Whether it’s the feeling of the spray on your face or the usual sight of a rainbow emerging from the Falls, Victoria Falls will surely be a sight worth remembering. Experience the wonder of elephants roaming and bathing right in front of you in Botswana. Enjoy the coolest desert oasis around when you sleep in basic comfort Meru sized tents with shared bathroom, including a bucket shower (with hot water!) and basic toilet on a mobile camping safari set up by our team on this 10-day expedition meanders through Botswana’s most spectacular reserves: the Okavango Delta, Khwai Conservancy, Makdagikgadi Salt Pan and Chobe National Park.
This safari is fully guided by the best local guides and guests travel in open game viewing vehicles between locations, swim in the largest, coolest pool in the Kalahari and eat the finest pan-African cuisine. Expect to encounter a fantastic variety of large game and birds during safari walks and boat rides along the Okavango Delta.
Detailed Itinerary Daily Information
DUMELA! Our Africa adventure safari starts when we touch down at Maun International Airport and after we have collected our baggage, we will meet our driver-guide at the arrival hall with our name on a signboard, so we must keep our eyes peeled and following a welcome trip briefing, we will be escorted and transferred to the edge of the Okavango Delta by the Daunara River, we will meet our polers from the local community with their mekoro (dugout canoes). Quietly cruising along river channels and floodplains, we will enjoy the spectacular landscape of this unique region taking we deep inside the Delta. We will spend three days exploring this beautiful area with mokoro excursions and guided nature walks on the islands and floodplains of the Okavango, camping wild with bush ablutions on a small island for two nights and one night on the edge of a lagoon.
NOTE: You will leave your main luggage in the trailer and will need to pack a smaller bag (small backpack, hand luggage) with what you need for the 2 nights on the island. Transfers from the mainland to the island where you will stay are done on dugout canoes (mekoro) which cannot accommodate large bags. Your main luggage will safely remain in the vehicle that will be parked in a secured area while you are on the island.
Excursions and Visits: Explore the waterways of the Okavango Delta by mokoro excursion
Accommodation At: Camping will be at a private designated campsite with bush ablutions
Meal Plan & Drinks: Breakfast x 1, Lunch x 1, Dinner x 2, soft drinks and mineral water provided (alcoholic own guest account)
Today, we leave the Okavango Delta and off to Khwai Concession. Keep our camera at the ready on the drive to Khwai Community Area and we will never know what wildlife we might spot along the way, and there’s usually plenty to see! The road journey itself can turn into an unintentional game drive. This day began with an early start and with an expectation of a fresh lion kill sighting and our open safari vehicles will provide the perfect vantage point to traverse the enthralling landscapes of the eastern Khwai region within the iconic Moremi Game Reserve and these drives promise outstanding wildlife encounters, where we will have the chance to witness majestic elephants, powerful lions, elusive leopards, and a plethora of other fascinating creatures. One of Khwai’s unique features is that it’s among the few places in Botswana where you can go on night drives. I would definitely recommend this it’s not just about seeing different animals, though that’s certainly a highlight. There’s something quite humbling about being out in the darkness; it gives you a whole new perspective on how wildlife experiences the bush and really heightens your other senses.
A quick but important safety note about camp life: since these areas aren’t fenced, wildlife can freely wander through. While it’s thrilling to spot a giraffe near your tent, encountering a predator is another story entirely! That’s why it’s a good idea to wait for staff escorts when moving around camp after dark. They’re always happy to accompany you between your accommodation and the dining area, or help with anything else you need.
Excursions and Visits: Morning Game Drive, Afternoon Game Drive & Evening Game Drive with Game Viewing
Accommodation At: Camping will be at a private designated campsite with bush ablutions
Meal Plan & Drinks: Breakfast x 1, Lunches x 1, Dinner x 1, soft drinks and mineral water provided (alcoholic own guest account)
After a hearty breakfast, we move more north over the sand ridge and into the Mababe Depression, arriving at the Savuti Marsh. This open grassland area attracts many herds of herbivores, which in turn draw the large lion prides for which Savuti is famous. After a leisurely lunch and perhaps a siesta, we head out on an afternoon game drive, when the temperatures begin to drop, the wildlife becomes more active, and providing for a fascinating opportunity to witness the bush activity before sun begins to set. From impressive tuskers to cats on the prowl, African beasts are all around us and we have the front row seats to this nature’s big show. Our guide knows all of the best viewing spots and provides us with commentary about the species that we encounter. Savuti is also perfect for bird lovers, with over 450 different species to spot. Some of the most commonly seen ones are the secretary bird, the red-billed francolin, and the kori bustard. In April, huge flocks of quelea finches can also be seen overhead, so make sure to pull your eyes away from the forest and savannah every once in a while, to take a look up at the sky. After an adventurous game drive, return to our lodge just in time for scrumptious dinner.
Excursions and Visits: Morning Game Drives and late Afternoon Game Drives
Accommodation At: Camping will be at a private designated campsite with bush ablutions
Meal Plan & Drinks: Breakfast x 2, Lunches x 2, Dinner x 2, soft drinks and mineral water provided (alcoholic own guest account)
After a delicious breakfast, we will proceed north to the Chobe River, where game drives will follow the riverbanks, guided by the call of the African Fish Eagle. We will see a variety of animals, including puku and Chobe bushbuck, along with rich birdlife in this unique river environment and then we will drive to Kasane and check-in at hotel and enjoy our lunch followed by a siesta. Later afternoon, we will embark on a 3-hour boat safari on the Chobe River, the lifeline of the park. Look out for submerged hippos, basking crocodiles, bathing elephants, and an abundance of birdlife from the boats deck, and witness a spectacular fiery sunset over the river.
By the way, the Chobe River is one of the only rivers in the world that flows in two directions. In the dry season the river flows East, but in the rainy season, the Zambezi River pushes upstream to reverse the flow of the river towards the West.
Excursions and Visits: Take a 3-hour sunset boat safari on the Chobe River (bring your own refreshments)
Accommodation At: Kwalape Safari Lodge or similar
Meal Plan & Drinks: Breakfast x 1, Lunches x 1, Dinner x 1, soft drinks and mineral water provided (alcoholic own guest account)
Today we will be our last day breakfast on this mobile camping safari and we will check-out and our guide will escort you to the Kazungula border and stop for immigration formalities, where you will meet your transfer vehicle to your lodge in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. This is where your time with the Botswana African Bushwalker team will come to an end as they handover the group to the Zimbabwean team and continue to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe where we will visit the famous Big Tree and then later we will head off to Victoria Falls Rainforest on a self-guided tour of Victoria Falls Rainforest, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, with a width of 1.7kms. The Victoria Falls have the capacity to push 550 000m3 of water per minute over the basalt cliff into the Zambezi River Gorge and the cliff over which the falls thunder, transforms the Zambezi from a placid river into a ferocious torrent, cutting through a series of dramatic gorges and then check-in at Hotel for overnight.
Excursions and Visits: Self-Guided tour at the Victoria Falls Rainforest
Accommodation At: Victoria Falls Oasis or similar
Meal Plan and Drinks: Breakfast and Boma Dinner will be provided (lunch and drinks own guest account)
Wake up to a lovely breakfast and we depart for Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, through the Kazungula border and we will stop-over for immigration formalities (visa requirement depends on your nationality) and we may be lucky to encounter elephant or buffalo alongside (or on) the road, often strays to the migratory herds which roam freely throughout the area in search of pasture and water. A hot lunch at the Elephant Sands (own guest account). Enjoy viewing the elephants at a natural waterhole right in front of the lodge. Watch these impressive creatures whilst they drink at only a couple of meters away from you, a unique experience!
Optional Excursions: Bungee Jump, Canopy Tour, Zipline, Flying Fox, Gorge Swing, Helicopter Flight above the falls
Accommodation At: Gweta Lodge or similar
Meal Plan & Drinks: Breakfast and Dinner will be provided (lunch & drinks own guest account)
Distance and Travel Time: 4 to 5 hours (472km)
After a satisfying breakfast, we will visit the bushman local village, learn about their culture and also join a Baobab Bushwalk and amble through the spindly forests with a knowledgeable guide by our side. And then, of course, there’s our resident Kalahari cool cats of Ntwetwe Salt Pan, the meerkats if we are lucky to come across with them, semi- habituated to human presence through years of research, get closer than you might think to the cheeky creatures! But just remember, they are not tame just used to our non-threatening presence.
After lunch, we leave Gweta and make our way to Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. This is an area where red lechwe antelope can still be seen grazing alongside local donkeys, goats and cattle. Since Maun's founding in 1915 it has had a reputation as a hard living 'Wild West' town helping the local cattle ranching and hunting operations. Maun today is a thriving tourist town famous for its donkey population and to a lesser extent, goats. These animals can be seen standing around town as they are used by local traders and farmers alike to transport their wares to sell on the curb side.
Optional Activity: Ntwetwe half day trip with Bushman Nature walk
Accommodation At: Crocodile Camp or similar
Meal Plan & Drinks: Breakfast, lunch, Dinner provided (drinks own guest account)
Distance and Travel Time: 3 to 4 hours (205km)
After some days in Botswana and Zimbabwe, you have explored some of their most enticing, evocative, and unforgettable landscapes. Today, you commit them to memory and your driver-guide will transfer you to Maun International Airport, in time to connect with your international departure flight and the friendly reservation team from our office waiting to hear all about your past journey experience through their incredible package by filling their feedback form handed to you.
Meal Plan & Drinks: Breakfast served at Lodge (lunch, dinner, and drinks own guest account)
Trip Information
In a Nutshell
– A true African experience (wild and free)
– All detailed inclusive Itinerary with cultural experience, adventure and wildlife.
Know Before You Go – Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones.
Trip Preparation – A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver’s license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you’ll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks.
- One large kit bag (preferably a rucksack or a bag with soft sides – Please do not bring hard suitcases as they are very difficult to pack in our trailers. Semi-hard suitcases should be avoided as well.
- One item of hand luggage (e.g. a small backpack) – there will be room for this at your feet.
- Main luggage: max weight = 12kg, max. size = 700mm x 350mm x 350mm.
- If you are travelling with us to the Delta we request that you take only what you need for the 2 nights in a smaller pack. You can leave the large bag with the vehicle which will be locked in a secured area while you will be staying on a small island, with transfers by traditional dugout canoes.
- Remember that on safari you need far less clothes than you think so bear this in mind when packing.
Best Time to Visit:
Dry Season (Mid – March to December): Botswana has a hot and dry savannah climate. The main rainy season lasts from December to February. The recommended time for a trip is mid-March to mid-December. Daytime temperatures are particularly pleasant in the winter months of May to August. Spring, from September to October, is also very popular for safaris.
This is the best time for wildlife viewing, as animals congregate around the dwindling water sources. The weather is generally warm during the day and cool at night, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Contrary to it being Dry the Okavango Delta’s water levels rise in this time attracting more wildlife to areas flooded with water. One of the best times to enjoy scenic flights over the delta seeing it in its flooded state and wildlife within the bush.
Wet Season (December to February): The wet season transforms the landscape into a lush, green paradise, attracting a myriad of bird species. While rain showers are frequent, they are usually short-lived. This period is excellent for bird watching and seeing the Okavango Delta in full flood.
Trip Rating & Style – Easy and Moderate and cater to adventure enthusiasts seeking authentic experiences.
Countries visited – Botswana & Zimbabwe.
Highlights – Maun | Okavango Delta| Khwai Concession | Savuti | Chobe National Park | Victoria Falls | Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
Activities – Animal Tracking | Cultural Mozaic Experience | Scenic Drive | Game drive | Bushwalks
Transportations – transport for most of this safari you will travel in air-conditioning minibus. Seats in the 10-seater minibuses can be compared in size to an airplane seat – if that setup is uncomfortable for you then please enquire about a private tour where different vehicles can be used. Some game safaris may be carried out using 4×4 jeeps/safari. You must not leave the vehicle or lean out through windows without express permission from the guide. Our vehicles are custom-built game viewing vehicles, specially designed for our safaris. which ensures excellent game viewing and mobility. We have developed our own trailers, each containing a mobile kitchen and space for all camping equipment and luggage – a complete unit travels together at all times on the safari.
Accommodation Considerations – while we make every effort to stick to the accommodations listed, please note that they serve as guidelines, and adjustments may occur. We recommend obtaining the latest version of the itinerary at least one week before departure to stay informed of any changes. Tents are 2.1m x 2.1m x 1.75m. A 5cm high density foam mattress is provided for each guest. Ablutions are shared and set up by our team when staying in game reserves and national park campsites.
Tour leaders – a fully qualified driver/guide will run the tour and do both the driving and guiding. The guides have a wealth of knowledge about the places you will be visiting and travelling past, and many travellers note them as one of the highlights of their tour.
Group Size – small groups of not less than 4 travellers and a maximum of 8 travellers per departure safari, guaranteed with an African Bushwalker Tours Team Leader escorting the group for the entire trip
Travelling Responsibility – remember you are more than a tourist in this place. You are part of the team of global citizens, embracing diversity and committed to lifelong learning. Stay open to opportunities, contribute where you can, and connect with the many people you meet along the road.
Plan Ahead – now your chance to book any optional activities, chat with the reservation team and get planning
Life on Land – contribute to any initiative that aims to halt biodiversity loss and promote the sustainable use of ecosystems
Experience – we have more than 23 years’ experience touring throughout East and Southern Africa. As such, our itineraries and routes have been perfected over many years ensuring that your tour will run smoothly. We visit the highlights of East and Southern Africa but ensure that you do not follow the well-trodden tourist track. All of us at African Bushwalker Tours have extensive travel experience in Africa, and throughout the world. Being adventure travellers ourselves, we know how to plan trips that give you a broad experience of the countries that you will visit.
Credit Card Payments:
– Credit card payments will attract a 3% handling fee of the value of the transaction.
Based in Africa – probably the most important part of an African Bushwalker Tours is that we are an African company with offices in Tanzania and Zimbabwe. We live in Africa; we travel in Africa and it is our passion for this amazing continent that makes African Bushwalker your best travel option.
Age Policy – on all small group scheduled tours, we accept children 12-17 with accompanying adult and tailor-made tours, we accept children 5 – 17 with accompanying adult. We have no upper age limit. Clients older than 65 years of age at the time of travel require a medical certificate stating the client is fit and healthy to join an adventure travel group tour. We have many clients over 65 years of age, who are perfectly capable of enjoying every aspect of an African Bushwalker tour.
Weather – this Africa overland tour spans half a continent and you can expect it to be warm for the duration of the trip with minimal rainfall. Be prepared for the warm weather and you will enjoy this trip.
Drugs & Alcohol – please be aware that drugs such as marijuana and cocaine are illegal in most countries in Africa and they could enforce severe punishment for being caught in possession. NEVER carry illegal drugs on your person or on the vehicle during this tour as you would not only jeopardise your own freedom but also the well-being of the entire group if you are caught in possession. If you are caught in possession of illegal drugs on this tour you will be asked to leave the tour immediately and no refund will be given. Any such inconsideration can lead to the tour being cancelled and innocent people arrested. We will not hesitate to remove someone if we have to. Aggressive or abusive drunk behaviour will not be tolerated during this tour and if anyone is constantly abusing alcohol and causing trouble we will not hesitate to remove them from the tour and no refund will be given.
Travel Insurance – it is compulsory that every person who travels with African Bushwalker Tours obtain travel insurance for the complete duration of the tour. Proof of travel insurance must be shown before joining a tour.
Visas and Passports – please ensure you have 6 blank pages in your passport in order to accommodate all the visas and stamps, and ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your tour end date.
Common questions about this trip
– Do I need malaria tablets? Yes, the trip passes through malaria areas and prophylactics are recommended.
– What do I need to bring? – comfortable clothes for warm days and cool evenings, walking shoes, headtorch, a raincoat, hat and sunglasses, swimsuit, first aid kit, yellow fever vaccination certificate, a small pair of binoculars also comes in very handy and most importantly – a sense of adventure!
About Drones – Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or “drone” technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones.
Suggested Tipping
Gratuities – Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please refer to the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. On some itineraries, you may encounter multiple drivers and local guides throughout. We recommend keeping small bills on hand for tipping.
Please be aware that many locals consider tipping to be a customary part of their compensation, and some may approach you for additional “compensation.” There is no need to feel intimidated by these requests, nor should you feel pressured to tip beyond the suggested amounts. If you become uncomfortable by any behaviour you encounter, please advise your tour manager, or contact our office (numbers are provided in your documents).
Tour Manager/Driver: US $5 per person per day
Note: Tips for hotel porters, wait staff, and for activities on your own, gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists, as well as on safaris. Hotels and restaurants that are frequented mostly by tourists will often add a gratuity to your bill and additional tipping is at your discretion.
BOOKING – To make your booking, please make sure you have the correct names, nationalities and date of birth of all travelers – as per their passport. African Bushwalker Tours will hold an option of 14 days from the time African Bushwalker Tours have confirmed a tour, before the cancellation rules apply. If our service or a tour is booked less than 14 days prior to the service is rendered or the tour commences, cancellation rules will apply immediately. If you need longer time, please let us know. If a tour or hotel is fully booked African Bushwalker Tours will try to offer you an alternative property of a similar standard and location.
PRICES – All prices are based on costs at the time of publication. African Bushwalker Tours reserves the right to change the prices, in reasonable circumstances, at any time before a booking is made. African Bushwalker Tours will confirm price changes, if any, together with our confirmation of your booking.
For trips in Namibia & South Africa rates given in a currency other than respectively NAD (Namibian Dollar) and ZAR (South African Rand) are subject to change in case of substantial variation of the exchange rate. For trips in Kenya & Tanzania rates given in a currency other than in USD (American Dollars) are subject to change in case of substantial variation of the exchange rate.
PAYMENTS – 30% of the total booking value within 14 days of African Bushwalker Tour’s confirmation of the booking. The remaining 70% no later than 60 days from the trip starting date.
CANCELLATION – If the customer cancels a tour up to 61 days prior to departure the deposit will be lost. If cancellation is made within 60-31 days prior to departure, a penalty fee of 65% of the total price of the tour will be levied. For any cancellation made within 30-16 days before departure, a penalty fee of 85% will apply. In the case of cancellations made less than 16 days before the start of the tour we are unable to offer any reimbursement. No refunds will be given by African Bushwalker Tours for no-shows.
The payment of bank fees for bank transfers are the responsibility of the customer and are strictly non-refundable.
The trip may be cancelled with no penalty charge should war, a life-threatening epidemic, or any other natural catastrophe or similar event occur within 14 days prior to departure. This will however be on the condition that your government advises against travelling to the specific area, and that the situation in question has arisen after the booking of the tour was made.
Cancellations must be made in writing and delivered either by hand, post, fax or electronic mail.
In the case of death or serious illness, of the person for whose benefit the tour has been arranged, no cancellation fee will be charged if African Bushwalker Tours is presented with an officially-approved death/sickness certificate.
What’s Included
- All accommodation during the journey and meals as indicated above (stretcher beds, mattress cover, sleeping bag, lodge rooms)
- A sturdy, 4x4 vehicle suitable for the Botswana and Zimbabwe environment and road conditions
- Entrance Fees to all sightseeing attractions and National Parks as indicated
- Standard meets and greet at Airport
- Tourism levy and government Taxes where applicable
- Portages
- Professional Fluent English-Speaking Driver Guide
What’s Excluded
- International, domestic fares & airfare taxes
- Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
- All optional excursions and activities and extra entrance fees to tourist attractions not mentioned in the itinerary
- Gratuities
- Personal, Medical and Travel Insurance
- All expenses of a personal nature
- Visa fees if applicable to Botswana and Zimbabwe
- Prices are subject to change due to airfare increases, currency exchange, fluctuations and any unforeseen circumstances, without prior notice.