Okavango & Chobe Trail - accommodated, south

Today we visit the spectacular Victoria Falls, also known by the local name of “Mosi-oa Tunya” (the smoke that thunders). While much of today is dedicated to viewing the mighty Zambezi River as it drops into the Batoka Gorge below, the bustling adventure town of Victoria Falls also offers a range of optional activities for those wanting a dose of adrenaline in the afternoon. For the more relaxed traveller there are craft markets to explore and a delicious high tea is on offer at the Victoria Falls Hotel. Tonight we enjoy an optional dinner out, your guide will assist you to decide on the many options available.

After breakfast we travel the short distance to the Botswana border, crossing into Botswana we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River. Lunch will be served from the truck and the afternoon is set aside for exploring the Chobe National Park. For those who have purchased the Activity Package we begin our exploration in 4x4 vehicles, which allows us an up close and personal experience with the many Elephants that frequent the Chobe riverfront in the afternoons. The afternoon ends with a leisurely Boat Cruise and a meal served around the campfire.

Leaving Kasane early, we set of for Nata where we will overnight. Those who would like to can join an optional excursion to the Pans this afternoon. This evening we will prepare for our journey to Maun, packing smaller bags for our journey into the Okavango Delta.

Our journey today takes us across the northern reaches of the Makgadigadi Pans and the road to Maun is lined with majestic examples of the iconic Baobab tree. Upon arrival in Maun, we say farewell to our truck and begin our Delta excursion. The seasonality of the flood waters lends the Delta its ever changing character and while water levels may fluctuate the tranquillity of this wilderness area remains constant. During your time in the Delta, our camping and accommodated guests will be staying in different locations. If you have chosen the accommodated Okavango Delta excursion, you will be taken to the Maun airport to board your flight into the Okavango Delta. For those that have opted for the camping Okavango Delta excursion, you will be transferred into the Okavango Delta by means of land based transport. Please be advised that clients who have not selected the Delta Activity Package will remain in Maun at the base camp with the truck for the next 2 nights, accommodated clients in en-suite rooms and camping clients in the campsite with shared ablutions. Meals are provided by the base camp and optional activities are available.

While the programme of activities is flexible to accommodate the seasonal changes, today we will enjoy a mokoro ride and a nature walk. The Okavango Delta is not only a natural wonder, but represents one of the last great wilderness areas in the world today.

Leaving the Delta behind us this morning we make our way to our overnight stop in the bustling town of Maun. This afternoon you may have the opportunity to participate in an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta (weather permitting). Re-united, we enjoy an evening together at the campfire reflecting on our Delta experiences.

This morning presents the opportunity for an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta before we travel to the Ghanzi district in the central Kalahari and tonight we get a first-hand experience of the San culture, well known for its rich traditions of song, dance and story-telling.

We begin the day with a guided walk with our San guides who will introduce us to the many secrets of their survival in the Kalahari Desert. The nomadic San are hunter-gatherers that have passed down a rich knowledge of the plants and animals that play such an important part in their lifestyle. We carry some of this knowledge with us this afternoon as we travel south on the Trans-Kalahari highway to our overnight stop.

A long day awaits us as we continue our journey south to Johannesburg and South Africa. Leaving the Kalahari behind we cross the North-West Province, arriving at Belvedere Estate in the late afternoon. All travellers are invited to join us tonight for an optional traditional meal, this can be booked with your guide on the day before arrival. Many great tales are shared and tonight presents an opportunity to join fellow travellers in celebrating the many wonders of African travel.