Compare Botswana & Zimbabwe Safari by G Adventures vs Mobile camping in the Okavango Delta by Audley Travel

Day 1 Victoria Falls

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

If you are interested in spending more time in Victoria Falls, it is recommended to book pre-accommodation to fully experience everything Victoria Falls and the Zambezi area has to offer.

Day 2 Victoria Falls/Hwange National Park

Explore Victoria Falls at leisure this morning, and opt to take a guided tour of this thundering natural wonder and UNESCO World Heritage site. Later, transfer to the headquarters of Painted Dog Conservation. Learn about this non-profit organization’s work to protect and rehabilitate injured painted dogs (also known as African wild dogs), and hear from a conservationist about the threats to these endangered animals. Afterward, venture out on safari in Hwange National Park, one of Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserves and home to nearly half of the country's elephant population.

Examine the life and struggles faced by the Painted Dog (wild dog) population in and around Hwange national park and the efforts made by the conservancy to prevent poaching and the damage done by snare traps that have endangered the Painted Dog population in Zimbabwe. The ultimate goal of the project is to release rehabilitated animals back into the wild and to work with local children and communities in an effort to educate and shift behaviors away from poaching.

Road conditions in the region can range from good to very poor. As such, we slow our traveling speed in the rough spots and enjoy some sand and bumps – all part of the adventure of traveling in Africa. Please note that hot water shortages, low water pressure and power outages can occur in Southern Africa. We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control. Wifi is available in most places (extra charge may apply), but in remote areas there can be service interruptions. A/C is not generally available in the accommodations we use, really it isn't needed as evenings tend to cool down. Floor or ceiling fans are usually available.

Day 3 Hwange National Park

Set out on morning and late afternoon safaris through the sweeping grasslands of Hwange National Park and Dete Vlei. Track resident elephant and buffalo herds, as well as giraffes, lions, zebras, and the rare African wild dog. This evening, relax on the deck of your lodge or visit the underground hiding area which is perfect for photography enthusiasts, keeping an eye out for the wild creatures that visit the lodge’s watering hole.

Day 4 Hwange/Chobe NP

Depart Hwange and head north, crossing the border into Botswana and arriving in Kasane—the gateway to the stunning Chobe National Park. Settle into your lodge and embark on a boat safari on the Chobe River, the lifeline of the park. Look out for submerged hippos, basking crocodiles, bathing elephants, and an abundance of birdlife from the boat’s deck, and witness a spectacular fiery sunset over the river.

Keep an eye out for Chobe bushbuck and puku antelope, which are found only in this part of Botswana. The Chobe River is home to the world’s largest elephant herds; buffalo, hippos, and lions can also be seen here.

Day 5 Chobe NP

This morning, continue your exploration of Chobe National Park, home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations. On a safari along the banks of the Chobe River, keep an eye out for elephants, buffalo, lions, zebra, and rare semi-aquatic antelope, as well as an incredible variety of birds. In the afternoon, opt to take a photography river safari on a specialized photography boat.

Opt into the photo wildlife safari on the Chobe River at sunset; you’ll be accompanied by an expert wildlife photographer and guide who will help you get the perfect shot.

Day 6 Kasane/Okavango Delta

Take in the views on a scenic flight into the heart of the Okavango Delta. Climb into a mokoro (dugout canoe) and glide along the waterways around our remote camp to catch a first glimpse of the area’s abundant wildlife. Settle into comfortable tents, explore the camp, or opt to go for a swim. After lunch, embark on a wildlife cruise, watching for hippos and elephants as well as aquatic birds drawn by the region’s unique fish and insects. Enjoy a sundowner deck back at the camp before dinner under the stars.

Please note that the Okavango Wilderness Project talk may be moved to the day that the group arrives in Maun due to the availability of lecturers within the region.

Planes used to fly into the Delta are small and weight restrictions are mandatory. For this reason luggage restrictions are 15kg per person for checked in luggage and 5kg for Hand luggage for a maximum of 20kg per person. As well, the airline requires the weight of each passenger, your CEO will collect this information from you privately, at the beginning of the trip. Please note that during your time at camp any dietary requirements can be catered for – please just let our managers know on arrival so that special meals may be prepared.

Day 7 Okavango Delta

Get an early start today, hopping into mokoros to maneuver through narrow channels of the delta. Arrive at Chief’s Island, part of the Moremi Game Reserve , and set out on a thrilling bush walk. Follow a guide into the wilderness, in search of giraffe, zebra, lion, kudu, elephant, and hippo as well as all manner of birdlife. Identify tracks and other signs of wildlife and learn about the medicinal uses of native plants and trees. Return to camp for brunch, then enjoy free time to relax or observe wildlife from the deck. After high tea, head out for another boating activity or wildlife drive. This evening, take time to stargaze and listen to the enchanting sounds of the delta after dark.

Tonight, the group will stay at Moremi Crossing accommodation, in en suite meru tents equipped with running hot and cold water, full beds, linens and a towel. Each tent is on its own deck dotted along the fringe of the island tucked away amongst the pristine riverine ecosystem filled with wildlife. There are animal sightings from the decking area on a regular basis.

Day 8 Okavango Delta

Embark on both morning and late afternoon wildlife excursions by boat, on foot, or by jeep, depending on current conditions and water levels. In between, enjoy the amenities at the camp, go for a swim, or relax with a book on the deck. Remember to keep your eyes open and binoculars close to observe passing wildlife.

Chief’s Island is a large area and the animals are free to move as they choose – and they do! During your guided walk there’s a chance you’ll see: lion, elephant, giraffe, zebra, impala, kudu and hippo as well as a plethora of birdlife – particularly when the migratory species return to us between October and March. There is a huge difference to being on foot rather than in a vehicle for such encounters!

Day 9 Okavango Delta/Maun

After an early-morning wildlife excursion, fly to the frontier town of Maun. Meet with an expedition member on National Geographic’s Okavango Wilderness Project, a multi-year collaboration between international and local experts to survey the Okavango watershed’s biodiversity and ensure its future protection. Watch the National Geographic documentary “Into the Okavango,” and learn about delta conservation projects in the area. In the evening, experience a night of storytelling and traditional foods with celebrated local author Bonty Botumile. Born in Maun, Bonty’s work is dedicated to preserving Botswana’s literary heritage and providing youth with employment opportunities in the arts. Listen as she shares her in-depth knowledge of the region’s cultural history, and cap off the night with a delicious meal and colourful stories around a warm fire.

Please note that today you will be served a brunch between 10-11 before boarding your flight to Maun.

Day 10 Maun

Depart at any time.

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Maun.

Day 2 : Moremi Wildlife Reserve

On arrival in Maun you will meet your guide and set off for the Moremi Wildlife Reserve via 4x4 safari vehicle. Enjoy your first game drive in the Okavango Delta as you are transferred back to your camp! Upon arrival you will set up camp and settle in. This will be your base for the next three nights.

Day 3 : Moremi Wildlife Reserve

A full day exploring the varied habitats in the Delta by game drives. This is a fascinating area with a labyrinth of waterways and wonderful game viewing. You will also experience a mokoro boat ride for either your morning or afternoon game viewing activity.

Day 4 : Moremi Wildlife Reserve

Today is your second day exploring the Delta with your guide. Perhaps you could spot the elusive leopard on your morning game drive as they are often sleeping under trees after a long night of hunting. Arrive back to your tent enjoy a delicious brunch. All meals will be cooked and prepared in camp.

Day 5 : Khwai Concession

This morning you take a slow drive through the Moremi Game Reserve towards the Khwai Community Area in the north-east. Here you will be staying in a private concession just to the east of the Delta for three nights. Arrive and settle in to your new camp site. Have lunch before heading out for your evening drive.

Day 6 : Khwai Concession

Today will be spent exploring the Khwai Concession area. This area is known for big herds of buffalo as well as zebra, giraffe and other antelope. You will also be able to experience night drives and walking safaris in the Khwai area as it is outside the National Park. See what nocturnal wildlife you can find with the spotlight as you make your way back to camp in the dark. Dinner will be waiting for you upon return.

Day 7 : Khwai Concession

Today is your second day exploring the Khwai area with your guide. You will traverse across new territory in the concession today. Your guide can take the vehicle off-road, so you will be getting the best possible sightings of the wildlife.

Day 8 : International return flight

After breakfast this morning you will have a game drive to the airstrip where you will be met by your light aircraft flight back to Maun. In Maun you will board your onward flight.

Day 9 : International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.