From CAD 2,916 Was CAD 3,430
Guarantee
Small Group
Average
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
On this nine-day wildlife-filled adventure, you’ll get to see Botswana’s inland delta, herds of elephants and the world's largest salt pans! Starting and ending in Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls and dipping into Namibia's Caprivi region, this trip celebrates both the natural and cultural highlights of Botswana. You’ll stay in a lodge overlooking a watering hole frequented by elephants, watch hippos wallowing along the shores of the Chobe River and paddle through the Okavango Delta in a traditional dug-out canoe. If it's a diversity of landscapes, wildlife and cultures you're after, then this is the ultimate trip for you!
Highlights
- Glide through the wildlife-filled waterways of the Okavango by mokoro – this traditional dug-out canoe is the best way to experience the delta up close.
- Seek out pods of hippos wallowing in the waters and surround yourself with abundant birdlife on a river cruise through Chobe National Park.
- Enjoy some truly unique accommodation in Elephant Sands. Greet herds of elephants as they come to drink and bathe from a natural watering hole right outside the lodge, only metres from your porch!
- Visit Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust – supported by The Intrepid Foundation – and learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife and the Trust’s role in anti-poaching.
- Arrive early or extend your stay in Victoria Falls to fully experience all this amazing place has to offer. Take an active adventure, see the thundering falls – the largest in the world – and maybe take a sunset helicopter flight to get the best views.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2948
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private Vehicle,Boat,Mokoro
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: UBSZ
Starts: Victoria Falls, Botswana
Finishes: Victoria Falls, Botswana
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (8), Lunch (2), Dinner (4)Accommodation: Hotel (2 nights),Lodge (4 nights),Basic Lodge (2 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 2916 (CAD 324 /day)
Itinerary
Mhoro! Welcome to Zimbabwe. Your adventure begins in Victoria Falls with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, and it’s recommended that you do, check out some of the optional activities around Victoria Falls. The Zimbabwe side of the falls offers the broadest view of this colossal natural wonder. Scenic helicopter flights are incredible – if you opt for one, choose Zambezi Helicopter Company (CAA Zimbabwe), the only operator Intrepid endorses. After the welcome meeting, why not get to know your fellow travellers over a group dinner.
Optional Activities:
- Victoria Falls - Bridge Tour (68 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Standard Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee) (45 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Traditional Village Tour (55 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Bridge Swing (168 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Jet Boat (Seasonal - excludes USD10 NP Fee) (110 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Whitewater rafting (Seasonal - excludes USD10 NP Fee) (126 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (12 mins - excludes USD25 Fuel & NP Fee) (150 USD)
- Victoria Falls - River Song Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee) (75 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (25 mins - excludes USD30 Fuel & NP Fee) (284 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you’ll leave Victoria Falls behind and head to Elephant Sands via the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust – one of the projects The Intrepid Foundation supports. Here you can learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, human-wildlife conflict and the Trust’s role in anti-poaching. There may also be a chance to meet any rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care. Then, travel across the Kazungula border into Botswana and make your way to your accommodation in Elephant Sands. Located in a private concession bordering on the Chobe Forest Reserve, the watering hole at Elephant Sands lodge attracts herds of elephants and other wildlife in season. You'll take a guided bush walk through the unfenced 16,000 ha private conservancy, which is home to a variety of wildlife. You may even spot some of Africa's lesser-known 'Little Five' species! Tonight, maybe soak up the sounds of the wilderness with a glass of wine as your overlook the waterhole, keeping an eye out for the roaming animals.
Included Activities:
- Nata - Elephant Sands Bush Walk
- Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit
Accommodation:
- Basic Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, drive to Maun – a bustling town on the edge of the Okavango Delta. Arriving here in the afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to take in this UNESCO World Heritage site from above on a scenic flight in a helicopter flight (an optional activity that your trip leader can help you arrange). Tonight's accommodation is in a comfortable hotel situated on the town's outskirts.
Optional Activities:
- Okavango Delta - Helicopter Scenic Flight (280 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Leaving Maun after breakfast, make your way further to the northwestern part of the Okavango Delta, admiring the scenery along the way. Meet your 4WD transfer for the last 12 km and watch the scenery pass you by. When you arrive, settle into the lodge where you’ll be spending the next two nights, located on the edge of the Guma Lagoon.
Accommodation:
- Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll hop into mokoros (traditional dugout canoes) for a water-level exploration of the delta. Paddling through papyrus and reed beds to lily-covered lagoons and islands, be sure to keep on the lookout for elephants, antelope, warthogs and other creatures of the plains. Tuck into a picnic lunch on one of the islands and embark on a short bushwalk, returning to the lodge in the late afternoon in time to watch the sunset over the lagoon.
Included Activities:
- Okavango Delta - Mokoro Safari
- Okavango Delta - Nature walk
Accommodation:
- Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, take the 4WD transfer back to the vehicle and make your way to the Namibian border. The drive to tonight's camp on the Caprivi banks of the Okavango River, involves passing through the Mahango Game Reserve – keep your eyes peeled for the surrounding wildlife on the drive, like elephants and buffalo.
Accommodation:
- Basic Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
Continue the journey along the Caprivi Strip, located in the newly formed Kavango-Zambezi Trans frontier park. After crossing the border back into Botswana you’ll arrive at Kasane – a town surrounded by the Chobe National Park. Taking its name from the river which marks the border between Namibia and Botswana, Chobe boasts the largest population of elephants in Africa, plus an abundance of birdlife, pods of wallowing hippos and more. Check out Kasane town, or maybe take a dip in the lodge pool, sit by the open outdoor fire or simply watch the setting sun change the colours of the sky above the Chobe River.
Accommodation:
- Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
Take the opportunity to wake up early and enjoy an optional dawn game drive in Chobe National Park, where you may see elephants drinking at the waters' edge, large herds of cape buffaloes and many impala within the park. Return to the lodge for a late breakfast and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Later in the afternoon you’ll head out on a sunset cruise on the Chobe River. At the right time of year, the river is frequented by large families of elephants crossing the banks, drinking and playing in the water. It's also ideal for spotting bird life such as saddle-billed storks, malachite kingfishers, fish eagles and beautiful bee-eaters, as well as hippos and crocodiles. Why not grab a sundowner from the small bar onboard, then sit back and watch the sunset over the river – a perfect way to end the day.
Included Activities:
- Chobe National Park - River cruise
Optional Activities:
- Chobe National Park - Open Safari Vehicle Morning Game Drive (580 BWP)
Accommodation:
- Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning you have the option to get up before dawn and head out on an optional morning game drive. This time of day is when predators such as leopards and lions are spotted returning from their night's hunting. Return to the lodge for breakfast, then drive across the Zimbabwean border. After completing the border formalities, drive the remaining distance to Victoria Falls. Your adventure ends when you arrive, at approximately 2 pm, and no accommodation is included tonight. If you’d like to extend your stay in Victoria Falls, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time. Those staying longer can visit the falls and choose from various activities and excursions, including white water rafting and canoeing.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Priya - Traveled, April 2024
AMAZING WILDLIFE i had to pinch myself it exceeded my expectations. Great group and great leader big up Bonnie
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/18/2024
Vanessa - Traveled, April 2024
The trip was amazing and very well planned. The places we went to were great, we saw such beautiful animals in their habitats, and the people were lovely. Our guide Bonnie did a wonderful job too! I will definitely come back.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/18/2024
Jack - Traveled, November 2023
Both our guides Abel and Nathi were phenomenal. The locations were excellent and experiences good, though in some accommodations with no cooling it can be very hot during November/December. The one negative is the price, it isn't always consistent and is a bit expensive for what is included. That being said, highly recommend the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2023
Jonathan - Traveled, October 2023
This was the experience if a life time or leader and driver. Admore and Goodman made this experience all the better. We are experienced travelers but there are aspects of this trip we would have missed if it were not for intrepid. Highly recommend Botswana highlights to everyone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/01/2023
Jessica - Traveled, October 2023
A fantastic trip with some incredible accommodation options. A great way to explore Botswana with an outstanding guide and driver. No game drives were included, but were optional extras. I think the itinerary needs some work, but overall a great trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2023
Geoff - Traveled, September 2023
Each Intrepid trip gets me so involved with the people. That enhances my life. As well as making a difference to theres. We all go away with a better understanding. No one is better. Just different.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/29/2023
Joshua - Traveled, September 2023
Intrepid Travel is an amazing adventure travel company which truly goes above and beyond.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/01/2023
Anne - Traveled, September 2023
Fantastic trip with lots of wildlife viewing opportunities. Expertly led by our leader Leroy and driver Mr T. Each day provided very memorable experiences. Long drives were broken up by toilet stops and opportunities to buy food and drinks.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2023
Martin - Traveled, September 2023
Our visit to the Okavango region exceeded all expectations. The Intrepid team were excellent, making sure all the group felt included. Added to their excellent knowledge and enthusiasm, this helped ensure we had a great time
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/24/2023
Danielle - Traveled, September 2023
This trip exceeded all expectations! Leroy was the absolute best tour leader and really made the trip. The accommodation was excellent - particularly Elephant Sands & Ngepi - and the 'long' drives went by quickly.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2023
Stephanie - Traveled, August 2023
Outstanding!!! Knowledgeable & enthusiastic guide, friendly safe driver, knowledgeable excursions staff, friendly lodges staff, delicious food, clean water available, accommodations clean/adventurous, and so many birds and animals to see daily!!! I would recommend this trip to my family and friends.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/06/2023
Claire - Traveled, July 2023
This trip was amazing! We had an incredible time in Botswana and saw so much: such a range of landscapes, animals, places and people. We especially loved the range of unique accommodation in very special places, whether next to the elephant watering hole, deep in the Delta, or across the river from the hippos. Our guides Shimane and Leroy were loads of fun and made the entire atmosphere relaxed, informative, and convivial. Thanks Intrepid for an amazing experience, I'm sure I will be back to Botswana.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/08/2023
Louis - Traveled, July 2023
This was a trip of a life time, we spotted elephants every day as well as 20 lions in total through all the drives. We learned so much about the local people. Our guides were professional and knowledgeable, we felt safe at all times. The lodges we stayed in were stunning. Especially the night by the river in Namibia. I can’t believe how much ground we covered.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/06/2023
Fan - Traveled, June 2023
Amazing destination. Well organized trip with carefully selected activities and accommodations which are full of wonders and uniqueness. Professional and charming tour guides. Wonderful tour mates. This is one of the best tours I took over the years!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/08/2023
Laura - Traveled, June 2023
This trip was 5 star from start to finish! The trip route is the best way to visit Botswana and includes Namibia and Victoria Falls! All accommodation was excellent, unique and a true African experience! Our tour guides and group were united as a strong family and could t recommend this tour enough! My first Intrepid trip and I will be back!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/07/2023
Chris - Traveled, June 2023
Botswana Highlights is a fast moving, action packed, journey through some amazing countries. I would recommend this to anyone wishing to explore Botswana in a relatively short timeframe. Starting and finishing at Victoria Falls gives the trip a nice full circle feel and the falls are a must see. Our leader Dumiani and driver Leeroy made the trip and their humour, patience and helpful attitude helped to create the holiday of a lifetime. They also helped educate us regarding African life and wildlife throughout the trip. There are some early starts but these are necessary to get everyone to the next location with time to explore or do an optional activity such as a flight over the Okavango Delta or game drives in Chobe National Park. We managed to see so many animals including the rarely sighted Leopard and two sightings of Lions. I would recommend going for as many game drives as possible (we did 3 out of a possible 3 in Chobe, one afternoon and two mornings). The game drive driver Albert was fantastic and used his local knowledge of the park to give us the best chance of seeing the Leopard and Lions. Highly recommended.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/07/2023
Louise - Traveled, June 2023
This was a holiday of a lifetime and it was amazing. The group, Dumisani our guide, Leroy our driver made it extra special as it felt like we were a happy family. Lovely people and lovely holiday.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/01/2023
Christine - Traveled, June 2023
I have been on many Intrepid trips and this one was right up there with the best. The wildlife was wonderful as was our group of just six travellers. You will be lucky if you have Dumi as your leader and Leroy as your driver, they injected so much fun into the proceedings and I learned so much about Africa from listening to them talk about their lives. The accommodation was in magical settings, sounds of hippos, elephants and lions punctuating our rest. Don't hesitate, you won't be disappointed!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/27/2023
Peter - Traveled, May 2023
This trip has an excellent itinerary with a new adventure or experience every day. It would have been difficult to have created it by ourselves. We felt safe at all times and were pleased to find that the average driving times were less than those shown on the website. We came back with a much improved knowledge of Botswana culture and wildlife. Special thanks to our guides Dimisani and Leroy for all their hard work keeping things running smoothly.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/19/2023
William - Traveled, May 2023
This trip provided highlight after highlight. We left feeling like we could never have put it all together ourselves - the magic of animals in the wild - countless ways to enjoy watching elephants!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/12/2023
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