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Botswana Wildlife

Adventure Safari, Group Tour, Safari, Staff Recommended
Zimbabwe | Botswana

Botswana Wildlife
Zimbabwe, Botswana
Rating Category Rating Category Rating Category Rating Category Rating Category
white heart bucket list
Botswana Wildlife Tour
from  $3,735
Inclusions:
  • bullet Game Lodges / Tented Camps
  • bullet 14 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches & 11 Dinners
  • bullet Safari Vehicle
  • bullet English Speaking Guide
  • bullet Game Drives
  • bullet Game Walks
  • bullet Nature Walks
  • bullet River Cruise
  • bullet Mokoro ride
See all inclusions
from  $3,735
Inclusions:
  • bullet Game Lodges / Tented Camps
  • bullet 14 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches & 11 Dinners
  • bullet Safari Vehicle
  • bullet English Speaking Guide
  • bullet Game Drives
  • bullet Game Walks
  • bullet Nature Walks
  • bullet River Cruise
  • bullet Mokoro ride
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Trip Summary

Group Size: 4 - 12 passengers
Departures: Scheduled departures during the year
..................................................
This journey takes you through some of Botswana and Zimbabwe’s most magnificent game reserves, starting and ending at the spectacular Victoria Falls. Some of the highlights of this trip include game drives in Hwange National Park, Moremi Game Reserve, along the Khwai River and in Chobe National Park, together with a two-day excursion into the Okavango Delta.

Please note: This safari uses a Touring Fuso, Sprinter, Land Cruiser or other appropriate vehicles (depending on availability).

Full Itinerary
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Dates and Pricing
  • Departures
  • Twin
  • Single
Disclaimer:

Prices shown are per person based on twin share. Seasonal supplements and minimum night requirement may apply. Solo traveller and extra night prices available on request. Luggage restrictions may apply. International flights not included. Travelling with children Children under 12 years old will be accepted on a case to case basis. Permission will be required. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted on Mokoro trips in Botswana. One parent must stay with the child at the lodge. Local Kitty Payment Price excludes a Local Kitty Payment of AU$489 per person.

 

Reviews
  • star mark
Outstanding Botswana experience!

In July 2019, we went on the Botswana Wildlife tour (15 days/14 nights) booked through Bench Africa and organised locally by Jenman Safaris. This was an absolutely outstanding experience. Many things contributed to making the trip such a pleasure, notably (1) the assistance from the folks at Bench Africa during the booking phase, as well as the subsequent support (2) the outstanding Jenman guide, for whom nothing was too much trouble.

We had a very friendly group of 12 people who got along from the outset, which certainly helped, and were exceptionally fortunate in terms of seeing a very wide range of wildlife (e.g. we saw lions, a leopard, many types of antelopes, dozens of giraffes and zebras, hundreds of elephants and buffaloes, as well as an endless variety of birds). The local guides who supported our Jenman guide were consistently excellent.

We stayed at several different lodges/camps during the trip. A'Zambezi Lodge at Victoria Falls and Chobe Safari Lodge at Kasane were clean and comfortable, with all tourist facilities. Camp Kwando in Namibia was a delight, with instant access to the river for a pre-dinner exploratory cruise. Guma Lagoon Camp in the Okavango Delta had an excellent location and was also quite good. Mankwe Bush Camp in Moremi Game Reserve was a fairly basic stopgap arrangement that nevertheless worked very well. Indeed the wonderful smiling staff at Mankwe gave us an impromptu concert after dinner on the second night! Nata Lodge was a pleasure for an overnight stop. We finished the tour staying at Elephant's Eye Lodge in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, a luxurious collection of tent chalets with amazing food.

There's a lot of road travel (over 2500 km) and we were out of our comfort zone some of the time, but it was all very worthwhile because of the range of experiences on offer: the tour is a genuine adventure for people of any age. The add-on scenic flight over the Delta in a 4-seater Cessna was special!

We unhesitatingly recommend Bench Africa to anyone considering a trip to that wonderful continent.

Rakesh Kumar Destination: Botswana
  • star mark
Botswana Wildlife

Just returned from Botswana Wildlife. My husband and I had an amazing adventure on this small group tour. All the accomodation was great. My favourites being the Bedouin Camp and the amazing Elephants Eye Lodge where the elephants came to camp each evening. The tented chalets were luxurious plus the chef was fabulous. The food at all places was very good and of a great standard. The guide and driver did a great job of looking after us. Highlights: the animals, the lodges, sunsets, sundowners, the food, and travelling companions, the laughs, the campfires, gin and tonics.
Karen at Bench was very knowledgeable and organised our flights and trip and was great in helping us decide which trip to do.
Don’t hesitate, you won’t regret it.

Debbie Sate
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white heart bucket list
Botswana Wildlife Tour

Botswana Wildlife

Zimbabwe, Botswana
rating category rating category rating category rating category rating category
from  $3,735
  • Trip Summary
  • Full Itinerary
    Day 1 - Victoria Falls

    On arrival at Victoria Falls Airport you will be met and transferred to the A’Zambezi River Lodge. The rest of the afternoon may be spent at leisure enjoying one of the many activities available in Victoria Falls. This evening you will meet your guide and the rest of your group at the lodge at 18h00 for your pre-departure meeting.

    Optional activities in Victoria Falls (at own expense)
    Below is a list of some of the most popular optional activities on offer in Victoria Falls. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. All activities are subject to availability and may require a minimum number of passengers to operate. Certain activities only operate at specific times of the year. Please contact the reservation office for further information. Should you wish to partake in an activity that is not listed below, we will gladly assist you with rates and reservations.

    15 Minute Helicopter Flight
    22 Minute Helicopter Flight
    Boma Dinner incl. transfers
    Guided Tour of the Victoria Falls
    Dinner Cruise
    Bungee Jump
    Bridge Swing
    Bridge Slide
    Historical Bridge Tour
    Flying Fox (Cable Slide)
    Gorge Swing
    Zip Line
    Horse Back Safaris (novice)
    Canoeing (full day)
    Rafting (full day, low water)
    Rafting (full day, high water)
    Batoka Gorge Hike and Ndebele Village Tour
    Traditional Village Tour

    Accommodation: 2 night A'Zambezi River Lodge.

    A’Zambezi River Lodge is located in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe 25km from the airport, nestling on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River within the periphery of the Zambezi National Park. The imaginative architecture with its sweeping curve of grass thatch blends well with the lash green lawns. A’Zambezi is the perfect retreat to relax and unwind in the quiet ambience of the African wild life and nature, whilst enjoying renowned services. The majority of the rooms have balconies facing the river and swimming pool whilst the remaining rooms face the National Park and the gardens.

    Day 2 - Victoria Falls

    Today you will have at leisure to explore Victoria Falls, the town and all of its unique offerings, from adventure activities to cultural experiences. In the afternoon you will embark on a relaxing sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River, basking in the afterglow of the day. (B)

    Day 3 - Mahangu National Park

    Departure: 08h00
    Distance: 345 km

    After breakfast you will head across the Kazungula border into Namibia, driving through the Caprivi Strip (Zambezi Region) to your camp situated on the banks of the Kwando River. The area is lush and water-rich compared to the rest of Namibia, drawing abundant wildlife and villagers sustained by the large rivers and wetlands. Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon to enjoy the sunset overlooking the river with a chance of seeing both crocodiles and hippos. (BLD)

    Accommodation: 1 night Camp Kwando.

    Nestled on the banks of the Kwando river (Zambezi Region – Caprivi, Namibia), Camp Kwando invites you to come and explore the hidden treasures of an untamed land. This delightful camp offers you a range of comfortable and well equipped accommodation, including Island Tents and Chalets as well as a basic, well maintained campsite.

    Day 4 to Day 5 - Okavango Delta

    Departure: 07h00
    Distance: 415 km

    This morning depart on an early game drive in the Greater Bwabwata National Park, which extends from the Kavango River in the west to the Kwando River in the east and incorporates the Mahangu Game Reserve. Elephant, roan, kudu and buffalo are amongst the animals likely to be seen as well as prolific birdlife. (BLD)

    You will cross over the border into Botswana and head to Etsha 13, on the western border of the Okavango Delta. Unlike other deltas, it flows into the Kalahari Desert without reaching the coast, which makes it unique. The next day is spent exploring the network of water pathways through thick vegetation in mokoros (traditional dugout canoes), discovering a variety of birds and wildlife. You have the opportunity to stop at a secluded island to take a 1½ hour guided walk hoping to spot elephants, waterbuck or other animals living in this water filled paradise.

    Optional activities at Guma Lagoon (at own expense)
    Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. All activities are subject to availability and may require a minimum amount of passengers to operate. Certain activities only operate at specific times of the year. Please contact the reservation office for further information.

    Scenic Helicopter Flight 30 Minute One Person
    Scenic Helicopter Flight 30 Minute Two Persons
    Scenic Helicopter Flight 30 Minute Three Persons

    Accommodation: 2 nights Guma Lagoon Camp.

    Guma Lagoon Camp is situated on the on the north-western side of the Okavango River along the banks of the Guma Lagoon in Botswana. The Okavango River is known as one of the best freshwater sport fishing rivers in Southern Africa, and Guma Lagoon Camp is no exception.

    Accommodation is provided in 10 large canvas chalets each with their own private view of the lagoon. Each chalet can accommodate two people and offers lovely teak beds, en-suite bathrooms with hot showers and flush toilets. Mosquito nets and towels are also provided and extra bedding can be provided to accommodate children. Awake in the morning with the sunrise over the lagoon streaming into your chalet.

    Day 6 - Khwai River region

    Departure: 06h00
    Distance: 420 km

    After breakfast head south travelling via Maun to your camp which is situated in a private concession in the Khwai River region. This large area is renowned for its concentration of mammals and it is not unusual to see many different types of wildlife during just one game drive. Game viewing is seasonal; depending on the time of the year you may see different species in different areas. The best time for game viewing is the end of the dry season or spring from August to November. During this season, in order for us to offer the best game viewing possible, extra driving may be required due to the animals migrating closer to the river. In the summer, birdlife can also be viewed in abundance with exceptional sightings of wildfowl and raptors. (BLD)

    Accommodation: 3 nights Bedouin Bush Camp.

    Experience one of Botswana’s finest game viewing areas in an unfenced, mobile bush camp located on a private concession in close proximity to the Moremi Game Reserve, a 2 hour drive from Maun. Bedouin Bush Camp has 12 comfortable tents positioned privately under big Acacia trees, offering travellers an authentic and secluded African bush experience. The camp is also equipped with a homely and communal dining and bar area.

    The tents are covered with Bedouin-style fly-sheets, offering guests protection from Botswana’s weather conditions and fashioning the camp with a distinctive nomadic appearance and atmosphere. Listen to the remarkable night sounds of the bush from the comfort of a safari tent equipped with twin beds, soft pillows and duvets. Doors and windows are fitted with mosquito screening and insect repellent is provided.

    To limit the camp’s impact on the environment yet still afford the necessary comfort in the bush, the en-suite bathrooms are equipped with flush toilets and hot bucket showers. Please note that the camp is solar powered, and cameras and mobile phones can be charged in the communal areas should the power levels allow it. At night the paths to your tents will be illuminated by lanterns and your guide will escort you back to the privacy of your tent.

    Day 7 - Khwai River region

    Departure: 07h00
    Distance: 150 km

    Enjoy you day game viewing. In the open 4X4 vehicle you will explore the Khwai River region on morning and afternoon game drives hopefully spotting a variety of game that frequent this region. After dinner your guide will take you on a night drive, and you will hopefully be able to spot some rare nocturnal animals. (BLD)

    Day 8 - Moremi Game Reserve

    Departure: 07h00
    Distance: 150 km

    Today you will head into the famous Moremi Game Reserve known as one of the most beautiful and varied reserves in Africa with an unprecedented concentration of wildlife. The full day is spent in the unspoiled nature of the Moremi Game Reserve. (BLD)

    Day 9 - Matetsi Concession

    Departure: 07h00
    Distance: 430 km

    Leaving the bush behind you, travel east towards the Makgadikgadi Pans (once a large river fed lake which has become saline and empty). This area incorporates a multitude of salt pans and vast grass plains dotted by palm islands and forms the Great Makgadikgadi which comprises the largest area of salt pans in the world, covering some 37,000 square km overall. You will arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon. (BL)

    Accommodation: 1 night Nata Lodge.

    An oasis set among the Mokolwane palms on the edge of the pans, the lodge is ideally situated close to the entrance to the Nata Sanctuary and is just off the main road, 10 km from Nata village. This is the junction to the Okavango, Chobe and Francistown areas.

    Day 10 to Day 11 - Chobe National Park

    Departure: 08h00
    Distance: 320 km

    Today you will head off to Nata Bird Sanctuary in the morning, which offers the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent view over the Sowa pan, which is part of the Greater Makgadikgadi Pans (please note a visit to the pans is subject to the road conditions and water levels as well as time constraints). After breakfast, continue your journey north to Kasane, the gateway to the Chobe National Park. Chobe, which is the second largest national park in Botswana and covers 10,566 square km, has one of the greatest concentrations of elephant found on the African continent. The afternoon is at leisure to partake in optional activities or to relax by the pool. (BLD)

    Start your morning of day 11 with a game drive in the Chobe National Park. You will return to the lodge for a late breakfast and relaxation until our boat cruise on the Chobe River starts around 3pm. Here we can watch elephants, hippos, crocodiles and a variety of birds, making for excellent up close photo opportunities. (BD)

    Accommodation: 2 nights Chobe Safari Lodge.

    Chobe Safari Lodge is situated in Kasane on the banks of the Chobe River and shares a border with Chobe National Park. Right on your doorstep is the meeting point of four African countries: Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Chobe Safari Lodge therefore offers an excellent getaway location to Chobe, Victoria Falls or Caprivi.

    Day 12 to Day 14 - Hwange National Park

    Departure: 08h00
    Distance: 280 km

    Today you will make your way across the border into Zimbabwe and onto your lodge located in a private concession near to Hwange National Park, where you will spend the next three nights in this wildlife rich area. This afternoon you can partake in an optional game drive if time allows. Over the following two days, there will be plenty of time to explore this vast wilderness on game drives. Hwange National Park is one of Africa’s finest havens for wildlife and is home to massive herds of elephant, buffalo, and zebra and has a very large concentration of giraffe. It is also home to many predators and endangered species plus varied birdlife. Enjoy a visit to the Painted Dog Conservation Centre to witness the work that is done to protect these endangered species. (BLD)

    Accommodation: 3 nights Sable Sands.

    On the edge of the famous Hwange National Park, on a private concession that boasts stunning views of the dried riverbed named the ‘Dete Vlei’, stands a rustic eco lodge within the pristine Teak and Mopani forest called Sable Sands, Brian and Marleen’s pride and joy.

    Sable Sands has 16 traditionally thatched ‘rondavels’ with en-suite bathroom, making your lodge the perfect blend of ancient culture, nature and modern convenience.

    Day 15 - End of Botswana Wildlife Tour

    Departure: 08h00
    Distance: 190 km

    Your safari ends today after breakfast. You will be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport in time for your onward flight. (B)

    Bench Africa uses a number of local ground operators in Africa, one of which is Jenman African Safaris. Jenman is one of the leading safari travel operators in Africa with over 20 years experience. Jenman has a small group policy on guided safaris and utilise the services of a qualified local driver/guide. They use customised 4X4 safari vehicles that ensure safe and comfortable travel in every season (note, minibuses are generally used if travelling in Madagascar). Typically, the average age of passengers travelling on a Jenman safari is 55 years of age.

    From time to time it may be necessary to change a property or camp due to various problems out of the control of Bench Africa. In this situation we will make every effort to give you as much warning as possible.

    Your itinerary may include long road journeys. Road surfaces vary from tarmac, gravel, sand and occasionally vehicles may travel “off road”. This tour is recommended for healthy, active participants looking for an adventurous holiday.

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