11 Days of Botswana Safari and Victoria Falls Adventure Tour 11 Days

What to Expect

Saskia’s tour begins with the roar of Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure. From there, you’ll journey into Botswana’s Chobe region, known for its incredible wildlife.

Next, venture into the Moremi and Okavango regions, where the elusive leopard hides among the diverse ecosystems. Conclude your trip with a serene boat ride through the Okavango Delta’s tranquil lagoons, home to the Big 5 and a wealth of natural wonders.

2 Nights in Victoria Falls

Words often fall short when describing the majesty of Victoria Falls, but its Kololo name, Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning ‘the smoke that thunders,’ is perhaps the most fitting. Stretching nearly two kilometers and plunging 108 meters, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest waterfall in the world by volume, with an astonishing amount of water cascading every minute.

Highlights

• While not the widest or tallest, Victoria Falls is the world’s largest waterfall due to its massive water flow
• A UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site
• Located almost midway along the Zambezi River, straddling Zimbabwe and Zambia
• A thrill-seeker’s paradise, offering activities like white-water rafting and bungee jumping

2 Nights in Chobe Region

The Chobe Region’s vast wilderness is a captivating destination for African travellers, offering a wealth of experiences, stunning accommodations, and, of course, plenty of elephants—more than 120,000 of them! This region is unique not only for its wildlife but also because it lies at the crossroads of four countries: Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia.

The charming town of Kasane serves as the gateway to this vibrant area, with easy access to Chobe National Park, known for its large population of Kalahari elephants, and Kazungula, where ferries cross to Zambia, bringing visitors to the roaring Victoria Falls.

Chobe National Park’s diverse landscapes are home to an array of fauna and flora. To the north, extensive floodplains along the Chobe River mirror the African sky and are home to the elusive puku antelope, while mahogany and teak woodlands stretch out across the horizon.

In the Savuti marshlands, eerie tree graveyards stand where an inland lake once existed, gradually transforming into riverine forests near the Linyanti River. Rocky outcrops adorned with ancient San bushman art remind visitors of the region’s deep history.

Chobe National Park offers a range of lodges, houseboats, and camps for those wishing to explore this wildlife haven. Accommodation in Kasane is also available, making it easy to take day trips into the park, visit the Chobe Crocodile Farm, or venture just 100 kilometers to Victoria Falls. Kasane Airport offers daily flights from Johannesburg, Gaborone, and Maun Airports.

Highlights

• Known as the “Elephant Capital,” with over 120,000 elephants
• Chobe National Park is both Botswana’s first and third-largest national park
• A favorite destination for wildlife photographers
• Home to endangered species, including the African wild dog

2 Nights in Savuti Marsh

The expansive Savuti Marsh, spanning 10,878 square kilometers of the western corridor of Chobe National Park, offers a rich and varied wilderness for the region’s wildlife. Once fed by an inland lake, the marsh has since been replenished by the Savuti Channel, which has endured long dry spells but began flowing again in 2010 after nearly three decades of drought. This renewed water source has transformed the area into a flourishing haven for both aquatic and terrestrial wildlife.

The iconic dead trees that line the marsh’s banks are gradually being overtaken by new vegetation, providing a beautiful contrast to the ever-changing landscape.

The dry season brings competition for water, creating incredible game-viewing opportunities as wildlife—lions, cheetahs, elephants, and wildebeests—congregate along the water’s edge. In contrast, the wet season showcases the area’s exceptional birdlife, with over 450 species recorded.

Activities in the Savuti region also include visits to the famous Gubatsa Hills, where San rock art remains offer a glimpse into the area’s ancient past. Fishing enthusiasts flock to the park in pursuit of the mighty tiger fish, adding another exciting activity to the area’s diverse offerings.

Highlights

• Exceptional wildlife viewing in one of Botswana’s most renowned parks
• Diverse landscapes attract a wide variety of wildlife to the region
• The Savuti Channel’s renewed flow since 2010 has drawn even more animals to the marsh
• Remnants of the San people’s occupation can be seen in the rock art of Gubatsa Hills

2 Nights in Moremi and Okavango Region

Botswana’s Moremi and Okavango Region offers an exceptional and varied landscape, beginning with the historic Tsodilo Hills. These rocky formations are adorned with ancient San artwork, which provides a glimpse into the deep cultural history of the region.

From there, the land stretches out to the marshy shores of the panhandle, eventually breaking into the Okavango Delta, which meanders through the wilderness past Chief’s Island.

Highlights

• The Okavango Region is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, providing a haven for diverse wildlife.
• The Tsodilo Hills stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of the San people, whose artwork is still visible today.
• The panhandle feeds the Okavango Delta, which is celebrated as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.
• Many lodges around the Delta offer convenient airstrips, while Maun, the gateway to the Delta, is accessible via direct flights from Johannesburg.

2 Nights in Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is a wildlife wonderland, where the waterways stretch and twist, creating a mosaic of lush floodplains, elevated islands, and riverine woodlands.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, the Delta is home to the Big 5 and an abundance of species, including elephants, lions, leopards, and endangered African wild dogs. This dynamic ecosystem also supports a rich birdlife, with over 450 species making it their home.

Safari activities revolve around water, with boat rides and traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) trips offering a unique perspective. For those seeking a broader view, game drives on higher ground and even scenic helicopter rides provide exciting ways to spot wildlife.

Whether it’s the seasonal floodwaters transforming the plains or the diverse animal populations that thrive in the Delta’s ever-changing landscape, this is one of Africa’s most remarkable safari destinations.

Highlights

• Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.
• Home to the largest inland delta in the world, providing unparalleled wildlife experiences.
• Supports an incredible variety of wildlife, from elephant herds to predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas.
• Offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxurious lodges to intimate camps, ensuring an unforgettable stay