Okavango and Chobe Trail - South 2019

Today is your arrival day in Victoria Falls and will be able to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls at your own leisure.  The bustling adventure town of Victoria Falls also offers a range of optional activities for those wanting a dose of adrenaline. For the more relaxed traveller there are craft markets to explore and a delicious high tea is on offer at the Victoria Falls Hotel.

After breakfast we travel the short distance to the Botswana border, crossing into Botswana we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River. For those who have purchased the Activity Package we begin our exploration in 4×4 vehicles and enjoy an afternoon game drive through the national park followed by a boat cruise, which allows us an up close and personal experience with the many elephants that frequent the Chobe riverfront in the afternoon.

Leaving Kasane early, we set off for Nata where we will overnight.  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.

Our journey today takes us across the northern reaches of the Makgadigadi Pans and the road to Maun is lined with majestic examples of the iconic Baobab tree.  Upon arrival in Maun, you will have the opportunity to enjoy an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta (time and weather permitting – this could take place on day 6).

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 upon arrival in Maun and will re-join the group on the morning of day 7.  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.

We travel to the Ghanzi district in the central Kalahari and tonight we get a first-hand experience of the San culture, well known for its rich traditions of song, dance and story-telling.  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 morning we enjoy a guided walk with our San guides who will introduce us to the many secrets of their survival in the Kalahari Desert.Today we will make our way across the Trans-Kalahari highway towards the remote town of Kang. We will travel slowly along this stretch of unfenced road which could provide the odd sighting of wildlife in its natural environment.

A long day awaits us as we continue our journey south to Johannesburg and South Africa. Leaving the Kalahari behind we cross the North-West Province, arriving at Belvedere Estate in the late afternoon. 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.