On arrival at Maun International Airport, you will be met and transferred to Thamalakane River Lodge, located on the banks of the Thamalakane River. It is just outside of Maun and en-route to the famous Okavango Delta. The rest of the afternoon of your first day on safari in Botswana may be spent at leisure enjoying one of the many activities available at the lodge. This evening you will meet your guide and the rest of your group that you are travelling with.
After breakfast, we head to Etsha 13, on the western border of the Okavango Delta. Unlike other deltas, it flows deep into the Kalahari Desert without reaching the sea. The next day is spent exploring the network of water pathways through thick vegetation in mokoros (traditional dugout canoes), discovering a variety of birds and wildlife. We have the opportunity to stop at a secluded island for a 1½ hour guided walk during which you may spot elephants, waterbuck or other animals living in this water-filled paradise.
After breakfast, we head south, travelling via Maun to our second camp in the delta. It is situated in a private concession in the Greater Moremi area. This large expanse of pristine delta vegetation is renowned for its concentration of mammals. It is not unusual to see many different types of wildlife during a game drive. Game viewing is seasonal and depending on the time of the year, you may see different species in different areas. The best time for game viewing in the delta is towards the end of the dry season and spring from August to November. During this period we will drive further to get closer to the rivers and channels for the best game viewing. In the summer, the abundant birdlife often means exceptional sightings of wildfowl, waders and raptors.
We have the opportunity to explore the Greater Moremi area on morning and afternoon game drives as well as during a very special night drive. Expect exceptional game viewing from the vehicles and we hope to show you the rare nocturnal animals that call this area home on the night drive
Today, we embark on a full-day game drive in Khwai, situated on the fringes of the Moremi Game Reserve and boasts a diverse ecosystem of lagoons, plains, and forests. With a small population living in harmony with wildlife, Khwai attracts large herds of elephant and buffalo in the dry season, offering excellent opportunities for lion and leopard sightings alongside abundant birdlife and varied flora.
Leaving the Moremi bush behind us, we travel east towards the Makgadikgadi Pans on this leg of our Botswana safari. The area was once a large river-fed lake that has become saline and empty and incorporates a multitude of salt pans and vast grass plains dotted by palm islands. Together this forms the Great Makgadikgadi which is the largest area of salt pans in the world, covering some 37,000 square km. We arrive at our lodge on the edge of the pans in the late afternoon.
We head off to Nata Bird Sanctuary in the morning, which offers us the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent view over the Sowa pan, which is part of the Greater Makgadikgadi Pans (please note a visit to the pans is subject to the road conditions and water levels as well as time constraints). After breakfast, we continue our journey north to Kasane, the gateway to your safari into Chobe National Park. Chobe, which is the second-largest national park in Botswana and covers 10,566 square km, has one of the greatest concentrations of elephants found on the African continent. The afternoon is at your own leisure to partake in optional activities or to relax by the pool. Start your morning of day 9 with a spectacular game drive in Chobe National Park. You will return to the lodge for a late breakfast and chill time until your boat cruise on the Chobe River starts around 3 pm. This Chobe River cruise offers excellent opportunities to photograph elephants, hippos, crocodiles and a variety of birds.
Today, we make our way into Zimbabwe to Nantwich Lodge, situated in the northwest corner of Hwange National Park, the largest national park in Zimbabwe, covering an area of approx. 14 650 km2. Named after a local chief, Hwange is situated in the northwest corner of the country about one hour south of the Victoria Falls. Due to its close proximity to the Falls, Hwange boasts an incredible biodiversity of flora and fauna, and a plethora of African wildlife. There are over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 bird species recorded here. Upon your arrival, you’ll have the opportunity to partake in an afternoon game drive, allowing you to immediately immerse yourself in the rich wildlife experience this pristine location has to offer.
The following day is spent on a full day game drive where you will discover a variety of animals, including some predators among them. In the evening, you will be able to enjoy a night game drive, offering a unique opportunity to witness the fascinating nocturnal wildlife in their natural habitat.
This morning you will embark on a walking safari, immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of the African wilderness. In the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to extend your quest for African wildlife on an exciting game drive.
Journey to Hwange National Park
After breakfast and the end of your safari in Hwange, we head back towards Victoria Falls. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure enjoying one of the many activities that Vic Falls has to offer.
Explore Victoria Falls at your leisure today. This unique town offers a variety of adventure activities and cultural experiences. Your guide will take you on a tour of the mighty Victoria Falls, known by the local Kololo tribe as Mosi oa Tunya- “the smoke that thunders”. In the afternoon we embark on a relaxing sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River.
Our Botswana and Zimbabwe safari ends after breakfast. You will be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport in time for your departure flight. We hope to welcome you again one day on another of our African adventures.
Transfer to Victoria Falls Airport
