Meals

A key facet of our responsible approach to tourism is that we encourage our groups to eat in local restaurants that prepare locally grown food. We give customers choice as to their meals and do not use rather bland and impersonal hotel restaurants or all- inclusive options 11 Breakfasts 8 Lunches 7 Dinners

Others

All accommodation, activities and meals that are shown in the itinerary are included in the total cost of your trip You will also receive a complimentary transfer to and from the airport if you arrive on day 1 of the trip and depart on the last day and have provided your international flight information.

Guide

Tour Leaders are quite simply the glue that holds our tours together. They are chosen for their travel experience and people skills and are thoroughly trained by Explore, widely acknowledged as some of the best training in the industry. A Tour Leader’s ultimate aim is to ensure everyone is well looked after and have a fantastic trip. They are there to ensure that the tour logistics run smoothly, that health and safety is adhered to and provide comprehensive briefings at the beginning and throughout the tour.

Transport

4WD, Boat

Accommodation

2 nights standard boat 3 nights simple camping (DWNP Public Campsite or similar) 2 nights standard hotel (The Sedia Riverside Hotel or similar) 4 nights simple lodge (2 nights Bushfront Lodge, 2 nights Kwalape Safari Lodge or similar)3 On this tour we have opted for simple, basic and clean accommodation that provides value for money and a warm welcome. We have selected an interesting variety of accommodation options including a mixture of lodges, wilderness safari camp and a houseboat that allows us to focus on the abundant wildlife within the spectacular inland delta of the Okavango, Chobe National Park and Moremi Wildlife Reserves on the eastern edge of the Delta. Triple Rooms: This trip allows the option for triple rooms to be included within the booking on a selected number of night stops within the holiday. If you would like this option, a discount may be applicable on the cost of the trip - please ask our Sales team for further information. The accommodation at Livingstone is at a small, relaxed lodge with cottages dotted about lush gardens. At Chobe we stay in a basic lodge with swimming pool and bar area situated close to the banks of the Chobe River with views of the surrounding bush. Our exclusive houseboat on the Okavango Panhandle has two decks. The lower deck features en-suite cabins and an upper deck with a bar/dining area and open seating area at the rear. Its remote location is fantastic for bird watching and wildlife observation. Our campsite in the Moremi Game Reserve offers a perfect camping experience; simple enough to give the feeling of really camping out in the African bush, yet with the modern comforts we all hate to do without, such as ’proper’ toilets, bucket showers and even beds for our two man tents. The camp can be visited by wildlife such as elephant that wander through the camp as they pass through the site. The family tents include; camp beds, mattresses, sheetleeping bags and pillows which are all provided. Camp assistants take care of camp chores whilst camping. Swimming pool available at all lodges

Not included:

Insurance

Travel insurance is not included.

Others

Any visa costs, spending money and tips are not included in the trip price. You can also book extra nights’ accommodation at the beginning and end of the trip and the cost of this accommodation along with any transfers would be quoted separately. Tipping isn’t compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a leader that’s done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We’re often asked about the recommended amount. It’s a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we’d recommend between £15 to £20 per family member per week as a guideline. Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, your leader may organise a group’s tips kitty for included activities and meals and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour. Accordingly, you should allow US$30.00 per family member for group tipping.

Flights

International flights not included in the tour cost.

Optional

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for direct with the supplier and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract. A selection of optional activities are listed below to help you budget for your Family adventure. Whilst the basic tour price you pay before you travel includes a great selection of highlights, we have also built in free time to allow you the flexibility to choose from a carefully selected range of additional excursions and activities or take time to relax, the choice is yours. At certain destinations along the way there may be several options to choose from and it may not be possible to fit all the activities in; your Explore Leader will be able to give advice on which are the most suitable for your family. Livingstone: Day 2: Whitewater rafting half day low water US$ 160 per person, full day low water $170 per person strict minimum age of 15 years applies. Transfers to/from your hotel are included. Half day includes lunch and soft drinks, full day includes lunch and dinner and soft drinks. Minimum age of 15 yrs. Rafting grade 5. Rafting note: River conditions are determined by seasonally predictable fluctuations in water levels. Low water season generally runs from August to January each year - this is when the Zambezi is at its very wildest. High water is from about February to July and there can be a closed season between March and June depending on the seasons rains. Please note the minimum age for rafting is 15 yrs. Day 2: Upper Zambezi canoeing, half day (morning only) US$ 115 per person, full day US$ 140 per person. Full day canoeing includes lunch and soft drinks. Minimum age of 12 yrs. Day 2: Zambezi River cruise on MV Makumbi; breakfast 1hr 30min cruise US $50 (plus US $10 park fee) per person. Lunch 1hr 30min cruise US $55 (plus US $10 park fee) per person; Sunset 2hr cruise US $55 (plus US $10 park fee) per person. Day 2: Livingstone island tours from US$ 105 per person including transfers. Day 2: Cultural village tour US$ 50 per person including transfers. Day 2: Livingstone helicopter ride 30mins US $360 per person (plus US $6 aviation fee) Day 2: Game Safari approx. 2hrs US$ 60 (plus US $10 park fee) per person.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Join Trip In Victoria Falls
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Join Trip In Victoria Falls

Arrive in Victoria Falls. Often referred to as the adventure capital of Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls offers a variety of land, air and water-based activities in the surrounding area. For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Victoria Falls at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you’ll need to arrive into Victoria Falls Airport (airport code VFA), which is 20km, around 25 minutes’ drive from the hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. We will be staying at either the Batonka Guest Lodge or Pioneer Lodge. The two are sister properties located just over 1km from each other and are almost identical. Both are set in beautiful landscaped gardens, feature a swimming pool, spacious rooms, an expansive terrace where breakfast is taken, a bar and a stylish lounge and dining room which are both extremely comfortable. They are both exclusively reserved for residents which ensures the upmost privacy. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose from a host of adventurous activities including whitewater rafting, canoeing and cruises on the Zambezi River. Full details are listed in the ’budgeting and packing’ section.
Day 2 Day 2: Witness The Wonders Of Victoria Falls On The Zambezi River. Free Afternoon With A Choice Of Optional Activities
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Witness The Wonders Of Victoria Falls On The Zambezi River. Free Afternoon With A Choice Of Optional Activities

Visit one of the natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls, known locally as The Smoke that Thunders. The Zambezi River plummets over a sheer cliff wall spanning more than 1,600m and drops approximately 100m into the abyss below. Like David Livingstone before us, we become aware of the falls long before we see it. We will view the falls from the Zimbabwean side of the river which incorporates the best views with plumes of water vapour rise like smoke into the sky creating small clouds, all accompanied by a deafening roar. After our guided tour you can take your time to further explore the network of paths and enclaves around the falls. This afternoon is left free to take advantage of the many activities that Victoria Falls offers including an optional half day game drive into Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park to search for white rhino, trying out whitewater rafting on the Zambezi, enjoying a scenic helicopter flight over the falls or perhaps experiencing a cultural village trip. All activities can be booked at your guesthouse directly and full prices are available in the budgeting section of the trip notes.
Day 3 Day 3: Drive Into Botswana. Afternoon Game Drive Around Chobe National Park In Search Of Herds Of Elephant
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Drive Into Botswana. Afternoon Game Drive Around Chobe National Park In Search Of Herds Of Elephant

Leaving our guesthouse this morning, it’s a short hour long drive to the Kazungula land border crossing between Zimbabwe and Botswana. Once border formalities are completed, it’s a short ten minute drive to our camp site located on the banks of the Chobe River at the point where Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Botswana meet. Our campsite is located on the waters edge, each tent is built on a fixed platform and has an en-suite bathroom, with sink and flushing WC, there is a separate dining room, bar and lounge area, a good base to explore Chobe National Park. This afternoon we head out for our first safari on a late afternoon game drive. Chobe is the heart of elephant country and is home to approximately 120,000 of the giant creatures. During this trip we will travel in customised, open-sided land-cruisers for game viewings or minibus for longer drives. The Landcruisers are perfect for game viewing opportunities but can be a bit brisk and windy during the longer travel days, so ensure you bring some layers for travel days, and your tour leader will provide blankets to make the journeys as comfortable as possible. The roads through Botswana can vary in quality, so travel days can be slow and bumpy but the scenery more than makes up for this.
Day 4 Day 4: Full Day In Chobe National Park. Morning Game Drives With Afternoon Game Viewing By Boat
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Full Day In Chobe National Park. Morning Game Drives With Afternoon Game Viewing By Boat

The northern Chobe area of Serondela is the heart of elephant country. Up to 35,000 elephants live here, the largest number in any African park. On our game drive this morning we take a slow drive along the southern bank of the Chobe River, where we can find Chobe Bushbuck and Puku Antelope. The sheer variety of animals in abundance, make this region a must-see for any wildlife enthusiast. We hope to watch huge herds in and around the great Chobe River, which also teems with hippo and crocodile. This afternoon our mode of transport switches to a boat as we take to the water and view the wildlife from a different perspective. The Chobe River is one of the Zambezi’s main tributaries, and home to an abundance of wildlife, as well as a variety of fish including the tiger fish (freshwater barracuda). The area is also famed for its beautiful scenery and magnificent red and gold sunsets.
Day 5 Day 5: Drive Across The Caprivi Strip (Namibia) To Our Houseboat On The Okavango Panhandle
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Drive Across The Caprivi Strip (Namibia) To Our Houseboat On The Okavango Panhandle

This morning will be a early start for the long journey to Shakawe, located in Botswana’s northwest Okavango panhandle. Today’s total journey time is approximately seven hours depending on time spent at the two border crossings, and will of course include comfort breaks and a lunch break. The drive takes us through through Namibia’s Caprivi Strip. The Caprivi Region has a colourful and interesting history, playing a central part in the Berlin Conference of 1890. Named after German Chancellor General Count Georg Leo von Caprivi di Caprara di Montecuccoli, the strip was once administered by the British before it was swapped for Zanzibar with the Germans at a time of great European political manoeuvring. Our destination is our beautiful refurbished houseboat, located on the waters of the Okavango River. We aim to arrive mid afternoon. The mighty Okavango is the third largest river in Africa and its delta area covers 16,000 square kilometres of crystal clear channels, a myriad of ephemeral lakes and ever changing islands. The river flows south east from the Angolan highlands over 1,000 km away, taking up to 6 months to reach the delta area which floods on an annual cycle. After stocking up on drinks and snacks, we leave our vehicle behind and board a motor launch to our houseboat. On arrival, meet our friendly crew who will be our hosts for the next two nights. After settling in dinner is served in the dining room, with panoramic windows offering the most amazing backdrop of the sun setting over the Okavango river basin. The accommodation is informal and comfortable, with eight bedrooms with en-suite facilities. Each room has glass doors sliding open on to the wilderness of the remote panhandle area, while on the deck above are seating areas from which to enjoy the sunsets and listen to the birds. The boat will be for our exclusive use during our stay.
Day 6 Day 6: Explore The Waterways Of The Okavango Panhandle On Our Private Houseboat
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Explore The Waterways Of The Okavango Panhandle On Our Private Houseboat

During our time on the river, there will be an excellent possibility of seeing game as we cruise past submerging pods of hippos, while crocodiles bask in the shallows and on the riverbanks. Birdlife in the area is prolific and local fishermen are often seen aboard their traditional dugout canoes, known locally as mokoros. We include boat trips on a motorized launch to experience the areas of the Delta that are harder to reach, cruising into channels where hippos and crocodiles are usually sighted. We return to our houseboat in the golden light of the late afternoon where we can enjoy a traditional ’sundowner’ relaxing in the open plan lounge. This is a home away from home, where you can enjoy the surroundings of this stunning part of Southern Africa.
Day 7 Day 7: Visit Tsodilo Hills, Believed By Locals To Be The Birthplace Of Mankind. Continue To Maun
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Visit Tsodilo Hills, Believed By Locals To Be The Birthplace Of Mankind. Continue To Maun

Leaving our houseboat this morning, we make our way to the intriguing Tsodilo Hills. The San Bushmen believe that this was the site of the first creation and so it is considered a holy and sacred place. The area has an astonishing 3,500 rock paintings over 350 different sites which all celebrate this event. There are four mountains that jut out of the expanse of the surrounding land and the San Bushmen believe that the bigger rock, the male, has a wife and child, but that he left his wife for a younger wife who now lingers in the background. A expert local guide will accompany us around the site, interpreting the carvings. The walking tour lasts around two hours, walking along a flat well graded path. It’s possible to opt out at any stage and return to the shade of the small museum located at the entrance of the site, where we will also have an early picnic lunch. After our visit here we drive to the town of Maun, located on the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta and the gateway to the Moremi Game Reserve. in Maun we will be staying at the Island Safari Lodge. Located by the banks of the Thamalakane River the lodge offers a cool and welcoming oasis in the heart of Maun.
Day 8 Day 8: Drive To Moremi Game Reserve, Wild Camping And Game Drives
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Drive To Moremi Game Reserve, Wild Camping And Game Drives

Today we take a drive out of Maun to Xakanaxa (pronounced ka-ka-ni-ka) or Khwai which is an integral part of the eastern waters of the Okavango Delta. The area is encompassed by Moremi Game Reserve and boasts some of the best game viewing in Africa. The game reserve has areas of dry lands rising between vast wetlands, crystal clear water channels on the edges of Mopane and Apple-Leaf woodlands. Game viewing takes place alongside waterways and floodplains. Species such as Giraffe, Zebra and Wildebeest are but a few that occur here, along with an astonishing variety of birds. For the next three nights we will be camping in Moremi where the waters feed an abundance of flora and fauna, including the frequently-visiting wild dog. Hippos are often heard by night too. We should see a good amount of game heading to our campsite; in the late afternoon we head of for a further game drive. Safari wild camping We use 3 x 3 meter dome type tents with private en-suite facilities added to the back of the tent. They are big enough so that someone can stand inside. These tents are made from durable rip-stop canvas and have sewn-in groundsheets. They come equipped with sturdy camp beds, mattresses, fitted sheets, pillow, pillowcases and duvets. Other equipment used on safari are camping basins, washstands, hot water bucket showers and a portable toilet. Safari style fold-up chairs and large tables are provided (all meals eaten from the table). Our great back-up staff does all the cooking, cleaning and setting-up and breaking camp, so the difficult aspect of camping is taken away. This setup allows us to get as close to nature, wilderness, plants and animals as possible.
Day 9 Day 9: Game Drives In Moremi In Search Of Africa’S Unique Wildlife
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Game Drives In Moremi In Search Of Africa’S Unique Wildlife

We will enjoy two game drives today. Setting off for our morning game drive at first light (when predator activity is most expected), we get the chance to experience one of Africa’s most natural and unspoiled wonderlands in the park with hippo, crocodile and a great variety of birds all seen in the Delta, as well as the elusive sitatunga antelope. This place is also an ornithologist’s paradise with fish eagle, kingfisher, heron, stork, egret, weaver and bee-eater all regularly seen. Returning for brunch as the day starts heats up, the hottest part of the day is spent at leisure at our camp site, a chance of a siesta, relax reading a book or birdwatching. Our afternoon activity departs after tea, usually around 4pm, to return in the early evening. Game drives and activities vary from one to the next, depending on sightings and animal activities, generally, we drive quite far and slowly to absolutely maximize game-viewing potential, all expertly guided by our highly experienced tour leaders.
Day 10 Day 10: A Second Day Of Viewing Game On The Flood Plains
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: A Second Day Of Viewing Game On The Flood Plains

We spend our time on game drives in search of the wildlife of the region, with the larger mammals like elephant, giraffe and zebra being spotted on the flood plains as well as predators such as lion, leopard and wild dog.
Day 11 Day 11: Drive Back To Maun. Free Afternoon
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Drive Back To Maun. Free Afternoon

We take a leisurely drive back to Maun with the afternoon free for optional activities or just to relax at our hotel and make use of the swimming pool.
Day 12 Day 12: Trip Ends In Maun
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Trip Ends In Maun

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Maun. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Maun at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from Maun International airport (airport code MUB), which is 10km, 15 minutes from the hotel.

12 days tour

Family Botswana And Zimbabwe Safari Adventure

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Family Botswana And Zimbabwe Safari Adventure

Day 1: Join Trip In Victoria Falls

Day 2: Witness The Wonders Of Victoria Falls On The Zambezi River. Free Afternoon With A Choice Of Optional Activities

Day 3: Drive Into Botswana. Afternoon Game Drive Around Chobe National Park In Search Of Herds Of Elephant

Day 4: Full Day In Chobe National Park. Morning Game Drives With Afternoon Game Viewing By Boat

Day 5: Drive Across The Caprivi Strip (Namibia) To Our Houseboat On The Okavango Panhandle

Day 6: Explore The Waterways Of The Okavango Panhandle On Our Private Houseboat

Day 7: Visit Tsodilo Hills, Believed By Locals To Be The Birthplace Of Mankind. Continue To Maun

Day 8: Drive To Moremi Game Reserve, Wild Camping And Game Drives

Day 9: Game Drives In Moremi In Search Of Africa’S Unique Wildlife

Day 10: A Second Day Of Viewing Game On The Flood Plains

Day 11: Drive Back To Maun. Free Afternoon

Day 12: Trip Ends In Maun

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