Delta, Chobe and Kruger 2019

Leaving behind the city of Johannesburg, we travel through the North-West Province to the Botswana border. After completing border formalities we continue on the Trans-Kalahari highway to our overnight stop.

After breakfast we venture deeper into the Central Kalahari and our camp in the Ghanzi district, here we will spend time getting to know the fascinating San people. This afternoon we will join our San guides for a guided walk that will introduce us to the many secrets of their survival in the Kalahari Desert. The nomadic San are hunter-gatherers that have passed down a rich knowledge of the plants and animals that play such an important part in their lifestyle. This evening we will get a first-hand experience of the San culture, well known for its rich traditions of song, dance and story-telling.

This morning we bid farewell to the San and make our way to Maun, gateway to the Okavango Delta. There will be time this afternoon for those who wish to enjoy an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta. Your guides will brief you this evening on what you will need for the upcoming Delta excursions.

The most rewarding and enjoyable way to explore and experience the beauty and serenity of this intricate system of lily covered channels and lagoons, is by mokoro.  Heading out early, we will be transferred by safari vehicle to the poling station (approximately 1 hour transfer) where we will meet the polers who will be escorting us into the Delta.  The polers will steer us through the serene area of narrow, reed lined channels which open out onto beautiful lagoons.  Reaching one of the many islands, a nature walk may be taken with your poler.  After the walk, we return by mokoro through the channels back to the mooring station.  While the mokoro trail is not primarily a game viewing activity, a variety of game may be encountered in this pristine wilderness area including elephant, giraffe, kudu, impala and zebra.

Those guests who have pre-purchased the upgrade package – will be transferred into the Delta this morning and will re-join the group on the morning of day 6.  Please speak to your consultant for a copy of the programme for your Okavango Delta Excursion.

For those guests who have purchased the activity package, you will be collected from the hotel before first light and we will drive to the South gate to enter Moremi Game Reserve.  As the lagoons and channels form a vital section of the Okavango Delta eco-system, sightings of bird and animal populations become more frequent as the day progresses.  The game viewing routes chosen on the day by the professional guide may vary especially when high floods are experienced as certain roads may be closed or impassable.  Those guests who have not purchased the activity package have the day to relax at the accommodation establishment.

Our journey today takes us across the northern reaches of the Makgadigadi Pans, lined with majestic examples of the iconic Baobab tree. Our activity package will afford us the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon guided excursion to the Pans and Nata Sanctuary to appreciate the spectacular view and sundowner.

We rise early this morning as we continue north to our camp on the banks of the Chobe River. This afternoon is set aside for exploring the Chobe National Park. We begin our exploration in 4×4 vehicles, which allows us an up close and personal experience with the many elephants that frequent the river in the afternoon. Our day ends with a leisurely boat cruise and a meal served around the campfire.

With the memories of our wildlife encounters firmly etched in our minds, we cross the border to Zimbabwe this morning and travel the short distance to Victoria Falls. The bustling adventure town of Victoria Falls offers a range of optional activities for those wanting a dose of adrenaline and upon arrival you will have the chance to book these various activities. For the more relaxed traveller there are craft markets to explore and a delicious high tea is on offer at the Victoria Falls Hotel. Tonight we enjoy an optional dinner out, your guide will assist you to decide on the many options available.

Your tour comes to an end after breakfast this morning. With the many activities on offer in Victoria Falls, today is the perfect day for the adventure that most suits your style. Whether rafting the mighty Zambezi River or enjoying a scenic flight over the falls below, this is your day to enjoy the many attractions on offer in Victoria Falls.

Departing Victoria Falls this morning, we cross into Botswana and travel south to Francistown in central Botswana. We reach our overnight stop on the outskirts of Francistown in the late afternoon.

Please note if you are in transit between tours that it is possible that your crew and truck will change today. Please report to the hotel reception to meet your crew for your 07:00 departure.

Leaving early we continue to the border with South Africa and on to the city of Johannesburg. All travellers are invited to join us for a traditional meal tonight, this can be booked with your guide on the day before arrival. Many great tales are shared and tonight presents an opportunity to join fellow travellers in celebrating the many wonders of African travel. We arrive at Belvedere Estate in the late afternoon.

Please note that during the next few days (while we are visiting Kruger National Park), the order of activities could change without prior notice and a degree of flexibility is needed.  This is to allow for maximum game viewing opportunities and experiences.  Leaving the city of Johannesburg behind us we make our way east through the coalfields of Mpumalanga. Our journey today follows in the footsteps of the old trade-routes to the Lowveld and the Kruger National Park. We set up camp at our base for the next three nights and enjoy a lovely sundowner drive.

This morning we enter the Kruger National Park for a full-day of game viewing. Our activity package offers you the opportunity to explore the park in open game viewing vehicles, giving you access to areas our truck can’t always go.

As is customary when on safari, we rise early this morning to enjoy a guided bush walk. Being in the bush on foot offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the smaller details of this great wilderness area.  After our walk, we exit the park and journey along the scenic Panorama Route where we will visit God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels. We return to camp in the evening to enjoy a lovely local dinner and dance.

We enjoy our last drive through the park before setting off to Belvedere Estate. We arrive at Belvedere Estate in the late afternoon and all travellers are invited to join us for a traditional meal tonight. This can be booked with your guide on the day before arrival. Many great tales are shared and tonight is for celebrating the many wonders of African travel.