10 Day Botswana Safari Escape
Countries: Botswana , Zimbabwe
Destinations: Maun , Okavango Delta , Chobe National Park , Hwange National Park , Victoria Falls
Group Size: 12
Duration (days): 10
Number of Adults: 12
Number of Children: 0
Escape into the rich and varied landscapes of Botswana. A small group
safari with a big soul, this 10 day itinerary will guide you from Maun in
Botswana to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, with an array of wildlife encounters
in between.
Itinerary Outline
| Day | Location | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maun | Thamalakane River Lodge |
| 2 | Okavango Delta | Mogotlho Safari Lodge |
| 3 | Okavango Delta | Mogotlho Safari Lodge |
| 4 | Chobe National Park | Camp Kuzuma |
| 5 | Chobe National Park | Camp Kuzuma |
| 6 | Hwange National Park | Nantwich Lodge |
| 7 | Hwange National Park | Nantwich Lodge |
| 8 | Victoria Falls | Ilala Lodge |
| 9 | Victoria Falls | Ilala Lodge |
| 10 | Day of Departure |
Day 1 : Maun
On arrival into Maun Airport, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. The name Maun is derived from the San word “maung”, which means “the place of short reeds”. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure, either relaxing next to the pool at the lodge or if you are keen for some excitement, book a sunset cruise on the Thamalakane River.
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
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Mogotlho Safari Lodge, situated on the banks of the Khwai river. The rest of the time in the Moremi Area you will have the opportunity to enjoy a full day Mokoro trip and guided game drives.
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.
Mogotlho Safari Lodge
Mogotlho Safari Lodge emanates the essence of Africa and delivers an intimate Botswana holiday on the Khwai River. This Khwai River safari lodge, bordered by the Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve, is a choice for the conscious safari enthusiast. The luxury tented camp is built off-grid, seamlessly blending into the lush natural surroundings. Guests can immerse themselves into a true African experience with an array of excursions on offer, including game drives and walking safaris, guided and hosted by Mogotlho’s passionate guide team.
Each of the 13 tents at this Botswana safari camp has been placed to ensure unspoiled panoramic views of the African bush. With each tent having an unspoilt view of the Khwai River, there will be ample opportunity to observe the local wildlife and ever-changing landscape from the privacy of your balcony.
Day 3 : Okavango Delta
Today you will have the opportunity to enjoy a full day Mokoro trip and guided game drives.
Day 4 : Chobe National Park
In the morning, you will take a flight to Kasane. Once you have arrived you will enjoy an appetizing lunch whilst sailing along the Chobe River on an afternoon boat cruise. Thereafter, you will be transferred to Camp Kuzuma.
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.
Camp Kuzuma
Camp Kuzuma is a boutique eco-lodge in Botswana that borders Chobe National Park and Hwange National Park. Found in an exceptional safari area made up of vast open plains and a forest reserve, that form part of a busy wildlife corridor.
The seven well-appointed tents are incredibly spacious, boasting deep Victorian baths and king-sized beds draped in mosquito nets. With a true commitment to eco-tourism, the camp is completely off the grid yet offers all the comforts guests may desire on their Botswana Safari Experience.
Every new day is announced by the gentle hum and rhythmic beat of African drums, rousing guests for another day of riveting wildlife experiences in the wilds of Botswana. The boutique safari camp is found in a busy animal corridor and part of an ancient elephant migratory route, the area is splendidly full of wildlife but impressively empty of other people besides our guests and camp staff, making it a true hideaway.
The stone and canvas suites have charmingly luxurious old-world touches such as high-backed Victorian baths, leather couches, and silver trays & teapots interspersed with distinctly Botswanan accents. Your tent has a private viewing deck as well as a refreshing outdoor shower. In the main area, a rim-flow pool overlooks the busy waterhole where herds of elephants drink and bathe, and during the dry season other animals line up to wait their turn. The sunken fire pit just off the deck is a space that invites quiet contemplation in the cool afternoon breeze and a gathering place for bush tales around the campfire in the evening. Look forward to Boma dinners under the stars and a Shebeen Chic experience, a down to earth dinner with a delightfully local African flavour.
Our expert guides will astound you with their knowledge of fauna and flora as will the amount of wildlife to discover. Besides journeying through the bush in an open-air safari vehicle, guests also have the incredible opportunity to experience the area by water! A Chobe River boat cruise is an absolute must-do, hippos and crocodiles bask in the sun on the banks of the river while elephants get right in the water and walk across to the other side – an up close and personal experience!
Day 5 : Chobe National Park
Today we will have plenty of time to explore the wilderness on a game drive while taking full advantage of the cool weather and optimal animal activity. The rest of the day is at own leisure where you can relax along the poolside and soak up some sun.
Day 6 : Hwange National Park
Today, you will be transferred to your lodge in Hwange National Park. You have the opportunity to continue your search for African wildlife on an half day game drive. The rest of the day is spent at your own leisure.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe - Making its way back into the tourist market, Zimbabwe is able to offer some incredible wilderness and exciting wildlife, along with the wonder that is Victoria Falls.
Zimbabwe's political climate and issues have been well documented through the world's media, and it is no secret that tourist numbers to the country have dropped substantially.
However, everything which made Zimbabwe one of the most popular safari destinations is still available, with operators moving back into the world famous areas of Hwange, Mana Pools, the Lower Zambezi and Lake Kariba.
Victoria Falls thunders mightily on the Zambezi River, and the canoeing and rafting experiences are as exciting as ever.
The people of Zimbabwe have always been one of the major highlights, and it is particularly pleasing that tourists are filtering through the borders again, rewarding the patience of the fantastic guides and conservation workers who have remained dedicated to Zimbabwe's wildlife areas.
Hwange National Park
Situated only 3 hours' drive south of Victoria Falls, and bordering Botswana to the west, Hwange National Park has become famous for its wildlife density and enormous elephant population.
Due to the arid region, the park is an incredible dry season safari destination, with animals converging on the many man-made water holes, and game viewing being especially rewarding.
With over 100 species of mammals, and 400 species of birds, Hwange National Park is sure to provide you with some excellent photo's and is a great inclusion on a Zimbabwe safari itinerary.
Recently added scheduled flights from Victoria Falls have made Hwange even more accessible.
Nantwich Lodge
A unique, small and intimate eco-lodge reclaimed from a bygone era for true safari lovers who want to get off the beaten track and discover the pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife of Northern Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.
Perched up on a bluff overlooking a large dam with resident crocodile and hippo, the lodge boasts one of the best views in the park.
Built from the foundations of an old Zimparks outpost, and using as many eco principles as possible, the refurbished lodge embodies the very essence of conservation and responsible tourism by re-purposing, preserving and celebrating the natural heritage of the site.
A hidden gem within a hidden gem, Nantwich is a lodge to which you’ll want to return again and again. Receive front row seats to one of the best wildlife stages in Africa and play an active role in your own safari experience. The stage is set for interactive experiences with our passionate team, their intimate knowledge of the wilderness area and your dreams of a truly memorable safari holiday. Wonderfully remote, there are fewer people in this part of the park and excellent game viewing awaits. The lodge provides exceptional views and extensive walking safari opportunities – for a truly immersive African wildlife experience.
Become a Hwange expert through guided bush walks and game drives. When not busy exploring the surrounding bush or spying wildlife right from your chalet, the Main Lodge is where you will find the open lounge and dining area, as well as a well-equipped library. Here, you won’t just be a visitor but a budding conservationist or African wildlife enthusiast. Your first fun fact? This part of the park has the highest density of lions in the park and those in the know refer to it as Big Cat country.
For the first time visitor to Africa looking to experience the continent’s remarkable wildlife in an authentic setting or the seasoned safari traveller looking to get off the beaten track and away from crowds and other vehicles, Nantwich is the perfect one-stop African destination.
Day 7 : Hwange National Park
Today, we start our morning off with a full day game drive where we will enjoy a wholesome lunch whilst taking in the beautiful fauna and flora of the park. Hwange National Park is one of Africa's finest havens for wildlife and is home to massive herds of elephant, buffalo, and zebra, as well as a very large concentration of giraffe. It is also home to many predators and endangered species, and a diverse birdlife.
Day 8 : Victoria Falls
Continuing our trip, we leave Botswana and drive to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Enjoy an insightful and theatrical story of the historical Victoria Falls bridge as you journey across it.
Victoria Falls
"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.
Ilala Lodge
Ilala Lodge Hotel is a family-run hotel that offers luxury and comfort in the heart of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Nestled in attractive gardens, the well-appointed hotel is a mere eight-minute walk from Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Ilala Lodge Hotel is ideally located and it is very easy for guests to access all the historical sites, restaurants and activities available in Victoria Falls. The friendly and attentive staff of this welcoming hotel makes sure that your visit is perfect in every way.
Day 9 : Victoria Falls
Today you will be cruising down the mighty Zambezi River at sunset, basking in the afterglow of the day before returning to indulge in a mouth-watering 3 course potjie creation.
Day 10 - Day of Departure
Our safari ends after a delicious breakfast. You will then be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport in time for your departure flight.