12 Day Kavango & Zambezi Small Group Lodge Safari

Safari Highlights:

• Sunset cruises on the Zambezi and Chobe River.
• Game drives in Mahangu National Park, Moremi Game Reserve, and the Khwai Conservation Area
• Mokoro excursions through the Okavango Delta channels
• A day trip to the UNESCO-listed Tsodilo Hills
• Close encounters with elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and a rich variety of birdlife
• Leisure time at the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls

Day 1: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe to Katimo Mulilo - Namibia

This 12-day small group lodge safari starts in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Please make sure that you arrive at the departure point at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Leaving Zimbabwe behind, we journey west into Namibia’s lush Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip). The drive carries us through river-rich landscapes alive with wildlife and local culture. We arrive at our riverside lodge by the afternoon, where the tranquil waters set the tone for the evening. Later, we embark on a scenic boat cruise, drifting along the Zambezi River as the sun slips below the horizon. Keep a watch for hippos, crocodiles, and an array of birdlife that thrive along the riverbanks.

• Included Activity: Afternoon Boat Cruise
• Meal: Dinner

Day 2: Katimo Mulilo to Divindu - Namibia

We depart for Divindu after breakfast beside the Zambezi this morning. Our journey takes us west along the Zambezi Strip, passing remote villages and green riverine landscapes. With luck, we may spot elephants or sable antelope near the roadside. By early afternoon, we reach our lodge on the banks of the Okavango River — a serene base from which to enjoy this wild and unspoiled region.

• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3: Divundu to Mahangu National Park - Namibia

This morning, we set out on a boat cruise upriver to Popa Falls. Though modest in scale, these rocky cascades create a peaceful setting, where crocodiles bask in the sun, hippos wallow in the shallows, and birds flit across the papyrus reeds. Returning to our lodge, there is time to unwind before the afternoon’s adventure — a game drive in Mahangu National Park. Compact yet teeming with wildlife, the park is home to elephants, buffalo, hippos, sable, roan antelope, and many more. As night falls, we rest in one of Namibia’s most biodiverse corners, at the point where the Okavango begins its journey toward the delta.

• Included Activity: Morning Boat Cruise to Popa Falls / Afternoon Game Drive in Mahangu National Park
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4: Divundu, Namibia to Northern Delta - Botswana

Day 4 marks our departure from Namibia and our journey to our next destination, Botswana. Border formalities complete, we cross into Botswana and continue south toward the legendary Okavango Delta. The scenery shifts from open savannah to a mosaic of waterways and towering trees. Our lodge, tucked away in the remote northern delta, offers a haven of peace surrounded by bird calls and rustling leaves. After settling in, enjoy a sunset boat cruise — your first taste of the delta’s serene rhythm. Dinner is served under the stars, accompanied by the chorus of frogs and night birds.

• Included activity: Sunset Boat Cruise
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Northern Delta to Tsodilo Hills - Botswana

Following an early breakfast on day 5 of our epic small group lodge safari, we embark on an unforgettable day trip to Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned as the “Louvre of the Desert.” Rising unexpectedly from the Kalahari sands, the hills shelter over 4,500 ancient rock paintings — a living gallery of human history and spirituality. Guided walks take us along trails where some artworks date back thousands of years. We return to our lodge by late afternoon to relax and soak up the quiet beauty of the delta.

• Included Activity: Tsodilo Hills Day Trip
• Meals:

Day 6: Northern Delta to Maun - Botswana

This morning, we continue our safari with our route today taking us through the dry landscapes of the Kalahari, dotted with villages that offer glimpses into everyday life. A highlight along the way is the Orapa Diamond Mine, one of the largest in the world and a cornerstone of Botswana’s economy. Continuing south, we skirt the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, where wildlife often gathers at watering holes. By late afternoon, we arrive in Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta.

• Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Maun to Khwai Conservation Area - Botswana

After a night at our Maun Lodge, we get ready to set off for a true bush experience in the Khwai Conservation Area. We prepare for two nights in the Khwai wilderness, packing only essentials for our mobile fly camp and leaving our larger luggage in Maun. Accommodation in Khwai is rustic yet comfortable, with Meru-style tents, bucket showers, and chemical toilets.

From Maun, we travel in safari vehicles into Khwai, with optional scenic flights over the Okavango Delta available for early risers (weather permitting). On arrival, we head out on a mokoro (dugout canoe) excursion — gliding silently through narrow waterways as the sun sets. (Depending on the season, this activity may take place the following morning.)

• Included Activity: Mokoro Excursion
• Optional Activities: Okavango Delta scenic flight
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Moremi Game Reserve - Botswana

Day 8 of our small-group lodge safari is dedicated to exploring the Moremi Game Reserve. We set out in 4x4 safari vehicles, traversing diverse habitats — from lagoons and wetlands to woodlands and savannah. Wildlife abounds, and with luck, we may encounter lion, elephant, wild dog, or giraffe among many others. After a full day of game drives, we return to our Khwai camp to share stories around the fire and enjoy another night in the wilderness

• Included Activity: Full-day Game Drive.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: Khwai to Nata - Botswana

We enjoy one last sunrise and breakfast in Khwai before we return to Maun in our 4×4 safari vehicles. Here, we collect our luggage and meet up with our tour vehicle.

Traveling via Maun, we rejoin our tour vehicle before continuing northeast to Nata and our overnight lodge. This stop is more than just a place to rest — it is a remarkable setting where elephants wander freely through the unfenced grounds and often pause to drink at the waterhole just a few steps from your chalet. As night falls, we share dinner accompanied by the quiet rhythm of the bush and the gentle presence of these giants moving nearby.

• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 10: Nata to Kasane & Chobe National Park - Botswana

We begin the day with an early morning bush walk, a chance to notice the smaller details of the wilderness — animal tracks, bird calls, and other subtle signs of life often overlooked on game drives. After the walk, we leave the Kalahari sands of Nata behind and travel north to Kasane, the gateway to Chobe National Park. Arriving in time for lunch and a short rest, we then head out on an afternoon Chobe River boat cruise, offering a unique perspective of the park. From the water, we watch elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and a wealth of birdlife, as herds gather along the riverbanks in the golden light of late afternoon. Chobe is renowned for hosting one of Africa's largest elephant populations, which thrive in tightly bonded families under the watch of seasoned matriarchs. Herds are frequently found along the riverbanks.

• Included Activity: Morning Bush Walk / Chobe National Park Boat Cruise
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 11: Kasane to Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe

On day 11 of our Victoria Falls to Victoria Falls Small Group Lodge Safari, we cross the border back into Zimbabwe and drive the short distance to the mighty Victoria Falls, where we will overnight before our tour ends tomorrow.

You can explore the spectacular Victoria Falls and its surrounds at your leisure. The falls are known by the locals as “Mosi-oa Tunya” (the smoke that thunders), and you will understand why when you experience the sheer power of the falling water.

Beyond its natural splendour, Victoria Falls offers many activities, from adrenaline-pumping white-water rafting to heart-stopping bungee jumps. For a bird's-eye view, consider a scenic helicopter or microlight flight. If you're seeking more wildlife encounters, venture into nearby reserves on a game drive. Alternatively, take on a leisurely Zambezi River cruise above the falls or immerse yourself in the local culture on a village tour. You may wish to stroll around town and explore the vibrant craft markets or indulge in a traditional high tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Optional Activities: Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Bungee Jump, Helicopter Flights, White Water Rafting

Day 12: Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe

Our epic 12-day small group lodge safari comes to an end after breakfast today. Spend the rest of the day trying more of the many optional activities on offer in Victoria Falls, or you may continue your onward journey.

• Meals: Breakfast

Safari Note:

This 12 Day Kavango & Zambezi Small Group Lodge Safari is available in shorter legs as the 7 Day Botswana Explorer: Maun to Victoria Falls Small Group Lodge Safari, starting in Maun and ending in Victoria Falls, or the 9 Day Victoria Falls to Maun Small Group Lodge Safari, starting in Victoria Falls and ending in Maun.

For more details about the various safari options and versions, contact African Budget Safaris