The safari begins in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe at 14h00. You will meet your guide at your hotel in Victoria Falls or at the VFA airport en-route to your first destination. 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). After a full safari briefing by our experienced guide your adventure with us will start as you head from Victoria Falls to the Hwange National Park. You will have your afternoon at leisure at a beautiful camp. Enjoy the swimming pool or sit and listen to the sounds of the African bush. (D)
Victoria Falls – Hwange National Park, Robins Camp: 120 km, 2.5-3 hrs driving
Today you will have the chance to explore the beautiful area of Northern Hwange, home to a large population of buffalo and lion within the park itself. This area was one of the first game sanctuaries in Southern Africa and you will get to explore its surroundings with a game drive as well as a game walk during the course of the day.(B, L, D)
After breakfast you will depart towards the Botswana border and on to Nata. This little town is on the edge of the Makgadikgadi pans. You will arrive at your lodge in time for lunch in the restaurant (at your own expense). After you have settled in, you will head to the 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. (B, D)
Northern Hwange – Nata: 300km, ±5 hrs (depending on border crossing)
After an early breakfast you will head towards your next lodge, an oasis on the edge of the Makgadikgadi National Park entrance gate to Khumaga. You will have lunch at your camp and the afternoon will be spent in the village of Khumaga, a small village of about 1000 people. You can find out about their way of life and further insight into the local culture. (B, L, D)
Nata – Boteti River Camp: 290km, 4 hrs
Today your full day activity will lead you to Nxai Pan, this national park is home to Elephant, Giraffe, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah and many more. In additional to exploring the pan, you will have the chance to see the incredible Baines Baobabs, so named after painter and explorer, Thomas Baines, who captured their beauty in his painting done in 1862. The pan itself is a fossil lakebed about 40 square km in size where seasonal rain brings herds of Zebra to roam the open spaces and feed on the new grass. You will have a packed lunch and spend as much time as possible in this stunning area before heading back to camp. (B, L, D)
Inspired by the beauty of the area,you will travel West to Maun. Arriving around noon in town, you can doa 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). 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 Hippos. Night at a comfortable lodge in Maun. (B, D)
Boteti River Camp – Maun: 180 km, 2.5 h
Kindly note that all drives between and at camps in Khwai and Kavimba will be done in a Bush Ways custom built open safari vehicle, equipped with a small fridge and plenty of space for those perfect photographic moments.
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)
The safari then heads North towards Kavimba, a village on the edge of Chobe National Game Reserve, where we will stay 2 nights to explore the northern reaches of the park. This day will again be a full day activity as we will do a full day of game drives through the Savuti area of the Chobe National Park and North towards the Chobe flood plains. You will have your lunch break along the road surrounded by great wildlife and arrive late afternoon into your lodge. (B, L, D)
Khwai – Kavimba: 200 km, 10 hrs (including game drives)
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 Mwandi View or a similar lodge in this area, a game drive as well as a boat cruise in the Chobe National Park will allow the discovery of this incredible area from both land and water. (B, L, D)
Today the journey takes youto Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe (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 enjoy which your guide can assist you in organizing. 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)
Kavimba – Victoria Falls: 170 km, ±2.5hrs (plus 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)
