Date Published: 31st August 2026
Alexander is delighted that he will be returning to Botswana once again with Okavango Delta Explorations. He will be joining readers on two very special journeys into the heart of Botswana where the stories and themes of The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency will be combined with the beauty, wildlife and warm hospitality of Botswana.
Previous tours have been tremendously successful and have attracted a wonderful mix of guests who share a love of Botswana, wildlife, culture and, of course, Sir Alexander’s books. There are two exciting journeys planned for 2027.
Below you will find links to both itineraries, together with a brief introduction and summary.
Summary:
Both journeys feature meaningful cultural experiences, Elephant Havens and time in the Okavango Delta. The principal difference is that the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency Tour focuses more heavily on following in Mma Ramotswe’s footsteps and exploring the Botswana behind the books, whilst Beautiful Botswana offers a longer safari experience, with six nights in the Okavango Delta rather than four.
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency Tour
26 March – 6 April 2027
10 nights | From USD 11,800 per person
This special journey follows in the footsteps of Mma Ramotswe, exploring the places, people and communities that inspired Sir Alexander’s much-loved novels. Beginning in Gaborone, guests will discover many of the locations featured in the books before travelling north through Botswana to Maun and the Okavango Delta. Hosted throughout by Mats Ögren Wanger and Mother Masire, Sir Alexander joins the group in Maun for the final section of the tour.
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- Begins in Gaborone and explores many of the locations featured in The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency books.
- Hosted by Mats Ögren Wanger and Mother Masire, with Sir Alexander joining the group in Maun.
- Includes visits to Mochudi, Old Naledi and Gabane in Gaborone, before continuing to Ghanzi and the Kalahari, where a visit to the Kuru Art Project provides an insight into San culture, storytelling and contemporary artistic expression.
- A particular highlight will be joining Sir Alexander at the inaugural No. 1 Grandmothers’ Storytelling Award, celebrating the storytelling traditions, wisdom and sense of community that lie at the heart of both Botswana culture and the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series.
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- Visit Elephant Havens for the Botswana launch of the “Big Cats Dance Party” before heading into the Okavango Delta.
- Four nights on safari at Mapula in the Okavango Delta.
- Ideal for those seeking a deeper connection to the books, Botswana’s culture and the real-life inspiration behind the stories.
Beautiful Botswana with Sir Alexander McCall Smith
8 – 17 April 2027
9 nights | From USD 13,500 per person
This journey begins in Maun and combines some of our favourite cultural experiences with a more substantial safari in the Okavango Delta. Guests will gain an insight into life in Botswana before spending six nights exploring one of Africa’s most remarkable wilderness areas, the Okavango Delta. Sir Alexander accompanies the group throughout the tour.
- Begins in Maun and is accompanied throughout by Sir Alexander McCall Smith.
- Includes cultural experiences in and around Maun, including community visits and the No. 1 Story Writing Competition.
- Visit to Elephant Havens.
- Four nights on safari at Mapula in the Okavango Delta with two nights at Xugana Island Lodge, providing a contrasting water-based Okavango experience.
- Includes six safari nights in total, compared with four on the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency Tour.
Photo credit: Mats Ögren Wanger
