The day starts with the rising of the sun. Your wake-up call will be between 5am and 6am – a gentle “koko” (knock knock in Setswana) at the entrance of your tent. A camp assistant will be on hand to fill your wash-hand basin with steaming hot water and freshly made tea and coffee will be served around the campfire.
Budget level:
High-End
Country
Botswana, Zimbabwe
When to Go
All Year
Duration
18 Nights
Location
Hwange, Maun, Northern Botswana, Okavango Delta
Kids Min Age
12
Safari Rating
Travel in the footsteps of Sarah from SaltyLuxe and explore the exact same places she visited during her recent African adventure! This lovingly curated 18-night journey takes you from the zebra-filled plains of Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pans, through the lush Okavango Delta and wildlife-rich Chobe, to the thundering Victoria Falls and the elephant havens of Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park. This safari can be tailored to your preferences, travel dates, and desired duration.
Itinerary in Brief
2 Nights Moela Safari Lodge
1 Night Gray’s Eden Sanctuary
3 Nights Private Mobile Safari in Xakanaxa
2 Nights Private Mobile Safari in Khwai
2 Nights Private Mobile Safari in Savuti
2 Nights Ngoma Safari Lodge
2 Nights Old Drift Lodge
2 Nights Verney’s Camp
2 Nights Nehimba Safari Lodge
Immerse yourself in thrilling game drives, luxuriate in a mix of opulent lodges and authentic mobile camps, and witness nature’s grandeur in some of Africa’s most breathtaking settings. From tracking predators in Moremi to cruising the Chobe River at sunset, this safari promises an unforgettable tapestry of wild experiences. Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Southern Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. This extraordinary safari takes you from the dramatic landscapes of Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pans to the lush waterways of the Okavango Delta, and onward to the game-rich plains of Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park. Along the way, you’ll witness one of the world’s largest mammal migrations, track elusive predators in pristine wilderness areas, and stand in awe before the thundering Victoria Falls.
From luxury lodges perched on riverbanks to intimate mobile camps set deep in the bush, this safari offers a perfect blend of comfort and adventure. You’ll have the opportunity to explore diverse ecosystems by vehicle, on foot, and by boat, always accompanied by expert guides who will bring the African wilderness to life before your eyes. Whether you’re watching elephants bathe in the Chobe River, listening to lions roar across the Moremi floodplains, or sipping sundowners as the African sky erupts in color, each day promises new wonders and lasting memories.
Highlights
- Zebras and wildebeest thunder across the Boteti River in a spectacle of nature’s grand design
- Canvas walls and starry skies: your home in the heart of Moremi Game Reserve
- Delta waters weave through Kalahari sands, creating the Okavango’s living masterpiece
- Lions, leopards, and wild dogs prowl the mopane woodlands of Khwai
- Moonlit drives reveal Khwai’s nocturnal secrets, from bush babies to prowling predators
- Savuti’s legendary elephant herds gather at twilight waterholes
- Chobe’s lifeblood: a river cruise showcases hippos, crocs, and riverside game
- The “Smoke that Thunders” roars: Victoria Falls in its powerful glory
- Zambezi sunsets paint the sky from your private deck at Old Drift Lodge
- Hwange’s 10,000-hectare playground: your exclusive slice of wild Africa
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1-2: Moela Lodge, Boteti River / Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
Arrive at Maun International Airport where a representative Moela Safari Lodge will await you for a transfer to the lodge.
Located on the high banks of the Boteti River Valley, Moela Lodge offers an unparalleled view of one of the world’s largest mammal migrations. Here, guests are treated to a breathtaking spectacle of thousands of Zebra and Wildebeest congregating in the valley below.
Marvel in the design and interior finishes of this very special lodge, built mostly by the local community including making the bricks in the local village.
After some R&R, view the sunset and the herds at the waterholes in the Boteti River from the various viewing decks around the lodge. It makes for some spectacular photographic opportunities. Dinner will be a special experience.
Spend day two at the lodge, do game drives along the Boteti River, bush walks, as well as an authentic Bushmen experience.
Relax at the best pool in Botswana and enjoy the treatments on offer at the Spa.
Your villa has its own private wildlife viewing deck, offering exceptional views over the river and the National Park across.
The afternoon sunset will again be something to behold…
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Day 3: Gray's Eden / Maun
This morning after the morning activity and a hearty breakfast you will do a road transfer to Maun where you will check into your overnight accommodation at Grays Eden Sanctuary.
Situated in the bustling safari outpost of Maun, Grays Eden introduces a new dimension of luxury to the gateway of the Okavango Delta. With its thatched roofs and minimalist interiors, this boutique hotel offers an idyllic retreat for those looking to unwind before diving into the wild heart of Northern Botswana.
Grays Eden guests can enjoy leisurely days lounging by the embankment pool, experiencing in-villa spa treatments, or indulging in gourmet meals prepared by one of Botswana’s finest chefs. The Eden Kitchen and Restaurant invites social dining with both local and international dishes. For a unique experience, the Cliff Wine Cellar offers private culinary and wine tastings overlooking the river.
The five sumptuous Villas at Grays Eden exude a grandeur suitable for those seeking a touch of luxury. Each villa features a generous veranda and spacious, airy living areas, complemented by amenities such as a ceiling fan, a cozy fireplace, and modern conveniences like Wi-Fi and en-suite bathrooms. For a picturesque retreat, these villas offer private, scenic views that encapsulate the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Tomorrow, your guide from the mobile safari operator will pick you up from your hotel.
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Day 4: Mobile Safari / Moremi Game Reserve
This morning after breakfast it is time for the next adventure!
Your mobile safari guide for the next week will transfer you by road (around 4 hours) in an open game viewing vehicle to 3rd Bridge Area in Moremi Game Reserve. The second half of the transfer is in the Moremi Game Reserve and you will have a good game viewing as you arrive in camp later afternoon. Your camp will already be set by your capable Crew who would have left Maun earlier than you.
After your arrival, and introduction to the crew in Camp, your guide will give a thorough briefing on safety. It is important that you pay attention to all of the safety briefing, and adhere to these safety precautions at all times, since you will be camping in an unfenced wilderness area where large animals roam free.
Afterwards, you will be showed the workings of your accommodations before enjoying drinks and a sumptuous dinner cooked on the open fire!
An introduction to mobile safaris:
A light breakfast will be served before the early morning game drive which consists of tea, plunger coffee, juice, rusks, fruit, cereal, toast and jams. The best time of day to enjoy game viewing is in the early morning and late afternoon as most animals retreat to the shadows to rest during the heat of the day.
Having spent the morning exploring the surrounding wilderness in search of Botswana’s hidden treasures, you will return to camp for lunch under the shade of a Marula tree (subject to availability). Lunch consists of salads, freshly baked bread on the open campfire, cold meats and pickles. Just as the animals retreat to escape the heat of mid-day, so will you. This is your time to enjoy reading, chatting, relaxing or taking a nap.
Later in the afternoon you will head out into the wilderness once more as the animals awake from their days’ slumber and gather at the watering holes. As the sun sets on the horizon, one can only marvel at the sheer splendour of an African sunset and with refreshments in hand, toast to the wonder of nature.
On your return to camp, enjoy a hot shower under the starry night sky and gather around the warmth of the campfire to relive the day’s events and excitement. A three course dinner is served with South African wines against the magical backdrop of the African night sky. Dinner consists of Botswana beef or a lamb potjie followed by banana mekoros with chocolate or malva pudding with custard.
Retreating to the comfort of your tent after enjoying a nightcap around the campfire, you can fall asleep to the calls of the African wild. Good night.
On moving days, the safari team will pack down the camp, then travel to the next camp site and prepare the camp at the next location. When travelling between locations, the route is most commonly through the parks and reserves and is therefore an extension of your daily game drives. A picnic lunch will be served en-route.
The area: Okavango Delta
The Okavango is a unique ecosystem, an inland delta situated in the middle of the largest stretch of continuous sand in the world – the Kalahari basin. This wetland lies like an oasis in an otherwise inhospitable landscape. Where land and delta meet, a mosaic of pans, grasslands, forests and lagoons provide an extremely rich and diverse habitat in which a multitude of animals and birds flourish. This wetland is one of the natural wonders of the world, and is a fragile ecosystem that remains one of the world’s least spoilt and most beautiful wildernesses, and is home to various unique species e.g. sitatunga antelope and red lechwe. Moremi Game Reserve is situated in the eastern corner of the Okavango Delta. Moremi is one of the most beautiful and varied reserves found on the African continent with huge concentrations of wildlife and incredible scenery. The reserve consists of both swamped areas e.g. Xakanaxa, and dry-land areas e.g. Khwai.
Day 5: Mobile Safari / Moremi Game Reserve
After breakfast you set off on a morning game drive. You are in close proximity to very rich wildlife areas.
Moremi is also world renowned for its Wild Dog population, and any visit to any of these places could be rewarding with good Wild Dog activity, Cheetah, Leopard and Lions. Herds of Buffalo, Elephants, Zebra, and Red Lechwe are very common in the floodplains of this part of the Okavango Delta.
You get back to camp late morning to a hearty brunch, a short nap, reading or a bucket shower.
The afternoon game drive starts after the afternoon tea. Most animals visit the rivers in the afternoons to quench their thirst after a day of baking in the Kalahari heat. Herds of Elephant traversing from the woodlands into the floodplains swim across these rivers daily after drinking. The day ends with a Sundowner, a Gin Tonic or a chilled white wine in the bush at sunset.
You return to camp after sunset, to a hot bucket shower and a three course dinner followed by a night cap by the fire.
Day 6: Mobile Safari / Moremi Game Reserve
After an early morning breakfast, you set off on a morning game drive exploring the different habitats of Moremi Game Reserve. You will break in the middle of the game drive for a hot cup of coffee before resuming again, ending up in camp late morning.
Brunch is usually served some 30 minutes after you get back and the brunch is followed by a few hours of leisure in camp, to catch up with some much needed sleep, a book or even a shower.
High tea is served around 3pm and is followed by an afternoon game drive. The direction of the afternoon drive is often determined by what you would have seen in the morning. Sightings worth returning to are visited again and whatever activity ensues will determine whether you will be stopping for a sundowner or not.
You return to camp just after sunset to a hot shower and a three course dinner.
Day 7-8: Mobile Safari / Khwai Consession
The Khwai River meanders through the concession giving ample riverside routes to explore. You spend the following two nights camping at an exclusive campsite, exploring the river banks, Kalahari shrub to the east, cathedral mopane to the south on game drives both during the day and at night. Exploring after dark with spotlights offers you an opportunity to experience some of the nocturnal animals that are rarely encountered during the day. We will also have the opportunity to explore the surrounding wilderness on foot (please note that this activity is seasonal based on rains and grass height) to enjoy an up close and personal encounter with Botswana’s flora and fauna.
The region boasts excellent populations of both bull elephant as well as breeding herds. Lion, leopard, serval and African wildcat are common predators of the region with wild dog and cheetah being less common. Buffalo use this area seasonally with large herds moving in during the summer rains. Other ungulates include tsessebe, blue wildebeest, giraffe, kudu, sable antelope, roan antelope and impala, and even eland and oryx in the western parts.
Day 9: Mobile Safari / Savuti, Chobe National Park
After breakfast, head out for game viewing along the Khwai River. Later, leisurely head to Savuti, with a picnic lunch along the way. The transit to Savuti takes you through the Mababe Depression, once part of a gigantic lake that spread across northern Botswana. The sweet grasses of the depression are much sort after by grazing species like Buffalo, Zebra and Wildebeest. But they are many other types of wildlife encountered daily on this route.
After a picnic lunch, you arrive in the greater Savuti area early afternoon. You may just have enough time to drive past some of Savuti’s waterholes. Many Elephants, Roan Antelope, Zebra, Wildebeest Warthog, Giraffe, Tshessebe, Ostrich, Impala are seen at these waterholes daily. It is not a surprise that Lions, Hyenas and occasionally Leopard are seen here too.
Your will arrive in camp late afternoon. A drink in camp and an early shower is followed by a delicious dinner cooked over open fire. A night cap is a norm by the fire while re-capping the day’s sightings.
Day 10: Mobile Safari / Savuti, Chobe National Park
After early morning breakfast, you set off into Savuti to catch up with the Savuti predator life. The Savuti Lions have been a subject many documentaries because of their unique skill of hunting Elephants. They are a regular sighting at Savuti waterholes. Of late, two prides dominate two areas of Savuti. The Northern Pride at Harvey’s Pan and Pump Pan area, and the bigger Marsh Pride at Marabou Pan, Rhino Vlei and Jackal Island. The other predators usually skirt around this two Lion prides, while Hyenas compete directly with them for food.
You return to camp late morning to a hearty brunch, followed by some down time in camp. There is plenty of time to shower, read a book or even catch some nap before the afternoon tea.
Following after the afternoon tea is the afternoon game drive, to follow up on some of the morning sightings. A drive around some of the Savuti’s Kopjes is usually rewarding with Leopard or even the unique Klipspringer. Black Bellied Bustard, Kori Bustard, Denham’s Bustard, Amur Falcon, Rock Kestrels, Black Shouldered Kite are seen in the Savuti March area. A Sundowner at some picturesque area, before you return to camp early evening is in order. Dinner follows after a hot bucket shower. There is always an after dinner drink, Amarula, by the fire before going to bed.
Day 11-12: Ngoma Safari Lodge, Chobe River Front
This morning it is time to head to Ngoma Safari Lodge, your home for the next two nights.
Ngoma Safari Lodge is sensitively designed to celebrate its pristine location and views while blending into its natural surroundings. The thatch-roofed lodge is finished in volcanic rock that naturally occurs in the Chobe Forest Reserves and its suites nestle in bush willow thickets and Zambezi teak trees.
Lion, leopard, buffalo, and elephant are very often seen, while hippo, crocodile, giraffe, sable, and roan antelope also call the Chobe Forest Reserve home. The flood plain also attracts large migratory herds of zebra that follow a 300 miles round trip between the Angola basin and Chobe, making it the longest terrestrial migration route in Africa.
Expect a vast and diverse array of wildlife as knowledgeable guides take you on safaris through the Chobe National Park, lazy afternoons by the pool, and stunning dinners under African stars. The expansive Chobe River can be explored in the comfort of a river cruise boat. This full-day safari is a wonderful way in which to absorb and appreciate the scale and splendour of this all-important water system and the many magnificent life forms it supports.
All eight thatched river-facing suites have spacious internal and external living areas, a large luxury bath, an inside and outside shower, air conditioning, overhead fans, mini bar, and tea/coffee facilities including a Nespresso machine. In addition, each suite has a private “refresh and relax” pool conveniently located in the external living area. All rooms are equipped with three-quarter beds that can be converted to a king size bed.
Day 13-14: Old Drift Lodge / Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
After a wholesome breakfast it will be time to say goodbye to the wonderfull staff at Ngoma Safari Lodge and do a road transfer back to Kasane Airport. Check into wonderful Old Drift Lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River, home for the next two nights.
The lodge boasts luxury accommodation overlooking the pristine Zambezi National Park, a mere 7 kilometers from the mighty Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Old Drift Lodge is nestled within a wild paradise frequented by elephant, buffalo, herds of sable, eland, zebra, giraffe, kudu, waterbuck and impala.
The main lodge area has 360 degree views, North facing onto the Zambezi & South facing onto a water hole. A 7 kilometre stretch of river flows between the camp and the town of Victoria Falls, making Old Drift Lodge the closest lodge within the National Park to Victoria Falls.
Luxury boats transport guests to our natural utopia where we are able to accommodate safari guests in 10 double suites and 4 family suites. The spacious canvas en-suite rooms exhibit an air of elegance that blends in seamlessly with the natural environment. Each suite has its very own viewing deck, with a private plunge pool.
The suites are resplendent with stylish furnishings and fittings, accentuated by an indoor and outdoor shower, private plunge pool and star bed. The outdoor bath allows guests to submerge themselves in hot, bubbly water while listening to the river rush by, bathing them with a wave of calmness and tranquillity.
The family suite consists of two inter leading bedrooms, separated by a sliding canvas door. Luxuriously appointed and fully air-conditioned, the suites provide elegant refuge in the heart of the bush. Brass basins, billowing mosquito nets, and soft lighting mirror the rich beauty of the remarkable river setting and offer a memorable, shared family experience. An outside deck complete with a crystal clear plunge pool, claw footed bathtub, sun loungers and outdoor shower allows families to make the most of the surrounding beauty and enjoy the warmth of the sunshine in complete privacy.
Old Drift Lodge is ideally situated within the National Park and offers guests all-inclusive insight into an exquisite natural world. The activities offered emphasize the rich natural environment, focusing on the abundance of wildlife that roam through the Park and swim beneath the surface of the Zambezi.
The Zambezi National park can be explored on a 4 x 4 game drive, river safari and walking safari, satisfying guests needs to experience every aspect this natural utopia.
Take the day to explore Vic Falls and surrounding areas including the town! A helicopter or microlight flight over the falls is highly recommended, as is high tea at the famous Victoria Falls Hotel.
Day 15-16: Verney's Camp, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Verney’s is located in a 10 000-ha private concession in a remote and un-used part of Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. It is a beautiful amphitheater setting, fringed by teak forest that opens up onto an impressive waterhole…. the playground of the famous elephant herds of Hwange!
Verney’s Camp was built in keeping with Machaba Safaris’ winning recipe, that matches the timeless wonder of a classic African safari aimed at the affordable luxury travel markets, for both the novice and the well-seasoned safari traveler.
Guest accommodation at Verney’s consists of 10 tents interlinked with timber walkways. There are eight double rooms and two family rooms. The tents are nestled into the tree line but spaced at a fair distance from each other for that all important privacy. All rooms are stylishly furnished, with en-suite bathrooms, flush toilets, twin washbasins and showers. Every tent has an amazing view of the waterhole, which allows for an ‘armchair safari’ on those lazy afternoons….
The main area comprises of a large timber deck with canvas cover creating lounge and bar areas, as well as space for both inside and outside and dining areas. The fire pit in front is the ideal to spend the night chatting away and listing to the sounds of the African bush. Memories for a lifetime!
The concession area provides for fantastic large game viewing especially in the dry season and some extraordinary birding in summer for the twitchers amongst you.
Day 17-18: Nehimba Safari Lodge, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Remotely nestled away on a huge private concession in the northern part of Hwange National Park, Nehimba Lodge combines luxury living, ultimate elegance, and African charm to provide an exceptional safari experience.
Nehimba sits firmly on the edge of the mopane woodlands associated with the north of the park, and the Kalahari sandveld of the south and west. All the diversity of Hwange’s fauna and flora is within easy reach.
The main guest area and nine spacious canvas-under-thatch tents are built on teak decks overlooking a productive waterhole, which is frequented by large numbers of elephants.
Possible activities include game drives, walking safaris, and night game drives (in search of nocturnal species of wildlife) on Nehimba’s private concession. Whether you choose to track a herd of elephant on foot with your highly trained guide at dawn or spend the afternoon relaxing overlooking the waterhole on the deck by the pool, this wild and unspoilt bush paradise will guarantee you leave with memories to last a lifetime.
There are five double rooms overlooking the waterhole. All have thatched roofs, king-sized beds, fans, tea and coffee making facilities, electronic safes, en-suite bathrooms, and outdoor showers. One of the rooms has a day bed as well. Two twin rooms overlooking the lodge waterhole have with thatched roofs, double beds, fans, tea and coffee making facilities, electronic safes, en-suite bathrooms, and outdoor showers. There are also two family rooms, each with thatched roof overlooking the watering hole, 1 king sized bed and 2 x ¾ beds, fan, tea and coffee making facilities, electronic safes, en suite bathroom and outdoor shower.
Day 19: Departure
Sadly, today is the end of your SafariLuxe Adventure…
After breakfast say goodbye to the Nehimba team and do a game drive transfer to Hwange Main Camp airstrip for your charter flight to Victoria Falls Airport in time for your connecting flight.
The time spent in Botswana and Zimbabwe will be remembered for a lifetime and the safari is guaranteed to feature in your top experiences of all time.
When To Go
| jan | feb | mar | apr | may | jun | jul | aug | sep | oct | nov | dec | |
| Hwange |  | | | |  | |  | | | | | |
| Maun | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Northern Botswana | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Okavango Delta | | | | | | | | | | | | |
= Best
= Good
= Mixed
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21 Nights
Budget level:
Budget
