Arrival in Maun – Gateway to the Okavango Delta
Today you will arrive in Maun, the heart of Botswana and the gateway to the legendary Okavango Delta. Upon landing, you will be warmly welcomed by an English-speaking driver and transferred to your hotel.
Maun was founded in 1915 as the capital of the Batawana people and has since developed into a vibrant little town – an exciting blend of modern life and a pristine atmosphere. The town lies on the southern edge of the delta and is considered a central starting point for safaris into one of Africa's most fascinating water landscapes. Here you can arrive in peace, acclimatize after your journey, and prepare for the adventure ahead. Enjoy the afternoon as you wish – with a stroll through the small town, a sundowner, or simply relaxing and looking forward to your upcoming safari experiences of the next few days.
Off on Adventure – First Safari in the Okavango Delta
At 9 a.m., you will be greeted at the hotel by your German-speaking guide. Together with your group, you will begin your journey: heading towards the Okavango Delta, where your safari begins.
You will arrive at your newly built lodge on the edge of the delta, idyllically situated amidst wetlands and untouched nature. The comfortable tented chalets, built on raised wooden decks, offer not only pleasant coolness with large mosquito nets and fans, but also a true "Out of Africa" feeling. From the private terrace, you will have a sweeping view over the green marshland – a perfect place to enjoy your first animal sightings right from your room.
In the afternoon, you will embark on the first game drive of your trip. In open safari vehicles, you will venture into the wilderness, where, with a little luck, you might even spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, or antelopes in their natural habitat. You might even spot a lion in the shade or a hippo in a stream.
Back at the lodge, the day ends with a cozy dinner and the sounds of the African night – welcome to bush paradise!
Mokoro Adventure & Optional Safari in the Okavango Delta
Today, an unforgettable experience awaits you in the Okavango Delta: a ride in a mokoro – a traditional dugout canoe that travels through the reed-lined channels of the delta. Sit back and enjoy the absolute silence as the water gently laps beneath the mokoro, while your experienced "poler" (guide) knowledgeably points out the delta's diverse fauna and flora. This mode of transport in the delta allows you to observe animals up close without disturbing the tranquility of nature.
After this peaceful journey, you will return to the lodge for lunch and can relax with a refreshing drink.
In the afternoon, you have the choice: Would you like to embark on an exciting game drive in an open 4x4 or enjoy a boat safari to experience the delta from a different perspective? Both options promise breathtaking wildlife viewing, where you might spot elephants, crocodiles, or even predators.
End the day with a traditional sundowner – a refreshing drink served amidst the wilderness as the sun slowly sinks over the horizon and the African evening sets in.
Drive to Moremi – Front-row wildlife viewing
Today, we continue to a camp near the Moremi Game Reserve, one of the best places for wildlife viewing in the Okavango Delta. Even on the drive there, you'll be treated to fantastic views of the African wilderness. You might spot herds of elephants, antelope, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
Your camp is located next to a large watering hole regularly visited by wildlife, meaning you have the opportunity to observe animals without even leaving the camp. Simply sit on the terrace and enjoy the spectacle up close as the animals gather to drink or bathe.
In the afternoon, a game drive in an open 4x4 awaits you, taking you even deeper into the wilderness. Here, you'll have the chance to encounter animals in their natural habitat—a perfect opportunity for more Big Five encounters or perhaps even predator hunting.
Full-Day Safari in Moremi Game Reserve – Following the Wildlife
Today we'll head to the Moremi Game Reserve, one of the most renowned and wildlife-rich areas in the Okavango Delta. On a full-day game drive in an open 4x4 vehicle, we look forward to fantastic wildlife sightings and unforgettable experiences amidst the African wilderness.
Our destination is Chief's Island, the largest landmass within the Moremi Game Reserve. This region was once the richest hunting ground of the Batswana tribe before being declared a protected area and is now one of the best places for wildlife viewing.
During our days on safari, we'll explore the park's fascinating wildlife – from elephants roaming the forests, to hippos and buffalo in the waters, to majestic lions roaming the savannah. These encounters are just the beginning, however – Moremi and the adjacent private concessions offer an incredible diversity of animals and natural phenomena.
With a bit of luck, we'll spot many more species on our game drives – and perhaps even a rare predator hunting. Here in Moremi, you'll experience wilderness in its purest form – up close.
Mobile Tented Camp in Savuti – Encounters with Predators
After the Moremi Game Reserve, we continue north into the legendary Savuti section of Chobe National Park – an area known for its dramatic landscape and high concentration of predators. The vast plains, lined with acacia trees, provide a perfect habitat for lions, leopards, and many other wild animals.
The game drives take us along the famous Savuti Channel, a hotspot for predators and a true paradise for game viewing. Here, we hope for exciting sightings of lions lurking in the vastness of the bush or hyenas roaming the savannah. We will also encounter elephants, plains game, and other animals on our drives through this fascinating, wild area.
In the evening, we return to our mobile tented camp, set up in the middle of the wilderness. After a delicious dinner under the African starry sky, we can end the day with the typical sounds of the African bush. As we drift off to sleep, we might hear the distant roar of a lion or the call of a hyena—an unforgettable experience.
Safari in Savuti – A Paradise for Wildlife Viewing
Today, we'll spend the entire day on safari, exploring the wildlife-rich Savuti area in depth. The area is at its best during the dry season: the short grass and lack of vegetation attract animals to the few remaining water sources, meaning we can expect incredible wildlife sightings.
The dryness makes Savuti's landscape even more impressive. The skeletal trees scattered across the land rise into the deep blue sky, providing stunning photographic opportunities – especially when the animals retreat into the shady forest at dusk, and the golden-red rays of the African sunset stir up the dust.
During our game drive, we'll not only target large predators like lions and leopards, but also discover the plains game that populates the landscape. Dusk also offers the perfect opportunity to observe these animals in their natural habitat – an unforgettable experience.
Transfer and Safari to Kasane – Following the Wildlife
Today's journey from Savuti to Kasane is more than just a simple transfer – it's another exciting safari! Along the way, we'll pass through an area rich in wildlife, populated by many animals. We'll stop frequently to observe the wildlife that calls this region home. Whether it's elephants, buffalo, or other fascinating animals – there's always something to discover.
In the afternoon, we'll finally reach our lodge in Kasane. Here, you'll have the opportunity to relax and end the day with a refreshing dip in the pool. As the sun slowly sets, you can reflect on the day's diverse experiences over a delicious dinner at the lodge and look forward to the next adventure.
Safari in Chobe National Park – Elephants and Sundowners on the Chobe River
The Chobe River, which flows leisurely along the northern border of Chobe National Park, is known for its vast herds of elephants, which are regularly found along its banks. This morning, we will experience a four-wheel drive game drive through Chobe National Park, where we will have the opportunity to observe the mighty elephants, buffalo, and many other animals in their natural habitat.
A special highlight awaits us in the afternoon: a sundowner safari boat cruise on the Chobe River. This cruise gives us the unique opportunity to witness the spectacle of the vast herds of elephants returning to the river to quench their thirst – an unforgettable moment as they wade majestically through the water, enjoying the sunset in the background.
Visiting Victoria Falls – A Natural Wonder of the World
Today we cross the border into Zimbabwe to visit one of the world's most impressive natural wonders – Victoria Falls, also known as "Mosi oa Tunya" or "the smoke that thunders." These majestic waterfalls are among the largest and most famous on earth, offering a spectacular thundering of water and powerful spray. Surrounded by a lush, green rainforest fed by the spray from the falls, Victoria Falls is home to fascinating birdlife as well as rich flora and fauna. The sight of the water plunging into the depths with a thunderous roar allows us to experience the unbridled power of nature up close.
If you wish, you can enjoy a very special experience this evening: an optional dinner at a traditional restaurant. Here, off the beaten track, you'll find an authentic culinary journey of a special kind, featuring unusual combinations of Zimbabwean produce and traditional dishes. Enjoy not only excellent food but also a unique ambiance that reflects the charm and culture of Zimbabwe.
Free Day in Victoria Falls – Choose Your Adventure
Today is yours to enjoy exciting optional activities as you wish. How about admiring Victoria Falls from a completely new perspective? A helicopter flight lets you enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the falls and the surrounding landscape from a bird's eye view.
For those seeking adventure, a rafting trip down the wild rapids of the Zambezi River is an unforgettable adrenaline rush! Those seeking a more leisurely experience can visit a traditional local village and learn more about the lives of the people in this fascinating region. Alternatively, you can drift along the Zambezi River on a relaxing boat cruise and enjoy the majestic flow of the river at your leisure. Your tour guide will bid you farewell today.
Depending on your flight time, you will be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport with an English-speaking driver. Alternatively, you will be picked up for your extended stay and taken to your next accommodation.
Thank you for your interest in traveling with Terra Nova Tours.
