12-Day Safari & Cultural Experience (Incl. Soweto, Kruger National Park, Okavango Delta, Chobe, & Victoria Falls)

Day 1: Half Day Soweto Experience & Kruger Transfer

This morning you will prepare for a 08:00 AM pickup transfer from OR Tambo International Airport, departing for your Half Day Soweto Cultural Experience. You experience an in-person perspective of the hustle and bustle of this vibrant city, learning more about the events that have shaped South Africa’s past. Your tour guide, born and raised in this marvelous city, will take you to historic sites and cultural hotspots showcasing this Soweto (and Mzansi’s) rich history as the modern-day culture unfolds in front of your eyes. Traversing the dusty streets of Motsoaledi informal settlement, through to the lively cultural epicenter of Vilakazi Street, you are encouraged to interact with the friendly people of Soweto and fully immerse yourself in the experience.

A 12:00 PM transfer will return you to OR Tambo International Airport for some time to relax and prepare before your transfer to Kruger National Park.

You will meet us at the Bus/Shuttle Terminal at OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) for your transfer departing strictly at 15:30 PM. Please be ready and waiting from 15:30 PM. Detailed instructions and confirmation numbers for the shuttle will be provided after your booking has been processed. As you are transported towards Marloth Park, you will enjoy convenience stops along the way and observe a gradual change in surrounding landscape while travelling from South Africa’s Highveld to Lowveld region.

The friendly staff with check you in and show you to your room. After a brief freshening up, you can join us for a delicious dinner at the dining area or deck. You will have the opportunity to get more information about the area, and your itinerary from the manager on duty.

There is a cash bar available for beverages and alcoholic drinks.

After dinner, you can relax on the deck or retire to your room for the night. We recommend getting a good night’s rest as an early morning rise is required for your thrilling full day game drive tomorrow.

Accommodation: Well-appointed Lodge Room, with ensuite bathroom
Included: Half Day Soweto Experience, Transfer from Johannesburg, & Dinner
Excluded: All Other Meals & Beverages

Day 2: Full Day Kruger National Park Game Drive

Wake up early morning and prepare to embark towards Kruger National Park for your full day game drive. We typically depart the lodge at 05:00 AM – with an estimated arrival just as the Kruger gates open to visitors. The drive through Marloth Park, and towards the Crocodile Bridge Gate of Kruger National Park will be about 30 mins in total. Please note the game drive vehicle might also collect other guests along the way to join on the game drive. A packed breakfast will be provided as you leave the lodge, to enjoy in the park while on your safari.

We will enter Kruger National Park between 05:30 AM and 06:00 AM. The southern section of Kruger National Park is notorious for wildlife sightings almost right into the gate, and a favorite area for herds of elephants to graze close by the river. The game drive will continue throughout the Park, with stops at nearby rest camps and picnic areas positioned along the way. This will be your opportunity to take advantage of the restrooms, giftshops, or convenience stores and enjoy a leg stretch.

Lunch can be enjoyed at one of the restaurants located within the spacious rest camps, which will be for your own account. Your guide will allow enough time for you to enjoy a quick meal, before getting back onto the game drive vehicle to continue your safari adventure.

The game drive will conclude around about 15:00 PM, after which we exit the Crocodile Bridge Gate and head back to the lodge in Marloth Park. You should arrive back at the lodge latest 16:00 PM.

You’ll have the opportunity to unwind and rejuvenate on the deck or explore the nearby bird hide for birdwatching during your free time.

Dinner is served at 19:00 PM on the deck or dining area.

After dinner, you can choose to retire underneath the starlit sky, lending your ear to surrounding nocturnal sounds, or retreat to the comfort of your room for a good night’s rest.

Accommodation: Well-appointed lodge room, with ensuite bathroom
Included: Full Day Game Drive in Kruger National Park, Packed Breakfast, Dinner
Excluded: All Other Meals, Lunch & Beverages

Day 3: Full Day Panorama Route Safari

This morning requires an early morning rise to embark on your full day Panorama Route excursion, leaving the lodge at around about 06:15 AM (please remember to wear comfortable walking shoes as there will be some short walking/hiking involved to each viewpoint). A packed breakfast will be provided for you to enjoy on your way to the main attractions. Please note that the panorama route requires approximately an hour’s drive to reach the main attractions. Throughout the journey, your qualified and knowledgeable guide/driver will share captivating information about the main attractions while guiding you to the most breath-taking viewpoints along the way.

A full day panorama excursion includes the following destinations:

• Three Rondawels
• God’s Window
• Pinnacle Rock
• Bourke’s Luck Potholes
• At least two of the following waterfalls: Mac Falls, Lisbon Falls, Berlin Falls
• Graskop (if enough time then a visit to Graskop Gorge can be included as an additional option)

Note that if weather conditions are not optimal, some of these destinations will not be open to visitors for safety reasons (e.g., rain making pathways slippery).

Just after noon we will stop at one of the charming eateries positioned along the way in a vibrant town. Please note that a light lunch in included and additional items (e.g., beverages), it will be for your own account.

We will continue our panorama route excursion after lunch, returning towards Marloth Park at about 15:30 PM. Your estimated arrival time at the lodge is just after 17:00PM.

Upon arrival, you will have some leisure time to freshen up after the exciting day, enjoy a drink on the deck or relax in your room.

Dinner will be served at the dining area around 19:00PM.

After dinner, you can relax on the deck or retire to your room for a well-deserved rest. Tomorrow we will get up early for an exciting early morning game drive in Kruger National Park.

Accommodation: Well-appointed lodge room, with ensuite bathroom
Included: Packed breakfast, Dinner, Full-Day Panorama Route Excursion
Excluded: Lunch, Drinks & Beverages

Day 4: Morning Game Drive, Sunset/Evening Game Drive with Bush Dinner in Kruger National Park

In the morning, you’ll wake up early and get ready for an exhilarating early game drive in the Kruger National Park. You will depart the lodge around 05:00 AM in the morning. You’ll be given a packed breakfast to enjoy during your game drive in the Kruger National Park, which will take approximately 30 minutes to reach after departing Marloth Park to Crocodile Bridge Gate. Please be aware that the game drive vehicle may also pick up additional guests along the way.

We will enter Kruger National Park between 05:30 AM and 06:00 AM. The southern section of Kruger National Park is notorious for animal sightings right as you enter the gate, and a favorite area for herds of elephants to graze close by the river. The game drive will continue throughout the park, with stops at the rest camps and picnic areas positioned along the way.

We will exit the park at Crocodile Bridge Gate by about 11:00AM and head back to the lodge in Marloth Park.

You will have free time to refresh, relax on the deck (or cool down in the pool during summer), walk some of the river trails in the conservancy or visit the nearby bird hide for some birdwatching. Please take care to have proper sunscreen applied while being outdoors and staying hydrated.

A light lunch will be served – please discuss this with the lodge reception which time you prefer your meal.

This afternoon at 15:30 PM, we will depart on one of the highlights of this safari package. Please ensure to wear long sleeved clothing and take a warm jacket with for later, as it can become cold during evening drives. We will head towards the Crocodile Bridge Gate to start our sunset and evening game drive safari in Kruger National Park, followed by a traditional bush dinner inside the park itself.

The alure of this particular game drive is to see the animals active during the day coming to rest, while the nocturnal animals start to emerge. Wildlife during sunset safari game drives is known to be highly active as it is a prime grazing time for animals after the day’s heat has subsided.

After sunset there will be spotlights on the safari vehicle (or handed to the guests) to light up the surrounding bushveld as we drive on the meandering roads to try and catch sight of passing animals. Your guide will provide fascinating insights and information about the spotted animals.

We will reach the fenced-off open air dining area by about 19:30 PM, where you will be welcomed by the friendly staff and showed to the designated seating area next to a crackling boma fire. Drinks will be offered for refreshment before dinner. There are also bathroom facilities onsite.

Once all guests are ready to join, a buffet-style dinner with unique South-African dishes will be served. Guests will join the intimately lit dinner table to discuss the animal sightings and interesting stories from the guides during dinner. After the main course, guests can relax next to the open fire or dinner table, after which delicious desserts will be served.

After dessert we will get ready to embark on a short, but sweet, game drive towards the Crocodile Bridge Gate exit – hopefully catching glimpse of the resident lion pride soaking up the heat from the tar road.

Expected arrival back at the lodge is about 22:00 PM.

Accommodation: Well-appointed lodge room, with ensuite bathroom
Included: Packed Breakfast, Light Lunch, Guided Morning Game Drive, Sunset Game Drive & Bush Dinner
Excluded: All Other Meals & Beverages

Day 5: Departure to Victoria Falls & Afternoon Zambezi River Dinner Cruise

Depending on your flight departure time to Victoria Falls Airport, you will be collected for an early morning transfer to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) Airport which is around an hour’s drive away. You will be provided with a snack to enjoy along the way.

Once you touch down at Victoria Falls, you will be picked up and transferred to your place of accommodation, Shongwe Lookout Guest Lodge. Nestled in the outskirts of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe’s renowned wildlife town, the lodge features well-appointed rooms that encircle an authentically unique Lookout Tower from which guests can witness breath-taking panoramic views of the Zambezi River and the iconic mist that billows above the globally celebrated Victoria Falls.

You will have some time to relax and refresh for your upcoming excursion.

Gear up for an exciting venture into one of Africa’s most stunning safari destinations with a scenic dinner cruise on the Zambezi River. You will meet with your driver-guide at 16:00 PM for a transfer to get an intimate look at the iconic Victoria Falls and enjoy the taste of a Zambezi-style cuisine as you float along this popular river. World-class service and meals prepared by an executive chef will enrich your experience.

Afterwards, we will return to the lodge for overnight.

Accommodation: Shongwe Lookout Guest Lodge (or similar)
Included: Morning Snack, Zambezi River Boat Cruise, Dinner, Airport Transfers
Excluded: Flights & All other meals

Day 6: Morning Guided Victoria Falls Tour & Sunset/Evening Game Drive and Bush Dinner.

To kickstart your day, a delicious and satisfying breakfast awaits you this morning. At 08:30 AM, your driver-guide will be ready to pick you up from the lodge reception, marking the beginning of action-packed guided tour of Victoria Falls.

The experience takes you through parts of the Victoria Falls rainforest to the cliffs opposite the massive cascade. The typical duration of the Victoria Falls guided tour is around 3 hours.

We recommend grabbing an early lunch after your Victoria Falls excursion (for your own account). Complementary transfers for your lunch will be provided. Your guide can assist you to choose the best spots for a delicious meal.

This afternoon, you will embark on an exhilarating game drive in a nearby private game reserve. Thereafter, you will relax around an open fire for a mouth-watering barbeque, surrounded by the ever-present wildlife chimes that inhabit the Zimbabwean bushveld.

Later in the evening, you will venture out into the bushveld for a final evening game drive, with plenty of opportunities to catch glimpse of the nocturnal way of life. As your safari under the star-lit night sky, you may catch glimpses of elusive predators that prowl the wild terrain.

You will be returned to the lodge for your final night’s stay.

You will overnight in Victoria Falls.

Accommodation: Shongwe Lookout Lodge (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Dinner, Victoria Falls Guided Tour, Bush Dinner, Afternoon & Evening Game Drive
Excluded: Lunch

Day 7: Breakfast, Transfer to Chobe & Morning/Afternoon Game Drive

After an early morning breakfast, you will have time to prepare before your pickup transfer arrives at 08:00 AM this morning, ready to depart to the Kazungula Border (Zimbabwe/ Botswana Border). Our friendly Team will bid you a farewell as you cross the Border and meet with our Botswana Team on the other side. Be sure to have your passports ready, and the visa on arrival costs (normally USD 50.00 per person – for your own account).

You will embark on your Mobile Safari venture of the diverse Botswana terrain, a fully immersive experience with the surrounding wildlife adorned in rustic-luxury. As you begin your journey towards your campsite in Chobe National Park, your captivating game drive experience unfolds. You will cover a large distance over the next few days with extensive game drives most of the days.

Once you reach your campsite, the Botswana Team with swiftly set up your mobile camp for you to relax and unwind from the morning’s drive.

Chobe National Park, Botswana’s first and most diverse national park, is home to the largest concentration of African elephants in Africa, making it a prime location for game drives. You’ll have the chance to see a variety of wildlife, including lions preying on young elephants, African painted dogs, Cape buffalo, giraffes, and more. Our expert guides will take you on an immersive journey through the heart of this incredible ecosystem, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the trip.

Later today, you will embark on a thrilling game drive, delving deeper into the diverse terrain of Chobe National Park. As the day’s heat subsides, the surrounding wildlife becomes more active, offering you the opportunity to witness fascinating behaviours and captivating activities.

After a thrilling day, you’ll arrive at the beautifully lit campsite where the camping team will welcome you with the aroma of a traditional dinner being prepared.

Your night draws to an end as you relax around the crackling fire, underneath he starlit night-sky.

We will overnight in Chobe.

Accommodation: Well-equipped dome camping tent (including bedding) with shared ablution facilities
Included: Transfer to Chobe, Chobe Morning/Afternoon Game Drive, Breakfast, & Dinner
Excluded: Border Fees & Lunch

Day 8: Mobile Safari continued to Savuti

After a delicious breakfast is served, you will bid farewell to the magical Chobe landscape as we pack and head off to our next fascinating safari location: Savuti.

Prepare yourself for an exhilarating morning, as the untouched African bushveld awakens you with its breath-taking sounds. After a restful night’s sleep, take some time to rejuvenate while a hearty breakfast is prepared to fuel you up for the exciting day of exploring the diverse terrain of Chobe and Savuti.

Savuti is a place of enchantment and holds the greatest concentration of animals in the Southern African region. Bordered by the Delta and Chobe National Park, Savuti is famous for its lengthy fascinating and mysterious channel.

Savuti is home to some of the most notorious male lions and lion prides in Africa – a unique gene pool boasting massive lion genetics. The area is also renowned for its very large spotted hyena packs. This is where the multiple award-winning documentary “eternal enemies” was filmed showing the rivalry between Africa’s two largest predators.

During your journey, you will indulge in delightful light snacks while your experienced game ranger captivates you with their exceptional wildlife interpretations, offering a unique and enriching perspective.

As the day comes to a close, usually filled with excitement and a touch of fatigue, you will venture towards your charming campsite, illuminated by the warm glow of lanterns. There, you will reunite with the rest of the camping team, greeted by the enticing aroma of a freshly prepared traditional dinner, creating a welcoming atmosphere as you arrive.

As the night unfolds, your experience takes on a whole new dimension as the sounds of authentic predator and prey fill the air, piercing through the silence of the starlit night-sky. This immersive ambiance adds a touch of wild authenticity to your evening, creating a truly memorable and enchanting atmosphere as you settle in for the night.

We will overnight in Savuti.

Accommodation: Well-equipped dome camping tent (including bedding) with shared ablution facilities
Included: Full Day Game Drive, Breakfast, Picnic-style lunch, Dinner
Excluded: None

Day 9: Full Day Game Drive through Moremi Reserve to Boteti Camp

As the sun rises, you will be welcomed by the melodious sounds of chirping birds, signaling the awakening of diurnal wildlife in preparation for the day ahead. Following breakfast, you can prepare your belongings for the concluding leg of your mobile safari to the World-renowned Moremi Game Reserve – also known as the beating heart of the Okavango. Today, you will be transferred to our wonderful base camp positioned right beside the stunning Boteti River (20km South of Maun).

An area of contrasts, Moremi is both a magical mix of winding waterways with a peninsula dry land referred to as the ‘Mopane Tongue’. The Mopane trees thrive in this area, boasting excellent density and diversity of animal viewing, including the all-exciting leopard sightings. A picnic-style lunch will be served along the way at a safe spot.

Expected arrival back at base camp (Boteti Tented Safari Lodge) will be in the mid-afternoon.

After spending much of the past two days in a vehicle, you can stretch your legs and relax the body at one of the well-appointed lounge areas or the river deck while enjoying the peaceful ambience.

Dinner will be served in the dining area or the boma, after which you can relax next to the fire, or retire to your room for a peaceful night’s rest.

Accommodation: Luxury Safari-tented room (with ensuite bathroom)
Included: Full Day Game Drive, Breakfast, Picnic-style lunch, & Dinner
Excluded: None

Day 10: Full Day Mokoro Safari on Okavango Delta & Bushwalk

Waking up at sunrise with the first birdcalls of the day, you will enjoy the crisp morning air before having some freshly brewed coffee/tea and some home baked biscuits prepared for you. A packed breakfast will be supplied to you to enjoy on your way to the boating station at the Okavango Delta.

Your Mokoro safari will begin as you head out into the many reed channels of the Okavango Delta. Your guide will already have an update of any exciting or special sightings in the area. Most guides are from the Bayei tribal people who many believe to be the first inhabitants of the Okavango Delta, “people of the Delta” so to speak. You will learn about all aspects of this magical inland oasis from the tiniest of creatures, beautiful reed frogs and big 5 mammal species along the water edge. Your guide will also interpret nature to you in a unique manner and show you traditional and medicinal uses of wild plants in the Delta.

A stop will be made on one of the many islands to enjoy your packed lunch before heading on a guided nature walk to discover more of this abundant ecosystem.

After some relaxing time, you will continue your adventure exploring more of these unlimited channels and choosing to stop at any other islands as you may please. Returning at 16:00pm.

After your return to camp, your long day on safari will end typically with drinks of your choice on the wooden deck overlooking the sunset over the Boteti River while the coolness of the evening sets in.

Dinner will be served under the stars in the open boma, or at the dining area.

Accommodation: Safari-tented room (with ensuite bathroom)
Included: Breakfast, Full Day Mokoro Safari, Picnic-style lunch, Dinner
Excluded: None

Day 11: Half Day Maun Cultural Experience & Optional Scenic Helicopter Safari

This morning you will enjoy a relaxing breakfast on the Boteti Camp River Deck before departing on a Half Day Maun Cultural Experience, typically around 3-Hours in duration. After breakfast, you will prepare for a transfer from Boteti Camp to Maun Town (around a 20-minute transfer) where your cultural experience will commence.

Experience the charm of Botswana as you encounter donkey carts, roadside vendors, vibrant hidden gems, captivating street art, and the talented artists behind it all. Immerse yourself in the authentic local culture, where you will not only learn about traditional customs and traditions from your welcoming host but also gain insights from their personal experiences.

Indulge your senses as you stroll through the lively marketplace, where vibrant sights, enticing smells, and captivating sounds await. You can savor the flavors of traditional dishes at a local café, and have the opportunity to meet the talented artisans, admiring their exquisite crafts. Catch sight of the Balerero women adorned with elaborate, colorful dresses and engage in the enticing ancient art of basket weaving, trying your hand at this skillful practice as you lend an ear to the fascinating stories behind these intricate patterns.

This afternoon, you will have the option to enjoy a 45-min scenic helicopter fight over the Okavango Delta. This is one amazing experience! Please enquire about pricing of the helicopter excursion if you are interested to add this to your package.

Once in the air with the helicopter, you will take in views of the beautiful channels that meander through the papyrus-fringed waterways, passing palm-covered islands. Gear up for high chances of heart-stopping excitement and big game viewing. Observe how the channels wander through the delta in ever-changing paths as this dynamic water system evolves. The vastness of this pristine wilderness is breath-taking.

Sightseeing from the helicopter will give you the ultimate view of the Okavango Delta’s spectacular geography and wildlife. There is no better way to grasp the outstanding beauty of the Okavango Delta region.

Once the flight is complete, your will be dropped on the banks of the camp again, as short walk away from your tent.

Accommodation: Safari-tented room (with ensuite bathroom)
Included: Breakfast, 3-Hour Maun Cultural Experience, Traditional Snack, Dinner
Optional: 45-Minute Scenic Helicopter Safari
Excluded: None

Day 12: Morning Mokoro Safari on Boteti River, Relaxation, & Departure

This morning you will enjoy a relaxed breakfast, tuning in to the sounds of surrounding wildlife as you enjoy every bite. You will have some time to prepare for an exciting 2-Hour Mokoro Safari on the Boteti River. As the river is a magnet for thirsty wildlife, you are sure guaranteed a fascinating journey of exploration – the perfect farewell to the remote Botswana environment.

A mokoro safari allows one to glide through nature with little disturbance to the surrounding wildlife, providing the perfect opportunity of experiencing the Delta and all the beautiful sounds at its most untouched. This morning safari is typically filled with bursts of bird songs as they hustle during their busiest morning hours.

Your experienced mokoro guide will point out several interesting aspects of the river and its wildlife during your mokoro trip before stopping on one of the banks for a small refreshment.

Upon return to camp, you will have some time to pack up and get ready for your transfer to Maun Airport (or pre-arranged location in Maun itself). Our friendly Boteti Team will greet you with a warm goodbye.

This is the end of your tour.

Included: Transfer to Maun, 2-hour Mokoro Safari, Breakfast
Excluded: All other meals