Country(ies): South Africa , Botswana , Zimbabwe
Tour type: Overland
Group size: Min: 4 | Max: 20
Accommodation:2 to 4-star hotels, lodges or camping
Meals: Breakfasts - 7, Lunches - 6, Dinners - 5
Transport: Overland expedition vehicle & 4x4 safari jeeps
Highlights:Kalahari Desert, San bush people, Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Savuti Game Reserve, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls
Embark on an exhilarating 8-day overland adventure commencing from the bustling city of Johannesburg, South Africa, boasting extensive flight connections, and culminating at the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls. This journey seamlessly intertwines with a week-long exploration of Botswana's most captivating highlights.
Departing from Johannesburg, our expedition propels us into the heart of Botswana, traversing the mesmerizing landscapes of the Kalahari desert, where the nomadic San hunter-gatherers have roamed for generations. A glimpse into their ancient way of life sets the tone for the adventure ahead.
Continuing our odyssey, we arrive at the crown jewel of Botswana, the ethereal Okavango Delta. Here, we embark on a serene Mokoro ride along its labyrinthine waterways, immersing ourselves in the tranquil beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. A thrilling game safari into the expanse of the Greater Moremi Game Reserve awaits, promising encounters with the diverse wildlife that call this pristine wilderness home. For those seeking a bird's-eye view of the Delta's splendor, an optional scenic flight from Maun offers an unparalleled perspective.
Our journey progresses to the renowned Savuti Game Reserve, renowned for its staggering concentrations of wildlife, offering unparalleled opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. From there, we venture onward to the iconic Chobe National Park, famed for its majestic elephant herds and teeming with a myriad of other magnificent fauna, ensuring an unforgettable safari experience.
The culmination of our expedition brings us to the breathtaking spectacle of Victoria Falls, where the thundering cascade of water captivates the senses. Here, amidst the misty spray, we have the opportunity to marvel at the grandeur of one of Africa's most iconic natural wonders and partake in a myriad of exhilarating activities.
As our adventure draws to a close, ample time is allotted to explore the falls and engage in optional activities before bidding farewell to this extraordinary destination. For those seeking a seamless return journey, a convenient 2-day transit back to Johannesburg is available, catering to both those departing from its bustling airport and those with onward travel plans within South Africa.
Choose from both camping and accommodated versions of the tour, ensuring a tailored experience that suits your preferences, as you embark on an unforgettable journey through the captivating landscapes and abundant wildlife of Botswana, culminating in the majestic splendor of Victoria Falls.
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We start our tour early this morning in Johannesburg, as we travel through the North-West Province until we reach the Botswana border. After completing border formalities we’ll carry on through the Trans-Kalahari highway until we reach our overnight accommodation.
As we depart Johannesburg first thing this morning you will need to book at least one night's pre-tour accommodation.
OVERNIGHT:
Cresta Palapye
MEALS:
Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
Extra day in Johannesburg - pre-tour
Single room supplement camping (SAOVOC)
Arrival airport transfer in Johannesburg (free shuttle)
Single room supplement accommodated (SAOVOC)
Today we head north through the stark yet striking landscapes of the Central Kalahari desert towards the gateway of the Okavango Delta . Along the way, you'll pass by several smaller towns and villages, offering glimpses into everyday life in Botswana . A notable point of interest on our route is the Orapa Diamond Mine, an imposing testament to Botswana's mineral wealth. This mine, which is a collaborative venture between De Beers and the Botswana government, is counted among the world's most extensive diamond mines. It serves as a critical economic pillar, contributing considerably to Botswana's GDP and export earnings . Beyond Orapa, our journey skirts the southern end of the Makgadikgadi Pans N ational P ark before reaching our overnight destination in Maun, so keep an eye out for an array of wildlife that moves between the watering holes
OVERNIGHT:
Sedia Hotel / campsite
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch
EXTRAS:
None
You will be separated from the truck for the next 2 nights and it is therefore important that you pack/gather your personal belongings which you may need, before we depart for Maun today as there is limited time in Maun for re-packing and storing. Please pack lightly and only take what you need for the following two nights. Today we make our way towards the Okavango Delta. Early risers will have the opportunity to go on an optional scenic flight over the Delta (time and weather permitting). After your optional flight, you will be collected from Maun and will be transferred to the Khwai Conservation area in smaller safari type vehicles. Our guide will prepare us on what to expect for our mokoro excursion into the Okavango Delta
OVERNIGHT:
Khwai Tented Camp
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
Options available while on tour (SAOVSH)
At first light, you will be picked up from the hotel for our drive to the South gate to enter Moremi Game Reserve. As we journey through the Okavango Delta ecosystem of channels and lagoons, sightings of different bird and animal populations will become more frequent.
The game viewing routes may vary according to the professional guides, particularly when high floods are experienced as certain routes may be closed.
OVERNIGHT:
Khwai Tented Camp
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Today, our journey will take us across the Northern stretch of the Makgadikgadi Pans where we can view beautiful examples of the iconic Baobab tree. We are also afforded the opportunity to enjoy a guided afternoon excursion to the Pans and Nata sanctuary to appreciate the stunning views and have an unforgettable sundowner.
OVERNIGHT:
Elephant Sands
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
We journey from Kalahari sands of Nata to Kasane and arrive in time for lunch and a quick siesta before we head out in the af ternoon to explore the Chobe National Park from the river, enjoying a leisurely boat cruise which allows us an up close and personal experience with the many elephants that frequent the river in the afternoons
OVERNIGHT:
Thebe River Safaris
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
Options available while on tour (SAOVSH)
This morning we travel across the border, a short distance to Victoria Falls, after an unforgettable time at Chobe National Park. Upon arrival to Victoria Falls, you will have the opportunity to book some exciting optional activities. Victoria Falls offers a wide selection of activities to suit both adrenaline junkies and the more relaxed traveller. Choose from craft markets or a delicious High Tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel.
OVERNIGHT:
Shearwaters Explorers Village
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
Options available while on tour (SAOVSH)
The day is yours free to take on activities that best suits your style - from rafting the mighty Zambezi River or enjoying a scenic flight over the falls below. Additional nights accommodation and departure airport transfers are available on request. A 2-day transit option is also available departing tomorrow to take you back to Johannesburg if you would like to fly out from there, or have further onward travel plans in South Africa.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
Options available while on tour (SAOVSH)
Extra nights in Victoria falls post-tour
Departure airport transfer in Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls to Johannesburg transit accommodated
Victoria Falls to Johannesburg transit camping
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This tour departs Johannesburg early in the morning on Day 1 so please plan to add at least 1 extra day to your travels before & after the tour dates below. Extra hotel nights and airport transfers are available on request.
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The hotels and accommodations listed below are the ones we most often use on this tour. From time to time we may exchange these for similar properties at the same level. In general, specific hotels cannot be guaranteed on our group tours, but you may select your preferred options if you are booking a tailor-made trip.
Our tours are designed to include all that you need to enjoy a really special time in the destination you're visiting. However, we do also offer some extra options to complement the tour and add some additional sightseeing or activities, or some extra time at either end of the tour.
All accommodation based options (e.g. Single supplements, extra nights, cruise upgrades) should be booked and paid for in advance so that we can make the appropriate arrangements. Other options may either be booked and paid for in advance or while you are on the tour, though we recommend booking in advance to ensure there are no issues with availability.
Many options are priced the same throughout the year, but some may incur single or high season supplements - full details are given on the tour reservation form or on request.
The detailed Tour Notes below have been written to give you some more detailed information about how the tour runs, what to expect, and how to prepare for your holiday. We recommend downloading an up to date copy of these shortly before you travel in case of any changes.
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