Classic Botswana And Victoria Falls – 3 nights Okavango Delta | 2 nights Chobe National Park | 3 nights Victoria Falls
Overview
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Trip Highlights
- Comprehensive Botswana
- Chobe National Park Magic
- Abundant Birdlife
- Vibrant Victoria Falls
- Okavango Delta Island Luxury
- Luxury Safari Accommodation
- Big Five Game Viewing
- Adventure Activities
Itinerary
On arrival in Maun, you will be met in the arrivals hall by your representative. You are assisted through to the lounge and from here taken to your area for your light aircraft into the Okavango Delta. On arrival at the airstrip, you will be met by your ranger from the lodge and transferred to your lodge, where you spend 3 nights. You have time to settle into your room, before enjoying High Tea overlooking the bush. You set off on your afternoon game drive and return to the lodge for dinner.
Flight time: Maun to the Okavango Delta – ± 20 to 30 minutes
The Okavango Delta in Botswana with its richly diverse wildlife species is one of the premium destinations in the world for a dynamic safari experience. This 22,000 square kilometre area offers a truly unique wilderness safari in Africa. The Delta forms where the Okavango River disappears beneath the sands of Botswana.
Although the periphery is semi-arid, the Okavango Delta itself is a patchwork of cool clear streams, lagoons, floodplains and forested islands. In the dry winter season vast numbers of wildlife flock to where the floodwaters infiltrate the delta, providing one of the world’s most spectacular sights.
The world-renowned Moremi Game Reserve covers part of the Delta and is known as the ‘predator capital of Africa’. It is also home to the Big Five and large herds of elephant and buffalo. Famed for its big cat and bird population, the Delta is a peaceful haven where animals have been protected for decades. Watch giraffe and other plains game march across the savannah.
You might even catch a glimpse of rare wild dogs stalking the plains. Wide grassy floodplains are host to a magnificent array of wild animals, including the specially adapted sitatunga and lechwe antelopes. Within this lacework of channels, game viewing and bird watching is frequently guided from mokoro (dugout canoes) or more commonly, environmentally-friendly fibreglass replicas. In these slender flat-bottomed craft, guests are propelled by expert polers, many of whom were born in the Okavango Delta and know the winding waterways and their inhabitants intimately.
After breakfast and your morning activity, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Kasane Airport. On arrival at the airport, you will be met by your ranger and transferred to your lodge, where you spend 2 nights.
You have time to settle into your room, before enjoying High Tea overlooking the bush. You set off on your afternoon game drive and return to the lodge for dinner.
Transfer time: Xugana Island Lodge to the airstrip: 15 to 30 minute
Flight time: Okavango Delta to Kasane: ± 1 hour
Transfer time: Kasane Airport to your lodge – ± 1 hour (game viewing en route)
Chobe National Park on Botswana’s north-west border is a pristine wilderness of open plains, baobab trees, ancient woodland, swamps and flood plains and is home to the greatest concentration of game in the entire southern African subcontinent. One of Africa’s most beautiful rivers, the Chobe River forms the Park’s northern boundary. The Chobe riverfront area is most famous for its large herds of elephants and buffalo, which come down to the river in huge herds to drink during the dry winter months. During this season, one may see hundreds of elephants at one time. Other species include waterbuck, lechwe, puku (this is the only part of Botswana where they can be seen), giraffe, kudu, roan and sable, impala, warthog, bushbuck, monkeys and baboons, along with the accompanying predators lion, leopard, hyena and jackal. Over 460 bird species have been recorded in the park, making it one of Africa’s premier venues for bird Safaris. A highlight of Chobe is taking a river cruise, which allows you to get up close with hippo, crocodile and a mind-boggling array of water birds. You also get really close to animals that come down to the river.
After breakfast and your morning activity, you check out and meet your driver in reception. From here you are transferred across the border to Zimbabwe and your hotel, where you spend 3 nights.
The afternoon is at leisure and we recommend a visit the Victoria Falls.
The Victoria Falls is considered to be the largest waterfall in the world. See the mighty Zambezi River as it thunders over the 1700-metre-wide Victoria Falls and plunges 100 metres into a narrow gorge below. The great columns of spray rising from the tumultuous falls can be seen from 80 kilometres away on a clear day. If you are lucky enough to be there at full moon, a “moonbow” can be seen in the spray instead of the usual daylight rainbow.
Transfer time: Chobe to your hotel in Victoria Falls: ± 2 hours
The Falls’ local name, Mosi-Oa-Tunya – “the Smoke that Thunders” – more accurately defines the essence of the place: the rising, shining spray that can be seen 30km away. This vapour has the effect of adding moisture in the form of humidity to the air in the “splash zone”, so that a unique, small rainforest ecosystem clings to the edge of the Falls, providing a toehold for no less than 70 shrub and 150 herbaceous species, as well as trees such as pod and Natal mahogany, ebony, Cape and strangler fig and Transvaal red milkwood. There are two National Parks in the vicinity: the Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe and the Mosi-oa-Tunya Zoological Park in Zambia, which means that herds of big game such as elephant and buffalo, as well as smaller species and even predators such as lion persist in the area.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. From here you are transferred to the Victoria Falls Airport for your flight to Johannesburg. On arrival in Johannesburg, you have a few hours at the airport, before connecting with your evening flight home.
Transfer time: Victoria Falls hotel to Victoria Falls Airport: ± 30 minutes
Flight time: Victoria Falls to Johannesburg: ± 2 hours
Botswana | Okavango Delta | Desert & Delta Xugana Island Lodge
Xugana Island Lodge is situated on a private concession and takes full advantage of this magnificent site. An expansive deck and al fresco dining area overlooks the vast, pristine body of water that makes up the permanent Okavango Delta.
The lounge, bar and dining areas are set back under the Ebony and African Mangosteen tree canopy in open-sided thatched structures, and the swimming pool, located within the mature gardens in the centre of the island, is a perfect place to relax.
The lodge accommodates only sixteen guests in large, raised, reed and thatch lagoon-facing chalets, with en-suite facilities and private viewing decks optimally placed on the shaded fringe of the island.
Xugana Lagoon is widely recognised as the most spectacular permanent water site in the entire Okavango Delta, which itself is Africa’s largest and most awe-inspiring oasis. The Okavango River rises in the highlands of Angola yet never reaches the sea; instead its immense waters empty over the sands of the Kalahari, where the great thirst of the desert is quenched in a wilderness of freshwater lagoons, channels and islands.
Botswana | Chobe National Park | Desert & Delta Chobe Game Lodge
Picturesquely situated 100 km west of the Victoria Falls, overlooking the Chobe River and the Caprivi floodplains, the iconic Chobe Game Lodge is the only permanent safari lodge within the Chobe National Park.
The lodge accommodates up to 94 guests in absolute luxury. Rooms are river-facing, and include minibars, en-suite bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities as well as private terraces. In addition, four exclusive suites have their own plunge pools and separate lounges.
Other facilities at the lodge include a large swimming pool with adjacent terrace and a grassy riverside boma area. There is also a library, gym, beauty salon and a stylish cigar bar overlooking the Chobe River.
Chobe Game Lodge offers a choice of land or water-based activities and the most complete game experience in the Chobe National Park. Early morning and late afternoon game drives are conducted by expert guides in open sided 4×4 vehicles to ensure maximum visibility of Chobe National Park’s spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife. Meanwhile, riverside game viewing is conducted by small and highly manoeuvrable boats, perfect for morning or sunset cruises. Guests can also enjoy the wide expanses of the Chobe River with sundowners and snacks courtesy of the lodge’s double-decker river cruiser, the Mosi-oa-Tunya. The professional guides and resident environmentalist also offer the chance to spot some of the Southern Hemisphere’s most beautiful constellations on the stargazing deck.
Zimbabwe | Victoria Falls | Ilala Lodge
Ilala Lodge offers distinguished yet affordable accommodation in a gracious and secluded ambiance. The decor evokes a bygone era of adventure and the quest of discovery in Africa. This small hotel is ideally situated and is the closest to the Victoria Falls as well as the town centre. The Victoria Falls National Park borders the front of property and wild animals often graze on the hotel lawns with the spray of the falls in the background.
Ilala Lodge offers 32 standard rooms and 2 deluxe suites. The rooms are all spacious with railway sleeper teak furnishings and patio doors leading onto either open lawn or a balcony where you are afforded a view of the spray of the falls from the upper level rooms. All standard rooms at Ilala Lodge have got 2 x ¾ beds, an ensuite bathroom, air-conditioning and an overhead fan. The deluxe suites have a king-size bed and have room for a child’s bed.
The in-house Palm Restaurant is recognised as one of the finest at the Falls. Relax around the swimming pool or enjoy a drink at the open-air bar.
INCLUDED IN PRICE Okavango Delta | Daily Safari Activities at Desert & Delta Xugana Island Lodge
Awake to a gentle tap on your cottage door at dawn. After tea or coffee and a few biscuits or rusks, your guide will be on hand to discuss your game activity hopes in eager anticipation of taking you on an adventure of a lifetime. Hop into an awaiting safari vehicle or motor boat and set off on an enthralling morning game drive.
The Okavango Delta is home to a large number of species adapted to the semi-aquatic lifestyle, such as the elegant red lechwe and shy sitatunga. Lion, cheetah, leopard and African wild dog may be encountered, while families of hippo hide in the deeper channels and lagoons. The area supports the continent’s largest surviving concentration of elephant and buffalo, while roan and sable antelope roam the open woodlands. Upon your return to your Lodge, a delicious breakfast is ready to be served. Enjoy a leisurely walk near the camp with an armed guide or simply savour the sights and sounds of the lodge and surrounds in the comfort of your exclusively luxurious cottage ahead of a scrumptious lunch. Indulge in a refreshing dip in the lodge pool or treat yourself to an afternoon siesta. Late afternoon tea will then be served ahead of another enthralling game drive experience where you can observe the wildlife of the area and their habits as the day begins to end. Alternatively an afternoon boat ride adventure can be enjoyed on a mokoro dug-out canoe or a motorised boat, allowing you the opportunity to explore the Delta at eye level. Upon your return a mouth-watering dinner will be served under a canopy of stars and the African velvet sky above
INCLUDED IN PRICE Chobe National Park | Daily Safari Activities at Desert & Delta Chobe Game Lodge
Chobe National Park on Botswana’s North West border is a pristine wilderness of open plains, baobab trees, ancient woodland, swamps and flood plains and is home to the greatest concentration of game in the entire southern African subcontinent. One of Africa’s most beautiful rivers, the Chobe River forms the Park’s northern boundary. The Chobe riverfront area is most famous for its large herds of elephants and buffalo, which come down to the river in huge herds to drink during the dry winter months. During this season, one may see hundreds of elephants at one time. Other species include waterbuck, lechwe, puku (this is the only part of Botswana where they can be seen), giraffe, kudu, roan and sable, impala, warthog, bushbuck, monkeys and baboons, along with the accompanying predators lion, leopard, hyena and jackal.
Over 460 bird species have been recorded in the park, making it one of Africa’s premier venues for bird Safaris. A highlight of Chobe is taking a river cruise, which allows you to get up close with hippo, crocodile and a mind-boggling array of water birds. You also get really close to animals that come down to the river.
Elephants feature largely on any activity in Chobe, as the largest population left in Africa occupies this northern corner between Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Game drives in open-sided 4 x 4 vehicles bring these grey giants into easy reach as they drink and frolic at the water’s edge in their boisterous herds. Thrilling game drives lead by our qualified professional guides bring you close to hippos, buffalos, puku and other animals that gather on the banks of the Chobe River. The puku, a small rusty-brown antelope, alongside impala, kudu and red lechwe, are only a few of the common antelope found here. Naturally, lion and leopard are also found in the area.
The best way to end a day of safari here is sipping on a cocktail while watching an African sunset over the still waters of the Chobe River from the comfort of the lodge’s specially designed riverboats. Sundowner cruises are also a great way of seeing buffalo up close as they come out of the shade to graze in the cooler evenings and elephants as they wade in the river. Chobe is renowned for its abundance of dramatic sable and roan antelopes with their impressive horns.
SUGGESTED Victoria Falls | Sunset Dinner Cruise on the Zambezi River
You meet your driver in the reception area and transferred to the jetty. Enjoy a sunset dinner cruise on the Malachite. Like the exquisite bird after which it was named, the “Malachite” is one of the Zambezi River’s crowning gems. On the upper deck, guests are offered a glass of sparkling wine to sip as they settle into the plush cushions. As the sun sets, it is swallowed by the river, leaving pools of colour melting through the sky.
Dinner, freshly prepared on board, is served on the lower deck. The rich aroma of locally sourced, fresh ingredients wafts around diners as the dishes are plated. Time seems to stand still as the boat gently glides along to the sound of water lapping up against her hull. A barman and three intuitive waiters anticipate guests’ needs, serving a selection of lively cocktails and imported premium spirits throughout their journey. Far removed from the glare of city lights and noise, the moon and stars shine brightly in the sky and an atmosphere of mystery and romance envelopes the evening’s experience.
SUGGESTED Victoria Falls | Guided Tour of the Victoria Falls
Your guide will meet you in reception and from here you depart for the Victoria Falls. The Victoria Falls is considered to be the largest waterfall in the world. See the mighty Zambezi River as it thunders over the 1700-metre-wide Victoria Falls and plunges 100 metres into a narrow gorge below. The great columns of spray rising from the tumultuous falls can be seen from 80 kilometres away on a clear day. If you are lucky enough to be there at full moon, a “moonbow” can be seen in the spray instead of the usual daylight rainbow.
SUGGESTED Victoria Falls | Adventure Activities
Victoria Falls is the unchallenged adventure capital of Africa with more than 50 activities available. Here is our selection of the best:
Tiger fishing:
Spend a half day on the Zambezi River fishing for one of the great freshwater game fish – The Tigerfish. These powerful, swift predators are truly thrilling to catch.
Canoeing:
Paddle slowly down the Zambezi River in a canoe with some of the best wildlife guides in Africa and enjoy the beauty, peace and wildlife of this unique place. Explore islands and waterways and learn about the birds and animals you come across along the route.
Flight of Angels Helicopter Flip over the Falls:
At ground level you can feel the enormous power of the Victoria Falls as tremendous volumes of water pound into the chasm below. But it is only when you take to the air that you can take in the whole panorama and enormity of this mighty spectacle.
Bungi Jumping:
Bungi jump off the 111 metre high railway bridge into the Zambezi gorge, stopping just metres from the rushing water of the Zambezi River. This is a wild jump! There are two bungi options: A single jump on your own or a tandem jump with a partner.
White Water Rafting:
White Water Rafting on the Zambezi River is acclaimed as the best one day white water rafting trip available in the world. There are different options for rafting depending on the time of year and the level of water in the river.
Jet Boat Extreme:
Speedboats powered by huge jet engines shoot down the rapids below the Victoria Falls at 100 km an hour. Enjoy a thrilling half hour spent “flying” over the water.
