SUNSET: 
Observe Africa’s amazing wildlife by day and the magnificence of the southern sky by night on our fourth safari-and-stargazing expedition to Botswana. We’re partnering with Ker & Downey, which specializes in custom travel experiences, to provide this one-of-a-kind opportunity.
Has a classic African safari always been on your bucket list? Here’s your chance to check it off — with a twist!
Join world-renowned amateur observer and astronomy author Stephen James O’Meara, along with S&T imaging specialist Sean Walker, for an unforgettable experience in the heart of southern Africa. Undertake classic daytime safaris to seek out Botswana’s charismatic wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, hippos, and lions. And at night enjoy telescopic views of the grand Eta Carinae Nebula and other incomparable wonders of the deep southern skies that one rarely or never sees from the Northern Hemisphere.
The dates for this exciting tour are July 21-29, 2025 — limited to just 16 participants!
Our travel partner is Ker & Downey, a family-owned, award-winning travel provider that specializes in creating seamless, worry-free experiences around the world. Together we’ll explore the incredible Nxai Pan National Park in northeastern Botswana, home to a cluster of millennia-old baobab trees, and Savute Channel at one end of the Great African Rift Valley. And you’ll have the option of taking a 2-night, post-safari trip to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
Click below to get full details about:
• Itinerary for our 7-day/6-night Stargazing Safari in Botswana
• Itinerary for our 3-day/2-night extension to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe
• What is and isn’t included; what to expect on the tour
• Pricing & Terms
| NOTE: This tour is not yet taking reservations. However, please provide your name and email address in the form below, and we’ll contact you as soon as reservations become available: |
As your Sky & Telescope tour leaders, Steve and Sean are really excited about 2025’s stargazing safari, as there are a whole host of nightly wonders to delight every level of amateur astronomer. In addition to abundant wildlife sightings, the late July night sky has many advantages to stargazers. Here’s a start to whet your appetite:
Each evening after sunset, you’ll have fabulous opportunities for observing the southern sky with no Moon to interfere. It’s pure celestial magic, with many marvels high up in the south and southwest at nightfall: Alpha and Beta Centauri, the Southern Cross, Eta Carinae Nebula, and the immense Omega Centauri star cluster, to name but a few.
By 11 p.m., Scorpius, Sagittarius, and the galactic center are almost directly overhead. This region of the Milky Way is one of the most eye-catching in the entire heavens, and is abundant with additional naked-eye and binocular wonders, including myriad bright and dark nebulae and a rich assortment of globular star clusters not visible from mid-northern latitudes. The Small Magellanic Cloud and globular cluster 47 Tucanae will also be at their highest in the south before dawn, with the LMC well up in the east-southeast.
ITINERARY FOR 6-NIGHT STARGAZING SAFARI IN BOTSWANA
| Date | Itinerary at a Glance | Accommodation | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, July 21 | Maun to Nxai Pan National Park | Nxai Pan Lodge | D |
| Tuesday, July 22 | Nxai Pan National Park | Nxai Pan Lodge | B, L, D |
| Wednesday, July 23 | Nxai Pan National Park | Nxai Pan Lodge | B, L, D |
| Thursday, July 24 | Flight to Savute end of the Rift Valley | Savute Safari Lodge | B, L, D |
| Friday, July 25 | Savute end of the Rift Valley | Savute Safari Lodge | B, L, D |
| Saturday, July 26 | Savute end of the Rift Valley | Savute Safari Lodge | B, L, D |
| Sunday, July 27 | Transfer to Kasane Airport* | — | B |
Stephen James O’Meara
July 21, 2025 — Maun to Nxai Pan National Park
Our Botswana Stargazing Safari starts at Maun Airport, where we board a light aircraft and fly to our first camp: Nxai Pan Lodge. This is the only lodge in the incredible Nxai Pan National Park. Its nine deluxe tents have private decks and en-suite bathrooms including indoor and outdoor showers, and all with views of the permanent waterhole. The dining and sitting areas are under thatch and open out onto a circular fireplace. The food served in camp is of an excellent quality, and South African wines and spirits can be enjoyed with dinner. Water, soft drinks, tea and coffee are also available throughout the day. Here’s a short video showing the Nxai Pan Lodge and it surroundings.
July 21 to 23 — Nxai Pan National Park
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| The relaxing patio area of Nxai Pan Lodge | An adult oryx enjoys a stroll through the pond |
Don’t miss the opportunity to take safari drives to see the wildlife! The area is home to a variety of animals including antelopes not seen in other areas of Botswana, such as the majestic oryx and the dainty springbuck. The area also plays host to elephant, zebra, giraffe, hyena, honey badger, bat eared foxes, cheetah and lions.
Or take an interpretive walk with the San bushmen within the footprint of the camp. Learn how their ancestors used to live nomadically as hunters and gatherers using what the planet provided in order to survive in the desert like environment.
Another option: Take a game drive with a picnic lunch to view Baines Baobabs, a group of baobab trees made famous by explorer-artist Thomas Baines in 1862. And they look almost the same today as they did when he painted them 162 years ago. No one knows exactly how old the trees are, but experts date them anywhere between 500 to 2,000 years old.
Nxai Pan Lodge
This idyllic setting of the Nxai Pan Lodge offers a wonderful opportunity to view the gems of the Southern Sky, the Milky Way directly overhead, and early in the morning an excellent view of the Small and Large Magellanic Clouds. Our group will be an intimate party of just 16 guests plus our two expert astronomers, who will show you the Southern Skies through binoculars and an 8” Dobsonian telescope and also will be on hand to help with astrophotography.
How late you want to stay up is optional, especially as safari activities occur early in the mornings and sleep might not be that plentiful! However, after lunch each day you have some down time, which is a perfect time to take a siesta to help top you up — until late afternoon activities and evening’s stargazing come around again.
Of course, both evening stargazing and the safari activities are optional, so you can plan accordingly. After all, it’s your vacation, so you’re free to choose which activities to join and which ones to skip.
Overnights at Nxai Pan Lodge
Stephen James O’Meara
July 24, 2025 — Nxai Pan National Park to Savute
Today we’ll return to the airstrip for our light-aircraft flight to the Savute area of Chobe National Park. Savute Safari Lodge, where you’ll spend three nights, is currently being rebuilt and will open in July 2024.
To ensure a private and relaxing environment, Savute Safari Lodge accommodates just 24 guests in 11 thatched chalets built of local timber and one family room with two double bedrooms. The chalets, which have been elegantly furnished in calm neutral tones to blend with the natural environment, feature expansive private decks, a combined bedroom and lounge area, and en-suite facilities — and they all overlook the Savute Channel.
Savute Safari Lodge also offers a shaded viewing deck, an al fresco dining area, and a swimming pool. The pool’s loungers are ideal for watching the varied wildlife — including some resident elephants — as they make their way to the waterhole to drink.
July 24 to 26, 2025 — Savute Channel
 Aerial view of main area at Savute Safari Lodge |  Waterhole and elephants seen from the lodge |
The Savute Channel is situated at the end of the Great African Rift Valley. Stretching from the waterways of the Linyanti all the way to the Savute Marsh, the meanderings of the Savute Channel have brought water and new life into the western section of Chobe National Park on and off for many thousands of generations.
Right now the channel is dry. However, pumps create two waterholes directly in front of the lodge, creating one of very few water sources in the area. Not surprisingly, these attract a lot of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, hyenas, zebra, kudu, leopards, and lions. Our previous stargazing group saw an amazing assortment of such animals during their stay at Savute Safari Lodge. Here’s a 4-minute video showing the Savute Safari Lodge and it surroundings.
Sink into one of the numerous comfortable leather, wood, or wicker sofas in the lounge — and library — or sip a cocktail in the stylish bar. All these facilities are situated in a beautiful two-story thatch-and-timber main building. Savute Safari Lodge offers a shaded viewing deck, an al fresco dining area, and a swimming pool with spectacular pool loungers — ideal for watching the varied wildlife — including the resident elephants — as they make their way to the waterholes to drink. The Savute area also has wonderful bird life including, among others, the Kori Bustard — Botswana’s national bird and the heaviest flying bird in the world.
Activities are organized around safari drives throughout the Savute area in open 4×4 safari vehicles. We also incorporate a visit to the Savute Marsh to give you a chance to see the historic presence of the Savute Channel against a backdrop of teeming wildlife. Nearby are some ancient volcanic hills (yes, Botswana does have some!) where the Great African Rift Valley terminates. We have the option to visit one that has some interesting Bushmen rock art paintings.
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| Safari drive vehicle and wildlife | Milky Way from Savute Lodge |
At Savute Safari Lodge we will spend most of our time viewing the wildlife; we will still be viewing the stars nightly but from the safety of the camp and our tents. We will do our best to minimize the light pollution in the camp, so we get the best possible view of the night sky. All accommodation, meals, selected drinks, laundry, park fees and activities are included during your stay.
Overnights at Savute Safari Lodge
July 27, 2025 — Depart for Home (or Victoria Falls)
After breakfast and one last safari drive or boat excursion (time permitting), we say goodbye to the lodge staff and head back to Kasane Airport to connect with your flight onward.
OPTIONAL 2-NIGHT EXTENSION TO VICTORIA FALLS IN ZIMBABWE
| Date | Itinerary at a Glance | Accommodation | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday, July 27 | Kasane Airport to Victoria Falls | Victoria Falls Safari Lodge | D |
| Monday, July 21 | Victoria Falls | Victoria Falls Safari Lodge | B, D |
| Tuesday, July 22 | Depart from Victoria Falls Airport | — | B |
July 27, 2025 — Kasane Airport to Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
On arrival at Kasane Airport following the Stargazing Safari in Botswana, you’ll be met and transferred across the border into Zimbabwe and to Victoria Falls Safari Lodge for your two-night stay. Reservations there are booked on a bed-and-breakfast basis for two nights, with dinner also included each night.
The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is set on a high plateau that forms the boundary of the unfenced Zambezi National Park. It is a deluxe African lodge, designed with thatch roofs, hardwoods, and vibrant colors that offer guests excellent, uninterrupted views of the National Park and easy access to the Falls. The lodge’s main building faces a waterhole that offers guests numerous wildlife sightings as the animals pass through the area into the wild bushveld. All the rooms have en-suite bathrooms and are equipped with safes, air conditioning, hair dryers, fans, mosquito nets, and complimentary tea- and coffee-making facilities.
After checking in and settling into your room, you are free to enjoy the lodge and its surroundings until dinnertime. Perhaps choose an optional activity like a “Flight of Angels” over the Falls in a helicopter or light aircraft. Ask at reception if you wish to do an optional activity. Dinner has been booked for you in the lodge’s à la carte Makuwa Kuwa restaurant tonight.
Overnight at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
July 28, 2025 — Victoria Falls
After breakfast this morning your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you on a guided tour of the roaring Victoria Falls. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the area. Then at a pre-arranged time, your guide will meet you and take you to the mighty Zambezi River, where you are booked onto a two-hour sunset cruise with complimentary drinks and snacks. Watch hippos grunting and the spray of the distant Falls in the low-angled light of the setting sun. The cruise terminates at the Palm River Hotel, where the group has dinner tonight. After dinner your guide will return you to your hotel for the night.
Overnight at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
July 24, 2023 — Victoria Falls Safari Lodge to Victoria Falls Airport
After breakfast today your guide meets you and transfers you to Victoria Falls Airport in time for your outgoing flight.
WHAT IS AND ISN'T INCLUDED ON THE TOUR
7-Day/6-Night Stargazing Safari Tour in Botswana includes:
- All light aircraft flights from Maun between camps and to Kasane
- All transfers to and from the airstrips to the camps/lodges
- Departure tax from Maun
- National Park fees
- All safari activities as offered in the itinerary
- All accommodations in double or single deluxe tents/rooms
- All meals as listed in the itinerary
- All drinks (including South African wines and spirits), teas, coffees, and water
- Laundry
7-Day/6-Night Stargazing Safari Tour in Botswana does not include:
- International flights or regional scheduled flights
- Passports or visas and cost of same
- Items of a personal nature such as cost of phone calls, etc.
- Travel and medical insurance, which is compulsory (the camps and lodges we visit will not permit guests to enter their lodges without adequate medical and travel insurance)
- Curio shop purchases
- Tips and gratuities to guides and lodge staff
- COVID-19 tests and any related costs should they be required at time of travel
- Anything not mentioned in “included” list above
Optional 2-night Victoria Falls Extension in Zimbabwe includes:
- Road transfer from Chobe Game Lodge to Kasane Airport at the end of the Stargazing Safari
- Transfers from Kasane Airport to Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and from the lodge to Victoria Falls Airport
- Two night’s accommodation in Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
- Breakfasts
- Dinners (with transfers from/to the lodge where applicable)
- Sunset cruise with complimentary drinks, snacks, and transfers from/to the lodge
- Guided tour of the Falls with transfers from/to the lodge (excludes entrance fee)
Optional 2-night Victoria Falls Extension in Zimbabwe does not include:
- Flights from Victoria Falls Airport to Maun or to/from other destinations
- Any meals & drinks not mentioned above
- Visa for Zimbabwe ($30 as of early 2024)
- Entrance fee to Victoria Falls ($50 as of early 2024)
- Drinks (except on sunset cruise)
- Tips to porters, waiters, hotel staff, and guides
- Cost of COVID-19 test if required at time of travel
- Anything not mentioned in “Extension includes” list above
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE TOUR
This exclusive Sky & Telescope expedition is designed for travelers who wish to visit the plains of central Africa, see many types of large animals at close range, and stargaze under dark skies.
Late July is the cool, dry season in Botswana. At this time of year, the weather is generally pleasant, with typical daytime temperatures near 80°F and evening temperatures near 50°F. Rain is very infrequent. So everyday clothing plus a light jacket or windbreaker are recommended.
The group will travel to two different remote “camps,” which are reached by short flights in small aircraft. Daytime safari drives utilize special open-air vehicles and last up to 3 hours.
The pace of the tour is leisurely, with some walking during nighttime stargazing sessions. To enjoy this experience, participants must be in good physical and mental health and be able to keep up with the pace of the group. Participants requiring extraordinary assistance must be accompanied by someone who can and will provide all required assistance. In certain situations, deviating from the marked pathways or camp enclosures could put you at risk of injury.
PRICING FOR 2025 AFRICAN STARGAZING SAFARI & VICTORIA FALLS EXTENSION
| Pricing (per person) | Double | Single |
|---|---|---|
| African Stargazing Safari in Botswana | $9,975 | $12,975 |
| Victoria Falls post-safari extension | $2,150 | $2,450 |
| NOTE: This tour is not yet taking reservations. However, please provide your name and email address in the form below, and we’ll contact you as soon as reservations become available: |
