Day 1 & 2: Central Kalahari Game Reserve
(2 nights)

On the way: Your guide will meet you at Maun Airport at 2.30PM. If your excitement levels aren’t peaking at this point, trust us, they soon will be as you’ll have so many amazing experiences ahead of you. For now, it’s time to load your bags and yourselves into the vehicles that are going to take you to your first destination – Deception Valley Private Reserve. The drive takes around 4 hours through vast open landscapes that offer your first taste of Botswana’s remote wilderness.

When you’re there: Over the next two days, you’ll explore this extraordinary desert environment on game drives and guided nature walks with local San trackers, who share fascinating insights into the bush, wildlife and their traditional culture.

The Central Kalahari is home to an impressive range of desert-adapted wildlife including oryx, lion, cheetah and hyena, while the huge open spaces and clear night skies create an unforgettable safari atmosphere.

You’ll stay at comfortable safari accommodation in Deception Valley Private Reserve, with ensuite rooms, a dining area, lounge and swimming pool. All meals during your stay are included.

Accommodation: The Dune Camp

Day 3: Makgadikgadi Pans
(1 night)

On the way: You’ll start the morning with a short game drive before travelling approximately 120km toward the Makgadikgadi region. The drive takes around 4 to 5 hours arriving at Boteti River Camp in time for lunch.

When you’re there: After lunch and some time to relax, you’ll head out on an afternoon game drive along the Boteti River, an area known for elephant, zebra and other wildlife that gather along the water’s edge.

The camp offers comfortable chalet accommodation with ensuite bathrooms, while communal facilities include a swimming pool, lounge, bar and restaurant.

Accommodation: Boteti River Camp

Day 4 - 6: Khwai Community Area
(3 nights)

On the way: After breakfast, you’ll travel west toward the Khwai region, stopping in Maun for lunch at your own expense before continuing through wildlife areas toward the Okavango Delta. The total journey is approximately 340km and takes around 6 hours excluding the lunch stop.

An optional helicopter transfer to Khwai is available this afternoon for those wanting a spectacular aerial view of the Delta.

When you’re there: The Khwai River area borders the famous Moremi Game Reserve and offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities.

During your stay, you’ll enjoy game drives through the Khwai region, keeping an eye out for elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and abundant birdlife. You’ll also head out on a mokoro excursion along one of the Delta’s quieter waterways for a completely different perspective of the Okavango ecosystem.

Accommodation is at Khwai Guesthouse in Khwai Village, offering comfortable ensuite rooms in a relaxed safari setting.

Please note lunch in Maun is not included.

Accommodation: Khwai Guest House

Day 7 & 8: Chobe National Park
(2 nights)

On the way: Today’s journey takes you through the Savuti region toward Chobe National Park. The 200km route includes game viewing along the way and a picnic lunch en route, with arrival at camp in the late afternoon.

When you’re there: You’ll spend two nights at Chobe Elephant Camp on the edge of Chobe National Park, one of Botswana’s most wildlife-rich regions. The Chobe River attracts enormous herds of elephant and buffalo, along with predators such as lion and leopard. During your stay, activities include game drives and a boat cruise, giving you the chance to experience the park both on land and from the water.

The camp features comfortable ensuite rooms, a swimming pool, lounge, bar and dining area overlooking the surrounding wilderness.

Accommodation: Chobe Elephant Camp

Day 9 & 10: Victoria Falls (Zim)
(2 nights)

On the way: Following a short morning game drive, your guide will transfer you to the Kazungula border crossing into Zimbabwe. From there, a local transfer team will continue with you to Victoria Falls. The journey is approximately 160km and takes around 3.5 hours plus border formalities.

While you’re here: You’ll spend the final two nights of your safari in Victoria Falls on a bed and breakfast basis at a comfortable lodge.

The afternoons are free for you to explore the spectacular Victoria Falls, browse local markets or take part in optional activities such as sunset cruises, helicopter flights, white water rafting or canoeing.

Please note that lunch and dinner in Victoria Falls are at your own expense.

Accommodation: Pioneers Victoria Falls

Day 11:

Time to pack your bags, say your goodbyes and head off to wherever your adventure is taking you next.

Please note that you can take this tour in reverse – starting at Victoria Falls and ending in the Kalahari. See Botswana & Victoria Falls 11-Day Group Tour – Southbound for more details.