SMALL GROUP LODGE SAFARI : See the best of Botswana's wildlife and much more besides on this 12-day lodge safari, departing from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Enjoy included game drives in Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve, watch the sunset over the Makgadikgadi salt pans and ride a mokoro along the waterways of the Okavango Delta. Relaxing each night in comfortable lodges, permanent tented camps and hotels.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Exploring Vic Falls
Welcome to Zimbabwe! On arrival in Victoria Falls, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Meet your guide and the rest of the group at the pre departure meeting at 3pm. The rest of today and day 2 is at leisure to relax in the hotel or explore the area. You'll certainly want to visit the thundering Victoria Falls, and perhaps join in with some of the optional activities available in the area. You can enjoy a helicopter ride over the falls, or a romantic sunset cruise.
Overnight: Victoria Falls | Breakfast x 1
Mighty Makgadikgadi
Victoria Falls - Nata region (Botswana). Leaving Zimbabwe, we cross the border into Botswana and journey for approximately six hours to the Nata region, home to the jaw-dropping Makgadikgadi salt pans. Visit the ancient lake bed during the late afternoon, and remain in the area to watch the sunset, a spectacular sight to see over the white salt flats. You may get your first glimpse of African wildlife too, with flocks of flamingos, zebra, wildebeest, and the occasional ostrich wandering onto the desolate lake bed.
Tonight we stay at a lodge located at the edge of the Nata Sanctuary, which is home to all manner of bird species including pelicans and flamingos.
Overnight: Nata region | Breakfast, Dinner
Moremi Game Reserve
Nata region - Moremi. On day 4, we drive to Maun, gateway to the Okavango Delta and Moremi game reserve, the ecological gem in Botswana's crown. Here we transfer into open 4x4 vehicles and drive to our lodge on the edge of Moremi game reserve. Moremi is one of Africa's finest areas for wildlife, with flooded salt pans, forests, and sprawling plains. During our stay, we go in search of wildlife on morning and afternoon game drives in the private concession and inside Moremi which is home to all of the Big Five, plus cheetah, giraffe, hyena, and much more.
Overnight: Moremi (2) | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 1, Dinner x 2
The Okavango Delta
Maun - Okavango Delta. On day 7 we enjoy a scenic drive round the Okavango pan handle to our lodge in the northwest of the Okavango Delta. The following day we head out to explore the Delta by boat, mokoro and on foot. Enjoy a 30-minute boat trip up the channels of the Delta to an island where we get into mokoros (traditional canoe) to explore the lush waterways of the Okavango. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, crocodiles and other wildlife. We return to the island for lunch and a guided game walk (subject to water levels) before returning by boat to the lodge. As well as traditional African species, the Delta is a haven for rare birdlife, so remember your binoculars!
Overnight: Okavango Delta | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 1, Dinner x 2
Nipping to Namibia
Okavango Delta - Caprivi Strip (Namibia). Heading out of Botswana today, we cross into Namibia and journey along the narrow Caprivi Strip to our lodge, which is located at the edge of the Zambezi River floodplain. The lodge is a bird-lover's paradise, with many species attracted to the lush terrain near the river. Huge colonies of Carmine Bee-eaters dart about, whilst hippos bathe in the water and crocodiles sun themselves at the water's edge. Here we have plenty of time to relax and take in the tranquil surroundings.
Overnight: Zambezi Region (Caprivi Strip) | Breakfast, Dinner
Chobe National Park
Caprivi Strip - Kasane (Botswana). On day 10 we cross back into Botswana and arrive at Chobe Safari Lodge on the banks of the Chobe River. The lodge is on the edge of Chobe National Park and is also found at a point where the four countries of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe all meet! There's an optional game drive into Chobe during the afternoon.
If you didn't opt for the day 10 game drive then don't worry, the game drive on day 11 is included in our tour. Known for its large herds of elephants and a population of rare painted dogs, Chobe is one of Africa's premier wildlife destinations. Late afternoon enjoy a sunset game-viewing cruise on the Chobe River.
Overnight: Kasane | Breakfast x 2, Dinner x 2
Victoria Falls
Kasane - Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe). Today our African adventure comes to an end. Enjoy a final breakfast at the lodge before an included transfer to either Victoria Falls Airport or Kasane International Airport for your onward journey.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates marked with a 'G' are guaranteed to operate. All other departure are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. This safari has a maximum group size of 16. The 'Twin Share' price is per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. The 'Single Room' price is applicable to all solo travellers, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room.
Local payment - 2023: USD $230 pp / 2024: USD $250 pp, to be paid in cash
Please note that this is payable locally on day 1 of your trip in the currency specified.
Extra Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Cresta Sprayview Hotel, Victoria Falls
Located just 1.4km from Victoria Falls, you're able to see the spray from the hotel when the falls are in full flood. Rooms are comfortable, boasting queen-sized beds, ensuite bathrooms, a safe and climate control. Wi-Fi is available in all areas of the hotel, including outside on the sun terrace. There's a buffet breakfast at the onsite restaurant, and you can also enjoy meals outside by the pool, and enjoy a drink at either of the two bars.
Nata Lodge, Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pan NP
Set among the Mokolwane palms on the edge of the Makgadigadi pans lies Nata Lodge. Offering 22 luxury thatched chalets built on stilts and set in rustic African style with en suite bathroom including indoor bath and outdoor shower. There are also 10 custom designed meru tents set on wooden decks. The lodge also boasts a well stocked bar a refreshing outdoor swimming pool, large restaurant and curio shop. The lodge is conveniently located next to the Nata Bird Sanctuary.
Shokomoka Adventure Hotel, Moremi Game Reserve
Shokomoka Adventure Hotel is a comfortable permanent tented bush camp on the edge of Moremi Game Reserve, one of Botswana's great wildernesses. Tents are spacious and easily tall enough to stand in (think canvas lodges!). They feature double beds, charge points, and a washbasin. The camp has a focus on sustainability, and all electricity is solar-powered. Each tent has an outdoor seating area and there's a swimming pool from where it is sometimes possible to spot elephants, buffalo, giraffe and other creatures enjoying a drink at the nearby watering hole. Meals are served at the onsite restaurant and there's a communal seating area for groups.
Cresta Hotel Maun, Maun
Just 10km from the centre of Maun and sitting on the scenic banks of the Thamalakane River, the Cresta Hotel makes a great base for exploring the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve. Rooms are modern, with ensuite bathroom, air-conditioning, flatscreen TV, and minibar. There's an onsite bar and restaurant (serving a buffet breakfast and other meals), as well as a gym and outdoor swimming pool. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
Swamp Stop Okavango River Camp, Okavango Delta
Located on the banks of the Okavango River, the Swamp Stop River Camp features 12 simply furnished, en-suite rooms, complete with air conditioning, a fridge and a verandah. The property has a fully licensed bar and two small swimming pools for a refreshing dip after a day of sightseeing. There's also raised bird viewing deck where guests can glimpse abundant birdlife and may even spot the odd elephant or crocodile. Free Wi-F is available in communal areas.
Zambezi Mubala Lodge, Zambezi Region (Caprivi Strip)
Located on the picturesque bank of the Zambezi River, the Zambezi Mubala Lodge is a bird watcher's dream, with more than 450 species recorded here, including one of Africa's largest colonies of carmine bee eaters. Crocodiles and hippos are also not uncommon guests at the lodge. Individual lodges are smartly finished, with wooden floors and decor, waterfront balconies, king-sized beds, and private bathrooms. A continental breakfast and other meals are served at the onsite restaurant and there's also a bar, shop, outdoor firepit, bird hide and swimming pool. Boat trips on the river are available from the jetty.
Chobe Safari Lodge, Chobe National Park
Situated on the banks of the Chobe River in Kasane, Chobe Safari Lodge is is ideally located for exploring Chobe National Park. Rooms are spacious, with excellent facilities and private balconies. The restaurant serves a tasty selection of African and international cuisine, while the bar is a perfect place to relax with a cocktail in hand as the sun sets. The hotel also has an attractive sundeck and swimming pool overlooking the river. Keep a look out for warthogs scurrying around the grounds!
At a Glance
