12-Day Luxury Safari Adventure through Botswana: Discover Chobe, Okavango and Victoria Falls

Day notes

Day 1 & 2: The Incredible Elephants of Chobe

Your adventure begins upon arrival at Victoria Falls International Airport in Zimbabwe. Here, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative who will assist you with the transfer across the border to Kasane in Botswana. From there, you will be taken to Chobe Bakwena Lodge, an eco-friendly sanctuary located just outside Chobe National Park. After checking in, you can settle into your comfortable accommodation and soak in the first sounds of the African bush.

Wildlife by Land and Water At Chobe Bakwena, you have a wide variety of activities to explore the natural beauty of the area. The lodge is perfectly situated for visiting Chobe National Park, world-renowned for its massive concentration of elephants.

• Game Drives: Head out with a professional guide in an open safari vehicle. Chobe is famous for its vast elephant herds, but keep a sharp eye out for lions, leopards, and large buffalo cape as well.

• Boat Safaris: An absolute highlight! Explore the Chobe River by boat for a unique perspective on hippos and crocodiles, while watching elephants come down to the water’s edge to drink at sunset.

• Cultural Experiences: Beyond the wildlife, there’s room for deeper connection. Learn about the local culture and the traditions of the communities that call the Chobe region home.

Relaxing by the River Evenings at the lodge are the perfect time to unwind. Enjoy a sundowner by the river as the sky turns pink, reflecting on your first incredible encounters with Botswana's wildlife in this pristine wilderness.

Day notes

Day 3 & 4: Into the Wild Heart of Nogatsaa Pans

After a peaceful morning at Chobe Bakwena, you’ll leave the riverfront behind for an adventurous overland safari transfer to the remote Nogatsaa Pans. This 3 to 4-hour journey takes you deep into the heart of Botswana’s wilderness. Keep your camera ready, as you’ll traverse pristine landscapes where elephants, buffalo, and unique bird species are frequently spotted along the way.

An Intimate and Authentic Bush Experience Upon arrival, you’ll check into the lodge, renowned for its exclusivity and authentic atmosphere. With only a limited number of guests, the setting is private and tranquil. During your two-night stay, you will be completely immersed in nature:

• Game Drives: Explore the vast pans and the surrounding private concession. Your expert guide will help you track lions, giraffes, and rare antelopes while sharing deep insights into this fascinating ecosystem.

• Walking Safaris: For those seeking a deeper connection with the land, a walking safari is a must. Led by an experienced guide, you’ll walk through the bush to discover the finer details of the wilderness, from tracking prints to learning about local flora.

• Night Game Drives: The African bush truly comes alive after dark. On a nocturnal drive, you’ll head out with a spotlight to search for elusive predators like leopards, hyenas, and honey badgers.

• Bird Watching: With an incredible diversity of species, from vibrant bee-eaters to majestic raptors, this region is a true haven for bird enthusiasts.

Dining Under the Stars In the evenings, enjoy exquisite meals often served under the brilliant Botswana night sky. As the sounds of the nocturnal bush echo around you, there’s no better way to end the day than sharing stories around the campfire in total serenity.

Day notes

Day 5 & 6: A Scenic Flight to Mmatsebe Tented Camp

Today, you’ll trade the dusty tracks of Nogatsaa for a bird’s-eye view of Botswana. You will be transferred to the nearby airstrip for a spectacular scenic flight to Mmatsebe Tented Camp in a small aircraft.

Botswana from Above Prepare for breathtaking aerial views; from the sky, you’ll truly grasp the vastness of the wilderness. Keep a close watch below, as you’ll likely spot herds of elephants or buffalo traversing the savannas and winding riverbeds. Upon arrival at Mmatsebe, you’ll receive a warm welcome and settle into your luxury tented accommodation, located in a private concession for a truly immersive bush experience.

Bush Adventures and Exploration At Mmatsebe Tented Camp, the focus is on a deep connection with nature:

• Game Drives: Explore the wildlife-rich area with a professional guide. From stalking lions to grazing antelopes, every drive is an engaging lesson about this unique ecosystem.

• Walking Safaris: Step out of the vehicle and experience the bush on foot. Led by an expert guide, you’ll discover the finer details often missed from a car, from rare flora to fascinating insects.

• Night Game Drives: As darkness falls, head out to find the 'night shift.' Using a spotlight, you’ll search for hyenas and leopards in the mysterious atmosphere of the African night.

• Cultural Experience: Gain unique insights into local traditions and discover how people have lived in harmony with the surrounding wilderness for generations.

• Relaxation Under the Milky Way After a day filled with wonder, nothing beats the tranquility of the camp. The crystal-clear skies above the bush offer an unparalleled view of the Southern Hemisphere’s constellations.

Day notes

Day 7 to 9: The Water Magic of the Okavango Delta

After your stay at Mmatsebe, you will fly from the nearby airstrip to Setari Camp, a stunning destination located in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Here, you will spend three nights in an idyllic setting, surrounded by waterways, palm trees, and an abundance of wildlife.

During your stay at Setari Camp, you can enjoy a range of unique activities that bring the magic of the Delta to life:

• Mokoro Excursions: Glide through the tranquil waterways in a traditional dugout canoe. As you move silently through the clear water, you can admire birds, frogs, and water lilies from up close. A serene and nearly meditative experience.

• Boat Safaris: Explore the wider channels and lagoons by motorboat. Along the way, you may encounter hippos, crocodiles, and numerous water birds while enjoying the impressive landscape of the flooded plains.

• Island Walking Safaris: Explore the surrounding islands on foot with an experienced guide. This offers an intimate and adventurous way to learn about the ecosystem and the smaller inhabitants of this unique environment.

• Bird Watching: The Okavango Delta is a paradise for bird lovers. With over 400 species, including the African Fish Eagle and colorful kingfishers, Setari is a prime location for ornithologists and photographers.

• Relaxation in Nature: Between activities, relax at the camp, enjoy the views from the elevated deck, take a refreshing dip in the pool, or simply unwind with the sounds of the Delta in the background.

• Stargazing: The combination of the remote location and clear skies makes Setari an excellent spot to admire the Southern Hemisphere’s night sky in all its glory.

Setari Camp is the perfect place to experience the "wet" side of Botswana's wilderness, a peaceful yet adventurous contrast to the savannas of your previous stops.

Day notes

After your stay at Setari Camp, you’ll board a flight from the airstrip to Kasane, where you’ll be met and transferred by road to Victoria Falls, located just across the border in Zimbabwe (or Zambia, depending on your itinerary).

Once in Victoria Falls, you'll have the freedom to explore the iconic waterfalls at your own pace. Known locally as "The Smoke that Thunders", this natural wonder is one of the most breathtaking sights in Africa — a powerful and mesmerizing experience.

In addition to walking along the various viewpoints that offer spectacular vistas of the falls, you also have the option to take a helicopter flight. Often referred to as "The Flight of Angels", this scenic flight gives you a bird’s-eye view of the waterfalls, the mighty Zambezi River, and the surrounding wilderness. It’s a truly unforgettable way to experience the grandeur of the area.

Whether you choose a leisurely walk or a thrilling flight above the falls, Victoria Falls offers a stunning and memorable finale to your safari adventure.

Day notes

Day 12: Farewell to the African Wilderness

Today, the day has come to conclude your extraordinary journey through Botswana and Victoria Falls. After a final breakfast, with the impressive roar of the falls in the distance, you will be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport for your flight home.

A Suitcase Full of Unforgettable Moments As your plane takes off and the vast savannas fade below you, we hope you’ll reflect on a journey that exceeded all expectations. From the massive elephant herds in Chobe and the remote tranquility of the Nogatsaa Pans to the magical, crystal-clear waterways of the Okavango Delta; you have truly experienced the purest essence of Botswana.

Welcome home! Enjoy these beautiful memories, and we hope to welcome you back to the 'wilderness capital of the world' in the future.