Best of Botswana & Victoria Falls - 12 days
Best of Botswana & Victoria Falls - 12 days
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:
Tour code:
2402/BBV
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 15
Age range:
10-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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
Itinerary
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
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
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
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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.
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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.
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Makgadikgadi Salt Pans National Park sightseeing
Sightseeing at Makgadikgadi Salt Pans National Park is included in the tour.
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Moremi Game Reserve game drives
Morning and afternoon game drives in Moremi Game Reserve and concession, in open 4x4 vehicles, are included.
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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.
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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.
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Licensed African tour guide
The tour is escorted by a licensed African tour guide, who also serves as the driver.
What's Not Included
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Victoria Falls NP entrance fee
The entrance fee to Victoria Falls National Park is not included in the tour.
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.
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Optional activities
Optional activities are not included and can be arranged at an additional cost.
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Tipping
Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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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+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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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.
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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.