The Best of Botswana: An In-Depth Safari Experience

14 days
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Small Group Tour
Venture into the Botswanan wilderness to witness elephants, lions, leopards and more, as a local expert teaches you about Botswana’s four unique ecosystems and their cultures.
From$8,599
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • I like to spend much of the day exploring
    • Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full
    • Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group

What's this trip about?

    Venture into the Botswanan wilderness to witness elephants, lions, leopards and more, as a local expert teaches you about Botswana’s four unique ecosystems and their cultures.

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Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 24 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityJohannesburg
End CityMakgadikgadi Pans National Park

Travel Themes

  • Culinary & Wine
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Relaxing Retreats
  • Yoga, Meditation & Wellness
  • Photography
  • Holy Land

Destinations

  • Africa
  • South Africa
  • Botswana

Attractions

  • Chobe National Park
  • Johannesburg

Activities

  • Nature
  • Photography
  • Relaxing Retreat
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Yoga & Meditation

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Itinerary

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Arrive Johannesburg, Check-in, Welcome Dinner, Orientation Johannesburg

Hotel check-in from 2:00pm

Check in at the hotel and relax before the welcome dinner.

Orientation: The Site Coordinator will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss ...

Day 3 Fly to Botswana, Chobe National Park, Overview of Botswana Chobe National Park

Flight is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. Game drives throughout the program typically last between 3 to 4 hours in the early mornings and late afternoons, when the animals are most active.

We will check out of the hotel and board the motorcoach, transferring t...

Day 4 Game Drive, Sustainable Tourism Class, Game-viewing Cruise Chobe National Park

In the early hours of the day, we will head out on a game drive in search of elephants, giraffes, zebra, kudu, impala, and the big cats such as lion and leopard. During our game drive, we will take a short break to enjoy coffee, tea, and rusks (South African-style bis...

Day 5 Safari Game Drives Chobe National Park

We will embark on an early morning game drive within the park, exploring tracks not previously driven, searching for the animals and birds that are active during the morning hours. Following breakfast, we will have an opportunity to rest, relax, and enjoy the lodge’s ...

Day 6 Fly To Savute, Elephant Class, Game Drive Western Chobe National Park (Savute)

Flight is approximately 45 minutes. Flights between safari lodges are dependent on the movement of the guests within the lodging circuit. It is possible we may have short stops to allow other lodge guests on/off en-route to our destination. Flight schedules will not b...

Day 7 Game Drive, The San (Bushmen) Class, Game Drive Western Chobe National Park (Savute)

In the early morning hours, we will explore the area on a game drive. If natural elements allow, we will stop at Gubatsa Hills to see the ancient San rock paintings (note that occasionally a female leopard chooses to den at Gubatsa Hills, so we may not be able to exit...

Day 8 Fly To Moremi, Okavango Delta Class & Game Drive Moremi Game Reserve

Flight is approximately 35 minutes. Flights between safari lodges are dependent on the movement of the guests within the lodging circuit. It is possible we may have short stops to allow other lodge guests on/off en-route to our destination. Flight schedules will not b...

Day 9 Game Drive, Free Time, Boat Safari Moremi Game Reserve

We will explore the area further on a game drive, searching out wildlife sightings and the magnificent variety of birds that are present in the area this time of year. Following brunch, we will have an opportunity to rest, relax, and enjoy the lodge’s amenities.

Day 10 Game Drive, Importance of Termites Class, Boat Safari Moremi Game Reserve

We will have an early morning game drive in Moremi Game Reserve, the only officially protected area of the Okavango Delta. Following brunch, we will have an opportunity to rest, relax, and enjoy the lodge’s amenities.

For today's class, our Group Leader will dis...

Day 11 Fly To Makgadikgadi Pans, Rhinos Class, Game Drive Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Flight is approximately 55 minutes. Flights between safari lodges are dependent on the movement of the guests within the lodging circuit. It is possible we may have short stops to allow other lodge guests on/off en-route to our destination. Flight schedules will not b...

Day 12 Local Village Visit, Lions Class, Game Drive Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

This morning we will depart on a game drive, searching for wildlife as we make our way to the local village of Khumaga. On the outskirts of the village, we will visit a cattle post. Cattle farming is incredibly important in Botswana, and here we will see how a typical...

Day 13 Game Drive, Fly To Johannesburg, Program Concludes In Flight

Flight to Maun is approximately 55 minutes. Flight from Maun to Johannesburg is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers. If you are an independent traveler (POP status), see “Ground Transportation from Last Location.

<...
Day 14 In Transit From Program In Flight

Arrive North America.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $8,599
Price per day$614
Last Updated: 2/23/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Road Scholar.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Road Scholar, the not-for-profit leader in educational travel since 1975, offers 5,500 educational tours in all 50 states and 150 countries. Alongside local and renowned experts, experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, from cultural tours and study cruises to walking, biking and more.

Programs For Whatever You Love to Do:

Much more than a tour, a Road Scholar program is a true learning adventure. Whether you join us in Seattle or Santiago, Beijing or Berlin, Road Scholar programs all share four unique attributes:

--Exceptional opportunities for learning and exploration through special behind-the-scenes access to the world's most fascinating treasures, led by our passionate and knowledgeable instructors.

--The shared fellowship of learning and warm camaraderie, whether a solo traveler or with a companion.

--Comfortable accommodations and appetizing meals.

--Excellent value.

Explore Your Mind and the World:

There are no grades or tests on Road Scholar programs. All that's needed is an inquiring mind, an adventurous spirit, and the belief that learning and discovery are lifelong pursuits.

Established in 1975, Road Scholar offers participants once-in-a-lifetime experiences delivered by local and world-renowned experts. Experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, from cultural excursions and study cruises to walking, biking and more.

Our Most Popular Tours:

Adventures Afloat Cruises: On these educational cruises, you’ll traverse some of the world's most spectacular waterways, offering you a convenient and rewarding way to learn and explore aboard ocean liners, riverboats and small ships.

Independent City Discoveries: Combine structured learning with independent discovery — each program includes hotel accommodations and some meals, lectures, expert-led field trips and detailed outlines for four self-guided excursions.

Grandparent Travel: Discover and explore together with your grandchild through interactive learning experiences and field trips. Both you and your grandchild will share the joy of learning with other grandparents and their grandchildren, bridging generations and opening doors to discovery and friendship.

National Parks: From Denali to the Everglades and countless beautiful, historic places in between, field trips to America’s National Parks reveal what tourists can’t see on their own, with specialized experts showing you how to track wildlife or lead you to the spot with the most awe-inspiring view.

Outdoor Adventures: From hiking in the Grand Canyon to exploring France by barge and bicycle, to sharpening your golf or tennis skills, these active programs exercise the body and the mind.

Service Learning: From tutoring school children or helping restore a crucial forest habitat for wildlife, to assisting with artifact restoration and museum curatorial work, Service Learning adventures are an opportunity to make a difference in the world.

Small Groups: Love to learn in a small-group setting? Check out this collection of programs that have 10-24 participants.

Why Road Scholar?

You Can't Beat Road Scholar's Remarkable Value: Our all-inclusive prices have no hidden costs. Compare the price of one of our programs to what it would cost to duplicate the experience on your own (if that's even possible) and you'll see what we mean by "remarkable value."

Lifelong Learning and Lifelong Friends: When you participate in a Road Scholar program, you will not only expand your mind, you will be in the company of other people who believe that learning is one of the best parts of life.

Instructors Who Inspire: Road Scholar instructors are both experts in their field and lifelong learners themselves who are excited to answer your questions, hear your opinions and share in your experience.

Solo Participants Love Our Programs: Road Scholar programs are renowned for being inclusive, warm and welcoming for solo participants. We can either match you with a roommate or, on most programs, you can choose to room on your own.

Think Outside the Tour: The educational focus of Road Scholar programs makes us completely different from a commercial travel tour. Road Scholar programs offer educational experiences that answer the what's, the why's and the how-to's.

You Go Where Others Can't: We've been offering educational experiences since 1975 and we've made connections with educators and other local "insiders" all around the world, creating learning opportunities that show you the world in a way that just can't be done on your own or on a "tour."

We've Covered All the Bases: From expert-led lectures and field trips to comfortable lodgings and meals, we handle all the details, including the ones you might not anticipate. We've taken the worry out of the planning, so you can focus on your learning experience.

Peace of Mind Through the Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan: The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, which is purchased on behalf of every participant, provides 24-hour emergency assistance in the unlikely case of a medical emergency.

Scholarships for Those in Financial Need: Each year, Road Scholar awards $250,000 in scholarships toward programs in North America for those who do not have the financial means to participate.

Our Donors: Each year, thousands of donors contribute to our Annual Fund, helping to cover the gap between the tuition we charge and the actual cost of our programs.

What they’re known for
Popular global tours with a unique focus on educational experiences for mostly senior travelers.

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Logistics

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
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Meals Included
  • Number of Breakfast: 11
  • Number of Brunch: 5
  • Number of Lunch: 6
  • Number of Dinner: 11
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
roadscholar-19145

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