11 Days and 10 Nights Private Northern Explorer Tour

Exploring the wilds of Botswana is a dream for many travelers, and this 11-day private safari offers a comprehensive taste of the country’s most iconic wilderness areas. Hosted by Wild For Game Safaris, this trip promises luxurious tented accommodations, expert guiding, and a richly varied itinerary.

While it comes with a hefty price tag of about $7,052 per person, many reviewers agree that the value and experience justify the cost — especially for avid wildlife photographers and safari enthusiasts.

What we love about this tour is how it combines high-quality accommodations with intimate wildlife encounters—all in a private setting. The guiding is often praised for being knowledgeable, attentive, and skilled at spotting elusive animals. Plus, the opportunity to photograph a stunning diversity of species in some of Africa’s best game reserves is hard to beat.

On the flip side, the tour’s price point and its non-refundable policy are worth considering — this is an adventure that requires commitment, both financially and in terms of flexibility.

If you’re someone who relishes well-organized, personalized safaris with a focus on photography and authentic wildlife encounters, this trip could be a perfect fit. It’s ideal for travelers who want to avoid large group tours but still enjoy top-tier guides and comfortable, mobile camping. However, if you prefer a more luxurious lodge experience or a longer, more leisurely pace, you might want to weigh this against other options.

Key Points

– Private, personalized experience: Only your group participates, led by expert guides, ensuring tailored attention.
– Focus on wildlife photography: Customized vehicles with 360-degree views enhance your chances of capturing stunning images.
– Multiple iconic locations: From the floodplains of Moremi to the marshes of Savuti and the floodplains of Chobe, each stop offers unique wildlife sightings.
– Comfortable accommodations: Tents are above expectations—equipped with beds, linen, towels, and en-suite bathrooms for a luxe camping experience.
– Expert guides and staff: Guides like Lucas receive high praise for their knowledge, instincts, and friendly approach.
– Diverse activities: Game drives, mokoro canoe trips, river cruises, and scenic picnics add variety and depth.
– Early mornings and long days: Expect full days of game viewing, with opportunities to see predators hunting, elephants bathing, and rare species like wild dogs.
– Clear cancellation policy: The trip is non-refundable and can’t be changed, so it’s best suited for travelers with firm plans.

What the Tour Looks Like in Practice

The tour kicks off with a breathtaking flight over elephants and the Okavango Delta to reach Moremi Game Reserve. The view from the air alone promises a safari highlight—flying low over herds of elephants and the intricate waterways of one of Africa’s most fertile wetlands. Landing in Moremi, you’ll step straight into the wild, with the chance to see more animal diversity than anywhere else in Botswana.

During Days 2 and 3, you’ll spend a lot of time exploring the Xakanaxa region, renowned for its flood plains, lagoons, and lush islands. This area boasts some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa, including endangered African Wild Dogs, lions, elephants, and lechwe antelopes. One reviewer describes it as “Africa’s best game reserve,” highlighting the incredible concentration of animals and photo opportunities.

Expect long days of game drives—up to ten hours some days—driving through varied terrain that includes woodland, savannah, and waterways. The guides are well-trained to spot everything from leopards to cheetahs and are adept at positioning the vehicle for photography. For bird enthusiasts, the variety of species is a major plus, especially around water sources.

On Day 4, the journey continues northeast to Khwai, crossing floodplains and enjoying the scenic beauty of the Manuchira Channel. The highlight here is passing the Dombo Hippo pools, where hippos and crocodiles lounge in the water, and elephants can be seen bathing near the banks. This area is recognized for high elephant densities and a variety of predators, making every drive a potential wildlife spectacle.

A unique experience within this leg is the mokoro trip—a traditional shallow canoe—offering a tranquil perspective of the wetlands. During this excursion, you’ll be low to the water, giving you a chance to photograph aquatic birds, water lilies, and marsh plants. The water levels determine if this activity is available, but the guides do a good job of adjusting plans accordingly.

In Days 7 through 9, the safari moves northward to Savuti within Chobe National Park, known for its marshlands and predator activity. Here, the guides take you out for early morning and late afternoon game drives, prime times for spotting lions hunting elephants, wild dogs, and cheetahs. Safari guests often praise the reputation of the Savuti lion pride, which has earned a fearsome reputation for elephant hunting.

The days are packed with exciting encounters—from elephants splashing across the river during a sunset boat cruise to the chance of seeing predators stalking prey in the cool morning hours. The boat safari on the Chobe River stands out for its close-up photography opportunities—you can get eye-level shots of animals like hippos, crocodiles, and herds of elephants, all against the stunning backdrop of the sunset.

Finally, on Day 10, the journey takes you further north to Kasane, where your safari concludes with a river cruise. This is often highlighted as the tour’s magnetic finale: the chance to watch elephants bathing, buffalo wallowing, and birds swooping across the water, all in a relaxed, scenic setting. The river cruise is praised for offering unparalleled photo opportunities and a peaceful end to a busy safari.

Your last morning involves an early game drive before heading to Kasane International Airport, wrapping up an adventure filled with spectacular sights and authentic experiences.

What Does It All Mean for You?

This safari offers a balanced mix of wildlife viewing, photography, and comfortable camping in some of Botswana’s top wildlife areas. The guides are frequently praised for their knowledge and ability to find elusive animals, which hugely increases your chances of memorable sightings. The private nature of the tour ensures intimacy and flexibility—perfect for photographers or those who prefer a tailored experience.

The lodging in luxury tents makes roughing it more comfortable—no sleeping on the ground or sharing communal bathrooms—and the meals prepared by the safari chef are often highlighted as surprisingly good, with some describing them as “above expectations.” This combination of comfort and adventure appeals to travelers seeking an authentic wilderness experience without sacrificing quality.

In terms of value, while the price is significant, many reviews suggest that the quality of guiding, the itinerary, and the accommodations make it a worthwhile investment for those eager to see Botswana’s wildlife in a well-paced, intimate setting. The inclusion of activities like mokoro safaris and river cruises adds extra dimension, making this tour more than just a standard game drive.

However, it’s essential to note the non-refundable policy. This means you should be confident about your travel dates, and be prepared for the physical and logistical demands of long days in the vehicle and early mornings.

Who Should Consider This Safari?

This tour is best suited for adventure travelers who love wildlife photography, appreciate expert guiding, and are comfortable with mobility and camping. It’s also great for those who want to explore diverse habitats—from floodplains and wetlands to savannahs—without sacrificing comfort.

If you’re after a private, flexible experience with a small group and high-quality accommodations, this safari ticks many boxes. Conversely, if you prefer luxury lodges or are sensitive to the cost, you might consider other options. But for the serious wildlife enthusiast or photographer wanting to cover Botswana’s flagship parks in a relatively short time, this tour offers an excellent balance of adventure, comfort, and authentic encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price?
The tour covers all accommodations, guided game drives, mokoro excursions (if water levels permit), river cruises, meals, and activities listed in the itinerary. Pickup is offered, and the ticket is mobile.

Is this a group tour or private?
It’s a private safari, meaning only your group participates, providing a personalized experience and flexibility.

How long are the game drives?
Expect long days, often up to 10 hours, with early starts and late finishes to maximize wildlife sightings.

Are the tents comfortable?
Yes, the tents are described as luxurious and well-equipped, including beds, linen, towels, and private bathrooms, making camping feel more like glamping.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
Animals like elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, hippos, crocodiles, and various antelopes are frequently spotted. Birdlife is abundant, especially around water.

Can I participate in activities like mokoro trips?
Yes, mokoro excursions are included but depend on water levels. If not possible, alternative game drives are provided.

What about meals?
Meals are prepared by the safari chef and are generally praised for their quality. You’ll also have picnic lunches during long days.

What is the cancellation policy?
The booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed once confirmed, so plan accordingly.

Who is the tour provider?
Wild For Game Safaris, with a reputation for knowledgeable guides and well-organized safaris in Botswana.

Final Thoughts

This 11-day private safari in Botswana delivers a well-rounded wildlife adventure that combines expert guiding, comfortable accommodations, and diverse environments. It’s perfect for serious wildlife photographers, couples, or small groups seeking an authentic yet comfortably catered experience in some of Africa’s premier parks.

While the upfront cost might give some pause, many reviews affirm that the quality of guides, the variety of activities, and the stunning scenery make it a worthwhile investment. This safari isn’t just about ticking off animals; it’s about creating memories in the landscapes that define Botswana’s wild heart.

If you’re ready for a travel experience that balances adventure and comfort, with the chance to see the Big Five and many other species up close, this tour might be just what you’re looking for. Just remember to be flexible, pack your camera, and prepare for some of the most breathtaking wildlife sightings Africa has to offer.