Okavango Experience

Botswana
Loading...
See southern Africa's iconic waterfalls, rivers and inland canals on this ten-day trip – an overland journey highlighting the magic of Mother Nature. Canoe down the lush waterways of the Okavango Delta, watch hippos wallowing along the shores of the Chobe River, be mesmerised by the mirage of Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and marvel at the crashing white water of Victoria Falls. Pack a camera and an eye for adventure because these lush pockets of wilderness will reward you with incredible animal encounters, awesome photography opportunities and memories to last a lifetime.

Departure dates

From 26/04/2024 to 03/01/2027

What's included

Support local conservation efforts by visiting the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, the only place left in Botswana where both black and white rhinos reside.
Go wildlife-spotting with your small group and expert guides along the river at Chobe National Park, home to the world's highest concentration of African elephants.
Camping on a remote island in the heart of the Okavango wilderness is an experience you’ll never forget.
As the sun sets and night falls, the sounds of Africa come alive.
Your first glimpse of the thundering Victoria Falls is undeniably captivating.
With additional time for optional adventures, you’ll get to view the waterfalls from all angles!.
By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust.
Donations help employ a team of Community Guardians who collaborate with locals to find sustainable solutions to human-wildlife conflict and conservation in Southern Africa.
Breakfasts Included: 9.
Lunches Included: 6.
Dinners Included: 7.
Camping (with facilities) (6 nights),Bush camp (no facilities) (2 nights),Hotel (1 night).
Overland vehicle,Open safari vehicle.
Age: min 15.
Group Size: 1 - 22.
Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Sunset Game Drive Open Vehicle.
Okavango Delta - Mokoro safari.
Okavango Delta - Sunrise Walk.
Okavango Delta - Brewery Tour.
Nata - Makgadikgadi Salt Pans 4x4 Excursion.
Chobe National Park - River Cruise.
.

Itinerary / more information

  • 1 - Johannesburg Sawubona - welcome to South Africa! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, we recommend visiting the eye-opening Apartheid Museum to start your journey with some crucial history before meeting up with your group. After your important meeting this evening, why not head out for an optional group dinner and get to know your newfound travel companions? Your leader can point you in the right direction with bar and restaurant recommendations.
  • 2 - Khama Rhino Sanctuary Leaving South Africa behind, cross the border into Botswana and travel towards the Khama Rhino Sanctuary (approximately 8-10 hours). Situated on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, the Khama Rhino Sanctuary has drastically changed from a former hunting area to a conservation project. Built to protect Botswana's only remaining populations of both black and white rhinos, the sanctuary is also home to other wildlife including zebras, giraffes, leopards, ostriches and wildebeest, all of which can be seen grazing the many waterholes. Visiting this project benefits local communities and directly contributes to protecting the endangered white rhinoceros. Later on, head out on a dusk game drive to see the rhinos when they are most active.
  • 3 - Maun Jump aboard your vehicle and head to Maun (approximately 8-9 hours). Here there will be an opportunity to stock up on any supplies you might need for your adventure ahead. Maun is the gateway to one of the world's most complex ecosystems, the Okavango Delta. This place is unlike anything in the world - a 16,000 square kilometre maze of lush wetlands and waterways teeming with wildlife. You might see hippos, crocodiles, elephants and big cats, but it's the animals aren't the only drawcard here - the waterscapes and shimmering horizons will have you gazing for days.
  • 4 - Okavango Delta Get right in the action today, jumping aboard a traditional mokoro - a dugout canoe steered by friendly local 'polers' - for an Okavango waterways experience. With some luck, you could spot some of the delta's unusual wildlife and exotic birdlife. Spend some time today exploring the maze of lagoons, lakes and streams on foot too, led by experienced local guides. Tonight, you'll camp on a remote island right in the heart of the wilderness, falling asleep to the humming and buzzing of the African heartlands.
  • 5 - Okavango Delta Wake up early and head out on a sunrise walk. Along the way, keep watch for elephants, and if the timing is right, you might also come across some Cape buffalo! These noble-looking beasts are more dangerous than they look, and their horns double as a kind of bone shield that's fittingly known as a 'boss'. Returning to camp for breakfast, you've got the rest of the day to relax. A refreshing swim, or perhaps a nap, could be on the cards - both good ideas in the warmer part of the day. Alternatively, take another mokoro trip to soak up that serene river atmosphere.
  • 6 - Maun After taking down your camp, return to the 'poler' station by mokoro, before continuing on to Maun by vehicle (approximately 2-3 hours). Today we will visit a local brewery that produces beer containing millet grown by small-scale farmers, rewarding them for their efforts to coexist with elephants and promoting an inclusive economy. This initiative enhances the benefits of sustainable farming practices and ties them to the region's wildlife economy. After touring the brewery, we'll stick around for dinner and an included beer tasting. Tonight, settle in at camp on the outskirts of town.
  • 7 - Nata Get up early and hit the road for Nata (approximately 6-7 hours). This small town is situated near the stunning Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, which are some of the largest on earth, covering around 12,000 square kilometres. This afternoon, take an excursion in an open vehicle to explore these seemingly endless plains in the Nata Bird Sanctuary. Surrounded by the Kalahari Desert, the pans are naturally dry and salty for a large part of the year. During this time, the arid landscape has an eerie feel to it as heat mirages disorientate the senses. Then, after the rains hit, it becomes a grassy refuge for migratory birds and animals.
  • 8 - Chobe National Park Hit the road to Chobe National Park (approximately 6-7 hours). Botswana's first national park is perhaps best known for its high concentration of elephants, which can often be seen swimming in the Chobe River. The river also attracts wallowing hippos, a variety of birdlife, crocodiles sunning themselves by the water's edge, and cheetahs and lions coming down to drink. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Chobe - an ideal way to spend the afternoon and toast to another day in Africa.
  • 9 - Victoria Falls Why not wake up early and see Chobe National Park from a different perspective, booking yourself in on an optional morning game drive. Afterwards, travel on to Victoria Falls (approximately 2-3 hours), crossing the border into Zimbabwe just in time to have lunch on the banks of the Zambezi River. Then it's free time to experience the sights and sounds of the mighty falls. This thundering curtain of water is about 1.7 kilometres wide, falling 108 metres into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise an incredible 400 metres as the falls become a raging torrent. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by spray and you can see the little islets in the river below.
  • 10 - Victoria Falls Your Okavango Experience ends after breakfast and there are no further activities planned. If you're staying longer in Victoria Falls and are feeling adventurous, you might like to try whitewater rafting and canoeing. For an incredible scenic helicopter flight, choose Zambezi Helicopter Company (CAA Zimbabwe), the only Intrepid-endorsed operator. Your leader can help you arrange this.
  • The following product terms and conditions apply in addition to our Booking Terms and Conditions (available on our website) and terms and conditions of the relevant travel service provider.
  • Prices quoted valid for sale until 21 April 2024 for travel during the period specified (if applicable) unless otherwise stated or sold out prior.
  • All prices are per person (unless otherwise stated), subject to availability and may be withdrawn or varied without notice. Accommodation (if included) is based on twin share unless otherwise stated.
  • Advertised price includes bonus nights and/or stated saving (if applicable).
  • Additional supplier conditions and travel restrictions may apply. Please enquire for further details.
  • Airfare (including internal flights) is not included unless otherwise stated and, if included, is economy class unless otherwise stated.
  • Components of the total price including local payments, "resort fees", "national park fees", "trip kitties" and food funds (if applicable) may be payable direct to the supplier on arrival or to your travel consultant prior to your departure. Where applicable, these payments are included in the total price quoted.
  • Gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated.
  • Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes, levies and government charges current at the time of publication.
  • Additional levies, government charges & other applicable fees, including additional taxes, surcharges and visa fees specific to your departure date or flight routing, may apply and are beyond our control.
  • Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply depending on date of travel.
  • Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store or by BPAY.
  • Payments made in store by credit card will incur a surcharge (see Booking Terms and Conditions for further details).
  • These prices are a guide to the best price and are subject to change without notice, due to matters outside our control, such as adverse currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes and airfare increases. Please enquire for further details..

Tell us about your travel plans

Loading...