Small-group lodge safari through Botswana and Zimbabwe, starting in Maun and ending in Victoria Falls. The tour takes you through some of Botswana and Zimbabwe’s most magnificent game reserves.
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights
- Explore the natural majesty of the incredible Okavango Delta by boat and vehicle.
- Witness one of the largest elephant herds in Africa and if you are fortunate possibly the annual zebra migration.
- Hwange National Park boasts a tremendous selection of wildlife and over 100 species of birds. There’s also a good chance of spotting African Wild Dog in the park.
- Victoria Falls is a truly spectacular sight to see as it drops over 100 metres into the Zambezi gorge below. It is the largest waterfall in the world and a must see on a safari to Zimbabwe.
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Maun, Botswana
- Day 2 and 3: Maun to Okavango Delta, Botswana
- Day 4: Greater Moremi Area, Botswana
- Day 5: Greater Moremi, Botswana
- Day 6: Khwai, Botswana
- Day 7: Moremi Game Reserve to Nata, Botswana
- Day 8 and 9: Nata to Chobe, Botswana
- Day 10 to 12: Chobe, Botswana to Hwange, Zimbabwe
- Day 13: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
- Day 14: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
- Day 15: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1: Maun, Botswana
On arrival into Maun International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your lodge. Thamalakane River Lodge is located on the banks for the Thamalakane River outside of Maun en route to the famous Okavango Delta. The rest of the afternoon may be spent at leisure enjoying one of the many activities available at the Lodge. This evening you will meet your guide and the rest of your group at the lodge at 18h00 for your pre-departure meeting.
Day 2 and 3: Maun to Okavango Delta, Botswana
This morning after breakfast we head to Etsha 13, on the western border of the Okavango Delta. Unlike other deltas, it flows into the Kalahari Desert without reaching the coast, which makes it unique. The next day is spent exploring the network of water pathways through thick vegetation in mokoros (traditional dugout canoes), discovering a variety of birds and wildlife. We have the opportunity to stop at a secluded island to take a 1½ hour guided walk hoping to spot elephants, waterbuck or other animals living in this water filled paradise.
Day 4: Greater Moremi Area, Botswana
After breakfast we head south travelling via Maun to Mankwe Adventure Camp, situated on a private concession on the doorstep of the Moremi Game Reserve. The Reserve is renowned for its concentration of mammals and it is not unusual to see many different types of wildlife during just one
game drive. Game viewing is seasonal; depending on the time of the year you may see different species in different areas. The best time for game viewing is the end of the dry season or spring from August to November. During this season, in order for us to offer the best game viewing possible, extra
driving may be required due to the animals migrating closer to the river. In the summer, birdlife can also be viewed in abundance with exceptional sightings of wildfowl and raptors.
Day 5: Greater Moremi, Botswana
We have the opportunity to spend the day on game drives. In our open 4x4 vehicle, we'll venture into the Greater Moremi area for morning and afternoon game drives, aiming to encounter the diverse wildlife that inhabits this region. Following dinner, your guide will lead a night drive, offering
opportunities to spot elusive nocturnal creatures.
Day 6: Khwai, Botswana
Today, we embark on a full-day game drive in Khwai, situated on the fringes of the Moremi Game Reserve and boasts a diverse ecosystem of lagoons, plains, and forests. With a small population living in harmony with wildlife, Khwai attracts large herds of elephant and buffalo in the dry season, offering excellent opportunities for lion and leopard sightings alongside abundant birdlife and varied flora.
Day 7: Moremi Game Reserve to Nata, Botswana
Leaving the bush behind us, we travel east towards the Makgadikgadi Pans, once a large river fed lake which has become saline and empty. This area incorporates a multitude of salt pans and vast grass plains dotted by palm islands and forms the Great Makgadikgadi which comprises the largest area of salt pans in the world, covering some 37,000 square km overall. We arrive at our lodge in the late afternoon.
Day 8 and 9: Nata to Chobe, Botswana
We head off to Nata Bird Sanctuary in the morning, which offers us the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent view over the Sowa pan, which is part of the Greater Makgadikgadi Pans (please note a visit to the pans is subject to the road conditions, time constraints and water levels during the dry season as it restricts the number of birds in the area). After breakfast, we continue our journey north to Kasane, the gateway to the Chobe National Park. Chobe, which is the second largest national park in Botswana and covers 10,566 square km, has one of the greatest concentrations of elephant found on the African continent. The afternoon is at leisure to partake in optional activities or to relax by the pool.
Start your morning of day 9 with a hopefully spectacular game drive in Chobe National Park. You will return to the lodge for a late breakfast and relaxation until our boat cruise on the Chobe River starts around 3pm. Here we can watch elephants, hippos, crocodiles and a variety of birds, making for excellent up close photo opportunities.
Day 10 to 12: Chobe, Botswana to Hwange, Zimbabwe
Today, we make our way into Zimbabwe to Robins Camp, situated in the northwest corner of Hwange National Park, the largest national park in Zimbabwe, covering an area of approx. 14 600. km2. Named after a local chief, Hwange is situated in the northwest corner of the country about one hour south of the Victoria Falls. Due to its close proximity to the Falls, Hwange boasts an incredible biodiversity of flora and fauna, and a plethora of African wildlife. There are over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 bird species recorded here. Upon arrival, you can choose to partake in an optional game drive (for own account) to kickstart your wildlife experience.
The following day, get ready for an exhilarating full-day game drive in Hwange National Park, one of Africa's finest havens for wildlife. Marvel at the vast herds of elephants, buffalos, and zebras, and witness the impressive concentration of giraffes. Keep an eye out for predators, endangered species,
and the diverse birdlife that thrives here.
On Day 12, indulge in a morning game drive, offering yet another chance to witness the untamed wilderness in all its glory. As the afternoon approaches, you can enjoy leisure time at the lodge or opt for additional activities (for own account) that the lodge offers.
Day 13: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
After breakfast we head back towards Victoria Falls. The rest of the afternoon may be spent at leisure enjoying one of the many activities available in Victoria Falls.
Day 14: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Today you will have at leisure to explore Victoria Falls, the town and all of its unique offerings, from adventure activities to cultural experiences. Your guide will take you on a tour of the mighty Victoria Falls, known by the local Kololo tribe as Mosi oa Tunya- “the Smoke that thunders”. In the afternoon
we embark on a relaxing sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River.
Day 15: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Our safari ends after breakfast. You will be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport in time for your departure flight, kindly note it is advisable to book international flights not earlier than 13h00. We hope to welcome you again one day on another of our African adventures.
- Day 1: Maun, Botswana
- Day 2 and 3: Maun to Okavango Delta, Botswana
- Day 4: Greater Moremi Area, Botswana
- Day 5: Greater Moremi, Botswana
- Day 6: Khwai, Botswana
- Day 7: Moremi Game Reserve to Nata, Botswana
- Day 8 and 9: Nata to Chobe, Botswana
- Day 10 to 12: Chobe, Botswana to Hwange, Zimbabwe
- Day 13: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
- Day 14: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
- Day 15: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
| Dates | From | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Feb 2025 - 01 Mar 2025 | NZD$9693pp | Contact us |
| 02 Mar 2025 - 16 Mar 2025 | NZD$9693pp | Contact us |
| 07 Apr 2025 - 21 Apr 2025 | NZD$9693pp | Contact us |
| 05 May 2025 - 19 May 2025 | NZD$9693pp | Contact us |
| 04 Jun 2025 - 18 Jun 2025 | NZD$9693pp | Contact us |
| 09 Jul 2025 - 23 Jul 2025 | NZD$9693pp | Contact us |
| 10 Aug 2025 - 24 Aug 2025 | NZD$9693pp | Contact us |
| 22 Aug 2025 - 05 Sep 2025 | NZD$9693pp | Contact us |
| 29 Sep 2025 - 13 Oct 2025 | NZD$9693pp | Contact us |
| 20 Oct 2025 - 03 Nov 2025 | NZD$9693pp | Contact us |
| 28 Oct 2025 - 11 Nov 2025 | NZD$9693pp | Contact us |
| 03 Nov 2025 - 17 Nov 2025 | NZD$9693pp | Contact us |
| 20 Dec 2025 - 03 Jan 2026 | NZD$9693pp | Contact us |
** Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
** Single supplements may apply
Suggested Accommodation
| City | Accommodation |
|---|---|
| Maun | Thamalakane River Lodge or similar |
| Okavango Delta | Guma Lagoon Camp or similar |
| Moremi Game Reserve | Mankwe Private camping or similar |
| Makgadikgadi Pans | Nata Lodge or similar |
| Kasane | Chobe Marina Lodge or similar |
| Hwange National Park | Robins Camp or similar |
| Victoria Falls | Shearwater Explorer Village or similar |
Whats included?
- 14 x Breakfast, 08 x Lunch, 11 x Dinner
- Accommodation in Botswana and Zimbabwe as mentioned in the itinerary or of a similar standard
- All transport in fully equipped safari vehicle
- Game drives and activities as mentioned
- Experienced local Botswana and Zimbabwe guides
- Airport transfers in Maun, on day of arrival and Victoria Falls on day of departure
- Park & Activities fees
What’s not included?
- Flights into Maun, Botswana and out of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
- Pre and post tour accommodation in Maun and Victoria Falls
- Optional activities
- All drinks
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses such as telephone calls, curios etc
- Travel insurance and visas
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: Africa
From its endless deserts and burning sunsets, to its abundance of wildlife and diversity of culture, the African Safari has it all. There is nowhere else on the planet with such incredible natural beauty and rich traditions than Africa. Discover your own Africa with a tailored tour through some of the most dynamic and stunningly beautiful natural landscapes the world has to offer.
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