16 Day Botswana & Zimbabwe Safari (Camping)

Day 1: Johannesburg – Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Botswana

We will begin our adventure at 06h30 when we depart Johannesburg. We plan to cross the Botswana border at Martin’s Drift after traversing the dry thornveld of South Africa’s Northwest Province. We enter the vast Kalahari plains as soon as customs and immigration formalities have been completed.

The journey to our accommodation, Khama Rhino Sanctuary, will take us quite a distance today. Founded in 1992, Khama Rhino Sanctuary (KRS) is a community-based wildlife conservation project that assists in the conservation of vanishing rhinoceroses, restores an area that formerly teems with wildlife to its previous natural state, and provides economic benefits to the local Botswana community through tourism and sustainable resource management. In addition to providing prime habitat for white and black rhinos, the sanctuary contains over 30 other animal species as well as more than 230 bird species.

The evening is spent enjoying a catered meal as our guide explains the procedure for the next few days.

Meals: Dinner (Lunch will be at your own expense)
Accommodation: Khama Rhino Sanctuary – Camping (Two-man dome tent)
Distance: +/- 600 km

Day 2: Khama Rhino Sanctuary – Maun, Botswana

Following an early morning wake-up call, we embarked on our first open-vehicle game drive in Khama Rhino Sanctuary where we will search for rhinos and other wildlife that inhabits this unique environment before returning to the camp for breakfast.

Following this, we proceed northwards into the true wilderness, passing through numerous remote villages and skirting the immense Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. As we continue our journey, we will travel along the Boteti River to Maun Lodge, where we will spend the night. Bird watching is exceptional in the area. As you drift off to sleep tonight, you will hear the deep grunts of hippopotamus. (The Boteti River is seasonal and is a dry bed during periods of drought or low rainfall).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Two-man dome tent)
Distance: +/- 480 km

Day 3 – 4: Maun – Okavango Delta, Botswana

Leaving the lodge early in the morning, we head back towards Maun before turning left and entering the famous Okavango Delta.

As the Okavango River flows south and eastwards from the highlands of central Angola, it creates one of the largest inland deltas in the world, where it slows and spreads into a unique ecosystem that supports a wide array of animal and plant species. There is something inherently beautiful about the sight of a Jacana striding delicately amongst the flowering lilies, the Bee Eater diving to catch an unsuspecting insect, and the familiar cry of the African Fish Eagle which all contribute to the creation of a unique natural masterpiece. Over time, the river disappears into the vast plains of the Makgadikgadi sands after spilling its contents into the vast plains.

Our comfortable and well-equipped camp is situated on the edge of one of the largest lagoons and serves as a base of operations from which we explore the surrounding area. A mokoro will glide through narrow reed-lined channels, we will walk on uninhabited islands and picnic in the wilderness, while local guides who have grown up in the region will inform us about the animals and plants that inhabit the Okavango Delta. As we interact with our guides informally, we will gain a better understanding of the way of life of the local people in this remote wilderness. In addition to relaxing, we will also have the opportunity to take a stroll with our guide, take a refreshing swim in the pool, or simply enjoy the views of a glistening lagoon from a beautiful wooden deck. We take a boat cruise in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxing sunset.

Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch x2, Dinner x2
Accommodation: Guma Lagoon (Twin Bedded Tented Units – No linen)
Included Highlights: Okavango Delta, Guided Walks in the Delta, Mokoro Trip, Sunset Boat Trip

Day 5: Okavango Delta – Maun, Botswana

Our journey back to Maun begins early in the morning. Take in the breathtaking views of the vast expanse of the Delta and also keep your eyes open for the wildlife that resides here. Our arrival at Maun Lodge is in the early afternoon, just in time to take a refreshing dip in the pool and enjoy the spectacular sunset. Dream of the excitement that will await you in the days ahead as you retire for the evening. Don’t forget to pack your bag and charge your batteries before you embark on your four-night wild camping adventure.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (Lunch will be at your own expense)
Accommodation: Camping (Two-man dome tent)
Distance: +/- 480 km

Days 6 – 9: Maun – Khwai Area, Botswana

Early in the morning, after a hearty breakfast, we change mode of transportation and board our game viewing vehicles to reach our campsite on the Khwai river. One of the highlights of the tour is this wild experience.

To make the most of our time here, we game-drive extensively for the next 4 days during the day. We explore the Khwai concession and the famous Moremi and Savuti reserves in 4×4 Land Cruisers with our Motswana guides. Routes are flexible and depend on the season.

From palm tree plains to marshlands, dense Mopane woodlands and Acacia scrub, the vegetation changes constantly. Game viewing is excellent in this variety of habitats. Unlike the roads in national parks, where they are just tracks in the sand, the 4x4s aren’t just for show. The only items we carry are our cameras and daypacks, a picnic lunch and drinks for the trip.

Our camp in the bush awaits us just before sunset, with a warm fire lit by the ground staff. As soon as you have enjoyed a hearty meal, it is time for you to retire. A hyena’s howl or a lion’s earthy roar or even the grunt of a semi-submerged hippo may lull you to sleep. As if we are the first people to ever occupy this site, we are totally secluded and undeveloped – it is as if we are the only people on this planet. In order to ensure that we leave nothing behind when we depart, we bring everything we may need.

Our journey may also take us to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve or the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, depending on the ever-changing wildlife conditions in the National Parks.

Meals: Breakfast x4, Lunch x4, Dinner x4
Accommodation: Camping (Two-man dome tent)
Included Highlights: 4×4 Open Vehicle Game Drives, Private Non-Fenced Campsites, Extensive First-hand Game Viewing Experiences
Distance: ± 125 km

Day 10: Khwai Area – Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana

As our last morning in the parks draws to a close, we make our way back to Maun. The Maun lodge serves a delicious lunch and then we head eastwards, stopping when we arrive at the spectacular Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Wide open skies are surrounded by oceans of golden grass and absolute quiet.  Take a moment here to be silent. The night is spent camping in splendid isolation. A night under the southern stars can be an awesome spectacle for the adventurous. During some seasons, it is difficult to reach the pans, so we camp near an interesting elephant watering hole instead.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Two-man dome tent)
Included Highlights: Visit to Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
Distance: 200 km – 300 km

Day 11: Makgadikgadi Pans – Chobe River – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Our journey today takes us north of the pans, along the mighty Chobe River, leaving the desolation of the pans behind. In the Chobe area, elephants and other animals are attracted to drink from rivers because of the large herds of elephants. As we glide close to the banks of the river this afternoon, we hope to be able to approach these animals from the river for close-up views. A portion of the Namibian side of the Chobe River will be explored during our cruise along the Chobe River. Upon our return to the land, we cross the border into Zimbabwe and travel to the city of Victoria Falls, where we will be staying for the night. There are a number of attractions within walking distance of the lodge, which is centrally located.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Dinner will be at your own expense)
Accommodation: Shearwater Lodge (or similar)
Distance: 320 km – 400 km

Day 12: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Welcome to Victoria Falls, the adventure capital of Southern Africa! After a comfy night’s sleep, you will be filled with new awe and excitement. Head out for the day and visit Mosi-oa-Tunya, “The smoke that thunders”. There is no additional fee for entering the Falls, and you are free to explore the surrounding rainforest and view the Falls as long as you wish. There are a number of other attractions and activities available, including a tribal village and a curio market. There are also numerous adventure activities available at Victoria Falls, including flights over the falls, boat trips on the Zambezi River, white water rafting, and bungee jumping.

Two nights are spent in this town, which allows you to explore the area at your leisure and choose the sights and activities that interest you. We will be eating out tonight (at our own expense) at a local restaurant. Some of your fellow travellers may leave the tour this evening so drink a farewell toast to them and then prepare for the next leg of your adventure.

Meals: Breakfast (Lunch and Dinner will be at your own expense)
Accommodation: Shearwater Lodge (or similar)
Highlights: Victoria Falls National Park, Entry Fee for viewing the Falls
Optional Activities: Scenic helicopter flight, White water rafting, Bungee jump, Gorge swing, Many more available

Day 13: Victoria Falls – Greater Hwange, Zimbabwe

Upon completing breakfast, we travel to Camp Silwane, bordering Hwange National Park, the most renowned game reserve in Zimbabwe. There are over 100 species of mammals and 400 species of birds in the park, with lions, leopards, and wild dogs frequently sighted. The park is known for its massive herds of elephants and buffalo. During the afternoon, we will participate in an open vehicle game drive with a local guide who has a thorough understanding of the area.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Two-man dome tents)
Highlights: Afternoon Game Drive
Distance: +/- 185 km

Day 14: Greater Hwange – Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe

Leaving Camp Silwane, we travel through Bulawayo on our way to Matobo to see rhinos on foot. On arrival, we enjoy a 4×4 safari into the Matobo National Park. At this point, we will leave the vehicle and walk through the bush in order to track rhinos. Many people find it thrilling to observe these massive beasts in their natural habitat.

This evening we will camp surrounded by balancing boulders of the Matobo Hills.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Big Cave – Camping (Two-man dome tent)
Highlights: Matobo National Park, Rhino Tracking on Foot
Distance: +/- 500km

Day 15: Matobo National Park – Stevensford Game Reserve, Botswana

In Botswana, we will spend our last night on a private game reserve along the Limpopo River. Our final walk will take us along the river to experience the sights and smells of the African bush and to see animals in their natural habitat. Dinner around a flickering fire concludes our day in the bush.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Stevensford Game Reserve – Camping (Two-man dome tent)
Highlights: Scenic Drive, Bush Walk
Distance: +/- 450km

Day 16: Stevensford Game Reserve – Johannesburg, South Africa

As we cross the border into South Africa this morning, we pass the scenic Waterberg Mountains before entering the bustling Golden City of Johannesburg, Africa’s economic heart. After arriving in Johannesburg late in the afternoon, the tour comes to an end. If you wish to extend your stay, then please speak to your travel consultant.

Meals: Breakfast

While the above itinerary was correct at the time of writing, we strive to provide our clients with the best tour options possible. In this regard, we reserve the right to alter any aspect of the itinerary at any time. A published itinerary may change during the period during which it is valid, for example, conditions may change, roads may be improved or deteriorated, contracted accommodations and camps may change in standard, optional activities may become available or be discontinued, border posts may open or become congested, etc. Whenever circumstances require, or if we believe that the change will improve the tour, we continuously monitor all factors that contribute to a successful tour.

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.