Day 1: Maun to Okavango Delta – Botswana
Your epic Botswana and Victoria Falls Safari begins when you arrive at Maun Airport. Our friendly ground staff will welcome you and guide you to your connecting light aircraft charter flight into the heart of the Okavango Delta. From your aerial vantage point, marvel at this magical place’s intricate waterways, palm-fringed islands, and lush landscapes where the Okavango River empties onto a flat desert floor.
Upon landing, a boat will transport you through the delta waterways to Setari Camp (or similar), situated on a palm island deep in the Okavango Delta. Settle in and rejuvenate until late afternoon, when you embark on a scenic boat cruise through the Delta’s labyrinthine channels and watch as the setting sun casts a golden glow over the waters. End your first day on safari in Botswana with a delightful dinner at camp and soak in the serenity of the setting.
- Activity Included: Light aircraft transfer
- Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: Okavango Delta – Botswana
Your Botswana Safari begins early today, to make the most of your time in the Okavango Delta during the early morning light. Choose a water or land-based delta experience.
For the water experience, glide along the delta waterways in a traditional Mokoro boat, steered by an experienced poler. This peaceful journey offers intimate encounters with birdlife and picturesque views, perfect for photography. Return to camp for brunch and relaxation, before heading out on an afternoon boat safari. Alternatively, the land-based activity is a full-day walking safari on the palm-fringed delta islands, exploring at a slower pace which allows you to spot the wonders often overlooked. Return to Setari Camp for a delicious dinner and unwind by the campfire under the star-studded African sky.
- Activity Included: Delta Mokoro Trip and Boat Safari, or Full-Day Delta Walking Safari
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Okavango Delta to Maun & Sankuyo Community Concession – Botswana
Soak in your final hours in this idyllic delta location. If time permits you can participate in another land or water safari activity. Later, head to the airstrip in a 4×4 safari vehicle for your return flight to Maun. Here, you’ll be greeted by your guide and taken on in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle to Mogogelo Camp (or similar) located in the Sankuyo Community Concession on the southern edge of the Okavango Delta’s Moremi Game Reserve.
The community-run Concession area teems with wildlife, particularly lions, and offers an immersive Botswana safari experience. Settle into your comfortable canvas-tented rooms with en-suite bathrooms, each boasting private viewing areas overlooking the waterhole and the expansive Okavango Delta landscape. Relax with a sundowner as you watch wildlife gather, before tucking into a hearty dinner.
- Activity Included: Light aircraft transfer
- Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 4: Sankuyo Community Concession to Moremi Region – Botswana
After breakfast, your Botswana and Victoria Falls Safari continues north toward the northern entrance of Moremi Game Reserve to the Khwai Concession Area, keeping a close lookout for wildlife along the way. Beautiful Mmatsebe Camp (or similar) in the Khwai River region will be your home for the next three nights.
Settle in, freshen up and relax. Mid-afternoon head off on your first full safari game drive. Crisscross the landscape in search of elephants, lions, buffalo, various antelope, and, if lucky, leopards near the rivers or cheetahs on the open plains. Return to camp for dinner and end an exciting day relaxing around the campfire.
- Included Activity: Safari Game Drive
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 & 6: Moremi Game Reserve – Botswana
On day 5, your Botswana Safari begins at a more leisurely pace. After breakfast, head to the nearby poling station for another chance to explore the delta waterways in a Mokoro, the traditional dugout canoe now made from fibreglass to preserve the delta’s trees. With one or two people per canoe, a skilled local poler guides you through the peaceful Mbudi Channel, allowing you to appreciate the lush surroundings and wildlife while sharing insights into life in this remarkable region. Return to Mmatsebe Camp for lunch and a short rest before heading out on an afternoon game drive. Your guide will expertly reveal the bush’s hidden wonders before you head back to camp for dinner.
Rise at dawn on day 6 in Botswana for a full-day safari adventure in the renowned Moremi Game Reserve, making the most of the early morning when wildlife is most active. Watch for the Big Five of Africa and other diverse animals, and keep an eye out for African wild dogs that thrive in the area. Marvel too at the rich birdlife as you journey deeper into the game reserve.
Arrive at the Xakanaxa Lagoon at midday for a riverboat ride through the reed-lined waterways, savouring a picnic lunch and scenic views along the way. As the day winds down, return to camp looking out for more wildlife. Enjoy another relaxed evening around the campfire.
- Included Activity: Mokoro excursion, Delta Boat cruise, Full-day Moremi Safari
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2
Day 7: Moremi to Savuti & Chobe Forest Reserve – Botswana
Your Botswana Safari leaves at dawn as you travel into the Savuti region of Chobe, home to abundant wildlife. Today’s drive covers approximately 160 kilometres (100 miles), which should take 6-7 hours, depending on wildlife sightings along the way. The Savuti Marsh region is known for its plentiful lion and leopard populations. Uniquely, the lions here have been seen to hunt elephants. With luck, you may encounter one of these iconic prides on your journey.
After an eventful day of game viewing in Chobe, arrive at Thobolo’s Bush Lodge (or similar), located about two hours north of Savuti, where you can unwind with a refreshing drink and a delicious dinner.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Chobe Forest Reserve to Kasane – Botswana
Enjoy a relaxed start today. After a leisurely breakfast, your Botswana and Victoria Falls Safari takes a short drive to Kasane. This small town in northern Botswana is known as the gateway to Chobe National Park and is famous for its scenic locations along the Chobe River. Check into Chobe Bush Lodge (or similar), freshen up, relax by the pool and enjoy a delicious lunch.
Mid-afternoon is the time to embark on a thrilling boat safari on the Chobe River. The cruise takes you alongside Chobe National Park, spotting elephants, buffalo, and a variety of the 450 bird species, such as the African skimmer and malachite kingfisher, that enjoy the marshy conditions at the water’s edge. Cruise back to the lodge as the sun begins to set and marvel at the sublime sunset over the Chobe bush.
- Included Activity: Chobe River Safari Boat Cruise
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Kasane & Chobe to Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe
Day 9 begins early with an exhilarating morning game drive in Chobe National Park, taking full advantage of the early hours when wildlife viewing is at its peak. Chobe’s diverse ecosystem brims with wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and unique antelope species such as the puku and red lechwe. Stop in a sheltered spot to enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the beauty of this top African park.
Your small group Botswana and Victoria Falls Safari then returns to Kasane and crosses the border into Zimbabwe. It is a short drive to Victoria Falls where you check into the beautiful Batonka Guest Lodge (or similar) in Victoria Falls village, home for the next two nights.
- Included Activity: Chobe game drive
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe
This morning we embark on a guided tour of the magnificent Victoria Falls. One of the world’s largest waterfalls, Vic Falls spans 1.7 kilometers (approximately 1 mile) wide and 108 meters (354 feet) high. We make an early start to catch the falls in the beautiful morning light and ensure fewer crowds.
The rest of the morning is at your leisure to relax at the lodge, or explore the town and browse the lively souvenir market. There are many optional activities on offer, such as a scenic flight over the falls or a thrilling bungee jump. Around mid-afternoon, set off on a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River (above the falls), where you can unwind in the serene surroundings enjoying stunning sunset views as you drift back to shore. Finish your evening with an optional group dinner at a local restaurant (own expense), sharing memories of your unforgettable Botswana and Victoria Falls adventure.
- Included Activity: Victoria Falls Tour, Sunset Zambezi Boat Cruise
- Optional Activities: Scenic Flight, Bungee Jump, White-Water Rafting, and much more
- Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 11: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe
Today, your Botswana to Victoria Falls Safari finishes in Zimbabwe. After a relaxed breakfast, your driver will transfer you to the airport at Victoria Falls to catch your onward flight.
- Meals Included: Breakfast
Botswana & Victoria Falls Safari Notes
We recommend booking your incoming and onward flights at least one day before and after this Botswana and Victoria Falls Safari is scheduled. It is advisable to arrive the day before the tour starts in Maun, Botswana, and fly out the day after the safari tour ends in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, to allow for delays and changes.
Simply ask your friendly travel advisor to add pre- and post-tour accommodation to your safari booking.
Optional Victoria Falls Tour Add-Ons
This Botswana to Victoria Falls Safari combines well with our short stay Victoria Falls Tours, where you can enjoy the full selection of Victoria Falls activities. Since Victoria Falls is one of the world’s iconic destinations, most people opt to spend more time here to take full advantage of the many cultural, wildlife and adventure activities on offer.
There are airports on both sides of Victoria Falls for easy departures from either country.
Botswana Safari Air Transfer
This Botswana and Victoria Falls Safari includes local air transfers in Botswana: Maun to Okavango Delta return. Note that this air transfer will be on a light aircraft and the following weight/size restrictions apply:
- Baggage: On all light aircraft in Botswana, luggage (including camera equipment and hand luggage) is restricted to 20 kg per person. Baggage must be in soft bags only. Hard suitcases or bags with wheels cannot be transported, as they physically cannot fit into the aircraft stowage. The maximum dimensions for luggage are 30 cm wide x 35 cm high and 70 cm long. If you need more baggage, please get in touch with us so we can quote you for the excess luggage.
- Passengers weighing over 115 kg (253 lb or 18 stone) should please advise us when booking. We may need to include the cost of an additional seat on internal flights for your safety and comfort.
Botswana Safari Accommodation
The accommodation listed in this Botswana & Victoria Falls Safari itinerary is subject to availability. Should the listed establishment not be available, a similar lodge/safari lodge of the same standard will be booked. This will be conveyed to you at the time of booking.
For more details contact African Budget Safaris
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