Botswana Family Safari Comfort - 8 Days

Mhoro! Welcome to Zimbabwe. Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 4 pm this afternoon in Victoria Falls – one of the world’s largest waterfalls and a UNESCO World Heritage site located on the Zambezi River. If you arrive early maybe join a traditional village tour, cruise along the River Song on a sunset cruise or take a thrilling free-fall adventure at the Bridge Swing. After your meeting, you'll be able to grab some dinner, then join your fellow travellers to watch the incredible Simunye show at Victoria Falls Theatre.

Wake up early to catch the sunrise on a guided tour of the Falls. Spanning about a mile wide and falling 108 m into a narrow gorge below, the spray from the falls can sometimes be seen from far away. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by spray and it's possible to see little islets in the river below. After, sit down for breakfast before travelling to Kasane in Botswana – the gateway to Chobe National Park, known for its herds of elephants that converge on the Chobe River in the dry season. When you arrive, the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace.

This morning, set off on a 4WD game drive adventure. Journey through the park, you’ll see wildlife up close, and with luck, you’ll spot lions and exotic birds. Botswana's first national park is known for its many elephants and hippos, so keep an eye out for herds walking by, too. They can also often be seen swimming in the Chobe River! The river also attracts buffalo, hippos and crocodiles who like to sun themselves by the water's edge. In the afternoon, take a sunset boat cruise along the river and gain a different view of these amazing animals and landscape.

This morning is free for you to relax, swim in the pool or venture out to see more of the park’s diverse wildlife on another game drive. Later, you’ll travel to Makgadikgadi Pans – one of the world’s largest salt flats in the Kalahari Desert. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. When you arrive, you'll have the rest of the evening to spend however you like.

This morning is free for you to relax, maybe at the pool or with a book, before travelling to the edge of the Ntwtwe Salt Pan to see a local meerkat colony. Watch the social animals in their natural habitat as they play, then venture out to the Salt Pans to see the mighty desert covered in white salt crystals. Later, continue to your accommodation for the night – camping in the middle of the salt flats. When you arrive, you’ll meet your tour guides and travel through the ever-changing landscapes to the leafy lodge where you’ll stay tonight under a blanket of stars.

Wake up to the Kalahari sun and enjoy a hot drink before driving back to the edge of the Ntwetwe Salt Pan. Here you’ll spend some time exploring the surrounding area – be sure to look for the adapted desert species of bat-eared foxes, springbok and kori bustards. After a fun-filled adventure, you’ll stop at Planet Baobab for a shower and breakfast. After, travel to Maun – a small village on the Thamalakane River. On the way, stop at Shorobe Basket Co-operative, where you’ll learn about the craft firsthand. Here, a local artist will take you through the journey of basket weaving, including harvesting and dyeing. Hear the stories behind each pattern and how the organisation is working to empower female-headed households to support their families, before visiting Planet Culture Cafe for a traditional Botswana lunch – maybe try phaleche (maize) followed by some tasty magwinya (donuts). This afternoon, enjoy some free time to relax or continue exploring Maun at your own pace.

Today you'll set out on a drive through the Okavango waterways on a traditional mokoro (a dugout canoe steered by friendly local polers). With some luck, you might spot some of the delta's wildlife and birdlife. Explore the maze of lagoons, lakes and streams, then head out on foot with your tour guide. See plants, trees and animals from a different perspective and learn about the region’s distinct landscape and history. After, have lunch at one of the many secluded islands created by the Delta waterways. After your daytrip through the Okavango waterways, you’ll return to your accommodation in Maun.

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast, but this doesn’t mean the adventure has to end! For those interested, there’s the opportunity to fly over the Delta in a helicopter for a bird's-eye view. This is a great way to appreciate the vast scale of this waterscape. Your local leader can give you more information on this activity and how to reserve a place. If you’d like to spend more time here, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.