“I believe that no one could perceive where the vast body of water went; it seemed to lose itself in the earth, the opposite lip of the fissure into which it disappeared being only 80 feet distant.” * David Livingstone (Scottish physician and explorer; Livingstone quote about his first sight of Victoria Falls in 1855)
BOTSWANA – Australian passport holders do not
require a visa. There are no COVID-19 related entry restrictions at this time.
However, travellers should carry a copy of their international vaccination
certificate in case the advice changes. Malaria precautions are recommended,
for all other medical advice, please speak with a doctor.
Today we
depart to Melbourne Airport where we board our flight to Sydney where
we stay the night at Sydney Rydges to rest up before our flight
tomorrow.
On arrival
at Maun International Airport, you will be met and transferred to Thamalakane
River Lodge, located on the banks of the Thamalakane River. It is just outside
of Maun and en-route to the famous Okavango Delta. The rest of the afternoon of your first day
on safari in Botswana may be spent at leisure enjoying one of the many
activities available at the lodge. This evening you will meet your guide and
the rest of your group that you are travelling with. Thamalakane River Lodge
After
breakfast, we head to Etosha 13, on the western border of the Okavango Delta.
Unlike other deltas, it flows deep into the Kalahari Desert without reaching
the sea. The next day is spent exploring the network of water pathways through
thick vegetation in mokoros (traditional dugout canoes), discovering a variety
of birds and wildlife. We have the opportunity to stop at a secluded island for
a 1˝ hour guided walk during which you may spot elephants, waterbuck or other
animals living in this water-filled paradise. Guma Lagoon Camp
After
breakfast, we head south, travelling via Maun to our second camp in the delta.
It is situated in a private concession in the Greater Moremi area. This large
expanse of pristine delta vegetation is renowned for its concentration of
mammals. It is not unusual to see many different types of wildlife during a
game drive. Game viewing is seasonal and depending on the time of the year, you
may see different species in different areas. The best time for game viewing in
the delta is towards the end of the dry
season and spring from August to November. During this period we will drive
further to get closer to the rivers and channels for the best game viewing. In
the summer, the abundant birdlife often means exceptional sightings of
wildfowl, waders and raptors. Mogogelo Camp
We have the
opportunity to explore the Greater Moremi area on morning and afternoon game
drives as well as during a very special night drive. Expect exceptional game
viewing from the vehicles and we hope to show you the rare nocturnal animals
that call this area home on the night drive. Mogogelo Camp
Today we
head into the famous Moremi Game Reserve deep in the heart of the Okavango
Delta. It is known as one of the most beautiful and varied reserves in Africa,
with an unprecedented concentration of wildlife. A full day is spent in the
unspoiled nature of the Moremi Game Reserve with guided mokoro safaris through
the waterways. Mogogelo Camp
Leaving the
Moremi bush behind us, we travel east towards the Makgadikgadi Pans on this leg
of our Botswana safari. The area was once a large river-fed lake that has
become saline and empty and incorporates a multitude of salt pans and vast
grass plains dotted by palm islands. Together this forms the Great Makgadikgadi
which is the largest area of salt pans in the world, covering some 37,000
square km. We arrive at our lodge on the edge of the pans in the late
afternoon. Nata Lodge
We head off
to Nata Bird Sanctuary in the morning, which offers us the opportunity to enjoy
the magnificent view over the Sowa pan, which is part of the Greater
Makgadikgadi Pans (please note a visit to the pans is subject to the road
conditions and water levels as well as time constraints). After breakfast, we
continue our journey north to Kasane, the gateway to your safari into Chobe
National Park. Chobe, which is the second-largest national park in Botswana and
covers 10,566 square km, has one of the greatest concentrations of elephants
found on the African continent. The afternoon is at your own leisure to partake
in optional activities or to relax by the pool. Start your morning of day 9
with a spectacular game drive in Chobe National Park. You will return to the
lodge for a late breakfast and chill time until your boat cruise on the Chobe
River starts around 3 pm. This Chobe River cruise offers excellent
opportunities to photograph elephants, hippos, crocodiles and a variety of
birds. Chobe Safari Lodge
ZIMBABWE – Australian passport holders require a visa for Zimbabwe, this can
be obtained upon arrival at the border for USD30 (single entry). There
are no COVID-19 related entry restrictions at this time. However, travellers
should carry a copy of their international vaccination certificate in case the
advice changes. Malaria precautions are recommended, for all other medical
advice, please speak with a doctor.
Today we
make our way across the border into Zimbabwe and to our lodge located in a
private concession within Hwange National Park. You will spend the next three
nights in this wildlife-rich area. This afternoon you can partake in an
optional game drive if time allows. Over the following two days, you will have
plenty of time to explore this vast wilderness on game drives. Hwange National
Park is one of Africa’s finest havens for wildlife and is home to massive herds
of elephants, buffalo, and zebra and has a very large concentration of giraffes.
It is also home to many predators and endangered species plus varied birdlife.
You will also visit the Painted Dog Conservation Centre to witness the work
that is done to protect these endangered species. During your stay, you can
also meet with the anti-poaching unit and learn what drives these conservation
warriors. Elephant’s Eye Tented Camp
After
breakfast and the end of your safari in Hwange, we head back towards Victoria
Falls. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure enjoying one of the many
activities that Vic Falls has to offer. Shearwater Explorers Village
Explore
Victoria Falls at your leisure today. The town offers unique experiences, from
adventure activities to cultural experiences. Your guide will take you on a
tour of the mighty Victoria Falls, known by the local Kololo tribe as Mosi oa
Tunya- "the smoke that thunders”. In the afternoon we embark on a relaxing
sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River. Shearwater Explorers Village
Our
Botswana and Zimbabwe safari ends after breakfast. You will be transferred to Victoria
Falls Airport in time for your departure flight. We hope to welcome you again
one day on another of our African adventures.