16 Day Botswana, Zimbabwe & Victoria Falls African Safari
Join an unforgettable Botswana & Victoria Falls African Safari that journeys through the awe-inspiring wilderness of Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Victoria Falls. This budget-friendly safari adventure offers a perfect blend of wildlife, culture, and scenic beauty across iconic destinations including the Kalahari Desert, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, the Okavango Delta, Chobe River, Hwange National Park, and Victoria Falls. With a mix of wild camping and comfortable lodge stays, this safari is ideal for nature lovers and thrill seekers alike.
Quick Overview
This Botswana & Victoria Falls African Safari is designed to showcase the best of Southern Africa. Enjoy 5 days of immersive camping in the Okavango Delta, game walks, mokoro rides, 4×4 game drives, and a magical stargazing night at Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Witness epic wildlife moments in Khwai, Moremi, Savuti, and Chobe River. Cruise the Chobe River and marvel at the thunderous Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Day 1: Johannesburg to Kalahari Desert & Khama Rhino Sanctuary – Botswana
Your Botswana & Victoria Falls African Safari begins in Johannesburg, South Africa. Departing early, we head north through the dry North West Province toward the Botswana border. After clearing immigration, we journey across the expansive Kalahari Plains en route to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary—an inspiring conservation initiative driven by local communities.
Explore this vital habitat for white rhino, zebra, and wildebeest, and learn about Botswana’s community-led conservation efforts. After arriving at the lodge, your guide will brief you on the exciting safari journey ahead.
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Travel Distance: Approx. 600 km
- Included: Kalahari Desert crossing, Khama Rhino Sanctuary visit
- Excluded: Lunch and dinner (own expense)
Day 2: Khama Rhino Sanctuary to Maun – Botswana
Start the day with a game drive in Khama Rhino Sanctuary before enjoying brunch and traveling north toward Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. En route, we pass through vast desert landscapes and glimpse the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Arrive at a riverside lodge on the banks of the Boteti River, where birdlife and the sounds of hippos set the tone for a peaceful night.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Travel Distance: Approx. 480 km
Days 3–4: Okavango Delta – Botswana
Take a scenic flight into the heart of the Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland delta and a highlight of your Botswana & Victoria Falls African Safari. Explore the rich biodiversity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site by traditional mokoro canoe and guided walking safaris led by local Motswana guides. Spot hippos, elephants, rare bird species, and enjoy a relaxing sunset boat cruise on one of the Delta’s tranquil lagoons.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (x2)
- Accommodation: Twin-bed tented unit in a private camp
- Included: Mokoro ride, game walk, sunset boat cruise
- Optional: Scenic helicopter flight over the Delta (extra cost)
Days 5–8: Khwai River Area, Moremi & Savuti – Botswana
Continue your Botswana & Victoria Falls African Safari with an overland journey into the remote Khwai River region. Enjoy open-vehicle game drives through the Khwai Concession, Moremi Game Reserve, and Savuti area, renowned for abundant wildlife and dramatic landscapes. Discover elephants, lions, leopards, and wild dogs while exploring a range of habitats—from marshlands and mopane forests to open savannahs. Evenings are spent around the campfire, sharing stories under the stars.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Serviced camping (2-person dome tent)
- Included: 4×4 guided game drives, full immersion in wildlife areas
Day 9: Return to Maun – Botswana
After a final morning game drive, return to Maun to restock supplies and enjoy some free time in town. Tonight’s accommodation is at a tented lodge just outside of Maun. Relax by the pool or take an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta for an unforgettable aerial view.
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation: Tented lodge with en-suite bathrooms
- Travel Distance: Approx. 225 km
- Included: Game drive, visit to Maun
- Optional: Fixed-wing or helicopter flight over the Delta
Day 10: Village Visit & Makgadikgadi Salt Pans – Botswana
This morning, learn about local life during a cultural village walk in Chenoga before heading to the vast, surreal landscape of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Once part of an ancient superlake, this area offers breathtaking sunsets and excellent stargazing. Explore the pans and encounter surprising birdlife and desert-adapted animals before checking in to a nearby lodge for the night.
- Meals: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Travel Distance: 200–300 km
- Included: Village walk, Salt Pans visit, Stargazing