The safari begins in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, at 07h30. Bush Ways Safaris is happy to assist with pre-safari arrangements such as accommodation and transfers (extra cost) from Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), Livingstone (Zambia) or Kasane (Botswana). A full safari briefing by our experienced guide commences your adventure with us on arrival in Victoria Falls, after which we head west. Crossing the border into Namibia at Katima Mulilo gives us the opportunity to pause for lunch. Afterwards, we head further into the Caprivi Strip of Namibia to Camp Kwando or a similar lodge. This lodge has a lovely vista over the Kwando River, a tributary of the Chobe River, which forms the border between Botswana and Namibia. (D)
Victoria Falls – Kwando/Susuwe: 340 km, 4-5 hrs driving (depending on border crossing) + lunch break in Katima Mulilo
Stomachs full from an early breakfast, a game drive in the nearby Mudumu Game Reserve offers the prospect of seeing large game. Elephant, Kudu and other antelope are commonly seen in this area. Returning to the lodge in the late morning for lunch and a short rest before an afternoon boat cruise on the Kwando River. Upon returning to the lodge once again, feel free to enjoy a drink before a hearty dinner, then leisurely head off to bed lulled by the sounds of the African bush. (B, D)
After an early rise, the safari continues east along the Caprivi Strip until reaching Popa Falls located on the Okavango River. Stretching your legs, take a short walk through the bush in order to get a closer look at these rapids, the last of the great Okavango River before it enters the Delta.
From Poppa Falls we continue on our way to Botswana, entering Mahango Game Reserve just before the border. Situated on the flood plains of the Okavango River, Mahango Game Reserve is well known for its sightings of Red Lechwe, Sable and Roan Antelope amongst other wildlife.
Leaving this scenic reserve, a short stop at the border crossing back into Botswana sees us heading south to Nxamasere or a similar lodge for 2 nights. Nxamasere is situated right in the Okavango Delta. (B,L,D)
Susuwe – Nxamasere: 350 km, ±5 hrs (depending on border crossing)
Early in the morning, enjoy a motorboat cruise through the papyrus-lined channels of the Delta to the mokoro station, where your day of exploration in the heart of the Okavango Delta begins. Mokoros are traditional dugout canoes, which have been used by the Bayeyi River Bushmen for centuries to negotiate the intricate pathways of this unique area. This full day excursion allows the opportunity to encounter a large number of bird species and view landscapes many people can only dream of. (B,L,D)
Inspired by the beauty of the Okavango, you will travel south to Maun. Arriving around noon in town, you can do a bit of shopping for curios, safari drinks and necessities before lunch. Rest of the day at leisure. In the afternoon, you will have the option of taking a scenic flight over the Delta (45 min. Maun to Maun scenic flight, rate TBA – to be booked during the safari, payment in cash only). This magical experience provides another perspective of the Okavango Delta’s distinctive water system. During the flight it is even possible to spot large game animals such as Elephant, Giraffe and Hippopotami.
Night at a comfortable lodge in Maun. (B, D)
Nxamasere – Maun: 290 km, 4-5 hrs
From Maun the drive meanders through to the Khwai River area, on the border of Moremi Game Reserve, one of the best wilderness areas of Botswana with very high concentrations of game. The next two days will be spent searching for the wide variety of wildlife and birds that this area is renowned for while absorbing the sounds and beauty of this region. Enjoy game drives in the early morning as the sun rises and in the late afternoon as the sun sets. Night at the Khwai Guesthouse in the Khwai Village. (B, L, D)
Maun - Khwai: 150 km, ±3.5 hrs (including game viewing)
Game drives to explore the region surrounding the Khwai River and a mokoro excursion to experience the aquatic wildlife via dugout canoe and enjoy the silence of the African bush (North-east Moremi / Khwai Concession).
(B, L, D)
An early start will see us travelling back through Maun, and then towards Nata, on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans. Watching the landscape change from green swamplands to vast saltpans, our journey pauses along the way for lunch and sees us arrive in the late afternoon at Nata Lodge or a similar lodge.
(B, D)
480 km, 7-8 hrs (including shopping stop in town).
An eventful start to the day commences with a visit to Nata Bird Sanctuary, where depending on the time of year, it is possible to see large flocks of flamingos and pelicans feeding and nesting on the pans. The safari then heads North towards Kasane, a town on the edge of Chobe National Game Reserve, where we will stay 2 nights to explore the northern reaches of the park. Feel free to investigate the ins and outs of the town, a well-known tourism hub of Northern Botswana, in the afternoon. (B, D)
Nata – Kasane: 320 km, 3-4 hrs
Time is spent in Northern Chobe, a park which is incredibly rich in game due to the Chobe River providing water all year round. Large herds of elephant are frequently seen walking to and from the river. Due to the high density of herbivores in this area many predators, such as lions and leopards, can be found. While staying at The Old House or a similar lodge in Kasane, a game drive into the park in the early hours of the morning, and a river cruise on the Chobe River in the afternoon allows the discovery of this incredible area from both land and water. (B, D)
Today the journey takes youto Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side (Visa required), where you will spend the night at a comfortable lodge. In the afternoon come face to face with the thunderous Victoria Falls and shop for curios with the roar of the water reverberating nearby. At Victoria Falls there are many activities to partake in which your guide can assist in organising. Please note that dinner on your last evening will be at your own expense. Spend your last night ata comfortable lodge with the images of the last 2 weeks still fresh in your memory. (B)
Kasane – Victoria Falls: 100 km, 2-3hrs (including border crossing)
The safari officially ends at 8h00 on Day 12. Bush Ways is happy to arrange post-tour accommodation, activities and transfers to Victoria Falls airport, Livingstone airport, Kasane, or any nearby lodges at an additional cost.
Activities in Victoria Falls include White Water Rafting down the Zambezi Gorge, Canoeing on the upper Zambezi and Helicopter Flights over the Victoria Falls, please ask your guide for further details. (B)
