Maun Arrival and Safari Introduction
DAY 1: Maun, Botswana
On arrival at Maun International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your lodge. Thamalakane River Lodge is located on the banks of the Thamalakane River outside Maun, en route to the famous Okavango Delta. The rest of the afternoon may be spent at leisure, enjoying one of the many activities available at the lodge. This evening, you will meet your guide and the rest of your group at the lodge at 18h00 for your pre-departure meeting.
Accommodation: Thamalakane River Lodge or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Lunch: For your own account
Dinner: At Thamalakane River Lodge or similar
DAY 2 & 3: Maun to Okavango Delta, Botswana
This morning after breakfast, we head to Etsha 13 on the western border of the Okavango Delta. Unlike other deltas, it flows into the Kalahari Desert without reaching the coast, which makes it unique. The next day is spent exploring the network of water pathways through thick vegetation in mokoros (traditional dugout canoes), discovering a variety of birds and wildlife. We have the opportunity to stop at a secluded island to take a 1 1/2-hour guided walk, hoping to spot elephants, waterbuck, or other animals living in this water-filled paradise.
Distance: 320 km
Departure: 9h00
Accommodation: Guma Lagoon Camp or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Breakfast: At Thamalakane River Lodge or similar
Lunch: Guma Lagoon Camp or similar
Dinner: At Guma Lagoon Camp or similar
Day 3: Breakfast: At Guma Lagoon Camp or similar
Lunch: Lunch packs by Guma Lagoon or similar
Dinner: At Guma Lagoon Camp or similar
DAY 4: Greater Moremi Area, Botswana
After breakfast, we head south, travelling via Maun to Camelthorn Bush Camp, situated on a private concession on the doorstep of the Moremi Game Reserve. The reserve is renowned for its concentration of mammals, and it is not unusual to see many different types of wildlife during just one game drive. Game viewing is seasonal; depending on the time of year, you may see different species in different areas. The best time for game viewing is the end of the dry season or spring, from August to November. During this season, in order for us to offer the best game viewing possible, extra driving may be required due to the animals migrating closer to the river. In the summer, birdlife can also be viewed in abundance, with exceptional sightings of wildfowl and raptors. Depending on your time of arrival, you will get to enjoy either a sunset game drive or an evening drive offering opportunities to spot elusive nocturnal creatures.
Distance: 398 km
Departure: 06h00
Accommodation: Camelthorn Bush Camp or similar (safari tents with bucket showers, washbasins & toilet)
Please note that there is limited solar power at the camp.
Breakfast: At Guma Lagoon Camp or similar
Lunch: Lunch in Maun at a local restaurant
Dinner: At Camelthorn Bush Camp or similar
Accommodation Description - Camelthorn Bush Camp:
Experience one of Botswana's finest game viewing areas in an unfenced camp located on a private concession in close proximity to the Moremi Game Reserve, a 2-hour drive from Maun. The comfortable tents are positioned privately under big Acacia trees. The camp is also equipped with a homely and communal dining and lounge area. Listen to the remarkable night sounds of the bush from the comfort of a safari tent equipped with twin beds, soft pillows, and duvets. The tent openings and windows are fitted with mosquito screening. To limit the camp's impact on the environment while still affording the necessary comfort in the bush, the en-suite bathrooms are equipped with bucket showers, wash basins, and flush toilets. Please note that the camp is solar powered, and cameras and mobile phones can be charged in the communal areas should the power levels allow it. In the evening, your private tents will have solar-powered lights. Clients travelling with CPAP machines need to inform reservations about this in advance, as electricity will be limited throughout the night.
DAY 6: Khwai, Botswana
Today, we embark on a full-day game drive in Khwai, situated on the fringes of the Moremi Game Reserve and boasting a diverse ecosystem of lagoons, plains, and forests. With a small population living in harmony with wildlife, Khwai attracts large herds of elephant and buffalo in the dry season, offering excellent opportunities for lion and leopard sightings alongside abundant birdlife and varied flora.
Distance: 150 km
Departure: 07h00
Accommodation: Camelthorn Bush Camp or similar (safari tents with bucket showers, washbasins & toilet)
Breakfast: At Camelthorn Bush Camp or similar
Lunch: Lunch pack from Camelthorn Bush Camp or similar
Dinner: At Camelthorn Bush Camp or similar
DAY 7: Moremi Game Reserve to Nata, Botswana
Leaving the bush behind us, we travel east towards the Makgadikgadi Pans, once a large river-fed lake which has become saline and empty. This area incorporates a multitude of salt pans and vast grass plains dotted by palm islands and forms the Great Makgadikgadi, which comprises the largest area of salt pans in the world, covering some 37,000 square km overall. We arrive at our lodge in the late afternoon.
Distance: 406 km
Departure: 07h00
Accommodation: Nata Lodge or similar (permanent safari tents with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool & bar)
Breakfast: At Camelthorn Bush Camp or similar
Lunch: For your own account
Dinner: For your own account
DAY 8 & 9: Nata to Chobe, Botswana
We head off to Nata Bird Sanctuary in the morning, which offers us the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent view over the Sowa Pan, which is part of the Greater Makgadikgadi Pans. Please note that a visit to the pans is subject to road conditions, time constraints, and water levels during the dry season, as this restricts the number of birds in the area. After breakfast, we continue our journey north to Kasane, the gateway to Chobe National Park. Chobe, which is the second-largest national park in Botswana and covers 10,566 square km, has one of the greatest concentrations of elephant found on the African continent. The afternoon is at leisure to partake in optional activities or to relax by the pool. Start your morning of day 9 with a hopefully spectacular game drive in Chobe National Park. You will return to the lodge for a late breakfast and relaxation until our boat cruise on the Chobe River starts around 3 pm. Here we can watch elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds, making for excellent up-close photo opportunities.
Distance: 320 km
Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Chobe Marina Lodge or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Day 8: Breakfast: At Nata Lodge or similar
Lunch: For your own account
Dinner: At Chobe Marina Lodge or similar
Day 9: Breakfast: At Chobe Marina Lodge or similar
Lunch: For your own account
Dinner: At Chobe Marina Lodge or similar
DAY 10-12: Chobe, Botswana to Hwange, Zimbabwe
Today, we make our way into Zimbabwe to Robins Camp, situated in the northwest corner of Hwange National Park, the largest national park in Zimbabwe, covering an area of approximately 14,600 km2. Named after a local chief, Hwange is situated in the northwest corner of the country about one hour south of Victoria Falls. Due to its close proximity to the Falls, Hwange boasts an incredible biodiversity of flora and fauna, and a plethora of African wildlife. There are over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 bird species recorded here. Upon arrival, you can choose to partake in an optional game drive (for own account) to kickstart your wildlife experience. The following day, get ready for an exhilarating full-day game drive in Hwange National Park, one of Africa's finest havens for wildlife. Marvel at the vast herds of elephants, buffalo, and zebra, and witness the impressive concentration of giraffes. Keep an eye out for predators, endangered species, and the diverse birdlife that thrives here. On day 12, indulge in a morning game drive, offering yet another chance to witness the untamed wilderness in all its glory. As the afternoon approaches, you can enjoy leisure time at the lodge or opt for additional activities (for own account) that the lodge offers.
Distance: 193 km (day 10)
Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Robins Camp or similar (chalets with en-suite bathroom, swimming pool & bar area)
Day 10: Breakfast: At Chobe Marina Lodge or similar
Lunch: At Robins Camp or similar
Dinner: At Robins Camp or similar
Day 11: Breakfast: At Robins Camp or similar
Lunch: At Robins Camp or similar
Dinner: At Robins Camp or similar
Day 12: Breakfast: At Robins Camp or similar
Lunch: At Robins Camp or similar
Dinner: At Robins Camp or similar
DAY 13: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
After breakfast, we head back towards Victoria Falls. The rest of the afternoon may be spent at leisure enjoying one of the many activities available in Victoria Falls.
Accommodation: Shearwater Explorer Village or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Breakfast: At Robins Camp or similar
Lunch: For your own account
Dinner: For your own account
Optional Activities in Victoria Falls
Below is a list of some of the most popular optional activities on offer in Victoria Falls. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. The rates are per person and are quoted in US Dollars. All activities are subject to availability and may require a minimum number of passengers to operate. Certain activities only operate at specific times of the year. Please contact our reservation office for further information.
Should you wish to partake in an activity that is not listed below, we will gladly assist you with rates and reservations.
- 15 Minute Helicopter Flight
- Flying Fox (Cable Slide)
- 22 Minute Helicopter Flight
- Gorge Swing
- Boma Dinner Incl. Transfers
- Zip Line 12-13 Min. Flight of Angels
- Horse Back Safaris (Novice)
- 25 Minute Flight
- Livingstone Island: Lunch Departure
- Bungee Jump
- Victoria Falls Bicycle Tour
- Bridge Slide
- Canopy Tour
DAY 14: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Today you will have time at leisure to explore Victoria Falls, the town, and all of its unique offerings, from adventure activities to cultural experiences. Your guide will take you on a tour of the mighty Victoria Falls, known by the local Kololo tribe as Mosi oa Tunya - "the Smoke that thunders". In the afternoon, we embark on a relaxing sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River.
Accommodation: Shearwater Explorer Village or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Breakfast: At Shearwater Explorer Village or similar
Lunch: For your own account
Dinner: For your own account
DAY 15: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Our safari ends after breakfast. You will be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport in time for your departure flight. Kindly note it is advisable to book international flights not earlier than 13h00. We hope to welcome you again one day on another of our African adventures.
Distance: 30 km
Breakfast: At Shearwater Explorer Village or similar
Departure: The Botswana Wildlife Breakaway Safari departs from Thamalakane River Lodge or similar. Please note that the daily departure times are a guideline only and are subject to change due to seasonal variations, as well as unforeseen circumstances. The final decision rests with your guide, who will advise you at what time you will be departing each day. On the evening of day 1, there will be a meeting presented by your guide at 6 pm at your lodge. It is imperative that all clients attend this meeting so as not to miss out on any critical information. Whilst it is our every intention to adhere to the above-mentioned itinerary, there may on occasion be a necessity to make alterations in order to make the tour more enjoyable or practical. Therefore, please treat the itinerary as a guide only.
