The Kalahari, Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls Safari is a 10 day tour to some of southern Africa's most dramatic but less easily accessible regions, notably Botswana, Namibia and Zambia/Zimbabwe. The accommodation reflects nature's diverse and spectacular attractions encountered on the trip; luxury lodges, tented safari camps and a couple of nights in the wild on an island in the Okavango Delta! Spend time with the San Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert, glide down the waterways and channels of the Delta in a mokoro (dug-out canoe), watch in awe at the intense wildlife activity of Chobe National Park and finally Victoria Falls - 'a wonder of ceaseless flowing water, cloudy columns and brilliant rainbows'.

• Kalahari Desert - explore the Kalahari in the Kanana Wilderness Game Reserve, a 30,000ha private reserve located near the cattle farming community of Ghanzi. Set on a water-rich limestone ridge, the plentiful supply of shallow underground water is able to support a rich variety of wildlife. Kanana has 2 distinct eco-systems - a porous sand-veldt to the north and a calcrete stone-veldt to the south. Grazers prefer the north and browsers the south. Wildlife in these eco-systems include oryx, springbok, blue wildebeest, springbok, red hartebeest, zebra, steenbok, duiker and giraffe. They attract predators such as leopard, cheetah, jackal, hyena and caracal. The African wild dog roams the reserve and although elusive, can occasionally be observed.
• The San - San means forager, the only way to survive in the desert. They have roamed the Kalahari for centuries, hunting and gathering off the land to survive and these nomadic people followed water, game and edible plants. Separated from the ideologies and technologies from the Western world, some organisations are working to preserve the culture, but the last remaining areas where they could maintain their lifestyle have been slowly converted to commercial farmland or mining concessions.
• Okavango Delta - the Okavango Delta is one of the world’s largest inland water systems and is Botswana's most famous and popular tourist attraction. It is formed by the Okavango River flowing along 'a panhandle' and into a series of channels, lagoons and swamps. This in turn forms what is more commonly known as the Delta and provides refuge in an otherwise inhospitable environment, (especially in the dry season) for a diversity of wildlife including antelope, elephant, hippo, buffalo and predators. Birds and fish are many and varied. The panhandle and northern section of the Delta are permanently flooded areas and river channels and waterways are lined with wild date and fan palms and filled with papyrus reed beds and floating water-lilies.
• Mahango National Park - 'off the beaten track' with a true wilderness feel is the only way to describe this park as it is one of Namibia’ s most varied and fascinating conservation areas. Year round water ensures an abundance of game and it's many antelope include roan, sable, reedbuck, tsessebe, sitatunga, red lechwe, kudu, Chobe bushbuck, duiker and steenbok. The large herds of elephant are migrants and during the wet summer months (Nov-Mar) birdlife is prolific with over 400 species being recorded in the region. There are also lion, leopard, cheetah, the African wild dog, hippo, crocs, warthog, baboon and vervet monkey.
• Bwabwata National Park - this park (formerly the Caprivi Game Park) is known as 'a people's park' as it supports both large wildlife and human populations. Conservation and rural community development share this spectacular area and Namibian wildlife has benefited from the special arrangement. There has been a steady increase in numbers, highlighted by the relocating and restocking of rare species, such as sitatunga and red lechwe. The park is sanctuary to 35 large and numerous small game species and animals likely to be seen are elephant, roan and kudu; buffalo occur towards the west and as many as 339 bird species have been recorded in West Caprivi.
• Chobe National Park - probably Botswana's most well-known conservation area after the Okavango Delta as well as being the country's 2nd largest national park. It covers an area of some 10,566km² and borders the Chobe River in the north down to the (dry) Savute Channel and beyond, to the far western reaches of the Moremi Game Reserve and the Delta itself. Chobe is best known for its concentrations of elephant – estimated to be over 120,000 and it comprises of elements of what is widely believed to the 'largest surviving continuous elephant population'. Chobe is sub-divided into 4 distinctly different eco-systems; the lush plains and dense riverine forest of Serondela; the Savuti Marsh, once a large inland lake; the riverine woodlands, open woodlands, lagoons and flood plains of Linyati Marsh; and the hot and dry hinterland of the Linyanti and Savuti Marshes, occupied by the Nogatsaa grass woodland. This region is rarely visited but is a great place for spotting eland.
• Victoria Falls - the Makalolo tribe are credited with renaming one of the 7 natural wonders of the world 'Mosi-oa-Tunya' or 'The Smoke That Thunders'. They also bought David Livingstone here on the 16th November 1855 by dugout canoe, and following the British Empire's established procedure of renaming everything as their own, it was renamed again in honour of Queen Victoria. Unimaginable volumes of water cascade down the Falls every minute and the spray formed by these movements sustain the rich rainforest with its unusual profusion of plant species such as ebony, ferns, fig trees and a variety of lianas and flowering plants. Bushbuck browse right up to the lip of the gorge.

You will be lead by a fully professional and experienced safari guide who has an intimate knowledge of each area and the camp/lodge you are visiting. Each guide has a specific area of expertise. This will enhance the quality and experience of your tour.

Day 1: Windhoek to Kalahari Desert

Passengers will collected from their hotel in Windhoek or from the International Airport (assuming the flight lands before 09h00). The drive heads east through rural Namibia's cattle country and onto the border post with Botswana. After completing the relevant cross-border documentation the journey continues on to the overnight accommodation at Motswiri Lodge in the Kanana Wilderness Reserve. The afternoon is set aside for a game and nature drive, appreciating the diverse flora and fauna of the desert.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Motswiri Lodge

Day 2: Kanana Wilderness Area

A hike into the wilderness follows breakfast. Your guide will be an authentic San Bushman who will enrich you with his world in the Kalahari Desert. Tracking animals, stalking game, explaining the nutritional and medicinal values of plants, shrubs, roots and insects will give you some understanding as to how they could survive in the desert for so long. They will also demonstrate bush cooking using natural products, with a chance to imitate their distinctive clicking language.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Motswiri Lodge

Day 3: Kanana Wilderness Area to Okavango Delta

Today’s route takes you north and deeper into Botswana to the lush riverine region of the Okavango Panhandle. You will stay two nights on a remote island within the floodplains and permanent waters of the Delta’s northern reaches (please note that during months of high water levels the island will be reached by a short boat or mokoro trip). Nxamareri Island Lodge is located on a secluded island within the Nxamaseri waterways, which are fed by back-waters flowing off the main Okavango River channel. The setting and ethos of this wonderful lodge allows you a completely natural experience to embrace this amazing wilderness area and the opportunity to explore the wonders of the Delta Panhandle by mokoro, boat and on foot. True wilderness experiences of this nature are an unforgettable highlight of any safari. All civilization can be left behind for two magical nights with paraffin lamps to light your way and the sound of the bush to lull you to sleep.

You will arrive in time for lunch and then have a chance to relax and soak in the tranquil surroundings. This afternoon you will go on a memorable boat excursion, exploring the lagoon and hidden channels of the Okavango Delta and enjoying sunset on the lagoon before returning to Camp. These permanent water channels are home to a myriad of birdlife, hippos, crocodiles, fish and the elusive aquatic sitatunga antelope. The floating peat islands provide stable ground for red lechwe, bushbuck and vervet monkeys that feed amongst the lush wetland vegetation. Although not a significant game viewing area, the Panhandle is one of the finest birding areas in southern Africa with its contrasting riverine and savannah habitats, over 400 species include a variety of bee-eaters, herons and kingfishers, reed cormorant, jacana, darter, African fish eagle, Pel’s fishing owl and much more. Fly or spin fishing can also be enjoyed if appeals (supporting the catch and release policy).
Return to Camp for a hot shower to freshen up for dinner and an evening around the campfire.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Nxamaseri Island Lodge

Day 4: Okavango Delta

For most of the morning you will be in the company of a poler, your guide around the winding channels of the Okavango Delta, in his mokoro. These dugout canoes are more often than not made out of fibreglass these days, in a welcome effort to sustain dwindling tree species. An important part of everyday life in the Delta, mekoro are still used for fishing, collecting food and transport. This is a rare opportunity to experience such an area as nature intended, accompanied solely by the sights and sounds of the Okavango. The afternoon has been set aside for another mokoro trip, a guided walk on the island or a visit to the local village.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Nxamaseri Island Lodge

Day 5: Okavango Delta to Mahango Game Reserve

The tranquillity of the Delta remains as the safari heads north to Namibia's Caprivi Region at the Mohembo border. There will be a detour en-route to visit the Tsodilo Hills to admire the fascinating rock painting and geology, combined with a historical insight dating back thousands of years. The Mahango Game Reserve offers some exciting game viewing and excellent concentrations of game including elephant and buffalo, the rare and elusive sable antelope and possible sighting of lion and leopard (not guaranteed).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Nunda River Lodge

Day 6: Mahango Game Reserve to Bwabwata National Park

After breakfast the journey continues into the Caprivi Region, but not before stopping at Popa Falls on the way, before heading east into Bwabwata National Park and onto Kongola. After checking in and lunch at the lodge, there is a late afternoon game drive to the famous 'horse-shoe' river bend - a site for renown for large congregations of game. Game-viewing and bird-watching observations abound as do magnificent photographic opportunities.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Susuwe Island Lodge

Day 7: Bwabwata National Park

A light breakfast precedes another exciting game drive into the park. Sightings could include elephant, hippo, roan, buffalo, kudu, sable, lion, leopard, hyena, cheetah, giraffe, impala, zebra and wildebeest. There is a boat excursion in the late afternoon exploring the Kwando River and its wide variety of bird species and game.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Susuwe Island Lodge

Day 8: Bwabwata National Park to Chobe National Park

The road trip further east is via Katima Mulilo and a border crossing returning into Botswana at Ngoma Bridge. This is the most used entrance to Chobe National Park, by the small town of Kasane. Chobe Safari Lodge is sited perfectly to enjoy many of the Chobe Riverfront animal interactions and wildlife movements without having to leave the premises.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge

Day 9: Chobe National Park

A traditional early morning game drive starts the last full day of the tour. Your open-sided safari vehicle follows sandy tracks into the wooded interior of the park before heading out to the lush riverfront. Arrival time back at the lodge is in the late morning in time for lunch, followed by a siesta. The afternoon is spent on another thoroughly enjoyable boat cruise along the Chobe River for one last session amongst the hippos, crocs, elephant and buffalo along the river's banks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge

Day10: Chobe National Park to Victoria Falls

Departure is in the early morning with the last leg to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe or Zambia side). The transfer is by road and boat, which brings you to the edge of the mighty Falls themselves. The Safari draws to a close before you are transferred to your onward flight or accommodation. (On own account).
Meals: Breakfast

Included

Accommodation as stated in the itinerary.
Transportation in a luxury air-conditioned safari vehicle. Meals stipulated above.
Services of a registered and experienced English-speaking safari guide.
Entrance fees and excursions as described in above itinerary.
Return airport transfers from Windhoek International Airport - Windhoek - Windhoek International Airport.
Mineral water on board the safari vehicle.
Welcome pack.

Excluded

International flights to Namibia and airport taxes.
Any meals not included in the listed itinerary.
Any entrance fees and excursions not included in the itinerary.
All beverages with the exception of mineral water on board the safari vehicle.
Laundry (laundry service available at lodges at extra cost).
Gratuities.
Items of personal nature.
Visa fees.

Route & Accommodation

The itinerary above is a guideline only and whilst we try to adhere to it there may be circumstances when it may change - for example weather and/or road conditions, seasonal daylight hours etc. Overnight stops on occasion may be altered from those indicated.

Luggage:

Is normally restricted to 20kg (not including photographic equipment) per person in a soft, hold all type bag. Weight is generally less important than volume as everything is carried with you on safari. If adding extensions that involve light aircraft transfers the luggage limit may be reduced further to 12 kg in soft bags (please enquire if this may apply to you). If required, any extra luggage can be stored at our base when visitors are away on safari.

Vehicles:

Vehicles used are normally comfortable minibuses, equipped with air-conditioning and cool boxes or fridges for drinks and snacks. A trailer for luggage is taken if required. Ultimate Safaris reserves the right to change the vehicles used to 4 x 4 safari vehicles if the road conditions at the time indicate that this is necessary for the success of the safari.