Compare Wildlife & Wilderness of Botswana by Exodus Travels vs Camping Photographic Nature Safari Botswana & Victoria Falls by Hazyview Buffalo Game Lodge
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
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5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 14 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 4,275 | $ 1,800 |
| Price Per Day | $ 305 | $ 257 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | All breakfasts, seven lunches and seven dinners included. Breakfast: Cereals, coffee and toast and the occasional fried breakfast/brunch. Lunch: Cheese, cold meats, salads, bread or rolls. Dinner: Potjies (stew), braais (barbecue), stir-fries, etc. Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this holiday. Please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so our local team can be well prepared. The trip leaders do all the shopping and meal planning for each group. They will always try to obtain fresh produce wherever possible. Each tour has one cool box for meat and fresh produce only and one cool box for cold drinks. We supply squash, tea or coffee with meals. All other beverages will be at your own expense. On some days where early morning game drives are included, lunch may be substituted for a large brunch on return from the game drive – this is customary. We will always ensure the number of meals detailed in the trip notes are provided. The water provided on this trip is safe, clean drinking water, normally from boreholes. You can buy bottled water if you prefer, but we encourage you to make use of the safe drinking water provided as this helps diminish plastic consumption. |
All meals [Dinner and Breakfast] from dinner on Pre Safari Day to breakfast on Post Safari Day |
| Description |
Take a journey into the wilds of Botswana. Glide along the Okavango Delta in traditional mokoro canoes and admire a billion stars from the otherworldly and eerily silent Makgadikgadi Pans. Search for the emblematic wildlife of Africa on the Savuti Marsh and the Moremi Reserve and take to the Chobe River, home to the highest concentration of elephants anywhere. Finally discover why David Livingstone, upon seeing Victoria Falls, declared ‘scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.’ Aldo Kane Collection: A hand-selected range of adventures by our Brand Ambassador: "This was always on my bucket list of trips, to see the Okavango Delta floods. I recently had the opportunity to travel down the iconic Okavango Delta waterways in traditional Mokoro canoes with the local Exodus expert Polers. Without a doubt, it was one of the most serene ways to travel I've ever experienced. It was so quiet that we could literally glide past herds of elephant, giraffe, buffalo and sections teeming with hippos without disturbing them." This trip includes a few of our Citizen Science Departures. These special departures offer you the opportunity to be involved in the collection of freshwater samples during the trip. The environmental DNA information derived from this sample will contribute directly to the eBioAtlas; the world’s largest repository of flora and fauna species data, contributing to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity both locally and globally. To book onto one of these special departures, see the Dates & Prices tab. For more information on these departures and the eBioAtlas, click here.Delta, falls, saltpans, bush: Discover the best of Botswana’s wilderness |
Botswana has arguably some of the best wildlife destinations in Africa. Situated in the Northern region of Botswana you will find Chobe National Park, one of Africa’s finest wildlife sanctuaries. Chobe is the “Land of The Giants”. Elephants roam here in vast numbers in contrasting landscapes like wetlands, flood plains, dry land, lagoons and islands. The Savute is situated in the North Western area of Chobe National Park. Savute is home and famous for its lion prides specialising in the killing of young elephants – these kills provide abundant food for the Lion prides, Hyenas, Vultures and other scavengers. The Okavango Delta is a unique ecosystem covering almost 20,000sqkm, with the Panhandle stretching all the way to the border of Zambezia Area, Namibia and Angola. The slow flowing waterways are dotted with islands, grasslands, forests and lagoons. Over a period of months the water drops 10 meters over a stretch of 120km, eventually, the masses of water disappear into the Kalahari sand towards Central Botswana. There is abundant wildlife in these wetlands which is one of the natural wonders of the world with a very fragile ecosystem which remains one of the least unspoilt wildernesses in Africa. Some unique wildlife species occur in these waterways, like the Sitatunga and Red Lechwe. The Okavango Delta is ranked No.4 in Africa by 2,500 world nature experts as one of the best nature experience areas in Africa. Moremi Game Reserve, situated in the Eastern corner of the Okavango Delta. In the olden days this area was the hunting grounds of Chief Moremi, the Chief later proclaimed Moremi Game Reserve through government legislation. Moremi Game Reserve is one of the most famous wildlife areas on the Africa continent with huge concentrations of wildlife and unspoilt areas. The Moremi Game Reserve is currently ranked No.6 in Africa, by 2,500 world nature experts for game viewing and nature experiences in Africa. |
Day 1 Start Maun
The adventure begins at our campsite on the banks of the Thamalakane River. You can arrive at any time and make use of the site facilities, which includes a bar, swimming pool and much-loved restaurant. Accommodation: Audi Camp (or similar)
Day 2 To Okavango Delta
We pack minimal gear for two nights into a smaller bag (provided), before a 4x4 transfer into the Okavango Delta. At the polers' station, we meet a team from a nearby village who will look after us during our stay in the delta. With them, we travel in mokoros (traditional canoes) deep into the Okavango Delta. We have lunch at our riverbank campsite, and then our first game walk in the late afternoon. We return to camp before sunset and for our first meal in the African bush. Accommodation: Okavango Delta Wild Camp
Day 3 Morning game walk; sunset dug-out canoe trip on the Okavango Delta
We get up early this morning for a game walk with a guide from the poling team. There are never any guarantees with wildlife, but there is the chance of seeing elephants, buffalos and other smaller game. We return to camp for brunch and time to relax. In the afternoon, we take a short mokoro trip on the river to view the sunset before returning to camp. Accommodation: Okavango Delta Wild Camp
Day 4 Return to Maun; free afternoon
This morning, we board our mokoros for the trip back to the polers' station. We meet our vehicle and transfer back to Maun for the night, where we will purchase supplies for the days ahead. The afternoon is free to relax by the pool or take an optional scenic flight over the delta. Accommodation: Audi Camp (or similar)
Day 5 Visit Makgadikgadi Salt Pan
After a relaxed breakfast, we head east to the vast Makgadikgadi Salt Pan. We camp wild on the pan or one of the campsites nearby, depending on the conditions. The Makgadikgadi Salt Pan covers more than 6,180sqmi (16,000sqkm) and forms the bed of an ancient lake – now dried up. The sunsets here are spectacular. Accommodation: Makgadikgadi Pan wild camp (or similar)
Day 6 To Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls
Today we have a long drive north before crossing into Zimbabwe to Victoria Falls, a town minutes from the waterfalls of the same name. At the Kasangula border, we complete border formalities and continue to our accommodation for the next two nights. The falls themselves are more than 5,580ft (1,700m) wide and 330ft (100m) tall, making them the largest waterfalls in the world. Accommodation: Premier Lodge (or similar)
Day 7 Free day for optional activities at Victoria Falls
Today is a free day to take part in one of the many optional activities on offer, including white-water rafting, flights over the falls and various others. Accommodation: Premier Lodge (or similar)
Day 8 Free morning to visit Victoria Falls; afternoon to Chobe; optional boat trip
This morning, we can view the Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side, before returning to Botswana. It’s then a short drive from the border to the town of Kasane, where we camp by the Thebe River, a tributary of the mighty Zambezi. The afternoon is free, with an option to view game on a cruise down the Chobe River. This is widely regarded as one of the best game cruises in Africa with a very good chance of seeing elephant herds drinking from the river before sunset. Accommodation: Thebe River Camp (or similar)
Day 9 Discover Chobe National Park; visit Savuti
We take an early morning game drive back to the Chobe Waterfront area. Chobe is famous for its large population of elephants but is also home to plenty of other game, including lions and wild dogs. After exploring the northern end of this huge park, we head south into remote, rugged terrain, passing in and out of the national park, before finally reaching the Savuti Area at the southern edge of the park. Here, the Savuti Marsh is fed by the Savuti River channel, which alternately flows and then dries up for years at a time. Recent flooding has given this area new life. It’s home to plenty of game, but is especially well known for lions, and the large numbers of elephant that walk enormous distances to find fodder. Accommodation: Zwei-Zwei or Savuti Wild Camp
Day 10 Full-day game drive on the Savuti Marsh
We take morning and afternoon game drives on the Savuti Marsh. There is a good chance of seeing the lions, cheetahs and hyenas that follow the seasonal zebra migration through this area. Large secretary birds and kori bustards are often seen strutting around the marsh and small red-billed francolins provide a noisy morning wake-up. Accommodation: Zwei-Zwei or Savuti Wild Camp
Day 11 Game drive on the way to Moremi
After breaking camp, we drive to Moremi Game Reserve. Along the way, we pass through a variety of habitats, including the Mbabe depression, Mopani forest and past great Acacia trees before arriving at Khwai village and the North Gate entrance of Moremi Game Reserve. Moremi National Park is the jewel in Botswana's wildlife crown. Protecting much of the northern part of the Okavango Delta, it encompasses waterways, marshes, islands and open grasslands. Accommodation: Moremi Wild Camp
Day 12 Full day safari in Moremi Game Reserve
We take morning and afternoon game drives through this beautiful, protected area, looking for the large variety of animals that live here. Despite its wet reputation, there is plenty of dry land in Moremi, which allows our game drives to cover significant distances while spotting game in the sometimes-dense vegetation. It’s a good place to spot elephants, lions, leopards and cheetahs, while red lechwe, a water-dwelling antelope, are often seen grazing among the lilies. Accommodation: Moremi Wild Camp
Day 13 Morning game drive in Moremi; to Maun
We go on a final game drive through the park this morning before returning to Maun and our riverside campsite. We can enjoy the swimming pool before our last dinner at the campsite restaurant. Accommodation: Audi Camp (or similar)
Day 14 End Maun
The adventure ends after breakfast and we begin our return journey home.
Day 1: Arriving at Victoria Falls International Airport
A Golden Lion Adventures associate will collect you for your transfer to Kazangula Border Post between Zimbabwe and Botswana. You will travel through the Matetsi Safari Area, bordering on the Zambezi River. Keep your camera at the ready. The adventure has begun. At the border post you will be collected by Golden Lion Adventures, for a short drive through Kasane Forestry Area to your safari lodge, Senyati, in “The Valley of the Elephants”. Here your tented camp has been set up with your own bathroom and self-catering . Your tent will have a comfortable bed, sheets, blankets, pillows, solar light, and a portable toilet.
An elevated deck overlook the waterhole. The waterhole is frequented daily by numbers of elephant from Matetsi Safari Areain Zimbabwe and Kasane Forestry Area. Other wildlife, Kudu, Giraffe, Waterbuck, Lion, Leopard, Warthog and many more frequent the waterhole on a daily basis. This is an ideal location to take excellent nature photographs.
Just before dark enjoy a excellent dinner at our tented camp. After dinner you can relax on the outlook deck or retreat to your comfortable safari tent.
Day 2: Chobe to Safari Lodge in Chobe Forrestry Area.
After an early wake up call, enjoy a cup coffee with rusks. Our 4x4 safari vehicle will collect us to be in time at the entrance gate to Chobe National Park. We will explore the Chobe River ecosystem with its diverse wildlife. Return to camp for a late breakfast.
After breakfast we will re-enter the Chobe National Park and follow our route to Serondela on the Chobe River to make the most of the unique photographic opportunities. Here your photographic skills can really come alive in nature. We will exit the Chobe National Park at its Western Gate, into Chobe Forestry Area, to be in time to witness the beautiful sunset over the Chobe River at our safari lodge. Your safari tented camp will be ready for you. You can enjoy the luxury of the swimming pool. After dinner you can relax at the pool or retire to your comfortable safari tent listening to the nocturnal sounds of Africa.
Day 3: Safari Lodge to Linyanti
After an early wakeup call with coffee and rusks we depart to Linyanti.
This morning after an early rise with a steaming cup of coffee we enjoy a quick breakfast before departing to the Linyanti Area of the Chobe National Park. This area is well known for its marsh areas. We explore the Linyanti Area to the fullest and make the most of the remarkable photo opportunities.
Back at camp we enjoy a relaxing shower. We discuss the day’s sightings and wildlife around the camp fire or swimming pool.
After a delicious dinner we retire to our comfortable safari tents.
Day 4: Mwandi to Savute.
This morning after an early rise with a steaming cup of coffee we enjoy a quick breakfast before departing to the Savute Area of the Chobe National Park. Savute is well known for its famous prides of lions. One pride has perfected and specialise in the killing of young elephants. The Savute area is rich in wildlife and a photographer’s dream. We will enjoy a snack lunch under a shady tree in the Savute area.
We make our way back to our tented camp on the banks of the Chobe River at Mwandi.
We relax around the swimming pool or boma fire.
After a much needed shower and drink around the pool, discussing the events and sightings of the day. We enjoy our dinner in the dusk of sunset. We retire to our comfortable safari tents for a much needed peaceful sleep. Tomorrow is a long and busy day again.
Day 5: Safari Lodge in Chobe Forestry Area to Safari Lodge in Kasane Forestry Area
After an early breakfast we depart from our safari tent camp. We enter the Chobe National Park at its Western Gate to proceed along the Chobe River to Serondela and from there to our boat station on the Chobe River at the entrance to the Eastern side of Chobe National Park. We embark on our afternoon boat cruise on the Chobe River. We explore the banks of the river and Sidudu Island, completely surrounded by the Chobe River. This is a photographer and birder paradise. This is nature at its best. After an eventful afternoon and a stunning sunset we depart from the river to our comfortable tented camp in “The Valley of the Elephants”
We enjoy a hearty dinner around the campfire, discussing the photographic opportunities of the day. We retire to our comfortable safari tents for a restful night.
Day 6: Safari Lodge to Vic Falls.
After early breakfast we depart to Victoria Falls, one of The “Seven Wonders of the World”. Here the Zambezi River plunges more than 100m into the Batoka Gorge, sending 5.5million litres of water per second over the 1,760m long falls. The Victoria Falls is also known as “Mosi Utunya” “The Smoke that Thunders” named by the Lozi people.
After our visit to the Falls we visit the “Big Tree”, a Lone Baobab in the area. There is also ample time to partake in the many activities like “Flight of Angels” over the falls by helicopter. This give one a bird’s eye view of this magnificent wonder in nature.
We return late afternoon back to our tented safari camp in Botswana.
After dinner we retire to our comfortable safari tents.
Our nature photographic safari in Botswana is almost at an end.
Day 7: Post Safari Day
After breakfast we are ready to travel to Victoria Falls International Airport for our flight to O R Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and our connecting flight to Europe.
