Botswana and Zimbabwe: water, land, and sky

From the Okavango Delta to Victoria Falls

16 days
Overview

Botswana and Zimbabwe: water, land, and sky

An adventure through the magnificent landscapes of Botswana and Zimbabwe, traveling with a small group of international travelers aboard classic overland trucks. A remarkable 16-day journey to discover one of the planet’s last great natural sanctuaries: the wild and fertile Okavango Delta in Botswana. Along the way, you’ll also have the opportunity to admire iconic wildlife in national parks, the vast expanses of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, and the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe
Price:
starting from

Euro 3.099

BOOK
Days
16 days
Tour language
English
Countries
Botswana, Zimbabwe
Route
From Johannesburg to Johannesburg
Tour type
Overland
Group size
Up to 16 participants
Accomodation
Hotels and camps
Okavango Hwange 2 Victoria Falls 2 Chobe 2 Makgadikgadi Kalahari Johannesburg Bots Land Cruiser

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival, Johannesburg and Kalahari (Botswana)
The adventure begins in Johannesburg, from where you will travel towards the north-west of South Africa to reach the border with Botswana. After completing border formalities, you will cross into Botswana and enter the vast Kalahari, stretching endlessly to the horizon. You will cover a considerable distance before reaching your accommodation at the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. This is a community-based wildlife project aimed at protecting endangered rhinos, restoring an area once rich in wildlife to its natural state, and providing economic benefits to the local Botswana community through tourism and the sustainable use of natural resources. Covering approximately 8,585 hectares of Kalahari sandveld, the sanctuary offers an ideal habitat for both white and black rhinos, as well as more than 30 other animal species and over 230 bird species. Meals: dinner (breakfast and lunch excluded).
Day 2 Maun
An early start for the first of many safaris. You will explore the Khama Sanctuary in search of rhinos and the many other species that inhabit this unique environment, before returning to camp. The journey then continues north, entering true desert landscapes and passing through several remote villages, while skirting the vast Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. The final stretch follows the Boteti River to your overnight stop at Drifters Maun Lodge. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Days 3 and 4 Okavango Delta
Departure for the magnificent Okavango Delta, where you will stay in a wild setting of outstanding natural value. Your comfortable camp, located on the shores of one of the largest lagoons, will be the base from which you explore the Delta. You will glide through the channels in traditional mokoro canoes, walk on uninhabited islands and enjoy picnics in nature, learning from experienced local guides—raised in the region—about the Delta’s wildlife and vegetation. You will also have the opportunity to learn about the culture and lifestyle of local communities, or simply relax while admiring the lagoon from an elegant wooden deck, enjoying a cool drink, taking guided walks or swimming in the pool. On one of the days, a relaxing sunset cruise awaits. Meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners.
Day 5 Maun
Departing early, you will return to Maun. Upon arrival, do not miss the opportunity to take a scenic flight over the Delta (not included). Admire breathtaking views of the vast Delta and spot wildlife from above. You will reach Drifters Maun Lodge in the late afternoon, in time for a refreshing swim in the pool and to enjoy a beautiful sunset. The evening is dedicated to recharging your energy ahead of the next adventure: four nights of camping in the parks. Meals: breakfast and dinner (lunch excluded).
Days 6 to 9 Safari in the Khwai Area
Over these four days, you will enjoy numerous game drives, stopping at various viewpoints to make the most of each day. Travel will be in well-equipped 4x4 Land Cruisers with local Botswana guides, exploring the Khwai Concession and the famous Moremi and Savuti reserves. The route is flexible and depends on the season, as vegetation changes constantly. This diversity of habitats offers excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities. Overnight stays will be in an exclusive camp on the banks of the Khwai River, completely remote and unspoiled. Depending on ever-changing conditions in the national parks, you may also venture into the vast Central Kalahari Game Reserve or the unique Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. Meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners.
Day 10 Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
On your final morning in the parks, you will slowly make your way back to Maun, enjoying a game drive en route. Lunch will be at Maun Lodge, located on the banks of the Boteti River. After lunch, continue east to visit the spectacular Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Endless stretches of golden grass give way to white salt flats beneath an immense sky. You will spend the night in splendid isolation. Adventurous travelers may choose to sleep outdoors under the stars to admire the breathtaking night sky. In some seasons, the salt pans are not easily accessible; in this case, overnight accommodation will be arranged elsewhere. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 11 Chobe River
The day is dedicated to exploring the Chobe River. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a boat safari, offering the chance to observe elephants and other wildlife as they come to drink at the river’s edge. In the evening, you will cross the border into Zimbabwe and continue on to the majestic Victoria Falls. Meals: breakfast and lunch (dinner excluded).
Day 12 Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
A full day dedicated to visiting the impressive Victoria Falls. Entrance to the falls is included in the tour price, and you may spend as much time as you wish exploring the waterfalls and the surrounding rainforest. A wide range of optional activities is available in Africa’s adventure capital, from white-water rafting to adrenaline-filled bungee jumping, as well as scenic flights over the falls (activities not included). Meals: breakfast (lunch and dinner excluded).
Day 13 Hwange
After breakfast, you will travel a short distance to Camp Silwane, in the vast Hwange area. Famous for its large herds of elephants and buffalo, the park is home to over 100 mammal species and 400 bird species, with regular sightings of lions, leopards and wild dogs. In the afternoon, an exciting safari awaits, led by expert local guides. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 14 Bulawayo and Matobo
Today you will travel south to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, known for its unusually wide streets. Continue on to the Matobo area, where in the afternoon you will take part in a safari in Matobo National Park. Here you will leave the vehicle to track rhinos on foot through the bush. Encountering these magnificent animals in their natural habitat is a powerful and moving experience. Overnight accommodation is located atop the Matobo Hills, offering spectacular views over the park. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 15 Limpopo (Botswana)
You will spend your final night in Botswana, in a private reserve along the banks of the Limpopo River. Enjoy a final walk along the river to take in the landscapes and scents of the African bush, spotting wildlife roaming freely. Dinner will be served in the bush around the fire. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 16 Departure, Johannesburg
After crossing back into South Africa, you will follow a scenic route through the Waterberg Mountains before returning to vibrant Johannesburg. The tour concludes in the late afternoon upon arrival in the city.

Includes

Guided tour with an English-speaking guide, accommodation in hotels and camps, meal plan*, activities, and transfers as per itinerary. *During overland travel days, meals are organized and prepared by the group, while at other stops meals are generally enjoyed at local restaurants.

Does Not Include

Flights to/from South Africa, airport taxes, airport transfers, optional excursions, medical, cancellation and baggage insurance (mandatory), tips, personal expenses, and anything not specifically mentioned under “Includes.”

Important

Participation prices are updated at the time of publication. Please contact our Travel Designers to check for any changes and to find out whether special offers or promotions are currently available.

We are here
for you

We’re at your disposal to answer any questions and provide personalised support. Fill out the form to get in touch with us!

Book

Do you need assistance or advice for your next trip?

Our professional travel consultants, with experience all around the world, are ready to help you.

Click the “Send Now” button to get in touch with us—it will be a pleasure to guide you in planning your travel experience and turning your dreams into reality.

By submitting the form, I consent to the processing of my personal data*