On arrival into Victoria Falls Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon may be spent at leisure enjoying one of the many activities available in Victoria Falls. This evening you will meet your guide and the rest of your group at the lodge at 18h00 for your pre-departure meeting.
Today you will have at leisure to explore Victoria Falls, the town and all of its unique offerings, from adventure activities to cultural experiences. Your guide will take you on a walking tour of 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 on board a traditional East African Dhow, basking in the afterglow of the day while nibbling on a sumptuous meze platter and sipping refreshing beverages.
After breakfast we head across the Kazungula border into Namibia, driving through the Caprivi Strip (Zambezi Region) to our camp situated on the banks of the Kwando River. The area is lush and water-rich compared to the rest of Namibia, drawing abundant wildlife and villagers sustained by the large rivers and wetlands. We will arrive at our lodge in the late afternoon to enjoy sunset overlooking the river with a chance of seeing both crocodiles and hippos.
Distance: 345 km
Departure: 08h00
This morning we start early as we embark on a game drive in the Greater Bwabwata National Park, which extends from the Kavango River in the west to the Kwando River in the east and incorporates the Mahangu Game Reserve. Elephant, roan, kudu and buffalo are amongst the animals likely to be seen as well as prolific birdlife. We cross over the border into Botswana and head to Etsha 13, on the western border of the Okavango Delta. Unlike other deltas, it flows into the Kalahari Desert without reaching the coast, which makes it unique. 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.
Distance: 415 km
Departure: 07h00
Explore the network of water pathways through thick vegetation in mokoros (traditional dugout canoes), discovering a variety of birds and wildlife.
After breakfast we head south travelling via Maun to our camp which is situated in a private concession in the Greater Moremi area. This large area is renowned for its concentration of mammals and it is not unusual to see many different types of wildlife during just one game drive. Game viewing is seasonal; depending on the time of the year you may see different species in different areas. The best time for game viewing is the end of the dry season or spring from August to November. During this season, in order for us to offer the best game viewing possible, extra driving may be required due to the animals migrating closer to the river. In the summer, birdlife can also be viewed in abundance with exceptional sightings of wildfowl and raptors.
Distance: 420 km
Departure: 06h00
We have the opportunity to spend the day on game drives. In our open 4×4 vehicle we will explore the Greater Moremi area on morning and afternoon game drives hopefully spotting a variety of game that frequent this region. After dinner your guide will take you on a night drive, and you will hopefully be able to spot some rare nocturnal animals.
Today we head into the famous Moremi Game Reserve known as one of the most beautiful and varied reserves in Africa with an unprecedented concentration of wildlife. The full day is spent in the unspoiled nature of the Moremi Game Reserve.
Leaving the bush behind us, we travel east towards the Makgadikgadi Pans, once a large river fed lake which has become saline and empty. This area incorporates a multitude of salt pans and vast grass plains dotted by palm islands and forms the Great Makgadikgadi which comprises the largest area of salt pans in the world, covering some 37,000 square km overall. We arrive at our lodge in the late afternoon.
Distance: 430 km
Departure: 07h00
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 the 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 elephant found on the African continent. The afternoon is at leisure to partake in optional activities or to relax by the pool.
Distance: 320 km
Departure: 08h00
Start your morning of day 11 with a hopefully spectacular game drive in Chobe National Park. You will return to the lodge for a late breakfast and relaxation until our boat cruise on the Chobe River starts around 3pm. Here we can watch elephants, hippos, crocodiles and a variety of birds, making for excellent up close photo opportunities.
Today we make our way across the border into Zimbabwe and onto our lodge located in a private concession near to Hwange National Park, where we will spend the next three nights in this wildlife rich area. This afternoon you can partake in an optional game drive if time allows. Over the following two days, we will have plenty of time to explore this vast wilderness on game drives. Hwange National Park is one of Africa’s finest havens for wildlife and is home to massive herds of elephant, buffalo, and zebra and has a very large concentration of giraffe. It is also home to many predators and endangered species plus varied birdlife. We will also visit the Painted Dog Conservation Centre to witness the work that is done to protect these endangered species. During your stay, you can engage with the anti-poaching unit. Guests will learn what motivates these conservation warriors and can ask them any burning questions.
Distance: 280 km (day 12)
Departure: 08h00
Journey to Hwange National Park
Our 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.
Distance: 190 km
Departure: 08h00
Transfer to Victoria Falls Airport
