Botswana – Explore the Wild

Your Botswana safari starts at 06:30 am in Johannesburg. You cross the border into Botswana and drive to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. The Khama Rhino Sanctuary was founded in 1992 to protect the endangered rhinos. This conservation project is run by the local communities, who therefore benefit from the income from tourism. Located on the edge of the Kalahari, this reserve is home to white rhinos, zebras, wildebeest and other antelope species. In the afternoon you go on a game drive. You stay in the chalets of the Khama Rhino Sanctuary (two guest rooms per chalet, sharing one bathroom).

The journey continues through the Kalahari to Maun, the starting point for all trips into the Okavango Delta. Once the final preparations for your upcoming trip into the Okavango Delta have been made, you have time to relax by the pool, explore Maun or book a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta (optional). You stay at Island Safari Lodge in Maun.

After breakfast you drive in 4x4 vehicles into the Okavango Delta to the mokoro station. There you switch to the traditional means of transport, and an incomparable adventure begins! Your local guides take you deeper into the delta by mokoro. Your basic camp for the next two nights is on an uninhabited island in the middle of the Okavango Delta. You spend your time in the delta on mokoro trips and go on walking safaris to observe elephants, buffalo, shy African wild dogs, rare antelope species and other wildlife. If you wish, you can swim in the crystal-clear water of the delta. You sleep in the midst of nature in simple tents.

In an open 4x4 vehicle, your Botswana safari continues to Moremi Game Reserve. Chief’s Island, the largest landmass in Moremi Game Reserve, was once a rich hunting ground of the Tswana people before they declared it a nature reserve. You spend the next few days on game drives on the trail of lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos and many other species, before returning to Maun on the last evening. You spend three nights in a remote and private bush tented camp in a concession bordering Moremi Game Reserve – a truly authentic Botswana experience. You spend the last night again at Island Safari Lodge in Maun.

If you wish, today you have one more chance to fly over the Okavango Delta in a light aircraft (optional). Only from the air do you realise the extent of this 16,000 km² area. The Makgadikgadi salt pans are today’s destination. When rare rainfall comes, the otherwise barren pans spring to new life, and herds of wildebeest and zebras come to the salt pans to feed on the fresh grass. You continue to Nata, where you will stay at Nata Lodge.

The Chobe River flows leisurely along the northern border of Chobe National Park and is a magnet for huge herds of elephants that come to the river to drink. The next morning you set off early on a game drive in Chobe National Park. After your return you have time to rest a little at your accommodation. In the late afternoon you then set off on a sunset boat safari on the Chobe River. Watch the hippos frolicking in the water and observe elephants and other herds of animals quenching their thirst on the riverbank. Two nights at Thebe River Lodge.

Today you reach the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Together you visit the fascinating Victoria Falls. In the language of the Lozi they are called “Mosi oa Tunya”, which means “the smoke that thunders”. Victoria Falls also offers a variety of optional adventure activities: you can fly over the Victoria Falls in a microlight aircraft, or dare a bungee jump or white-water rafting. Two nights at Shearwater Explorers Village.

After breakfast the trip ends at the guesthouse in Victoria Falls. On request, you can be taken to Victoria Falls airport or extend your stay in Zimbabwe.

Breakfast

Note: Solo travellers are welcome to share a room with other solo travellers of the same sex at no extra charge.