Day 1: Susuwe/West Caprivi National Park
Your safari begins in Livingstone, Zambia. We can assist with pre-tour arrangements, including accommodation and transfers from Kasane/Victoria Falls.
Depart Livingstone and head west to the Zambia-Namibia border at Katima Mulilo (200km, 2.5 hours’ drive), where you break for an early lunch before continuing into the Caprivi Strip, north-western Namibia (140km, 2 hours’ drive time).
You stay tonight at Camp Kwando, Caprivi. Camp Kwando enjoys an enviable perch on the banks of the Kwando River, a prominent tributary of the Chobe River and natural border between Namibia and Botswana.
Day 2: Susuwe/West Caprivi National Park
After an early breakfast at Camp Kwando, set off by 4x4 for nearby Mudumu National Park in search of big game.
One of Namibia’s most remote national parks, Mudumu encompasses a varied landscape of wetlands, forest and savannah plains, where elephant, buffalo and sitatunga roam in plentiful numbers. Lion, leopard and wild dog are also found in Mudumu, though sightings of the latter are rare.
Return to the lodge late morning for lunch and rest before embarking on an afternoon boat safari on the Kwando River.
Day 3: Mahango Game Reserve; Okavango Panhandle
Depart Kwando after an early breakfast and travel east along the Caprivi Strip towards the Botswana border.
There will be two stops along the way; first at the Popa Falls, where you’ll have the option to enjoy a short bush walk taking in the view of the Okavango river rapids as they course south-east towards Botswana and the Okavango Delta; and then at Mahango Game Reserve, for a late morning game drive.
Part of the greater Bwabwata National Park, Mahango is a small but game-rich conservation area situated on the Okavango River floodplains. Year-round water ensures excellent game-viewing in both dry and green seasons, with lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog all present in the region.
Leaving Muhango in the afternoon, continue your journey into Botswana and then on to the Okavango Panhandle, the northern tip of the Delta, where you check in to Nxamaseri Island Lodge for two nights.
Day 4: Okavango Panhandle
Today will see you explore the northern Okavango Delta in the local fashion, ditching the 4x4s for an altogether more traditional mode of transport: the mokoro, or dugout canoe.
Starting out from Nxamaseri Lodge after an early breakfast, you’ll travel by motor boat to a nearby boat station, where the mokoros and their handlers will be waiting.
Travelling with an experienced mokoro guide, you’ll negotiate the northern Delta’s intricate network of papyrus-lined channels and lagoons at a leisurely pace, learning more about the region’s beautiful landscapes and rich wildlife in the process.
After a full day spent exploring the waterways of the Okavango Panhandle, return to Nxamaseri Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Maun
Depart Nxamaseri Lodge this morning and travel south to Maun, arriving midday (290km, 4 hours’ drive).
On arrival in Maun, there will be time to shop for supplies (safari drinks, toiletries and any other necessities you may need for the rest of your journey) before transferring to your lodge in town.
The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. We can arrange one of a number of local activities for you, such as a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta (please contact us for rates). Alternatively, you may prefer to simply relax at the lodge.
Day 6: Moremi/Khwai
Continue your journey from Maun to Khwai (160km, 5 hours’ drive with game-viewing), a community concession that borders Moremi Game Reserve. The next two days will be spent exploring this game-rich region through a mixture of water-based activities and 4x4 game drives in both the Concession and Moremi.
You’ll stay at the comfortable Khwai Guest House, which provides simple but intimate accommodation in six cosy cottages, each with twin/double bed and en-suite facilities. Public areas include a spacious lounge and an open kitchen and dining area where meals are served each evening around a communal table.
Day 7: Moremi/Khwai
Full-day game-viewing in Khwai Community Concession and Moremi Game Reserve.
Day 8: Nata, Makgadikgadi
An early start, as you depart the Delta and travel via Maun to Nata, on the periphery of Makgadikgadi Saltpans (480km, 7-8 hours’ drive).
During the long drive you’ll witness a dramatic change in the landscape, as the floodplains and marshland of the Delta gradually give way to the vast, arid saltpans of Makgadikgadi
Expect to arrive at Nata Lodge early evening.
Day 9: Nata Bird Sanctuary; Kasane
Start the day with a visit to the Nata Bird Sanctuary, where, at the right time of year, you can view huge flocks of pelican and flamingo nesting on the saltpans.
Late morning, leave Nata and continue north to the town of Kasane (320km, 3-4 hours’ drive), which will serve as your base for the next two nights as you explore Botswana’s most renowned big game safari park, Chobe.
You stay tonight at the Old House, in Kasane.
Day 10: Chobe National Park
A full-day to explore Chobe National Park on morning and afternoon game activities.
Start the day with a game drive to the Chobe Riverfront, where the greatest quantities of game can be found. Chobe is particularly famous for its huge herds of elephant, as well its big cat population (lion sightings are generally expected, while leopard sightings are not uncommon).
In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxed river cruise, completing your overview of the area from on land and water.
Day 11: Livingstone, Zambia
Today your journey comes to a close, as you transfer back to Livingstone & the Victoria Falls. It’s a short journey of 2-3 hours, including the Zambezi River Crossing from Kasane to Livingstone. On arrival, check into Maramba Lodge for one night.
This afternoon, we’ll arrange for a guided tour of the Falls. The rest of the day is at your leisure. We can arrange local activities for you, such as rafting or micro-light flights. Alternatively, relax at the lodge.
Day 12: Livingstone, Zambia
At leisure in Livingstone.
Activities can be arranged locally or in advance through us.
Day 13: Livingstone
Your safari ends this morning in Livingstone.
End of tour.
Botswana, Namibia and Zambia Circuit Safari
Botswana, Namibia and Zambia Circuit Safari
This low-cost accommodated safari begins and ends in Livingstone, Zambia, and visits the core game-viewing territories of north-eastern Namibia and Botswana, including Caprivi, the Okavango Delta, Chobe and Makgadikgadi.
Outline Itinerary
Price guide
Price based on two travellers in shared twin/double accommodation, travelling in high season (Jul-Oct). Reduced rates apply for larger groups and travel in green season (Nov-Jun).
Pricing
13 days from £1980pp
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