Botswana Safari – Victoria Falls, Chobe & Kalahari

Note: The following travel plan describes the Southbound route, beginning in Victoria Falls and ending in the Kalahari (Maun). This safari can also be done in reverse (Northbound) with the same highlights, activities, and accommodations—beginning in Maun and ending at Victoria Falls.

🧡 The safari will proceed as soon as 4 travelers are confirmed.

Day 1-2	Explore the Thundering Victoria Falls Your adventure begins at the legendary Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. After settling into your comfortable lodge, spend your first afternoon unwinding or joining optional activities like white-water rafting on the Zambezi or a helicopter flight above the falls. The following day is free to fully immerse yourself in the experience: stroll rainforest trails, watch rainbows form in the spray, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this adventure town with markets, cafés, and sundowners by the river. 🍽️ Meals included: Day 1 – none | Day 2 – Breakfast 🏠 Accommodation: Pioneers Lodge or Similar
Day 3-4	Game Drives and a Sunset Boat Cruise in Chobe Cross into Botswana and head for Chobe, famous for its enormous elephant herds and big predator sightings. Over two days you’ll enjoy morning and afternoon game drives across floodplains and teak forests, with chances to see lions, leopards, and antelope alongside vast herds of buffalo. A highlight is the afternoon boat cruise on the Chobe River, where you can drift quietly past hippos and crocodiles while elephants wade into the shallows at sunset. Evenings are spent relaxing at the lodge, swapping stories around the fire. 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 🏠 Accommodation: Chobe Elephant Camp or Similar
Day 5-7	Mokoro Adventures and Big Cats in Khwai & Moremi Travel south through the legendary Savuti region into the Khwai River area, a wildlife-rich region bordering Moremi Game Reserve. Over three days, explore this diverse landscape on game drives and experience the tranquility of a mokoro excursion through reed-lined channels. The Khwai is known for close encounters with elephants, wild dogs, and big cats, while the riverbanks teem with birdlife. Staying at a guest house in Khwai village also adds a cultural touch, offering insight into life on the edge of the Okavango Delta. 🍽️ Meals included: Day 5 – Breakfast, Dinner | Day 6 & 7 – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 🏠 Accommodation: Khwai Guest House or Similar
Day 8	Makgadikgadi & Wildlife Encounters by the Boteti River Continue south to the Boteti River, where the desert meets water. Your lodge overlooks the river, a gathering point for zebra, wildebeest, and antelope migrating across the Makgadikgadi region. After lunch (at your own expense), spend the afternoon on a game drive in the national park, or simply relax by the pool and watch the wildlife come to drink at the river’s edge. This stop offers a peaceful pause before your journey into the Kalahari. 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner 🏠 Accommodation: Boteti River Camp or Similar
Day 9-10	Deception Valley and Desert Wildlife in the Kalahari Head into Deception Valley Private Reserve, bordering the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Over two days, enjoy game drives across vast open landscapes and join a guided walk with a San tracker, learning about traditional bush skills and desert survival. Wildlife here includes oryx, giraffe, cheetah, and lion, all set against stark horizons and skies that blaze with stars at night. It’s a fitting finale that connects adventure with cultural depth. 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 🏠 Accommodation: Deception Valley Lodge or Similar
Day 11	Departure from Maun After breakfast, transfer to Maun where your safari comes to an end at midday. Post-tour arrangements such as flights or lodge extensions can be organized to continue your adventure. 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast

Note: The following travel plan describes the Southbound route, beginning in Victoria Falls and ending in the Kalahari (Maun). This safari can also be done in reverse (Northbound) with the same highlights, activities, and accommodations—beginning in Maun and ending at Victoria Falls.

A Journey That Shows You Every Side of Botswana

Experience Botswana’s wonders in one epic journey—where waterfalls, rivers, and deserts flow seamlessly into a single adventure.

• Combines Botswana’s rivers, wetlands, and deserts into one continuous journey.
• Includes a mix of safari styles – game drives, river cruises, and mokoro rides
• Offers cultural depth with San trackers and local guiding throughout

This Botswana safari brings together Botswana’s most iconic highlights in one seamless route. It’s a journey of contrasts—thundering Victoria Falls, elephants on the Chobe River, mokoro rides in Khwai, and the silence of the Kalahari. With a mix of activities and carefully chosen lodges, it balances adventure and comfort while giving you an authentic feel for the country’s wild beauty.

What documents do I need to travel to Botswana?
You will need a passport valid for at least six months after your date of entry. Citizens of most countries need a tourist visa to enter Botswana. Application details and forms can be found on the Botswana Embassy website. Visas can also be acquired on arrival. If you are arriving from a country in which Yellow Fever is endemic (such as Kenya), you will require an immunization certificate or health card. Remember to always check the latest COVID-19 travel information. More health information is also available on the embassy website.

Do I need to book in advance?
We recommend you book your trip 3-6 months in advance, especially if you are traveling during the high season from June to the end of October. December to February can also be busy.

How safe are the water and food in Botswana? 
It is best to drink bottled water when traveling through Botswana. Steer clear of ice, raw vegetables, and salads when eating at street restaurants. On the coast, seafood and fish are usually fresh, but make sure everything is well-cooked. To be sure, we recommend a nonactive cholera vaccine such as “Dukoral”.

What currency is used in Botswana?
The official currency used in Botswana is the Pula. USD, Euros, UK pounds, and South African rands are also accepted. Major international credit cards are accepted at most hotels and there are also ATMs available throughout Botswana, dispensing local currency.

Is there malaria in Botswana?
Much of Botswana does not have malaria. However, in the northern regions – including Chobe and the Okavango Delta – it is present. Please consult a travel doctor 1 month before you leave to find out about anti-malarial medications and other preventative measures.

When is the best time to travel to Botswana?
Generally, Botswana experiences 2 distinct seasons, the rainy and the dry season. Even though Botswana is a very large country, the Kalahari Desert covers approximately 80% of it. The rainy season starts around November and lasts until roughly March. This is a great time to see the bush transform into a lush paradise where travelers can spot predators and baby animals – it is important to note that a few camps and lodges in the Okavango Delta close over this period, so remember to check with us before you book. However, many camps do stay open over this period and are much more affordable than in peak season. The dry season alternatively runs from April to October. This is the best time to go game viewing, as the bush thins and animals flock to dry waterholes. The weather starts to heat up around late September and October can become very hot. Hop on over to our website and search for the destination you are planning to visit for a detailed breakdown.

What happens if I get sick or injured on safari?
Any health or medical emergency will be attended to. If your condition requires hospitalization, you will be taken to the nearest hospital immediately. Make sure you have travel and health insurance cover. It’s absolutely necessary. Please ask us if you need advice on insurance.

Do I need insurance/travel protection?
Travel insurance typically provides coverage for a range of unforeseen events that may occur before and during your trip. It’s beneficial if traveling to a foreign country, engaging in high-risk activities, or if you have pre-existing medical conditions that may require medical attention during your trip.

Can I request specific dietary requests?
Yes, in many cases you can request specific dietary requirements when traveling, especially when it comes to flights, hotels, and tour operators. It’s recommended to make those requests in advance preferably at the time of booking to avoid misunderstandings or inconveniences during your travel.

Does the price include any Insurance?
No, the cost does not include insurance. It’s advisable for you to get your personal travel insurance before embarking on an international travel.

Immunizations before your trip to Botswana?
Botswana does not officially require any specific immunizations for entry into the country. However, it’s important to note that routine vaccinations are up-to-date such as measles-mumps-rubella, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, and influenza. Typhoid and hepatitis A. Yellow fever if you are traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

What is the tipping etiquette for safari guides and mountain crews on trips like this?

Tipping is highly appreciated at the end of safari/mountain climb. The size of tips will vary depending on the length and complexity of the trip, the number of staff on the trip and the number of clients on the trip. Generally, groups like to meet together before the end of the trek to discuss how much they would like to tip each staff member based on their individual trek experience. You should prepare an envelope after your trek for your tip money at the Hotel. You can use US dollars, Euros, TZ Shillings or a combination of these. Please ask the Safari/Climbing coordinator at the Hotel for advice.

RECOMMENDED TIP:

Mountain Climbs: $25-50 USD per Day per Climber to be shared between guides, chefs and porters.

Safaris: Driver/Guide: $35-50 USD per Day per Car. If it is a camping safari there will be a tip for the cook $10 USD per Day.

THESE ARE JUST GUIDELINES AND TIPS CAN BE GIVEN TO SAFARI STAFF/MOUNTAIN CREW ACCORDING TO SERVICES PROVIDED.