Wildlife and Waterfalls

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. Note: The tour is available either based mainly on camping in traditional 2-person tents (which we provide together with camp beds), or as an upgraded 'accommodated' version where you sleep in lodges, hotels, or permanent camps (with proper beds & facilities). Details of each night's stay are given in the Facilities section of the daily itinerary. Pricing shown is based on camping - please contact us for prices to upgrade to the accommodated level. Route: Johannesburg to Palapye

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 National Park before reaching our overnight destination in Maun, so keep an eye out for an array of wildlife that moves between the watering holes. Route: Palapye to Maun

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. Route: Maun to Khwai Conservation area. Optional activity: Scenic Flight over Okavango Delta. Included Highlight: Sunset Mokoro Excursion

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. Included Highlight: Moremi Game Reserve full day excursion

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.

There is an optional game drive in Chobe National Park this morning, and those taking it will head out early in open 4x4 safari vehicles. After returning to the camp for lunch and a rest, in the afternoon we all head out to explore Chobe National Park from the river. We'll enjoy a leisurely boat cruise which allows for an up and close experience seeing some of the many elephants that frequent the river in the afternoons.

We leave Chobe reluctantly this morning, full of the memories of all the wildlife encounters we've enjoyed over the last few days. It's only a short distance to the border into Zimbabwe and then on to Victoria Falls. You'll have time at your leisure to visit the spectacular falls, known locally as 'Mosi-oa Tunya', or 'the smoke that thunders'. You'll also have time to visit the bustling adventure town of Victoria Falls with its craft markets and coffee shops, as well as numerous options for booking extra activities. Victoria Falls offers a wide selection of options to suit both adrenaline junkies who could take a bungee jump or do some white water rafting, helicopter flights over the falls, or perhaps a High Tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel would be more your style.

With the many activities on offer in Victoria Falls, today is the perfect day for the adventure that most suits your style. Whether rafting the mighty Zambezi River or enjoying a scenic flight over the falls below, this is your day to enjoy the many attractions on offer in Victoria Falls.

This morning we leave the rumble and adventure of Victoria Falls behind us as we make the journey south to Hwange National Park. Hwange is the largest of Zimbabwe’s national parks and offers excellent opportunities for viewing the diversity of wildlife that calls the park home. This morning we head south to Hwange National Park, leaving behind the bustle of Victoria Falls. As the largest of Zimbabwe’s national parks, Hwange National Park offers exciting opportunities to view the diverse wildlife residing in the park.

Hwange National Park is home to the Big Five as well as a wide range of plains, game and birdlife. The guests who purchased the activity package will be picked up from the accommodation in the morning and will enjoy the day on a game drive in 4x4 vehicles through Hwange to catch some sightings of wildlife.

This morning we journey south towards the second largest city in Zimbabwe, Bulawayo. Our afternoon shall be spent with a local guide, exploring the beautiful Matopos National Park. As a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park includes an intensive protection zone where Black and White Rhinoceros reside. We then return to Bulawayo and our overnight accommodation.

Our journey today takes us to Masvingo and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. This afternoon we will enjoy a guided walking tour of this historic site. Dating back to the Late Iron Age, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe. We take time this afternoon to marvel at the intricate stonework and experience the heritage of this monument to early Zimbabwean civilization.

Leaving the sites of Zimbabwe behind we cross the Limpopo River and enter South Africa this afternoon. Our overnight stop allows us an opportunity to end the day with a swim in the hot springs of Tshipise.

This morning we take the highway south to Johannesburg, we arrive at Belvedere Estate in the late afternoon and all travellers are invited to join us for a traditional meal tonight. This can be booked with your guide on the day before arrival. Many great tales are shared, and tonight is for celebrating the many wonders of African travel.