Victoria Falls to the Okavango Delta

6 days; 5 nights. Victoria Falls and Okavango Delta

This adventure tour starts in Victoria Falls, home to not the highest or the widest, but the largest waterfall in the world. The bustling adventure town of Victoria Falls offers a range of activities for those wanting a dose of adrenaline before setting off. The safari visits Chobe National Park where we will spend the afternoon viewing game from the comfort of a river boat. Chobe has one of the largest concentrations of wildlife in Africa and is the third largest park in Botswana. Leaving Chobe, we set off for the world’s largest inland delta, a labyrinth of lagoons, lakes and hidden channels covering 17,000 Km². Water levels and temperatures fluctuate significantly from season to season so no two experiences are ever the same see Seasons in the Okavango Delta

Victoria Falls from the bottom of First  Gorge in the dry season

Victoria Falls and Okavango Delta

Day 1: Victoria Falls

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, Victoria Falls town also offers a range of optional activities for those wanting a dose of adrenaline in the afternoon [Optional activities include Sunset Cruise; Gorge Swing; Helicopter Flights; Bungee Jump and whitewater rafting.] 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.

Activity Package includes Victoria Falls National Park Entry Fee.

Day 2: Victoria Falls to Kasane

After breakfast we travel the short distance to the Botswana border, crossing into Botswana to enter the town of Kasana and near-by Chobe National Park. Set up camp on the riverbank and the afternoon is set aside for exploring the Chobe National Park. We begin our exploration in small 4×4 vehicles, which cause less erotion and allow closer approaches to animals such as the many elephants that visit the River Chobe. The afternoon ends with a leisurely boat cruise and a meal served around the campfire.

Activity Package includes: Chobe National Park game drive; Chobe National Park boat cruise.

Elephant visiting camp unannounced

Day 3: Kasane to Kalahari Desert

Today we cross into Botswana and enter a different environment. This is the beginning of the Kalahari which is a huge sandy area that is flat and covered in scrub. The grazing is seasonal and surprisingly good during times of adequate moisture. This area also consists of ‘pans’ which are extinct lakebeds which are now white, dry and salty. Watching big game cross the pans is a bizarre sight (if you’re lucky enough to see it). Overnight in the small town of Nata.

Day 4: Nata to Maun and the Okavango Delta

We travel west this morning across the Makgadikgadi Pan and make our way to Maun, gateway to the Okavango Delta, one of Africa’s great wilderness areas. This unique and unusual ecosystem sees the annual flood waters of the Okavango River fan out into the sands of the Kalahari Basin. The seasonality of the flood waters lends the Delta its ever changing character. While water levels may fluctuate the tranquillity of this wilderness area remains constant. The day ends in the heart of the Delta.

Option: there is time this afternoon for a flight in a light aircraft over the Okavango Delta (book and pay locally)

Mokoros near Maun, Okavango Delta

Day 5: The Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is not only a natural wonder, but represents one of the last great wilderness areas in the world. The most rewarding way to explore and experience the serenity of the intricate lily-covered channels and lagoons is by mokoro (dug-out canoe). We head out early and spend the day steering through this serene area of narrow, papyrus-lined channels, guided by the poler. We stop on one of the many islands for a guided walk and picnic lunch. Return to Maun in the afternoon.

Overnight at the same camp as day 4.

Day 6: Moremi National Park and Maun

Moremi is a specific part of the Okavango Delta: it’s all to do with the ownership and management of the land. Some blocks are managed by the government and others by the indigenous people. As far as the wildlife is concerned the Okavango Delta is one huge, un-fenced area, and Moremi National Park is a part of it. There is a network of trails that allow small 4X4’s to explore the banks of the lagoons and channels, watching the birds and wildlife. The wildlife here in Moremi is outstanding. Leaving the Delta behind we drive back to the bustling town of Maun in the early evening where the safari ends.

Note: please speak to us about continuing your safari by travelling further into the Delta; or exploring one of the Pans; or flying on to another Africa destination.

Aerial shot of the Okavango River near the panhandle

Victoria Falls to the Okavango Delta: Notes & details.

2 crew members

Max 20 passengers

Vehicle Adventure Truck

From Victoria Falls to Maun

Meals 5 breakfast, 5 lunches and 4 dinners

Available as a camping safari or accommodated in lodges

The kettle beginning to sing

There are a maximum of 20 participants travelling on this trip.

Giraffe at sunset. Okavango Delta

Push-me-pull-you? The rare twin-headed white rhino!

Climate

The African sun is very strong. Please use a factor 50 reducing to factor 30 sunscreen and wear a hat. You should drink at least 3 litres of water per day to avoid dehydration. It can also get very cold at dawn during winter months (July and Aug) on this route. Please see our Field Manual booklet for detailed information.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

If you require accommodation before or after your tour we can arrange it. We can also arrange airport transfers.

Arrival / Departure

Please be sure to arrive 1 day before your tour is due to depart, just in case. It is also a good idea to book your flights to depart the day after the tour officially ends.

Countries Visited

Zimbabwe and Botswana

Eland on the run

Insurance (Compulsory)

All clients participating in this safari are required to have Travel Insurance. Our recommended policy is below, available directly from the insurers If you prefer to use a different policy ensure you’re covered for multi-day adventure-safaris and all the activities mentioned.

Visas

British passport holders do not require a visa for Botswana. A visa is required for Zimbabwe.

Malaria

Malaria prophylactics are required throughout this safari.

Example of a safari camp.