This journey takes us through some of Botswana’s and Zimbabwe’s most magnificent game reserves.

Experience the abundance of wildlife Africa has to offer on this lodge safari and enjoy game drives in Hwange National Park, traditional mokoro excursion in the Okavango Delta, game viewing in Chobe National Park as well as boat cruises on the Chobe River and many more magical moments during your wildlife breakaway tour.

Highlights:

  • Okavango Delta
  • Moremi Game Reserve
  • Makgadikgadi Pans
  • Chobe National Park
  • Hwange National Park
  • Victoria Falls

 

 

 

 

Price per person – USD

Seasons Twin Share Single Park Fees & Activities
1 Jan to 31 Dec 2024 USD 4,515 per person USD 5,745 per person USD 400 per person
1 Jan to 31 Dec 2025 TBA TBA TBA

Number of Days:   15

Note:

  1. If travelling after this date please contact us for revised prices.
  2. Departs on selected dates, see below for  exact departure dates.
  3. Accommodation is lodge and camping, semi participation.
  4. Accommodation may be different from properties listed due to availability but will be of a similar standard.
  5. Minimum of 4 people on tour.
  6. Maximum of 12 people on the tour.
  7. Baggage is strictly limited to one large bag, weighing a maximum of 15 kg per person.
  8. Also allowed will be a smaller hand-luggage bag or camera bag per person.

Package Includes:

  • Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
  • All transport in fully kitted 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Game drives and activities as mentioned in itinerary
  • Park entrance fees
  • Experienced local guide

Package Excludes:

  • Travel insurance
  • Flights
  • Pre and post tour accommodation
  • Optional activities
  • All drinks, telephone calls, gratuities, curios
  • All personal expenses

24 Day Southern Explorer

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

Day 1: Maun, Botswana – D
On arrival into Maun International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your lodge. Thamalakane River Lodge is located on the banks for the Thamalakane River outside of Maun en route to the famous Okavango Delta. The rest of the afternoon may be spent at leisure enjoying one of the many activities available at the Lodge. This evening you will meet your guide and the rest of your group at the lodge at 18h00 for your pre-departure meeting.
Accommodation: Thamalakane River Lodge or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

Day 2 & 3: Maun to Okavango Delta – BLD BLD
This morning after breakfast we head to Etsha 13, on the western border of the Okavango Delta. Unlike other deltas, it flows into the Kalahari Desert without reaching the coast, which makes it unique. The next day is spent exploring the network of water pathways through thick vegetation in mokoros (traditional dugout canoes), discovering a variety of birds and wildlife. We have the opportunity to stop at a secluded island to take a 1½ hour guided walk hoping to spot elephants, waterbuck or other animals living in this water filled paradise.
Day 2 – Distance: 320 km Departure: 09h00
Accommodation: Guma Lagoon Camp or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

Day 3 – Distance: TBA Departure: TBA
Accommodation: Guma Lagoon Camp or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

Day 4: Greater Moremi Area – BLD
After breakfast we head south travelling via Maun to our camp which is situated in a private concession in the Greater Moremi area. This large area is renowned for its concentration of mammals and it is not unusual to see many different types of wildlife during just one game drive. Game viewing is seasonal; depending on the time of the year you may see different species in different areas. The best time for game viewing is the end of the dry season or spring from August to November. During this season, in order for us to offer the best game viewing possible, extra driving may be required due to the animals migrating closer to the river. In the summer, birdlife can also be viewed in abundance with exceptional sightings of wildfowl and raptors.
Distance: 420 km Departure: 06h00
Accommodation: Mogogelo Camp or similar (Meru-style canvas tents with en-suite bathrooms)

Day 5: Greater Moremi – BLD
We have the opportunity to spend the day on game drives. In our open 4×4 vehicle we will explore the Greater Moremi area on morning and afternoon game drives hopefully spotting a variety of game that frequent this region. After dinner your guide will take you on a night drive, and you will hopefully be able to spot some rare nocturnal animals.
Distance: 150 km Departure: 07h00
Accommodation: Mogogelo Camp or similar (Meru-style canvas tents with en-suite bathrooms)

Day 6: Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana – BLD
Today 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: 150 km Departure: 07h00
Accommodation: Mogogelo Camp or similar (Meru-style canvas tents with en-suite bathrooms)

Day 7: Moremi Game Reserve to Nata – B
Leaving the bush behind us, we travel east towards the Makgadikgadi Pans, once a large river fed lake which has become saline and empty. This area incorporates a multitude of salt pans and vast grass plains dotted by palm islands and forms the Great Makgadikgadi which comprises the largest area of salt pans in the world, covering some 37,000 square km overall. We arrive at our lodge in the late afternoon.
Distance: 430 km Departure: 07h00
Accommodation: Nata Lodge or similar (permanent safari tents with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool & bar)

Day 8 & 9: Nata to Chobe National Park – BD, BD
We head off to Nata Bird Sanctuary in the morning, which offers us 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). After breakfast, we continue our journey north 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.
Start your morning of day 11 with a hopefully spectacular 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.
Day 8 – Distance: 320 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

Day 9 – Distance: TBA Departure: TBA
Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

Day 10-12: Chobe National Park, Botswana to Hwange, Zimbabwe – BLD, BLD, BLD
Today we make our way across the border into Zimbabwe and onto our lodge located in a private concession near to Hwange National Park, where we will spend the next three nights in this wildlife rich area. This afternoon you can partake in an optional game drive if time allows. 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 massive 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. We will also visit the Painted Dog Conservation Centre to witness the work that is done to protect these endangered species. During your stay, you can engage with the anti-poaching unit. Guests will learn what motivates these conservation warriors and can ask them any burning questions.
Day 10 – Distance: 280 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Elephant’s Eye or similar (chalets with en-suite bathroom, swimming pool & bar area)

Day 11 – Distance: TBA Departure: TBA
Accommodation: Elephant’s Eye or similar (chalets with en-suite bathroom, swimming pool & bar area)

Day 12 – Distance: TBA Departure: TBA
Accommodation: Elephant’s Eye or similar (chalets with en-suite bathroom, swimming pool & bar area)

Day 13: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – B
After breakfast we head back towards Victoria Falls. The rest of the afternoon may be spent at
leisure enjoying one of the many activities available in Victoria Falls
Distance: 190 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Shearwater Explorer Village or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

Day 14: Victoria Falls, Depart – B
Our safari ends after breakfast. You will be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport in time for your departure flight, kindly note it is advisable to book international flights not earlier than 13h00. We hope to welcome you again one day on another of our African adventures.
Distance: 30 km

Departure Dates

07 Feb 2024
02 Mar 2024
06 Apr 2024
04 May 2024
03 Jun 2024 – Full
29 Jun 2024 – Full
20 Jul 2024 – Full
10 Aug 2024 – Full
21 Aug 2024 – Full
14 Sep 2024 – Full
28 Sep 2024
19 Oct 2024 – Full
27 Oct 2024
17 Nov 2024
20 Dec 2024

Optional activities at Guma Lagoon
Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. The rates are per person and quoted in US Dollars. All activities are subject to availability and may require a minimum amount of passengers to operate. Please contact our reservation office for further information.

Scenic Helicopter Flight 30 Minute One Person
Scenic Helicopter Flight 30 Minute Two Persons
Scenic Helicopter Flight 30 Minute Three Persons

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
Guided Tour of the Victoria Falls
Horse Back Safaris (novice)
Dinner Cruise
Canoeing (full day)
Bungee Jump
Rafting (full day, low water)
Bridge Swing
Rafting (full day, high water)
Bridge Slide
Batoka Gorge Hike and Ndebele Village Tour
Historical Bridge Tour
Traditional Village Tour
Canopy Tour

DEPARTURE:
The Botswana Wildlife Breakaway Safari departs from Thamalakane River Lodge or similar.

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 Toyota Land Cruisers, Mercedes All-Terrain vehicle, 12-seater 4×4 safari vehicles or other appropriate vehicles with comfortable seating, large windows for game viewing, a music and PA system. We endeavour to ensure that air-conditioning is provided, however we are unable to guarantee this for vehicles travelling through Namibia. All luggage, besides hand luggage and photo equipment, is carried on the vehicle or trailer roof racks to ensure maximum comfort in the vehicle. Some game drives may be conducted in open-sided safari vehicles. For transfers between Kasane and Victoria Falls or Hwange and Victoria Falls (or vice versa), 2×4 vehicles may be utilised.

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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We have a range of Botswana tours & safaris available which can be customised with more or less nights as well as activities.

Please contact us for a quote for your desired itinerary or for more information on a Botswana Tour & Safari option.