9-Day Botswana & Victoria Falls Immersive Experience

Day 1: Arrival and Sunset Mokoro Cruise

Your Botswana adventure begins at Maun Airport, where your professional guide and ranger will meet you for a quick 20-minute transfer to the peaceful Boteti Tented Safari Lodge. After checking into your luxury tent, which features en-suite facilities and a private veranda. You can enjoy a refreshing drink and settle in while listening to the sounds of the surrounding bush.

In the late afternoon, you will head out for a signature sunset mokoro safari on the Boteti River. Gliding silently along the water allows for fantastic views of hippos, crocodiles, and various waterbirds. If water levels are low, this activity is replaced with a visit to Xobe Village, where you can watch traditional dances and meet local artisans.

The evening ends with a delicious, traditionally prepared dinner served around an open fire under a clear canopy of stars.

Accommodation: Safari-tented Room at our Boteti River Camp
Included: Transfer from Maun, Xobe Village incl. Scenic Drive, Dinner
Excluded: All other meals

Day 2: Full Day Makgadikgadi Pans Game Drive

This morning, you will enjoy an early morning breakfast as the sun rises over the Boteti River and birds color the air. Thereafter, you will meet with your ranger in the reception area for a quick briefing before embarking on an exciting full day game drive in the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. Depending on the conditions of the day, this will be a 3-to-4-hour drive.

Captivated by this vast, unique landscape, you will traverse its expansive salt pans and grassy plains with opportunities of spotting hyena, zebra, lion, giraffe, wildebeest, leopard, and meerkat (to name a few). During the wet season, you could be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Great Zebra Migration, concentrated to the Nxai Pans just north of the Makgadikgadi Pans along.

Because of the open plains, wildlife viewing is considered supreme as visitors can venture off the beaten path and explore the less seen. The shimmering white salt pans, contrasting with the clear blue sky, create a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere. As you explore further, you may encounter the intriguing mirage effect, where distant objects appear to dance and distort in the heat haze, adding to the mystique of the surroundings.

A light-packed lunch will be served along the way to fuel your journey.

You will be returned to the Boteti Camp late afternoon, given enough time to refresh before dinner is served underneath the starlit sky as hippo laughter welcomes another night’s antics.

We will overnight in Boteti Camp.

Accommodation: Safari-tented Room at our Boteti River Camp
Included: Full Day Makgadikgadi Game Drive, Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Excluded: All other meals

Day 3: Full Day Okavango Delta Mokoro Safari and Bush Walk

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, before the early morning departure on your full day mokoro safari in the Okavango Delta including a guided walk in the bushveld.

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 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, 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, discussing all the excitement and amazing sightings of the day. Followed by dinner typically under the stars in the open Boma.

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

Day 4: Mobile Camping Safari into Moremi Game Reserve

After breakfast, served between 7AM and 8AM, you can get your things ready for your mobile tented safari. You will be met and briefed by your guide at the reception area. You will cover a large distance over the next few days with extensive game drives most of the days.

After the briefing you will make your way to the World-renowned Moremi Game Reserve – also known as the beating heart of the Okavango. During your game drive, you will also pass through the Khwai area. Khwai is a wildlife-rich 200,000-hectare area sandwiched between the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park. This is one of the best places in Botswana to see wild dogs and other predators and, with no fences separating any of these areas, you are likely to see just about everything that northern Botswana has to offer.

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. Most of the afternoon will be spent driving to look for animals and interesting sightings.

After the long, but always exciting day you will make your way late in the afternoon to your campsite for the night. Embrace the magic of nature in its fullness by staying in well-equipped dome camping tents at a beautifully lantern lit campsite where you will meet the rest of the camping team, often getting the smell of your traditional dinner being freshly prepared, as you approach.

After dinner, you can sit around the open fire and absorb the magnificence around you while enjoying a glass of wine (other beverages also available) while listening to the calls of the night.

We will overnight in Moremi.

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 5: Mobile Camping Safari continued to Savuti Reserve

After a delicious breakfast is served, you will bid farewell to the magical Moremi landscape as we pack and head off to our next fascinating safari location: 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 6: Mobile Camping Safari continued to Chobe & Afternoon River Boat Cruise

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.

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. A picnic-style lunch will be served along the way. You will arrive at your campsite, with enough time to refresh and relax, before departing on your exciting Sunset Chobe River Boat Cruise around 14:30 PM.

Viewing surrounding wildlife by way of water, a bucket list safari activity when visiting Botswana, the boat cruise allows guests to get up close to large herds scattered along the river’s edge or on nearby islands to enjoy the sweet grass and rehydration.

The Chobe Floodplains are known for their high concentrations of elephant, with herds crossing the river frequently. Enjoy sightings of hippos and crocodiles basking under the sun’s rays as bird chants fill the air and Puku and lechwe antelopes graze about the supple grass. Other animals that could be seen include buffalo, giraffe, leopards, and lions.

Your boat cruise will conclude with a magnificent African sunset, painting the sky shades of pink and orange as the coolness of the evening starts edging in.

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.

PLEASE NOTE: Accommodation in a standard lodge room at Chobe Safari Lodge (or similar) is available upon request.

We will overnight in Chobe.

Accommodation: Mobile-camping style tent incl. bedding
Included: Chobe Game Drive, Chobe River Boat Cruise, Breakfast, & Dinner
Excluded: None

Day 7: Chobe Game Drive, Victoria Falls Transfer, & Sunset Zambezi Dinner River Cruise.

This morning you will enjoy a delicious breakfast before departing for your final Chobe Game Drive.

Prepare to embark on your next adventure to Victoria Falls with a late-morning transfer to the Kazungula Border (Botswana/ Zimbabwe Border).

As you depart from Botswana, our team extends their farewell, and upon crossing the border, our Victoria Falls Team will be eagerly waiting to greet you. They will provide a seamless transfer to your lodge, ensuring a smooth transition to the next phase of your journey. Your guide will also discuss with you the rest of the arrangements for the day.

Upon arrival at your lodge, you will have time to check-in, freshen up and relax before your 16:00 PM pickup transfer comes to collect you for the Sunset Zambezi Dinner River Cruise.

Experience the beauty and the excitement of one of Africa’s most stunning destinations on this Zambezi River dinner cruise. Get an up-close look at iconic Victoria Falls and enjoy Zambezi-style cuisine as you float along this popular river. World-class service and meals prepared by an executive chef will enrich your experience.

After the dinner cruise, you will be transferred to your accommodation for the night.

We will overnight in Victoria Falls.

Accommodation: Shongwe Lookout Lodge (or similar)
Included: Full Day Game Drive, Breakfast, Picnic-style lunch, Dinner
Excluded: None

Day 8: Morning Guided Victoria Falls Tour & Sunset/Evening Game Drive & 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 9: Morning Relaxation & Departure Transfer to Victoria Falls Airport

This morning you will rise in a more relaxed fashion, with a final breakfast served before you prepare for a transfer to Victoria Falls Airport (VFA).

This is the end of this section of the tour.

Included: Breakfast, Airport Transfer
Excluded: All other meals