and highlighting the grace of animals in motion. This is the perfect time to observe predators in action, witness elephants interacting in their social groups, or spot shy species like the civet or duiker. Guests are encouraged to engage with guides about bush tracking techniques, understanding spoor, and recognizing signs of wildlife presence.

After the morning’s safari, the camp offers a sumptuous brunch, allowing guests to relax and prepare for mid-day activities, which include optional guided bush walks or photography sessions. Walking safaris provide a unique opportunity to observe smaller flora and fauna, track animals on foot, and appreciate the subtleties of the African ecosystem, enhancing guests’ connection with nature.

Enjoying the Sundowner Experience in Linyanti’s

The afternoon is dedicated to leisurely exploration, with opportunities for boat excursions or simply relaxing in the luxurious tents while enjoying panoramic views of the floodplains. Wildlife sightings continue to enrich the experience, with giraffes, zebras, and elephants often venturing close to the camp. Sundowners offer a moment of reflection and appreciation as the day ends, and dinner under the stars completes the immersive 12 Days Botswana and Rwanda Luxury+ Safari experience.

The combination of active exploration, educational guidance, and luxurious comfort defines the Linyanti experience, ensuring travelers depart this wilderness region with profound memories of Botswana’s unspoiled landscapes and wildlife diversity.

• Animals to Spot: African elephant, lion, leopard, giraffe, buffalo, zebra, wild dog, hippo
• Birds to Spot: African fish eagle, lilac-breasted roller, hornbill, weaver birds, kingfishers
• Cultures to Experience: Traditional Linyanti customs, safari tracking techniques

Day 7 – Flight to Kigali & Arrival in Rwanda

After a morning flight from Linyanti to Maun, followed by an international connection to Kigali, Rwanda, guests arrive in the vibrant Rwandan capital, greeted by Deks Safaris’ representatives. Kigali offers a seamless transition from Botswana’s wildlife wilderness to Rwanda’s cultural richness and scenic highlands. Travelers are transferred to the Kigali Serena Hotel, a luxurious urban retreat offering elegant accommodations, fine dining, and views over the city’s rolling hills. The afternoon allows for leisure, exploring the hotel amenities, or taking a gentle walk around the city. Kigali is known for its clean streets, vibrant markets, and welcoming atmosphere, providing travelers with an introduction to Rwanda’s unique blend of modernity and tradition.

Guests enjoy a gourmet dinner at the hotel, often featuring Rwandan-inspired cuisine prepared with local ingredients. Evening conversations with guides prepare travelers for the next leg of the 12 Days Botswana and Rwanda Luxury+ Safari: the mystical Volcanoes National Park, home to endangered mountain gorillas. Every detail of the transition is meticulously managed, ensuring a smooth, luxurious, and comfortable journey.

• Animals to Spot: Urban wildlife in Kigali, occasional monkeys in peri-urban areas
• Birds to Spot: Rwandan ibis, sunbirds, weavers, African hoopoe
• Cultures to Experience: Rwandan hospitality, local cuisine, urban culture

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Day 8 – Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Day eight begins with a half-day city tour of Kigali, providing insights into Rwanda’s history, culture, and development. Highlights include visits to craft markets, memorial sites, and local neighborhoods, offering travelers a glimpse of Rwandan artistry, traditional music, and culinary flavors. Guides provide historical context, exploring the nation’s resilience and conservation efforts. Mid-morning, guests embark on a scenic road transfer to Volcanoes National Park, a journey that showcases Rwanda’s lush landscapes, rolling hills, and terraced farmlands. Upon arrival at Bisate Lodge, travelers are welcomed into a luxurious setting where tents overlook dense forests, providing both privacy and immersion into nature.

Afternoon activities allow for short guided walks around the lodge, observing birdlife and small forest mammals. Guests enjoy gourmet meals prepared with fresh ingredients, combining international flair with Rwandan flavors. The day sets the stage for gorilla trekking, emphasizing both anticipation and relaxation while surrounded by the serenity of Volcanoes National Park.

• Birds to Spot: African paradise flycatcher, greenbul, sunbirds, turacos
• Cultures to Experience: Rwandan forest communities, traditional conservation knowledge

Day 9 – Mountain Gorilla Trekking & Dian Fossey Fund Visit

The ninth day is dedicated to the pinnacle of Rwanda safaris: mountain gorilla trekking. Early morning transfers bring guests to the park headquarters, where guides provide briefing on gorilla behavior, safety protocols, and tracking strategies. The trek, guided by expert trackers, leads through misty montane forests, with sights and sounds of the rainforest creating a magical atmosphere. Upon locating a gorilla family, travelers spend up to one hour observing these magnificent creatures, witnessing their social interactions, nurturing behaviors, and playful dynamics. Expert 12 Days Botswana and Rwanda Luxury+ Safari guides offer detailed commentary, ensuring guests gain deep understanding and respect for these endangered primates.

In the afternoon, travelers visit the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, learning about conservation initiatives and ongoing efforts to protect gorilla habitats. The combination of direct wildlife interaction and educational experiences enriches the safari, leaving guests with a profound appreciation for Rwanda’s natural treasures.

• Animals to Spot: Mountain gorillas
• Birds to Spot: Rwenzori turaco, mountain illadopsis, sunbirds, greenbul
• Cultures to Experience: Rwandan conservation culture, community interactions

Day 10 – Second Gorilla Trekking & Afternoon at Bisate Lodge

Guests embark on a second gorilla trekking adventure, exploring different sectors of Volcanoes National Park. This morning trek offers opportunities to observe gorilla families not seen the previous day, deepening understanding of their behaviors and family structures. Midday returns to Bisate Lodge provide relaxation in luxurious surroundings, with time for spa treatments, photography, or simply enjoying panoramic views. Afternoon walks in the lodge vicinity allow encounters with small forest mammals and abundant birdlife. The evening concludes with a gourmet dinner under a canopy of stars, celebrating Rwanda’s wildlife and luxurious comfort in perfect harmony.

• Animals to Spot: Mountain gorillas
• Birds to Spot: Sunbirds, turacos, hornbills, flycatchers
• Cultures to Experience: Traditional Rwandan hospitality, forest community culture

The Role of Porters in Your Gorilla tracking Safari

Day 11 – Golden Monkey Tracking & Transfer to Kigali

Morning golden monkey tracking provides a unique encounter with this colorful, endangered species, offering opportunities for observation and photography. Treks are less strenuous than gorilla tracking but equally enriching, with lush vegetation and birdlife along the trails. Afternoon transfer back to Kigali allows a scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills. Check-in at Kigali Serena Hotel provides a comfortable retreat after an active day. Guests enjoy a final gourmet dinner, reflecting on their immersive wildlife encounters and cultural experiences.

• Animals to Spot: Golden monkeys, forest duiker, monkeys
• Birds to Spot: Sunbirds, turacos, African paradise flycatcher
• Cultures to Experience: Rwandan rural culture, conservation education

Day 12 – Departure from Kigali

The final day is reserved for departure, with airport transfers to Kigali International Airport for onward flights. Guests reflect on an unparalleled journey through Botswana’s wetlands, Linyanti’s savannahs, and Rwanda’s misty rainforests. Every moment, from luxury accommodations to intimate wildlife encounters, ensures this 12 Days Botswana and Rwanda Luxury+ Safari remains an indelible memory.

• Animals to Spot: Minimal; airport transit
• Birds to Spot: Urban species, sunbirds, weavers
• Cultures to Experience: Rwandan farewells, local hospitality

12 Days Botswana and Rwanda Luxury+ Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Inclusions

• Private aircraft transfers between camps and airports
• Expert guides and trackers at every location
• Luxury+ accommodations with en-suite facilities and fine dining
• All meals, including gourmet breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and sundowners
• All game drives, mokoro excursions, boat safaris, and guided walks
• Mountain gorilla trekking (two treks) in Volcanoes National Park
• Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park
• Park entrance fees and conservation levies
• Bottled water, coffee, tea, and selected beverages during safaris
• Personalized safari itinerary management by Deks Safaris and Tours

Safari Exclusions

• International flights to/from Maun and Kigali
• Travel insurance, visas, and vaccination costs
• Personal items such as gifts, souvenirs, and laundry services
• Tips for guides, camp staff, and drivers
• Optional activities not listed in the itinerary