11 Day Botswana Adventure Safari (Comfort)

Day 1 – 3: Okavango Delta, Botswana

On route to the Delta, you will be transferred from the MAUN LODGE to the meeting point of the tour.

Flowing from central Angola far to the northwest, the Okavango River winds its way south- and eastwards before slowing and spreading into one of the world’s few true inland deltas, sustaining a very diverse range of animal and plant species as a result. There is nothing quite like the sight of a Jacana striding gracefully through a field of lilies, the Bee Eater diving to catch an unwary insect, and of course the familiar cry of the African Fish Eagle – all of these contribute to one of nature’s unique masterpieces. The river disappears when its contents will eventually spill into the vast Makgadikgadi sands.

In the morning, you will be transferred to our camp on the edge of one of the largest lagoons to join the rest of the group. We will travel by mokoro through narrow channels lined with reeds, walk on uninhabited islands, and enjoy picnics in the wilderness as we learn about the animals and plants of the Delta from guides who were raised in the region. During our informal interactions with the guides, we will have the opportunity to learn about local culture and way of life in this isolated wilderness. There will also be time to relax and enjoy the view from a wooden deck, a cold drink in hand, or to take a dip in the pool or go for a walk with our guide. One afternoon we enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on a boat. For a good view of the Delta from the air, a helicopter flip is highly recommended (own expense).

Meals: Breakfast X3, Lunch X3, Dinner X3
Accommodation: Twin bedded tented units
Included Highlights: Okavango Delta, Guided walks in the Delta led by local Motswana guides,Mokoro trip, Sunset boat trip
Optional Activities: Scenic Helicopter Flight over Delta

Day 4: Okavango – Maun, Botswana

As we begin early, we embark on a journey toward relative civilisation. In the afternoon, we arrive in Maun, a frontier town. After stocking up on basic supplies, we will travel the short distance out of town to the Maun Tented Lodge, our destination for the evening.

On the banks of the Boteti River, the lodge is located. As a result of seasonal and rainfall patterns, this river is known to change its flow direction. This lodge provides comfortable twin en-suite accommodation, a swimming pool, bar, restaurant and a variety of birdlife.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Maun Lodge – tented units with twin beds
Included Highlights: Private Tented Lodge on the banks of the Boteti River

Day 5 – 8: Flexible Game Reserve Schedule (5 Days in National Parks), Botswana

Before departing on the game viewing portion of the tour, our group enjoyed a scrumptious breakfast at the lodge. This is certainly one of the highlights of the tour. With our local Motswana guides, we travel in open, well-equipped 4X4 Land Cruisers. In national parks, where roads are merely bumps in the sand, 4x4s are not just for show. Our luggage and camping equipment are transported by a support vehicle, while we carry only our cameras and daypacks. Thus, we are free to game drive extensively throughout the day, to stop at hides and watering holes at our leisure, and to make the most of the time we have here. When we arrive at our bush camp at sunset, the support staff have already set up our tents, bush showers and toilets, and have a campfire going to welcome us. The camp sites we use are private campsites within the National Parks, which are nothing more than GPS points in the bush. They are completely secluded and undeveloped, as if we are the first people to camp there, and we’re the only ones in the world. When we leave, we leave nothing behind. We will bring everything we will need for a comfortable wilderness experience.

Routes are flexible and are determined by the season. A typical example would be: after arriving at Moremi Game Reserve, we spend the first night at the well-known Third Bridge. Listen to the distant howl of a hyena or the earthy roar of a lion as you drift off to sleep, or even the deep grunt of a half-submerged hippo. We may then proceed to camp near North Gate via Xakanaxa. The wetland areas of this area are ideal for game viewing, and we will conduct evening and morning drives in these areas.

We may then proceed to Savuti, an area that provides a variety of options for game viewing and has a very active wildlife population (keep the fruit away from the elephants, the meat away from the hyenas, and everything away from the monkeys). From open plains with palm trees, to marshlands, to dense Mopane woodlands or Acacia scrub, the vegetation is constantly changing. This diversity of habitat provides excellent opportunities for game viewing.

We have a backup crew that stays with us throughout the trip, moving the camp for us and handling all the necessary chores so we can focus on experiencing the wildlife.

We may also traverse the vast Central Kalahari Game Reserve or Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, depending on the changing conditions in the national parks.

Meals: Breakfast x4, Lunch x4, Dinner x4
Accommodation: Camp – tented units
Included highlights: 4×4 open vehicle game drives, Private non-fenced campsites, Extensive first-hand game viewing experience, Explore the heart of National Geographic’s photography region

Day 9: Maun, Botswana

We took one last game drive in the park on our final day before returning to Maun. In the afternoon we have an optional game flight (own expense) before heading to the comfort of the MAUN TENTED LODGE for a catered meal and a comfortable night. We enjoy our own-cost lunch and have some time to explore the town.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (Lunch – own expense)
Accommodation: Maun Lodge – tented units with twin beds
Included Highlights: Game drive on the way out of the park, Visit to Maun
Optional Activity: Scenic game flight

Day 10: Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana

We enjoyed a relaxed start at the lodge today after the early starts of the past few days. We spent time along the river bank enjoying the peace and quiet of the area, or lazing by the swimming pool. We recommend taking a walk in the local village to those who are interested. We are not on a frequent tourist route so Chenoga Village, not far from our lodge, provides an opportunity for you to explore an authentic village with a member of our staff who lives there.

Following lunch, we continue our journey eastward into the stunning Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Under an exceptionally large sky, golden grasses give way to a stark white landscape. Before reaching our accommodation for the night, Elephant Sands Lodge, we stop to observe the isolation and serenity of this expanse. You are almost certain to see elephants at close quarters at the water hole.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Elephant Sands Lodge
Included Highlights: Village Walk, Makgadikgadi Salt pans
Distance: 320 km

Day 11: Chobe River – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

After traveling northward today, we make our way to the Chobe River, a slow, placid river that provides a haven for hippos, crocodiles, and some of the largest herds of elephants and buffalo on earth. After lunch we enjoy a boat cruise on the Chobe River in the Chobe National Park. As we glide near the riverbank, we hope to silently approach the animals that drink from the river. When we return to land, we cross the border into Zimbabwe and proceed to Victoria Falls

After arriving at our accommodation in Victoria Falls, the tour will officially come to an end. Accommodations for post-night stays can be booked and arranged (speak to your consultant).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

These day-by-day descriptions should only be viewed as a rough guideline. Due to its unpredictable nature, adventure travel is subject to a wide variety of factors, including weather patterns, wildlife migrations, road conditions, and several other factors that may result in itinerary changes. It is imperative that clients remain flexible and open-minded in this regard.

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.