Botswana’s untouched wilderness has always appealed to those who seek something deeper than a fly-in, fly-out safari snapshot. For the intrepid traveller who values comfort without sacrificing authenticity, Mhondoro Overland Safaris offers an experience that feels both grounded and elevated. Their signature 10-night journey takes you off the beaten track—quite literally—through some of Southern Africa’s most iconic landscapes. It’s not about ticking boxes, but about immersing yourself in terrain that’s as raw as it is breathtaking, with the added assurance of refined hospitality and seamless logistics throughout.

The adventure begins in Maun, Botswana’s charismatic safari gateway perched at the edge of the legendary Okavango Delta. From there, the route winds north through the predator-rich wilds of Moremi Game Reserve and into Savuti, a region famed for its rugged beauty and ancient elephant corridors. The journey ends in Kasane, a lively frontier town where four countries—Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia—collide. Here, the Chobe River unfurls in all its grandeur, offering a final burst of wildlife spectacle. For those who want to take it even further, there’s the option to extend the trip to the thundering drama of Victoria Falls, just across the border.

The itinerary’s appeal lies in its ability to balance high-end comfort with real immersion. Rather than retreating to traditional lodges each evening, guests settle into stylish glamping tents that are pitched in the heart of Botswana’s wild places. These tents are far from basic: cosy beds with crisp linen, bedside lighting, and en-suite canvas bathrooms with gas-heated showers and flush toilets are standard. The locations vary from remote, unfenced bush camps where lions may be heard in the distance, to more established sites within national parks. Select itineraries may also include luxury lodge nights, offering a different layer of indulgence.

At the centre of the experience is the food. With a private chef joining the journey, meals are more than sustenance – they’re a highlight. Dishes like slow-cooked potjiekos, classic braais and freshly baked bread are crafted over open flames and paired with premium South African wines. It’s an experience that brings the soul of African hospitality to life, especially when enjoyed under a clear night sky, the campfire flickering and a chorus of wildlife echoing nearby.

For those seeking even more from their Botswana adventure, Mhondoro offers a 15-night version of the itinerary that introduces two of the country’s lesser-known gems: Kubu Island and the salt-encrusted expanse of the Ntwetwe Pan in the Makgadikgadi region. Here, guests can enjoy the surreal experience of quad-biking across a moon-like landscape, followed by close-up encounters with habituated meerkats. The silence and scale of the pans create a feeling of timelessness and freedom that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.

Rates for these all-inclusive experiences start from R10,350 per person per day, dependent on the size of the group. This covers everything: accommodation, all meals and drinks, game drives, guided walks, boat cruises, transfers and the services of a highly experienced guide and chef. The value becomes especially apparent when considering the level of exclusivity and attention to detail, from beautifully set dining tables in the bush to seamless logistical arrangements across remote terrain.

There’s also an option to extend the journey across the border to Victoria Falls, allowing guests to witness one of the world’s greatest natural wonders without having to arrange separate travel plans. This extension can be easily added at the end of the Kasane leg, offering a final touch of drama and grandeur before flying out.

The real luxury, though, lies in the quality of the experience. Mhondoro’s Overland Safaris are not about rushing from sighting to sighting, but about sinking into the pace of the bush, taking time to watch a herd of elephants interact, or enjoying a lazy brunch after a morning drive. It’s an itinerary that values stillness as much as spectacle. The fact that it’s all done in style—with carefully considered touches and expert planning—makes it a rare and worthwhile proposition.

Guests who have travelled this route often comment on the comfort of the mobile camps, the warmth and professionalism of the crew, and the sheer sense of freedom that comes from being so deeply immersed in pristine nature. From start to finish, the journey is one of understated elegance, designed for those who want their adventures to feel intimate, meaningful, and indulgent all at once.

Travellers interested in combining world-class safari sightings with chef-prepared meals and opulent camp setups will find this itinerary delivers in full. It’s one of the few ways to explore Botswana’s remote parks without compromising on comfort. For those who’ve done the standard lodge circuit and are looking for something more immersive—but still elegant—this overland safari may be the answer.