Countries: Botswana , Zimbabwe
Destinations: Maun , Okavango Delta , Makgadikgadi Salt Pans & Nxai Pan National Park , Chobe National Park , Hwange National Park , Victoria Falls
Group Size: 12
Duration (days): 15
Number of Adults: 12
Number of Children: 0
Small-group lodge safari through Botswana and Zimbabwe, starting in
Maun and ending in Victoria Falls. The tour takes you through some of
Botswana and Zimbabwe’s most magnificent game reserves
Itinerary Outline
Day 1 : Maun
On arrival into Maun International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your lodge. Thamalakane River Lodge is located on the banks for the Thamalakane River outside of Maun en route to the famous Okavango Delta. The rest of the afternoon may be spent at leisure enjoying one of the many activities available at the Lodge. This evening you will meet your guide and the rest of your group at the lodge at 18h00 for your pre-departure meeting.
Accommodation: Thamalakane River Lodge or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Lunch: For your own account
Dinner: At Thamalakane River Lodge
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.
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 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 - 3 : Okavango Delta
This morning after breakfast we head to Etsha 13, on the western border of the Okavango Delta. Unlike other deltas, it flows into the Kalahari Desert without reaching the coast, which makes it unique. The next day is spent exploring the network of water pathways through thick vegetation in mokoros (traditional dugout canoes), discovering a variety of birds and wildlife. We have the opportunity to stop at a secluded island to take a 1½ hour guided walk hoping to spot elephants, waterbuck or other animals living in this water filled paradise.
Distance: 320 km Departure: 09h00
Accommodation: Guma Lagoon Camp or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Breakfast: At Thamalakane River Lodge or similar
Lunch: Guma Lagoon Camp or similar
Dinner: At Guma Lagoon Camp or similar
Day 3:
Breakfast: At Guma Lagoon Camp or similar
Lunch: Lunch packs by Guma Lagoon or similar
Dinner: At Guma Lagoon Camp or similar
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.
Guma Lagoon Camp is situated along the banks of the Guma Lagoon on the north western side of the Okavango Delta in Botswana.
Guma offers both self-catering and full board accommodation, which are provided in spacious canvas chalets, all en suite and located on the edge of the lagoon, each with its own private view.
The self-catering option provides a fully equipped kitchen with all utensils, crockery and fridge/ freezer.
For the full board option a set menu offers an array of various dishes which are served on the deck overlooking the lagoon.
When wakening in the morning with the sunrise over the lagoon streaming into your chalet, wander down to the main area and enjoy a complimentary cup of tea or coffee served on the deck.
Alternatively there are 7 campsites under shady trees with private ablutions. Campers have access to the self-catering kitchen, and are also most welcome to dine in the main restaurant.
Dinner needs to be pre-ordered each morning as all meals are freshly prepared. Vegetarians and children are catered for.
Guma Lagoon Camp is truly a fishermans paradise and bird watchers haven. With the abundance of fish species in the Okavango Panhandle, the camp is the perfect area for spin or fly-fishing, and actively supports a catch-and-release policy for all fish species.
For those who want to fish the mighty Okavango River, experienced local guides will accompany you on a 40-minute boat ride from camp that passes through a narrow meandering network of channels.
The Guma area comprises many small lagoons, countless little palm fringed islands, narrow winding waterways amongst dense papyrus and reeds and the large Guma Lagoon itself.
Adventurous safari experiences not to be missed are Guma Lagoon Camp’s choice of day trips or overnight camping mokoro trails that take you into the heart of the Okavango.
You will be poled through the tranquil channels that link the extensive flood plain system to the main river. Water lily beds, palm islands and papyrus stands abound making for the most scenic of experiences.
There is always a chance of seeing large herds of red lechwe bounding through the water and passing elephants feeding amongst the lush wetland vegetation.
Day 4 : Okavango Delta
After breakfast we head south travelling via Maun to Mankwe Adventure Camp, situated on a private concession on the doorstep of the Moremi Game Reserve. The Reserve is renowned for its concentration of mammals and it is not unusual to see many different types of wildlife during just one game drive. Game viewing is seasonal; depending on the time of the year you may see different species in different areas. The best time for game viewing is the end of the dry season or spring from August to November. During this season, in order for us to offer the best game viewing possible, extra driving may be required due to the animals migrating closer to the river. In the summer, birdlife can also be viewed in abundance with exceptional sightings of wildfowl and raptors.
Distance: 398 km
Departure: 06h00
Accommodation: Mankwe Adventure Camp or similar (Meru-style canvas tents with en-suite bathrooms).
Breakfast: At Guma Lagoon Camp or similar
Lunch: Lunch in Maun at a local restaurant
Dinner: At Mankwe Adventure Camp or similar
Located on the doorstep of the Moremi Game Reserve and famed Khwai region in the Okavango Delta, sits the blissful Mankwe Tented Retreat. This sanctuary-style lodge is tucked away in a grove of mopane trees and mysterious woodlands in one of the most coveted regions of Botswana. The retreat is constructed from natural light wood, ensuring a sense of harmony with its forested surroundings.
Simplistically stylish, Mankwe Tented Retreat offers its visitors an unbeatable location close to both land and water-based safari activities. On-site activities include game drives on the concession which spills into the Khwai riverfront area. Further afield, guests can enjoy full-day excursions into the Moremi and boating on the Okavango Delta.
In total, there are 10 tented suites each with a private viewing deck with views of the wilderness. The tranquil main area of the lodge houses a swimming pool, dining and lounge area, and small relaxation enclaves that effortlessly flow through the pool area. If that's not enough, there's a small spa treatment room, private lounge area, and a second pool section complete with a chill area, sun loungers and the quintessential pool bar.
Day 5 : Okavango Delta
We have the opportunity to spend the day on game drives. In our open 4x4 vehicle, we'll venture into the Greater Moremi area for morning and afternoon game drives, aiming to encounter the diverse wildlife that inhabits this region. Following dinner, your guide will lead a night drive, offering opportunities to spot elusive nocturnal creatures.
Distance: 150 km
Departure: 07h00
Accommodation: Mankwe Adventure Camp or similar (Meru-style canvas tents with en-suite bathrooms).
Breakfast: At Mankwe Adventure Camp or similar
Lunch: At Mankwe Adventure Camp or similar
Dinner: At Mankwe Adventure Camp or similar
Day 6 : Okavango Delta
Today, we embark on a full-day game drive in Khwai, situated on the fringes of the Moremi Game Reserve and boasts a diverse ecosystem of lagoons, plains, and forests. With a small population living in harmony with wildlife, Khwai attracts large herds of elephant and buffalo in the dry season, offering excellent opportunities for lion and leopard sightings alongside abundant birdlife and varied flora.
Distance: 150 km
Departure: 07h00
Accommodation: Mankwe Adventure Camp or similar (Meru-style canvas tents with en-suite bathrooms).
Breakfast: At Mankwe Adventure Camp or similar
Lunch: Lunch pack Mankwe Adventure Camp or similar
Dinner: At Mankwe Adventure Camp or similar
Day 7 : Makgadikgadi Salt Pans & Nxai Pan National Park
Leaving the bush behind us, we travel east towards the Makgadikgadi Pans, once a large river fed lake which has become saline and empty. This area incorporates a multitude of salt pans and vast grass plains dotted by palm islands and forms the Great Makgadikgadi which comprises the largest area of salt pans in the world, covering some 37,000 square km overall. We arrive at our lodge in the late afternoon.
Distance: 406 km
Departure: 07h00
Accommodation: Nata Lodge or similar (permanent safari tents with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool & bar)
Breakfast: At Mankwe Adventure Camp or similar
Lunch: For your own account
Dinner: For your own account
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans & Nxai Pan National Park
The Makgadikgadi 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.
North of the main pans is Nxai Pan National Park, which is a stunning destination for nature lovers and safari enthusiasts. The park is famous for its vast grass plains, seasonal salt pans, and diverse wildlife, including elephants, zebras, bat-eared foxes, leopards and lions. During the wet season, the landscape transforms, attracting migratory animals and a wide variety of birdlife, making it a prime spot for birdwatching and wildlife photography.
A highlight of the park is the ancient Baines' Baobabs, a cluster of majestic baobab trees that offer a striking backdrop for visitors. The dry season reveals a different beauty, with golden plains and wildlife gathering around scarce water sources, creating serene and memorable moments.
Nxai Pan is a hidden gem in Botswana, offering an authentic African safari experience where untamed nature and breathtaking scenery provide the perfect escape for adventurers and travelers alike.
Nata Lodge is an oasis set among the Mokolwane palms on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. It is ideally situated close to the entrance to the Nata Sanctuary and is the junction to the Okavango, Chobe and Francistown areas.
The lodge offers 22 luxury air conditioned thatched chalets built on stilts and set in rustic African style, with en suite bathrooms including indoor baths and outdoor showers.
10 luxury safari tents are built on raised wooden platforms which are nestled under the lodges many marula trees. These tents feature en suite bathrooms and include all the amenities offered in any of the lodge’s chalets.
The camping site provides full ablution facilities with hot and cold showers as well as central electrical power banks.
Guest areas include a restaurant, swimming pool, gift shop and a bar/lounge area.
The shady tree canopy surrounding the lodge is a hive of activity, with a bird feeding area and active water feature providing the bird watcher with the opportunity of viewing a variety of species from the comfort of the pool deck, open bar or restaurant.
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.
For keen bird watchers and naturalists, Nata Lodge offers open vehicle excursions into the Nata Sanctuary. Mammal species in the sanctuary include antelope such as springbok, as well as springhares, jackals and foxes.
However the main attraction is the abundance of bird life. Around 165 bird species, including king-fishers, eagles, ostriches, pelicans, spoonbills and both greater and lesser flamingos, have been recorded.
Day 8 - 9 : Chobe National Park
We head off to Nata Bird Sanctuary in the morning, which offers us the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent view over the Sowa pan, which is part of the Greater Makgadikgadi Pans (please note a visit to the pans is subject to the road conditions and water levels as well as time constraints). After breakfast, we continue our journey north to Kasane, the gateway to the Chobe National Park. Chobe, which is the second largest national park in Botswana and covers 10,566 square km, has one of the greatest concentrations of elephant found on the African continent. The afternoon is at leisure to partake in optional activities or to relax by the pool.
Start your morning of day 9 with a hopefully spectacular game drive in Chobe National Park. You will return to the lodge for a late breakfast and relaxation until our boat cruise on the Chobe River starts around 3pm. Here we can watch elephants, hippos, crocodiles and a variety of birds, making for excellent up close photo opportunities.
Distance: 320 km
Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Chobe Marina Lodge or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Breakfast: Breakfast pack from Nata Lodge or similar
Lunch: For your own account
Dinner: At Chobe Marina Lodge or similar
Day 9:
Breakfast: At Chobe Marina Lodge or similar
Lunch: For your own account
Dinner: At Chobe Marina Lodge or similar
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.
Situated on the banks of the Chobe River within the town and local community of Kasane, the lodge is a mere five-minute drive from Kasane International Airport and right at the gateway of the famous Chobe National Park.
Chobe Marina Lodge gives you an authentic African experience. You will be wowed by wildlife and the welcoming Botswana hospitality. Let our locals teach you the art of basket weaving, enjoy village walks and mesmerising boma dinner dances that bring you closer to Botswana’s culture and traditions. This exquisite property is positioned to cater for the adventurous traveller or the more discerning guest and with its diverse accommodation offering is able to welcome leisure travellers and groups alike. Whether it’s a game drive or boat cruise into the Chobe National Park, a sunset cruise, wellness treatment, fishing, or simply relaxing by the pool, guests will enjoy the hospitality, cuisine and setting that Chobe Marina Lodge has to offer.
You can start your day with a sunrise safari with a stop for tea and coffee. Discuss your sightings around a big breakfast back at the lodge. Laze by the pool before lunch, a spa treatment, and a sundowner safari cruise along the river. Then, after a long day of adventuring, come wine and dine with us as we serve you the very best cuisine Chobe has to offer.
Every second at Chobe Marina Lodge is like a sensory waterfall. From the moment the sun rises, washing the Chobe River in gold, to when it bleeds into the horizon again. Curled up in Mother Nature’s lap, each day is full-circle perfection.
Day 10 : Hwange National Park
Today, we make our way into Zimbabwe to Robins Camp, situated in the northwest corner of Hwange National Park, the largest national park in Zimbabwe, covering an area of approx. 14 600 km2. Named after a local chief, Hwange is situated in the northwest corner of the country about one hour south of the Victoria Falls. Due to its close proximity to the Falls, Hwange boasts an incredible biodiversity of flora and fauna, and a plethora of African wildlife. There are over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 bird species recorded here.
Distance: 193 km (day 10)
Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Robins Camp or similar (chalets with en-suite bathroom, swimming pool & bar area)
Breakfast: At Chobe Marina Lodge or similar
Lunch: At Robins Camp or similar
Dinner: At Robins Camp or similar
Zimbabwe - a treasure trove of breathtaking wilderness, vibrant wildlife, and awe-inspiring natural wonders. From the iconic Victoria Falls, where the mighty Zambezi River plunges into dramatic gorges, to the serene waters of Lake Kariba and the untamed beauty of Hwange and Mana Pools, Zimbabwe is a safari destination like no other.
This remarkable country offers an unparalleled diversity of experiences. Explore the vast savannahs of Hwange National Park, home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, or paddle along the tranquil channels of the Lower Zambezi, where hippos and crocodiles linger at every turn. Thrill-seekers will delight in world-class canoeing and white-water rafting, while nature enthusiasts will revel in walking safaris led by some of Africa's most experienced guides.
What truly sets Zimbabwe apart is its people. Warm, resilient, and welcoming, Zimbabweans add a unique vibrancy to every journey. Their deep connection to the land and dedication to conservation make every visit more meaningful.
Whether you're drawn by the roar of Victoria Falls, the call of the wild, or the chance to experience one of Africa's most storied landscapes, Zimbabwe promises an adventure filled with wonder and unforgettable moments.
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.
Situated within remote Zimbabwe, Hwange National park is the country’s largest park, covering an area of 14 600km2 (more than 5,600 square miles). This large size leads to varying game and landscapes. From the desert scrubs on the edge of the Kalahari, to granite hills, woodlands filled with mopane and teak, as well as wide grass plains fringed by palm trees and acacias. This landscape diversity allows for a flourishing wide range of wildlife. With over 100 species of mammals and almost 400 species of birds, Hwange National Park also contains one of the largest Elephant populations in the world. Other rare animals regularly spotted include the Roan and Sable Antelope. With an abundance of food, massive herds of buffalo can also be spotted traversing Hwange’s grass plains.
Having secured and designated areas, Hwange National Park is suitable for camping should you wish to add a more genuine and “one with nature” experience to your safari.
Being easily accessible with only a 2 hour drive from Victoria Falls, the Iconic Hwange National Park is a must see for those seeking a unique location for a safari you will never forget.
Day 11 - 12 : Hwange National Park
These days you will be accompanied by an experienced guide on a game drive where you will discover a variety of animals, including some predators among them. The multifaceted landscape allows you to experience everything that the park has to offer. To end off the day you will get the opportunity to experience a sunset game drive to continue your search for African wildlife.
Day 11:
Breakfast: At Robins Camp or similar
Lunch: At Robins Camp or similar
Dinner: At Robins Camp or similar
Day 12:
Breakfast: At Robins Camp or similar
Lunch: At Robins Camp or similar
Dinner: At Robins Camp or similar
Day 13 : Victoria Falls
After breakfast we head back towards Victoria Falls. The rest of the afternoon may be spent at leisure enjoying one of the many activities available in Victoria Falls.
Accommodation: Shearwater Explorer Village or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Breakfast: At Robins Camp or similar
Lunch: For your own account
Dinner: For your own account
"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.
AFFORDABLE VICTORIA FALLS ACCOMMODATION
The 96 roomed Shearwater Explorers Village is a superb 3 star Lodge situated only 400 m from the Victoria Falls.
The property boasts 54 deluxe rooms, 42 standard rooms and also offers some serviced camping facilities.
It is so close to the Falls that it occasionally receives an early morning shower from the Falls spray. The property overlooks virgin African bush and a waterhole frequently visited by elephant and buffalo and yet it is very near the craft markets and entertainment district.
So location is certainly a primary benefit, along with amazing gardens supporting fantastic birdlife, great ambience & cuisine and true value for money.
Day 14 : Victoria Falls
Today you will have at leisure to explore Victoria Falls, the town and all of its unique offerings, from adventure activities to cultural experiences. Your guide will take you on a tour of the mighty Victoria Falls, known by the local Kololo tribe as Mosi oa Tunya- “the Smoke that thunders”. In the afternoon we embark on a relaxing sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River.
Accommodation: Shearwater Explorer Village or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Breakfast: At Shearwater Explorer Village or similar
Lunch: For your own account
Dinner: For your own account
Day 15 - Day of Departure
Our safari ends after breakfast. You will be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport in time for your departure flight, kindly note it is advisable to book international flights not earlier than 13h00. We hope to welcome you again one day on another of our African adventures.
Distance: 30 km
Breakfast: At Shearwater Explorer Village or similar