African Wildlife Safaris invites you to join us in Southern Africa on our newest escorted small group safari:
Classic Botswana & Zimbabwe
Tour Cost
4-5 clients – AUD$15,193 /pp twin share*
6+ clients – AUD $13,726 /pp twin share*
Departs
Tue 25 June 2024 – ex Maun
Just 11 spots available!
*Final price subject to the number of passengers. Single travellers on request. Subject to availability. Conditions apply.
Departing on Tuesday 25 June from Maun, Botswana, this all-inclusive 13-day tour provides guests with a classic safari experience during prime gameviewing season, mobile camping in one of the world’s most remarkable and pristine areas – the Okavango Delta. The maze of lagoons and islands sustains a huge variety of flora and fauna, including iconic African animals such as lion, elephant, leopard and hippo, as well as antelope like lechwe and the shy sitatunga.
In keeping with our company philosophy, this is an African safari of old, visiting breath-taking wildlife areas whilst staying in a comfortable mobile camp. Travelling by 4WD vehicle and accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, we explore three contrasting landscapes, spending a number of days in each. The camps are set up in advance by a superb team of camp staff who cater to our every need. The tents are spacious with ensuite bush showers and toilet. This safari also offers the chance to step out into the bush on foot and paddle by mokoro (dugout canoe) through the delta’s pristine waterways.
The final 3 nights are spent in Zimbabwe at The Wallow Lodge located on a private concession in the heart of the Victoria Falls National Park. Enjoy a tour of the falls, a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River and a memorable elephant interaction experience. Lastly journey into the Zambezi NP to meet the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit, who we have supported since their inception over 20 years ago.
This memorable trip will be escorted by James Cameron, one of our experienced team who has travelled many times to Africa. Botswana is one of James’ favourite wildlife areas and this will be the second time he has embarked on this classic safari.
Tour details
- 3 different regions of Botswana – Moremi, Mababe & Chobe
- Mokoro excursion through the waterways
- Listen to the sounds of the African bush at night sitting around the fire
- Elephant interaction experience
- Tour one of the Natural Wonders of the World – Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya)
- Take a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River
- A morning with the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit in the Zambezi NP
- Meals, accommodation
- Sightseeing as per the itinerary with services of a local English-speaking guide & camp assistants
- Beverages
- Internal light aircraft flight Maun – Xakanaxa
- Transfers by air-conditioned vehicle from Kasane to Victoria Falls and whilst in Victoria Falls
- Gratuities
- All airfares (other than mentioned)*
- Visas and travel insurance
- Items of a personal nature
*We can book international airfares in your preferred class of travel and any additional arrangements. Contact us for details.
Maun is one of Botswana’s major entry points for visitors travelling to the country for a safari, as it is very close to the renowned Okavango Delta and Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Most people arriving into Southern Africa fly to Johannesburg in South Africa. From here it is a 1 hour 40 minute flight to Maun, with either Air Botswana or Airlink. There are also direct flights to Maun available from Cape Town in South Africa with Airlink and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe (55 minutes) with Fastjet (both operate select days).
Itinerary
Classic Botswana & Zimbabwe
Tuesday 25 June 2024 – Ex Maun, Botswana
13 days/12 nights
Days 1-3
Moremi Game Reserve
On arrival in Maun, you will meet your Tour Escort, before flying to Xakanaxa Airstrip in the Moremi Game Reserve to start your mobile camping safari. Our guide will be waiting for us to drive to our first picturesque campsite. Settle in and get to know the staff before heading out on an afternoon game drive. The reserve is home to sensational bird life and iconic species including hippo, elephant, lion and giraffe. In between game drives, relax around camp each day, and get used to the sounds of the bush around you. This is classic camping at its best! D (day 1) B L D (days 2 & 3)
Days 4-6
Mababe Private Reserve
Early breakfast this morning before taking a slow game drive through the Moremi to the Mababe Concession. During the morning, enjoy a mokoro excursion in the calmer backwaters of the Khwai channels. The Mababe Concession allows for walking safaris, night drives and has a strict maximum of just 20 vehicles. Exploring after dark, we may see rarely encountered species such as African wild cat or genet. B L D
Days 7-9
Central Chobe Region
We head further north on day 7 en-route to the Central Chobe region, exploring the desert-like landscape on game drives. This area is lion and cheetah country. On days 8 & 9 explore the renowned Savuti Marsh, which has been the stage for many of the most dramatic wildlife documentaries in Africa. B L D
Day 10
Victoria Falls
We depart early and travel along the Chobe River to Kasane, where we stop for a picnic lunch. Afterward, explore the famous Chobe River on an afternoon boat cruise. Later, transfer by road to Victoria Falls just across the Zimbabwe border to The Wallow, a peaceful lodge located in the heart of the Victoria Falls National Park. B L D
Days 11/12
Victoria Falls
An early guided tour of the famous Victoria Falls beckons, followed by an elephant interaction experience and lunch at the Lookout Cafe. In the afternoon take a scenic sunset cruise along the Zambezi River where we enjoy sundowners. On day 12, head into the Zambezi National Park and meet the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit. B L D
Day 13
Tour Ends
This morning transfer to Victoria Falls airport. Tour ends. B
Tour escort
James Cameron – Marketing Co-ordinator & Copywriter
Growing up with tour operators as parents, James spent many family holidays visiting unique destinations worldwide, which instilled in him a passion for travel, culture and wildlife. His first safari was in 2002 to Kenya and Tanzania, and a long-lasting highlight of that trip was camping in the endless plains of the Serengeti, listening to the roar of lions at night. Since then he has returned many times to the continent, and has spent time volunteering in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, explored Botswana’s game-rich wildlife areas, witnessed the wildebeest and zebra migration in Kenya, wandered the fascinating cities of Morocco, and discovered the wonders of ancient Egypt. This will be James’ second time on our Classic Botswana safari.
