Set Departure Safari

The Sable Safari – 10 Days Accommodated Safari

This comfortable accommodated safari forms an adventurous route through parks of Botswana, starting in the Kalahari region and ending in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
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Price 3,595 USD * (See price tab)
Country
Botswana, Zimbabwe
When to Go
All Year
Duration
10 Nights
Safari Type
Boating, Lodge
Location
Central Kalahari, Makgadikgadi Pans, Maun, Northern Botswana, Victoria Falls

This exciting accommodated safari is an activity-packed safari allowing you to discover the diversity that Botswana has to offer. Accommodation throughout your journey with us includes lodges, camps and guest houses.

This 10 day lodge safari is a great round trip through Botswana, not missing any of the spectacular National Parks.

It starts in Maun, where you will be picked up by your guide. From here you will travel to Deception Valley Private Reserve on the northern border of the Kalahari Game Reserve. Here you will spend two days exploring the enchanting area extensively. You will get to know the local San Bushmen tribe and your guide will tell you interesting details about the life forms that are perfectly adapted to the desert. The plant life here is more diverse than it might seem at first glance and in addition to various antelopes such as oryx, eland and springbok, predators such as lions, hyenas and cheetahs also roam the Kalahari.

The Makgadikgadi area will be your next destination. Here you will go on game drives to explore the desert area with all its small and big wonders. With a little luck you will find some of the species that have adapted perfectly to desert conditions.

Continue west to the Khwai area of Moremi with a short stopover in Maun, either by safari vehicle or by plane if you wish. Both options are adventurous, as you can already observe many different animals from the vehicle and the flight offers a beautiful panoramic view from above. Your journey will take you through beautiful wildlife rich areas to the Khwai River, which borders the Moremi Game Reserve. This area is famous for unique wildlife viewing opportunities. The biodiversity is overwhelming and the birdlife is a spectacle in itself.

Chobe National Park in the north is your next destination. This also offers unparalleled wildlife viewing and is especially famous for the large number of elephants and herds of buffalo that like to stay here. Since the Chobe River has water all year round, the animals also stay near it all year round.
You will explore the entire area, from the floodplains to the drier Savuti, which is no less impressive.

Finally, the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe await you. Their magic is hard to put into words, but not for nothing they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site – best see for yourself.

highlights

  • 2 nights Deception Valley Private Reserve
  • Game drive Boteti River, Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
  • Mokoro excursion in the Okavango Delta
  • Optional Scenic flight over the Delta
  • 3 nights Moremi Game Reserve surrounds
  • 2 nights Chobe National Park surrounds
  • Boat cruise on Chobe River
  • 2 nights Victoria Falls

map and overview

  • 2 nights in Deception Valley Private Reserve
  • 1 night in Makgadikgadi region
  • 3 nights in the surroundings of Moremi Game Reserve
  • 2 nights in the area of Chobe National Park
  • 2 nights in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

start dates

21 December 2024 - 31 December 2024
27 March 2025 - 6 April 2025
9 May 2025 - 19 May 2025
18 May 2025 - 28 May 2025
10 June 2025 - 20 June 2025
1 July 2025 - 11 July 2025
7 July 2025 - 17 July 2025
30 July 2025 - 9 August 2025
5 August 2025 - 15 August 2025
25 August 2025 - 4 September 2025
4 September 2025 - 14 September 2025
27 September 2025 - 7 October 2025
7 October 2025 - 17 October 2025
1 November 2025 - 11 November 2025
11 November 2025 - 21 November 2025
20 December 2025 - 30 December 2025

detailed itinerary

Day 1-2: Deception Valley Private Reserve, comfortable camp

The safari begins in Maun where your guide will meet you at 14h30 at Maun Airport. You will travel 120km to the Deception Valley Private Reserve on the northern border of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Upon arrival you will be given a safari briefing. Night spent in a comfortable camp. (Day 1 – D)

You will explore the area for the next two days, enjoying game drives and participate in a nature walk led by a local San tracker. They will share their intricate bush knowledge and give you an insight into their unique and intriguing culture. You will also do game drives explore the area, home to a fascinating variety of desert specialised wildlife such as oryx and predators including lion, hyena and cheetah. Savour the vast open spaces, clear night skies and uninterrupted beauty.  (Day 2 – B, L, D)

Maun – Deception Valley Private Reserve (northern border CKGR): 120km, 4h

Overnight: Deception Valley Private Reserve camp or similar

Day 3: Makgadikgadi, comfortable camp

You will wake up as the sun rises and do a short game drive before heading to the Makgadikgadi area. You will spend one night at a camp, an oasis on the edge of the Makgadikgadi National Park, overlooking the Boteti River in Khumaga village. Arriving for Lunch at the camp you will have time for a short siesta and then enjoy a game drive along the Boteti river in the late afternoon. (B,L,D)

Deception Valley Private Reserve – Boteti River Camp: 120km, 4-5h (including game drive)

Overnight: Boteti River Camp or similar

Day 4: Moremi/Khwai, guest house

After breakfast you will make your way west, you will stop over in Maun where you will enjoy lunch (at own expense) at a local restaurant. Your adventure then proceeds to Khwai, your drive will take you through beautiful wildlife areas, game viewing as you go. You will have the option of taking an air transfer that afternoon to Khwai (45 minutes, inclusive of 15 minute scenic flight, rate TBA by your guide/agent – to be booked during the safari, payment in USD cash only). Your journey is to the Khwai River area, on the border of the Moremi Game Reserve – one of the best wilderness areas of Botswana with very high concentrations of game. The next three days will be spent searching for the wide variety of wildlife and birds that this area is renowned for, while absorbing the sounds and beauty of this region. Enjoy game drives in the early morning as the sun rises and late afternoon as the sun sets. Night at Khwai Guesthouse in the Khwai Village. (B, D)

Boteti River Camp – Khwai: 340 km, ±6 hrs (excluding lunch stop over)

Overnight: Khwai Guest House or similar

Day 5 - 6: Moremi/Khwai, guest house

The next two days you will further explore this region of the famous Okavango Delta, you will do game drives to explore the region surrounding the Khwai River (North-east Moremi / Khwai Concession). You will also have an opportunity to do a mokoro excursion into a community-managed concession area. Your guide will take you on a scenic drive to the mokoro station where you will meet your mokoro poler/guide, who will share with you hidden secrets of this water system.  (B, L, D)

Overnight: Khwai Guest House or similar

Day 7: Chobe, comfortable lodge

The safari then heads north towards a rustic camp at the edge of Chobe National Park, where you will stay 2 nights to explore the northern reaches of the park. This day will be a full day activity as we will do a full day of game drives through the Savuti area of the Chobe National Park towards the Chobe flood plains. You will have your lunch break en-route and arrive late afternoon at your lodge. (B, L, D)

Khwai – Chobe: 200 km, 10 hrs (including game drives)

Overnight: Chobe Elephant Camp or similar

Day 8: Chobe, comfortable lodge

Time is spent in northern Chobe, a park which is incredibly rich in game due to the Chobe River providing water all year round. Large herds of elephant and buffalo are frequently seen. Due to the high density of herbivores in this area many predators, such as lions and leopards, can be found. While staying at Chobe Elephant Camp you will do a game drive and boat cruise within the Chobe National Park where you immerse yourself into this incredible area from both land and water.  (B, L, D)

Overnight: Chobe Elephant Camp or similar

Day 9: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, comfortable lodge

Today the journey takes you to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe (Visa required) where you will spend two nights at a comfortable lodge. The lodge team will assist you with arranging activities of your choice that you can enjoy during your stay (at own expense). Spend the afternoon at leisure, visiting the majestic falls or shop for curios. Dinner at own expense. (B) (L, D at own expense)

Chobe – Victoria Falls:  160 km, ±3.5 hrs driving (plus border crossing)

Overnight: Pioneers or similar

Day 10: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

The lodge has an activities desk where you can make bookings for the day to explore Vic Falls town. Activities in Victoria Falls include White Water Rafting down the Zambezi Gorge, Canoeing on the upper Zambezi and Helicopter Flights over the Victoria Falls, please ask the lodge reception for further details if not pre-booked. (B)

Overnight: Pioneers or similar

Day 11: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – END of the safari

Bush Ways is happy to arrange post-tour accommodation and transfers to Victoria Falls airport or lodges, Kasane, or any nearby lodges at an additional cost.

accommodation

DESCRIPTION

Lodge to lodge safari with one of our local guide the entire duration of the safari that offers travellers the opportunity to explore some of the most amazing wilderness areas. The activities are carried out in the various lodges where we are staying using the lodge game drive vehicles, boats and mekoro (traditional dugout canoes) as well as the safari vehicle.

ACCOMMODATION

Comfortable 2 / 3 star lodges, B&Bs, camps and guest houses.

VEHICLE

For this safari, a custom-built open game viewer will be used for the activities as well as the drive between properties.

# OF GUESTS

Maximum participants 12 pax. Departures are guaranteed from 4 guests confirmed on a tour.

PROFILE

Activity packed lodge-to-lodge safari that allows you to discover the diversity of Zimbabwe and Botswana in comfort.

price

Prices 2024

Low season: USD 3,595 per person sharing
High season: USD 3,965 per person sharing
Single supplement: USD 650 per person

(Low season: Nov-Jun / High season: Jul-Oct)

 

Prices 2025

Low season: USD 3,955 per person sharing
High season: USD 4,360 per person sharing
Single supplement: USD 715 per person

(Low season: Nov-Jun / High season: Jul-Oct)

 

Price includes:

All accommodation (rooms in comfortable guest houses and lodges), all transfers and activities as per the itinerary, all meals that are indicated (B – breakfast, L –lunch, D – dinner), drinking water, services of a Professional Guide, all Botswana park fees for activities included on itinerary.

 

Price does not include:

Entrance to the Falls, visas, airport transfers, tips, curios, optional excursions at the lodges (scenic flight over the Delta, activities in Victoria Falls,  etc.), beverages (alcohol and soft drinks), insurance to cover for cancellation and curtailment, medical, baggage, emergency evacuation, any increase in National Park fees or Government levies.

additional information

LUGGAGE

  • One large kit bag (preferably a rucksack or a bag with soft sides – Please do not bring hard suitcases as they are very difficult to pack in our trailers and can pose a problem for any light aircraft flights you may take as part of your safari. Semi-hard suitcases should be avoided as well.
  • One item of hand luggage (e.g. a small backpack) – there will be room for this at your feet
  • Main luggage: max weight = 12kg, max. size = 700mm x 350mm x 350mm
  • The sleeping bag can be carried outside the main luggage.
  • If you are travelling to the Delta we request that you take only what you need for the 2/3 nights in a smaller pack. You can leave the large bag with the vehicle which will be locked in a secured area while you will be staying on a small island, with transfers by traditional dugout canoes.
  • Remember that on safari you need far fewer clothes than you think so bear this in mind when packing

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

  • Sleeping bag (note that nights can be chilly all year round and cold in winter, therefore, a warm sleeping bag is advised). A sleeping bag and small pillow can be hired (EUR 20 for the duration of the safari, please book this in advance)
  • Torch with spare batteries and bulbs – a head torch is a good idea
  • Hat/cap
  • Scarf and gloves (especially for winter months – note that if you also have gardening or working gloves, they can be convenient to set up & pack your tent)
  • Warm jacket/fleece/jumper – windproof in winter months (May – Sept), waterproof in summer months (Nov – Mar)
  • Swimming costume
  • Towel
  • Natural clothing (i.e. no bright colours and no white), t-shirts, shorts, a pair of lightweight long trousers and a lightweight long sleeve shirt (long sleeves are extremely useful for sun protection during the day and mosquito protection during the evening)
  • Please note that camouflage printed clothing is fine for the bush but please do not to wear in towns or when crossing borders.
  • Comfortable walking shoes and flip-flops/sandals
  • Camera equipment, binoculars, lots of spare films, batteries and spare memory cards for digital cameras are essential as the opportunity to download photos is limited.
  • Adapters for cables, chargers, USB, etc.: note that we recommend you label them to avoid confusion on the vehicle charging station
  • Water bottle and a small daypack for walks

TOILETRIES AND FIRST AID

  • Personal toiletries and medications in small bag, not a vanity case
  • Sunscreen
  • Malaria prophylaxis (see below section “medical precautions” for further information)
  • Mosquito repellents/lotion/spray
  • Toilet paper (this is only necessary if you prefer 2 or 3 ply toilet paper)
  • Waterproof/zip lock bags for storing personal items to keep dust free and/or dry.
  • Personal First Aid Kit
    Please note: A First Aid Kit will be present throughout the safari but personal medicines must be brought for the duration of the safari.

MEDICAL PRECAUTIONS

  • Check with your local immunisation authority, travel clinic, public health facility or personal physician
  • Visit the WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION website for up to date information www.who.int
  • Botswana is considered a malaria area -consult your medical professional.
  • Between 2012 and 2015, both South Africa and Botswana required that all travelers coming from / going to Zambia should have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Beginning of 2015, both South Africa and Botswana officially communicated that they shall not require the yellow fever vaccination certificate for travelers coming from / going to Zambia. However, beware that regulations could change again without prior notice.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION

  • Valid passport: your passport must be valid at least 6 months after the end date of your trip and there must be at least 6 blank visa pages.
  • Many nationalities are able to obtain tourist visas for Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe at the border posts HOWEVER citizens of certain countries are required to obtain a visa before travelling. Please note that certain visas can take up to 3 months to be processed so please consider this when booking.
  • For more information see www.botswanatourism.co.bwwww.zambiatourism.comwww.zimbabwetourism.co.zw and www.namibiatourism.com.na
  • Valid visas – it is your responsibility to arrange visas
  • For up-to-date visa requirements please check with your travel consultant and/or Embassy
  • If you need to get a visa for one of the countries visited during your safari, please check when and where the visa can be obtained, and which currency is required for its payment.
  • Requirements for minor traveling through all Botswana ports of entry
    Effective from the 1st October 2016 minors travelling through the country’s borders will be required to produce certified copies of unabridged birth certificates in addition to their valid passports. In the event that one parent is not travelling with the child, the other parent’s affidavit consenting to such travel should be availed. However, an affidavit will not be required if the father’s name does not appear on the child’s birth certificate.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

  • For all our safaris, it is COMPULSORY to take out travel insurance covering for: cancellation and curtailment, medical situations, baggage, emergency evacuation.
  • We can assist you to sign up for the Okavango Air Rescue membership. The service provides medical evacuation from isolated areas of the bush by a medically equipped helicopter and emergency doctor, ensuring smooth and swift operations. International insurance companies are not always familiar with the practicalities of dealing with emergencies in the Botswana bush, which can add to delays in obtaining medical care. Although the OAR membership is not compulsory and does not replace an international medical insurance and evacuation (which remains compulsory with or without OAR membership), we highly recommend to sign up for the OAR membership which is only BWP175 / USD 17 / EUR 15.
  • Please note that you will be required to provide your insurance details prior to your arrival so we can liaise with your insurance company in the shortest amount of time in case of an emergency. Required details include: medical evacuation insurer’s Name, medical evacuation policy number, 24-hour contact number of Medical evacuation insurer (must be able to phone it from Botswana – USA 800 numbers don’t work from here).

SAFARI DRINKS

  • Drinks (soft drinks and alcohol) are not included on all our camping safaris and are to be bought the day prior if your safari leaves early on day 1.
  • We provide filtered drinking water during the entire duration of the safari
  • Please note that our safari teams do not sell drinks during the safari and drinks can only be bought in town prior to and/or during the safari.
  • A minimum 3 litres of drinking water is recommended per person per day
  • At all hotel/lodge accommodation drinks are on a cash bar basis

Ready for an adventure? Lets Talk!

Contact SAFARI FRANK to get started on your safari of a lifetime!