12 Day Budget Botswana Safari - Camping Adventure Southbound

Botswana Safari Highlights:

• 1 night accommodated in Victoria Falls & optional adventure activities
• Moremi Wildlife Reserve Area
• Savute & Chobe Game Drives
• Game viewing boat cruise on the Chobe River
• Khama Rhino Sanctuary
• Bushman Paintings of Mapungubwe
• 1 night's accommodation in Johannesburg

Day 1: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

This Botswana Budget Safari begins at the famous Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls is known as the Adventure Capital of Africa, hosting thrilling outdoor and adventure activities. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. A pre-departure meeting is scheduled for 18:00 at the hotel.

The first afternoon and the following morning of our camping safari adventure, you are free to explore Victoria Falls. Take your time sightseeing and enjoy some of the numerous optional adventure activities in Victoria Falls. You can visit the local markets, take a tram ride, or embark on adrenaline-pumping adventures, from bungee jumping to skydiving and helicopter flights. Victoria Falls is also renowned for its white-water rafting, and this section of the Zambezi offers some of the best rafting in the world.

The Victoria Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The waterfall is an awe-inspiring sight that should not be missed. When you stand before Vic Falls, you will see why the locals call it Mosi-Oa-Tunya, which means 'The Smoke that Thunders'.

• Accommodation: Hotel in Victoria Falls

Days 2 & 3: Victoria Falls to Chobe River - Botswana

We leave Victoria Falls after lunch today and cross the border into Botswana, making our way to Chobe National Park and our fully serviced campsite along the picturesque Chobe River. Known as one of Africa's premier wildlife reserves, Chobe National Park features stunning landscapes, majestic sunsets, and a rich diversity of wildlife, particularly elephants. Relax, unwind at the camp, and enjoy the magnificent sunset and starlit dinner.

There is an opportunity for an additional optional morning game drive at your own expense, or unwind by the riverbank and observe the myriad bird and animal species. Later in the afternoon, we embark on a scenic sunset boat cruise along the Chobe River, basking in the beauty of the African bushveld on our second day in Chobe. Chobe Park is renowned for its exceptional water-based game viewing and breathtaking sunsets, offering an unforgettable Botswana safari experience.

• Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
• Accommodation: Fully Serviced Camping

Day 4: Chobe River to Savute - Botswana

On day 4 of our Budget Botswana Camping Safari, we switch to 4x4 vehicles and leave the Chobe River, game driving through Chobe National Park en route to Savute—renowned for its large lion prides and abundant wildlife. The afternoon is spent on game drives before setting up bush toilets and showers at our private campsite.

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Fully Serviced Camping

Days 5 & 6: Savute to Mababe and Khwai Area of Moremi Game Reserve - Botswana

Today, our safari takes us through Savute to the Mababe Private Reserve, a private concession area which borders Moremi Game Reserve and is also adjacent to the Khwai Area. For the next two days, we camp at a private campsite in the area where we set up bush toilets and showers.

A pristine wilderness of lush vegetation, palm trees, abundant birdlife, and diverse wildlife, we explore the Mababe Concession and Khwai region of Moremi on early morning and late afternoon 4x4 game drives.

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Fully Serviced Camping

Day 7: Khwai Area to Maun - Botswana

Day 7 of our Botswana safari sees us leaving the Mababe and Khwai areas and heading to Maun. We pack up camp and arrive at our service camp in Maun by lunchtime.

Maun is the third-largest town in Botswana and is considered the tourism capital of the country. It is the primary access point or gateway to the Moremi Game Reserve and the Okavango Delta.

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation included: Fully Serviced Camping

Day 8: Maun to Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Botswana

We depart from Maun today and continue our Botswana safari to our next safari destination, Khama Rhino Sanctuary. Driving along the western edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans, we arrive at Khama Rhino Sanctuary and our serviced camp in the afternoon.

• Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
• Accommodation included: Fully Serviced Camping

Safari Note: Fly out clients depart from Maun today

Days 9 &10: Khama Rhino Sanctuary to Mapesu Private Game Reserve, Mapungubwe - South Africa

This morning, early risers have an opportunity at 06:00 for an optional 2-hour game drive (at your own expense) that offers a chance to spot white rhinos at Khama Rhino Sanctuary.

We then leave the Khama Rhino Sanctuary and head to the Botswana border, cross the Limpopo River, and enter South Africa.

From our serviced bush camp near the Limpopo River, we spend the next two days exploring the Mapungubwe National Park, a World Heritage Site. Mapungubwe Hill is the centre of the landscape, marking the birthplace of southern Africa’s first kingdom in the 13th century, and features San rock art.

On day 10, we start our day with a morning safari walk to view the Kaoxa Bushman paintings, and in the late afternoon, we enjoy a sunset drive with panoramic views of the baobab-studded landscape.

• Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
• Accommodation included: Fully Serviced Camping

Day 11: Mapungubwe to Johannesburg - South Africa

We leave Mapungugwe today and travel through the beautiful Limpopo Province to the bustling city of Johannesburg, where we will stay at accommodated lodgings overnight. Dinner tonight is for your account.

• Meals included: Breakfast
• Accommodation included: Accommodated rooms

Day 12: Johannesburg - South Africa

Our 12-Day Budget Botswana Safari concludes after breakfast today, when you will be collected from your lodgings and transferred to Johannesburg Airport.

• Meal included: Breakfast

Botswana Safari Notes

Accommodation in Victoria Falls and Johannesburg (for before and after this safari) can be pre-booked through us. Arrival and departure airport transfers to the selected departure point are included in the tour price. Additional transfers can be pre-booked. For more details, contact African Budget Safaris.

This is a fully serviced camping safari conducted with three staff members who take care of all camp duties, including setting up and dismantling the tents, cooking, and other camp chores. A camping bed, mattress, sleeping bag, and small pillow are provided on this Botswana Senior Tour, which accommodates a maximum of 16 clients.

This safari is also available in the opposite direction. The 12-Day Budget Botswana Safari - Camping Adventure Northbound begins in Johannesburg, South Africa, and ends in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Botswana Safari Transport

This Botswana Safari is conducted in a custom-designed overland vehicle built for Africa’s rugged terrain. The overland vehicle features 16 or 20 comfortable, forward-facing seats with lap seatbelts, providing guests with extra space and comfort on the road.

Its open cabin design facilitates easy communication with the driver, while large slide-down windows enhance airflow and visibility - ideal for game drives. The overland vehicle features ample storage for baggage and refreshments, including two fridges/freezers, water tanks with potable water, and charging points for devices at each seat. There is also access to guides and reference books on wildlife, birds, etc, to enrich your game-viewing experience. Safety is prioritised with a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, toolbox, and spare tyres. Each overland vehicle is thoroughly serviced after every safari.

Open 4x4 vehicles are used in the Moremi Game Reserve.