Best of Botswana & Victoria Falls - 12 days

Best of Botswana & Victoria Falls - 12 days

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12 Days From

$4325

Best of Botswana & Victoria Falls - 12 days

12 Days Starting and ending in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Visiting: Victoria Falls, Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pan National Park, Moremi Game Reserve, Maun, Okavango Delta, Zambezi Region (Caprivi Strip), Chobe National Park

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

2402/BBV

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 15

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

10-

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Wildlife Tours

From: $4325 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 18-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a 12-day adventure through Botswana and Zimbabwe, exploring the breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife of Southern Africa. Begin your journey at the iconic Victoria Falls, where you can independently explore the thundering waterfall or opt for a thrilling helicopter ride. Venture into the vast Makgadikgadi Salt Pans to witness stunning sunsets and diverse wildlife. Experience the thrill of spotting the Big Five in Moremi Game Reserve and navigate the serene waterways of the Okavango Delta by traditional mokoro canoe. Discover the birdwatcher's paradise of the Caprivi Strip in Namibia, and conclude your journey with a safari in Chobe National Park, home to large herds of elephants and rare painted dogs. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, including lodges and tented camps, and travel in a 16-seater Mercedes Sprinter, all while being guided by a licensed African tour guide. This small group wildlife tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Africa's natural wonders.

Highlights

  • Victoria Falls - Visit the thundering waterfall independently and opt for a helicopter ride over the site.

  • Makgadikgadi Salt Pans - Watch the sunset over the desolate lake bed and spot the wildlife which calls the area home.

  • Moremi Game Reserve - Spot all of the famous Big Five on safari during several included game drives.

  • Okavango Delta - Explore the famous waterways of the Delta by traditional mokoro canoe and on foot.

  • Caprivi Strip - Venture into Namibia to explore the Caprivi Strip, a birdwatcher's paradise alongside the Zambezi river.

  • Chobe National Park - Cross Botswana's most famous national park, stopping often to see some of Africa's iconic species.

Itinerary

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Day 1-2: Victoria Falls

Location: Victoria Falls

Accommodation Name: Cresta Sprayview Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 3: Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pan Np

Location: Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pan National Park

Accommodation Name: Nata Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Day 4-5: Moremi Game Reserve

Location: Moremi Game Reserve

Accommodation Name: Shokomoka Adventure Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Day 6: Maun

Aarush Dhand

Location: Maun

Accommodation Name: Cresta Hotel Maun

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Moremi - Maun. Leaving Moremi we return to Maun, where the afternoon is free to rest at the hotel or enjoy a splash in the pool. You can also opt to take a one-hour scenic flight over the Okavango Delta (book and pay locally).

Day 7-8: Okavango Delta

Arefin Gaming

Location: Okavango Delta

Accommodation Name: Swamp Stop Okavango River Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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!

Day 9: Zambezi Region (Caprivi Strip)

Location: Zambezi Region (Caprivi Strip)

Accommodation Name: Zambezi Mubala Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Day 10-11: Chobe National Park

Location: Chobe National Park

Accommodation Name: Chobe Safari Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Day 12: Victoria Falls

Location: Victoria Falls

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Mid range

  • Victoria Falls International Airport arrival transfer and departure transfer

    The tour includes arrival transfer from Victoria Falls International Airport and departure transfer to Kasane or Victoria Falls International Airport.

  • Transportation in a 16-seater Mercedes Sprinter vehicle

    Transportation is provided in a 16-seater Mercedes Sprinter vehicle with comfortable reclining seats, air-conditioning, USB ports, and sliding windows.

  • Makgadikgadi Salt Pans National Park sightseeing

    Sightseeing at Makgadikgadi Salt Pans National Park is included in the tour.

  • Moremi Game Reserve game drives

    Morning and afternoon game drives in Moremi Game Reserve and concession, in open 4x4 vehicles, are included.

  • Okavango Delta excursions

    The tour includes a mokoro excursion, boat excursion, and game walks on the smaller islands in the Okavango Delta, subject to water levels.

  • Chobe National Park game drive and boat cruise

    A morning game drive in an open 4x4 vehicle and a sunset game viewing boat cruise on the Chobe River are included.

  • Licensed African tour guide

    The tour is escorted by a licensed African tour guide, who also serves as the driver.

What's Not Included

  • Victoria Falls NP entrance fee

    The entrance fee to Victoria Falls National Park is not included in the tour.

  • International flights and visas

    International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.

  • Optional activities

    Optional activities are not included and can be arranged at an additional cost.

  • Tipping

    Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.

  • Local payment

    A local payment of USD$250 per person is required to be paid in cash.

Accommodation

Experience a variety of accommodations including the Cresta Sprayview Hotel near Victoria Falls, Nata Lodge with luxury thatched chalets, Shokomoka Adventure Hotel with solar-powered tents, Cresta Hotel Maun by the Thamalakane River, Swamp Stop Okavango River Camp with bird viewing decks, Zambezi Mubala Lodge on the Zambezi River, and Chobe Safari Lodge on the Chobe River.

Age Policy

Average age 40s - 70s but flexible age policy. Minimum age 10.If travelling with children parents need to be aware of the very long driving days (distances noted in the trip notes). Rooms for families - one child up to 17 yrs old can share a room with 2 adults. We have child rates for 12 and under. Children 13 + pay full price.     IMPORTANT: South Africa and Botswana regulations aimed at fighting child trafficking:'All parents travelling with children into or out of SA and/or Botswana may be asked to show the child’s unabridged (full) birth certificate, and where only one parent is accompanying, parental or legal consent for the child to travel (eg an affidavit from the other parent, a court order or – if applicable – a death certificate). Tell pax they must contact the South African High Commission, South African Department of Home Affairs and/or the Botswana High Commission for the most up to date information.

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with a 16-seater Mercedes Sprinter vehicle featuring reclining seats, air-conditioning, USB ports, and sliding windows. Transfers include arrival at Victoria Falls International Airport and departure to Kasane or Victoria Falls International Airport.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?

    During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo) in Moremi Game Reserve. You may also see cheetah, giraffe, hyena, flamingos, zebra, wildebeest, and ostrich at the Makgadikgadi salt pans. In the Okavango Delta, look out for elephants, crocodiles, and a range of bird species. Chobe National Park is known for its large herds of elephants and a population of rare painted dogs.

  • What activities are included in the Okavango Delta exploration?

    In the Okavango Delta, the tour includes a boat trip up the channels of the Delta, a mokoro (traditional canoe) excursion, and a guided game walk on the smaller islands, subject to water levels. These activities offer opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the lush waterways of the Delta.

  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Yes, there are optional activities available during the tour. At Victoria Falls, you can opt for a helicopter ride over the falls or a romantic sunset cruise. In Maun, you can take a one-hour scenic flight over the Okavango Delta.

  • What is the accommodation like during the tour?

    The tour includes 11 nights in mid-range (3-4 star) lodges, hotels, and permanent tented camps. Accommodations feature comfortable amenities such as ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning, and Wi-Fi. Some lodges offer unique experiences like outdoor showers, bird viewing decks, and opportunities to spot wildlife from the premises.

  • Is there a guide provided during the tour?

    Yes, the tour is escorted by a licensed African tour guide, who also serves as your driver throughout the journey.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 9 dinners. Meals are provided at the accommodations and may include buffet options and local cuisine.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Mar 01, 2025 - Mar 12, 2025
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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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