Botswana Highlights
9 days
from Princess Victoria Island to Princess Victoria Island
From
$ 2648
Duration9 days
See the big name attractions of southern Africa – Vic Falls, Chobe and the Okavango Delta. Containing in its borders the world's largest salt pans, inland delta and number of elephants, Botswana has plenty to boast about. And, happily for visitors, the country knows it. 38% of the country's landscape – which encompasses everything from savanna to swamp to the sands of the Kalahari – is protected and the travel infrastructure is among the very best in Africa. Taking in also Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls and Namibia's Zambezi region, this trip celebrates both the natural and cultural highlights of Botswana. Stay in a lodge overlooking a watering hole frequented by elephants. Jump in jeeps and set out on game drives in Chobe National Park. Paddle through the Okavango Delta in a traditional dug out canoe, and be welcomed into the villages of native Bushmen. If it's a diversity of landscapes, wildlife and cultures you're after, this is the trip.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 9 daysService level: Standard
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Starts in: Princess Victoria IslandPhysical Grading: Average
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Ends in: Princess Victoria IslandAges: 15+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Victoria Falls
Start place: Princess Victoria Island
Mhoro! Welcome to Zimbabwe. Your adventure begins today with a 6pm welcome meeting at the hotel. You can arrive at any time today as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time for this, consider arriving a day early so you are able to attend. If you are going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting. If you arrive early, check out some of the optional activities around Vic Falls. The Zimbabwe side of the falls offers the broadest view of this colossal natural wonder. Scenic helicopter flights are incredible – if you opt for one, choose Zambezi Helicopter Company (CAA Zimbabwe), the only operator Intrepid endorses.
We recommend Wild Horizons activity centre to book any optional activities. However, we have not risk assessed all activities and only those listed in our trip notes are recommended. It is against company policy for leaders to facilitate the booking of any activities that have not been risk assessed or do not adhere to our company’s Responsible Travel policy and ethos. This includes organising transport to and from these activities in our vehicles.
We recommend Wild Horizons activity centre to book any optional activities. However, we have not risk assessed all activities and only those listed in our trip notes are recommended. It is against company policy for leaders to facilitate the booking of any activities that have not been risk assessed or do not adhere to our company’s Responsible Travel policy and ethos. This includes organising transport to and from these activities in our vehicles.
Day 2: Elephant Sands
Travel across the Kazangula border into Botswana. The drive to reach our accommodation; Elephant Sands is approximately 325km and will take roughly 6 hours (including the border crossing). Located in a private concession bordering on the Chobe Forest Reserve, the watering hole at Elephant Sands lodge attracts herds of elephant and other wildlife in season. We will spend the night in chalets with open plan bedroom, mosquito nets, ensuite bathrooms and views of the waterhole. There is a swimming pool, restaurant, and bar onsite.
Meals: B
Day 3: Maun
After breakfast, drive to Maun, a bustling town on the edge of the Okavango Delta (355km, approximately 6-6.5 hours). Arriving here in the afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to take in this World Heritage site from above on a scenic flight in a light aircraft (an optional activity that your trip leader can help you arrange). Tonight's accommodation is in the Sedia Hotel, a comfortable hotel situated on the town's outskirts.
Meals: B
Day 4: Okavango Delta Pan Handle
Leaving Maun after breakfast, drive to the north-western part of the Okavango Delta. This is quite a long drive – approximately 500km – and it will take about 8 hours. Our accommodation for the next 2 nights is positioned at the topmost part of the Delta in the North Eastern province. The advantage being the flood water reaches the camp in early February in comparison to May and June, further south in the Delta.. The water is filtered through floating papyrus ‘islands’ becoming crystal clear on arrival.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Okavango Delta Pan Handle
Today we hop into mokoros (traditional dugout canoes) for a waterlevel exploration of the delta. Paddling through papyrus and reed beds to lily-covered lagoons and islands, be sure to keep on the lookout for elephants, antelope, warthogs and other creatures of the plains. Tuck into a picnic lunch on one of the islands and embark on a short bushwalk, returning to the lodge in the late afternoon.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Caprivi
After breakfast we take the 4x4 transfer back to our vehicle and make our way to the Namibian border. The drive is approximately 150 km and will take about 4-5hours (including the time it takes to complete the immigration formalities).
The drive to tonight's camp, which is on the Caprivi banks of the Kavango River, involves passing through the Mahango Game Reserve. In the afternoon we venture out on a guided excursion to the villages of the Hambukushu and Xwe people, which presents an excellent opportunity to observe village life up close.
The drive to tonight's camp, which is on the Caprivi banks of the Kavango River, involves passing through the Mahango Game Reserve. In the afternoon we venture out on a guided excursion to the villages of the Hambukushu and Xwe people, which presents an excellent opportunity to observe village life up close.
Meals: B
Day 7: Chobe National Park
Continue the journey along the Caprivi Strip in the newly formed Kavango-Zambezi Trans frontier park. Crossing the border back into Botswana we'll arrive at Kasane, a town surrounded by the Chobe National Park (455 km, approximately 7 hours). Taking its name from the river which marks the border between Namibia and Botswana, Chobe boasts the largest population of elephant in Africa, plus birdlife, pods of wallowing hippos and more. If time permits there will be the chance to take an optional boat cruise along the river – swimming elephants are a common sight.
Meals: B
Day 8: Chobe National Park
Wake early and take a dawn game drive in Chobe National Park, where you may see elephants drinking at the waters' edge, large herds of cape buffaloes and many impala within the park. Return to the lodge for a late breakfast and enjoy the rest of the day at your pleasure. If you didn't get the chance to yesterday, you might like to enjoy an optional sunset cruise on the Chobe River. At the right time of year the river is frequented by large families of Elephants crossing the banks, drinking, and playing in the water. it's also ideal for spotting bird life such as saddle-billed storks, malachite kingfishers, fish eagles and beautiful bee-eaters as well as hippos, and crocodiles.
Grab a sundowner from the boats small bar and sit back and watch the sunset over the river. A perfect way to end the day!
Grab a sundowner from the boats small bar and sit back and watch the sunset over the river. A perfect way to end the day!
Meals: B
Day 9: Victoria Falls
You have the option to get up before dawn and head out on an optional morning game drive. This time of day is when predators such as leopards and lions are spotted returning from their night's hunting. Return to the lodge for breakfast, then drive on across the Zimbabwean border. After completing the border formalities, drive the remaining distance to Victoria Falls (a distance of approximately 100 km). Our adventure ends upon arrival in Vic Falls (approximately 2pm). No accommodation is included tonight. Ask your travel specialist about post tour accommodation options if you're considering staying on in Victoria Falls a few extra days.
Those staying longer can visit the falls and choose from various activities and excursions, including white water rafting, canoeing and flying fox rides. For an incredible scenic helicopter flight, choose Zambezi Helicopter Company (CAA Zimbabwe), the only Intrepid-endorsed operator. Your leader can help you arrange this.
Those staying longer can visit the falls and choose from various activities and excursions, including white water rafting, canoeing and flying fox rides. For an incredible scenic helicopter flight, choose Zambezi Helicopter Company (CAA Zimbabwe), the only Intrepid-endorsed operator. Your leader can help you arrange this.
End place: Princess Victoria Island
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Okavango Delta - Mokoro Safari & Nature Walk
- Ngepi - Village visit
- Chobe National Park - Morning Game Drive in 4WD vehicle
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Transport
Minibus, 4x4 safari vehicle, Mokoro -
Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights), Lodge (3 nights), Basic Lodge (3 nights)