Botswana & Zimbabwe Classical Safari

August 18, 2017August 18, 2017admin

Summary of this Budget Safari Package

An authentic African adventure exploring Zimbabwe, Botswana and a little of Namibia in extra style and comfort, at a great price!

Highlights on this comfortable lodge tour, include:

Victoria Falls visit & Hwange National Park game drives in open 4×4 vehicles
Matobos game drive, rock art visit & game walk with a local guide
Moremi Game Reserve open 4×4 vehicle game drives
Okavango Delta mokoro and motorboat excursions
Chobe National Park sunset river cruise & optional game drive

This upmarket small group safari is conducted in a custom-built 4×4 vehicle and stays at exceptional 3 to 4 star lodges and tented camps in unique locations.

Itinerary for this Tour

Day 1: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

This morning we check in at our lodge, heading to the Victoria Falls National Park in the afternoon. Victoria Falls is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in Southern Africa, an absolute must-see!

The national park hosts not only the mighty Vic Falls, but the lush rainforests that grow around the misty waterfall. We walk through the dense forests with a local guide, visiting various viewpoints to marvel at the powerful waterfall and take photos. The largest sheet of falling water in the world, Victoria Falls makes a loud thundering sound and sends up a massive plume of spray as it falls about 108 metres into the gorge below. This is where it gets its local name, Mosi-oa-Tunya, the ‘Smoke that Thunders’.

Tonight we share our first meal together at a local restaurant (own expense), where you can enjoy some local flavours and specialities.

Activities included: Entry Fees to Victoria Falls National Park
Accommodation: Guest Lodge – twin rooms with en-suite facilities / swimming pool, restaurant, bar, telephone & free WiFi
Optional Activities: Scenic flights & many more

Day 2 & 3: Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe

Leaving Vic Falls behind on day two, we drive south to the top safari destination in Zimbabwe – Hwange National Park.

This park is renowned for its huge elephant herds and large population of endangered African wild dogs. Hwange Park is home to healthy populations of Africa’s classical wildlife species – the large cats and big game safaris are famous for, so get ready for some memorable wildlife action. The Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant) are well represented, amongst the 105 mammal species.

Day three is dedicated to game viewing in open 4×4 safari vehicles, offering excellent opportunities to spot the free-roaming wildlife of Hwange. One of the best game parks in Southern Africa, Hwange incorporates diverse habitats, from arid Kalahari bushveld to open grasslands and mopane woodlands, in its 5 656mi² (14,651km²) area. We are almost guaranteed to see elephants, buffalos, zebras and giraffes, and likely sightings include lions and various antelope species. We may spot hyena, cheetah, rhino and perhaps leopard, as well as rare sable and roan antelopes.

We spend two nights at an exclusive lodge set inside a private concession area on the eastern border of Hwange National Park.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner (x2)
Activities included: Entrance fees & two game viewing activities per day
Accommodation: Lodge at Hwange National Park – deluxe tented chalets with en-suite facilities, swimming pool and central boma area.
Travel distance/time: 200kms (about 3 hours, excluding stops for sightseeing)

Day 4 & 5: Matobos National Park – Zimbabwe

Travelling southeast through rural Zimbabwe we continue to Matobos National Park, one of the most prized natural, historical and cultural treasures of Zimbabwe.

The Matobos Park is an important wildlife sanctuary, hosting one of Zimbabwe’s last rhino populations, as well as an exceptionally high concentration of leopards and black eagles. This 424km² national park covers part of the scenic Matobos Hills. Also called Matopos Hills, these undulating hills are strewn with numerous granite rock formations, hosting ancient rock paintings and sacred sites of the Ndebele.

During our time in Matobos we take a game walk with a local guide, tracking white rhinos and other animals. We also explore the dramatic hills on foot, visiting some of the many San (bushmen) rock art sites found here. Our drive takes us to the grave of imperialist Cecil John Rhodes, located on a hilltop called World’s View, from where we enjoy sweeping views over the strange landscapes of Matobos.

Meals included: Breakfast (x2), Lunch (x1) & Dinner (x2)
Activities included: Entrance fees & two activities per day
Accommodation: Chalets – twin rooms with en-suite facilities (hot showers), swimming pool, restaurant, bar & telephone.
Travel distance/time: 360kms (about 6 hours, excluding stops for sightseeing, shopping & lunch)

Day 6: Nata & Makgadikgadi Pans – Botswana

Today we head west to the town of Plumtree, where we cross into Botswana. From there we drive up to Nata, located on the fringes of the Makgadikgadi Pans.

Later this afternoon we embark on an excursion to the nearby Nata Sanctuary area of Makgadikgadi Salt Pans to experience the open expanse of the flat white pans. These dry plains form part of one of the largest salt pan complexes in the world, measuring about 12 000km² and once covered by a vast inland lake. The bleached pans and wide blue skies offer outstanding photographic opportunities.

After watching the seemingly endless pans glowing in the sunset, we return to the lodge for a peaceful night under starry skies.

Meals included: Breakfast
Activities included: Entry fees to Nata Sanctuary
Accommodation: Lodge – twin-share chalets with en suite facilities / swimming pool, bar, restaurant & telephone.
Travel distance/time: 325 kms (about 4½ hours, excluding stops for border, sightseeing & lunch)

Day 7: Maun – Botswana

On the seventh day of our Botswana & Zimbabwe Classical Safari we drive west to Maun. Maun is the closest town to the Okavango Delta, serving as a base for trips into this wild wetland area.

We stay at a lodge along the Thamalakane River, soaking up the river views and watching the birdlife. This afternoon you can take a dip in the pool and rest at the lodge, or take an optional flight over the beautiful Okavango Delta. The optional flight (extra cost) offers an exciting way to view the massive natural wonder of the delta in all its glory and scan for wildlife.

Tonight we get ready for our travels to Moremi Game Reserve, covering a large part of the Okavango Delta.

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Riverside Lodge – twin-share bedrooms with en suite facilities / swimming pool, bar, restaurant & telephone.
Travel distance/time: 310kms (about 4½ hours, excluding stops for sightseeing)
Optional Activities: Scenic Okavango Delta Flight

Day 8 – 10: Moremi Game Reserve – Botswana

Moremi is the only official protected area in the delta, formed by the local BaTawana people in 1962. The wildlife reserve is named after the BaTawana leader, Chief Moremi, and encompasses about a third of the Okavango Delta. The Moremi Game Reserve is world-renowned for its high wildlife densities, diverse habitats and incredible natural beauty.

During our time in the eastern region of the Okavango Delta we explore both Moremi and the neighbouring Khwai Concession Area on game drives. We stay at a tented lodge located in the Khwai Community Area, which borders on Moremi. The lodge is nestled amid mopane trees and overlooks a big pan, attracting a host animals and birds year-round. Meals and leisure time are enjoyed in the dining, lounge and boma areas, at the pool and on the deck, watching animals at the pan.

Our game drives reveal the varied landscapes of Moremi and surrounds – a mosaic of floodplains, islands, forests, woodlands, savannahs and lagoons. We may encounter predators such as lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena, African wild dog and more, from our open 4×4 vehicles. Moremi is home to healthy herbivore populations too, including elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, red lechwe and many more. In addition to being one of the finest wildlife areas in Africa, Moremi is also an outstanding birding destination, hosting almost 500 bird species.

On day 10 we take a morning game drive in the private concession area, before returning to Maun.

Meals included: Breakfast (x3), Lunch (x3) & Dinner (x2)
Activities included: Entry fees to Moremi Game Reserve & morning and afternoon game drives in open 4×4 vehicle
Accommodation (day 8 & 9): Safari Lodge – exclusive private tented bush lodge, bordering Moremi Game Reserve / twin share permanent tented lodge with en suite facilities.
Accommodation (day 10): Riverside Lodge – twin share bedrooms with en suite facilities / swimming pool, bar, restaurant & telephone.
Travel distance/time: 225kms (about 4 hours, excluding game drives & stops for wildlife viewing)

Day 11 & 12: Okavango Delta – Botswana

Next, we set off north, skirting the edge of the Okavango Delta.

Our next northern Botswana destination is the Okavango Panhandle area of the scenic delta. The Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s last truly wild ecosystems and Botswana’s most treasured natural wonder, providing sanctuary to an abundance of wildlife and birds.

We spend our time exploring this peaceful wilderness area by motorboat and in traditional-style mekoros (dug-out canoes) poled along the waterways by local guides. Navigating the reed-lined channels and lagoons of the Okavango Delta by boat and mokoro is the ideal way to view the unusual and rare flora and fauna of this pristine environment.

Nestled in an indigenous forest on a secluded small island in the Okavango Panhandle our lodge overlooks the serene waterways and untamed surroundings.

Meals included: Breakfast (x2), Lunch (x2) & Dinner (x2)
Activities included: Okavango mokoro and motorboat excursions
Accommodation: Island Lodge – twin share bedrooms with en suite facilities / bar, restaurant & telephone.
Travel distance/time: 350km (about 6 hours, excluding stops for sightseeing and lunch)

Day 13: Caprivi Strip – Namibia

From the watery delta of Botswana, we travel into the fertile Caprivi Strip of Namibia.

Our drive takes us into Mahango Game Reserve, a compact yet diverse wildlife park. This unusually lush area of Namibia is home to ample game, including plenty of elephants and antelopes, such as roan, sable, bushbuck, reedbuck, tsessebe, sitatunga, kudu and red lechwe.

Leaving Mahango, we proceed to the Kavango River where our overnight lodge is situated. Here we take an afternoon boat cruise, enjoying unspoilt nature in this remote spot.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Activities included: Mahangu National Park entry fee & game drive in tour vehicle
Accommodation: Safari Camp – twin share permanent tents with en-suite facilities. Swimming pool, bar, restaurant, telephone.
Travel distance/time: 320km (about 5 hours, excluding border formalities)

Day 14: Chobe National Park – Botswana

Today we travel eastwards through the Caprivi Strip. This narrow finger of Namibian land stretches east from northern Namibia to Zimbabwe, bordered by Botswana on the south and Angola and Zambia on the north. We drive to Ngoma Bridge where we cross the border back into Botswana.

Back in Botswana, we head south to the small town of Kasane, on the banks of Chobe River. After settling in and freshening up at our lodge in Kasane we embark on a boat cruise along the famous Chobe River. Our laid-back cruise takes us into Chobe National Park, one of Africa’s best game reserves.

The river draws a profusion of animals and birds from the surrounding plains, offering superb game viewing. On our boat cruise we are sure to see a variety of animals, ranging from lizards and crocodiles to elephants, hippos, baboons and buffalos. The cruise is excellent for photographing wildlife, birds and landscapes as we move slowly along the river, getting up close to sightings. After a sublime sunset from the water, we head back to the lodge for our last night on safari.

Meals included: Breakfast
Activities included: Chobe N.P entry fees & sunset cruise on Chobe River
Accommodation: Safari Lodge – twin chalets with en suite facilities / swimming pool, bar, restaurant, telephone & WiFi available.
Travel distance/time: 85kms (about 1 hour, excluding border formalities)

Day 15: Kasane or Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

On our final morning you have the chance to embark on one more optional game drive (extra cost) in Chobe Park.

Returning from your morning game drive, we gather for breakfast at the lodge. Then it is time to say goodbye to your travel companions and guides, transferring to either Kasane or Victoria Falls. The shuttle to Kasane drops you at the airport and those transferring to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe are set to arrive at the airport in time to catch midday flights.

Meals included: Breakfast
Includes: Transfer to either Kasane Airport (Botswana), or Victoria Falls Airport (Zimbabwe), or the town of Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
Travel distance/time: 85kms (about 1.5 hours to Vic Falls, excluding border formalities) / 10 minutes to Kasane airport