Best of Botswana Luxury Adventure Safari

July 18, 2017July 18, 2017admin

Summary of this Budget Safari Package

This Overland Adventure Safari takes you to Botswana’s crowning wilderness and wildlife regions, from the game-rich Chobe National Park into the pristine Okavango Delta and the remote Kalahari Desert.

Travel in style, enjoying the added amenities and comforts of the custom-built Luxury Overland Vehicle used on this unique trip from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe to Johannesburg in South Africa. The combination of carefully-selected lodge accommodation and unforgettable activities further sets this luxurious journey through Botswana apart from the rest.

Itinerary for this Tour

Day 1: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

Stand before Victoria Falls today, beginning this Luxury Overland Adventure with an unforgettable experience! The local Kololo call it Mosi-oa Tunya – ‘The Smoke that Thunders’. After today’s visit to Vic Falls in Zimbabwe, you will fully understand why this massive natural wonder is described as smoking thunder. Watch as the Zambezi River crashes loudly into Batoka Gorge some 108 metres below, sending up a towering cloud of mist.

After marvelling at the largest sheet of falling water on the planet you are free to rest at the lodge, explore the historic town of Victoria Falls, or embark on one of the thrilling activities on offer here. Victoria Falls is known as the Adventure Capital of Southern Africa given the wide range of exciting activities available here. Choose from helicopter, small plane and microlight flights over Vic Falls, to bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge. This area of the Zambezi River is famous for its world-class white water rafting, offering exceptional Grade 5 rapids during high season. Other adrenalin-inducing options include gorge swinging, abseiling and zipline rides in Batoka Gorge.

More laid-back activities include colonial-style high tea at the charming Victoria Falls Hotel, cultural excursions to local villages and sightseeing tours of the town with its old buildings and lively craft markets.

On our first night we have dinner at a local restaurant (own account) in Victoria Falls, getting to each other and preparing for our unforgettable overland trip through Botswana.

Activity Package: Victoria Falls National Park entry fee

Day 2: Victoria Falls to Kasane & Chobe National Park – Botswana

Day two starts with breakfast at our lodge along the mighty Zambezi River. Then it is time to hit the road, boarding our Luxury Overland Vehicle for the short drive into Botswana.

Having crossed the border we proceed to Kasane and the Chobe River, where our next riverside lodge is located. The incredibly scenic Chobe River defines the northern border of Chobe National Park, supporting an abundance of wildlife and birds along its course.

This afternoon we embark on our first game drive, venturing into Chobe Park. Rated one of the finest wildlife havens in Africa, Chobe is Botswana’s leading game park.

We spend the afternoon exploring the floodplains, riverine bush and woodlands in an open 4×4 vehicle (included in Activity Package). Watch for lions, spotted hyenas, jackals, cheetahs and elusive leopards, amongst other predators. Chobe National Park is famous for its massive elephant herds, hosting one of the largest elephant populations on earth. In addition to elephants, we are almost sure to see buffalos, zebras, warthogs, giraffes and impalas, along with kudus, wildebeest and waterbuck, amongst other antelopes.

After our memorable game drive we set off on a relaxing boat cruise along the Chobe River. The leisurely boat cruise is ideal for spotting abundant birdlife and the array of wild animals drawn to the river.

Tonight we sit back and enjoy dinner around the campfire, recollecting our game viewing adventures of the day.

Activity Package: Chobe National Park game drive & boat cruise

Day 3: Kasane to Nata – Botswana

On day three we drive south through rural Botswana to Nata. Driving into the undeveloped central district, we may encounter roaming wildlife along the way.

Arriving at our lodge in the village of Nata you can take a swim in the pool, freshen up and unwind. Depending on our time of arrival you may also have the option of joining one of the sunset activities offered at the lodge (extra cost). The lodge offers excursions into the nearby Nata Bird Sanctuary, on the fringes of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.

Day 4: Nata to Maun – Botswana

Today we head west, skirting the northern edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans en route to Maun.

Our drive takes us past giant old baobab trees and the open expanses of the salt pans, stretching to the south. We also pass through sections of the Nxai Pan and Makgadikgadi Pans national parks, where we might spot antelopes and other wildlife as we drive.

Tonight we stay at a lodge along the Thamalakane River in Maun, preparing for our trip into the wild Okavango Delta the following day.

Day 5: Okavango Delta – Botswana

This morning we take to the skies for our scenic flight into the pristine Okavango Delta of Botswana. Flying over the small islands and meandering waterways crisscrossing the lush floodplains we scan for wildlife from above. We may spot elephants, giraffes, buffalos, hippos and various antelope species as we fly to our camp in the Moremi region of the delta.

Our two nights in the delta are spent at a remote tented lodge deep in the wetland system, on a small island fringed with palms.

Settle in and soak up the untamed natural environment, admiring the views over the open floodplains of Moremi and Chief’s Island. This wild region hosts a diversity of animals and birds, including rare and unusual species, so tune into your surroundings for rewarding encounters.

This evening we dine by lantern light in the open-sided dining area on the banks of the tranquil waterways and fall asleep to the uninterrupted sounds of the African bush.

Activity Package: Two night Okavango Delta Trip

Day 6: Okavango Delta – Botswana

Explore the natural wonder of the Okavango Delta! We spend the whole day taking in the beauty of this magical place. Depending on the water levels we may take a motorboat or mokoro cruise, walk in the bush or game drive in the area.

The intricate network of interlacing channels and lagoons makes up the largest inland delta in the world, a vast estuarine system flowing from the Angolan Highlands into the arid Kalahari of northern Botswana. This remarkable ecosystem features an amazing diversity of animal and plant species, many of which are endangered, unusual and endemic life forms.

Cruising along the clear waterways by boat or mokoro gives you the perfect chance to relax and take in the scenery. Mekoros are traditionally dug-out wooden canoes, used to navigate the labyrinth of delta streams by using a long pole to lever the vessel through the shallow waters. Heading into the bush on foot is a thrilling experience as we may encounter large animals at any time! Mostly the nature walks are focussed on discovering the small miracles and details of the delta and its inhabitants.

Day 7: Okavango Delta to Central Kalahari – Botswana

Wake up in the heart of the Okavango Delta today, surrounded by the pristine wilderness! After breakfast we pack up and fly back to Maun, leaving the watery wonderland of the delta behind.

In Maun we reunite with our Luxury Overland Vehicle and drive down into the Kalahari, following the delta waters destined for this arid desert region. Our next overnight stay is on a 7500 hectare game farm near Ghanzi. The game lodge is owned and run by the local San (bushmen) community, offering a truly unique Kalahari experience.

Arriving at the lodge in the heart of the remote central Kalahari Desert we are treated to a traditional dance and storytelling performance by the Kalahari San. The San tribes were the original inhabitants of Southern Africa, having lived in the arid desert habitats of the region as semi-nomadic, hunter-gatherers for thousands of years.

Included Highlight: Story Telling & Dance Performance

Day 8: Central Kalahari to Kang – Botswana

This morning we discover more about the Kalahari San and how they have survived in inhospitable desert conditions. Find out more about their rich oral traditions and in-depth indigenous knowledge of the local flora and fauna.

In the afternoon we drive to Kang, following the Trans-Kalahari highway southwards to this small outpost on the edges of the Kalahari.

Day 9: Kang to Johannesburg – South Africa

The final day of our Best of Botswana Luxury Adventure Safari is spent travelling south through Botswana and across into neighbouring South Africa. We journey from the Kalahari of southern Botswana into north-western South Africa, heading to the megacity of Johannesburg.

Late this afternoon we arrive at our selected post-tour lodge in an upmarket suburb of Johannesburg, bringing our overland adventure to a close.

This evening you have the option of enjoying a traditional South African style dinner at the lodge – a great way to celebrate your travels together as a group! The post-tour dinner can be booked through your guide on day eight for those staying on for an extra night after the trip.

Please note:

This itinerary has been written with the Activity Package items included. If you wish to participate in all of the activities listed, then you will need to purchase the Activity Package.

Luxury Overland Adventure Vehicle

This Luxury Botswana Adventure is conducted in a new state-of-the-art, custom built 4×4 vehicle. The luxury overland vehicles comfortably accommodate a maximum of 12 guests, keeping the group size on safari small.

These purpose-designed vehicles provide extra space and amenities, offering a more luxurious safari experience with all the adventure, but in added style and comfort.

Features include an onboard toilet and a water filtration system for purified drinking water throughout the journey. The vehicle has reclining leather seats that rotate 180 degrees, lock into your desired direction (windows, front etc). Each seat has overhead air-conditioning vents that can be independently operated for individual control of air flow and temperature.

Every seat also features a USB port panel for charging your electronic devices and there is a reading light above each seat. Each seat has a safety deposit unit with individual key code access, for storing your passports, phones and smaller valuables.