Victoria Falls & Botswana: Classic Camping Safari

Arrive Victoria Falls

On arrival into Victoria Falls Airport you will need to clear immigration before being met by our local representative and driven to Ilala Lodge. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to relax or get out and explore Victoria Falls, be it to enjoy afternoon tea, take a scenic helicopter flight or for the brave, a bungee jump off the famous bridge.

Victoria Falls

Known also by its indigenous name, Mosi-oa-Tunya 'the smoke that thunders', Victoria Falls is classified as the largest waterfall in the world, with a width of 1.25 miles. A visit to the Falls is a highlight of anyone's safari in Southern Africa and the area is a hub for water and land-based activities. Visit the breathtaking Victoria Falls or, for an aerial view, why not try a helicopter flight over the Falls. Alternatives include white water rafting, a visit to the national park, a sunset cruise, to name a few! Most activities can be booked upon arrival; however, it is advised to book helicopter flights in advance. We recommend discussing what you'd most like to include with your Destination Specialist who can help you plan your time. When not exploring the area, kick back and relax at Ilala Lodge.

Victoria Falls - Kasane - Chobe National Park

Today, at a time to be advised locally, you will be collected from Ilala Lodge and transferred across the border to Kasane Airport, clearing immigration along the way. On arrival, you will be assisted to a morning boat cruise along the Chobe River with plenty of wildlife to see along the way. You will then be driven through Chobe National Park to your camp site in Central Chobe. For the vast majority of the day’s drive you will be in wild country where wildlife moves freely. Roan and sable antelope thrive thanks to the low density of predators, leopard frequent the woodlands but their elusive nature mean that they are seldom seen, whilst elephants are encountered at natural waterholes where they come in search of water.

Overnight: Letaka Tented Camp (B, L, D)

Savuti (Chobe National Park)

You will have two days to enjoy this wildlife rich region on game drives and bushman painting walks. This region is renowned for its elephant and lion interaction as it is inhabited by a large resident pride of lions numbering 20-30 members who have perfected the art of hunting elephants. The marsh region is also perfect cheetah territory with wild dogs also being spotted hunting in the area during the wetter months.

Overnight: Letaka Tented Camp (B, L, D)

Savuti Concession - Khwai Community Reserve

Today you will continue your safari by being game driven south to the Khwai community area of the Okavango Delta. You will see evidence along the way of the Paleo-Lake Makgadikgadi which dried up thousands of years ago before crossing the Magwikwe sand-ridge whose deep sand can make for an interesting passage to traverse in early summer! The former lake bed is now the Mababe Depression, whose clay floor provides high protein feed for the wildlife found in the area. In terms animal spotting, today's safari journeys through prime lion territory as well as excellent cheetah country. The early part of the day is also likely to afford some great elephant sightings thanks to the permanent surface water found in the area.

Overnight: Letaka Tented Camp (B, L, D)

Khwai Community Reserve

You will have two full days to traverse the Khwai Community Reserve, which unlike a national park, has no restrictions on activities allowing for both day and night game drives. Game viewing after dark whilst often less rewarding than during the day, affords the opportunity to encounter nocturnal animals which are rarely seen during daylight. In addition to game drives you can explore on foot as part of a walking safari, or take to the delta channels on a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe), both of these activities are great for up close and personal views of Botswana's flora and fauna. The Khwai area boasts excellent numbers of both bull and breeding elephants along with lion, leopard, serval and African wildcat, whilst still spotted, wild dog and cheetah prove more elusive. A variety of ungulates are also found in the area, including red lechwe, tsessabe, sable and roan.

Overnight: Letaka Tented Camp (B, L, D)

Khwai Community Reserve - Moremi Game Reserve

Today you will be driven deeper into the Okavango passing some of the most scenic areas en route to the renowned Moremi Game Reserve. Your game drive will follow the water course of the Manuchira Channel through woodlands and mopane veld. Along the way you will visit the magnificent Dombo Hippo Pools, home to a plethora of hippo and some spectacular scenery. There are yet more elephants to encounter along the way and hippo and crocodiles are found in the river. Leopard, cheetah, serval and wild dogs are resident in this area and if you are lucky, you may be able to spot them along with a plethora of plains game.

Overnight: Letaka Tented Camp (B, L, D)

Moremi Game Reserve

Spend your time exploring the famed Moremi Game Reserve on game drives which traverse wide-open floodplains, lagoons, marshes, woodland and savannah. This diversity of habitat means that a wide range of species are seen here, with prides of lion fond of hunting in the savannah, elephants congregated around watering holes and the woodland providing the perfect camouflage for leopards.

Overnight: Letaka Tented Camp (B, L, D)

Okavango Delta - Maun - Depart Maun

Today you will enjoy breakfast in camp and an early morning game drive before being driven to the Xakanaxa Airstrip in time for your light aircraft flight to Maun. On arrival into Maun you will be met and assisted to your onward international flight, marking the end of your time on safari in Botswana.