Botswana's Premium Safari

12 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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Cancellation Policy
Small Group Tour
A safari through Botswana and Zimbabwe, exploring Chobe National Park, visiting the thundering Victoria Falls and sleeping aboard a houseboat in the vast Okavango Delta Panhandle. Spend time searching for wildlife including elephant, hippos and lion within remote wilderness. Premium Lodges - The finest game viewing from comfortable hand-picked lodges O...
19%
$7,934
From$6,450
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Highlights

    • Experience the ultimate Botswana Safari experience in Chobe National Park
    • Explore the Okavango Delta, one of the most extraordinary wetlands in the World
    • Comfortable and premium accommodation throughout

What's this trip about?

    A safari through Botswana and Zimbabwe, exploring Chobe National Park, visiting the thundering Victoria Falls and sleeping aboard a houseboat in the vast Okavango Delta Panhandle. Spend time searching for wildlife including elephant, hippos and lion within remote wilderness. Premium Lodges - The finest game viewing from comfortable hand-picked lodges Okavango Delta Panhandle - Explore the most prolific inland delta of Africa Chobe National Park - Discover the stunning wildlife, including some of Africa's largest elephants herds.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityMaun Airport
End CityVictoria Falls

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • Africa
  • Zambia
  • Botswana

Attractions

  • Chobe National Park
  • Kasane
  • Livingstone
  • Maun
  • Okavango Delta
  • Zambezi River

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip at Maun Airport

Arrive in Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Originally a rural village, it has rapidly developed into Botswana's 'tourism capital'. However, the town has managed to retain much of its rural atmosphere. Our lodge tonight is the magnificent Thamo Telele, set ...

Day 2 Drive to the Kazikini area just outside the border of Moremi Game Reserve, game drive in the afternoon

We will travel together as a group by 4WD safari vehicles to Mogogelo Camp, a classic safari camp in a private concession bordering the Moremi game Reserve. This majastic camp will be our base for the next two nights. The mighty Okavango is the third largest river...

Day 3 Second day in Moremi in search for the big five and huge variety of birds

We will enjoy two game drives today. Setting off for our morning game drive at first light (when predator activity is most expected), we get the chance to experience one of Africa's most natural and unspoiled wonderlands in the park with hippo, crocodile and a great v...

Day 4 Morning game drives; afternoon drive to Thamo Thelele, a private reserve outside of Maun

This morning we take a slow drive out of the concession and should arrive to Thamo Thelele around lunch time. The afternoon is free for you to explore the lodge and its wild surroundings on self-guided walking trails. Alternatively relax by the swimming pool. Ther...

Day 5 Explore the waterways of the Okavango Panhandle on our private houseboat

After breakfast drive up the west side of the Okavango Delta Panhandle to Shakawe, where we leave our vehicle behind and board a motor launch to our houseboat. On arrival, meet our friendly crew who will be our hosts for the next three nights. After settling in dinner...

Day 6 Visit to Tsodilo Hills, see thousands of San Bushman rock paintings

Today, we'll visit the intriguing and sacred World Heritage Site of the Tsodilo Hills. The San Bushmen community believe the hills are the site of the first creation and painted an astonishing 4000 rock paintings across 350 sites marking the area's significance. Here,...

Day 7 Drive to Kasane home to Chobe National Park

This morning will be a early start for the very long journey to Chobe National Park. Today's total journey time is approximately seven hours depending on time spent at the border crossings, and will of course include comfort breaks and a lunch break. The drive take...

Day 8 Game drives in Chobe National Park

We'll maximise our time today to ensure we make the most of game drive opportunities. We head out in the morning and again in the afternoon, for the chance to spot huge trumpeting herds of elephants in and around the southern bank of the Chobe River, where we can also...

Day 9 Further game drives in Chobe River area

Today we will continue with our morning and afternoon game drives in Chobe National Park. The northern Chobe area of Serondela is the heart of elephant country. Up to 35,000 elephants live here, the largest number in any African park. On our game drive this morning we...

Day 10 Drive to Victoria Falls town. Witness the wonders of Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River

This morning, we leave Botswana and cross the border into Zimbabwe to arrive to the town of Victoria Falls. Often referred to as the adventure capital of Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is a pleasant town with a variety of land, air and water-based activities on offer in the...

Day 11 Free day with a choice of optional activities

Today is free to relax, or you may choose to book a two hour game drive in Zambezi National Park in search of the big five. Alternatively, there is the option to take a scenic flight over the falls or go white water rafting in the Zambezi. All activities can be booked...

Day 12 Trip ends in Victoria Falls

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Victoria Falls. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Victoria Falls at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If y...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,450
Price per day$538
Last Updated: 5/10/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

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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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,777
Great
2,252
Average
379
Disappointing
120
Terrible
57
T

Trusted Customer

Oct 2023

Written on

Botswana's Premium Safari

There were so many highlights, but I'll never forget seeing so many elephants in their natural habitat at such close quarters. We saw a huge variety of wildlife on ...

T

Trusted Customer

Oct 2023

Written on

Botswana's Premium Safari

Lots of game drives with a great tour leader who found plenty of wildlife every time. My personal favourite was viewing elephants at the waterhole from an undergroun...

C

Catherine

Sep 2023

Written on

Botswana's Premium Safari

Excellent close views of amazing wildlife. Knowledge...

L

Lisa

Sep 2023

Written on

Botswana's Premium Safari

Although the various game lodges were good (although varied) the long transfers in an open-sided vehicle were very hard going. There were two five-plus hours tran...

C

Cherry

Aug 2023

Written on

Botswana's Premium Safari

The holiday was brilliant but beware travelling with BA we had nightmare journeys both ways and missed our chance to see African Wild Dogs as we arrived 2 days late....

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Other Explore! Reviews

G

Guy

May 2024

Written on

Simply Japan

Highly enjoyable tour. Lot of variety and interesting sights. Very well led by guide. Travelled via public transport. Stayed in a variety of accommodation- all very ...

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
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Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

4WD, Boat,

Transportation & flights

4WD, Boat
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Boat Crew
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
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
Visa requirements
Travelling with Minors via South Africa (including transits) and entry into Botswana and Namibia Regulations affecting all children aged under 18 years that are travelling to, from or via South Africa have been updated (Nov19). The law states that visa exempt children travelling for tourism purposes with one or both parents and/or an adult who is not a biological parent require to present a valid passport for each child on arrival. We strongly recommend you to refer to the South African House website for full information and to travel with a copy of these requirements. Please refer to the FCO website for information on travelling with minors to Botswana: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/botswana/entry-requirements Please refer to the FCO website for information on travelling with minors to Namibia: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/namibia/entry-requirements Botswana: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. All passports must have at least 6 months validity remaining from date of entry into Botswana. Namibia: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. UK passport holders will need a minimum of 1 blank page in your passport for your permission to stay stamp acquired on arrival. Other nationalities should consult their embassy or consular office. Zimbabwe: Visas are required for UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. British citizens can obtain these on arrival (USD55), all other nationalities should consult their consulate. All passports must have at least 6 months validity remaining on entry and also have two consecutive blank pages in their passports which lie side by side when the passport is open (i.e. a left and a right hand page). Please refer to the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration website for visa on arrival fees and E-visa applications: https://www.evisa.gov.zw/home When travelling via South Africa a machine readable passport is required. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. South Africa: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, US and Canadian citizens. New Zealand passport holders do require a visa. If you are transiting you may need a transit visa, Please consult your airline to determine if you will need to pass through South African immigration to transit for your onward flight and your local consulate for full visa information. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office for visa and/or transit visa information. All visitors should ensure their passport is machine readable and has two blank pages when entering and leaving South Africa. The South African Immigration officials will not allow child/ infant pages to be used for this purpose and visitors without the stipulated blank pages will be denied entry. All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Health & Safety
Please note that all travellers aged over 9 months old that have travelled from or have transited via a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, will need to present a Yellow Fever certificate at immigration/borders in Zimbabwe for inspection. We recommend protection against hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 11
  • Dinner : 6
  • Lunch : 6
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-OZ

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