Exploring Botswana’s Unique Owner-Run Camps
10 Days - Departs daily
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Botswana's unique owner-run safari camps! Clients seeking an authentic safari experience will love these properties that prioritise local and cultural experiences, offer independent schedules and camp styles, and support small businesses for a truly meaningful stay. Begin by marvelling at the majestic Victoria Falls and cruising the Zambezi River at sunset. Spend time off the beaten path on exhilarating game drives in a private concession south of Chobe National Park. Fly to the Okavango Delta for a captivating exploration of its diverse habitats and abundant wildlife, splitting your time between two distinct locations and enjoying a helicopter flight in between. Wrap up your daily safari adventures with memorable nights under the stars, swapping stories around a crackling campfire.
from NZD $7547pp
Home » 10 Day Exploring Botswana’s Unique Owner-Run Camps
Itinerary Highlights
- Visit one of the 7 wonders of the world: Victoria Falls
- Cruise the mighty Zambezi River at sunset, a photographers dream
- Visit the Okavango Delta and explore the wetland paradise that supports a great variety of wildlife
- Take a Helicopter flight above the stunning Okavango Delta
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Arrive in Victoria Falls
- Day 2: Victoria Falls Tour & Zambezi Sundowner Cruise
- Day 3: Victoria Falls to Wildtrack Safaris Eco Lodge by road
- Day 4-5: Wildtrack Safaris Eco Lodge Game Drives
- Day 6: Fly to Camp Khwai
- Day 7: Camp Khwai Game Drive
- Day 8: Helicopter flight to Xaoo Safari Camp
- Day 9: Xaoo Safari Camp Game Drive
- Day 10: Transfer to Maun Airport
Tailor-made suggestions for this itinerary
- Take an exhilarating helicopter scenic flight over the Victoria Falls
- Add a few nights in Botswana and explore the Makgadikgadi Pans
- Add on some relaxing beach time with a side trip to the island paradise of Zanzibar which is home to some of the most idyllic, unspoiled beaches in the world: 6 day stay in Zanzibar and Stone Town.
- Add a few nights in Cape Town Winelands if flying in/out of South Africa and enjoy the world class food and wine of this region: Cape Town Essentials
Arrive in Victoria Falls
On arrival into Victoria Falls Airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Words frequently fail to capture the grandeur of Victoria Falls, located on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. Spanning nearly two kilometres and dropping about 108 metres, this UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site is the largest waterfall in the world—thanks to the sheer volume of water cascading over its crags every minute.
Victoria Falls Tour
Today you will be collected from your hotel for your 2-hour guided tour of Victoria Falls. Throughout your tour, you will be accompanied by a guide who will be sure to point out all of the interesting flora, fauna, bird and wildlife as well as an interesting history of the falls. You will be provided with a raincoat when necessary and at the end of the tour you will be taken back to your hotel.
Zambezi Sundowner Cruise
This evening you will enjoy a 2-hour sunset cruise on the Zambezi River which is a superb way to relax and enjoy the beauty of the river. Known as the fourth longest river in Africa, the Zambezi River also offers opportunities for activities such as kayaking, canoe trips, river cruises and daily floats on both the Zimbabwe and Zambian sides. Throughout your cruise you will have the opportunity to see a variety of game including hippo, crocodile, elephant and sometimes even rhino as well as a range of bird species. Included in your cruise are finger snacks, beer, wine and soft drinks. Upgrade to a smaller boat for a small supplement.
Breakfast included.
Victoria Falls to Chobe Border
At the scheduled time this morning you will be met at your hotel in Victoria Falls and transferred to the Zimbabwe Border Post Botswana. Ensure you have your passport ready.
Botswana Border to Camp
Upon arrival at the Zimbabwe/Botswana Border, you will be met by your camp representative and transferred to your camp. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to head out on an afternoon game activity.
Famed for its enormous herds of elephant and buffalo, Chobe is a diverse and wildlife rich National Park. The river and woodland that line its banks are undoubtedly the biggest draw with animals dependent on the permanent water, lions and crocodiles are not unaware of this, and wait in anticipation of their next meal.
4 Day Wildtrack Safaris Eco Lodge
Nestled in the heart of untouched Africa, Wildtrack Safaris Eco Lodge is an exclusive lodge that offers more than just bush safari. It’s uniquely situated in the centre of the newly-formed Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area — the largest of its kind in the world. The lodge has a range of activities on offer, including morning and sunset drives in open-top 4WDs, a day trip to Chobe National Park, guided bush walks and interactive tours within the community of Pandamatenga. Guests are given the opportunity not only to observe, but to contribute towards ongoing community enrichment programs. At Wildtrack Safaris Eco lodge a true experience of Africa is combined with a little bit of luxury to ensure you unwind, recharge and make valuable memories of your African bush experience.
Arrival Day
Upon arrival at Kasane Airport, you will be met and transferred to your camp to get settled into your room. Depending on your arrival time, you should have the opportunity to head out on your first game drive this afternoon before returning to the camp for a delicious dinner.
If you are arriving by land into Botswana, we will pick you up from the border and drive you to the camp.
Dinner included.
Activities
Enjoy two full days on safari where you will have the choice to participate in a wide range of game viewing & cultural excursions available.
GAME DRIVES (4 hours)
Morning game drives in the Kazuma Forest Reserve or Deka area of Sibuyu Forest Reserve afford one the possibility of observing nocturnal animals before they settle down for the day– and the possibility also exists of finding predator kills that may have happened the night before. Early morning bird spotting is also good, along with the chance to hear the morning chorus. Afternoon game drives focus more on the plains game that are to be seen en-route, as well as the often-found Elephants – which come to the pans to drink, normally around sunset. The Kazuma pans provide a beautiful backdrop to observe the sunset – and, being so open, allow one to take in the splendour of the heavens as it gets dark. The return to the lodge after dark also allows for the opportunity of observing the less seen nocturnal species such as Jackal, Leopard, Lion, Serval, Genet, Porcupines, and honey badgers – as they set off on their evening activities.
FULL DAY CHOBE EXCURSION (included for guests staying 3+ nights)
Depart for Chobe this morning for a morning boat cruise along the Chobe River into Chobe National Park scheduled to depart at +/- 09h30. There is no stretch of river in the world that has a larger and more varied abundance of wildlife than this part of the Chobe River. After the boat cruise we board a floating restaurant for lunch, where guests can enjoy traditional cuisine while still being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Chobe. After a quick boat transfer to the Park Entrance gate, guests will be collected in open game drive vehicles for an afternoon game drive. The game drive will cover less than 1% of the 11700 square kilometres that makes up the Chobe National Park. The Land activity takes you further into the park where a variety of different species can be found. Return to your lodge in the late afternoon.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCE (3 hours)
The cultural experience is one that the lodge endeavours to introduce to all interested guests, as it is an integral part of the African Experience. It is a real experience, with real people – nothing is staged or pre-arranged. We try to tailor every experience in accordance with guest’s interests, and as such no one experience is ever the same. Each tour is dependant on the availability of each role-player but is easily amended and equally interesting regardless. Highlights include meeting the Chief of the village for introduction, visiting the Kgotla (meeting place), primary school, health clinic, local farms, and a last stop at the local curio shop for guests to buy goods before heading back to lodge.
GUIDED BUSH WALKS (3-4 hours)
Bush walks are unique in that one can feel, hear, sense, and smell the diversity of nature. Tracking, bird identification, orientation, tree identification, bush survivor skills, geology, and environmental issues are but a few of the aspects that are focussed on during these walks. The opportunity of seeing game on foot is always a possibility, allowing one to feel ‘at one with Nature’. Bush walks are offered dependant on the season, and known presence of predators in the area – remembering that the animals encountered in this area are completely wild – unaccustomed to humans, and therefore unpredictable.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Departure Day
Time permitting you may have time to enjoy a final early morning game drive before breakfast at the camp and a transfer to Kasane Airport for your onward arrangements.
Breakfast included.
Light aircraft transfer from Kasane Airport to Khwai
At the scheduled time today you will take the light aircraft flight from Kasane Airport to the Khwai airstrip in the Okavango Delta.
Please note: Your luggage is restricted to 20kg including hand luggage and any camera equipment. Only soft bags will be accepted - no hard suitcases or bags with wheels can be transported as they physically cannot fit the aircraft. As a guideline, standard checked luggage should have the three dimensions of 11.8 inches (30cm) wide, by 27.5 inches (70cm) long and 13.8 inches (35cm) high.
Camp Khwai
Explore the pristine wilderness of Camp Khwai with our exclusive rail package. Relax in comfortable accommodations amidst natural beauty. Embark on thrilling safari adventures and immerse yourself in the wonders of the African bush.
Day 1: Arrival
Upon arrival at Camp Khwai in Botswana, you will be greeted with warm hospitality and guided to your comfortable accommodations. Relax and unwind as you settle into the tranquil surroundings of the camp.
Dinner included.
Day 2: Activities
Experience the beauty of Botswana with guided game drives through the Khwai River area, where you will have the chance to spot a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. Engage in exciting bush walks to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 3: Departure
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before bidding farewell to Camp Khwai. Take with you memories of an unforgettable safari experience in the heart of Botswana's wilderness.
Breakfast included.
Helicopter flight Camp Khwai to Xaoo Safari Camp
At the scheduled time today you will take the scenic helicopter flight from Camp Khwai to Xaoo Safari Camp, located on the southeastern edge of the Okavango Delta.
Xaoo Safari Camp
Embark on a thrilling adventure with our Xaoo Safari Camp rail package. Experience the wilderness up close with comfortable accommodations and guided explorations. Relax and reconnect with nature without any worries.
Day 1: Arrival
Upon arrival at Xaoo Safari Camp, guests will be greeted with warm hospitality and shown to their comfortable accommodations for the duration of their stay. Enjoy a peaceful night's rest in the heart of the Okavango Delta, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Dinner included.
Day 2: Activities
Awake to the sounds of nature and embark on a thrilling safari adventure through the wild landscape of the Delta. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the local wildlife as you explore the area on guided walks and boat excursions. Capture stunning photos of the stunning scenery and create lasting memories of your time in this pristine wilderness.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 3: Departure
Before departing from Xaoo Safari Camp, guests can indulge in a delicious breakfast to fuel them for the journey ahead. Bid farewell to this unique and memorable experience, leaving with lasting memories of the natural wonders of Botswana's Okavango Delta.
Breakfast included.
Camp to Maun Airport (Shared)
At the appropriate time today you will be transferred by a camp representative from the safari camp to Maun Airport for your onward arrangements.
Departs daily
Season | Type | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
01 Jul 2024 - 31 Oct 2024 | NZD $9623pp | ||
Package price | NZD $9623pp | Contact us | |
01 Nov 2024 - 30 Nov 2024 | NZD $7547pp | ||
Package price | NZD $7547pp | Contact us |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Package price
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe - Shongwe Lookout Lodge
Pandamatenga, Botswana - Wildtrack Safaris Eco Lodge
Khwai River, Botswana - Camp Khwai
Okavango Delta, Botswana - Xaoo Safari Camp
Whats included?
- Accommodation
- All Meals during safari
- Tea, Coffee, Water and Soft Drinks
- Alcoholic Drinks – Local beers/ciders, house wines and select spirits
- Two onsite activities per day during safari
- Laundry
- Transfers as outlined
- Government levels and National Park Fees*
What’s not included?
- Premium Brand Drinks
- Offsite activities
- Staff Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Visa costs
- Anything not listed as included.
Notes
*Please note: Park fees are quoted based on current rates and are subject to change at any time. If the local Wildlife Authority decides to increase their park fees after you have booked a safari trip, Eclipse Travel will need to add a supplement to your booking to cover the additional cost.
Optional additional activities per property:
- Camp Khwai:
- Helicopter scenic flight – Price on request dependent on the length of flight
- Fixed wing aircraft Scenic flight - Price on request dependent on the length of flight
- Wildtrack Safaris Eco Lodge:
- Full Day Hwange Trip - approx. US$325pp based on a minimum of 2pax. rate decreases the larger the group.
- Xaoo Safari Camp:
- Helicopter Scenic flights - Price on request dependent of length of flight