Botswana Highlights
Price- $2,253
9 Days | Discover the wildlife and World Heritage waterways of Botswana.
Containing in its borders the world's largest salt pans, inland delta and number of elephants, Botswana has plenty to boast about. Taking in also Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls and Namibia's Caprivi region, this trip celebrates both the natural and cultural highlights of Botswana. Stay in a lodge overlooking a watering hole frequented by elephants, watch hippos wallowing along the shores of the Chobe River, and paddle through the Okavango Delta in a traditional dug-out canoe. If it's a diversity of landscapes, wildlife and cultures you're after, then this is the ultimate trip.
Trip overview
StartVictoria Falls, Zimbabwe
EndVictoria Falls, Zimbabwe
DestinationsZimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana
StyleOriginal
AgesMin 15
Group SizeMin 1 - Max 16
ThemeWildlife
Trip CodeUBSZ
Itinerary
Mhoro! Welcome to Zimbabwe. Your adventure begins today with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, if you arrive early, check out some of the optional activities around Victoria Falls. The Zimbabwe side of the falls offers the broadest view of this colossal natural wonder. Scenic helicopter flights are incredible – if you opt for one, choose Zambezi Helicopter Company (CAA Zimbabwe), the only operator Intrepid endorses. After the welcome meeting, why not get to know your fellow travellers over a group dinner?
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This morning, you’ll leave Victoria Falls behind and head to Elephant Sands via the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust – one of the projects The Intrepid Foundation supports. Here you can learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, human-wildlife conflict and the Trust’s role in anti-poaching. There may also be a chance to meet any rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care. Then, travel across the Kazungula border into Botswana and make your way to your accommodation for the evening, Elephant Sands. Located in a private concession bordering on the Chobe Forest Reserve, the watering hole at Elephant Sands lodge attracts herds of elephants and other wildlife in season. We'll take a guided bush walk through the unfenced 16000 ha private conservancy, home to a variety of wildlife. This guided tour offers a unique opportunity to learn about the uses of native plants and identify animal tracks. You may even spot some of Africa's lesser-known 'Little Five' species!This evening perhaps soak up the sounds of the wilderness with a glass of wine as your overlook the waterhole, keeping an eye out for the roaming animals.
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After breakfast, drive to Maun, a bustling town on the edge of the Okavango Delta. Arriving here in the afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to take in this World Heritage site from above on a scenic flight in a helicopter flight (an optional activity that your trip leader can help you arrange). Tonight's accommodation is in a comfortable hotel situated on the town's outskirts.
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Leaving Maun after breakfast, make your way further to the north-western part of the Okavango Delta, admiring the scenery along the way. Meet your 4WD transfer for the last 12 kms and watch the scenery pass you by. When you arrive, settle into the lodge where you will be spending the next two nights, located on the edge of the Guma Lagoon.
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Today you’ll hop into mokoros (traditional dugout canoes) for a water-level exploration of the delta. Paddling through papyrus and reed beds to lily-covered lagoons and islands, be sure to keep on the lookout for elephants, antelope, warthogs and other creatures of the plains. Tuck into a picnic lunch on one of the islands and embark on a short bushwalk, returning to the lodge in the late afternoon in time to watch the sunset over the lagoon.
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After breakfast, take the 4WD transfer back to the vehicle and make your way to the Namibian border. The drive to tonight's camp, which is on the Caprivi banks of the Okavango River, involves passing through the Mahango Game Reserve – keep your eyes peeled for the surrounding wildlife on the drive.
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Continue the journey along the Caprivi Strip, located in the newly formed Kavango-Zambezi Trans frontier park. After crossing the border back into Botswana you’ll arrive at Kasane, a town surrounded by the Chobe National Park. Taking its name from the river which marks the border between Namibia and Botswana, Chobe boasts the largest population of elephants in Africa, plus an abundance of birdlife, pods of wallowing hippos and more. Check out Kasane town, or perhaps take a dip in the lodge pool, sit by the open outdoor fire, or simply watch the setting sun change the colours of the sky above the Chobe River.
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Take the opportunity to wake up early and enjoy an optional dawn game drive in Chobe National Park, where you may see elephants drinking at the waters' edge, large herds of cape buffaloes and many impala within the park. Return to the lodge for a late breakfast and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Later in the afternoon enjoy a sunset cruise on the Chobe River. At the right time of year, the river is frequented by large families of elephants crossing the banks, drinking and playing in the water. It's also ideal for spotting bird life such as saddle-billed storks, malachite kingfishers, fish eagles and beautiful bee-eaters, as well as hippos, and crocodiles. Why not grab a sundowner from the small bar onboard, then sit back and watch the sunset over the river – a perfect way to end the day.
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This morning you have the option to get up before dawn and head out on an optional morning game drive. This time of day is when predators such as leopards and lions are spotted returning from their night's hunting. Return to the lodge for breakfast, then drive across the Zimbabwean border. After completing the border formalities, drive the remaining distance to Victoria Falls. Your adventure ends when you arrive, at approximately 2 pm, and no accommodation is included tonight. Ask your travel specialist about post tour accommodation options if you're considering staying on in Victoria Falls a few extra days. Those staying longer can visit the falls and choose from various activities and excursions, including white water rafting and canoeing.
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Meals 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinnersTransport
Transport Private Vehicle, Boat, MokoroAccommodation
Accommodation Hotel (2 nights), Lodge (4 nights), Basic Lodge (2 night)
Activities
- Nata - Elephant Sands Bush Walk
- Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust Visit
- Okavango Delta - Mokoro Safari
- Okavango Delta - Nature walk
- Chobe National Park - River cruise
Add On Activities
- Victoria Falls - Bridge Tour - USD68
- Victoria Falls - Standard Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD45
- Victoria Falls - Traditional Village Tour - USD55
- Victoria Falls - Bridge Swing - USD168
- Victoria Falls - Jet Boat (Seasonal - excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD110
- Victoria Falls - Whitewater rafting (Seasonal - excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD126
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (12 mins - excludes USD25 Fuel & NP Fee) - USD150
- Victoria Falls - River Song Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD75
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (25 mins - excludes USD30 Fuel & NP Fee) - USD284
- Okavango Delta - Helicopter Scenic Flight - From USD250 - USD280
- Chobe National Park - Open Safari Vehicle Morning Game Drive - BWP580
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