Delta, Chobe and Kruger  

  Duration14 Days

Day 1 – Johannesburg to Kalahari Gateway

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.  

Day 2 – Kalahari Gateway to Ghanzi

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. The San people have long been associated with this harsh environment and this tonight we enjoy a dance evening that provides an insight into their culture of song, dance and story-telling.

Day 3 – Khwai Conservation Area
You will be separated from your Nomad truck for the next 2 nights and it is therefore important that you pack/gather your personal belongings which you may need, before we depart for Maun today as there is limited time in Maun for re-packing and storing.  Please pack lightly and only take what you need for the following two nights.  This morning we rise early and make our way towards Maun, where upon arrival in Maun you will have the opportunity to go on an optional scenic flight over the Delta (time and weather permitting). After your optional flight, you will be collected from Maun and will be transferred to the Khwai Conservation area in smaller safari type vehicles.  This evening our guide will prepare us on what to expect for our mokoro excursion into the Okavango Delta and our game drive in Khwai.

Day 4 – Khwai Conservation Area
Heading out early, we transfer by safari vehicle, to the poling station, 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 pole and after the walk, we return by mokoro through the channels back to the poling station.  While the mokoro trail is not primarily a game viewing activity, a variety of game may be spotted in this pristine wilderness area, including elephant, giraffe, kudu, impala and zebra.   After lunch, we will return to Khwai Conservation area for our afternoon game drive which will be conducted in open 4×4 safari vehicles.  The game viewing routes chosen during the afternoon by the professional guide may vary especially when high floods are experienced as certain roads may be closed or impassable.

Day 5 – Khwai – Savuti – Chobe – Kasane
Today’s journey from Khwai to Kasane (via the Savuti National Park) is expected to take approximately 10 hours.  You will pack up camp and depart at first light on the open 4×4 safari vehicles.  The road conditions can best be described as dense sand and depending on the season you are travelling in, could be through thick vegetation.  During the winter months (May-September) we strongly suggest layering up on clothing, pack a beanie and/or scarf and thick jacket.  Animal sightings can never be guaranteed while we transit/traverse these wilderness areas and any stops for viewing of the wildlife will add to the time spent in the 4×4 safari vehicle.  We suggest stocking up on snacks and at least 1 x 5l bottle of water in Maun for the journey as there are no re-supply points until you reach Kasane.

The Savuti Game Reserve is a unique area bordered by the Okavango Delta to west and Chobe National Park to the east.  Today is a long day as we spend most of our day travelling via the various sectors including the Savuti Game Reserve in search of the species that roam the plains.  Expect some bumpy roads as we traverse this wilderness area in our 4×4 vehicles.  Offering habitats from wetland, open water to the grasslands and Savannah woodland, we hope to see as many species of fauna and flora possible.  This afternoon we arrive on the banks of the Chobe River and will be re-united with our Nomad truck in the town of Kasane.

Day 6 – Chobe National Park

For those that opt to participate in the optional game drive in Chobe National Park, you will be collected early from camp and will venture out in open 4×4 safari type vehicles.  You will return to camp in time for lunch and a quick siesta before we head out in the afternoon to explore the Chobe National Park from the river, enjoying a leisurely boat cruise which allows us an up close and personal experience with the many elephants that frequent the river in the afternoons. 

Day 7 – Zimbabwe -Victoria Falls

With the memories of our wildlife encounters firmly etched in our minds, we cross the border into Zimbabwe this morning and travel the short distance to Victoria Falls. Today you have the opportunity to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls at your leisure, also known by the local name of “Mosi-oa Tunya” (the smoke that thunders).

Day 8 – Victoria Falls

While much of today is dedicated to viewing the mighty Zambezi River as it drops into the Batoka Gorge below (optional activitiy), the bustling adventure town of Victoria Falls also offers a range of optional activities for those wanting a dose of adrenaline in the afternoon. For the more relaxed traveller there are craft markets and coffee shops on offer as well.

Day 9 – Victoria Falls to Francistown

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.

Day 10 – Francistown to Johannesburg

Leaving early we continue to the border with South Africa and on to the city of Johannesburg. We arrive in Johannesburg in the late afternoon.

Day 11 – Johannesburg to Great Kruger National Park Area

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.

Day 12 – Kruger National Park

Rising early this morning we enter the Kruger National Park to enjoy a full-day of game viewing. The abundance of wildlife presents us with opportunities for excellent sightings, while the Kruger is also home to the famed members of Africa’s Big-5. The game drive offers the excitement of experiencing the park from an open-sided 4×4 vehicle.

Day 13 – Panorama Route

This morning we will journey along the scenic Panorama Route where we will visit God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels. 

Day 14 – Kruger National Park to Johannesburg

We enjoy our last drive through the park before setting off for Johannesburg. We arrive in the late afternoon where your tour ends upon arrival.