Botswana Wildlife, Okavango Delta & Victoria Falls Safari

Day 1: Johannesburg – South Africa

Welcome to Southern Africa! Our Botswana Wildlife, Okavango Delta & Victoria Falls Safari begins in South Africa, with an important tour briefing at 18h00, so beforehand take the opportunity to explore the vibrant city of Johannesburg. A relatively new city, Johannesburg is built on a gold reef, that sparked its creation and today it is still considered the business hub of South Africa.

It is an extremely interesting city to explore and offers some interesting tours. The Apartheid Museum is an excellent vehicle to learn about the turbulent history of South Africa, a history in which Johannesburg was very much involved. Today the city is a cosmopolitan melting pot that gives an insight into South African life. A township tour effectively demonstrates the disparity in the lives of South Africans. Other interesting tours include a walking tour of the city or a visit to Gold Reef City and the Heritage Mine Tour.

We spend the night at a hotel in a leafy area of Johannesburg.

Please Note:

The tour briefing on day one is a must, as this is when we collect your important contact information and insurance details from you. When booking your flight, please allow for time to attend the meeting. Pre-tour accommodation can be arranged with us if required.

Day 2: Khama Rhino Sanctuary – Botswana

Heading out of Johannesburg we travel north to Botswana, our destination the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, near the Kalahari Desert.

Established in 1992 this community-based wildlife project was a response to the local community's wish to return the area, which had become a popular hunting area, to its natural splendour. Home to 34 white rhino and 4 black rhino, this is a conservation success story that benefits the local community. As well as rhino, there are as many as 30 other animal species in the reserve and over 230 species of birds.

Our first game drive takes place at dusk, an excellent time to search for wildlife as many animals are active now that the day has cooled. On return from our exciting game drive in Khama Rhino Sanctuary, we relax beside the campfire under a canopy of stars at our campsite that has facilities (accommodation upgrades available).

• Included Activities: Khama Rhino Sanctuary Game Drive
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Maun – Botswana

We continue journeying north to Maun, which, despite being the gateway to the Okavango Delta and consequently visited by many tourists, still has a rural feel.

The world's largest inland delta was created by the waters of the Okavango River feeding into the arid Kalahari Desert from the Angolan highlands. The many animals and birds living in this arid area flock to the delta creating a magnificent safari destination, which we will explore over the next few days.

Tonight we camp just outside of Maun, at a basic campsite with shared facilities and WiFi access (accommodation upgrades available).

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Days 4 & 5: Okavango Delta – Botswana

The Okavango Delta is one of the most memorable highlights of our Overlanding Tour. We spend two days here gliding through the pristine waterways in our mekoros, a traditional dug-out canoe, navigated by an African gondolier. A truly relaxing experience in this silent wilderness, punctuated by the flash of a tropical fish darting through the crystal clear waters, whilst all around water lilies bloom.

On day five we are up with the sun to embark on a bush walk, with our professional guides, who have a wealth of knowledge about animal behaviour which they are more than happy to share with their guests. The Delta offers many opportunities for visual experiences, from elephants wandering on the islands to fish eagles looking for breakfast. Back at camp, a hearty breakfast is served and then it's time to kick back and relax, swim, take another walk or set off on a mokoro ride.

Whilst here we camp on a remote island in the heart of the Okavango Delta. What better way to experience the wild, under starry skies, hearing nature's sounds and getting back to basics with only a bush toilet and no showers.

• Included Activities: Okavango Delta Mokoro Trip & Sunrise Walk
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)

Day 6: Maun – Botswana

On the morning of day six, we glide out of the peaceful delta in mekoros, taking in the scenery and looking out for birds and wild animals en route to the mokoro poling station.

Then we drive back to Maun and our camp on the outskirts of town. We also visit a village near Maun today for a glimpse into rural life in northern Botswana and to meet a few locals. This afternoon you have the chance to embark on an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta.

We overnight at a simple camp with shared facilities and WiFi access, outside of Maun (upgrades available).

• Included Activities: Mokoro Ride & Local Village Visit
• Optional Activities: Scenic Delta Flight
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 7: Nata & Makgadikgadi Salt Pans – Botswana

Leaving early we travel to rural Botswana to Nata, our base for our expedition to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, situated in the Kalahari Desert. This is a relic of the enormous Lake Makgadikgadi that dried up thousands of years ago and is one of the largest networks of salt pans in the world.

Although not much can survive here during the harsh, dry, windy season, once the rain falls the pan attracts migrating animals including wildebeest and huge herds of zebra, with predators not far behind.

During the afternoon we will venture on to the salt pans in an open vehicle drive to experience the stark, endless terrain stretching to eternity and devoid of human habitation. The dry and salty earth of the salt pans supports little plant life, leaving the land largely barren. Rolling grasslands and some baobab trees grow along the fringes of the pans, supporting some animals and birds.

Tonight we camp on the outskirts of the Makgadikgadi Pans near Nata (upgrades available). Camp features include a swimming pool, gift shop, ATM, bar-lounge area and restaurant.

• Included Activities: Nata - Makgadikgadi Salt Pans Visit
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Chobe National Park – Botswana

Today we visit the world-famous Chobe National Park, located in northeastern Botswana. Well known for its huge elephant herds and high concentrations of game, Chobe National Park was the first national park to be established in Botswana.

At sunset, we take a tranquil boat cruise on the Chobe River, an opportunity for close experiences with elephants, lots of birds and other wildlife. Look out for hippos and crocodiles lurking in the shallow waters. We may also see lions, zebras, cheetahs, buffalos and a variety of antelope.

Tonight our camp with WiFi access and shared facilities (upgrades available) is along the river in Kasane, not far from a local supermarket.

• Included Activities: Chobe River Cruise
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Days 9 & 10: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

Begin day nine with an optional game drive in Chobe Park - your last chance to spot a variety of big game species in the African bush!

Today you have the chance to visit the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls or 'the smoke that thunders'. After lunch on the banks of the Zambezi River, we head to Victoria Falls town and this spectacular natural wonder. The Zambezi plunges through the narrow gorge creating an impressive spray that, during the rainy season, reaches over 400 metres into the air and is visible for miles. Although not as thunderous during the dry season, Victoria Falls and the gorge below are clearly visible at this time, because there is less mist rising off the falls.

Victoria Falls town is known for the adventure activities that are on offer and our campsite is conveniently located close by. Facilities include WiFi access and an ATM, and you have the option of upgrading your accommodation at the camp's reception (extra cost). Your safari guide takes you to the local activity centre on day nine to help you choose and book adventure activities for the next day.

The last day is yours to experience all that is on offer at Vic Falls before you depart from Southern Africa on your onward flight. If you choose to stay on in Victoria Falls we can help to arrange post-tour accommodation.

• Optional Activities: Visit Victoria Falls, Cultural Tours, Game Viewing Trips & Adventure Activities
• Meals: Breakfast (x2)

Responsible Travel Note:

During your time at Victoria Falls, you may come across an optional 'Walk with the Lions' activity. We do not recommend this activity as professional wildlife conservationists advise that habituating lions to humans can shorten their lifespan and may lead to human-lion conflict.

For the optional Helicopter Flight (12 minutes or 25 minutes ) we recommend using Zambezi Helicopter co CAA Zimbabwe and your guide can help make arrangements for this activity.

Tour Accommodation:

This tour includes 6 nights of camping accommodation (with facilities), 2 nights of bush camping (with no facilities) and 1 night of hotel accommodation. On this tour, accommodation is primarily in two-man dome tents at basic campsites with facilities.

Meals on Safari:

On this tour 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners are provided. We recommend a budget of USD160 for meals not included in the itinerary.

Tour Participation:

This budget camping safari is an overlanding trip, which means that group participation is required along the way. Participation is usually in the form of helping with meal preparation and the setting up or dismantling of tents and sometimes helping your guide/cook with shopping for supplies.

Please Note:

The above itinerary serves as a guide and is subject to changes (such as last-minute route changes), due to factors including weather conditions and seasonal variation.