12 Day Three Rivers Safari
Countries: Botswana , Namibia , Zambia
Destinations: Maun , Okavango Delta , Kavango-Zambezi Region (formerly Caprivi) , Livingstone , Chobe National Park , Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
Group Size: 7
Duration (days): 12
Number of Adults: 7
Number of Children: 0
Something a little different to the Letaka mobile safaris... the Three Rivers Safari is a 10-night lodge-to-lodge safari. A fully accommodated safari visiting 7 different lodges in 3 different countries. Travel between the lodges in a Quantum mini-bus with a Letaka guide. Once at the lodges you will do the activities with their vehicles or boats.
Itinerary Outline
| Day | Location | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maun | Thamalakane River Lodge |
| 2 | Okavango Delta | Xaro Lodge |
| 3 | Okavango Delta | Xaro Lodge |
| 4 | Kavango-Zambezi Region (formerly Caprivi) | Nambwa Tented Lodge |
| 5 | Kavango-Zambezi Region (formerly Caprivi) | Caprivi Houseboat Safari Lodge |
| 6 | Livingstone | The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa |
| 7 | Livingstone | The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa |
| 8 | Chobe National Park | Elephant Valley Lodge |
| 9 | Chobe National Park | Elephant Valley Lodge |
| 10 | Makgadikgadi Salt Pans | Gweta Lodge |
| 11 | Makgadikgadi Salt Pans | Gweta Lodge |
| 12 | Day of Departure |
Day 1 : Maun
Your safari begins at 14h00 at Maun Airport where you will be met by your Letaka Safaris guide who will transfer you to the comfortable Thamalakane River Lodge on the outskirts of Maun. Here you will have the chance to relax after your long haul flights and prep for an early departure the next day when the real adventure begins.
Meals (D)
Botswana
Well known as one of the great safari destinations in Africa, Botswana offers some of the most beautiful, luxurious, and active safari experiences in Africa.
A Botswanan safari can never be long enough, and never experienced often enough. Although one of the flattest countries you will ever visit, Botswana is blessed with an incredible variety of landscapes and eco-systems.
It is the very flatness of Botswana which has created some of the world's most special wilderness areas, and exploring the Kalahari, Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi Salt Pans rewards you with memories for a lifetime.
Easily accessible from Johannesburg, and simply combined with Victoria Falls, Botswana needs to be on your safari list if you are planning a visit to Southern Africa.
As soon as you land in Maun or Kasane, you will know that you have arrived in a country which operates like nothing you have experienced before.
With the warthogs running through the streets of Kasane, and the hippos grunting in the Chobe River, your welcome to Botswana is one which tells you straight away you are in Africa's wilds.
Maun
Botswana’s tourism capital lies on the southern fringes of the Okavango Delta, and still, despite recent modernisations, carries the feeling of a dusty, frontier town. For many tourists, Maun is the point of entry into the Delta, and often into Botswana, with direct flights from both Johannesburg and Gaborone.
Maun is the administrative centre of Ngamiland District, which is home to a fascinating variety of ethnic groups: the Hambukushu, Basubiya and Bayei – all of central African origins, who know the Okavango intimately, having expertly exploited and utilised its abundant resources for centuries. There are also the Banoka – the River Bushmen, who are the Okavango’s original inhabitants, the Bakgalagadi, and the Baherero, who originate from Namibia, and whose women can be seen wearing brightly coloured victorian style dresses as they stroll along the town roads, or sit outside their traditional rondavels.
Frequently, the ‘people’ side of the Okavango is overlooked, with tourists merely using Maun as a transit point to embark for the Delta. However, exploring the traditional villages along the western fringes of the Delta, in the panhandle area, is worth the time and effort, and for many tourists, becomes a real highlight of their travels in Botswana.
The dramatic surge in the numbers of tourists coming to Botswana in the 1980s brought equally dramatic changes to Maun. Safari companies abound, and their signposts dot the sandy parking lots. Modern malls, shops, hotels and guesthouses have sprung up everywhere; and now virtually any food item – from champagne, French cheeses, and chocolates down to commonplace necessities – can be purchased.
Today you can enjoy wilderness and wildlife by day and watch high tech DvDs by night, or walk into old government offices straight out of the colonial era.
Meanwhile, the timeless Thamalakane River meanders lazily through the town, setting the scene and mood for what lies ahead.
Thamalakane River Lodge
Thamalakane River Lodge is placed on the banks of the Thamalakane River, just 19kms from Maun, and en route to the famous Moremi Game Reserve.
En-suite stone chalets, some with private splash pools are positioned in the shade of the riverine forest, overlooking the river. Chalets and our swimming pool take advantage of the 180 degree view of the riverbanks lined with fluttering reeds visited by an ever changing array of water fowl, and birds and the occasional hippo. It is a delightful place to come home to after a day spent exploring.
Our widely acclaimed restaurant serves a la carte and buffet style meals from an ever changing menu. Dusk is spectacular, with the sun setting the river ablaze as is slowly dips behind the trees.
Thamalakane River Lodge’s acclaimed restaurant is something not to be missed. The splendour of the surroundings is matched only by the superb food. In addition to the famous signature dishes of the lodge, diners can also expect to find local seasonal treats on the regularly changing menu. The bar overlooks the pool area and the river, so enjoy a sundowner while watching the waterbirds come home at sunset.
Day 2 : Okavango Delta
An early start this morning so we can get on the road to our next stop. Arriving in Shakawe we will leave our vehicle for boats for our transfer to the lodge, where you have time to orientate yourself before heading out for an afternoon boat cruise.
Meals (B, L, D)
Activities (boat cruise)
Okavango Delta
The very word "Okavango" evokes a sense of adventure and exploration, and this is exactly what the Okavango Delta is about. Often called the Okavango Swamps, this intricate maze of waterways and sandy islands is an explorer's dream, and the destination should be on the wishlist of anyone looking for a unique travel experience.
The geology of the Delta is fascinating, with its creation being attributed to tectonic plate action from thousands of years ago causing the Kavango River to flow from Angola into the Kalahari Desert as opposed to the Atlantic Ocean.
So while the vegetation is lush, and the wildlife plentiful, the waterways are actually cutting through Kalahari Desert sand, and the entire delta is an enormous oasis.
Termites are credited with the creation of the many islands around which the water slowly flows, as their mounds, common features of the landscape, are responsible for the formation of sand and foliage around them.
There is a continuous scurry of life in the Delta, from the smallest of creatures to the largest of elephants, and every twist and turn of the channels brings some new form of life into view. The Okavango Delta is truly one of nature's greatest creations.
Xaro Lodge
Xaro Lodge is situated in the Okavango Panhandle, right on the main permanent water source of the Okavango Delta. The lodge is set on a peninsula of the mainland, well shaded and hidden amongst a grove of mangosteen, knob thorn and jackal berry trees. The lodge offers a tranquil destination, only accessible by boat and excellent for bird watching.
Accommodation consists of riverfront meru tents, all raised on wooden decks with large glass sliding doors, overlooking the main channel of the Okavango. Each tent is decorated in light hues of blue and green and equipped with a private deck and ensuite shower and toilet.
The thatched main area is set in a lush garden with dining room, lounge and bar area. Guests can enjoy the pool on hot days and enjoy sundowners at the firepit.
Bird watching is outstanding in the region amongst the tall, shady, riverine forests and many resident and migratory birds can be seen along the river. Activities offered at the lodge include boat cruises and island walks.
Fishing trips are offered by motorboat with expert guides, species available include: barbel (catfish), bream and the famous tiger fish. This is a seasonal activity and at an additional cost.
Day 3 : Okavango Delta
Enjoy an opportunity to spend the day exploring this UNESCO World Heritage area by boat and on foot.
Day 4 : Kavango-Zambezi Region (formerly Caprivi)
Today we will exit Botswana and enter in to Namibia and the lush Caprivi strip. Traveling east through the Caprivi we will arrive at Nambwa Tented Camp, our accommodation for the night. The only lodge situated inside the Bwabwata National Park and where you will have the opportunity to head out on a game drive in the afternoon.
**Please check if you require a pre-organised visa for Namibia prior to travel**
Namibia
Out-of-this-world landscapes and panoramas make Namibia a photographer's dream destination. While not as much of a wildlife destination as other countries, Namibia makes up for this with phenomenal scenery, cultures and activities.
Namibia is a desolate and largely uninhabitable country, well-known mainly for its deserts and coastline. However, there is far more to the destination.
Namibia is home to some fascinating people, and in the right season, can provide you with some of the best game viewing on the continent.
When travelling Namibia, the distances are vast, and often you will go without seeing another vehicle, or person, for hours.
Around every bend of the road awaits another breathtaking landscape, with wide open spaces and incredible colours giving you photo opportunities at all times of day.
Below are a few of the popular areas frequented by travellers to Namibia, and they are places which will remain in your memories forever:
Kavango-Zambezi Region (formerly Caprivi)
In the north east of Namibia, bordering Angola, Botswana and Zambia, the Caprivi region is a mosaic of woodlands, rivertine forests, swamps and rivers and home to an abundance of game and birds. Community campsites and joint venture lodges are set in amazing places.
The wildlife is protected by several reserves: Mamili, Bwabwata, Lizauli and Mudumu. There are no fences, therefore the animals roam freely across the borders of Namibia's neighbouring countries, Botswana and Zambia.
Caprivi land based activities include exciting game drives and walking safaris, while the tranquil waterways are ideal for game viewing by boat, canoeing and tiger fishing. Birdwatchers will have a wonderful time spotting more than 400 species of bird..
Nambwa Tented Lodge
Nambwa Tented Lodge, uniquely positioned within the Bwabwata National Park at the heart of KAZA, finds its home nestled high among majestic trees, respecting the natural paths of elephants below.
Linked by an authentic walkway, the spacious tented suites exude a sense of grandeur, offering a serene balance.
Driven by an insatiable desire to create enduring African memories, the lodge provides opportunities for intimate encounters with some of the largest herds of elephants in Africa, whether on foot, by boat, or in a vehicle.
Guests can savor the breathtaking sunsets over the iconic Horseshoe Lagoon, where animals are silhouetted against the purple hues of the water. After an exclusive night drive, they return to the lodge, where a relaxing bubble bath awaits.
Day 5 : Kavango-Zambezi Region (formerly Caprivi)
You will have some leisure time this morning where you can enjoy the peace of the lodge or head out on another activity (not included) before departing and continuing further east almost to Katima Mulilo where we will stay overlooking the Zambezi River upon which we will enjoy a sunset cruise before dinner.
Caprivi Houseboat Safari Lodge
Caprivi Houseboat Safari Lodge is an exclusive lodge nestled amid a lush green garden on the banks of the Zambezi River, a few kilometers east of Katima Mulilo in the Zambezi (formerly Caprivi) region of Namibia, offering genuine hospitality in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
Day 6 : Livingstone
The border crossing in to Zambia can be a true African experience as a multitude of permits are required for vehicles however,
the drive itself between Katima Mulilo and Livingstone is relatively short at around 3 hours but, do expect some waiting at the
border where you can people watch.
Once through, you will continue in to Livingstone where you will stay for 2 nights enjoying the multitude of activities on offer from
bungee jumping to microflights, birding along the river to game drives in the Mosi-ao-Tunya National Park and obviously a tour of the mighty Victoria Falls themselves.
Zambia
A land competing with the best when it comes to wild and action packed safaris, Zambia offers a world of exploration and adventure.
While sharing the mighty Zambezi River and Victoria Falls with Zimbabwe, Zambia also has some truly wild and spectacular destinations of its own. With some magical national parks offering great wildlife experiences, Zambia has developed a name for its excellent guides, and exciting safari activities.
Accessed by air via either South Africa or Kenya, or by road from Botswana or Zimbabwe, Zambia offers full safari itineraries, or can be a great combination with other East or Southern African countries.
In general, due to the remoteness of the parks in Zambia, fly-in safaris are popular, although mobile road safaris are available. A major highlight of a Zambian safari is the isolation of many of the luxurious camps.
Livingstone
"Mosi Oa Tunya," or "The Smoke That Thunders," Victoria Falls are as magnificent on the 10th visit as they are on the 1st, and their thundering roar makes everything else seem strangely quiet once you leave them behind.
As the mighty Zambezi flows over a chasm of 1 mile wide, and 110 metres high, to violently crash on the rocks below, the resultant spray is sent tens of metres up into the air, before it lands back down in a continuous rainfall. The water then rushes through an opening of only 50 metres, as the Zambezi races further along, over churning rapids and through the deep Batoka Gorge.
While the Falls are the major drawcard, there is a thriving tourist industry developed around them, with adventure activities of all forms being available.
Tourism has been evident here ever since David Livingstone was the first European guided by the local tribes to this remarkable natural wonder.
The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa
The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa is located on the Zambezi River banks with stunning views of the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park. This was the same view that fascinated David Livingstone, the courageous explorer and missionary who was the first European to witness the Victoria Falls.
The lodge offers 4-star comfort, comprises of 77 en-suite rooms, all of which provide river-facing views for guests to relax and enjoy the breath-taking African sunset from their private balcony.
In addition, the hotel offers its own luxurious boat, The Lady Livingstone, which is a three-decker river cruiser designed for groups and individuals. The elegant spa features treatment rooms for individuals as well as couples, where you can indulge in a remarkable experience of receiving restorative treatments by our skilled spa therapists, and the ideal way to end your day.
Furthermore, the lodge is located in a convenient central area that provides easy access to all of the major activities in the Victoria Falls region.
Day 7 : Livingstone
In our time in Livingstone we shall go for a tour of the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls. Due to the sheer choice of additional activities, these have not been included in the itinerary and guests will have a full day to do as they wish (for more information on the availability activities and if you would like to pre-book, please contact us). On this full day in Livingstone, you will have the chance to cross into Zimbabwe briefly to see the falls from that side in all its glory!
Day 8 : Chobe National Park
Farewell to Zambia as we head across the mighty Zambezi on the ferry and back into Botswana and heading to the Lesoma Valley on the border between Botswana and Zimbabwe. The accommodations in the Lesoma Valley avoid the hustle of Kasane town and provide tranquil game viewing and birding opportunities in the Lesoma Valley, Chobe National Park and on the Chobe River itself.
Meals (B, L, D and local drinks)
Activities (boat cruise on the Chobe River, Game Drive in Lesoma and the Chobe National Park)
Chobe National Park
Accessed easily via a 1.5 hour flight from Johannesburg, or a 1 hour drive from Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park is the most visited park on a Boswana safari itinerary.
With an enormous elephant population, as well as magnificent birdlife and a huge array of herbivores and aquatic animals, it is often hard to believe that Chobe National Park is for real.
The game viewing starts from the moment you land at Kasane Airport, or drive across the border from Zambia or Zimbabwe, with warthogs foraging in the streets, buffalo being habitual visitors to the town, and hippos lazing around in the river.
Elephant Valley Lodge
Elephant Valley Lodge is surrounded by the peaceful wilderness of the African bush. It lies in a unique position over-looking the Lesoma Valley in the Chobe District, which is home to the largest population of African elephant in the world. The animals and birds move freely in the valley between the game-rich conservation areas of the neighbouring Chobe Game Reserve and the National Parks of Zimbabwe. From the comfort and tranquillity of the Lodge you can watch creatures great and small, dropping by for a thirst quenching drink at the Lodge’s waterhole.
At Elephant Valley Lodge guests will enjoy activities including daily 4 x 4 game viewing safaris and boat cruises along the Chobe River in Chobe National Park. Day trips to the Victoria Falls either in Zambia or Zimbabwe can easily be arranged. The Lodge has 20 spacious accommodation tents with tea and coffee making facilities, fan, electric blankets in winter, hair dryers, charging points plus en-suite shower and toilet. Eight tents have views over the valley towards the water hole and twelve tents are nestled around the lush forest lawns and swimming pool.
Sturdy acacia trees form large canopies of shade over the main communal areas and forest tents. The new rim-flow pool is perfect for a refreshing dip and relaxation on the sun loungers. A traditional out-door ‘boma’ serves evening meals and a game viewing platform brings you closer to the valley’s wildlife. An attractive open lounge with bar and upper viewing deck is connected to the dining areas.
All these facilities have magnificent views over-looking the valley and water-hole. The waterhole attracts a wide variety of game, particularly elephant, but also giraffe, buffalo, antelope such as waterbuck and kudu, warthogs, honey badgers, jackal, mongoose, predators including leopard, lion, hyena, wild dogs and many more species.
Enjoy a cacophony of night sounds, including the eerie hyenas, jackals barking and sometimes lion roaring in the valley, as you drift off to sleep after an exhilarating day of game viewing at Elephant Valley Lodge.
Day 9 : Chobe National Park
Today will be spent exploring this area of the Chobe by boat and game drive.
Meals (B, L, D and local drinks)
Activities (morning game drive and afternoon boat or game drive depending on sightings reports)
Day 10 : Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
After a light breakfast we head south from Kasane through Nata and then towards Gweta Lodge. Situated near the Makgadikgadi Pans This area incorporates a multitude of salt pans and vast grass plains dotted by palm islands and forms the Great Makgadikgadi which comprise the largest area of salt pans in the world covering some 37 000 sq km in overall extent. It is the last vestiges of Africa’s largest inland sea and exudes an atmosphere of antiquity and mystery.
This afternoon we shall take a walk through the village and engage with the local community and inhabitants to see how day to day life in a Botswana village is.
Meals (B, L, D)
Activities (Village Tour)
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
Pronounced "Makgadikgadi," these salt pans in the centre of Botswana are the remnants of the largest lake in Africa, which dried up thousands of years ago. The shimmering white, deadly landscape adds to Botswana's adventurous reputation, with only the bravest of early explorers having the courage to try and cross the seemingly endless wasteland.
We are fortunate nowadays to explore these pans from the comfort of a 4x4, and the luxury of lodges with swimming pools and shaded tents. However, even with these amenities, the Makgadikgadi Pans evoke a sense of adventure in travellers. Including the salt pans in a Botswana safari adds to the remarkable variety of your holiday, and to the beauty of your photo album.
Gweta Lodge
Gweta Lodge is an oasis set in the middle of a village on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans. The lodge is ideally situated to take advantage of the gateway to the Makgadikgadi and a vast range of activities, excursions and game drives are available.
Gweta Lodge offers a variety of accommodation ranging from family rooms which sleep four; single, double rooms and rondavels. All equipped with ceiling fans, mosquito nets and en-suite showers. For those on a small budget, there are also safari tents with shared bathrooms and guests are also welcome to bring their own vehicles and tents for camping. An ablution block with toilets and hot showers is available nearby. There is a fireplace for cooking and warming up on cold nights.
The public areas include a bar, lounge, pool, open rondavels, a restaurant, and a boma fireplace. Around the central pool you may indulge on one of homemade meals in the restaurant, have a relaxing drink in the bar or sit back in the lounge.
The dryness and salinity of the pans makes them appear as a moonscape, devoid of life, especially in the dry season. In spite of this, birds, hyena and small animals frequent the pans throughout the year. During the rainy season, you will find thousands of zebra on the Makgadikgadi Pans, which lies on the route of one of the greatest animal migrations in Africa. Gweta Lodge offers you the chance to spend a night on the pans under the stars, for a "Not To Be Missed" experience. The lodge is also situated in a village with cultural walks and tours available to experience the local culture and traditions. (All activities are optional and at an additional cost)
Day 11 : Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
This morning we shall head out towards the pans themselves to take in the wonders of the moon-like landscapes!
An afternoon Baobab and sundowner walk is always a nice way to end the final full day here.
Meals (B, L, D)
Activities (Pans Visit, Baobab Bush Walk)
Day 12 - Day of Departure
After breakfast, you will depart for Maun where we will expect to arrive approximately 12h00 for those guests who are departing
on any of the international flights.
For those who wish to extend their stay in Botswana, one fantastic option is for your guide to drop you along the way at Planet Baobab where you can experience a visit with the habituated meerkats (accommodation and activities need to be pre-booked) or quad biking on the Pans (dry season only). Alternatively, treat yourself to a fly-in lodge stay at any of the numerous lodges in the Okavango Delta and surrounds.