Compare Botswana Highlights by Intrepid Travel vs Camping Photographic Nature Safari Botswana & Victoria Falls by Hazyview Buffalo Game Lodge
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 9 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 2,518 | $ 1,800 |
| Price Per Day | $ 280 | $ 257 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
All meals [Dinner and Breakfast] from dinner on Pre Safari Day to breakfast on Post Safari Day |
| Description |
Containing in its borders the world's largest salt pans, inland delta and number of elephants, Botswana has plenty to boast about. Taking in also Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls and Namibia's Caprivi region, this trip celebrates both the natural and cultural highlights of Botswana. Stay in a lodge overlooking a watering hole frequented by elephants, watch hippos wallowing along the shores of the Chobe River, and paddle through the Okavango Delta in a traditional dug-out canoe. If it's a diversity of landscapes, wildlife and cultures you're after, then this is the ultimate trip. |
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 Victoria Falls
Mhoro! Welcome to Zimbabwe. Your adventure begins today with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, if you arrive early, check out some of the optional activities around Victoria Falls. The Zimbabwe side of the falls offers the broadest view of this colossal natural wonder. Scenic helicopter flights are incredible – if you opt for one, choose Zambezi Helicopter Company (CAA Zimbabwe), the only operator Intrepid endorses. After the welcome meeting, why not get to know your fellow travellers over a group dinner?
Day 2 Elephant Sands
This morning, you’ll leave Victoria Falls behind and head to Elephant Sands via the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust – one of the projects The Intrepid Foundation supports. Here you can learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, human-wildlife conflict and the Trust’s role in anti-poaching. There may also be a chance to meet any rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care. Then, travel across the Kazungula border into Botswana and make your way to your accommodation for the evening, Elephant Sands. Located in a private concession bordering on the Chobe Forest Reserve, the watering hole at Elephant Sands lodge attracts herds of elephants and other wildlife in season. We'll take a guided bush walk through the unfenced 16000 ha private conservancy, home to a variety of wildlife. This guided tour offers a unique opportunity to learn about the uses of native plants and identify animal tracks. You may even spot some of Africa's lesser-known 'Little Five' species! This evening perhaps soak up the sounds of the wilderness with a glass of wine as your overlook the waterhole, keeping an eye out for the roaming animals.
Day 3 Maun
After breakfast, drive to Maun, a bustling town on the edge of the Okavango Delta. Arriving here in the afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to take in this World Heritage site from above on a scenic flight in a helicopter flight (an optional activity that your trip leader can help you arrange). Tonight's accommodation is in a comfortable hotel situated on the town's outskirts.
Day 4 Okavango Delta Pan Handle
Leaving Maun after breakfast, make your way further to the north-western part of the Okavango Delta, admiring the scenery along the way. Meet your 4WD transfer for the last 12 kms and watch the scenery pass you by. When you arrive, settle into the lodge where you will be spending the next two nights, located on the edge of the Guma Lagoon.
Day 5 Okavango Delta Pan Handle
Today you’ll hop into mokoros (traditional dugout canoes) for a water-level exploration of the delta. Paddling through papyrus and reed beds to lily-covered lagoons and islands, be sure to keep on the lookout for elephants, antelope, warthogs and other creatures of the plains. Tuck into a picnic lunch on one of the islands and embark on a short bushwalk, returning to the lodge in the late afternoon in time to watch the sunset over the lagoon.
Day 6 Caprivi
After breakfast, take the 4WD transfer back to the vehicle and make your way to the Namibian border. The drive to tonight's camp, which is on the Caprivi banks of the Okavango River, involves passing through the Mahango Game Reserve – keep your eyes peeled for the surrounding wildlife on the drive.
Day 7 Chobe National Park
Continue the journey along the Caprivi Strip, located in the newly formed Kavango-Zambezi Trans frontier park. After crossing the border back into Botswana you’ll arrive at Kasane, a town surrounded by the Chobe National Park. Taking its name from the river which marks the border between Namibia and Botswana, Chobe boasts the largest population of elephants in Africa, plus an abundance of birdlife, pods of wallowing hippos and more. Check out Kasane town, or perhaps take a dip in the lodge pool, sit by the open outdoor fire, or simply watch the setting sun change the colours of the sky above the Chobe River.
Day 8 Chobe National Park
Take the opportunity to wake up early and enjoy an optional dawn game drive in Chobe National Park, where you may see elephants drinking at the waters' edge, large herds of cape buffaloes and many impala within the park. Return to the lodge for a late breakfast and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Later in the afternoon enjoy a sunset cruise on the Chobe River. At the right time of year, the river is frequented by large families of elephants crossing the banks, drinking and playing in the water. It's also ideal for spotting bird life such as saddle-billed storks, malachite kingfishers, fish eagles and beautiful bee-eaters, as well as hippos, and crocodiles. Why not grab a sundowner from the small bar onboard, then sit back and watch the sunset over the river – a perfect way to end the day.
Day 9 Victoria Falls
This morning you have the option to get up before dawn and head out on an optional morning game drive. This time of day is when predators such as leopards and lions are spotted returning from their night's hunting. Return to the lodge for breakfast, then drive across the Zimbabwean border. After completing the border formalities, drive the remaining distance to Victoria Falls. Your adventure ends when you arrive, at approximately 2 pm, and no accommodation is included tonight. Ask your travel specialist about post tour accommodation options if you're considering staying on in Victoria Falls a few extra days. Those staying longer can visit the falls and choose from various activities and excursions, including white water rafting and canoeing.
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.
