The best of Botswana

Step off your light aircraft in the Selinda Reserve, an oasis of acacia forests and lagoons. Arrive at marquee-style tents shaded underneath the ebony trees. After a spot of afternoon tea, head out into the floodplains for your first glimpse of the expansive wilderness. From open-roofed Land Cruisers and with a little help from an expert guide, you’ll scan the horizon for elephants, leopards and packs of wild dogs. Return to camp where you can admire the sunset from the pontoon followed by dinner under the stars.

Today you have the chance to take on a walking safari in the precious morning hours. Peel back the canvas of your tent to watch the sun rise over the mirror-like lagoon. Then fuel up on freshly brewed coffee before you start your walk through the lush terrain on the lookout for red lechwe, giraffes and herds of buffalo. For a different perspective, take a boat ride on the Zibadiania Lagoon to see its flourishing bird life – more than 300 or more species.

Enjoy a final game drive in the Selinda before flying to the Okavango Delta. Your camp for the next two nights lies in the protected Moremi Reserve on the glassy waters of the seasonal floodplains. Before you slip into the pool, head out on an afternoon game drive in an open-sided vehicle offering 360 panoramas of the rippling rivers and wide savannah. With your expert guide, there’s every chance you’ll see a lion or wild dog. Stay out for sunset with a gin and tonic.

It’s an early start to search for Moremi’s famed predators. The best time to see lions, leopards and packs of hyena is at the crack of dawn, when you can see them returning from their night prowls. Then step onto a mokoro and glide through the lily pads spotting fish, eagles, frogs and pods of hippos. In the afternoon, head out again in a 4x4. This time you may enjoy spectacular sightings of plains’ game such as buffalos, zebra and giraffes that live here in abundance.

Tuck into breakfast and watch the sun rise on your last day. A transfer will take you for your onward flight but not before one last game drive. Hop in your 4x4 and perhaps this time you’ll be treated to exciting sights of black rhinos, grunting warthogs or impalas, lions stalking in their wake. The Moremi rarely disappoints. After time in in the great outdoors, it’s time to board your plane to continue your African journey.