Wild Botswana Safari

Africa Tour Highlights:

• Okavango Delta – Explore the majestic environment of the incredible Okavango Delta by boat and vehicle. This is always a highlight of your Botswana safari. Experience a traditional mokoro safari through the delta on this small-group guided tour of Botswana.
• Moremi Game Reserve – Part of the Okavango Delta, this UNESCO World Heritage-Listed site is one of the most beautiful wildlife reserves in Africa with a great diversity of plant and animal life. Winding through the channels of over 150 ,000 islands, Moremi is teeming with wildlife and offers one of the most unique African safari experiences that is a must-see on your Botswana safari.
• Chobe National Park – On your Chobe safari you will experience an incredible array of wildlife and birds including one of the largest elephant herds in Africa and in the dry season, possibly the annual zebra migration.
• Hwange National Park – Here you will find an incredible selection of wildlife plus over 100 species of birds. On your safari in Hwange, look out for the 105 mammal species, including 19 large herbivores and eight large carnivores. All of the big five are found in Hwange!.
• Victoria Falls – Also known as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ which translates to “The smoke that thunders”. The largest waterfall in the world are a spectacular sight as it drops over 100 meters into the Zambezi gorge below.

Sample Itinerary (Subject to Change)

Day 1: Arrive Maun, Botswana

On arrival at Maun International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your lodge on the banks of the Thamalakane River, just outside of Maun enroute to the famous Okavango Delta.  The rest of your day is at leisure, this evening meet your safari group.

Meals: Dinner

Days 2-3: Maun to Okavango Delta (Botswana)

After breakfast, head to Etsha 13 on the western border of the Okavango Delta. Unlike other deltas, it flows deep into the Kalahari Desert without reaching the sea. The next day is spent discovering the birds and wildlife and exploring water pathways in traditional dugout canoes (called mokoros).  Visit a secluded island for a guided walk where you may spot elephants, waterbuck or other animals.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Okavango Delta to Moremi (Botswana)

Travel south to another camp in the delta that is situated in a private concession in the Greater Moremi area. The large expanse of pristine delta vegetation here is known for its concentration of mammals and it is not unusual to see many different types of wildlife during a game drive. Game viewing is seasonal and depending on the time of the year, you may see different species in different areas. The best time for game viewing in the delta is  towards the end of the dry season and spring, from August to November when you can get closer to the rivers and channels for the best game viewing. In the summer, the abundant birdlife often means exceptional sightings of wildfowl, waders and raptors.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Greater Moremi Area (Botswana)

Spend the day exploring the Greater Moremi area on morning and afternoon game drives in an open 4×4 vehicle.  Here you will be looking to spot a variety of game that frequent this region, including rare nocturnal animals on a night drive. This region is renowned as one of the most beautiful unspoiled and varied reserves in Africa with an unprecedented concentration of wildlife.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Khwai (Botswana)

Embark on a full-day game drive in Khwai, situated on the fringes of the Moremi Game Reserve. This region boasts a diverse ecosystem of lagoons, plains and forests. Khwai attracts large herds of elephant and buffalo in the dry season offering excellent opportunities for lion and leopard sightings alongside abundant birdlife and varied flora.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Moremi to Nata (Botswana)

Depart the Moremi bush and travel east towards the Makgadikgadi Pans, once a large river fed lake which has become saline and empty. This area incorporates a multitude of salt pans and vast grass plains dotted by palm islands and forms the Great Makgadikgadi which comprises the largest area of salt pans in the world, covering 37,000 sq km.

Meals: Breakfast

Days 8-9: Nata to Chobe National Park (Botswana)

Visit Nata Bird Sanctuary in the morning, for a magnificent view of the Sowa pan which is part of the Greater Makgadikgadi Pans (note: visiting the pans is subject to road conditions, water levels and time constraints). Continue north to Kasane, the gateway to the Chobe National Park, the second largest national park in Botswana that covers 10,566 sq. km and has one of the greatest concentrations of elephants in Africa!  You will have an afternoon at leisure to relax by the pool or take an optional activity.

Day 9 starts with an early game drive in Chobe National Park. Return to the lodge for a late breakfast and relaxation before your afternoon boat cruise on the Chobe River where you can watch elephants, hippos, crocodiles and a variety of birds.  This is an excellent opportunity for close up wildlife photos.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 10-12: Chobe (Botswana) to Hwange (Zimbabwe)

Cross the border into Zimbabwe to your lodge in Hwange National Park to spend the next three nights in this incredible vast wilderness. Hwange boasts an incredible biodiversity of flora and fauna. There are over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 bird species recorded here. Upon arrival, you can choose to partake in an optional game drive (additional expense) to start your wildlife experience.

The following day is spent on a full day game drive to discover a variety of animals. Marvel at the herds of elephants, buffalos, and zebras and witness the impressive concentration of giraffes. Keep an eye out for predators, endangered species and the diverse birdlife that thrives here.

On Day 12 you have another chance to take an extra morning game drive and witness the untamed wilderness in all its glory. As the afternoon approaches, you can enjoy leisure time at the lodge or opt for additional activities (additional expense) that the lodge offers.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13: Hwange to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

Travel to Victoria Falls where you have the afternoon at leisure enjoying one of the many activities available in Victoria Falls. Optional activities here (additional expense, prebooking recommended) include: helicopter flights, bungy jumping, zipline, horseback safaris, Victoria Falls cycling tour, canopy tour and many more.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 14: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

Today is at leisure to explore Victoria Falls town and its unique offerings, from adventure activities to cultural experiences. Your guide will take you on a tour of the mighty Victoria Falls, known by the local Kololo tribe as Mosi oa Tunya- “the Smoke that thunders”. In the afternoon, join a relaxing sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 15: Depart Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

Today your safari ends. Transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for your departure flight.  It is recommended to book a flight that departs after 1.00pm.

Meals: Breakfast

Looking to explore other parts of Africa?

We have a selection suggested of Africa Vacation Adventures:

Africa Group Safari Tours:

Botswana & Zimbabwe Highlights – 15 Days
Ultimate Africa – 21 Days
South Africa Garden Route – 8 Days
The Spectacular South – 14 Days
Africa Overland Safari – 20 Days
Best of South Africa – 19 Days
Wild Tanzania – 7 Days
The Great Migration – 15 Days
Wild Uganda – 11 Days

Africa Camping Safaris:

Heart of Africa – 13 Days
Africa Explorer – 13 Days
Uganda Gorilla Adventure – 13 Days
Kilimanjaro Trek & Wildlife Safari – 14 Days

Africa Tailormade Vacations:

Madagascar Beaches & Lemurs – 13 Days
Cape Town & Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve – 7 Days
Cape Town & Kruger – 7 Days
Zimbabwe Victoria Falls & Hwange – 6 Days

Africa Road Trips:

South Africa Garden Route Road Trip – 6 Days