Botswana Explorer
13 Days Starting and ending in Victoria Falls
Visiting: Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Makgadikgadi Pans, Moremi Game Reserve, Maun, Okavango Delta, Caprivi Strip, Chobe National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BFB
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the Botswana Explorer tour, traversing the breathtaking landscapes of Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia. Experience the majestic Victoria Falls, known as "The Smoke that Thunders," and explore the wildlife-rich Hwange National Park. Discover the vast Makgadikgadi Pans and the lush Khwai area of Moremi Game Reserve, where early morning and late afternoon game drives reveal the wonders of African wildlife. Navigate the serene channels of the Okavango Delta by mokoro, and enjoy a game viewing cruise on the Chobe River, renowned for its stunning sunsets and abundant wildlife. This adventure includes 11 nights of fully serviced camping and one night in a hotel, with all camping gear provided. Guided by an English-speaking local expert, this tour promises an immersive and thrilling exploration of Africa's natural beauty.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Victoria Falls "Mosi-Oa-Tunya" - The Smoke That Thunders
Location: Victoria Falls
Accommodation Name: Sprayview Hotel
Welcome to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe - one of the most spectacular sights in Africa. The tour starts at 15:00hrs on Day 1 with a group meeting in the foyer of the Sprayview Hotel. After a long journey you have the afternoon and tomorrow morning at your leisure to browse the local markets, to experience the many optional activities on offer in the adrenaline capital of Africa including white water rafting, scenic flights over the Falls and to visit the Falls (own expense). Overnight Sprayview Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 : Hwange National Park
Location: Hwange National Park
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Dinner
The morning is free to do activities in Victoria Falls and to explore the town. We depart mid afternoon for a 2 hour drive to Hwange National Park. Our unfenced campsite is situated inside the Private Concession. Overnight camping.
Day 3 : Hwange National Park
Location: Hwange National Park
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we enjoy a morning 4x4 game drive in the Private Concession bordering the Park. This area of the Park is famous for its large Elephant population. The afternoon is free for an optional game drive (own expense) or to relax around camp and experience the sights from the viewing deck. Overnight camping.
Day 4 : Makgadikgadi Pans
Location: Makgadikgadi Pans
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We depart Hwange and cross into Botswana where we set up camp at Nata. We visit the Nata Bird Sanctuary and Makgadikgadi Pans for a truly unforgettable sunset over what remains of an ancient 6500 square kilometre lake. Overnight camping.
Day 5 - 6 : Khwai Area Of Moremi Game Reserve
Location: Moremi Game Reserve
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We travel to Maun arriving at lunchtime. We change vehicles to our open sided 4x4 vehicles and travel to the Khwai area of Moremi Game Reserve. This is a pure wilderness area of great beauty, with rich green vegetation, palm trees, teeming with birdlife and a vast population of wild animals. We enjoy early morning and late afternoon game drives exploring the reserve in open 4x4 safari vehicles. Our private campsite is located inside the park where we set up bush toilets and bush showers. Overnight camping.
Day 7 : Maun
Location: Maun
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After an early morning game drive we exit Moremi and travel back to Maun. The afternoon is free for a 1 hour scenic flight over the Okavango Delta (own expense). Overnight camping.
Day 8 - 9 : Okavango Delta
Location: Okavango Delta
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart Maun and driving round the pan handle we traverse to the north west of the Okavango Delta. We arrive at Swamp Stop mid afternoon and our campsite on the edge of the Okavango Delta. This afternoon enjoy a sunset boat excursion in the channels of the Delta. The following day we travel by boat 30 minutes into the Delta. We do mokoro and boat excursions in the back channels of the Nxamasire area of the Delta. Game walks are also done on the smaller islands in the area subject to the water levels of the Delta. Overnight camping.
Day 10 : Caprivi Strip
Location: Caprivi Strip
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Departing the Delta we cross into Namibia and traverse to the Eastern side of the Caprivi Strip, a sliver of Namibia sandwiched between Botswana and Angola. We arrive at our campsite overlooking the flood plains of the Zambezi River. Overnight camping.
Day 11 - 12 : Chobe River - Kasane
Location: Chobe National Park
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A short drive through the Chobe National Park takes us to the Chobe River. Chobe is famous for its beautiful scenery, magnificent sunsets and abundance of wildlife and birdlife. The following day sunset is enjoyed on a relaxing game viewing boat cruise on the Chobe River. Optional afternoon or morning game drive in the Chobe National Park (own expense). Overnight camping.
Day 13 : Transfer To Victoria Falls, Trip Concludes
Location: Victoria Falls
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today the tour concludes with a transfer back into Zimbabwe and to Victoria Falls Airport.
What's Included
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Accommodation
11 nights camping -
12 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 11 dinners
The tour includes 12 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 11 dinners.
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11 nights fully supported camping on a twinshare tent basis, 1 night hotel on a twinshare basis
The tour provides 11 nights of fully supported camping on a twinshare tent basis and 1 night hotel accommodation on a twinshare basis.
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Group camping equipment
Group camping equipment including spacious safari tent, camp bed, foam mattress, small pillow, and sleeping bag is provided.
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English speaking local guide, cook and camp assistant
An English-speaking local guide, cook, and camp assistant are included in the tour.
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Chobe River game cruise
A game viewing cruise on the Chobe River is included.
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Okavango Delta mokoro excursion
A mokoro excursion in the Okavango Delta is included.
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Game drives as listed in itinerary
Game drives as listed in the itinerary are included.
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National park and conservation fees
National park and conservation fees are included.
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Private transport in custom built expedition vehicle
Private transport in a custom-built expedition vehicle is included.
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Arrival and departure transfers in Victoria Falls
Arrival and departure transfers are included in Victoria Falls on Days 1 and 13.
What's Not Included
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Local cash payment
A local cash payment of US$250 per person is payable to the tour guide on day 1.
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International flights
International flights are not included.
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Transfers to/from Livingstone Airport
Arrival and departure transfers to/from Livingstone Airport (LVI) Zambia, or on any other day other than Days 1 and 13, are not included.
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Optional activities
Optional activities are not included.
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Meals not noted in the itinerary
Meals not noted in the itinerary are not included.
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Entrance to Victoria Falls
Entrance to Victoria Falls is not included.
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Bottled water and drinks
Bottled water and aerated and alcoholic drinks are not included.
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Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
, are not included. -
Tips
Tips are not included.
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Airport and departure taxes
Airport and departure taxes are not included.
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Visas
Visas are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
Accommodation
This trip features 11 nights of fully serviced camping and 1 night hotel accommodation. Fully serviced camping means all camping gear (including sleeping bag & pillow), spacious 2 person safari tents, camp bed, mattress and comfortable safari folding chairs are all provided. We also enjoy the attention of two camp assistants/cooks who set everything up for us, in addition to our English-speaking guide.
What You Carry
In your daypack you will need to carry a rainjacket, extra warm clothing (it can be cold on early morning game drives) water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip balm etc.
Wildlife
The wilderness areas of Africa are populated by large numbers of wild and potentially dangerous animals. The trip aims to view these animals in their natural habitat, uncontrolled by fences. Your experienced guides will make every effort to ensure the safety of the group at all times. Please be aware that all safari travel, including vehicle safaris in the proximity of wild animals is never entirely without risk. By travelling into wild areas in search of wild animals, all participants accept that they are choosing an adventure that includes an element of risk and this is an inherent aspect of the enjoyment of this style of travel.
Mode of Transport
Private transport in a custom-built expedition vehicle is provided, along with arrival and departure transfers in Victoria Falls on Days 1 & 13. The tour includes a Chobe River game cruise and Okavango Delta mokoro excursion, with game drives as listed in the itinerary.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the Botswana Explorer tour?
The tour includes 11 nights of fully serviced camping and 1 night hotel accommodation. The camping is fully supported with all necessary gear provided, including spacious safari tents, camp beds, mattresses, and comfortable safari folding chairs. There are also two camp assistants/cooks who set everything up, along with an English-speaking guide.
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Are there any additional costs I should be aware of during the tour?
Yes, there is a local cash payment of US$250 per person payable to the tour guide on day 1. Additionally, optional activities, meals not noted in the itinerary, entrance to Victoria Falls, bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks, personal items, tips, airport and departure taxes, visas, and travel insurance are not included.
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What wildlife experiences can I expect on this tour?
You will have the opportunity to search for wildlife on a mokoro excursion in the Okavango Delta, enjoy 4x4 game drives in the Khwai area of Moremi Wildlife Reserve, and experience a game viewing cruise on the Chobe River. The tour also includes visits to Hwange National Park and the Makgadikgadi Pans, which are known for their striking Baobab trees and wildlife.
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What should I carry in my daypack during the tour?
You should carry a rainjacket, extra warm clothing for early morning game drives, a water bottle, camera gear, valuables, and personal items such as sunscreen and lip balm in your daypack.
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What is the risk level associated with the wildlife experiences on this tour?
The tour involves traveling into wilderness areas populated by wild and potentially dangerous animals. While the experienced guides will make every effort to ensure safety, all safari travel, including vehicle safaris near wild animals, carries an element of risk. Participants accept this risk as part of the adventure.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.