Into the Wild: A Hosted Mobile Tented Safari Through Botswana

There is something grounding about returning to the wilderness with familiar faces. This journey felt especially meaningful as we hosted repeat guests on an unforgettable mobile safari through the wild heart of Botswana. The entire experience was expertly managed by the team at Chase Africa, who delivered something far beyond the ordinary.

Above: Exploring Botswana with Amy and Clint, and our local expert guide, Robson.

Our safari began in Maun, where anticipation was already building. This wasn’t a lodge-to-lodge trip. It was a mobile journey, with our dedicated team moving ahead of us every few days to set up our new camp in remote, unfenced locations. Each site came with spacious canvas tents, real beds, private bush bathrooms with pit toilets, and bucket showers heated over the fire. Every detail was considered and executed with care.

Our camp chef, Ida, created truly outstanding meals over open flames. From fresh-baked breads to hearty dinners, her cooking brought comfort and joy to every day in the bush. Our butler made sure our glasses were always full, whether it was coffee at sunrise or a chilled sundowner by the fire. The service throughout was seamless and full of warmth.

Above: Camp life- dinner under the stars, and our comfortable tents with en-suite ablution facilities

The first stop was Nxai Pans National Park. Here, the landscape shifted to salt flats and open horizons. Baines Baobabs stood proudly against the sky, and the vast stillness gave us a deep sense of space and solitude.

Above: The vastness of the Nxai Salt Pans

Next, we headed into the Xakanaxa region of Moremi. This was where the bush truly came alive. One morning we were treated to a rare and intense sighting: a female leopard and her adult cub fighting over an impala carcass. Not long after, we watched cheetahs sprinting after red lechwe across the floodplains. The chase stirred up enough noise to attract lions, adding to the already high tension. It was raw, real, and unforgettable.

Above: Cheetah brothers at Moremi.

In the Khwai Community area, our camp was set up along the waterways of the Okavango Delta. From here, we explored in mokoros, drifting quietly between the reeds. Elephant bulls stood feeding among the waterlilies, completely unbothered by our silent approach. That night, we were reminded of our surroundings when a hippo waded through our camp, its footsteps audible just outside our tents, as it splashed through the shallow waters.

Our journey continued to the Mababe region near Savuti. This was true big cat country. As we sat down to dinner on our first evening there, a sudden crash of hooves and the sound of branches snapping startled us. Lions were hunting right near camp. Their deep roars carried through the darkness for hours afterward, creating an atmosphere that was both thrilling and deeply humbling.

Above: The resident pride that roared throughout the night, mere meters from our unfenced campsite. 

We also visited ancient San rock art sites in this area. Standing before those paintings, some hundreds of years old, added a historical layer to the experience. It was a quiet but powerful moment, connecting us with the people who once called this land home.

Our final leg took us north to Chobe, a region famous for its elephant herds and enormous crocodiles. It was the perfect conclusion to a journey that had offered so many layers of adventure, beauty, and learning.

Mobile safaris like this one offer a different rhythm. They are slower, more immersive, and deeply connected to the land. Everything is taken care of, from the meals to the movement, allowing guests to simply soak it all in. However, it is important to note that the long drives between regions can be tiring. For those who prefer to avoid extended hours on the bumpy road, this may not be the right fit.

To the Chase Africa team, thank you. Your professionalism, warmth, and tireless behind-the-scenes work made this journey exceptional for every single guest. From the set-up crews, kitchen team, and our passionate guide Robson, your attention to detail and hospitality made us feel at home in the heart of the wilderness.

Botswana once again delivered, and we are already looking forward to the next adventure.