8 Nights Victoria Falls, Chobe, Okavango & Central Kalahari

DAY 1 : Victoria Falls Hotel, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Resting on the southern banks of the Zambezi River at the western end of the eponymous falls, this popular tourist town is compact enough to walk around and makes an ideal base for travellers exploring the seventh wonder of the world, the unfathomably vast Victoria Falls. About two-thirds of the falls can be viewed from the Zimbabwean side and, while the falls are undoubtedly the star attraction, the area provides both adventure seekers and sightseers with plenty of opportunities to warrant a longer stay. Popular activities include scenic flights over the falls in helicopters or microlights, bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge, white-water rafting (seasonal), and day trips to Chobe National Park. The town itself offers some excellent accommodation and restaurant options as well as an eclectic variety of African curios and authentic art sold by friendly Zimbabwean locals who are wonderfully welcoming and eager to help you enjoy your stay.

Overnight: Victoria Falls Hotel

The Victoria Falls Hotel, popularly known as “the grand old lady of the Falls”, is situated in the Victoria Falls National Park, and is a member of the exclusive Leading Hotels of the World group. It is one of only three IS0-accredited hotels in Zimbabwe. The Edwardian-style five-star hotel combines the charm of the old with the convenience of the new. Set in lush tropical gardens with lily ponds, palm trees and semi-tropical shrubs, it provides the tranquillity and seclusion that many guests seek. The famous Victoria Falls are just a ten-minute walk away using the hotel’s private pathway, and “the smoke that thunders” or “Mosi-O-Tunya” in the local dialect, is clearly audible and visible from this luxurious landmark.

Activities

• 1630hrs Zambezi Reflections Dinner Cruise

Zambezi Reflections

Zambezi Reflections is a dedicated floating restaurant offering gourmet meals on the mighty Zambezi River above the Victoria Falls. Similar to is sister vessel, The Zambezi Explorer, it is quickly gaining the reputation as the premier dining experience on the river and is perfect for either group bookings or individual travelers. The Dinner Cruise, which combines a Sunset Cruise with dinner, has proved to be a popular option among guests due it its great value for money.

Basis

• Bed and Breakfast

DAY 2 : Victoria Falls Hotel, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Activities

• 0900hrs Guided tour of the Falls (Zimbabwe)
• Time TBA A choice of an Elephant Back Safari OR a Lion Walk OR a 12/13 min Helicopter flight over The Falls 1900hrs The Boma Restaurant

Guided tour of the Falls (Zimbabwe)

A view of the Victoria Falls is something you will never forget and the best way to see them is on a guided tour. Discover how the Falls were formed and what local customs and traditions surround them. These tours are extremely informative and end with a visit to the local art and crafts centre.

The Boma Restaurant

The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show is a “must do” Victoria Falls dining and entertainment experience, specializing in traditional African food, drumming and dancing. The food is cooked and served in the style and quantity of a lavish feast, including irresistible desserts.

On arrival, you are dressed in a chitenge (traditional sarong) and welcomed into a vibrant atmosphere in which the tantalizing aromas of local dishes and game meat on the braai (barbecue) fill the restaurant, which is partially open to the star-filled African sky.

Your meal begins with a mouth-watering platter of starters whilst the buffet includes soup from the campfire, a range of salads, game meat cooked on a braai (barbecue), followed by desserts. Vegetarian options are also available, as well as local dishes such as peanut butter spinach .

You can also look forward to outstanding performances by traditional singers and dancers, and enjoy an energizing interactive drumming show. A face painter, storyteller, hair braider and fortune teller also form part of this festive evening.

Basis

• Bed and Breakfast

DAY 3 : Chobe Safari Lodge, Chobe River Front

Chobe River Front

The Chobe River forms the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park, renowned for its diverse and abundant game viewing opportunities. This section of the park is best known for its dense concentration of wildlife including elephant and hippo populations, but the waters attract all manner of game including large herds of buffalo and the lions that prey on them. A visit to this area guarantees close encounters with an array of African wildlife. Visitors can look forward to some exciting activities such as: driving along the game-dotted river banks in a 4WD; cruising along the river in a motorboat, spotting rare birdlife and for a unique, luxury safari experience, hire a houseboat.

Overnight: Chobe Safari Lodge

Chobe Safari Lodge is situated in Kasane on the banks of the Chobe River and shares a border with Chobe National Park. Right on the doorstep is the meeting of four African countries: Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Chobe Safari Lodge therefore offers an excellent getaway location to Chobe, Victoria Falls or Caprivi.

The close proximity to Victoria Falls International Airport, Livingstone International Airport and Kasane International Airport makes it easily accessible, with daily road transfers or charter flights connecting all these airports with Chobe Safari Lodge. The lodge has been recently renovated; matching a magical lodge experience to the spectacular game viewing.

Activities are organised around game drives throughout the Savute area in open 4x4 safari vehicles. Many trips will incorporate a visit to the Savute Marsh to give you a chance to see the historic presence of the Savute Channel at the marsh against a backdrop of teeming wildlife.

Activities

• 1500hrs Chobe Safari Lodge Boat Cruises 

Chobe Safari Lodge Boat Cruises

Chobe Boat Cruises are a wonderful way to experience the Chobe National Park. Herds of elephants can be seen crossing the Chobe river into the island which is a spectacular sight to witness. Other animal species such as hippos and crocodiles can be seen lounging in the sun by the riverside. The boat cruises are available in a number of different options. The standard cruise boards approximately 30-40 people. The bigger boats feature a bar on board for refreshments while the smaller boats are perfect for bird watching. Boat cruises depart from the town of Kasane at either the morning or afternoon departures. A private boat cruise can be arranged for alternate times.

Basis

• Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

DAY 4 : Chobe Safari Lodge, Chobe River Front

Activities

• 0600hrs Chobe Safari Lodge Game Drive
• 1530hrs Chobe Safari Lodge Boat Cruises

Chobe Safari Lodge Game Drive

Chobe Safari Lodge Game Drive offers guests the opportunity to view abundant species of animal life including elephants up close. There is also the possibility of encountering a large predator. The game drives have three departure times during the time, which all have a duration of approximately three hours. Alternative arrangements can be made to book either a half or full day drive with a picnic lunch.

Chobe Safari Lodge Boat Cruises

Chobe Boat Cruises are a wonderful way to experience the Chobe National Park. Herds of elephants can be seen crossing the Chobe river into the island which is a spectacular sight to witness. Other animal species such as hippos and crocodiles can be seen lounging in the sun by the riverside. The boat cruises are available in a number of different options. The standard cruise boards approximately 30-40 people. The bigger boats feature a bar on board for refreshments while the smaller boats are perfect for bird watching. Boat cruises depart from the town of Kasane at either the morning or afternoon departures. A private boat cruise can be arranged for alternate times.

Basis

• Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

DAY 5 : Delta Camp, Okavango Delta

Okavango Delta

Situated in the northwestern corner of Botswana, the Okavango Delta is a World Heritage Site as it is the largest inland delta in the world. The magnificent Okavango River sprawls out over the dry sands of the Kalahari Desert forming this flourishing waterlogged oasis featuring countless meandering waterways and crystal clear lagoons studded with water lilies, as well as fertile floodplains and reeded islands inhabited with abundant wildlife. The Okavango Delta stretches over 15000 square kilometres. Visitors can enjoy a number of wonderful activities such as game viewing, fishing, bird watching or taking an authentic guided Mokoro excursion through this wetland paradise in a traditional dugout canoe. Commonly spotted animals include: lion, rhino, leopard, giraffe, hippos, elephants, crocodiles and countless species of bird.

Overnight: Delta Camp

Situated on the South Western edge of Chief’s Island in the heart of the Okavango Delta is Delta Camp - set in the forest of a large, beautiful and palm-studded island.

The Okavango Delta with its crystal-clear channels, lagoons, sweeping floodplains and countless islands, is home to over 450 bird species, a spectacular array of plant species and the full spectrum of African game - the Okavango has earned its reputation as one of the world's premier wilderness areas.

The focus is on peace and tranquillity (stalking game on foot provides all the excitement one could wish for) and guests are actively encouraged to visit the local village, home to the guides, and to interact with the people there.

Accommodation is for a maximum of 16 guests in spacious lethaka (reed) chalets with en-suite bathrooms. Built of natural materials and elevated off the forest floor, each chalet has hot and cold running water, a shower with a view and solar-powered electric lighting.

Activities

• Activities as per lodge schedule 

Basis

• Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
• All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included

DAY 6 : Delta Camp, Okavango Delta

Activities

• Activities as per lodge schedule 

Basis

• Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
• All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included

DAY 7 : Deception Valley Lodge, Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Adventurous travellers seeking a truly remote African safari will be thrilled to discover it in central Botswana. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is the second largest game reserve in the world and one of the least visited, nothing can prepare you for the sheer wonder of exploring this vast reserve with its wild, untouched beauty. The landscape is dominated by sand veld, acacias, and Kalahari apple-leaf, interspersed with grasslands and dotted with occasional sand dunes, pans and fossil river valleys. While the reserve is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, there is one animal that is rather obviously absent, the human being. It is this lack of human traffic, combined with the park’s lack of infrastructure, that makes for a challenging and marvellously authentic African experience. Visitors need to be entirely self-sufficient but those willing to make the effort will be richly rewarded.

Overnight: Deception Valley Lodge

Deception Valley Lodge an oasis in the Kalahari of Botswana, a luxury lodge close to the famous Okavango Delta. Experience the Kalahari with Bushmen at hand, to share their knowledge, while you can relax in total luxury at this unique destination. Combining your visit of the Kalahari with the well-known area of the Okavango Delta to the north and the famous Victoria Falls would ensure that your safari to Africa would remain a treasured memory.

What makes Deception Valley Lodge unique is the rare opportunity to meet and explore this remarkable environment with bushman Guides of the San peoples, one of the oldest cultures in Africa. Experience a tour with real Bushmen. Exploring the bush on foot, while your guide will teach you of the hunting and survival skills, the culture and crafts of the San people, who over the centuries have adapted their lives to survive in the most inhospitable environment of them all.

Activities

• Activities as per lodge schedule 

Basis

• Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
• All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included

DAY 8 : Deception Valley Lodge, Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Activities

• Activities as per lodge schedule 

Basis

• Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
• All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included

DAY 9 : End of Itinerary

Basis

• Bed and Breakfast