Situated in the southern reaches of Africa, Botswana is renowned for its pristine wilderness areas characterized by deep lagoons, wetlands, lush palms, rugged hills and desert plains scattered with scrubland. The country’s primary tourist draw card is undoubtedly the vast red expanse of the Kalahari Desert and its remarkably beautiful Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the world. These natural wonders provide a tranquil haven for an abundance of African wildlife to thrive.
DAYS 1 – 2 : MAUN
Day 1 – Okavango Delta
With great excitement for our adventure, we will be starting off with the most rewarding and enjoyable way to explore and experience the beauty and serenity of this intricate system of lily covered channels and lagoons, by mokoro. Heading out early, we will be transferred by safari vehicle to the poling station (approximately 1 hour transfer) where we will meet the polers who will be escorting us into the Delta. The polers will steer us through the serene area of narrow, reed lined channels which open out onto beautiful lagoons. Reaching one of the many islands, a nature walk will be taken with your poler. After the walk, we return by mokoro through the channels back to the mooring station. A variety of game may be encountered in this pristine wilderness area including elephant, giraffe, kudu, impala and zebra.
Day 2 – Maun (Moremi Game Reserve)
You will be leaving the hotel before first light and we will drive to the South gate to enter Moremi Game Reserve. As the lagoons and channels form a vital section of the Okavango Delta eco-system, a wide spectrum of wildlife, ranging from large herds of buffalo, wildebeest and zebra, to the rare sitatunga and lechwe antelope, lion, cheetah and packs of wild dog in the open grasslands can be seen. The birdlife is prolific and includes most of the 550 bird species recorded on Botswana’s national bird list. The game viewing routes chosen on the day by the professional guide may vary especially when high floods are experienced as certain roads may be closed or impassable.
DAY 3 : NATA
After breakfast this morning we leave Maun and make our way towards the town of Nata. We will spend most of the day in our vehicle as we journey across the northern reaches of the Makgadikgadi Pans. On arrival at our destination in Nata, you have the opportunity to enjoy an optional afternoon guided game drive to the Makgadikgadi Pans, where a host of water birds including pelicans and flamingo in their thousands breed here every year.
DAY 4 : KASANE
Early this morning we will continue north to our camp on the banks of the Chobe River. This afternoon you will be exploring the Chobe National Park. We begin our exploration with an optional game drive in 4×4 vehicles and the afternoon ends with a leisurely boat cruise which allows us an up close and personal experience with the many elephants that frequent the river in the afternoons and where hippos and crocodiles bask in the sun.
DAY 5 : VICTORIA FALLS (ZIMBABWE)
With the beautiful memories of our wildlife encounters firmly placed in our minds, we cross the border to Zimbabwe and travel the short distance to Victoria Falls. The bustling adventure town of Victoria Falls offers a range of optional activities for those wanting a dose of adrenaline and upon arrival you will have the chance to book these various activities. There are craft markets to explore for the leisurely traveller and a delicious high tea is on offer at the Victoria Falls Hotel.
DAY 6 : END OF ITINERARY
With the many activities on offer in Victoria Falls today is the perfect day for the adventure that most suits your style. Whether rafting the mighty Zambezi River or enjoying a scenic flight over the falls below, this is your day to enjoy the many attractions on offer in Victoria Falls.
ACCOMMODATION: SEDIA RIVERSIDE HOTEL | MAUN
Sedia Riverside Hotel has been designed to be in harmony with nature. It is a small but unique hotel, featuring twenty four rooms and ten cottages. Spacious grounds stretch down to the Thalamakane River, offering a sanctuary for total relaxation and privacy away from stress and routine. The hotel’s environmentally friendly facilities integrated into the attractive natural setting ensures an enjoyable stay for both business and pleasure travelers.
ACCOMMODATION: NATA LODGE | NATA
An oasis set among the Mokolwane palms on the edge of the pans. It is ideally situated close to the entrance to the Nata Sanctuary and is just off the main road, 10 km from Nata village. This is the junction to the Okavango, Chobe and Francistown areas.
The Nata River delta feeds the Sua Pan in the Nata sanctuary and forms the breeding ground for a host of water birds including pelicans and flamingo in their thousands, transforming the shore line into a pink haze blending into the western sky. Nata Lodge offers guided tours in open safari vehicles into the sanctuary, not to be missed.
ACCOMMODATION: THEBE RIVER LODGE AND CAMPSITE | KASANE
Thebe River Safaris is ideally situated for visitors to Chobe National Park and Chobe River region in Northern Botswana. The lodge and camp overlooks the placid Chobe River and echo’s the surrounding bush with a rustic design. Thebe River Safaris is 12 km from the Kazungula border and 5 km from the Chobe Park entrance. There is a restaurant and bar providing welcome food and drinks and visitors can enjoy the sparkling swimming pool and free Wi-Fi. Available activities include game drives, boat cruises, overnight safari excursions and Victoria Falls day trips.
ACCOMMODATION: SHEARWATER EXPLORERS VILLAGE | VICTORIA FALLS (ZIMBABWE)
Located merely 400m from the Victoria Falls, 100m from the epicenter of the Victoria Falls town with its craft and craft & curio markets, bohemian cafes and overlooking a natural African bush panorama the Shearwater Explorers Village is the perfect “Base Camp”.
Comprising of 5 bespoke Overland camping sites modern ablution facilities and 16 private chalets, the Village represents affordable accommodation at its finest – clean, cool, relaxing, elegant, excellent traditional food, ice cold drinks and exceptionally friendly hosts ready to welcome you and guide you through your Victoria Falls experience.
