- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
- FAQ
The Okavango Delta is one of the most unique and captivating natural wonders in the world. Located in Botswana, this inland delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s premier wildlife and safari destinations. The delta is often referred to as the "jewel of the Kalahari" due to its exceptional biodiversity and stunning landscapes, which provide a stark contrast to the surrounding desert.
Additional Activities and Notes
-
Victoria Falls:
- Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy an adventure activity such as bungee jumping, white-water rafting, or a gorge swing. Alternatively, visit the Victoria Falls Rainforest or experience a cultural tour of the region.
-
Chobe National Park:
- You can also enjoy a night game drive in Chobe to spot nocturnal wildlife like genets, porcupines, and hyenas.
- Chobe also offers photographic safaris and specialized birdwatching excursions.
-
Okavango Delta:
- For the adventurous traveler, a scenic helicopter flight offers a unique perspective of the delta’s intricate waterways and vast plains.
- The Okavango Delta is also a great place for catch-and-release fishing, especially for tiger fish.
Accommodation
- Victoria Falls: Choose from luxury lodges, such as The Victoria Falls Hotel, or more affordable options like Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.
- Chobe National Park: Opt for luxury lodges like Chobe Game Lodge or Savute Safari Lodge, or more intimate camps like Chobe Elephant Camp.
- Okavango Delta: Stay at luxury camps like Vumbura Plains or Abu Camp, or more budget-friendly options like Okavango Delta Mobile Tented Camps.
This 5-night Okavango, Chobe, and Victoria Falls package offers an incredible mix of diverse experiences—ranging from the breathtaking beauty of Victoria Falls to the incredible wildlife of Chobe and the pristine, wildlife-filled wetlands of the Okavango Delta. Whether you are exploring by boat, mokoro, jeep, or on foot, this adventure will provide you with unforgettable memories and an up-close look at the natural wonders of Southern Africa.
Itineraries
Day 1
Time : 7:00 am
Arrival at Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
- Arrive in Victoria Falls: Your journey starts in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. After arriving, you'll be transferred to your lodge or hotel.
- Activity Options: Depending on your arrival time, you can take an afternoon sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, where you'll have the chance to spot wildlife like hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species. Alternatively, enjoy a guided tour of Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya) to experience the awe-inspiring waterfall, considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
- Overnight: Stay at a lodge or hotel in Victoria Falls.
Day 2
Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park (Botswana)
- Morning: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before a scenic transfer (by road or air) from Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park, which is about a 1-2 hour drive from the falls.
- Afternoon: After arriving at your lodge in Chobe, enjoy an afternoon game drive. Chobe is famous for its large herds of elephants and its rich wildlife diversity. The park offers one of the best opportunities to see the Big Five.
- Evening: After your game drive, unwind with a sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River. This is a prime opportunity to spot elephants, buffalo, and a variety of other wildlife along the riverbanks.
- Overnight: Stay at a lodge or camp in Chobe National Park.
Day 3
Full Day in Chobe National Park
- Morning: Start the day with an early morning game drive in Chobe National Park. The early hours are perfect for spotting predators like lions and leopards.
- Midday: Return to your lodge for a relaxing lunch and a break during the heat of the day.
- Afternoon: After lunch, you can opt for another game drive or an exciting river safari on the Chobe River, which provides a different perspective of the wildlife and the park’s stunning landscapes.
- Overnight: Another night at your lodge in Chobe National Park.
Day 4
Chobe National Park to Okavango Delta (Botswana)
- Morning: After breakfast, you'll depart for the Okavango Delta. This transfer will typically take you via air to a nearby airstrip in the delta, where you’ll be whisked away to your lodge.
- Afternoon: Upon arrival in the Okavango Delta, you’ll have some time to settle into your lodge before embarking on your first mokoro (dug-out canoe) ride or a game drive. These activities allow you to immerse yourself in the unique wetlands and waterways of the Okavango, where you can see elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and a wide variety of birds.
- Evening: Enjoy a sunset boat cruise or a relaxing dinner under the stars at your lodge, watching the wildlife come to life in the twilight.
- Overnight: Stay in a lodge or camp in the Okavango Delta.
Day 5
Full Day in Okavango Delta
- Morning: Early morning game drive or walking safari with a guide. Walking safaris provide a more intimate experience and an opportunity to learn about the flora and smaller fauna of the delta.
- Midday: Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. Some lodges offer spa services or other optional activities such as fishing.
- Afternoon: Enjoy another mokoro excursion or game drive, depending on your preference. The Okavango Delta is renowned for its diverse wildlife and serene beauty, making it a fantastic spot for birdwatching and photography.
- Evening: Wrap up the day with an unforgettable sunset cruise or game drive as the sun sets over the delta’s lush waterways.
- Overnight: Stay in your Okavango Delta lodge.
Day 6
Okavango Delta to Victoria Falls or Departure
- Morning: After breakfast, you'll be transferred back to Maun (or the nearest airstrip) for your return flight to Victoria Falls. Depending on your departure time, you might be able to fit in another activity in Victoria Falls, such as a helicopter flight over the falls or a walking tour.
- Afternoon: Fly back to Victoria Falls or your departure destination for your onward journey home, concluding your 5-night adventure.
The Okavango offers a wide variety of unique experiences, ranging from traditional safari game drives to more adventurous activities like mokoro trips and walking safaris.
1. Safari Game Drives
Game Drives: Exploring the delta on 4x4 safari vehicles is a classic way to see its wildlife. Guides take you through different areas, from the lush waterways to open savannahs, where you’ll have opportunities to see elephants, lions, leopards, and other animals. These drives are especially productive early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Night Game Drives: Some camps and lodges offer night drives. These excursions provide the chance to see nocturnal animals, such as hyenas, genets, and porcupines, that are less active during the daytime.
2. Mokoro (Canoe) Excursions
One of the most iconic ways to experience the Okavango Delta is by taking a mokoro ride. A mokoro is a traditional dug-out canoe that allows you to silently glide through the narrow channels of the delta’s waterways, providing an intimate experience with nature. These trips are often guided by local polers, who use long poles to push the mokoro through the water.
Mokoro rides are perfect for birdwatching, as you can approach the shorelines quietly and see a variety of bird species close-up.
3. Walking Safaris
Walking safaris are available in certain areas of the Okavango Delta, giving you the chance to explore the landscape on foot. Accompanied by an armed guide and ranger, you can learn about the smaller details of the ecosystem—such as tracks, plants, and insects—while getting a more intimate understanding of the delta’s wildlife.
4. Scenic Helicopter Flights
For those who want a bird’s-eye view of the Okavango Delta’s breathtaking landscape, scenic helicopter flights offer a unique perspective. You can fly over the wetlands and islands, spotting wildlife from above and taking in the vast expanse of the delta’s intricate water systems.
5. Fishing
The Okavango Delta is a great place for catch-and-release fishing. The delta is home to several species of fish, with tiger fish being the most prized among anglers. Fishing can be done from boats or mokoros in designated areas, giving you a tranquil experience amid the wilderness.
Dry Season (May to October): This is generally the best time to visit the Okavango. The waters are lower, concentrating wildlife around the remaining water sources, which makes for excellent game viewing. During these months, the temperatures are warm, but not too extreme, and the weather is dry.
Green Season (November to April): The wet season brings lush greenery and fewer tourists. While wildlife viewing may be more challenging due to dispersed animals, the landscape is vibrant and alive with blooming flowers and migratory birds. It’s also the time when baby animals are born, providing exciting opportunities to witness new life.
Luxury Lodges: The Okavango Delta has a range of luxury lodges and camping options. Some of the most renowned lodges include Abu Camp, Vumbura Plains Camp, and Camp Okavango. These lodges offer comfortable accommodations and a full safari experience with expert guides.
Safari Camps: For a more authentic experience, some camps offer intimate stays in the heart of the delta. These may be mobile or seasonal camps, offering a deeper connection with nature.
Budget Options: There are also more affordable lodges and camps around the delta, including options for self-catering and camping in the Moremi Game Reserve, which is part of the Okavango Delta.
By Air: Most travelers fly into Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta, which is served by international flights from Southern Africa. From Maun, there are domestic flights to various airstrips within the delta, operated by smaller aircraft.
By Road: You can drive to the Okavango Delta, but it requires traveling along rough, unpaved roads. Most visitors prefer flying due to the distance and challenging terrain.