Prepare to enter the Okavango Delta in Botswana—one of the world’s most unique wilderness areas. Follow the hippo trails in dugout mokoros (traditional dugout canoes) and join your guide on nature walks to discover the islands. You'll head up to Chobe National Park, where you'll watch the African sunset from the comfort of your river cruise, and experience a close encounter with hippo and elephants. Your tour ends in Zimbabwe and the spectacular Victoria Falls, where you can take part in several available adrenaline activities.

Highlights

  • Make an excursion to the Makgadikgadi Pans
  • Take a safari river cruise through Chobe National Park
  • Spot wildlife on a game drive in the Moremi Game Reserve
  • Enjoy sightseeing and adventure activities at Victoria Falls

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Botswana - Ghanzi Ghazni
Day 2 Okavango Delta Okavango Delta
Day 3 Maun & Moremi Game Reserve Maun
Day 4 Nata Bird Sanctuary & Makgadikgadi Pans Nata
Day 5 Chobe National Park Chobe National Park
Day 6 Zimbabwe - Victoria Falls Victoria Falls
Day 7 Victoria Falls  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Botswana - Ghanzi

San community Kalahari, Botswana
San community in the Kalahari Desert, Botswana

Today you'll be traveling east to neighboring Botswana and the Kalahari Desert. Starkly different from the Namib Desert, the Kalahari Desert is no less dramatic and covers over 348 000 square miles. You will meet your guides and the rest of your group in Windhoek before heading to Ghanzi, where entertainment is expecting you with local tribal dancing from the San community.

The San people are used to the harsh environment of the Kalahari, and you'll have the opportunity to join an optional walk with San guides to learn how they embrace the environment to survive. Tonight, you'll enjoy a dance evening that provides an insight into their culture of song, dance, and story-telling.

Day 2: Okavango Delta Safari

Aerial view of the Okavango Delta
Aerial view of the Okavango Delta

The most rewarding way to experience and explore the beauty and serenity of this intricate system of lagoons and lily covered channels is by mokoro (traditional dugout canoe). Today, after meeting your crew and fellow guests, you'll be transferred by safari vehicle to the poling station (approximately one-hour transfer), where you will meet with the polers who will be escorting you into the delta. 

The polers will steer you through the serene area of narrow, reed-lined channels which open out onto beautiful lagoons. After reaching one of the many islands, you can take a nature walk with your poler. After the hike, you'll return by mokoro through the channels back to the mooring station. While the mokoro trail is not primarily a game viewing activity, you can still engage in a variety of games in this pristine wilderness area, including elephant, giraffe, kudu, impala, and zebra.

Day 3: Maun & Moremi Game Reserve

Mokoro Safari in Moremi Game Reserve

If you have purchased the activity package, you will be picked up from the hotel before the first light, and transferred by road to the Moremi Game Reserve. The lagoons and channels form a vital section of the Okavango Delta eco-system, and sightings of bird and animal populations become more frequent as the day goes by. 

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The game viewing routes chosen on the day by the professional guide may vary, especially when there is high flooding as certain roads may be closed or impassable. If you haven't purchased the activity package, you'll have the day to relax at the accommodation establishment.

Day 4: Nata Bird Sanctuary & Makgadikgadi Pans

Wilderness in Makgadikgadi Pans

Leaving Maun behind you this morning, you'll make your way towards the town of Nata. You will spend most of the day in your truck as you journey across the northern reaches of the Makgadikgadi Pans. Your activity package will allow enjoying an afternoon guided game drive to the Nata Bird Sanctuary. This sanctuary forms the breeding ground for a host of water birds, including pelicans and flamingo in their thousands.

Day 5: Chobe National Park Safari

Chobe National Park Safari
Elephants by the Chobe River

 

You'll rise early this morning as you continue north to our camp on the banks of the Chobe River. This afternoon is set aside to explore the wild parts of the Chobe National Park.
 
You'll begin your adventure in 4×4 vehicles, which allows you an up-close experience, encountering the many elephants that gather by the river in the afternoons. You'll then end the afternoon with a leisurely boat cruise, and a meal served around the campfire. 

Day 6: Zimbabwe - Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls Zimbabwe
Spectacular rainbow over Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

With the memories of your wildlife encounters imprinted in your mind, this morning, you will cross the border in Zimbabwe and travel the short distance to Victoria Falls. You'll have the opportunity to visit the spectacular falls—known by the locals as Mosi-oa Tunya (the smoke that thunders), and undoubtedly one of Africa’s most beautiful treasures.

While much of today is dedicated to viewing the mighty Zambezi River, the bustling adventure town of Victoria Falls also offers a range of optional activities for those wanting a dose of adrenaline in the afternoon. For the more relaxed traveler, there are craft markets and coffee shops on offer as well. You can enjoy an optional dinner out in the evening, with your guide assisting you in deciding on the many options available.

Day 7: Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls hiking
Victoria Falls hike trail

Your tour will come to an end after breakfast, and with the many activities in Victoria Falls, it's a perfect day to choose one last adventure. With the many activities in Victoria Falls, whether it's enjoying a flight over the falls or rafting the mighty Zambezi River, you're sure to create one more beautiful memory before waving goodbye.

Map

Map of Explore Botswana: Okavango Delta & Chobe Trail -7 Days
Map of Explore Botswana: Okavango Delta & Chobe Trail -7 Days
Sonya
Written by Sonya Pevzner, updated Feb 18, 2021