
Okavango & Chobe Tour 8D/7N
Embark on an exhilarating 8-day overland adventure commencing from the bustling city of Johannesburg, South Africa, boasting extensive flight connections, and culminating at the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls. This journey seamlessly intertwines with a week-long exploration of Botswana’s most captivating highlights.
Departing from Johannesburg, our expedition propels us into the heart of Botswana, traversing the mesmerizing landscapes of the Kalahari desert, where the nomadic San hunter-gatherers have roamed for generations. A glimpse into their ancient way of life sets the tone for the adventure ahead.
Continuing our odyssey, we arrive at the crown jewel of Botswana, the ethereal Okavango Delta. Here, we embark on a serene Mokoro ride along its labyrinthine waterways, immersing ourselves in the tranquil beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. A thrilling game safari into the expanse of the Greater Moremi Game Reserve awaits, promising encounters with the diverse wildlife that call this pristine wilderness home. For those seeking a bird’s-eye view of the Delta’s splendour, an optional scenic flight from Maun offers an unparalleled perspective.
Our journey progresses to the renowned Savuti Game Reserve, renowned for its staggering concentrations of wildlife, offering unparalleled opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. From there, we venture onward to the iconic Chobe National Park, famed for its majestic elephant herds and teeming with a myriad of other magnificent fauna, ensuring an unforgettable safari experience.
The culmination of our expedition brings us to the breath-taking spectacle of Victoria Falls, where the thundering cascade of water captivates the senses. Here, amidst the misty spray, we have the opportunity to marvel at the grandeur of one of Africa’s most iconic natural wonders and partake in a myriad of exhilarating activities.
As our adventure draws to a close, ample time is allotted to explore the falls and engage in optional activities before bidding farewell to this extraordinary destination. For those seeking a seamless return journey, a convenient 2-day transit back to Johannesburg is available, catering to both those departing from its bustling airport and those with onward travel plans within South Africa.
Choose from both camping and accommodated versions of the tour, ensuring a tailored experience that suits your preferences, as you embark on an unforgettable journey through the captivating landscapes and abundant wildlife of Botswana, culminating in the majestic splendour of Victoria Falls.
Tour Highlights
- Kalahari Desert
- San bush people
- Okavango Delta
- Moremi Game Reserve
- Savuti Game Reserve
- Chobe National Park
- Victoria Falls
Price from
$3,920.00
Enquire NowTour Information
Tour Operator:
Encounters Travel
Max group size:
Up to 20
Destination
Africa, Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe
Age range:
Tour id:
65853
Adventure Style:
Active, Adventure, Cultural, Culture, Hiking & Trekking, Nature & Adventure, Safari, Small Group Tour
Inclusions:
- - 7 nights accommodation either camping or in hotels/lodges/guesthouses
- - Meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners
- - All transport using our 25-seat expedition vehicle
- - All 'included highlights' as mentioned in the itinerary
- - 2 truck crew (driver/guide plus assistant/cook)
- - Local guides for sightseeing tours and activities as per the itinerary
Departures:
- - Contact our sales team for the latest dates
- - This tour departs Johannesburg early in the morning on Day 1 so please plan to add at least 1 extra day to your travels before & after the tour dates below. Extra hotel nights and airport transfers are available on request.
Itinerary
Day 1: Johannesburg to Palapye
We start our tour early this morning in Johannesburg, as we travel through the North-West Province until we reach the Botswana border.
After completing border formalities we’ll carry on through the Trans-Kalahari highway until we reach our overnight accommodation.
As we depart Johannesburg first thing this morning you will need to book at least one night’s pre-tour accommodation.
Route: Johannesburg to Palapye
Facilities – Camping: Two per room with en-suite bathroom
Facilities – Accommodated: Rooms with en-suite bathrooms
Day 2: Palapye to Maun
Today we head north through the stark yet striking landscapes of the Central Kalahari desert towards the gateway of the Okavango Delta.
Along the way, you’ll pass by several smaller towns and villages, offering glimpses into everyday life in Botswana. A notable point of interest on our route is the Orapa Diamond Mine, an imposing testament to Botswana’s mineral wealth. This mine, which is a collaborative venture between De Beers and the Botswana government, is counted among the world’s most extensive diamond mines. It serves as a critical economic pillar, contributing considerably to Botswana’s GDP and export earnings.
Beyond Orapa, our journey skirts the southern end of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park before reaching our overnight destination in Maun, so keep an eye out for an array of wildlife that moves between the watering holes
Route: Palapye to Maun
Facilities – Camping: Two per room with en-suite bathroom
Facilities – Accommodated: Rooms with en-suite bathrooms
Day 3: Okavango Delta - Khwai Conservation Area
You will be separated from the truck for the next 2 nights and it is therefore important that you pack/gather your personal belongings which you may need, before we depart for Maun today as there is limited time in Maun for re-packing and storing. Please pack lightly and only take what you need for the following two nights.
Today we make our way towards the Okavango Delta. Early risers will have the opportunity to go on an optional scenic flight over the Delta (time and weather permitting).
After your optional flight, you will be collected from Maun and will be transferred to the Khwai Conservation area in smaller safari type vehicles. Our guide will prepare us on what to expect for our mokoro excursion into the Okavango Delta
Route: Maun to Khwai Conservation area
Optional activity: Scenic Flight over Okavango Delta
Included Highlight: Sunset Mokoro Excursion
Facilities – Camping: Campsite with shared ablutions
Facilities – Accommodated: Two per permanent tent with en – suite bathroom
Day 4: Okavango Delta - Moremi Game Reserve
At first light, you will be picked up from the hotel for our drive to the South gate to enter Moremi Game Reserve.
As we journey through the Okavango Delta ecosystem of channels and lagoons, sightings of different bird and animal populations will become more frequent.
The game viewing routes may vary according to the professional guides, particularly when high floods are experienced as certain routes may be closed.
Included Highlight: Moremi Game Reserve full day excursion
Facilities – Camping: Campsite with shared ablutions
Facilities – Accommodated: Two per permanent tent with en – suite bathroom
Day 5: Nata
Today, our journey will take us across the Northern stretch of the Makgadikgadi Pans where we can view beautiful examples of the iconic Baobab tree.
We are also afforded the opportunity to enjoy a guided afternoon excursion to the Pans and Nata sanctuary to appreciate the stunning views and have an unforgettable sundowner.
Route: Khwai to Nata
Optional Activity: Makgadikgadi Salt Pans (Nata Sanctuary)
Facilities – Camping: Campsite with shared ablutions
Facilities – Accommodated: Rooms with en-suite bathrooms
Day 6: Chobe National Park
We journey from Kalahari sands of Nata to Kasane and arrive in time for lunch and a quick siesta before we head out in the afternoon to explore the Chobe National Park from the river, enjoying a leisurely boat cruise which allows us an up close and personal experience with the many elephants that frequent the river in the afternoons
Route: Nata to Kasane
Included Highlight: Chobe National Park Boat Cruise
Optional Activity: Chobe National Park Game Drive
Facilities – Camping: Campsite with shared ablutions
Facilities – Accommodated: Rooms with en-suite bathrooms
Day 7: Kasane to Victoria Falls
This morning we travel across the border, a short distance to Victoria Falls, after an unforgettable time at Chobe National Park.
Upon arrival to Victoria Falls, you will have the opportunity to book some exciting optional activities. Victoria Falls offers a wide selection of activities to suit both adrenaline junkies and the more relaxed traveller. Choose from craft markets or a delicious High Tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel.
Route: Kasane to Victoria Falls
Optional Activity: Visit to the Victoria Falls, Bungee Jump, Gorge Swing, Sunset Cruise, Helicopter Flights, Boma Dinner Experience
Facilities – Accommodated: Two per Room with En-suite Bathroom
Facilities – Camping: Two per room with en-suite bathroom
Day 8: Tour ends in Victoria Falls
The day is yours free to take on activities that best suits your style – from rafting the mighty Zambezi River or enjoying a scenic flight over the falls below.
Additional nights accommodation and departure airport transfers are available on request. A 2-day transit option is also available departing tomorrow to take you back to Johannesburg if you would like to fly out from there, or have further onward travel plans in South Africa.
Optional Activity: Visit the Victoria Falls, Bungee Jump, Gorge Swing, Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Helicopter Flights, White water rafting, Boma Dinner Experience
