NEW TRIP
Botswana's famed Kalahari Desert holds some of the largest natural salt pans on the planet—some so large they're even visible from space. Most of the year, the pans are a dry savanna studded with thorn trees. But for a few weeks following the rainy season, the entire landscape transforms into a sea of fresh-sprouted grass, acacia-dotted islands, and rain-fed waterholes. A host of wildlife is attracted to this seasonal feast, including thousands of zebra. The zebra walk more than 150 miles from the Chobe River to reach the Kalahari's Nxai Pans and Makgadikgadi Pans—making the longest documented land-mammal migration in southern Africa. We've crafted a WT-style mobile-camping safari to witness this epic migration and we'll also find the zebras' predators, including lion, hyena, and cheetah, and species not found elsewhere in Botswana, including springbok and gemsbok. We even have a special opportunity to see meerkats as they emerge from their burrows to scan the horizon and begin foraging for the day. Our private Hemingway-style mobile camps are set up for our groups alone, and we've included a night in a special “sleep-out” camp with open-air beds under the African sky (at night, the sky above is a symphony of stars!). Our camps provide solitude and comfort in the wild, great meals, and custom-built 4WD vehicles for exploration. Join us for a fascinating wildlife adventure!
Arrive: Maun, Botswana
Depart: Maun, Botswana
After an overnight in a lodge near Maun, head to Nxai Pan National Park. Explore Nxai Pan by 4WD vehicle, searching for migrating zebra along with their attendant predators. Our mobile camps bring us wonderful comfort in the wild.
A leisurely drive (which culminates in negotiating the ancient pan surface to access our campsite) brings us to a lunar landscape for an unforgettable adventure: a special “sleep-out” under a brilliant night sky in the desert (we have lightweight tents available in the very unlikely event of rain).
On game drives and walking safaris from our final camp, we continue watching the zebra migration. We also search for lesser-known mammals such as meerkats and honey badgers. Several family groups of meerkats live near our camp and we should get good views of these fascinating creatures.
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
"Our Trip Leaders and crew provided all of the adventure and discovery one could hope for while treating us to first-class service and comfort and giving us a sense of absolute safety."
Ellen B.
St. Louis, MO
"Feel I received more than I bargained for. A trip of a lifetime!"
George R.
Los Altos, CA
"My 3rd trip with WT and I was once again extremely pleased. Needless to say lots of folks will hear about my adventure with WT."
Susan C.
Colorado Springs, CO
"Our trip was absolutely fantastic! We were truly amazed by the sheer abundance and variety of wildlife we encountered, including a surprising number of different bird species. It exceeded our expectations. Camp was an incredible experience; we were so impressed by the wonderful staff and the food was absolutely top notch!"
Susan C.
Hillsborough,New Jersey
"It was a great trip. The Trip Leader excellent in every way possible. His passion for the animals and the environment added so much to our appreciation."
Susan M.
Keswick, VA
"Wow! I am so glad we decided on the Kalahari Explorer and mobile tent camping. I am NOT a camper, and truthfully, didn't realize exactly what it meant to be in a mobile tent camp. But I can honestly say I am so glad to have had this experience. I feel the richer for it."
Vicky L.
San Rafael, CA
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
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With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.