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Camping at Saltpans, Botswana Safari Adventure

Botswana Safari Adventure - Joburg to Delta & Victoria…

Tour Length16 days
Priced from pps $3234 R61661 £2564 2999 A$4984 C$4397 NZ$5425 Full pricing info
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Summary of this Exclusive Overland Safari

  • Max. Group Size 17 Travellers
  • Starts & ends in Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Accommodation Lodge / Safari Lodge / Standard Camping
  • Transport Large Overland Vehicle / Open 4x4 Game Viewing Vehicle
  • Wildlife Big 5, Elephant, Leopards, Lions, Rhino & More
  •  See Departure Dates

Quick Itinerary Overview

Embark on a thrilling Botswana Safari Adventure, beginning and ending in Johannesburg, South Africa. This budget-friendly journey takes you through the Kalahari Desert, Okavango Delta, and three renowned wildlife areas: Moremi Game Reserve, Savuti Channel, and Chobe National Park.

Experience a walk with the Kalahari San, camp in the untouched Okavango Delta, and engage in game walks, mokoro rides, and boat trips. Enjoy 4x4 game drives in secluded private camps to spot Africa's Big Five. Spend a starlit night on the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, cruise the Chobe River for wildlife sightings, and conclude your adventure at the Victoria Falls world heritage site.

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Itinerary for this Tour

Botswana Safari Adventure Highlights

  • Kalahari Desert - San Bushmen walk
  • Okavango Delta private camp
  • Okavango guided walks and mokoro excursions
  • Botswana National Parks (Moremi/Savuti - 5 Days)
  • Extensive open-vehicle game drives in national parks
  • Wild, remote serviced camping in national parks
  • Makgadikgadi Salt Pans – a night under the stars
  • Chobe River boat cruise and Chobe National Park
  • Victoria Falls National Park and entry fee

DAY 1: Johannesburg to Kalahari - Botswana

Our Botswana Safari Adventure kicks off at 06h30 in the morning when we depart from Johannesburg.

Leaving Joburg, the trade and industry capital of South Africa, we head north towards Botswana. We travel through the dry bushveld of the North West Province to the border where we complete formalities before continuing into Botswana.

From the border, we drive northwest through the vast landscapes of the Kalahari Plains. Our first overnight camp is located near the village of Kang, in the Kalahari Desert of Botswana. In the evening your guide tells you more about the journey ahead whilst we have a catered meal (own expense) at the well-established camp.

  • Meals own expense
  • Accommodation: Kalahari camping, 2-man dome tents
  • Travel: 720 km
  • Included / Highlights: Scenic drive through South Africa & the Kalahari Desert

DAY 2: Ghanzi & Kalahari San (Bushmen) - Botswana

Day two starts with an early morning cup of coffee and sunrise over the open Kalahari landscapes of the Kgalagadi District. After a tasty breakfast at camp, we drive to the frontier town of Ghanzi, deep in the Kalahari Desert. We spend our second night at a camp set on a large piece of land that the local community owns and manages.

Ghanzi is home to some of the last remaining traditional San Bushmen, the original inhabitants of this region. We embark on an informative bush walk with the San Bushmen, learning about the local flora and fauna. Gaining insight into the customs and survival strategies of these semi-nomadic, hunter-gatherers of Southern Africa is a unique cultural experience.

  • Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
  • Accommodation: Desert camping, 2-man dome tents
  • Travel: 250 km
  • Included / Highlights: Guided bush walk with San Bushmen

DAY 3 - 5: Okavango Delta - Botswana

Next up on our Botswana Safari Adventure: the wild Okavango Delta.

The Okavango Delta is an enormous wetland area, beginning in the Angolan Highlands and ending in the Kalahari Desert. This unique water system constitutes the largest inland delta in the world, made up of serene lagoons, winding channels, and secluded islands. The delta provides a diverse environment for a wide variety of wild animals, other creatures, birds, and plant species. We may come across some of the shy animals found in the delta, including the red lechwe antelope that the area is known to host.

Our journey into the Okavango Delta begins with our comfortable camp on one of the largest lagoons and from here we get to explore this natural wonderland.

There is ample time to explore the pristine wilderness area on foot and by mokoro, as well as relax and bask in the tranquillity of this truly wild place. During our time in the delta, you have the chance to find out more about the local flora and fauna from the local guides who have grown up in this area. Interacting with the guides will give you an insight into the fascinating people living in this remote region of Botswana.

  • Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner (x3)
  • Accommodation: Twin bed tent in a private camp (wild camping in dome tents on islands in the delta on occasion)
  • Travel: 390 km (day 3)
  • Included / Highlights: Okavango Delta, guided bush walk with local guides, mokoro trip, sunset boat cruise
  • Optional Activities (own expense): Scenic helicopter flight over the delta

DAY 6: Okavango Delta to Maun - Botswana

Our day begins with an early start for our journey out of the delta and back to Maun. Arriving in Maun, we pause for supplies before heading to our tented lodge to freshen up and tuck into a meal. The safari lodge is on the banks of the Boteti River, which changes direction depending on the season. Accommodation is in comfortable en-suite tented rooms and lodge facilities include a swimming pool, bar, and a restaurant.

After lunch, you have the opportunity to take an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta - viewing the intricate waterways, untamed bush, and game-rich plains from above.

  • Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge, twin-bedded tented units
  • Travel: 354 km
  • Included / Highlights: Boteti River sunset

DAY 7 - 10: Moremi, Savuti & Chobe Park - Botswana

After breakfast and preparations, we begin the next exciting leg of our Botswana Safari Adventure, which is focused on game viewing. Setting off on our five-day wildlife adventure we pass rural villages along the way as we head into the true wilderness. A well-equipped 4x4 safari vehicle is used for our game viewing excursion in Botswana's top game parks.

Our route is not set in stone, as we follow seasonal animal migrations, adapting our itinerary to local conditions and wildlife movements.

For example, we may start with Moremi Game Reserve, camping near the well-known 3rd Bridge. Here we fall asleep to the sounds of the African bush at night - listening out for the calls of hyenas, the low roaring of lions, and the grunting of hippos. From the scenic Moremi, we may then head on north via Xakanaxa to camp near North Gate. Early morning and afternoon game drives along the wetland areas offer superb wildlife sightings.

From North Gate, we then drive to Savuti, an area that has undergone dramatic changes over the past 30 years. Beginning in the 1980s the Savuti Channel began to dry up, but today it is a lush waterway, once again, frequented by a variety of wildlife. The game drive options are numerous and the campsite is extremely active (keep fruit well hidden from roving elephants and meat from prowling hyenas). The vegetation is constantly changing, from open plains, palm trees, and marshland, to dense mopane woodlands and acacia scrublands.

We may also explore the Central Kalahari Game Reserve or Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, depending on conditions in the national parks at the time.

At night we stay at private camps in pristine and remote wilderness areas, far from the clamber of human development. The support vehicle travels ahead so that the crew can set up camp for us. Get back to nature while camping in the untamed bush where we leave the camps as we found them - leaving nothing but footprints.

  • Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner (x 4)
  • Accommodation: Wild camping, 2-man dome tents
  • Travel: about 125 km (day 7)
  • Included / Highlights: 4x4 open vehicle game drives, private campsites, extensive game viewing, explore the National Geographic photography region

DAY 11: Maun - Botswana

On day 11 of our Botswana Safari Adventure, we leave the game-rich wilderness behind and return to the safari town of Maun, looking out for game and birds along the way. After lunch (own expense) and a walkabout in the busy town, we make our way to the lodge for tonight. On arrival at our lodge, there is time to relax and take a dip in the pool before enjoying a catered meal and a restful night in comfort.

  • Breakfast / Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge, twin-bedded tented units
  • Travel: about 225 km
  • Included / Highlights: Game drive out of the park, Maun visit

DAY 12: Makgadikgadi Pans - Botswana

Enjoy a relaxed morning when there is time for a swim and if you are interested in the locals and their way of life, a local village walk with one of the villagers is an excellent way to experience authentic village life in Chenoga Village, which is off the tourist route.

After an early lunch, we journey east to the mysterious Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. One of the largest saltpan complexes in the world, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans is a solitary and quiet place of stark scenery and open space. Besides the desolate scenery, the pans are known for their prolific birdlife and the other desert-adapted animals. In the 19th century, Dr David Livingstone traversed the pans, using a massive baobab tree - the only landmark around for hundreds of miles - as his guide.

Without disturbing the surface of the pans, we make our way to a remote site (subject to rains) where we set up camp and take in the isolation and serenity of this expansive area. We set up tents, but sleeping out under the stars on the wide-open pans is an unforgettable experience. The guides can tell you more about the bright constellations of stars tonight.

  • Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping, 2-man dome tents
  • Travel: 200 - 300km
  • Included / Highlights: Wild camping on the pans under the stars (weather permitting), village walk, and Makgadikgadi Salt Pans visit

DAY 13: Chobe River to Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe

Today we leave the vast and barren Makgadikgadi Pans, traveling north to Chobe River.

The Chobe River is the main source of water in Chobe National Park, famous for its huge herds of elephants. The scenic park is also home to hippo, crocodile, lion, antelopes, and extraordinary birdlife. In the afternoon we embark on a relaxing boat cruise on the Chobe River inside the national park and along the Namibian banks of the Chobe Riverfront. Gliding close to the river banks offers excellent chances of encountering reptiles, mammals, and birds up close.

Then we cross into Zimbabwe and drive to our lodge in Victoria Falls town, where we spend two nights. Our lodge is conveniently located within walking distance of booking agents, local attractions, and the Victoria Falls waterfall.

  • Breakfast & Lunch
  • Accommodation: Lodge, Victoria Falls
  • Travel: 320 - 400 km
  • Included / Highlights: Chobe National Park, extensive boat cruise on the Chobe River

DAY 14: Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe

Today we visit the mighty Victoria Falls, to witness Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means "The Smoke that Thunders". Victoria Falls is considered the largest sheet of falling water in the world, sending up a spray of water 400m and higher that can be seen from as far as 50km away. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the natural wonders of the world. Standing before Vic Falls and feeling the spray from the falls is an awe-inspiring experience.

After visiting Vic Falls there is time to participate in optional adventure activities (at extra expense) and explore the Vic Falls area on foot or by bicycle. Optional activities in Vic Falls include; scenic helicopter flights over the Falls, Zambezi River Boat Cruises, White Water Rafting, and Bungee Jumping from the bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Or you could visit a local village to encounter traditional tribes, the African curio market, or the crocodile farm among other attractions.

Tonight we eat out at a restaurant (own expense) sampling the local cuisine. Soak up the sounds of the African night and the distant roar of the famous Victoria Falls, toasting to your exhilarating adventures.

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Lodge, Victoria Falls
  • Included / Highlights: Victoria Falls National Park, the entry fee for viewing the falls
  • Optional Activities (own expense): Scenic helicopter flight, whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, gorge swing, and many more

DAY 15: Victoria Falls to Francistown - Botswana

Today the Botswana Safari Adventure comes to an end for travelers on the 15-day Fly-in Safari Package, whilst the overland tour passengers will head back into Botswana, driving south to Francistown.

Tonight we camp for the last time, swapping tales with fellow travelers and celebrating our African safari adventure over a catered meal.

  • Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping, 2-man dome tents
  • Travel: 568 km
  • Included / Highlights: Game viewing en route to Francistown, scenic Zimbabwe to Botswana drive

DAY 16: Francistown to Johannesburg - South Africa

On the final day of this remarkable Botswana Safari Adventure, we cross the Limpopo River and make our way back into South Africa.

We travel back to the dynamic city of Johannesburg where this memorable wildlife and adventure safari comes to an end.

Airport transfers and post-tour accommodation can be arranged through African Budget Safaris.

  • Breakfast
  • Travel: 700 km
  • Included / Highlights: Scenic Botswana to South Africa drive

Important Information

All travelers on this Botswana Safari Adventure are required to carry a valid passport and the necessary visas for South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana (obtained prior to travel). Seasonal Malaria precautions are necessary and are locally obtainable. A barrel bag or internal frame backpack is best suited for this trip (suitcases do not fit into the space provided).

A sleeping bag, towel, and pillow are required for this Budget African Safari. An extra tog bag or camera bag is advised. Spending money required will be for the restaurant meals, drinks, visas, tips curios, Zimbabwe airport tax US30, if applicable (price subject to change), and airport transfer for flying clients only, and any other optional excursions.

All African Budget Safaris are accompanied by two professional guides for optimal efficiency, catering to a maximum of 14 people per vehicle. A flexible attitude and active participation on this tour will help us to help you get the best out of your trip.

Please Note:

This budget Botswana Safari is also available in a shorter Fly-in Tour version running from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls. Follow the link for information on pricing.

Optional Extras and Excursions

For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.

  • Scenic Okavango Flight
  • Zambezi River Sunset Cruise
  • White Water Rafting
  • Bungi Jumping

Child Policy

This tour does not take children.

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  • Scenic Okavango Flight
  • Zambezi River Sunset Cruise
  • White Water Rafting
  • Bungi Jumping
+Included in the Tour Price
  • meals as per itinerary 
  • coffee, tea, fruit juice at breakfast
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  • two professional guides
  • mokoro hire
  • accommodation
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  • permits & park entry fees
+Not Included in the Tour Price
  • restaurant meals
  • visas
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  • optional activities
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Optional Extensions to this Tour

South Africa Safari - Kruger & Private Reserve Overland Tour

Priced from pps R17662 $926 £734 €859 A$1428 C$1260 NZ$1554 Full pricing info
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South Africa Safari, lion in Kruger This South Africa Safari is a budget Kruger & Private Reserve Overland Tour. An affordable 5-day Greater Kruger and Kruger Safari with lodge accommodation.

More on South Africa Safari - Kruger & Private Reserve Overland Tour

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