12 Day Botswana Wildlife Safari Group Tour

DAY 1 : MAUN

Distance : 30 kms

Arriving in Maun make your way to the Drifters Maun Lodge to meet up with the rest of the group
.
The Overland Maun Lodge offers comfortable twin-bedded units, all with wonderful views over the wide Boteti River – the bird watching is exceptional. Fall asleep tonight to the deep grunts of hippo.

Overnight: Drifter Maun Lodge or similiar 

DAY 2: OKAVANGO DELTA

After an early start, we leave the lodge and head back towards Maun in time to catch your connecting flights into the Okavango Delta.

The Okavango River, emanating from central Angola, far to the northwest, flows south- and eastwards, before slowing and spreading into one of the world’s only true inland deltas.Creating as it does so a unique ecosystem that supports a huge variety of animal and plant life. The sight of a Jacana striding delicately amongst the flowering lilies, the Bee Eater diving to prey on an unsuspecting insect, and, of course, the familiar cry of the African Fish Eagle - all combine to create the canvas of one of nature’s unique masterpieces. The river, eventually spilling its contents into the vast plains of the Makgadikgadi sands.

Our comfortable and well- appointed camp on the edge of one of the largest lagoons serves as a base from which we explore. We will glide through narrow, reed-lined channels by mokoro, walk on uninhabited islands and picnic in the wilderness, while learning about the animals and plants of the Delta from local guides who have grown up in the area.
Through informal interaction with the guides, we will have the opportunity to learn about the local people and their way of life in this isolated wilderness. We will also have time to simply relax and enjoy the views over a glistening lagoon from a beautiful wooden deck, cold drink in hand, go for a walk with our guide, or take a refreshing dip in the pool.

Overnight: Twin Bedded Tented Units (Linen provided)  Guma Lagoon Camp or similar 
 

DAY 3: OKAVANGO DELTA

Afternoon we enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on a boat.

Overnight: Twin Bedded Tented Units (Linen provided)  Guma Lagoon Camp or similar 

DAY 4-7: FLEXIBLE GAME RESERVE SCHEDULE KHWAI AREA

Starting early, we transfer back to the airstrip to catch a second flight over the vast expanse of the Delta and Moremi National park, to the Khwai airstrip. Be sure to take in the breath- taking sights of the vast expanse of the Delta, and also keep an eye out for the wildlife that inhabits it.

Whilst in the air our support vehicle will have gone ahead with your luggage and all the camp equipment. On landing you will be met by the Drifters ground crew and transported in open vehicle game viewers to our campsite on the banks of the Khwai river, where the support staff have erected our tents. This wild experience is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the tour.

For the next 4 days, we game-drive extensively during the day to stop at hides and water holes at leisure, and to make the most of our time here. We travel in well-equipped, open 4x4 Land Cruisers, with our local Motswana guides, exploring the Khwai concession and the famous reserves of Moremi and Savuti. Our route is flexible and depends on the season.

The vegetation is constantly changing - from open plains with palm trees, to marshland, to dense Mopane woodlands or Acacia scrub. This variety of habitats makes for excellent game viewing. The 4x4s aren’t just for show, as the national parks are truly wild places, the roads are just tracks in the sand. We carry only our cameras and day packs, a picnic lunch and drinks for the road.

Towards sunset we arrive back at our camp in the bush, where the ground staff have lit a warm fire to welcome us. After a hearty meal it is time to retire. Drifting off to sleep to the howl of the distant hyena or the earthy roar of a lion and even the deep grunt of a half-submerged hippo. We use an exclusive campsite on the banks of the Khwai river, completely secluded and undeveloped – it is as if we are the first people here, and are alone in the world. We bring everything we will need with us, and leave nothing behind when we depart.

Our backup crew remains with us throughout, so we can concentrate on the wilderness.

Depending on the ever- changing conditions in the National Parks we might also venture into the vast Central Kalahari Game Reserve or the unique Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.

Overnight: Camping (Serviced camping 2 person dome tents)  Khwai Hippo Pool Campsite or similar 

DAY 4-7: FLEXIBLE GAME RESERVE SCHEDULE KHWAI AREA

Overnight: Camping (Serviced camping 2 person dome tents)  Khwai Hippo Pool Campsite or similar 

DAY 4-7: FLEXIBLE GAME RESERVE SCHEDULE KHWAI AREA

Overnight: Camping (Serviced camping 2 person dome tents)  Khwai Hippo Pool Campsite or similar 

DAY 4-7: FLEXIBLE GAME RESERVE SCHEDULE KHWAI AREA

Overnight: Camping (Serviced camping 2 person dome tents)  Khwai Hippo Pool Campsite or similar 

DAY 8 – MAUN

Distance: +/- 225 km

Our last morning in the parks, we slowly game drive our way back to Maun. We enjoy an own expense lunch and have some time to explore the town. We will spend time stocking up on basic supplies, before travelling the short distance out of town to the Drifters Maun Tented Lodge, our stop for the night.

The lodge is situated on the banks of the Boteti River. This river is known to change its flow direction, depending upon the season and rainfall patterns. The lodge offers comfortable, tented en-suite accommodation, a swimming pool, bar, restaurant and birdlife.

This afternoon we relax at the lodge before enjoying a catered meal and a comfortable night.

Overnight: Overland Maun Tented Lodge or similar

DAY 9: MAKGADIKGADI PANS.

Distance: 200 - 300 km

After the early mornings of the last few days, we enjoy a relaxed start at the lodge today, spending time along the river bank enjoying the tranquillity of the area, or lounging at the swimming pool. For those interested, we recommend going on a local village walk. Chanoga Village, not far from our lodge, is not on a regular tourist route, so you have the opportunity to explore an authentic village with one of our staff from the lodge, who lives in the village.

We have an early lunch, before continuing our journey eastward to visit the spectacular Makgadikgadi Salt Pans area.( weather dependant- at certain times of the year the pans may be inaccessible) Oceans of golden grass give way to the stark white pans, under a very big sky. We stop to take in the isolation and serenity of this expanse, before continuing to our accommodation for the night, Elephant Sands Lodge. Close-up encounters with Elephants at the water hole are a guarantee.

Overnight: Elephant sands Lodge or similar
 

DAY 10: CHOBE RIVER – VICTORIA FALLS

Distance: 320 - 400 km

Venturing north today, we make our way to the slow, placid Chobe River -, an ideal habitat for hippos and crocodiles, and an attraction to some of the biggest herds of elephant and buffalo on earth. This afternoon we enjoy an extensive boat cruise on the river, within Chobe National Park. Gliding close to the banks, we hope to silently approach the animals that come down to the river to drink. Back on land, we cross the border into Zimbabwe and make our way to our accommodation for the night. The lodge is centrally situated within walking distance of Victoria Falls and other attractions.

Overnight: Shearwater Explorers Village or similar

DAY 11: VICTORIA FALLS

Awaking in the adventure capital of Africa, it is with new excitement that we can explore the amazing Victoria Falls, known to the locals as "Mosi-oa-Tunya "- meaning “the smoke that thunders”.

This is the place where, according to ancient traditions, the Zambezi River God “Nyami Nyami”, who takes the form of a snake spirit, is in hiding. Your entry fee to the Falls is included in the tour price, and you are free to spend as much time as you like viewing the Falls and exploring the surrounding rainforest.

Various other attractions can be visited and activities enjoyed, including the tribal village or curio market. Victoria Falls is also home to a multitude of adventure activities, such as an aircraft flip over the falls, a boat trip on the Zambezi River, white water rafting or bungee jumping, but allowance must be made for the extra expense of these optional, but worthwhile, activities.

We spend two nights here, thus allowing you some time to explore the town and all it has to offer, with the freedom to choose the sights and activities that interest you. Tonight we will eat out at a local restaurant (own expense). Relax to the sound of the African night and the distant roar of the Falls and drink a farewell toast to your adventure.

Free day to explore town or do some activities

Overnight: Shearwater Explorers Village or similiar
 

Day 12 Victoria Falls

The tour officially ends on day 12 after breakfast

End of your amazing adventure