Sample Trip

Botswana – Chobe & Okavango Delta Safari

“An 8 night lodge based Victoria Falls, Chobe & Okavango highlights safari”

Budget level: Mid-Range

Country

Botswana, Zimbabwe

When to Go

Mar to Nov

Duration

8 Nights

Safari Type

Lodge and Canvas

Location

Northern Botswana, Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls

Kids Min Age

Safari Rating

adventure

wilderness

wildlife

comfort

photographic

guiding

A safari covering three Iconic locations – Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park & the Okavango Delta! Great game viewing, wide range of activities and stunning landscapes waiting to be explored!

Itinerary in Brief

2 Nights Ilala Lodge

2 Night Chobe Elephant Camp

2 Night Machaba Camp

2 Nights Pelo Camp

botswana okavango delta pelo camp mokoro sunset

A safari that introduces you to the wonders of Victoria Falls and the top highlights of game viewing in Northern Botswana. Visit the Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park and the famous Okavango Delta!

The safari starts at the incredible Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, where you will spend two nights experiencing as much of the activities as possible in the area, whilst also resting and preparing for the upcoming safari. A visit to the Falls is a must! Then from the Falls, a transfer see’s you crossing the border into Botswana where you will be accommodated at an authentic lodge in the ‘less busy’ side of the Chobe National Park. Spend two nights here exploring this Elephant mecca on either game drives into the Park or boat cruises along the river. From Chobe, a charter flight see’s you landing in the Khwai area of the Okavango Delta, for 2 nights of mostly land based activities as the game viewing intensifies! Khwai is incredibly scenic and boasts high concentrations of predators which allows for ample photographic opportunities! From Khwai, another charter flight has you landing in the heart of the delta, quite literally! Pelo means ‘heart’ and is situated on a heart shaped Island in the Okavango Delta, and from here you will explore the Delta by water based activities (mokoro & boating – water levels permitting) for the following two nights, taking in the true magic of this wetland paradise. One final charter to Maun on the last day signals the end of your Botswana safari.

This 8 night Chobe & Okavango safari is perfect for those travellers whom want to experience the essence of both of these iconic destinations. With the safari being 8 nights in total it also combines well with other destinations, such as Cape Town which can easily be added. All of the accommodation on this itinerary are of higher standard and will see you very well accommodated and each lodge grants you incredible access to some of the best parts of the country!

botswana okavango delta pelo camp sunset

botswana okavango delta pelo camp food wine

botswana okavango delta pelo camp lounge

botswana okavango delta pelo camp mokoro drinks

Detailed Itinerary

1st & 2nd Nights: Ilala Lodge 3rd & 4th Nights: Chobe Elephant Camp 5th & 6th Nights: Machaba Camp 7th & 8th Nights: Pelo Camp

1st & 2nd Nights: Ilala Lodge

The Lodge is a family-run boutique hotel that offers luxury and comfort in the heart of Victoria Falls. Nestled in attractive gardens, the well-appointed hotel is a mere eight-minute walk from Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Guests also have access to all the historical sites, restaurants and activities available in Victoria Falls, which is buzzing with a new lease on life!

The award-winning Palm Restaurant at Ilala Lodge is famous for its delicious gourmet cuisine and attracts guests worldwide. Diners can see the spray and hear the sounds of Victoria Falls, locally known as the ‘Smoke That Thunders’, while they enjoy the al-fresco dining under the starry African skies. Wild animals, such as warthog and impala, often graze on the hotel lawns and entertain guests during mealtime.

3rd & 4th Nights: Chobe Elephant Camp

Chobe Elephant Camp is located on a rocky ridge above the Chobe River, just west of the town of Kasane, Botswana. A stylishly simple bush camp with views over the floodplains, known for attracting large elephant herds. A farmstead feel in the African wilderness bringing guests back to nature without compromising comfort. One of the more affordable camps in the area.

Guests are accommodated in 12 rooms (built out of sand from the Kalahari Desert) with a combination of twin-share or a family suite sleeping four. A large open area is shared for dining and drinks, opening up to an inviting boma where guests can enjoy a real bush campfire while listening to the African sounds. The lodge also has a pool overlooking a private waterhole which is certainly popular in summer.

5th & 6th Nights: Machaba Camp

The Khwai concessions beauty is matched only by its incredible game viewing – all year round! It is home to a dense leopard population, frequent painted wolf sightings, a large pride of lions, plenty of elephants and all the smaller creatures! It is for this reason that we include it in many of our top safari itinerary’s heading to the Okavango. Machaba Camp is situated right in the center of all of action, perfect as a base from which to start and end exploring, either on by vehicle or on foot.

The camp is located under the tall riverine vegetation along the Khwai river with all 10 luxury tents having a wide view onto the river and the opposite Moremi Game Reserve. Two of the tents are specifically designed for families whilst the other 8 are setup as twins. All tents are very spacious, well decorated and consist of a lounge area, en-suite bathroom and bedroom.

7th & 8th Nights: Pelo Camp

Pelo Camp is situated in the very heart of the wetlands of the Okavango Delta, the 60 000-hectare (150 000-acre) Jao Concession embodies all the magic and mystique of Botswana with vegetation that varies from permanent swamps to dry land. In the east, the Jao Flats boast water channels that cut their way through the papyrus and reed beds, providing the perfect environment for wildlife. Beautiful lush palm islands dot the water. Around the Jao Flats spectacular herds of red lechwe are followed by the primary predators – lion and leopard.

This intimate camp’s five spacious tents look out over the surrounding water. The main area comprises a tented dining area and lounge situated under impressive Wild date palms, Jackalberry and Natal mahogany trees. There is also a raised viewing platform built onto an old anthill.

Images from Wilderness Safaris & Dana Allen