16-Day Botswana & Zimbabwe Camping Odyssey

Welcome to one of Botswana's premier national parks for wildlife viewing. Chobe National Park is an extension of the Okavango Delta, encompassing two of the most interesting wildlife areas: Savuti and the Chobe Riverfront. While big cats are plentiful, it is the massive herds of elephants that will leave a lasting impression. Today, you will self-drive to Barangwe Pan, an oasis for wildlife, and settle into your campsite at a lodge known for its eco-friendly construction and prime location overlooking a waterhole.

Depart the lodge at 8:00 AM for a game drive through the pristine bush of northern Botswana to the Linyanti River. Enjoy a full-day safari along the riverbanks in this beautifully abundant wildlife treasure. Linyanti is Chobe's hidden Eden, a sanctuary where the untouched beauty of Southern Africa unfolds in a symphony of breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. Perched on the banks where Botswana meets Namibia, Linyanti offers an escape for nature lovers seeking an authentic bush experience away from crowded safari roads.

Depart camp in the morning for a leisurely drive through the bush to Ghogha Hills gate, then onward to the legendary Savuti Channel. Stop for a picnic lunch in this iconic location before continuing on your journey. Game drives in the Savuti area are at your leisure, allowing you to explore the channel and the hills before returning to your lodge in time to enjoy the sunset. The Savuti area is particularly known for its resident lion prides, which have developed unique hunting behaviours.

No African journey is complete without witnessing Victoria Falls. You will never forget your first encounter with these mighty cascades, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya – “The Smoke That Thunders.”

For the most immersive experience, head to the Victoria Falls National Park. We recommend allowing 1-2 hours to fully enjoy the walk along the well-marked trail with 16 viewpoints along the gorges.

Note: Entry is $30 USD per person for a single entry.

Discover the impressive expanse of the unfenced Zambezi National Park, just a short drive from Victoria Falls town. Your day in the park begins with a guided walking safari with a ranger. During your walk, your professional guides will reveal the secrets of the wilderness around you, pointing out everything from the smallest insects to the largest mammals.

In the afternoon, you will switch to a 4x4 for a guided game drive, concluding your day in the park. You may encounter lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and numerous antelope species. A delicious lunch on the banks of the Zambezi River is also included.

Note: Zambezi National Park conservation fees apply ($15 USD per person).

Today you will drive to Hwange National Park, a national park located in western Zimbabwe. Spanning 14,620 km², it is one of the most important natural sanctuaries for Southern African wildlife, with a huge population of elephants. The best time to visit is between June and October, when the days are warm and the nights are cool. During these dry winter months, animals gather near the man-made waterholes, providing fantastic viewing opportunities. Enjoy a self-drive safari at your leisure within the park, keeping an eye out for the abundant wildlife.

Note: Hwange National Park fees apply ($10 USD per vehicle + $30 USD per person).

Nata is a village in the Central District of Botswana that serves as an important refueling and stopover point for travelers heading to Kasane or Maun. Nata lies along the Nata River, which carries its seasonal flow to the Makgadikgadi Pans. When the river flows and floods the basin, the area becomes a paradise for waterbirds from all over Africa. We recommend a visit to the Nata Bird Sanctuary. This sanctuary, famous for its flamingo population and ephemeral lake, is the easiest way to access the fantastic pan landscape. Evening game drives here offer excellent chances to photograph zebras, wildebeest, and ostriches against golden grasslands.

Note: Nata Bird Sanctuary entry fee applies (100 BWP per person).

As the world's largest salt pans, the Makgadikgadi Pans stretch over 16,000 km² and offer a breathtaking sight: a vast white sea that was once a huge lake that evaporated more than 2,000 years ago. Today, they are home to one of Africa's largest zebra populations. At 1:00 PM, you will depart from the lodge to an exclusive, fully-equipped camp on the Ntwetwe salt pan. Settle in around a roaring campfire in time to admire the most spectacular African sunset, followed by a three-course meal under the starlit sky. The next morning, you will visit a meerkat colony as they emerge from their burrows.

Note: Makgadikgadi conservation fee applies (190 BWP per person).

Nxai Pan National Park is essentially a salt pan that, after a good rain, becomes a haven for wildlife. The park is wonderful for spotting game and is rarely crowded. Elephants, lions, and jackals are the main stars, but cheetahs are also frequent visitors to the plains. The further you get from the park entrance, the more you'll feel like you have the park all to yourself. This 2,578 km² area also includes the famous Baines Baobabs, a cluster of majestic baobab trees that make for a truly iconic sight. Access to the pans is only possible with a 4x4 vehicle.

Today, you will drive to Maun, the main gateway for visiting the magnificent Okavango Delta. Maun is a thriving town with good restaurants, accommodations, and shops, stretching along the beautiful Thamalakane River. Though it is the "tourism capital" of Botswana, it retains a rural atmosphere, with locals still bringing their cattle to town to sell. This is a day for rest and preparation for the next leg of your journey.

The Khwai Concession is a region in the northeast of the Okavango Delta that is home to an impressive array of wildlife and serves as an excellent year-round alternative to the Moremi Game Reserve. This community-run concession is a superb example of ecotourism, with all proceeds benefiting the local community. You'll have access to an amazing variety of safari activities.

On Day 12, you will enjoy a mokoro trip in the afternoon.

On Day 13, you can choose a full-day excursion to Moremi or a guided morning walk and afternoon safari.

Day 14 is at your leisure to enjoy the area's peaceful and stunning natural beauty.

After a relaxed final morning in the Khwai Concession, you will hit the road for Maun, where you will spend your final night in Botswana. This day allows for a last-minute exploration of the concession before your return journey, followed by an evening of relaxation in Maun.

Your incredible safari adventure comes to an end. We hope you have had a wonderful time, crossed paths with all the animals you dreamed of seeing, and are heading home with a head full of magnificent memories. We can't wait to see you again! You will enjoy a final free morning in Maun before driving to Maun Airport, where you will return your rental car and board your flight.