Best of Botswana and Victoria… (trip)

Best of Botswana and Victoria Falls

  • Johannesburg International Airport, South Africa
  • Culture & Nature
Botswana, Africa

Contact provider for price10 DaysYear-round
Comfort accommodations Exertion level: 3
Operator: Horizon And Company 12 people max
This itinerary starts in Johannesburg where you'll overnight. This itinerary will enable to you to explore Zimbabwe for a few days before heading over to Botswana. We feel the best way to explore the country is by visiting various areas which would include both wet camps and dry camps. The wet camps will allow you to explore the delta by motorized boat or dug out canoe and you'll also have the opportunity to traverse by foot. In the traditional dry camps, open 4X4's are the way to go. Upon arrival at the lodges you'll discuss all of the options with your guide. This itinerary will give you just an idea of what we can arrange for you but it's always better to arrange a discussion with one of our Destination Experts who will help create the perfect trip for you.

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Locations visited/nearby

Botswana, Africa

0 testimonials about this trip.

3 testimonials about the provider, Horizon And Company:

  • Reviewer: Mr. & Mrs. O located in Ottawa
    "This tour was a "voyage of discovery". We very much appreciated having contact with the local people and their culture. It was refreshing not to be 'cocooned' as tourists."
  • Reviewer: Mr. & Mrs. C. located in Agincourt
    "It is not possible to find the words to thank you for your help and sincere caring on our fabulous trip to wonderful Labrador! To mention a few treats and surprises – the gifts of tea, syrup and spread – Horizon is excelling itself."
  • Reviewer: Mr. & Mrs. L located in Barrie
    "My wife and I would like to add an extra 'thank you' to all of your staff, and especially to the tour escort, for the superior quality of our recent Newfoundland and Labrador holiday. Horizon has gained our loyalty as the best escorted holiday company, and I have conveyed this belief to our travel agent."

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Special information

  • This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.

Itinerary

Day 1: Johannesburg

Upon arrival into South Africa you will be met at the door of the plane and escorted through Customs and Immigration avoiding any queues.

Upon arrival you will receive all of your necessary documents for your trip which contains a detailed personalized itinerary, maps, restaurant suggestions, Top Tips for exploring each city or region and a 24 hour concierge service (for restaurant reservations, spa treatments, child minders, day tours etc).

Airport transfer to/from your hotel with private vehicle
Accommodation: Metcourt Suites

Located in Johannesburg, the Metcourt Laurel at Emperors Palace is an excellent choice for accommodation. A spacious and well-maintained property, the 80 rooms promise solid furnishings and contemporary decor. All rooms have TVs, armchairs, and a large desk. Restaurants offer a satisfying array of cuisine, including everything from western favorites to popular African dishes. There is always something to do at the hotel and in its surroundings. Visit the casino, spend some time at the night club, or simply mingle with other guests in the lobby areas. Otherwise, get out on the town and check out the vibrancy of Johannesburg.

Day 2: Johannesburg - Victoria Falls - Matetsi Private Game Reserve

Airport transfer to/from your hotel with private vehicle

Take your flight from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls today.  Travel time is approximately 1.5 hours.

Upon arrival at Victoria Falls airport you will be transferred to your lodge.

Enjoy lunch (included in tour price).

Twice daily game-drives in open 4x4 game viewing vehicles, daily nature walks on the Reserve led by professional rangers, exciting spot lit night drives, morning and afternoon riverboat cruises, guided canoe excursions along the Zambezi River and fishing. At the Victoria Falls guests can enjoy various activities including a helicopter flight over the Falls, bungee jumping, white-water rafting and scenic tours of Victoria Falls and surrounding areas (these activities are at an additional cost).

Enjoy dinner (included in tour price).
Accommodation: Matetsi Water Lodge

Located a mere 45 minutes from the spectacular Victoria Falls, Matetsi Private Game Reserve forms part of a huge conservation area that extends throughout north-western Zimbabwe and into Chobe National Park in neighbouring Botswana, with no fences to restrict the natural movement of wildlife. We regret that, due to currency restrictions, Matetsi Water Lodge are unable to accept credit cards. The Lodge is only able to accept payments made in US dollars.

Day 3: Victoria Falls - Matetsi Private Game Reserve

As dawn breaks over the Zambezi River, a gentle tap on your door will wake you to the delights of a new day. Your guide will discuss what you hope to see that day over fragrant tea or coffee and morning biscuits or rusks. Set out in an open 4x4 safari vehicle in the company of a guide and tracker team, who will attempt to track your favourite animals. Look out for huge herds of elephant and buffalo, as well as the beautiful sable antelope.

Enjoy lunch (included in tour price).

Set off on an exciting game drive that begins in the late afternoon and lasts until after dark, when spotlights are used for a glimpse into the nocturnal bush life. For a change of pace, take to the water for a river cruise between herds coming down to drink and frolic in the river. Enjoy sundowners in a scenic location as the sun slowly sinks beneath the horizon.

Enjoy dinner (included in tour price).
Accommodation: Matetsi Water Lodge

Day 4: Victoria Falls - Matetsi Private Game Reserve

As dawn breaks over the Zambezi River, a gentle tap on your door will wake you to the delights of a new day. Your guide will discuss what you hope to see that day over fragrant tea or coffee and morning biscuits or rusks. Set out in an open 4x4 safari vehicle in the company of a guide and tracker team, who will attempt to track your favourite animals. Look out for huge herds of elephant and buffalo, as well as the beautiful sable antelope.

Enjoy lunch (included in tour price).

Set off on an exciting game drive that begins in the late afternoon and lasts until after dark, when spotlights are used for a glimpse into the nocturnal bush life. For a change of pace, take to the water for a river cruise between herds coming down to drink and frolic in the river. Enjoy sundowners in a scenic location as the sun slowly sinks beneath the horizon.

Enjoy dinner (included in tour price).
Accommodation: Matetsi Water Lodge

Day 5: Chobe - Victoria Falls - Okavango

Take your flight from Chobe to Okavango on Mack Air (light aircraft from Kasane) today. Includes departure tax.

Transfer between your lodge in Victoria Falls and Kasane by shared shuttle.

Enjoy lunch (included in tour price).

The Okavango Delta is of course flooded for much of the year and when it is, you can experience serene silence at the gentle pace of a poled mokoro excursion along the narrow Delta channels. Just sit back and relax as they glide through lily ponds on local dugout canoes while they get eye to eye with a buffalo as it laps water from the river, watch crocodiles sunbathe on the banks or cruise past a pod of hippos as they lie in a pool. Fish eagles, frogs and fabulous lilies form much of this experience, but more frequently it is the quietness and gentle pace that makes its impression on you after a mokoro morning.

Enjoy dinner (included in tour price).
Accommodation: Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge

Set in the wilderness of the Okavango Delta near the Moremi Wildlife Reserve, the Sandibe Safari Lodge offers an opportunity to interact with animals and friendly staff. The 8 thatched cottages are warm and decorated in a contemporary fashion, with lots of privacy for those who like their own space. Individual decks allow for some alone time with nature. Feast on freshly baked breads, and local produce and dairy, all homemade and full of flavor. Also sample Pan-African cuisine in adventurous and unique local settings. Learn about the region's wildlife, as guides lead the way through the jungle. Knowledgeable and patient, guests may satisfy their curiosity by asking questions. Later on, lounge by the swimming pool and savor the tranquility of the surrounding forest.

Day 6: Moremi Game Reserve - Okavango

River cruises in an electrically powered ‘eco boat’ or mokoro - explore the waterways of the Okavango by boat in the company of our experienced guides. Learn the fascinating details of the Delta's network of channels, fringed by dense reeds and papyrus. A good variety of fish can be found in the clear waters and fishing trips can be arranged on request. Spot the nests of weavers and warblers in the papyrus beds and watch out for malachite kingfishers among the taller stems. Beautifully coloured frog species, such as the painted reed frog, abound. Waterlilies brighten up the surface of lagoons, where sleepy hippo splash beneath the surface.

Enjoy lunch (included in tour price).

After a relaxing morning you'll meet up with others at the lodge for your afternoon game drive. Who knows what the afternoon will bring, mammals are great but you'll become a birder after spending time in Botswana. This area is most famous for its raptor populations - Martiale Agles, Secretary Birds, Bateleurs and a whole host of little Raptors comprise the main feature of this area. There are wonderful water birds to be found along the Khwai river and this river is fairly open and makes for easy birding, birds to look out for are Purple Gallinule, Saddle Billed Stork, Black Stork, Kingfishers, Slatey Egret and a whole host of little Waders.

Enjoy dinner (included in tour price).
Accommodation: Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge

Day 7: Moremi Game Reserve - Okavango

This morning you'll meet up with others at the lodge for your game drive. Home to nearly 500 species of bird (from water birds to forest dwellers), and a vast array of other species of wildlife, including buffalo, giraffe, lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, jackal, impala, and red lechwe and African Wild dog. You'll usually be out from the crack of dawn until about 10:30 am.

Enjoy lunch (included in tour price).

This afternoon, after tea you'll join up with others at the lodge for your afternoon game drive. In the Moremi one can experience excellent savannah game viewing as well as bird-watching on the lagoons. There are also thickly wooded areas, which are home to the shy, and rare, Leopard. To the northeast lies the Chobe National Park which borders the Moremi Game Reserve. You'll be out for a few hours and enjoy a traditional sun-downer before heading back to the lodge.

Enjoy dinner (included in tour price).
Accommodation: Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge

Day 8: Moremi Game Reserve - Okavango

You'll be up early again this morning to join up with others at the lodge for your game drive. If you're lucky you may get to see the elusive African Wild Dog. You're guide will introduce you to all aspects of this incredible area.

Luggage restricted to 12 kg per person in soft sided bags.

Enjoy lunch (included in tour price).

Here in the Okavango Delta lives some of the most spectacular and varied wildlife on Earth. Famed for its big cat and bird population, the delta is a peaceful haven where animals have been protected for decades and know they will not be disturbed. You'll have the opportunity to see animals up close when expert guides accompany you on morning and evening game drives in open 4 x 4 vehicles. A night game drive is the perfect means to see some of the nocturnal animals one wouldn’t see during the day time. The park also boasts a diversity of landscape with desert, dry savannah, lagoon and swamps in close proximity – cheetah, crocodile and elephant can also be seen on a game drive.

Enjoy dinner (included in tour price).
Accommodation: Xaranna Delta Camp

Xaranna Camp is the epitome of safari luxury. Situated on the Okavango Delta in Botswana, the camp offers 9 tents. These boast luxurious furnishings and beautiful lounge spaces for suite-style living. Private plunge pools accompany the tents. Feast on exquisite bush cuisine, as prepared by local chefs. Also savor a selection of continental dishes. A setting in the wild adds to the experience. Later, plan a game drive for an adrenaline rush. Otherwise, spend some time in contemplation on the viewing deck.

    Day 9: Okavango

    The Okavango Delta features some of the best game viewing in all of Africa. Drives are typically done very early and lasting for a few hours then returning to the lodge for breakfast. (shared with other guests at the lodge).

    Enjoy lunch (included in tour price).

    The Okavango Delta is of course flooded for much of the year and when it is, you can experience serene silence at the gentle pace of a poled mokoro excursion along the narrow Delta channels. Just sit back and relax as they glide through lily ponds on local dugout canoes while they get eye to eye with a buffalo as it laps water from the river, watch crocodiles sunbathe on the banks or cruise past a pod of hippos as they lie in a pool. Fish eagles, frogs and fabulous lilies form much of this experience, but more frequently it is the quietness and gentle pace that makes its impression on you after a mokoro morning.

    Enjoy dinner (included in tour price).
    Accommodation: Xaranna Delta Camp
   
 Day 10: Okavango - Maun - Johannesburg

    Enjoy a short flight to Maun today.

    Take your flight from Maun to Johannesburg today via Gaborone. The flight duration is approximately 1 and a half hour.
    Accommodation: Depart

    Depart from Johannesburg international airport - End of itinerary.

Accommodation

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