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Days
10
Price from
$4,905USD
Map of Experience Botswana including Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe

Incredible nature, landscape and culture awaits in brilliant Botswana

The yearlong 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 the adventure with a festive evening with the San Bushmen and time spent in cosmopolitan Windhoek.

Start
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Finish
Windhoek, Namibia
Destinations
Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe
Style
Peregrine
Theme
Overland, Wildlife
Code
PFEB
Physical rating
Traveller’s rating
116 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. Then return to the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, our feature stay on this trip, for views over their watering hole.

  • A morning Game drive in the Chobe National Park get you up close and personal with gnus, zebras and other wondrous wildlife.

  • Head out on an afternoon excursion to the Makgadikgadi Pans, looking out for meerkats and meandering elephants, and enjoy a sundowner in the shadow of an old baobab tree.

  • Enjoy dinner as you watch the sunset from the deck of your houseboat on the Okavango Delta.

  • Riding a traditional dugout canoe along the Okavango Delta is but one of many ways you'll experience the ambience of this beautiful 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?

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • The early morning game drive in Chobe National Park is in an open 4WD vehicle, and it can be quite cold in the morning. It's important to bring some warm clothes with you.

  • 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.

  • You don't have to be an athlete to take a Peregrine overland safari, but a general level of physical movement is required. For example, simply entering and exiting the vehicles several times a day will require a certain level of physical fitness and capability.

  • 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 http://www.peregrineadventures.com/en-au/africa-overland.

  • 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 ( especially the Houseboat and San Bushmen Lodge ). 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 January 2019 to 31 December 2019. View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2018 - 31 December 2018

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. Excellent optional activities include a boat cruise along the Zambezi, morning and afternoon game drives, or walks in the Zambezi National Park. You might also choose an awe-inspiring helicopter flight over the Falls and the Zambezi Gorges. Tonight you will dine at the incredible Boma Restaurant, whose menu has been known to include warthog, buffalo, crocodile, impala and more. Throughout the meal you'll be entertained with local song and dance. Everyone is given an African drum and encouraged to join the party. If you don’t wish to join in with the drumming you may wish to choose an earlier session for dinner.
Accommodation
  • Feature Stay at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Victoria Falls - The Boma Dinner & Experience
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer (shared)
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
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, you will return to your lodge, where the rest of the day will be at leisure.
Accommodation
  • Feature Stay at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Victoria Falls - Entrance & Visit
Optional Activities
  • Victoria Falls - Gorge swing - USD110
  • Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (12 mins) - USD175
  • Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (25 mins) - USD334
  • Victoria Falls - Sunset cruise on the Zambezi river - USD50
  • 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 company 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.

Follow the Zambezi River to Botswana and make your way to Chobe National Park (100km approximately 2–3 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)
Optional Activities
  • Chobe National Park - 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 there will be an additional 70 Pula fee to enter the National Park.

This morning you will enjoy a game drive in Chobe National Park. You might see elephants drinking at the water's edge, large herds of cape buffaloes and many impala within the park. Then head back to the lodge for breakfast.
In the afternoon, embark on 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 which has a toilet and small bar to purchase drinks. Enjoy a G&T as the sun goes down on the river.
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
Extra layers of clothing are essential here for the early morning Game drive in an open vehicle.

Heading south, you will continue your journey (410km approximately 6 hours) to the Makgadikgadi Pans for an afternoon excursion. 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, and 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 & 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/helicopter.

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 middle of the delta. 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 (however, no single supplement is available on these nights). 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 often breath-taking 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
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 you will take a speedboat and 4WD to a nearby poling station. From here you will experience the myriad waterways in a traditional dugout canoe (mokoro) 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 witness the often breathtaking sunset 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 we use here support the local San Bushmen and supports the San D'Kar community through employment. The San People are renowned as the most skillful 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 habits. Of course, you will also spend quality time with your guides to understand their very different world view. Later a traditional San/Southern African meal will be served in the communal lounge and dining area. You will then experience the ancient dance rituals of the San/Bushman around the campfire. This is a real cultural experience and a great way to get to know the local Bushmen. 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 unfortunately there may not be enough time to do the optional walk.

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).
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.

It's best 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 5pm, it can be difficult to get to the airport in time for outbound flights. No accommodation is included for tonight, but can be requested at your own expense.

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

  • Victoria Falls - The Boma Dinner & Experience
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer (shared)
  • Victoria Falls - Entrance & 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

Reviews

Our Experience Botswana trips score an average of 4.72 out of 5 based on 116 reviews in the last year.

Experience Botswana, August 2018

Ruth & MIke Ferreira

Review submitted 18 Sep 2018

Experience Botswana, August 2018

Kerry Bloom

Review submitted 13 Sep 2018

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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 Bushmen 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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