Botswana Highlights - 9 Days

Customer reviews & ratings

• This trip was made particularly special by the tour leader, Shimane Lekoto, and the driver, Shadrack Marimana. Shadrack had also driven us on a previous trip in 2025, and it was a most pleasant surprise to see him again on this journey. The itinerary includes a considerable amount of free time, along with rather long drives over broken roads. Border crossings were generally straightforward; however, do be prepared to remove your shoes for inspection at the Botswana border, and to have your luggage opened for checks. **Day 1:** There are no scheduled activities or inclusions on this day, which begins at the Shearwater Explorers Village near Victoria Falls. It is advisable to arrive early in order to partake in optional activities such as bungee jumping, rafting, a dinner cruise, the Bamba Tram ride, or a visit to the Falls themselves. The day begins with introductions, followed by an optional paid group dinner. **Day 2:** This day includes a visit to the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, followed by a border crossing into Botswana en route to Elephant Sands Lodge. Do keep a keen eye on the road, as wildlife sightings are quite possible, both en route and at the lodge. A nature walk is offered at Elephant Sands; it can be somewhat strenuous, so full-sleeved clothing, full-length trousers, and ample water are strongly recommended. The lodge features a charming restaurant and bar, with the delightful opportunity to observe elephants at the watering hole. **Day 3:** Another lengthy journey takes you to Cresta Riley’s Hotel. An optional open-door helicopter flight over the delta is highly recommended and truly worth the expense. We observed elephants, red lechwe, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, wildebeest, zebras, and warthogs. The day concludes with a group dinner. **Day 4:** Departure for Nguma Island Lodge. To reach the lodge, luggage is transferred from the bus to an army truck, followed by a journey through waterways lasting approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Mosquito presence was rather noticeable here. The lodge itself boasts a beautiful viewing deck and bar area. The remainder of the day is spent at leisure. **Day 5:** A mokoro (canoe) excursion follows breakfast, consisting of approximately two hours upstream; however, wildlife sightings were minimal. This is followed by a brief nature walk on an island, again with little wildlife activity. The return journey takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes, with the remainder of the day spent relaxing. The evening concludes with a delightful cultural performance by the lodge staff. For either Day 4 or Day 5, it would be more worthwhile to opt for a scenic flight, as the chances of wildlife sightings are significantly higher than on the water excursions. **Day 6:** A border crossing into Namibia brings you to Rainbow River Lodge. After settling in, an included river cruise offers views of hippos and a small waterfall. The boat provides water and drinks, though there are no restroom facilities on board. **Day 7:** An early start sees a return crossing into Botswana and arrival in Kasane. Wildlife sightings along the way included elephants, sable, impala, and banded mongoose. Upon arrival, we immediately embarked on an optional safari through Chobe National Park, where we encountered a variety of animals, including a cheetah. The day concludes with dinner. **Day 8:** An included game drive in Chobe National Park yielded a sighting of a lioness. In the evening, a boat cruise offered views of crocodiles, birds, kudu, and hippos. Heavy rain briefly interrupted the excursion, requiring a short pause along the shore. Raincoats are provided, though it is advisable to carry protective covers for cameras and backpacks. **Day 9:** An optional early morning safari provided sightings of a honey badger and another lioness. Thereafter, the journey returned to Victoria Falls, marking the conclusion of the trip. **Pointers:** April can be rather warm, so light-coloured clothing, comfortable footwear, caps, sunscreen, and malaria prophylaxis are recommended. Carry sufficient US dollars (preferably newer notes), as they are widely accepted, along with some Botswana pula for small expenses such as restroom usage. Given the long drives, it is wise to bring ample water, beverages, and snacks. Wildlife sightings can be limited at times, and the tour is generally more relaxed in nature with fewer structured activities. Vegetarian options are somewhat limited, so bringing pre-prepared meals that can be reheated is advisable. As this is a malaria-prone region, appropriate precautions—including medication and insect repellent—are essential. Carry sufficient cash. Transport is by a 16-seater bus rather than an overlanding truck. The tour leader, Shimane Lekoto, is a thorough professional—approachable, amiable, and highly communicative. He ensured that special occasions such as birthdays were celebrated and that all participants felt included. His insights into the country’s education, healthcare system, culture, and traditions were invaluable, and he even taught us a few local phrases. He is, without question, one of the finest tour leaders I have encountered across my African travels with Intrepid Travel, and is most deserving of recognition. We were delighted to travel once again with our driver, Shadrack Marimana. Highly skilled and efficient, he managed all border documentation seamlessly and was consistently helpful with luggage, while also maintaining a warm rapport with the group. This trip is best suited to those seeking a relaxed experience rather than a fast-paced itinerary. There is a considerable amount of free time, relatively few included activities, and lengthy drives, which may at times feel uneventful due to limited wildlife sightings.

  Sarah Apr, 2026 Verified

• This was an excellent trip and very good value for money. You felt looked after and supported by the leader of the tour, who had excellent local knowledge. An unforgettable experience of 3 wonderful African countries and their flora and fauna.

  Elaine Apr, 2026 Verified