Below is the basic day to day brief,
Our wilderness adventure departs from Windhoek the capital of Namibia. Leaving Windhoek we drive east into the Kalahari Desert, towards the Botswana border.
The Kalahari is a semi-desert region, covering 930 000 km² of sandy plains on the interior plateau of Southern Africa. Driving into the barren and dry expanse of red-sand savannahs and low hills, we cross from Namibia into Botswana.
We spend the night in Ghanzi, the capital of the Kalahari in remote western Botswana. Tonight we enjoy a lively San (bushmen) performance, showcasing traditional song, dance and storytelling practices of this ancient, semi-nomadic tribe.
Included Highlight: San tribal evening
Included Meals: Lunch & Dinner
You'll wake up early at around 6:30 am for coffee/tea, cereal and rusks. Then depart on a 4-hour early morning game walk. Return at around 10:00 am for a hearty brunch. You'll then relax in camp or ask your guides to take you for a swim depending on the season of the year. In the afternoon, enjoy a mokoro cruise to experience the other parts of the Okavango Delta. Later on, return to the camp where dinner is served.
On the second morning, we join the local San for a guided walk in the Kalahari Desert. The nature walk reveals more about this harsh environment, it’s fascinating animals and unusual plants. Walking with the San also gives you the chance to learn about these ancient hunter-gatherers and their culture. Discover the ingenious survival techniques and wealth of indigenous knowledge developed by the San over the ages.
After our walk with the Kalahari San, we drive to Maun, the access hub for trips into the Okavango Delta. The delta is Botswana's crowning wilderness treasure - one of the wildest places in Africa. This afternoon you have the option of embarking on an optional flight over the Okavango Delta in a small fixed-wing plane. The scenic flight over the Okavango Delta offers sweeping views of the labyrinth of waterways, floodplains, islands and lagoons where wildlife can be spotted.
The ever-changing delta system shrinks and swells with the rains, covering about 16 000 km² of unspoilt wetlands and plains, depending on the rains of the season. This is one of the largest inland deltas on the planet, with a multitude of waterways emptying into the semi-arid Kalahari basin. Regardless of the changing seasons and water levels, the delta remains a truly wild and tranquil natural wonder year-round.
Tonight your guide tells you more about our day trip into the delta the next day. Alternatively, you can upgrade to a two-night Okavango Delta Trip (optional extra) and fly from Maun to a remote tented camp in the heart of the Okavango Delta this afternoon.
In Maun accommodation is in twin rooms with en-suite bathrooms at a lodge on leafy grounds beside the Thalamakane River.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Included Activity: San guided nature walk
Optional Activities: Okavango Delta Scenic Flight & Upgraded Okavango Delta Trip
Spend a full day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Okavango Delta. Today is about being in untamed nature, taking a break from civilisation and experiencing the peace of the wild delta environment. In the morning we drive for about an hour to reach a mokoro polers' station where we meet the local guides who take us into the delta today. From there we continue by mekoros - the traditional dug-out canoes used to navigate the waterways and lagoons of the Okavango Delta. Each mokoro is moved through the water by an experienced local who stands in the back of the vessel and uses a long pole to steer two seated guests slowly along.
Gliding along the reed-lined channels and undisturbed lagoons is the ideal way to take in the flora and fauna of the tranquil delta. Pausing at one of the small islands your local guides lead you on a bushwalk giving you a closer look at the unique plants and animals of this incredible ecosystem. The Okavango Delta hosts an astounding diversity of plant and animal species, including rare and endemic lifeforms, hence the delta's status as a World Heritage Site.
Although our day trip into the delta is not primarily about spotting big game, we may come across numerous small creatures - insects, reptiles, birds and mammals, and perhaps even large animals. Large mammals include lions, leopards, buffalos, elephants, hippopotami, giraffes and more; all of which may be encountered on our explorations. Other mammalian inhabitants include numerous antelopes, such as the rare lechwe, tsesebe and sitatunga, as well as otters, civets, servals, genets and honey-badgers. The Okavango Delta is also home to crocodiles, geckos, tortoises, chameleons and a variety of other reptiles, along with an incredible diversity of plants and insects. The delta is a birding paradise with more than 450 bird species recorded here, amongst them several rare and endangered species.
After the nature walk, your guides pole you back through the maze of delta waterways to the mooring point where the safari vehicle awaits. At the end of the day, you are driven back to the comfortable lodge in Maun.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Included Activity: Okavango Delta Day Trip
Optional Activity: Accommodated Okavango Delta Trip
Today those who opted for the Upgraded Delta Trip will wake up in the heart of the wild Okavango Delta and enjoy breakfast at camp, before returning to the airstrip and flying out of the Okavango Delta. Once the group is reunited we board our overland adventure vehicle and depart from Maun. Leaving the watery delta region we travel east to the stark Makgadigadi Pans.
Along the way we pass through sparsely populated and undeveloped rural Botswana, catching sight of the bleached expanse of the pans en route. Watch for the giant old baobab trees that line the road near Nata. Part of our drive takes us through Nxai Pan and Makgadigadi Pans, where we may spot antelopes and other wildlife, catching a few glimpses of the vast salt pans stretching out dramatically under wide skies.
This afternoon we take an optional game drive in Nata Sanctuary to experience the vast spaciousness and silence out on this flat expanse. The Nata Pans are part of the extensive network of Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, once covered by massive inland lakes. This salt pan complex is one of the largest in the world and in winter the pans are dry and stark, whilst in summer short grasses and shallow pools attract an array of animals and birds. Nata is a breeding ground for waterbirds including pelicans and flamingoes so we may see flocks of these in season.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Optional Activity: Makgadikgadi Salt Pans (Nata Sanctuary) visit
• Optional Activity: Upgraded Okavango Delta Trip (fly back to Maun)
On day five we get up bright and early for our journey north to Kasane. Located in the far northeastern corner of Botswana, Kasane is the gateway to Chobe National Park. We head to our lodge beside the Chobe River, which forms the northern boundary of the national park.
Later, we embark on an optional afternoon game drive in Chobe Park, venturing into the bush in open 4x4 safari vehicles. The most famous game park in Botswana, Chobe offers superb game viewing, boasting one of the highest concentrations of wild animals in Africa. The park is most famous for its big herds of elephants. Chances of encountering elephants are extremely high, as well we buffalo herds and various antelope species. Regular predator sightings include lion, hyena, jackal and even leopard. Driving in the open safari vehicle is a thrilling way to experience the African bush up close - sights, sounds, smells and all.
We end our day off with a laid-back boat cruise on Chobe River. In the late afternoons, elephants tend to gather along the river, along with other animals, making this an ideal time for our sunset cruise. Keep your cameras ready as the river attracts an impressive array of birds. Crocodiles, hippos, baboons, lizards and antelopes are commonly spotted too.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Included Activity: Chobe National Park Boat Cruise
Optional Activity: Chobe National Park Game Drive
Day six, time to cross into the final country on our Southern Africa overland adventure - Zimbabwe. The distance from Kasane to Victoria Fall is relatively short and soon we arrive at our next lodge along the Zambezi River.
Today you have the chance to visit the natural wonder of the Victoria Falls waterfall. This is the largest waterfall on earth, plummeting 108 metres into the Batoka Gorge, in a surging curtain of water about 1708 metres (5604 feet) wide. The locals call it Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means the 'Smoke that Thunders' - an apt name for the roaring falls with its cloud of mist.
After visiting the wonderous Vic Falls you can do some sightseeing in the historic town of Victoria Falls or head off on an optional adventure activity. Your guide can help you to choose and book activities for this afternoon and tomorrow, after the tour. Victoria Falls is known as the Adventure Capital of Southern Africa for good reason with an exciting mix of activities to experience.
The 111 meters (364 feet) high bungee jump off the historical Victoria Falls Bridge, which connects the Zimbabwean and Zambian banks of the Zambezi River, is a top favourite with adrenalin seekers. Some of the biggest rapids in the world are found on this part of the Zambezi River, making the Victoria Falls area one of the best for whitewater rafting - a must for adventure lovers! Scenic flights over Vic Falls offer a thrilling way to witness the powerful falls, with choices including microlight, helicopter and small plane flights.
Alternatively, you can browse local arts and crafts at the markets and sit at a coffee shop, before we meet up for dinner out (own account) in town tonight. Tonight we head to a local restaurant to celebrate the memories made on our magical adventure from Windhoek to Victoria Falls.
Optional Activities: Visit Victoria Falls, Zambezi Sunset Boat Cruise, Bungee Jumping, Helicopter Flights, White Water Rafting, Dinner out in Victoria Falls
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Although our Delta & Chobe Adventure Safari comes to an end after breakfast at the lodge this morning, we highly recommend spending some extra time at the adventure hub of Victoria Falls. Optional Activities: Zambezi Sunset Boat Cruise, Bungee Jumping, Helicopter Flights, White Water Rafting
Optional Activities: Zambezi Sunset Boat Cruise, Bungee Jumping, Helicopter Flights, White Water Rafting
Included Meals: Breakfast