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Days
10
Price from
3685EUR
Map of Experience Botswana including Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe

Incredible nature, landscape and culture awaits in brilliant Botswana.

Experience the wildlife, wilderness and welcoming people of Botswana on a ten-day small-group adventure through its heart. The year-long water supply of the Okavango Delta and Chobe River makes Botswana a hotbed of wildlife. Add in natural wonders like the Makgadikgadi Pans and Victoria Falls, and you have one of sub-Saharan Africa’s most impressive lands. Round out your adventure with a festive evening with the San people and some time spent in cosmopolitan Windhoek, which will make this African adventure unforgettable for years to come.

Start
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Finish
Windhoek, Namibia
Destinations
Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe
Style
Peregrine
Theme
Overland, Wildlife
Code
PFEB
Physical rating
Trip rating
56 reviews
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • The thundering Victoria Falls is one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders; a phenomenon of sight and sound. After viewing these falls, return to the comforts of your feature stay: the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.

  • Visit the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust to learn about the rehabilitation of wildlife from conflict and poaching and have the possibility of meeting some rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care.

  • Head out on a morning game drive in the Chobe National Park, and take an afternoon excursion to the Makgadikgadi Pans all in search of gnus, zebras, meerkats and meandering elephants.

  • Riding a traditional mokoro along the Okavango Delta and watching the sunset from the deck of your houseboat are two of the many ways you'll experience the ambience of the beautiful African waterscape.

  • Learn more about the Kalahari from the knowledgeable San people as they sing and dance with you by the campfire.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Purpose-built overland vehicles are used for the duration of the trip. It is important to note that while these vehicles are not air-conditioned, all windows do open to allow for fresh air. Be prepared for some dust, heat and wind.

  • This itinerary features some long travel days, which can be exacerbated by bumpy African roads. It is recommended that you pay close attention to the given approximations of driving hours.

  • Overlanding is the perfect journey for those travellers with an open mind and the spirit for adventure. However it may be quite different to any style of travel you have experienced before. Ask your agent for a copy of our Peregrine overlanding flyer for more information or head to https://www.peregrineadventures.com/en-au/africa-overland.

  • This itinerary includes two nights on a houseboat in the Okavango Delta. Cabins are very small and basic with shared bathroom facilities. It's unlikely, however, that you'll spend much time in your room. Please note that a single supplement is not available on these nights.

  • There will be many early starts either to make use of the better safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days.

  • Botswana temperatures rise in the hot dry period of September and October before the rains hit and temperatures can get as high as 34-38°C. Not all accommodation will have air-conditioning. This is quite common across Africa, particularly in remote locations where lodges or camps operate on solar power or generators.

  • As the early bird catches the worm, the early camper sights the animals. There will be many early starts either to make use of the better safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days.

experience-botswana.jpg
Chobe.jpg
Botswana
Peregrine tour group in front of touring truck
The Okavango Delta in Botswana, Africa
Spectacular Victoria Falls on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe in Africa
Have a swim in the pool at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge in South Africa
Watch elephants at dusk from your balcony at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge in South Africa

Itinerary
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This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 Jan 2020 to 31 Dec 2020.
 View the 2019 itinerary

Welcome to Victoria Falls! Your adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you do happen to arrive early, there are some excellent optional activities to embark on, including morning and afternoon game drives, or walks in the Zambezi National Park. You might also choose an unforgettable helicopter flight over the Falls and the Zambezi Gorges.
Accommodation
  • Feature Stay at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer (shared)
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
An airport arrival transfer with your trip is included. This transfer is valid if arriving today or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Peregrine. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel.

You may notice businesses offering an optional 'Walk with the Lions' experience. We ask all our travellers to avoid this activity as it is contrary to our Responsible Travel policy. While wildlife viewing is a big part of many of our itineraries, we strive to only view animals in their natural habitats and to do so with the greatest level of respect. The lion walking industry directly contributes to the captive breeding and canned hunting of lions.

This morning you will visit the magnificent Victoria Falls, named by Dr David Livingstone in honour of his English queen. One of the world's true natural wonders, Victoria Falls form the largest sheet of falling water in the world when in full flow. Once inside the park, your guide will take you through the falls area, stopping at different vantage points along the way to explain the history of the falls and their surrounds. After your tour, return to your lodge, where you can take a dip or relax on the deck overlooking a waterhole – look out for elephants passing by! Later in the afternoon, it's back to the Zambezi River for a 2-hour river cruise. The specially designed jet-propelled boats allow you to reach the shallow water among the islands directly above the Victoria Falls. Enjoy included drinks and snacks while meandering between the islands and getting a glimpse of the mist after it has rumbled over the edge of the falls. Keep an eye out for crocodiles bathing in sunshine on the banks, or even elephants submerging themselves in the river.
Accommodation
  • Feature Stay at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Victoria Falls - Entrance & Visit
  • Victoria Falls - Premium Zambezi River Cruise
Optional Activities
  • Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (12 mins) - USD175
  • Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (25 mins) - USD334
  • Victoria Falls - Village & township tour - USD50
  • Victoria Falls - Whitewater rafting (half day) - USD140
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Your leader will take you to a local activity centre where a range of activities will be on offer. We have not risk assessed all activities and only those listed in our trip notes are recommended. It is against Intrepid policy for leaders to facilitate the booking of any activities that have not been risk assessed or do not adhere to our company’s Responsible Travel policy and ethos. This includes organising transport to and from these activities in our vehicles.

This morning, visit Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust – one of The Intrepid Foundation’s projects. Here you can learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, human-wildlife conflict and the trusts role in anti-poaching. There may also be a chance to meet any rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care. Afterwards, follow the Zambezi River to Botswana and make your way to Chobe National Park (100km; approximately 3 hours, not including border formalities). You will arrive at your lodge at around midday. There you can relax by the pool or take an optional afternoon game drive in Chobe National Park. This can be arranged locally with your leader. You will spend the next two nights in a lodge located just outside Chobe National Park.
Accommodation
  • Chobe Safari Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust Visit
Optional Activities
  • Chobe National Park - 4x4 Game Drive - BWP295
  • Chobe National Park - River Safari Cruise - AUD270
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
If you choose to do the optional game drive or river cruise this afternoon you will be charged an additional fee of 70 Pula to enter the national park.

Today, embark on a game drive in Chobe National Park. You might see elephants drinking at the water's edge, large herds of cape buffaloes and many impalas within the park. Then head back to the lodge for breakfast. In the afternoon, take a cruise along the picturesque Chobe River – an ideal location for spotting bird life such as saddle-billed storks, malachite kingfishers, fish eagles and beautiful bee-eaters as well as hippos, crocodiles and large families of elephants. You will be joined by other travellers on the boat cruise and is equipped with bathroom facilities and small bar to purchase drinks. Enjoy a drink as the sun goes down on the river – a truly special moment.
Accommodation
  • Chobe Safari Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Chobe National Park - 4x4 Game Drive
  • Chobe National Park - River Safari Cruise
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Please note that Chobe National Park is often very cold in the morning. Extra layers of clothing are essential for the early morning game drive as you will be travelling in an open vehicle.

Heading south, you will continue your journey to the Makgadikgadi Pans for an afternoon excursion (410km; approximately 6 hours). Witness the immensity of this sprawling salt flat, one of the largest in the world. Later you will head to Gweta Lodge, located near the edge of the pans. In the afternoon, leave the lodge in an open game vehicle to and travel out to the Nxaisini pan. Here you’ll sit out in the wild enjoy sundowners and snacks while observing the amazing scenery. With the aid of trackers, you’ll spend some time in the company of the local meerkat colony. Be sure to look out for elephants that meander their way down to the watering hole to quench their thirst. Soak in this incredible place while the sun sets behind the old beautiful baobab. Back at the lodge, relax in the lounge area while you take in your surroundings and reflect on the day's adventure.
Accommodation
  • Gweta Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Makgadikgadi Pans - Meerkat Pan Experience
  • Makgadikgadi Pans - Sunset & Sundowner
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Accommodation for this evening is in simple but comfortable rondavels equipped with ceiling fans, tea and coffee facilities, mosquito nets. These rooms have an outdoor enclosed shower and toilet.

After breakfast this morning, it's time to head to Maun, the gateway of the Okavango Delta (approximately 4 hours). For those interested, there is the opportunity to fly over the delta in a small plane for a bird's-eye view. This is a great way to appreciate the vast scale of this waterscape. Your leader can give you more information on this activity and how to reserve a place. Otherwise, the afternoon yours to spend as you please.
Accommodation
  • Thamalakane River Lodge or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Okavango Delta - Plane Scenic Flight - From USD75 - USD390
  • Okavango Delta - Helicopter Scenic Flight - From USD150 - USD450
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
The scenic flight prices are dependent on the number of passengers in the plane or helicopter. See your group leader for more details.

Venture to the Okavango Delta (350kms; approximately 6 hours) and board your speedboat. This will take you to your home for the next two nights – a houseboat in the Okavango Delta Panhandle. You will need to pack a small bag or backpack for this trip, as there won't be room for everyone's full luggage. The houseboat has twin-share cabins with bedding, towels and mosquito nets provided. There is also a dining area on the deck, tea and coffee-making facilities and a small collection of books and board games. As evening falls, head to the deck, where your captain will serve dinner. Grab a sundowner, pull up a chair and witness the breathtaking sunset. This is a unique and memorable way to experience the Delta – not really for what you do, but more for the absence of anything to do. The sounds of hippos breaching and grunting, cicadas trilling, and a million mosquitoes seduce you blissfully into the night.
Accommodation
  • Okavango Houseboat (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Okavango Delta - Houseboat River Cruise
  • Okavango Delta - Speedboat Cruise
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Please note that a single supplement is not available on these nights. Cabins are very small and basic, but it is of course unlikely that you will be spending much time in them.

This morning after breakfast, take a speedboat and 4WD to a nearby poling station. From here you will experience the myriad waterways in a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) with a local guide. Your guide will also take you on a short nature walk around one of the many islands in the Delta. After a picnic lunch, return to the houseboat for some relaxation time. You might like to read a book or do some fishing. In the evening, enjoy a drink, pull up a chair and watch the day turn to night before your captain serves up dinner once again on the deck.
Accommodation
  • Okavango Houseboat (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Okavango Delta - Mokoro tours & game walks
  • Okavango Delta - Speedboat Cruise
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Travel on to Ghanzi, the 'Capital of the Kalahari' (400km; approximately 7 hours). Your accommodation tonight is at a community project in Ghanzi and is a much more basic than what you will encounter throughout your journey. However, the concept and experience of the lodge is well worth it. The lodges support the local San and San D'Kar community through employment. The San people are renowned as the most skilful trackers on Earth and have an extraordinary knowledge of the Kalahari for both plants and animal tracking. If time permits you may choose to do the optional walk. Here you will be shown the wide variety of both edible and medicinal plants, while also tracking a variety of animals and learning about their habitats. Of course, you will also spend quality time with your guides to understand their very different world view. Later, a traditional meal will be served in the communal lounge and dining area. You will then experience the ancient dance rituals of the San around the campfire. This is a real cultural experience and a great way to get to know the locals. On special occasions this could be a healing or trance dance, which can continue all night, and is an intense spiritual experience for both participants and visitors alike.
Accommodation
  • Dqae Qare San Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Central Kalahari - San Cultural Experience
  • Okavango Delta - Speedboat Cruise
Optional Activities
  • Central Kalahari - Bush Walk - BWP80
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
In the shorter days of winter, there may not be enough time to do the optional walk. In this case, your group leader will advise other arrangements.

Cross the border into Namibia today and head to Windhoek (560km; approximately 9 hours, including border formalities). While you're here, perhaps take a look at the excellent German architecture of Tintenpalast (Ink Palace), the Christuskirche (church), the gymnasium and the Genossenschaftshaus (co-operative). Your Peregrine small-group tour finishes on arrival in Windhoek, however this doesn’t mean that your adventure has to come to an end! If you would like to spend more time in Windhoek, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
This is the longest travel day on this itinerary so be prepared for a day of inactivity on the truck. One arrived, it is advised not to book any flights out of Windhoek tonight. The airport is a one-hour drive from town, and although you should comfortably make it to the hotel in Windhoek by 5 pm, it can be difficult to get to the airport in time for outbound flights.

Meals

9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners

Transport

Custom-built overland vehicle, Houseboat, Mokoro, Open 4WD vehicles, Private vehicle

Accommodation

Houseboat (2 nights), Lodge (5 nights), Feature Stay Lodge (2 nights)

Included Activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer (shared)
  • Victoria Falls - Entrance & Visit
  • Victoria Falls - Premium Zambezi River Cruise
  • Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust Visit
  • Chobe National Park - 4x4 Game Drive
  • Chobe National Park - River Safari Cruise
  • Makgadikgadi Pans - Meerkat Pan Experience
  • Makgadikgadi Pans - Sunset & Sundowner
  • Okavango Delta - Houseboat River Cruise
  • Okavango Delta - Speedboat Cruise
  • Okavango Delta - Mokoro tours & game walks
  • Central Kalahari - San Cultural Experience

Dates & availability

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Important notes

1. An optional single supplement is available on this trip. Please speak to your booking agent for more information. Please Note: the single supplement does not apply to the nights spent on the Houseboat (2 nights) or the lodge in Ghanzi.
2. Okavango Houseboat: It is important to know that the cabin sizes in the houseboat are smaller than a standard room. It would be best to pack a day pack for these 2 nights and leave any excess luggage with the truck. This will make it easier for you to get on and off the houseboat and to store a day pack as opposed to your backpack.There are no ensuite rooms on the houseboat, so the bathroom facilities will be shared.
3. Ghanzi lodge: The lodges used here support the local San D'Kar community and is owned and run by the San people. This is a unique, cultural Kalahari experience and the standard of accommodation may be below what you would expect on a Peregrine trip - but the experience is well worth it.

Essential trip information

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