15 Day Intimate Botswana & Zimbabwe Encounter

Meal Key:  B – Breakfast   L – Lunch   D – Dinner

DAY 1: VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE
On arrival into Victoria Falls Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon may be spent at leisure enjoying one of the many activities available in Victoria Falls. This evening you will meet your guide and the rest of your group at the lodge at 18h00 for your pre-departure meeting.
Accommodation: Shearwater Explorers Village or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN VICTORIA FALLS
Below is a list of some of the most popular optional activities on offer in Victoria Falls. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. The rates are per person and are quoted in US Dollars. All activities are subject to availability and may require a minimum amount of passengers to operate. Certain activities only operate at specific times of the year. Please contact our reservation office for further information. Should you wish to partake in an activity that is not listed below, we will gladly assist you with rates and reservations.

15 Minute Helicopter Flight Flying Fox (Cable Slide)
22 Minute Helicopter Flight Gorge Swing
Boma Dinner Incl. Transfers Zip Line
12-13 Min. Flight of Angels Horse Back Safaris (Novice)
25 Minute Flight Livingstone Island: Lunch Departure
Bungee Jump Victoria Falls Bicycle Tour
Bridge Slide Canopy Tour

DAY 2 & 3: VICTORIA FALLS TO LAKE KARIBA, ZIMBABWE BD, BLD
After breakfast your guide will take you on a tour of the mighty Victoria Falls, known by the local Kololo tribe as Mosi oa Tunya – “the smoke that thunders”. You will then be transferred to the airport for your flight to Kariba town. A short transfer will take you to Lake Kariba shore, where you will board a luxury houseboat for a relaxing two-night trip. Nested in mountains, Lake Kariba is a man-made inland sea guarded by enormous reserves of game and made beautiful and savage by sun and storm, earth and water.
Our voyage takes us to the Sengwe River for afternoon wildlife activities and sunset, followed by drinks and dinner on board. In the morning we set out early for some leisurely fishing, guided walks or game viewing depending on your preference. When we return, brunch will be served whilst cruising to Elephant Bay where we will moor at one of the islands with a sandy beach. Watch the sunset over lake, relaxing around a camp fire and enjoying a beach barbecue under the starry sky.
Distance: 389.4 km Departure: 07h00
Accommodation: Sovereign Houseboat or similar (cabins with en-suite bathrooms, plunge pool & dining room area)

Day 2
Breakfast: At Shearwater Explorers Village or similar
Lunch: Lunch on own account
Dinner: At Sovereign Houseboat or similar

Day 3
Breakfast: At Sovereign Houseboat or similar
Lunch: At Sovereign Houseboat or similar
Dinner: At Sovereign Houseboat or similar

DAY 4 & 5: LAKE KARIBA, ZIMBABWE TO CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA B, B
We then board a flight to from Kariba Airport to Victoria Falls. You will then be transferred to Kasane, the gateway to the Chobe National Park. Chobe, which is the second largest national park in Botswana and covers 10,566 square km, has one of the greatest concentrations of elephant found on the African continent. The afternoon is at leisure to partake in optional activities or to relax by the pool.
The next day you will start your morning with a game drive in Chobe National Park. You will return to the lodge for a late breakfast and relaxation until our boat cruise on the Chobe River starts around 3pm. Here we can watch elephants, hippos, crocodiles and a variety of birds, making for excellent up-close photo opportunities.
Distance: 425 km Departure: 07h00
Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

Day 4
Breakfast: At Sovereign Houseboat or similar
Lunch: For your own account
Dinner: For your own account

Day 5
Breakfast: At Chobe Safari Lodge or similar
Lunch: For your own account
Dinner: For your own account

DAY 6 & 7: CHOBE, BOTSWANA TO HWANGE NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWE BLD, BLD
This morning we make our way across the border into Zimbabwe and to our lodge situated in a private concession near Hwange National Park. Over the following two days, we will have plenty of time to explore this vast wilderness on game drives. Hwange National Park is one of Africa’s finest havens for wildlife and is home to great herds of elephant, buffalo, and zebra and has a very large concentration of giraffe. It is also home to many predators and endangered species plus varied birdlife.
If time allows, you can partake in an optional game drive on the concession in the afternoon. The whole of the next day is spent exploring this magnificent area on a full day game drive in Hwange National Park.
Distance: 280 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Elephant’s Eye or similar (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool & bar area)

Day 6
Breakfast: At Chobe Safari Lodge or similar
Lunch: At Elephant’s Eye or similar
Dinner: At Elephant’s Eye or similar

Day 7
Breakfast: At Elephant’s Eye or similar
Lunch: Lunch pack on game drive
Dinner: At Elephant’s Eye or similar

DAY 8 & 9: MATOBO HILLS, ZIMBABWE BLD, BLD
Today we travel south to the majestic Matobo Hills, an area of exquisite beauty, steeped in tribal history, ancient mystery and dramatic rock landscapes. The national park has been given UNESCO World Heritage status and is home to both white and black rhinoceros and sable antelope. Birdlife is prolific and includes the highest concentration of black eagles in the world. Once the home of the San (Bushman), this area contains the richest source of the rock art found anywhere. Not only is it here that the Ndebele people buried their great king, Mzilikazi, but Cecil John Rhodes was also laid to rest on the “Hill of the Benevolent Spirit” or “World’s View” as named by him.
We spend the next day in the national park, starting our morning with tracking rhino spoor by vehicle and foot. In the afternoon we further explore the scenery and wildlife of the park on game drives, ending with a visit to Rhodes’ grave.
Distance 485 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Shashani Matobo Hills Lodge or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, bar, & swimming pool)

Day 8
Breakfast: At Elephant’s Eye or similar
Lunch: Lunch pack from Elephant’s Eye
Dinner: At Shashani Matobo Hills Lodge or similar

Day 9
Breakfast: At Shashani Matobo Hills Lodge or similar
Lunch: Lunch pack on game drive
Dinner: At Shashani Matobo Hills Lodge or similar

DAY 10: MATOBO HILLS, ZIMBABWE TO NATA, BOTSWANA BLD
We leave Matobo Hills and drive through the savannas of southern Matebeleland en-route to Botswana. In the afternoon we visit the Nata Bird Sanctuary, where we will have the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent view over the Sowa pan which is part of the Greater Makgadikgadi Pans. (Please note a visit to the pans is subject to the road conditions and water levels as well as time constraints.) We arrive at our lodge in the late afternoon.
Distance: 375 km Departure: 06h00
Accommodation: Nata Lodge or similar (permanent safari tents with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool & bar)

Breakfast: At Shashani Lodge or similar
Lunch: Lunch pack or lunch at Nata Lodge
Dinner: At Nata Lodge or similar

DAY 11: MAKGADIKGADI PANS, BOTSWANA BLD
A very early morning departure leads us to Planet Baobab near Gweta, from where we embark on an expedition to Ntwetwe Pan to encounter some of Botswana’s distinctive landscapes and extraordinary creatures.

NTWETWE PAN EXCURSION:
The Ntwetwe Pan is one of the two major pans that make up the Makgadikgadi Pans, and is amongst the largest saltpans in the world. The pan was fed by the Boteti River until it was left permanently dry following the construction of the Mopipi Dam, which provides water for the diamond mines in Orapa. The waters may have returned to the river but Ntwetwe is now famous for its extraordinary lunar landscape, particularly the rocky outcrops, dunes, islets, and channels found along the western shore. We explore the area, in search of uniquely adapted desert species such as bat eared foxes, springbuck, kori bustards, and some of the Kalahari’s most fascinating inhabitants, the meerkats. By spending quality time with these incredibly social, superbly adapted animals, you will be able to see how they interact with each other and their environment. Due to an ongoing habituation programme it’s possible to get up-close and personal with these captivating creatures.
After lunch we have the opportunity to explore a nearby village to experience modern African village culture. Learn about the history and traditions of the Batswana people from a local guide whose knowledge has been inherited from their forefathers. Visit the local primary school, ‘Sekolo’ with its outdoor classes and meet the children, visit the Kgotla – a traditional court that governs the village and get a glimpse of rural Botswana life.
In the late afternoon we take a stroll with our guide through an impressive baobab grove, as he explains the local ecology, geology and the unique biology of the baobabs, which are in fact not trees but the largest succulents in the world.
Distance: 200 km Departure: 05h00
Accommodation: Planet Baobab or similar (Bakalanga huts with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool & bar)

Breakfast: Breakfast packs prepared by Planet Baobab
Lunch: Picnic lunch
Dinner: At Planet Baobab or similar

DAY 12: MAUN, BOTSWANA B
Today we travel to Maun, a bustling safari town which serves as the gateway to the Okavango Delta. The name Maun is derived from the San word “maung”, which means “the place of short reeds”. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure, either relaxing next to the pool at the lodge or if you are keen for some excitement, why not book an optional scenic flight over the delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and truly glorious oasis.
Distance: 225 km Departure: 07h00
Accommodation: Thamalakane River Lodge or similar (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

Breakfast: At Planet Baobab or similar
Lunch: For your own account
Dinner: For your own account

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN MAUN
Below is a list of some of the most popular optional activities on offer in Maun. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. The rates are per person or per flight and are quoted in Botswana Pula or US Dollar. All activities are subject to availability and may require a minimum amount of passengers to operate. Please contact our reservation office for further information. Should you wish to partake in an activity that is not listed below, we will gladly assist you with rates and reservations.

Scenic Flight over the Delta (5 or 6 passengers)
Scenic Helicopter Flight from Boro (22 min, 3 seater)**
Scenic Helicopter Flight (45 min, 3 seater)
Scenic Helicopter Flight (60 min, 3 seats)
Scenic Helicopter Flight (45 min, 4 seater)
Scenic Helicopter Flight (60 min, 4 seater)

** The 22 min flight is available from the mokoro station at Boro only. It is advisable to book this for the same day as the mokoro excursion.

DAY 13 & 14: MOREMI GAME RESERVE, BOTSWANA BLD, BLD
After breakfast we take a drive to the mokoro station. From here, we will float in dug-out canoes through the thick vegetation of the Okavango Delta discovering a variety of birds and wildlife. Unlike other deltas, it flows into the Kalahari Desert without ever reaching the coast. After this spectacular excursion and lunch, we make our way to our camp, which is situated in a private concession in the Greater Moremi area. After settling into our camp, we will enjoy dinner and embark on a night game drive in the concession – a fantastic opportunity to spot some nocturnal animals that are more difficult to encounter during the day.
The next day we head into the famous Moremi Game Reserve known as one of the most beautiful and varied reserves in Africa with an unprecedented concentration of wildlife. The full day is spent in the unspoiled nature of the Moremi Game Reserve.
Distance: 80 km Departure: 07h00
Accommodation: Mankwe Tented Retreat or similar (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

Day 13
Breakfast: At Thamalakane River Lodge or similar
Lunch: At Mankwe Tented Retreat or similar
Dinner: At Mankwe Tented Retreat or similar

Day 14
Breakfast: At Mankwe Tented Retreat or similar
Lunch: Lunch pack on game drive
Dinner: At Mankwe Tented Retreat or similar

DAY 15: END OF TOUR B
Our safari ends after breakfast. You will be transferred to Maun Airport in time for your departure flight. We hope to welcome you again one day on another of our African adventures!

Breakfast: At Mankwe Tented Retreat or similar

Departure Dates

24 Mar 2024
15 Apr 2024
17 May 2024
20 May 2024
05 Jun 2024
17 Jun 2024
24 Jun 2024
01 Jul 2024
16 Jul 2024
30 Jul 2024
06 Aug 2024
12 Aug 2024
19 Aug 2024
01 Sep 2024
16 Sep 2024
26 Sep 2024
09 Oct 2024
16 Oct 2024
04 Nov 2024

Optional activities in Victoria Falls

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN VICTORIA FALLS
Below is a list of some of the most popular optional activities on offer in Victoria Falls. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. The rates are per person and are quoted in US Dollars. All activities are subject to availability and may require a minimum amount of passengers to operate. Certain activities only operate at specific times of the year. Please contact our reservation office for further information. Should you wish to partake in an activity that is not listed below, we will gladly assist you with rates and reservations.

15 Minute Helicopter Flight Flying Fox (Cable Slide)
22 Minute Helicopter Flight Gorge Swing
Boma Dinner Incl. Transfers Zip Line
12-13 Min. Flight of Angels Horse Back Safaris (Novice)
25 Minute Flight Livingstone Island: Lunch Departure
Bungee Jump Victoria Falls Bicycle Tour
Bridge Slide Canopy Tour

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN MAUN
Below is a list of some of the most popular optional activities on offer in Maun. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. The rates are per person or per flight and are quoted in Botswana Pula or US Dollar. All activities are subject to availability and may require a minimum amount of passengers to operate. Please contact our reservation office for further information. Should you wish to partake in an activity that is not listed below, we will gladly assist you with rates and reservations.

Scenic Flight over the Delta (5 or 6 passengers)
Scenic Helicopter Flight from Boro (22 min, 3 seater)**
Scenic Helicopter Flight (45 min, 3 seater)
Scenic Helicopter Flight (60 min, 3 seats)
Scenic Helicopter Flight (45 min, 4 seater)
Scenic Helicopter Flight (60 min, 4 seater)

** The 22 min flight is available from the mokoro station at Boro only. It is advisable to book this for the same day as the mokoro excursion.

DEPARTURE:
The Intimate Botswana and Zimbabwe Encounter departs from Shearwater Explorers Village or similar in Victoria Falls.

Please note that the daily departure times are a guideline only and are subject to change due to seasonal variations, as well as unforeseen circumstances. The final decision rests with your guide who will advise you at what time you will be departing each day.

On the evening of day 1, there will be a meeting presented by your guide, at 6pm, at your lodge. It is imperative that all clients attend this meeting so as not to miss out on any critical information.

Whilst it is our every intention to adhere to the above mentioned itinerary, there may on occasion be a necessity to make alterations in order to make the tour more enjoyable or practical. Therefore please treat the itinerary as a guide only.

TRANSPORT: Our ground operators uses fully equipped Mercedes All-Terrain vehicle, or other appropriate vehicles with comfortable seating, large windows for game viewing, a music and PA system and air-conditioning to be determined by the company. All luggage, besides hand luggage and photo equipment, is carried on the vehicle, trailer or roof racks to ensure maximum comfort in the vehicle.

TRAVELLING TIMES AND DISTANCES: All travelling times are affected by road conditions, border crossings, detours and weather conditions, therefore on certain days travelling times may be longer than anticipated especially where there is a lot of distance to be covered. Please keep in mind that the time it takes to travel 100 km in your home country is not equivalent to the time it takes to travel 100 km on African roads, therefore we encourage you to sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery Africa has to offer. Where possible additional stops will be made to ensure your travelling comfort at all times.

ACCOMMODATION: We make use of mid-range typical African standard lodge accommodation. Accommodation is situated either in national parks, on the banks of a river, or in other places of interest. The accommodation will be a mix of lodges, chalets and tented camps with en-suite bathrooms.

MEALS: Where included most breakfasts and dinners will be enjoyed in the restaurants of the various accommodation establishments, however on certain nights the guide will provide an authentic meal for the group, which will be enjoyed together in the evening, often around a camp fire. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements in advance.

LUGGAGE: Maximum baggage allowance: 15 kg. Wild Africa Travel Company stipulates this luggage allowance, as an overloaded vehicle is a danger to both the clients and the guide. This does not include photographic equipment and a small daypack. Please bring a backpack or soft barrel bag, not a suitcase. Don’t bring too much clothing, as there are washing opportunities along the way. Please adhere to the allowance specified as space for luggage is limited.

VISAS: The onus is on the client to organize all visas required for clients to visit Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa prior to departure. Please note that travellers entering Botswana will be required to present a valid international health certificate of vaccination for yellow fever should they originate from or have travelled through countries which have been declared yellow fever infected areas within the preceding 6 months.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Please note that travel and cancellation insurance is mandatory for every guest travelling with Wild Africa Travel Company. All insurance is solely the responsibility of our guests. Please ensure you arrange your own insurance with protection for the full duration of your journey to cover personal injury, damage and loss of personal items including but not limited to camera equipment and other electronic items, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and loss of luggage, etc. Please speak to your travel consultant if you require assistance.

SPENDING MONEY: Clients are advised to bring enough money to cover the purchase of curios, tips, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, water and additional entertainment. US Dollars, Pound Sterling, South African Rand and Botswana Pula are the most practical and convenient currencies.

FIRST AID: Our guides are trained in basic first aid and the vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive medical aid kit. Preventative Malaria medication should be taken before the trip and throughout its duration, although it is advisable to consult a doctor prior to departure.

HEALTH and AGE RESTRICTIONS: The client shall acknowledge an awareness of the proposed itinerary and shall confirm that he or she is medically fit, in good physical and mental health and is able to embark on the tour. Any client with a pre-existing medical condition or illness must declare the true nature of such a condition to Wild Africa Travel Company before the commencement of the tour. Any failure to declare may result in the cancellation of his/her booking. Every client above the age of 65 is required to submit a medical certificate or self-declaration of medical fitness prior to the beginning of the tour (please request this form be sent to you from your travel consultant) . For all Adventure Safaris, there is an age limit of 70 years. For all Lodge Safaris, there is an age limit of 80 years.

GROUP SIZE: Our group size usually varies between 2 and 14 maximum. By traveling in small groups, the advantages are that campsites and/or lodges are not invaded and time is not wasted in trying to assemble and control large groups of people. It also enables the tour operator to offer a far more personal service. Our safaris are usually made up of individuals, couples and sometimes groups of friends aged between 18 and 65 years. With the mere physical and youthful mentality which prevails on these tours, they are generally not suited to anybody over the age of 65 years. There is no upper age limit on any tour or safari, but for any Client over the age of 66, the tour operator requires a medical certificate to confirm physical ability for the chosen tour. Indemnity forms must be completed by a parent or guardian of 21 years or older, for children wishing to participate who are between the ages of 12 and 18.

PRICES and LOCAL PAYMENTS: We endeavour to ensure that every Client is fully aware of all costs involved on each trip. The costs on some tours are divided into two payments. The first amount is the tour price and the second amount is the local payment, which are paid directly to the tour operator or Wild Africa Travel Company before the tour commences. Therefore, the local payment fee will be payable prior to travel together with the main tour fee. The local payment is then handed over to the guide to pay for some of the day-to-day operational costs that are incurred while groups are on the road. Examples include fees at most of the national parks, entrance fees to some attractions, local guides and any food markets we visit to stock up on fresh produce during the tour. Our price, in conjunction with the local payment, includes accommodation, transport on the tour, meals, and activities as per itinerary, camping equipment (except sleeping bags), permits, entry fees and a trained and qualified tour guide.

CANCELLATION CHARGES – will be incurred as follows:
– 46 days or more prior to departure: 10% of the total rate
– 21days to 45 days prior to departure: 30% of the total rate
– 14 days to 20 days prior to departure: 50% of the total rate
– 8 days to 13 days prior to departure 80% of the total rate
– Less than 8 days prior to departure: 100% of the total rate

MAKING YOUR TRAVEL MEANINGFUL: The Grow Africa Foundation (163-738 NPO) is the responsible tourism initiative. The focus of Grow Africa is to make a positive impact on the environment, society and economy in the places we travel to. We do this by instigating and supporting local social and environmental projects.

Your booking makes a difference: With every booking to the value of R10,000 / US$1,000 / EUR1,000 or more a donation of R50 / US$5 / EUR5 will go to the Grow Africa Foundation.

We are also proud members of Pack for a Purpose, a global initiative that allows you to make a lasting impact on the communities you visit. Use your excess luggage allowance to pack supplies needed by the Dingani Primary School in Zimbabwe. We’ll then make sure it gets delivered to them.

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