16 Day Botswana & Zimbabwe Adventure (Mixed Camping and Accommodated)

Day 1: Johannesburg – Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Botswana

We will begin our adventure at 06h30 when we depart Johannesburg. We plan to cross the Botswana border at Martin’s Drift after traversing the dry thornveld of South Africa’s Northwest Province. We enter the vast Kalahari plains as soon as customs and immigration formalities have been completed.

The journey to our accommodation, Khama Rhino Sanctuary, will take us quite a distance today. Founded in 1992, Khama Rhino Sanctuary is a community-based wildlife conservation project that assists in the conservation of vanishing rhinoceroses, restores an area that formerly teems with wildlife to its previous natural state, and provides economic benefits to the local Botswana community through tourism and sustainable resource management. In addition to providing prime habitat for white and black rhinos, the sanctuary contains over 30 other animal species as well as more than 230 bird species.

The evening is spent enjoying a catered meal as our guide explains the procedure for the next few days.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (Lunch will be at your own expense)
Accommodation: Khama Rhino Sanctuary – Lodge
Distance: +/- 600 km (for all overland tours, the average speed in the truck will vary depending on road conditions, please keep this in mind as days on the road form part of any mobile safari in Africa)

Day 2: Khama Rhino Sanctuary – Maun, Botswana

Following an early morning wake-up call, we embark on our first open-vehicle game drive at Khama Rhino Sanctuary.  Here, we will search for rhinos and other wildlife that inhabits this unique environment before returning to the camp for breakfast.

Following this, we proceed northwards into the true wilderness, passing through numerous remote villages and skirting the immense Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. As we continue our journey, we will travel along the Boteti River to the Maun Lodge, where we will spend the night. There are 10 twin-tented, meru style units at the lodge, each with a wonderful view of the Boteti River. Bird watching is exceptional in the area. As you drift off to sleep tonight, you will hear the deep grunts of hippopotamus (this river bed does dry up in times of drought or low rainfall).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Drifters Maun Lodge (Meru style tents with en-suite facilties)
Distance: +/- 480 km

Day 3 – 4: Maun – Okavango Delta, Botswana

Leaving the lodge early in the morning, we head back towards Maun before turning left and catching our flight into the famous Okavango Delta.

As the Okavango River flows south and eastwards from the highlands of central Angola, it creates one of the largest inland deltas in the world, where it slows and spreads into a unique ecosystem that supports a wide array of animal and plant species. There is something inherently beautiful about the sight of a Jacana striding delicately amongst the flowering lilies, the Bee Eater diving to catch an unsuspecting insect, and the familiar cry of the African Fish Eagle which all contribute to the creation of a unique natural masterpiece. Over time, the river disappears into the vast plains of the Makgadikgadi sands after spilling its contents into the vast plains.

Our comfortable and well-equipped camp is situated in the forest on the edge of one of the largest lagoons and serves as a base of operations from which we explore the surrounding area. A mokoro will glide through narrow reed-lined channels, we will walk on uninhabited islands and picnic in the wilderness, while local guides who have grown up in the region will inform us about the animals and plants that inhabit the Delta. As we interact with our guides informally, we will gain a better understanding of the way of life of the local people in this remote wilderness. In addition to relaxing, we also have the opportunity to take a stroll with our guide, take a refreshing swim in the pool, or simply enjoy the views of a glistening lagoon from a beautiful wooden deck. We take a boat cruise in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxing sunset.

Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch x2, Dinner x2
Accommodation: Drifters Camp, (Twin bedded tented units, linen included with shared ablutions)
Included Highlights: Okavango Delta, Guided Walks, Mokoro Trip, Sunset Boat Trip

Day 5 – 8: Okavango Delta – Khwai Area, Botswana

We begin the day early and embark on our second flight which takes us over the vast expanses of the Delta and Moremi National Park, to the Khwai airstrip. Watch out for wildlife that inhabits the Delta while taking in the breath-taking sights of its vast expanse.

As you fly, your luggage and all the camp equipment will have been transported by our support vehicle. Our ground crew will greet you on arrival and transport you in open vehicles to our campsite on the banks of the Khwai river, where the support staff have erected our dome tents. It is undoubtedly a highlight of the tour to have such a wild experience.

To make the most of our time here, we game-drive extensively for the next 4 days during the day. We explore the Khwai concession and the famous Moremi and Savuti reserves in 4×4 Land Cruisers with our Motswana guides. Routes are flexible and depend on the season.

From palm tree plains to marshlands, dense Mopane woodlands and Acacia scrub, the vegetation changes constantly. Game viewing is excellent in this variety of habitats. Unlike the roads in national parks, where they are just tracks in the sand, the 4x4s aren’t just for show. The only items we carry are our cameras and daypacks, a picnic lunch and drinks for the trip.

Our camp in the bush awaits us just before sunset, with a warm fire lit by the ground staff. As soon as you have enjoyed a hearty meal, it is time for you to retire. A hyena’s groan or a lion’s earthy roar or even the grunt of a semi-submerged hippo may lull you to sleep while you drift off to sleep. As if we are the first people to ever occupy this site, we are totally secluded and undeveloped – it is as if we are the only people on this planet. In order to ensure that we leave nothing behind when we depart, we bring everything we may need.

Our journey may also take us to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve or the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, depending on the ever-changing wildlife conditions in the National Parks.

Meals: Breakfast x4, Lunch x4, Dinner x4
Accommodation: Khwai Hippo Pools Serviced Camping (Two-man dome tents with shared ablutions)
Included Highlights: 4×4 Open vehicle game drives, Private non-fenced campsites, Extensive first-hand game viewing experience

Day 9: Khwai Area – Maun, Botswana

We make our way back to Maun after our last morning in the park. In the afternoon, we enjoy an own expense lunch and explore the town. Afterwards, we’ll stock up on basic supplies before traveling to our overnight stop at Drifters Maun Lodge where we stayed before entering the Delta.

The Boteti River flows along the banks of the lodge, however seasons and rainfall patterns affect the flow and direction of this river. With a swimming pool, bar, restaurant, and tented en-suite accommodation, the lodge offers a comfortable stay.

A catered meal and a comfortable night await us at the lodge this afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (Lunch will be at your own expense)
Accommodation: Maun Tented Lodge (Meru style tents with en-suite facilities)
Included Highlights: Game drive on the way out of the park
Optional Activity: Scenic flight, fixed wing or helicopter
Distance: +/- 225 km

Day 10: Maun – Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana

Having woken up early the last few days, today is a relaxing start at the lodge. If you are interested, we recommend taking a walk through a local village. You can explore Chenoga Village, located not far from the lodge, with one of the staff members who lives there, which is not on a common tourist route.

Lunch is served early, followed by a journey eastward to the Salt Pans. White pans stand out against an ocean of golden grass. Before continuing to our overnight accommodation, Elephant Sands Lodge, we stop to take in the solitude and serenity of this expanse. At Elephant Sands, the water hole offers close-up views of elephants.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge – Elephant Sands
Included Highlights: Village Walk, Visit to Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
Distance: 200 km – 300 km

Day 11: Makgadikgadi Pans – Chobe River – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Our journey today takes us north of the pans, along the mighty Chobe River, leaving the desolation of the pans behind. In the Chobe area, elephants and other animals are attracted to drink from rivers because of the large herds of elephants. As we glide close to the banks of the river this afternoon, we hope to be able to approach these animals from the river for close-up views. A portion of the Namibian side of the Chobe River will be explored during our cruise along the Chobe River. Upon our return to the land, we cross the border into Zimbabwe and travel to the city of Victoria Falls, where we will be staying for the night. There are a number of attractions within walking distance of the lodge, which is centrally located.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Dinner will be at your own expense)
Accommodation: Accommodation – Shearwater Lodge (or similar)
Included Highlights: Chobe Boat Cruise
Distance: 320 km – 400 km

Day 12: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

As we emerge from the sleep of the adventure capital of Africa into the world of Victoria Falls, we are filled with new awe and excitement. There is a term that means “The smoke that thunders”: Mosi-oa-Tunya. There is a legend that the “Big Snake” or “Nyami Nyami” hides in this area. There is no additional fee for entering the Falls, and you are free to explore the surrounding rainforest and view the Falls as long as you wish. There are a number of other attractions and activities available, including a tribal village and a curio market. There are also numerous adventure activities available at Victoria Falls, including plane flights over the falls, boat trips on the Zambezi River, white water rafting, and bungee jumping.

Two nights are spent in this town, which allows you to explore the area at your leisure and choose the sights and activities that interest you. We will be eating out tonight (at our own expense) at a local restaurant. Drink a farewell toast to your adventure as the African night and distant roar of the Falls lull you to sleep.

Meals: Breakfast (Lunch and Dinner will be at your own expense)
Accommodation: Accommodation – Shearwater Lodge (or similar)
Included Highlights: Victoria Falls National Park – Entry Fee for viewing the Falls
Optional Activities: Scenic Helicopter Flight, Sunset Boat Cruise, White water rafting, Bungee jump, Gorge swing, many more available

Day 13: Victoria Falls – Hwange, Zimbabwe

Upon completing breakfast, we travel to a private reserve bordering Hwange National Park, the most renowned game reserve in Zimbabwe. There are over 100 species of mammals and 400 species of birds in the park, with lions, leopards, and wild dogs frequently sighted. The park is known for its massive herds of elephants and buffalo. During the afternoon, we will participate in an open vehicle game drive with a local guide who has a thorough understanding of the area.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camp Silwane Lodge (Meru style tents with en-suite facilities)
Highlights: Game Drive
Distance: +/- 185 km

Day 14: Hwange – Matobo National Park, Botswana

Leaving Camp Silwane, we make our way to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second largest city. Afterwards, we enjoy a vehicle safari into the Matobo National Park. At this point, we will leave the vehicle and walk through the bush in order to track rhinos. Many people find it thrilling and moving to observe these massive beasts in their natural habitat.

This evening we will be staying on a granite dome surrounded by balancing boulders of the Matobo Hills, enjoying commanding views of the park from our accommodations.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Big Cave – Lodge
Highlights: Matobo National Park, Rhino Tracking on Foot
Distance: 500km

Day 15: Matobo National Park – Stevensford Game Reserve, Botswana

In Botswana, we will spend our last night on a private game reserve along the Limpopo River. Our final walk will take us along the river to experience the sights and smells of the African bush and to see animals in their natural habitat. Dinner around a flickering fire concludes our day on the road.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Stevensford Game Reserve – Lodge
Highlights: Scenic Drive, Bush Walk
Distance: 450km

Day 16: Stevensford Game Reserve – Johannesburg, South Africa

As we cross the border into South Africa this morning, we pass the scenic Waterberg Mountains before entering the bustling Golden City of Johannesburg, Africa’s economic heart. After arriving in Johannesburg late in the afternoon, the tour comes to an end.

Post tour accommodation and transfers can be booked through us – please chat to your consultant.

Meals: Breakfast

While the above itinerary was correct at the time of writing, we strive to provide our clients with the best tour options possible. In this regard, we reserve the right to alter any aspect of the itinerary at any time. A published itinerary may change during the period during which it is valid, for example, conditions may change, roads may be improved or deteriorated, contracted accommodations and camps may change in standard, optional activities may become available or be discontinued, border posts may open or become congested, etc. Whenever circumstances require, or if we believe that the change will improve the tour, we continuously monitor all factors that contribute to a successful tour.

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.