Desert & Delta Safaris Unveils The Okavango to Tsodilo Ultra-Trail Launching in April 2026

The Okavango To Tsodilo Ultra-Trail, The Newest Chapter In The Desert & Delta Safaris Epic Experiences Collection Launching In April 2026. 

Desert & Delta Safaris unveils Botswana’s ground-breaking, four-night, 100km (about 63 miles) ultra-trail as part of its acclaimed Epic Experiences Collection. A completely new and innovative take on exploring the African landscape, this ultra-trail expedition is unlike any other adventure, linking two iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites - the lush waterways of the Okavango Delta and the ancient Tsodilo Hills, known as the “Mountains of the Gods.”

Launching on April 9th 2026, this extraordinary experience is not designed for speed or competition, but for those who want to feel the beat of Africa beneath their feet, embracing the awe-inspiring landscape on a deeply personal and transformative journey. Adventure seekers are invited to share an intimate, off-the-beaten-path expedition surrounded by wildlife refuges, rich cultural heritage, and the rugged beauty of Botswana’s natural world.

A New Frontier in African Adventure Travel 

As health and fitness activities gain popularity, the Okavango to Tsodilo Ultra-Trail breaks new ground by exploring a territory rarely accessed on foot. Desert & Delta Safaris spent more than a year meticulously planning and testing this route to ensure it offers not only spectacular natural beauty and cultural immersion but also optimal safety and logistical support.

James Wilson, Sales & Marketing UK and Europe for Desert & Delta Safaris, comments: “Botswana’s wilderness is alive with stories that few visitors ever experience, and with this trail we’ve created a pathway to discover them as they were meant to be - slowly, profoundly, and together. Mapping this route with the team has been a great chance for me to combine my love of Botswana and sheer enjoyment of endurance events, particularly this kind of pioneering adventure experience. This is more than an ultra-trail. It’s a journey of connection, to the land, to history, and to each other.”

The Epic Route in Brief 

The Okavango to Tsodilo Ultra-Trail is perfectly suited to solo adventurers joining the fixed departure (9th – 13th April, 2026) or running clubs and small groups looking for fully bespoke journeys for private events tailored to their schedule. The itinerary is a harmonious balance of challenging trail running, immersive cultural experiences, and restorative moments in luxurious lodges:

Day 1 — The Water Route (30-35 km) 

Participants start in the striking Okavango Panhandle, traversing the Nxamaseri Channel and island forests. The day includes encounters with remote fishing villages, expansive floodplains, and a seasonal mokoro (traditional canoe) crossing. The night is spent at the serene and exclusive Nxamaseri Island Lodge.

Day 2 — The Heritage Connector (40-45 km) 

From the lush, water-laden Okavango landscape to the more arid edges of the Kalahari, runners cross vast sand dunes and approach the mystic Tsodilo Hills. This day offers opportunities to explore the remarkable ancient rock art sites, the most extensive in southern Africa, considered sacred by the San Bushmen. Stay the night in the Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Expedition Camp under Botswana’s vast starry sky.

Day 3 — The Summit Challenge (20-25 km) 

Day three is an intimate exploration of Tsodilo Hills, with options to summit Male Hill, Botswana’s highest peak. Guests can delve into rock art sites and ponder the cultural significance of the hills. The return to Nxamaseri Island Lodge in the delta affords a chance to relax and recover in its luxury accommodation.

Day 4 — The Ultimate Finish Line 

The final day is dedicated to rest and celebration at Nxamaseri Island Lodge, with spa treatments, yoga on the yoga deck, optional mokoro excursions, and a celebratory dinner. Runners share their experiences and achievements before departing the following morning.

Safety First: Wilderness Experts on Hand 

The route has been carefully chosen to minimise risks, as predator sightings are extremely rare in this part of the Okavango Panhandle. Hippos, crocodiles, and occasionally elephants may be encountered, but expert guides, wilderness safety-trained staff, and a qualified medic accompany every group, ensuring a professional and secure adventure. The group moves cohesively with continuous logistical support and emergency communications.

Included in the Expedition: 

• Professional Support: Expert local trail running guide, qualified medic, and support staff stationed along refreshment and refuelling points.
• Accommodation and Meals: Four nights of accommodation, including three nights at Nxamaseri Island Lodge and one night at Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Expedition Camp; full board, including all meals, beverages, and a special celebration dinner.
• Activities and Experiences: Daily guided trail running or hiking; traditional mokoro crossings (season permitting); cultural immersion, including a San Bushman cultural evening and guided exploration of Tsodilo Hills rock art sites; optional summit of Male Hill.
• Logistics: Route safety, luggage transfers, emergency communications, park fees, community contributions, and refreshment points. Runners carry their hydration packs and personal running gear. 

The Okavango to Tsodilo Ultra-Trail promises to be one of Africa’s most inspiring endurance adventures, where the spirit of a place as old as humanity is felt deeply in every step taken between river and rock, water and sand. 

The price for the Ultra-Trails Expedition starts from US$4,644, which includes the above inclusions and return charter flights from Maun International to Nxamaseri Island Lodge, excluding international flights. 

ABOUT DESERT & DELTA 

One of the original safari operators in Botswana, founded in 1982, The nine Desert & Delta Safaris camps are set in prime locations in northern Botswana’s famous game reserves, national parks & wilderness concessions with one just across the Chobe River in Namibia’s Eastern Zambezi Region. Together, these luxurious lodges offer an outstandingly diverse safari experience whilst providing the personalised service and attention to detail for which Desert & Delta Safaris is known. Guests are immersed in a safari experience that develops an understanding of the animals, people, and geography of this magnificent country. 

At the heart of the company is developing the human potential of tourism in Botswana. The Desert & Delta Safaris CARES philosophy is the foundation on which Desert & Delta Safaris is built, highlighting its core values in developing human potential and building a sustainable tourism model. They employ approximately 320 staff members within the nine safari lodges and all the guides are recruited from nearby communities. The company places a strong focus on training through a highly successful skills development programme as well as focusing on healthcare, environmental responsibility, and equality.