A seven-day circuit from Maun that pairs community-led rhino conservation with otherworldly salt pans and the vast openness of the Central Kalahari. Expect tented camps, early drives and long cross-country transfers across sand, salt and scrub.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Dust lifts off the track as the safari vehicle leaves Maun at first light, the sky a wide, cooling bowl above. You cross red soils toward Khama Rhino Sanctuary, where guides scan thornveld for broad backs and slow, deliberate silhouettes. By day three the landscape opens into the blinding white of the Makgadikgadi pans; Lekhubu Island’s granite bones rise like an old ship from a frozen sea of salt. The final days take you deep into the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, where Deception Valley’s fossil riverbed invites wide views and patient tracking of predators and plains game.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
7 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in reasonable physical condition who can handle long vehicle days, short walking game drives, and camping conditions.
Wildlife
History
Khama Rhino Sanctuary began in 1992 as a community-based project to protect rhinos and return economic benefits to local people; Lekhubu bears remnants of stone walls linked to ancient southern African societies.
Conservation
Visitors support community conservation at Khama and broader protection efforts in the Central Kalahari—stay on tracks, minimize waste, and avoid single-use plastics to reduce impact.
Reserve your spot on the 7-Day Safari Tour in Central Botswana today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Rise before sunrise
Game drives start early—be ready for 05:30 departures and bring a small daypack for essentials.
Sun and salt protection
Wide-brim hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen are vital on the pans where glare is intense.
Hydrate and pace yourself
Carry at least 2–3 liters of water per day; desert heat plus dusty roads increases dehydration risk.
Respect community rules
Khama Rhino Sanctuary is community-managed—follow guide instructions and avoid off-track wandering.
Binoculars (8x or 10x)
Essential for spotting distant game across pans and valleys.
Lightweight long-sleeve shirt and trousers
Protects from sun and biting insects while remaining breathable in heat.
summer
Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots
Provides traction on rocky outcrops, salt crust and sandy tracks.
Warm sleeping layer / insulated sleeping bag
Nights in the pans and Kalahari can be cold; layer for comfort at camp.
winter