BOTSWANA   8 Days

This itinerary visits Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana.

Wild Botswana is a landlocked country that is defined by its diverse landscape of desert, grasslands and waterways yielding an unforgettable safari experience in some of Africa’s most pristine and remote game areas.

In the heart of the Kalahari Basin, situated in the northwest region of Botswana lies a natural phenomenon of outstanding beauty - the Okavango Delta (Moremi Game Reserve). The Delta is one of Africa's last great natural sanctuaries, a pristine and rich wilderness home to vast concentrations of wildlife.

Botswana's third-largest national park, Chobe National Park is named after the Chobe River, which flows along the park's boundary. The park is famed for its elephants, its diverse habitats, its varied array of animals and birds and its magnificient river, which allows for amazing game viewing by boat.

Botswana’s economy is dominated by mining, cattle, and tourism and has become one of Africa’s fastest-growing countries. Botswana is similar in size to France.

Before you go:

• Travelwildnow.com highly recommends utilizing a licensed tour operator for your safari adventure.

  • These operators offer excellent tailored itineraries to fit your needs and will accompany you throughout the entire journey.

  • You can locate reputable companies through popular travel guides like Lonely Planet and Bradt travel guides.

• Visiting Botswana - USA and Canadian citizens do NOT require a tourist Visa.

• Visiting Zimbabwe - USA and Canadians require a tourist Visa. This can be done online or upon arrival.

• As a general rule, passports must be valid for six (6) months beyond the date of travel.

• The US dollar is accepted in Botswana and Zimbabwe. It is recommended to bring US dollars on your trip. Note: ATM’s are not reliable in Zimbabwe.

• Before departing check for vaccine and malaria recommendations.

• Types of travel adaptors used in Botswana and Zimbabwe: Type D and Type G.

• Make sure a quality dust-free bag always protects your camera. You will be driving on unpaved roads, dust easily gets into your jeep and may damage your camera.

• Below we have outlined a blueprint for what your safari adventure might entail.

DAY 1

• Arrive at Victoria Falls airport, Zimbabwe and transfer to your hotel.

  • The representative of the tour will be waiting for you at the arrival terminal and guide you through the next steps of your tour.

• Most hotels in Victoria Falls are within walking distance of the majestic Falls. The Victoria Falls Hotel and Ilala Lodge stand as the closest options for accommodation. However, it's important to note that the Kingdom Hotel is also close to the Falls but currently closed for temporary renovations.

  • Tour operators typically manage all your accommodation requests.

• If time permits, consider a walk from your hotel to Victoria Falls for a quick view. It is a 10-minute walk from town. You'll find an easily accessible trail that runs along the Falls making it straightforward and enjoyable plus you won't need a guide.

• The Falls sit on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.     

• Overnight: Victoria Falls.

DAY 2 

• Following breakfast, walk the trail at Victoria Falls with its 16 viewpoints.

• Victoria Falls is located on the Zambezi River, and is 1,708 meters wide and 108 meters high.

  • The appearance of the Falls changes throughout the day due to the sunlight, creating various breathtaking views.

  • The Falls can be explored by walking on a flat trail that can be enjoyed in a 2 to 3-hour time frame, allowing ample time to capture photos and take in the stunning natural scenery.

• The Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The others are the Great Barrier Reef, the Grand Canyon, Northern Lights-Aurora Borealis, Paricutin volcano, the Harbor of Rio de Janeiro and Mount Everest.

• Adventure activities in Victoria Falls include bungee jumping and white water rafting which is considered the best in the world.

• For those who are daring, there is also an option to take a 15-minute Microlight flights that circles around Victoria Falls.

  * * * * * * * * * * * * *

• You will depart roughly mid-day to cross the border into Kasane, Botswana. Travel time: 2.5 hrs.

  • The town of Kasane serves as the entry point to Chobe National Park. Although the town is not a impressive destination, it's an essential stop to access the park.

• Botswana is home to a diverse and impressive range of wildlife species. You'll have the opportunity to see an array of animals during your visit.

• Visit Chobe National Park, renowned for its game viewing and boat cruises.

• Chobe boat cruises are an excellent way to experience the best of Botswana. You can get up close to large herds of game that are abundant in the Park. The animals make their way to the river and onto the islands in the river to feast on the sweet grass.

• Chobe Park itself has four (4) noticeably different layouts. These regions are described below.

  —Where you wander and what you see will be heavily influenced by which region you’re in. <map>

  • Savute-is famous for its fascinating channel and for its resident lion and spotted hyena populations.

  • Linyati wetlands-with its papyrus-lined waterways offers dazzling birding year-round and is best known for its enormous herds of elephant and wild dogs. Linyati is one of the most spectacular and unspoilt wilderness areas in Southern Africa and is reflected in the higher end of the luxury spectrum.

  • Nogatsaa-this area remains more remote and untouched ensuring an authentic Botswana experience in an area dotted with hides overlooking open grasslands, clay bottom pans and waterholes. It’s difficult to get to this region.

  • Chobe Riverfront-is the most accessible area of the park <map>. Here you will find the largest concentration of wildlife and is the most popular safari location with tour operators. The main entrance (Sedudu) is near to the town of Kasane.

• Overnight: Chobe-Kasane region (3 nights)

• Where to stay:

  • Chobe Game Lodge is the only permanent lodge inside the park and offers a ultimate safari experience.

  • <Read more> on the many accommodations choices outside of park.

DAYS 3 and 4

• Two (2) exciting days at Chobe National Park featuring one of the greatest concentrations of game in all of Africa.

• Chobe is known for its abundant herds of elephants, hippos, and Cape buffalo gathering along the Chobe Riverfront during the dry months. The area is also home to lions, antelopes, and various other animals in the surrounding woods and lagoons.

  • Visitors can enjoy full-day safaris, unique night game drives, and relaxing boat cruises along the Chobe River, all arranged by their tour operator.

• The best time to visit Chobe is during the dry season, which runs from late June to early October. During this time, the game is easier to spot as the grass is low, and animals tend to gather near the riverside, providing excellent viewing opportunities.

• Overnight: Chobe-Kasane region.

DAY 5

• Your next stop is Moremi Game Reserve.

  —Getting there: you board a small plane from Kasane airport to Moremi Game Reserve airstrip.

  —Flight time ~ 45-minutes. Arrive by lunch time.

• The Moremi Reserve is located within the Okavango Delta, which is the world's largest intact delta and the second-largest game reserve on the planet. The reserve covers an area the size of Switzerland and is characterized by flat terrain.

• The Okavango Delta is home to an incredibly diverse array of wildlife, providing ample space for animals to roam and exhibit natural behavior. During the dry season, which is a popular time for visitors, around 260,000 mammals gather around the delta, making it an ideal location for wildlife viewing and safaris.

  • Best time to visit: dry season: June to early-October.

• Throughout all the Parks, games drives are scheduled in the early morning, afternoon and evening.

• Overnight: Moremi Reserve camp. (3 nights)

• <Where to stay>

  Many visitors ask what is the difference between a tented camp and a lodge? —A lodge has concrete structures, walls made of stone or wood.

  —A tented camp consists of large safari tents. Don’t think of the small tents you pitch in your backyard or on a campsite. These safari tents are spacious sleeping-living tents with en-suite bathrooms.

• View—a typical 4-star tent.

DAYS 6 and 7

• Moremi Game Reserve—experience the untamed beauty and breathtaking game drives.

• In the Moremi Reserve, visitors can experience excellent views of common savannah game as well as birdwatching on the lagoons. There are also thickly wooded areas, which are home to leopards and the Cape Wild Dogs. 

• Embark on an unforgettable Mokoro (dugout canoes) tour down the Khwai River. Expert guides will steer you through the shallow waters of the delta, allowing you to encounter hippos, elephants, and crocodiles up close.

• Overnight: Moremi Game Reserve camp.    

                                                                    

DAY 8

• End of the safari. Depart to Maun Airport for your return home.

  • Consider optional extensions to Namibia or Cape Town.

• Driving time:  

  Moremi camp ---> Maun airport, 4.5 hrs. by road vehicle or hop on a small plane ~ a 35-minute flight.

• Historical Weather Data. 

• During the months of May through August you will most likely experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures. Best time to visit.

• Most rainfall (rainy season) is seen in January, February and November.

• The warmest month is October.

• The coolest and driest months are July and August. An excellent time for a safari adventure.

• Sunrise/Sunset times.