ZIMBABWE · BOTSWANA · 11 DAYS · GUIDED EXPEDITION
Botswana & Zimbabwe: Beyond the Wild
A Grand Safari Journey From Victoria Falls to the Okavango Delta
💦 Victoria Falls🐘 Chobe River🏜️ Kalahari Desert⚪ Makgadikgadi Pans🛶 Okavango Delta
From $6,128.80 per person
Based on twin sharing accommodation
✓ 10 nights accommodation · ✓ Professional guide · ✓ Private transfers · ✓ 2 countries · ✓ 24-hr support
⏱Duration11 Days / 10 Nights
📍CountriesZimbabwe & Botswana
💲Price From$6,128.80pp
🧭StyleGuided Safari Expedition
⛰️Adventure LevelModerate
🚩StartVictoria Falls
🏁EndMaun, Botswana
THE JOURNEY
From Victoria Falls to the Heart of the Okavango
Experience the untamed beauty of Southern Africa on an extraordinary 11-day expedition through Zimbabwe and Botswana. Beginning at the legendary Victoria Falls — ‘The Smoke That Thunders’ — and ending deep within the pristine waterways of the Okavango Delta, this journey reveals some of Africa’s most spectacular landscapes, wildlife habitats and cultural experiences.
Travel from the mighty Zambezi River through the wildlife-rich Chobe region, across the ancient landscapes of the Kalahari Desert, into the endless horizons of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, before reaching the jewel of Botswana — the magnificent Okavango Delta. This is Africa beyond the ordinary.
💦
Victoria Falls
Mosi-oa-Tunya, ‘The Smoke That Thunders’ — one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
🐘
Chobe River
One of Africa’s finest wildlife-viewing waterways, famous for its huge elephant herds.
🏜️
Kalahari Desert
An ancient wilderness home to lions, cheetahs, wild dogs and the San people’s traditions.
⚪
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
One of the largest salt pan systems on Earth — sleep beneath the stars on its endless white plains.
🦫
Nxai Pan
Dramatic desert-adapted wildlife landscapes on the edge of the Makgadikgadi region.
🛶
Okavango Delta
A UNESCO World Heritage wetland wilderness, explored by traditional mokoro canoe.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
💦
Victoria Falls
Experience the magnificent Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe — one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
🌅
Chobe Sunset Cruise
A sunset wildlife cruise on the legendary Chobe River, one of Africa’s richest waterways.
🌍
Botswana's Wilderness
Explore Botswana’s vast, varied landscapes across deserts, pans and wetlands.
🦁
Diverse Wildlife
Encounter elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras and diverse wildlife throughout the journey.
🏜️
The Ancient Kalahari
Discover the ancient Kalahari Desert, one of Africa’s most iconic wilderness regions.
🏹
San Bushman Culture
Experience San Bushman culture and traditions through a guided cultural walk.
⭐
Sleep Beneath the Stars
Spend a night beneath the African sky on the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.
🦫
Nxai Pan Landscapes
Explore the vast, dramatic landscapes of Nxai Pan National Park.
🛶
Gateway to the Delta
Visit Maun, Botswana’s famous gateway to the Okavango Delta.
🚣
Traditional Mokoro Canoe
Glide through the Okavango Delta on a traditional mokoro canoe.
🚙
Delta Game Drives & Boats
Enjoy game drives and boat excursions deep in the Okavango wilderness.
YOUR JOURNEY
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Eleven days across Zimbabwe and Botswana — from Victoria Falls and the Chobe River to the Kalahari, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and the Okavango Delta.
DAY 1
💦
Arrival in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls · Bayete Guest Lodge
Welcome to Zimbabwe and the beginning of your African adventure. Upon arrival at Victoria Falls International Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your lodge.
Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya — ‘The Smoke That Thunders’, Victoria Falls creates one of the most spectacular sights on Earth as millions of litres of water plunge into the Zambezi Gorge.
Explore the rainforest viewpoints, witness the mist rising above the falls, and enjoy your first evening surrounded by the magic of Africa.
✓ Airport welcome & lodge transfer
✓ Victoria Falls rainforest viewpoints
✓ Evening at leisure
🏕 Bayete Guest Lodge
🍽 Bed & Breakfast
DAY 2
🐘
Victoria Falls to Kasane, Botswana
Chobe River Safari Experience
After breakfast, depart Zimbabwe and cross into Botswana towards Kasane, the gateway to the famous Chobe National Park.
In the afternoon, enjoy a spectacular sunset cruise along the Chobe River, one of Africa’s finest wildlife-viewing waterways. As the sun sets over the river, enjoy one of Southern Africa’s most unforgettable safari moments.
✓ Border crossing into Botswana
✓ Sunset cruise on the Chobe River
LOOK OUT FOR
Large elephant herds · Hippos · Crocodiles · Buffalo · Antelope · Hundreds of bird species
🏕 Wild View Resort
🍽 Bed & Breakfast
DAY 3
🐘
Kasane to Nata
Elephant Sands Wilderness Experience
After breakfast, travel through Botswana’s changing landscapes towards Nata. Arrive at Elephant Sands Lodge, a unique wilderness destination where elephants roam freely around the natural waterhole.
Later, enjoy an evening game drive exploring the surrounding wilderness.
✓ Scenic drive to Nata
✓ Elephant Sands waterhole viewing
✓ Evening game drive
🏕 Elephant Sands Lodge
🍽 Bed & Breakfast
DAY 4
🏜️
Nata to Deception Valley Private Reserve
Into the Heart of the Kalahari
Today you enter the legendary Kalahari Desert. Travel towards the remote and beautiful Deception Valley Private Reserve, located along the edge of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.
In the afternoon, settle into camp and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the Kalahari.
✓ Entry into the Central Kalahari region
✓ Arrival at Deception Valley Private Reserve
THIS UNTOUCHED WILDERNESS IS HOME TO
Lions · Cheetahs · Leopards · Wild dogs · Giraffes · Springbok · Kudu · Rare desert species
🏕 The Dune Camp
🍽 Fully Inclusive
DAY 5
🏹
Kalahari Wilderness & San Cultural Experience
Ancient Traditions of the Desert
Wake up surrounded by the silence of the desert. Today discover the ancient traditions of the San people during a guided cultural walk, learning traditional hunting techniques, desert survival skills and indigenous knowledge of plants and wildlife.
Later, enjoy a private game drive through the reserve searching for Africa’s iconic predators and desert wildlife.
✓ Guided San Bushman cultural walk
✓ Private game drive through Deception Valley
🏕 The Dune Camp
🍽 Fully Inclusive
DAY 6
⭐
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans Adventure
Sleeping Beneath African Stars
Leave the Kalahari behind and continue towards the spectacular Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. This ancient landscape was once covered by a prehistoric lake and today forms one of the largest salt pan systems on Earth.
Tonight, experience Africa in its purest form.
✓ Quad biking across the endless white landscape
✓ Meerkat viewing
✓ Sunset over the salt pans
✓ Traditional bush dinner & sleeping beneath the stars
🏕 Planet Baobab Ntwetwe Pan Overnight
🍽 Dinner & Breakfast
DAY 7
🦫
Makgadikgadi to Nxai Pan
Desert Wildlife & Ancient Landscapes
After breakfast, continue exploring the Makgadikgadi region, searching for desert-adapted wildlife.
Continue towards Leopard Plains, located near the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan National Parks, and enjoy a full-day excursion through the dramatic landscapes of Nxai Pan.
✓ Desert-adapted wildlife search
✓ Full-day Nxai Pan excursion
SEARCH FOR
Meerkats · Bat-eared foxes · Springbok · Kori bustards
🏕 Leopard Plains
🍽 Bed & Breakfast
DAY 8
🛶
Nxai Pan to Maun
Gateway to the Okavango Delta
Travel to Maun, Botswana’s famous safari gateway. In the afternoon, enjoy a cultural experience through Maun, discovering local communities and learning about traditional lifestyles.
Prepare for the next chapter of your adventure — the magnificent Okavango Delta.
✓ Scenic drive to Maun
✓ Afternoon Maun cultural experience
🏕 Parkview Hotel
🍽 Bed & Breakfast
DAY 9
🚣
Into the Okavango Delta
Waterways, Wildlife & Wilderness
After breakfast, transfer into the heart of the Okavango Delta, one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders. This UNESCO World Heritage Site transforms the Kalahari Desert into a paradise of crystal-clear waterways, lagoons, islands and papyrus channels.
Your adventure begins with a traditional mokoro canoe excursion, gliding quietly through the waterways. Later, enjoy an evening game drive.
✓ Transfer into the Okavango Delta
✓ Traditional mokoro canoe excursion
✓ Evening game drive
🏕 Xaoo Safari Camp
🍽 Fully Inclusive
DAY 10
🚙
Okavango Delta Safari Experience
The Delta at Its Fullest
Rise early for a morning game drive as the wilderness awakens. Return to camp for breakfast before relaxing in the beautiful Delta surroundings.
Later, enjoy a scenic boat cruise through the waterways, searching for wildlife along the river channels. Your final evening is spent surrounded by the sounds of Africa.
✓ Morning game drive
✓ Scenic Delta boat cruise
🏕 Xaoo Safari Camp
🍽 Fully Inclusive
DAY 11
🛫
Departure From Botswana
Journey’s End
Enjoy your final breakfast before transferring back to Maun International Airport. Your Botswana & Zimbabwe adventure comes to an end as you depart with unforgettable memories of Africa beyond the wild.
✓ Final breakfast
✓ Transfer to Maun International Airport
🏕 Departure · Maun International Airport
🍽 Breakfast
$6,128.80
per person
Based on twin sharing accommodation
Duration
11 Days / 10 Nights
Style
Guided Safari Expedition
Adventure Level
Moderate
Route
Victoria Falls → Chobe → Kalahari → Makgadikgadi → Okavango Delta → Maun
Guide
Professional Safari Guide
☀️
Best Time to Travel
May – October. During the dry season, wildlife gathers around permanent water sources, making it one of the best times for game viewing.
INCLUDED
✓ 10 nights accommodation
✓ Professional safari guide
✓ Private transfers throughout
✓ 4×4 safari vehicle and transport
✓ Park entrance fees (where applicable)
✓ Government levies
✓ Safari activities listed in itinerary
✓ Meals as specified
NOT INCLUDED
✗ International flights
✗ Travel insurance
✗ Visa fees
✗ Personal expenses
✗ Staff gratuities
✗ Certain park entrance fees
✗ Drinks and optional activities
ACCOMMODATION SUMMARY
Where You Sleep
Ten nights across eight handpicked properties — from a Zambezi-side lodge to a Kalahari dune camp and a Delta safari camp.
| Location | Nights | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe | 1 | Bayete Guest Lodge |
| Kasane | 1 | Wild View Resort |
| Nata | 1 | Elephant Sands Lodge |
| Deception Valley | 2 | The Dune Camp |
| Makgadikgadi Salt Pans | 1 | Planet Baobab Ntwetwe Pan Overnight |
| Nxai Pan | 1 | Leopard Plains |
| Maun | 1 | Parkview Hotel |
| Okavango Delta | 2 | Xaoo Safari Camp |
BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
Travel Information
Everything you need to know before your Botswana & Zimbabwe expedition.
📍 Arrival & Departure
Arrival: Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA), Zimbabwe — you’ll be welcomed and transferred to your lodge.
Departure: Maun International Airport (MUB), Botswana on Day 11.
Please share your flight details when booking so your guide can confirm exact pickup arrangements. International flights are not included in the package price.
✅ What Is Included
✓ 10 nights accommodation
✓ Professional safari guide
✓ Private transfers throughout
✓ 4×4 safari vehicle and transport
✓ Park entrance fees (where applicable)
✓ Government levies
✓ Safari activities listed in itinerary
✓ Meals as specified
❌ What Is Not Included
✗ International flights
✗ Travel insurance
✗ Visa fees
✗ Personal expenses
✗ Staff gratuities
✗ Certain park entrance fees
✗ Drinks and optional activities
☀️ Best Time to Travel
The best period for this safari is generally May – October.
During the dry season, wildlife gathers around permanent water sources such as the Chobe River and the Okavango Delta’s waterways, making it one of the best times for game viewing across every region on this route.
🧭 Tour Style & Adventure Level
Adventure Level: Moderate — this itinerary includes long driving days, a Kalahari sleep-out, quad biking on the salt pans, and mokoro canoe excursions in the Delta.
Travel Style: Guided Safari Expedition across two countries, with a mix of lodges, tented camps, and one night sleeping beneath the stars on the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.
🛡 Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended for all travellers.
Your policy should cover medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, safari and outdoor activity coverage, trip cancellation, and baggage and personal effects.
💰 Tipping Guide
Tipping is customary and genuinely appreciated by your safari guide, camp staff and mokoro polers throughout the journey.
Guideline: USD 10–15 per person per day for your guide; USD 5–10 per person per day for camp/lodge staff.
Tips are discretionary and typically given in cash (USD) at the end of each stage of the safari.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for Zimbabwe and Botswana?
Visa requirements vary by nationality — a KAZA UniVisa may be available covering both Zimbabwe and Zambia border crossings. Please check current requirements for your passport before travel.
Is this trip suitable for a honeymoon or special occasion?
Yes — the mix of iconic landmarks, wilderness camps and the Okavango Delta makes this a popular choice for couples and milestone trips.
Will I really sleep outside on the salt pans?
Yes — Day 6 includes a traditional bush dinner and sleeping beneath the stars on the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, a signature experience of this itinerary.
Can this itinerary be shortened or extended?
Yes — get in touch and we can tailor the route, add extra nights in the Delta, or adjust the starting point to suit your schedule.
11
Days / 10 Nights
2
Countries
8
Handpicked Camps & Lodges
$6,129
From Per Person
⭐ 4.9
Guest Rating
IS THIS FOR YOU?
Who This Safari Is Perfect For
Designed for travellers who want the complete Southern Africa experience — falls, rivers, desert, pans and the Delta, all in one journey.
🦁
Wildlife Enthusiasts
Elephants, lions, hippos, wild dogs and hundreds of bird species across five distinct ecosystems.
📸
Photographers
Victoria Falls, the Chobe River, Kalahari predators and the Delta’s waterways in a single trip.
🏕️
Adventure Seekers
Quad biking on the salt pans, a night sleeping under the stars, and mokoro canoe excursions.
🌍
Multi-Country Travellers
A seamless overland journey connecting Zimbabwe’s icon with Botswana’s greatest wilderness.
💑
Couples & Honeymooners
Iconic landmarks, remote camps and the Okavango Delta make this a standout milestone trip.
🏹
Culture Seekers
A guided San Bushman cultural experience and community visits around Maun.
BEGIN YOUR EXPEDITION
Africa, Beyond the Wild
Victoria Falls, the Chobe River, the Kalahari Desert, the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and the Okavango Delta — eleven days across Zimbabwe and Botswana. From $6,128.80 per person, twin sharing.
✓ 10 nights accommodation · ✓ Professional guide · ✓ Private transfers · ✓ 2 countries · ✓ 24-hr support