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Botswana Highlights

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Botswana Highlights

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Description

On this nine-day wildlife-filled adventure, you’ll get to see Botswana’s inland delta, herds of elephants and the world’s largest salt pans! Starting and ending in Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls and dipping into Namibia’s Caprivi region, this trip celebrates both the natural and cultural highlights of Botswana. You’ll stay in a lodge overlooking a watering hole frequented by elephants, watch hippos wallowing along the shores of the Chobe River and paddle through the Okavango Delta in a traditional dug-out canoe. If it’s a diversity of landscapes, wildlife and cultures you’re after, then this is the ultimate trip for you!

Trip Name
Botswana Highlights
Last Updated
2024-09-03
Days
9
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Glide through the wildlife-filled waterways of the Okavango by mokoro – this traditional dug-out canoe is the best way to experience the delta up close.
  • Seek out pods of hippos wallowing in the waters and surround yourself with abundant birdlife on a river cruise through Chobe National Park.
  • Enjoy some truly unique accommodation in Elephant Sands. Greet herds of elephants as they come to drink and bathe from a natural watering hole right outside the lodge, only metres from your porch!
  • Visit Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust – supported by The Intrepid Foundation – and learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife and the Trust’s role in anti-poaching.
  • Arrive early or extend your stay in Victoria Falls to fully experience all this amazing place has to offer. Take an active adventure, see the thundering falls – the largest in the world – and maybe take a sunset helicopter flight to get the best views.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. ROAD CONDITIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN AFRICA: Roads in Africa are often in very poor condition, which makes it hard on our vehicles. Our vehicles are serviced regularly and are generally in good condition, but breakdowns can and do happen. Sometimes the going on this trip is quite tough, the distances covered fairly large and some of the roads and tracks are not exactly smooth or free from dust, but the rewards are exceptional. The travelling times indicated in our Essential Trip Information is just a rough guide and is dependent on various factors that may be outside our control, such as road conditions, weather and time spent at borders. DRIVE TIMES: The travel times listed in the day to day itinerary are a guide only. Please be aware that delays may occur and please be patient - it's all part of the experience afterall! Additionally, the travel times do not include time spent on game drives as these can vary with each departure. NAMIBIA AND BOTSWANA IN PEAK SEASON Namibia and Botswana are becoming increasingly popular tourist destinations. Despite the influx of travellers, bed numbers are not being increased to match the demand. This intentional move is aimed at minimising the environmental impact of tourism and keeping the destinations exclusive. It is therefore becoming more and more difficult for us to confirm our allocation with our usual suppliers, particularly in peak season. We may use alternative accommodation which could affect driving times and distances listed in the Essential Trip Information. However we will always use properties of the same standard and ensure that no included activities will be affected.

Day 1 - Victoria Falls
Mhoro! Welcome to Zimbabwe. Your adventure begins in Victoria Falls with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, and it’s recommended that you do, check out some of the optional activities around Victoria Falls. The Zimbabwe side of the falls offers the broadest view of this colossal natural wonder. Scenic helicopter flights are incredible – if you opt for one, choose Zambezi Helicopter Company (CAA Zimbabwe), the only operator Intrepid endorses. After the welcome meeting, why not get to know your fellow travellers over a group dinner.
Day 2 - Elephant Sands
This morning, you’ll leave Victoria Falls behind and head to Elephant Sands via the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust – one of the projects The Intrepid Foundation supports. Here you can learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, human-wildlife conflict and the Trust’s role in anti-poaching. There may also be a chance to meet any rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care. Then, travel across the Kazungula border into Botswana and make your way to your accommodation in Elephant Sands. Located in a private concession bordering on the Chobe Forest Reserve, the watering hole at Elephant Sands lodge attracts herds of elephants and other wildlife in season. You'll take a guided bush walk through the unfenced 16,000 ha private conservancy, which is home to a variety of wildlife. You may even spot some of Africa's lesser-known 'Little Five' species! Tonight, maybe soak up the sounds of the wilderness with a glass of wine as your overlook the waterhole, keeping an eye out for the roaming animals.
Day 3 - Maun
After breakfast, drive to Maun – a bustling town on the edge of the Okavango Delta. Arriving here in the afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to take in this UNESCO World Heritage site from above on a scenic flight in a helicopter flight (an optional activity that your trip leader can help you arrange). Tonight's accommodation is in a comfortable hotel situated on the town's outskirts.
Day 4 - Okavango Delta Pan Handle
Leaving Maun after breakfast, make your way further to the northwestern part of the Okavango Delta, admiring the scenery along the way. Meet your 4WD transfer for the last 12 km and watch the scenery pass you by. When you arrive, settle into the lodge where you’ll be spending the next two nights, located on the edge of the Guma Lagoon.
Day 5 - Okavango Delta Pan Handle
Today, you’ll hop into mokoros (traditional dugout canoes) for a water-level exploration of the delta. Paddling through papyrus and reed beds to lily-covered lagoons and islands, be sure to keep on the lookout for elephants, antelope, warthogs and other creatures of the plains. Tuck into a picnic lunch on one of the islands and embark on a short bushwalk, returning to the lodge in the late afternoon in time to watch the sunset over the lagoon.
Day 6 - Caprivi
After breakfast, take the 4WD transfer back to the vehicle and make your way to the Namibian border. The drive to tonight's camp on the Caprivi banks of the Okavango River, involves passing through the Mahango Game Reserve – keep your eyes peeled for the surrounding wildlife on the drive, like elephants and buffalo.
Day 7 - Chobe National Park
Continue the journey along the Caprivi Strip, located in the newly formed Kavango-Zambezi Trans frontier park. After crossing the border back into Botswana you’ll arrive at Kasane – a town surrounded by the Chobe National Park. Taking its name from the river which marks the border between Namibia and Botswana, Chobe boasts the largest population of elephants in Africa, plus an abundance of birdlife, pods of wallowing hippos and more. Check out Kasane town, or maybe take a dip in the lodge pool, sit by the open outdoor fire or simply watch the setting sun change the colours of the sky above the Chobe River.
Day 8 - Chobe National Park
Take the opportunity to wake up early and enjoy an optional dawn game drive in Chobe National Park, where you may see elephants drinking at the waters' edge, large herds of cape buffaloes and many impala within the park. Return to the lodge for a late breakfast and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Later in the afternoon you’ll head out on a sunset cruise on the Chobe River. At the right time of year, the river is frequented by large families of elephants crossing the banks, drinking and playing in the water. It's also ideal for spotting bird life such as saddle-billed storks, malachite kingfishers, fish eagles and beautiful bee-eaters, as well as hippos and crocodiles. Why not grab a sundowner from the small bar onboard, then sit back and watch the sunset over the river – a perfect way to end the day.
Day 9 - Victoria Falls
This morning you have the option to get up before dawn and head out on an optional morning game drive. This time of day is when predators such as leopards and lions are spotted returning from their night's hunting. Return to the lodge for breakfast, then drive across the Zimbabwean border. After completing the border formalities, drive the remaining distance to Victoria Falls. Your adventure ends when you arrive, at approximately 2 pm, and no accommodation is included tonight. If you’d like to extend your stay in Victoria Falls, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time. Those staying longer can visit the falls and choose from various activities and excursions, including white water rafting and canoeing.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
22-01-202530-01-2025AUD $ 3,226-
16-04-202524-04-2025AUD $ 4,050-
07-05-202515-05-2025AUD $ 3,895-
21-05-202529-05-2025AUD $ 4,080-
04-06-202512-06-2025AUD $ 4,050-
11-06-202519-06-2025AUD $ 4,745-
18-06-202526-06-2025AUD $ 4,095-
25-06-202503-07-2025AUD $ 4,050-
02-07-202510-07-2025AUD $ 4,745-
16-07-202524-07-2025AUD $ 4,410-
30-07-202507-08-2025AUD $ 4,230-
06-08-202514-08-2025AUD $ 4,350-
13-08-202521-08-2025AUD $ 4,295-
27-08-202504-09-2025AUD $ 4,350-
03-09-202511-09-2025AUD $ 4,295-
10-09-202518-09-2025AUD $ 4,080-
24-09-202502-10-2025AUD $ 4,170-
01-10-202509-10-2025AUD $ 3,895-
15-10-202523-10-2025AUD $ 3,795-
12-11-202520-11-2025AUD $ 3,795-
17-12-202525-12-2025AUD $ 3,795-
21-01-202629-01-2026AUD $ 3,985-
11-02-202619-02-2026AUD $ 3,985-
08-04-202616-04-2026AUD $ 3,985-
15-04-202623-04-2026AUD $ 3,985-
06-05-202614-05-2026AUD $ 3,985-
20-05-202628-05-2026AUD $ 3,985-
03-06-202611-06-2026AUD $ 4,140-
17-06-202625-06-2026AUD $ 4,140-
24-06-202602-07-2026AUD $ 3,985-
01-07-202609-07-2026AUD $ 4,140-
15-07-202623-07-2026AUD $ 4,305-
22-07-202630-07-2026AUD $ 3,985-
29-07-202606-08-2026AUD $ 4,305-
05-08-202613-08-2026AUD $ 3,985-
12-08-202620-08-2026AUD $ 4,305-
19-08-202627-08-2026AUD $ 3,985-
26-08-202603-09-2026AUD $ 4,305-
02-09-202610-09-2026AUD $ 3,985-
09-09-202617-09-2026AUD $ 4,305-
23-09-202601-10-2026AUD $ 4,140-
30-09-202608-10-2026AUD $ 4,140-
07-10-202615-10-2026AUD $ 3,985-
14-10-202622-10-2026AUD $ 4,140-
28-10-202605-11-2026AUD $ 3,985-
11-11-202619-11-2026AUD $ 3,985-
02-12-202610-12-2026AUD $ 3,985-
16-12-202624-12-2026AUD $ 3,985-

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nights),Lodge (4 nights),Basic Lodge (2 night)

Transport

Private Vehicle,Boat,Mokoro

Map