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Adventure Tours   >   Africa Adventure Tours   >  Botswana Safari

Botswana Safari Adventure Tour

Africa

  • Botswana
  • Namibia
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

It's one thing to watch nature documentaries from the comfort of your couch-it's definitely another thing to get up close and personal with the wildlife of Botswana. During this unparalleled safari experience, you'll travel in open jeeps and boats in search of elephants, giraffes, lions and exotic birds before resting up in our comfortable tented camps and even a house boat. Be sure to pack your camera-it might just be the most important piece of gear you bring with you.


Dossier Disclaimer  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.


Important Notes  

1. This is not a physically demanding journey; however, travelling can be difficult, with long drives and poor road conditions at times. Despite this, most clients feel that the diversity of the African landscape, countries, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience. We use a comfortable and safe air-conditioned vehicle for the long drives.

2. Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.

3. EXTRAS
Looking to add to your experience? Check out our Extras! Specially designed for travellers with unique interests, Extras are optional add-ons to your G adventures trip that make your adventure more you-centric. Extras must be booked prior to departure, please see details in our optional activities field and ask your sales GCO or travel agent about booking.

4. It is compulsory to show a valid Yellow Fever Certificate if you are travelling to Botswana from a Yellow Fever endemic country. Entry into Botswana when travelling from the following countries (but not limited to) will require a Yellow Fever Certificate: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Zambia, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela


Itinerary Disclaimer  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.


Group Leader Description  

On this tour, you will be accompanied by a group Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will be the group manager, leader and driver. All of our leaders in Southern Africa are registered and licensed tourism guides, meaning they've studied to have a broad knowledge base of the region's history, cultures, and wildlife, and are legally certified to lead/guide tours in the regions visited. All of our leaders are from Botswana, though it may be possible that you'll have a leader from another country in the southern African region.

As the group manager and leader, the aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places where are travelling, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. He/she will take care of the small things so you can concentrate on enjoying your adventure. In addition, the CEO is a skilled and experienced driver who has intimate knowledge of the vehicle and routes travelled.

We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting.


What's Included  

Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group. Arrival transfer. All National Park and wildlife reserve entrances. Open vehicle wildlife safari drives in Savuti area, Chobe National Park, Khwai River and Moremi area. Okavango Delta 2-night houseboat excursion with wildlife viewing and bird watching by boat. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.


Highlights  

Photograph African sunsets, cruise a more secluded section of the Okavango Delta by houseboat in search of wildlife, travel in a small group of 9 for more up close and personal views


Group Size Notes  

Max 9, Avg 7.


Meals Included  

9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners


About our Transportation  

The vehicle used throughout Botswana is a 12-seater Toyota Landcruiser, with open sides and a removable canvas roof. There is no A/C in the vehicle and the ride can often be dusty and a little rough. Some travel days can also be quite long. This vehicle is used throughout the tour on wildlife safari drives and long drives.

Road conditions in the region can range from good to very poor. As such, we slow our traveling speed in the rough spots and enjoy some sand and bumps en route - something which is of course part of the adventure of traveling in Africa!


Laundry  

Please note that you will be on the move a lot, and as such there will not be a lot of time for same-day laundry service. Please ask your guide/CEO to arrange if any laundry needs to be done, so that he / she can advise or make arrangements for you.


Optional Activities  

Okavango Delta
- Tsodilo Hills Excursion

Maun
- Okavango Delta Flight (120USD per person)

Chobe National Park
- Evening Photo Safari on Chobe River (130USD per person)


Money Exchange  

In Botswana, you pay with Pula (BWP) and the official currency of Zambia is the Zambian Kwacha, denoted by ZMK.

It is advisable to pay in US$ in Zambia, as it is not that easy to get a good exchange rate, however, change will then be in Kwacha.

The currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR).

Each currency can be obtained locally by changing foreign currency or by using ATMs (where available) which will disperse local currency. Your CEO will inform you where you can change money throughout the tour and approximately how much money you will need.

The easiest foreign currency to exchange for locally for any of the local currencies is the $US; however the British Pound and Euro may also be exchanged as well. Please note that due to past problems with forgery, $US notes that are older than year 2006 are not accepted in Africa.
Large note ($US 50, $US 100 etc) can be difficult to change in some places, but will gain you the best exchange rate.

If you plan to rely on cash, please bring foreign currency (Euro, Pound, USD) with you, as it is often expensive to buy these currencies locally. And in more rural areas, it is often not likely.
If you plan to buy your visas at borders, you will need to bring $USD cash to pay for these visas. Please note you cannot use the local currency or any other currency to buy these visas- they must be purchased in USD.

Please do not bring Travellers' cheques toAfrica. They are difficult if not impossible to exchange in many places.

Visa/Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. it is harder to find machines Mastercard/Cirrus cards. We highly recommend that if you hold a Mastercard, you obtain a Visa card prior to departure and travel with both. This is also useful should somethingunforeseen happen to one of your cards during your travels.
While there are many ATMs in the major centres, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Africa. Check with your bank.

Credit cards can be used in major cities and towns ONLY but please do not rely on them as a method of payment because they are generally not widely accepted. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. The majority of our optional activities can also be paid by credit card. Your CEO will advise on these.

Please note that in many areas there may be occasional power-outages, where there will be no electricity for hours at a time. In addition, ATMs outside of larger centers often run out of cash or can be out of order unexpectedly. These factors could affect your ability to access money from ATMs. As such, please do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money.
A combination of foreign currency and debit/credit cards for cash advances is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com.


Tipping  

Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour program. The gesture serves as an expression of appreciation for exceptional service, and amounts given are up to your discretion.

Tipping is one of the most direct ways that you can have a positive economic impact within the African community. Although it may not be customary for you, it is an important source of income for those in the tourism industry. Giving a tip should be a seen as a formal 'thank you', and the action should in no way be awkward.

The best method of tipping someone that has served the whole group is to plan in advance, and not rush when it comes to saying goodbye. A suggestion would be for each group member to contribute anonymously by putting their tip into an envelope. This often works the best and the group should gather to present the gift to the recipient(s), offering their thanks and showing their appreciation. This method brings the action out into the open, allowing for a friendly and appreciative interaction between the group and the recipient(s).

You may use the following as a guideline, all given in a per person format:

CEO: $5-8 USD (per day, per person)

Local guides: $2-3 USD (per day)
Safari Guide/Driver: $2-3 USD (per day)

Restaurant Staff: 10-15% of cost of bill


Health  

We recommend you contact your family physician, or your local travel clinic for the most up-to-date health information at least one month before departure. Travellers should also carry a basic first-aid kit and hand sanitizers/antibacterial wipes on their travels. Medical facilities are basic throughout these countries. For your own safety, we strongly recommend that you advise your tour leader of any medical condition that may affect you while travelling with the group. Your tour leader will be able to inform you of local health advisories (e.g. drinking water quality). Please ensure you have all the inoculations recommended by your doctor.
 
 
Yellow Fever Certificate Note: (Updated: May 2017)
 
It is compulsory to show a valid Yellow Fever Certificate if you are travelling to the following G Adventures-visited countries from a Yellow Fever endemic country:

-           Botswana
-          Ethiopia
-          Kenya
-          Madagascar
-          Malawi
-          Mozambique
-          Namibia
-          Rwanda
-          South Africa
-          Swaziland
-          Uganda
-          Zambia
-          Zimbabwe
 
For some of these countries, proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is also required for passengers who have travelled more than 12 hours through the airport of an endemic country. If other countries not endemic to Yellow Fever have been visited after visiting an endemic country, then a Yellow Fever certificate may still be required on entry. Please check country-specific regulations before your departure.
 
 
Malaria
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that is present in some regions in Africa. Risk of malaria can increase during periods of heavy rain, during the rainy seasons, and in densely populated areas of Southern & East Africa. To prevent malaria, we recommend speaking to your doctor about taking preventative medication (prophylaxis), combined with regular use of insect repellent spray/cream. Please check updated travel health advisories specific to malaria before your departure.


Minimum Age  

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.


Meals  

Eating is a big part of travelling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available in South Africa. On this tour, we provide only a few meals for you and your group members, so as to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility in your choices. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though - while in the larger centres, your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.

For the included meals, vegetarian meal requests and other dietary requirements need to be specified prior to arrival.


Group Leader  

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.


Accommodation  

Comfort hotels (4 nts), comfort tented camps (3 nts), houseboat (2 nts).


Emergency Fund  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!


Travel Insurance  

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.


Arrival Complications  

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.


Detailed Trip Notes  

REGIONAL INFORMATION
Climate
Southern Africa is renowned for its excellent outdoor living climate. The winter months are from May to September and are characterized by cold nights and pleasant days. Summer is from October to April and starts off with increasing dry heat and dust. Rains generally only start from mid to late December and last until March; this period is hot and humid.

Electricity
220-240V, 50 HZ, Most electrical plugs are 15 amp 3-prong with round pins. International adaptor are called for, they can be purchased locally (approx 2 U$).

Language
There are multiple official languages in Namibia, Botswana and Zambia, although English is widely spoken. There are also numerous dialects spoken throughout different parts of these lands.

Botswana:
Full country name: Republic of Botswana
Area: 600,370 sq km (231,800 sq mi)
Population: 1.6 million Capital city: Gaborone (pop 192,000)
People: Botswana 60%, Bakalanga, Basarwa, Bakgalagadi
Languages: English, Setswana
Religions: indigenous beliefs 50%, Christian 50%
Government: parliamentary republic
President: Seretse Ian Khama
Major industries: diamonds, copper, nickel, coal, salt, soda ash, potash, livestock processing, sorghum, maize, millet, pulses, groundnuts (peanuts), beans, cowpeas, sunflower seed, livestock
Major trading partners: EU, Southern African Customs Union (SACU), Zimbabwe

The first inhabitants of Botswana were the San (Bushmen). They still populate the country, but the Tswana tribe is now more prominent. Other tribes include the Kalanga, Nbukushy, Yei and the Herero. The Herero women still wear the full-length Victorian-style dresses, which were introduced to them by German missionaries in the late 1800's, however it is now a tribal trademark. The British controlled Bechuanaland (as Botswana was then known) from 1885 until the country received their independence on September 30th 1966. Ironically diamonds were discovered in Botswana in 1967! Interesting fact - Botswana's diamonds do very well on the International market as they are classified as “Blood free,” meaning they are not used to fund guerrilla warfare. Botswana has the strongest economy and currency in Africa, mostly due to their diamonds and livestock. The European Union put many stipulations on their imported meats and Botswana's tight veterinary checks, aiming at controlling foot and mouth, mean that the EU are happy to buy their meat. Agricultural income will improve when they have combated the problem of widespread drought. They are currently installing irrigation systems around the country to try to feed the most water-deprived areas. Botswana handles its international debt much better than any other African country with the interest being paid with one months export earnings, rather than the six months earnings it takes most other African countries. With the amount of for ex saved up the country could survive with no income for 36 months. Botswana has the world's highest birth rate at 3.5%, and average women have 5 children. The country has a strong currency, the Pula meaning rain and the Thebe meaning raindrop. Government policies and poaching: Their policy on tourism is “high cost and low impact” therefore rather having a few less tourists and charging more money for the privilege of a visit to a park or similar. The country has a very good army, which has an anti poaching unit. Poaching has in the past been a problem in the country but in now almost under control. The army is allowed to shoot to kill without asking questions if you are caught poaching. Rhinos are very few due to poaching and they have breeding programs in place.

ZAMBIA
Full country name: Zambia
Area: 752,615km2 (17th largest in Africa)
Population: 10.4 million
Capital city: Lusaka
Largest Towns: Lusaka, Ndola, Livingstone, Kabwe, Kitwe.
People: Bemba, Tonga, Nyanja, Ngoni, Lozi plus many other different groups as well as Colonial ex-pats and people of Asian descent
Official Language: English
Other Languages: Bemba, Tonga, Nyanja, Lozi
Religion: Christian, ZCC and Islam
Government: Multiparty parliamentary democracy
President: Rupiah Banda
Currency: Kwacha
Major industries: Agriculture (mainly subsistence farming), mining, tourism

• Formally called Northern Rhodesia, Zambia gained its independence from colonial Great Britain in 1964.
• By the end of 1970, Zambia has become one of the poorest countries in the world due to corruption, mismanagement of the economy and a fall in the world copper price.
• In the 1990s Kuanda, the president since independence, was forced to amend the constitution, legalizing opposition parties and setting full elections in 1991. They were defeated by Frederick Chiluba. However, Zambia's situation has not improved.
• The country has three distinct seasons: cool and dry from May to August, hot and dry in September and October and rainy between November and April.
• The majority of the population are subsistence farmers and there are also some large commercial farms growing sugar cane.

INTERESTING FACTS
1. Zambia is the fourth-largest supplier of copper in the world and the leading producer of cobalt. Combined the mining of these two minerals accounts for 75% of Zambia's foreign exchange and 5% of employment in the country.
2. There are 73 officially recognized ethnic groups living within Zambia's borders, each with their own culture and language.
3. Unlike many African countries, Zambia's borders do not adhere to any logical language or tribal boundaries.
4. Unlike neighbouring Botswana the Zambian government does not have a comprehensive anti-poaching policy and poaching remains a major problem facing Zambia's wildlife.
5. Approx 750 different species of bird have been recorded in Zambia. 6. The Victoria Falls on the Zambian side is known as “Mosi oa Tunya” (the smoke that thunders).


Spending Money  

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.


Emergency Contact  

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

AIRPORT TRANSFER
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:

Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please call the local emergency contact numbers listed below for more information.

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
G Adventures Local Representative (South Africa)
From outside South Africa: +27 713823286
From within South Africa: 071 3823286

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999


Departure Tax  

There is currently no departure tax leaving Zambia.


Trip Specific Safety  

GENERAL: Look after your personal items. Do not leave your valuables visible in a car or hotel room. Lock your hotel room door when you enter and when you leave. Do not carry large amount of cash on you. Avoid displaying flashy jewellery and carry your camera in its pack on your shoulder rather than around your neck. Keep your passport, airline tickets, money, important documents locked up in your room/safe - do not carry it with you.

Vital Information when you are staying in parks and Reserves: Please ensure that your stay is happy and safe by taking note of a few simple warnings. You will be sharing your stay with many exciting and unusal creatures but without knowledge some of them could be dangerous: Example: Bats, Spiders, Snakes, Scorpions, Malaria Zone. If you must walk around at night please DO NOT DO SO WITHOUT A TORCH. Remember: by feeding any wildlife, you are signing their death warrant as they become aggressive!

ZAMBIA: Theft, however, is rife in the bigger towns and cities. Don't walk around with things you can't do without, like your passport or airline tickets. Carry minimum amounts of cash and keep it hidden or in a money belt and if possible. This is less of a problem in the rural areas.


Joining Instructions  

Please note that any included or pre-booked arrival transfer will pick you up from the international airport in Livingstone, Zambia (LVI). There is a domestic airport located in Zimbabwe (airport code VFA) that serves the Livingstone area, but there is an additional cost for this service. We highly recommend you double check your arrival details into Livingstone and make sure you are flying into the correct airport.

**Please note, the arrival transfer included occurs on Day 1 of the tour. If you plan to arrive prior to Day 1, you will be required to arrange pre-tour accommodation through G Adventures to be eligible for the transport from the airport. Due to customer experience and quality considerations, all services related to the tour must be continuous.


Transport  

4x4 vehicle, van, walking, boat.


Solo Travellers  

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.


Joining Hotel  

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.


A Couple of Rules  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.


International Flights  

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.


Max Pax  

9


My Own Room Exceptions  

Day 2 at Chobe River


About Accommodation  

Zambezi Waterfront
Our base in Livingston is the Waterfront which accommodates all G Adventures groups. Our Comfort passengers stay in simple but comfortable ensuite Chalets with river-view and a private patio or balcony (other G travel styles use basic camping facilities). The Waterfront offers a full service restaurant and lively bar, 2 small pools, as well as the G desk, conveniently located in the lobby to assist all of our travellers with questions and optional activities. The Waterfront has one of the best locations in the area, directly on the Zambezi river with stunning views and the possibility to view wildlife right from the deck.The city of Livingston is approx. 15 minutes away by taxi and offers additional dinning options, ATMs and shopping, although not much more of interest. Wifi is available at additional cost. USD, ZAR, EUR and GBP can be used at the Waterfront and they offer FOREX should you require local currency. Local currency is required outside of the Waterfront complex.

Botswana Houseboat
The Houseboat consists of 2 decks- the lower deck has eight en-suite cabins with sliding glass doors opening on to the pristine wilderness that is the Okavango Delta. This design offers guests views of the crystal clear waterways, abundant bird life and the seas of papyrus. The Upper Deck is approximately three meters above the waterline, where the dining area, bar and sundecks is situated.

General notes
-Please note that hot water shortages, low water pressure and power outages can occur in Southern Africa. We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.
-Wifi is available in some places (extra charge may apply), but in remote areas there can be service interruptions
-A/C is not generally available in the accommodations we use, really it isn't needed as evenings tend to cool down.


What to Take  

You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labelled and restricted to one soft compact suitcase (please avoid a hard-top case), or sports bag, maximum 15kg, plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles is limited. Porters are not often available, so be prepared to carry your own bags. It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, as well as a warm jacket for early morning wildlife safari drives. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable. During the winter months (May to October), the temperatures can get quite cold in Botswana. It is wise to bring plenty of layers for cool mornings and evenings.


Packing List  

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (required)
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Rubber gloves


Feedback  

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.

Day 1 Victoria Falls

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.

We highly recommend booking pre or post nights to take full advantage of activities in the Victoria Falls and Zambezi area. We also have a convenient G desk, which can help arrange optional activities.

Day 2 Victoria Falls/Okavango Delta

Cross the border into Botswana, via a short border crossing through Namibia, continuing on to the Okavango Delta.

Transfer to a houseboat, which is home for the next 2 nights in the Okavango Delta, the world's largest inland delta. Travelling by houseboat allows us to explore a more secluded area of the delta, taking small boats into the channels and waterways for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.

Arrive at the houseboat this afternoon where we receive a safety briefing and orientation from the crew. Check into our cabins, enjoy lunch then take our first skiff boat excursion.

Enjoy the journey into the “Panhandle” area of the Okavango Delta, in Northern Botswana. This area is recognized as one of the most peaceful areas in the Delta, due to its remoteness. There are only a handful of permanent camps and boats operating in this wilderness area, which makes it an ideal place to stay.

We have a long drive today but use a private A/C vehicle for your comfort. Rest stops will be made along the way, so sit back and relax, enjoying the passing scenery.

The Houseboat consists of 2 decks- the lower deck has 8 simple but comfortable en-suite cabins with sliding glass doors opening on to the pristine wilderness that is the Okavango Delta. The Upper Deck is approximately three meters above the waterline, where the dining area, bar and sundecks is situated. Power on-board is run by a generator allowing only a few hours a day to heat water and change up any devices. There is no A/C and sometimes hot water can run out. We recommend bringing a small lantern or flashlight for use in your cabin.

Day 3 Okavango Delta

Enjoy the day on a houseboat with early morning and late afternoon wildlife excursions. Opt to enjoy a cultural excursion to Tsoldilo Hills to view ancient San Bushman rock paintings, or relax on deck with a cool drink watching the passing scenery.

Passengers who choose to take the optional Tsoldilo Hills excursion will miss the morning boat excursion.

All activities in the Delta are subject to weather and water levels. Timing of excursions, access and visits to specific locations are completely dependent on local conditions.

Day 4 Okavango Delta/Maun

Transfer to the frontier town of Maun. Option to shop and take a scenic flight over the delta.

Stay here at a hotel that offers a pleasant eating area with a beautiful swimming pool. In the afternoon, relax at the hotel, which is situated on the banks of the Thamalakane River.

The vehicle used from her until our return back to Victoria Falls is a 12-seater Toyota Landcruiser, with open sides and a removable canvas roof. There is no A/C in the vehicle and the ride can often be dusty and a little rough. Some travel days can also be quite long. This vehicle is used throughout the tour on all wildlife safari drives and long drives.

Road conditions in the region can range from good to very poor. As such, we slow our traveling speed in the rough spots and enjoy some sand and bumps en route - something which is of course part of the adventure of traveling in Africa!

Day 5 Maun/Moremi Game Reserve

Drive to the Khwai River area bordering Moremi Game Reserve. With astounding wildlife, this area has been rated one of the best for wildlife viewing in the world. Relax this evening on the camp deck, admiring the stunning views with a cool drink.

Take a leisurely drive to our camp in the Khwai River area via Savuti, an area best known for large populations of bull elephants and prides of lions that patrol the banks of this channel. Due to the fact that none of Botswana's wildlife areas are fenced, wildlife can move freely between wilderness areas. This region's diversity of game is astounding and Moremi has been rated as one of the best wildlife viewing areas in the world.

Our lodge boasts a majestic dining and lounge area leading onto a viewing deck over the bushveldt. Enjoy spectacular sunsets over sundowners from the quaint bar or from the deck of your comfort en-suite tent.

Day 6 Moremi Game Reserve

Embark early on an open vehicle wildlife safari drive in Moremi and surrounding concession areas, enjoy lunch and continue with the wildlife safari drive. Make it back to camp in the afternoon with time to relax at the comfortable tented camp.

Day 7 Moremi Game Reserve/Chobe National Park

Leave the Khwai Area and move eastwards to Chobe National Park. Later, travel deeper into the Chobe wilderness to Ghoha Hills, with spectacular views of the surrounding bush. Enjoy late afternoon wildlife viewing in open vehicles around the hills and waterholes in search of elephants, lions, hippos, and giraffes.

In the early afternoon, head south towards the Ghoha Hills and the Savuti area, enjoying wildlife viewing along the hills and surrounding water holes.

At Ghoha Hills Savuti Camp, meru tents have been placed on platforms on the hills overlooking Chobe National Park. The tents are large, spacious with en-suite. The guest area consists of an intimate lounge, bar and dining area overlooking the Ghoha Hills.

Day 8 Chobe National Park/Kasane

In the morning, take a slow wildlife safari drive along the southern bank of the Chobe River. This afternoon, opt to take a sunset photography river cruise for wildlife viewing, accompanied by an expert wildlife photographer and guide.

After an early start, take a slow wildlife safari drive along the southern bank of the Chobe River and look for Chobe Bushbuck and Puku Antelope, which are found only in this part of Botswana. The Chobe River is home to the world's largest elephant herds; buffalo, hippos, and lions can also be seen here. Enjoy a private morning wildlife viewing that takes place along routes that overlook this river -- a remarkable variety of animals are drawn to it.

Day 9 Kasane/Victoria Falls

Cross the border back into Zimbabwe for our final evening.

Day 10 Victoria Falls

Depart at any time.

Details

Duration: 10 Days

Physical Grading: 2 - Light

Trip Type: Small Group

Service Level: Upgraded



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