7 Days Salt Pans
and Wildlife - May or Oct 2026
- Botswana
- 6 Nights
- Max 2 People
- Starting from $6,982 p.p
Trip details
This carefully designed 7-day Botswana safari offers a beautiful contrast between two of Africa’s most iconic landscapes, the stark, otherworldly Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and the lush, wildlife-rich waterways of the Okavango Delta.
Beginning at Meno a Kwena, perched above the Boteti River, guests are immersed in a truly unique desert ecosystem where wildlife congregates along the riverbanks and ancient landscapes stretch endlessly into the horizon. A highlight of the journey is an unforgettable sleep-out on the salt pans, where the vast silence and dazzling night skies create a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The adventure then transitions into the Khwai region of the Okavango Delta, staying at the intimate Little Sable camp. Here, the landscape transforms into a mosaic of floodplains, waterways, and woodlands, offering exceptional game viewing both on land and (water levels permitting) by mokoro. With expert guiding, diverse activities, and a seamless blend of adventure and comfort, this safari delivers an authentic and deeply memorable Botswana experience.
Day 01: Maun Airport Arrival
- Arrival: Meet at Maun Airport and road transfer to Meno a Kwena.
- Check-in: Settle into your vintage-style clifftop tent overlooking the Boteti River.
- Afternoon: Relax or enjoy your first activity in the Makgadikgadi region.
- Evening: Sundowners and dinner while watching wildlife gather at the river below.
Day 02-03: Makgadikgadi Pans
- Wildlife Viewing: Track the zebra and wildebeest migration as they drink from the river.
- Cultural & Desert Experiences: Engage with San people for hunting lessons, meet resident meerkat families, or explore the salt-cracked pans.
- Activities: Choose from game drives, quad biking, or stargazing under the clear southern skies.
Day 04: Khwai
Morning: Final breakfast and safari activity in Makgadikgadi.
Transfer: Road transfer back to Maun, followed by a scenic 1-hour 15-minute flight over the Okavango Delta.
Arrival at Khwai: Meet your guide at the airstrip and safari into Little Sable camp.
Evening: First game drive in the Khwai Private Reserve followed by dinner.
Day 05-06: Game Drives at Khwai
- Land Activities: Morning and night game drives to spot leopard, African painted dogs, and nocturnal species like hyena and honey badger.
- Water Activities: Traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) safaris or boat trips along the Khwai River channels.
- Bush Connection: Guided walking safaris to explore the finer details of the Okavango ecosystem.
Day 07: Departure
Morning: Final morning activity and breakfast at Little Sable.
Departure: Light aircraft transfer from Khwai back to Maun Airport.
Conclusion: Connect to your onward international flight home.
TRip highlights
Contrasting Ecosystems: Journey from the arid, salt-cracked pans of the Makgadikgadi to the lush, winding waterways of the Khwai Private Reserve.
Epic Wildlife Spectacles: Witness the massive zebra migration along the Boteti River and track predators like leopard and wild dog in the heart of the Delta.
Authentic Adventures: Experience a range of unique activities, from traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions and night game drives to meeting habituated meerkat families.
What's included
- All transfers via road or light air between Maun and your camps
- 3 nights Meno a Kwena, fully inclusive with meals, local beverates, safaris daily, sleepout on the pans for 1 night, laundry and conservation levis
- 3 nights at Little Sable, fully inclusive of meals, local beverages, safaris daily by foot/game drive and mokoro (water level dependent), laundry and conservation levies
- My dedicated support throughout
What's excluded
- Premium brand beverages
- Travel Insurance
- Gratuities for camp staff and guides
- Visa if required for Botswana
Seasonal Package Rates
Package rates are valid for travel in the month of May or October 2026 on mid-high season rates.
This is a tailor-made itinerary which can be altered to fit your budget, dates and dreams for YOUR perfect Botswana Safari.
Deposit: $13,965
Please pay your deposit by 31 Dec 2026 to secure your booking








Posted on Emily McIntoshTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It’s honestly hard to put into words what an experience this was. For a family who had never been to Africa and had no idea what to expect, Claire created the most incredible journey, full of surprises, beauty, and unforgettable moments at every stop. Everything was absolutely seamless from start to finish, hassle free in every sense of the word. You can tell Claire pours her heart and soul into what she does. Every detail was so thoughtfully planned and perfectly executed. She stayed in touch with us throughout our travels, checking in, offering extra advice, and making sure everything ran smoothly, those personal touches made all the difference. We only just touched the surface of Africa, but thanks to Claire, it’s left a huge mark on our hearts. We’ll definitely be using her again for our next African adventure. Highly recommend! 🌍✨Posted on Colorful CarpetsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We are extremely happy with the services provided by Hassle-Free Africa. Claire was outstanding and had excellent communication. She literally bent over backwards to make our visit to Africa as enjoyable and seamless as possible. Highly recommend their services to anyone considering visiting the beautiful country of South Africa Africa.Posted on Erica de VriesTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you are looking for someone to handle everything, Claire at Hassle-free Africa is your woman! We scheduled our trip with only 5 weeks of notice, having never been to Africa before. We asked Claire for her advice on destination and, wow, she steered us in the exact right direction. We had the trip of a lifetime in Zimbabwe. Every box was checked and every experience far better than anticipated. At the outside of our trip, our flight was delayed, landing us in South Africa way behind schedule. We probably would’ve taken that as a bad omen except that Claire managed to get us rebooked on flights to our camp without a hitch. Everyplace we went there was someone to meet us to get us to our next destination. We were on vacation and had to do exactly zero thinking because Claire anticipated everything. She sent us to places in Zimbabwe and Zambia with expert guides and perfect accommodations. I don’t have enough positive things to say about how easy she made things and how vital her knowledge was to setting up the best first safari. Suffice it to say, for our next trip (and there will 100% be a next trip), the first call will be to Claire. Note: She stays in fabulous communication with you - before and during your trip. It was like having a cool, but never intrusive babysitter, which was exactly what we wanted. Final note: We saw four leopards. FOUR!Posted on Michele RetiefTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Five starts from start to finish. Claire you attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile , has proved that no request is too big or too small. We had a wonderful time travelling through South Africa. Each element that you suggested from the ground handling to the exquisite lodges, was exceptional. Thank you.Posted on Family BuntingTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Claire was wonderful from our first enquiries all through the following 50 emails while we questioned and answered and changed our minds! She arranged the most wonderful 8 day trip along the garden route from Cape Town to a safari in the Eastern Cape. She spent time to understand our wants and needs, and the result was that we had a fabulous trip with our 8 year old and 4 year old. I loved it that she understood our needs to go slowly, for car seats, for adventure with little kids, and for self-catering opportunities. Can't recommend her enough 😊Posted on BelenOndrumaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cloud9 was excellent , thank you Claire from Hasslefree Africa for helping to find this beautiful place and facilitating the booking . You exceeded our expectations !Posted on Janine GelleyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It’s hard to believe that we are finally home after an amazing trip to Namibia. I started working with Claire from Hasselfree Africa from about February and we have been online ever since. She planed an incredible round tour for us from Windhoek and back. It’s was a 18 night 19 day tour. The places are amazing but we did do 4,500 km in this time. We planned to stay at least 2 nights at each place so as not to push ourselves too hard. Claire was with us every inch of the way and no question went unanswered. This is a huge bonus as you have someone to talk to whenever is needed. We had the opportunity to meet when I travelled through the Cape which was an added bonus. Almost All our hotels were Gondwana and we were very happy. The best of course was King Nehale outside the Etosha Pan Game reserve. We did tours in all places and they were once again handpicked by Claire. If and when I do another African tour it will be once again with Claire.Posted on Maruska SlaterTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was our first family holiday to South Africa and we had an absolutely fabulous time from the moment we arrived till the moment we left. Claire was truly an amazing tour manager who organized every detail and ensured everything ran smoothly. She made sure that every person had a memorable experience and went above and beyond any tour operator I have ever experienced. She created a perfect holiday for us and we truly can not wait to ask her again to prepare another adventurous trip for our family. Thank you very much Claire for looking after us and introducing us to this exciting country. I will not hesitate to recommend her to our friends or family.Posted on Anna O'ConnorTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was referred to Claire due to her expertise and experience and was not let down. Claire not only worked around our existing bookings but she ensured that everything ran well throughout our holiday, not just after payment was made like some! Right until we returned home Claire ensured everything was taken care of.Posted on Rossana AltomariTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Claire is an outstanding professional travel agent who guided us from the initial trip planning to our return home. She expertly organized a perfect African adventure for our family of four, complete with a safari and beach stay, tailored exactly to our preferences. Claire listened carefully to our needs and crafted an itinerary that reflected them perfectly. She was always patient and responsive, providing information and making adjustments whenever we requested. Beyond her professionalism, Claire’s warmth and kindness stood out. Throughout every stage of our trip, she was attentive and ensured everything went smoothly. The local partner she selected in Kenya, Asili Adventures, was excellent as well. I highly recommend Claire to anyone planning a trip to Africa.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
Note: This is an example itinerary.
Our journeys are completely customisable and pricing is seasonal and based on family dynamics as well as children’s ages – Please contact us to discuss your unique family requirements for an accurate quote.