Botswana Escape Scheduled Safari

Day 1 Thamalakane River Lodge, Maun

On arrival into Maun Airport, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. The name Maun is derived from the San word “maung”, which means “the place of short reeds”. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure, either relaxing next to the pool at the lodge or if you are keen for some excitement, why not book a sunset cruise on the Thamalakane River.

Set on the banks of the beautiful Thamalakane River in northern Botswana, Maun is the third-largest town in this spectacularly scenic southern African country. Maun is the starting point for most expeditions into the Okavango Delta and as a result, has developed into a bustling metropolis that is considered Botswana’s tourism capital. Area attractions include a renowned riverboat that offers cruises up and down the Thamalakane River; the forest groves of the Maun Game Reserve; and Moremi Game Reserve, home to hippos, lions and rhinos. Maun also serves as the jumping-off point for many safaris and air charters as well as offering private 4×4 rentals. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Nhabe Museum exhibiting the local history, art and culture of the Ngamiland region.

Day 2-3:      Mogotlho, Khwai River, Khwai

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Mogotlho Safari Lodge, situated on the banks of the Khwai river. The rest of the time in the Moremi Area you will have the opportunity to enjoy a full day Mokoro trip and guided game drives.

Situated on the banks of the Khwai River near the famous Okavango swamp, the village of Khwai is set in the North-West District of Botswana. The village fringes the magnificent Moremi Game Reserve which is known for its incredible array of wildlife. It serves as a gateway to the reserve as it is set just outside the North Gate of Moremi. Khwai provides an excellent base from which to explore the spectacularly scenic surrounding area. It is to be home to some of Botswana’s most beautiful landscapes which feature vast grass plains, a patchwork of lagoons, shallow pans and lush woodland forests. Visitor can look forward to spotting a fantastic variety of wildlife, learning about the San community and enjoying a wide selection of ecotourism activities. Commonly spotted wildlife species include: lion, leopard, elephant, cheetah, hippo, wild dog and buffalo.

Day 4-5:      Camp Kuzuma, Chobe, Kazuma Forest Reserve

In the morning, you will take a flight to Kasane. Once you have arrived you will enjoy an appetizing lunch whilst sailing along the Chobe River on an afternoon boat cruise. Thereafter, you will be transferred to your lodge. The following day, we will have plenty of time to explore the wilderness on a game drive while taking full advantage of the cool weather and optimal animal activity. The rest of the day is at own leisure where you can relax along the poolside and soak up some sun.

Situated in the Chobe region of Botswana, the pristine Kazuma Forest Reserve offers visitors an authentic African wilderness experience. This impressive landscape stretches over thousands of hectares and features expansive grassland, natural pans and Mopane tree forests. It is home to abundant wildlife and provides an ideal habitat for wildebeest, buffalo, antelope, sable, giraffe, zebra, lion and leopard. Numerous herds of elephants also frequent this reserve as it is idyllically positioned in an elephant corridor. The nearby Kazuma Pans attract many birds making it a bird watching paradise boasting over 380 different species. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including: guided walks, fishing trips and sunrise or sunset game drives.

Day 6-7:      Nantwich, Hwange, Western Hwange National Park

Today, you will be transferred to your lodge in Hwange National Park. You have the opportunity to continue your search for the African wild, on a half day game drive. The rest of the day is spent at your own leisure. The following day, we start our morning off with a full day game drive where we will enjoy a wholesome lunch whilst taking in the beautiful fauna and flora of the park. Hwange National Park is one of Africa’s finest havens for wildlife and is home to massive herds of elephant, buffalo, and zebra and has a very large concentration of giraffe. It is also home to many predators and endangered species plus varied birdlife. We end the day off with a special safari painting experience where you will learn to paint whilst the sun sets over the horizon.

Located in western Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park (formerly Wankie Game Reserve) is the largest natural reserve in the country and is famous for its rich diversity of wildlife. The northern and western areas of the park are different – the northern area is encompassed by the Zambezi watershed, while the western part consists of grasslands, marshes, and scattered woodlands. The natural seeps such as Nehimba and Shakwanki, where animals dig for water, are particularly notable. The park is home to one of the biggest elephant populations in the world, as well as around 100 mammal species, and several protected animals including the endangered wild dog, critically endangered black rhino, and rare roan and sable. Around 500 bird species also inhabit the area. Visitors can look forward to bush hikes, game drives, and horse-riding safaris.

Day 8-9:    Ilala Lodge Hotel, Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

Continuing our trip, we leave Botswana and drive to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Once settled in at your lodge, the rest of the day is spent at your own leisure. The following day, your guide will take you on a tour of the mighty Victoria Falls, known by the local Kololo tribe as Mosi oa Tunya- “the smoke that thunders. In the afternoon, we will partake in a potjiekos experience before having a relaxing sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River, basking in the afterglow of the day and return to indulge in your mouth watering potjie creation (B/BD). Distance: 103km; Time: 07h00
Accommodation: Rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant.

Victoria Falls is one of the world’s most impressive waterfalls. It is set on the magnificent Zambezi River which creates the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. These spectacular falls can be easily visited and viewed from the Zimbabwean side. Considered to be the world’s widest waterfalls, Victoria Falls measures an impressive 1708 metres in width. The small town of Victoria Falls, which lies adjacent to the waterfalls, serves as a great base from which to explore the many attractions this area of Zimbabwe has to offer. The surrounding area provides a wide range of adrenalin-filled activities for adventure lovers. Visitors can look forward to an array of wonderful activities including: scenic flights, micro lighting, white water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, and once-in-a-lifetime expeditions into the incredible Chobe National Park.

Day 10:        End of Itinerary

Our safari ends after a delicious breakfast. You will then be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport in time for your departure flight. We hope to welcome you again one day on another of our African adventures.