Echoes of the Wild: Botswana & Zimbabwe

Welcome to Zimbabwe! You will be met at Victoria Falls AIirport and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is free and spent at leisure enjoying one of the many activities available in this amazing location. In the evening you will meet both your guide and the rest of your group for the pre-departure meeting, this should occur at 6pm. Overnight: Shearwater Explorers Village or similar

Meals: Nil

Known as the Mosi oa Tunya, "The Smoke That Thunders" by the local Kololo tribe, Victoria Falls is am impressive highlight of this adventure, your expert guide will take you on a tour of this awe-inspiring waterfall. Then it is onto Kasana in Botswana, the gateway to the Chobe National Park. The second largest national park in Botswana, Chobe covers an impressive 10,566 square kilometres with one of the largest concentrations of elephant found on the African continent. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the scenery or to relax at the pool. Early next morning we will take a game drive through the National Park before heading back to the accommodation for a late breakfast. In the afternoon we will head out on a boat cruise along the Chobe River. Here we can watch elephants, hippos, crocodiles and a variety of birds, making for excellent up-close photo opportunities. Overnight: Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa or similar

Meals: B

Today we have an early start as we make our way across the border back into Zimbabwe and to our lodge located in a private concession in the North West corner of Hwange National Park. The next two days, it's exploration time through the National Park as we explore this wilderness on game drive. Hwange National Park is one of Africa's finest havens for wildlife and is home to great 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. Overnight: Nantwich Lodge or similar

Meals: B,L,D

It is time to head onto one of the high points of this adventure, today we head off to the Mlibizi area on Lake Kariba. It is here that we will board onto a luxury houseboat for a relaxing two-night cruise on the Lake. High in the mountain, Lake Kariba is a man-made inland sea guarded by enormous reserves of game and made beautiful and savage by sun and storm, earth and water. Our voyage takes us to the between Milibizi. and Msuna River including a sunset cruise with game viewing along the way, followed by drinks and dinner on board. The next day we set out early for some leisurely fishing, guided walks or game viewing depending on your preference. When we return, brunch will be served whilst cruising along the lake. We will then moor at one of the islands with a sandy beach. Watch the sunset over lake, relaxing around a camp fire and enjoying a beach barbecue under the starry sky. Overnight: Sovereign Houseboat or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today we disembark and try to lose our sea legs as we have an early morning transfer from Msuna to Matapos then across to the majestic Matabo Hills. This area is one of exquisite beauty, steeped in tribal history, ancient mystery and dramatic rock landscapes, the National Park has been given UNESCO World Heritage status as it is home to both white and black rhinoceros and sable antelope. Once the home of the San (Bushman), this area contains the richest source of the rock art found anywhere. Not only is it here that the Ndebele people buried their great king, Mzilikazi, but Cecil John Rhodes was also laid to rest on the “Hill of the Benevolent Spirit” or “World’s View” as named by him. We spend the next day in the national park, starting our morning with tracking rhino spoor by vehicle and foot. In the afternoon we further explore the scenery and wildlife of the park on game drives, ending with a visit to Rhodes’ grave. Overnight: Shashani Matobo Hills Lodge or similar

Meals: B,L,D

We depart from the Matobo Hills and journey through the sprawling savannas of southern Matebeleland as we head towards Botswana. In the afternoon, we’ll stop by the Nata Bird Sanctuary, where we can take in the stunning views of the Sowa pan, a part of the Greater Makgadikgadi Pans. (Please keep in mind that our visit to the pans will depend on road conditions, water levels, and time availability.) We’ll reach our lodge in the late afternoon. Overnight: Nata Lodge or similar

Meals: B,L,D

We depart early in the morning for Planet Baobab, located near Gweta, kicking off our adventure with an expedition to Ntwetwe Pan, where we can marvel at some of Botswana’s unique landscapes and incredible wildlife. Ntwetwe Pan is one of the two primary salt pans in the Makgadikgadi Pans and ranks among the largest salt flats globally. Formerly nourished by the Boteti River, the pan became permanently dry after the Mopipi Dam was constructed to supply water to the diamond mines in Orapa. While the river has since diverted its waters, Ntwetwe has gained renown for its stunning lunar-like terrain, noted for its rocky formations, dunes, islets, and channels along the western shore. Our exploration will lead us to encounter uniquely adapted desert wildlife, including bat-eared foxes, springbok, kori bustards, and the endearing meerkats, some of the Kalahari's most intriguing residents. Spending time with these social, well-adapted creatures allows us to observe their interactions with each other and their surroundings. Thanks to a dedicated habituation program, we may have the chance to get up close and personal with these enchanting animals. After lunch, we'll visit a nearby village to immerse ourselves in contemporary African village culture. A local guide, sharing knowledge passed down from generations, will enlighten us on the history and traditions of the Batswana people. We’ll get a tour of the local primary school, 'Sekolo', with its outdoor classes, where we can meet the children, and visit the Kgotla—a traditional court that governs the village—for insight into rural Botswana life. In the late afternoon, we’ll enjoy a guided walk through a remarkable baobab grove, where our guide will explain the local ecology, geology, and the fascinating biology of the baobabs, which, interestingly, are the largest succulents in the world rather than actual trees. Overnight: Planet Baobab or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today, we head to Maun, a vibrant safari town that acts as the entrance to the stunning Okavango Delta. The name Maun comes from the San word “maung,” meaning “the place of short reeds.” After our arrival, the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish. Overnight: Mankwe Tented Retreat or similar

Meals: B

After enjoying breakfast, we’ll drive to the mokoro station, where we’ll glide through the lush vegetation of the Okavango Delta in dug-out canoes, all while observing a diverse array of birds and wildlife. This unique delta flows into the Kalahari Desert without ever touching the coast, setting it apart from others. Following this incredible journey and a delicious lunch, we’ll head to our camp located in a private concession within the Greater Moremi area. Once we’re settled in, we’ll have dinner and then set out on a thrilling night game drive in the concession—an excellent chance to see some of the nocturnal animals that can be elusive during the day. Overnight: Mankwe Tented Retreat or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today, we embark on an adventure into the renowned Moremi Game Reserve, celebrated for its stunning landscapes and incredible diversity of wildlife. We will spend the entire day immersed in the pristine natural beauty of this remarkable reserve. Overnight: Mankwe Tented Retreat or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Sadly today is the end of our adventure together, you will be transferred to Maun Airport in time for your departure flight.

Meals: B