Botswana Highlights - 10 Days

Mhoro! Welcome to Zimbabwe. Your adventure begins in Victoria Falls with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, and it’s recommended that you do, maybe 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.

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. Take a guided bush walk through the unfenced 16,000 hectare private conservancy, which is home to a variety of wildlife. You may even spot some of Africa's lesser-known species! Tonight, maybe soak up the sounds of the wilderness with a glass of wine as you overlook the waterhole, keeping an eye out for the roaming animals.

After breakfast, drive to Maun – a bustling town on the edge of the Okavango Delta – arriving in the afternoon. When you get there, you'll have the opportunity to take in this UNESCO World Heritage site from above on an optional scenic helicopter flight (your leader can help arrange this for you). After, settle in for the night at your comfortable hotel in the heart of Maun.

Head out from Maun this morning, making your way further to the northwestern part of the Okavango Delta. Hop into a 4WD for the last 12 km (7.5 mi) and watch the beautiful scenery you’re passing through. When you arrive, settle into the lodge where you’ll be spending the next two nights, located on the edge of the Guma Lagoon.

Today, you'll hop into mokoros (traditional dugout canoes) for a water-level exploration of the delta. Glide through papyrus and reed beds to lily-covered lagoons and islands, keeping an eye out for elephants, antelope, warthogs and other wildlife. Afterward, enjoy a short bushwalk on one of the islands before returning to the lodge for a delicious lunch. Then, spend the afternoon at leisure, maybe relaxing by the pool. Finish out the day with sunset cruise on the delta.

After breakfast, jump back into the 4WD to return to your overland truck, then make your way to the Namibian border. The drive to tonight's camp on the Caprivi banks of the Okavango River, passes through the Mahango Game Reserve – keep your eyes peeled for the surrounding wildlife on the drive, like elephants and buffalo.

Today, you’ll gain insight into the ancient hunter-gatherer culture of the Khwe Indigenous group during a visit to The Living Museum of the Khwe. There are approximately 4000 members of the Khwe community living in Namibia, and their traditional culture is one of the most endangered in the country. Spend time in the museum village – a collection of traditional grass huts where you’ll learn about the Khwe way of life and pre-colonial customs. Maybe forge an arrow or braid a papyrus bracelet. Perhaps take a guided walk through the bush to spot antelopes – a great way to better understand the Khwe’s excellent tracking skills. After, head back to the lodge, where you can freshen up and get ready for your sunset cruise on the Okavango River. It’s a magical time to reflect on all you’ve seen so far.

Continue your journey today 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, surrounded by Chobe National Park. Taking its name from the river that marks the border between Namibia and Botswana, Chobe boasts the largest population of elephants in Africa, plus an abundance of birdlife and pods of wallowing hippos. Maybe check out Kasane town or take a dip in the lodge pool. You can spend your evening by the open outdoor fire or simply watch the setting sun change colours in the sky above the river.

Wake up early and head out for a dawn wildlife drive in Chobe National Park, where you may see elephants drinking at the water’s edge, large herds of Cape buffalo and many impalas. Return to the lodge for a late breakfast, then enjoy the rest of the day free. This evening, 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 birdlife like 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 relaxing way to end the day.

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before heading to the Zimbabwean border. After completing the border formalities, drive the remaining distance to Victoria Falls. Your adventure ends when you arrive 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.