Botswana & Zimbabwe Safari

HIGHLIGHTS

• Settle into a remote bush camp in the Okavango

Panhandle and explore wildlife-rich waterways by dugout canoe.

• Learn about the conservation work of National Geographic’s Okavango Wilderness Project.

• Visit Painted Dog Conservation to learn how African wild dogs impacted by poaching are rehabilitated.

• Listen to Botswanan folklore during a festive dinner with a renowned local author in Maun.

DAYS 1–2 I VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE/ HWANGE NATIONAL PARK Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included. The next day, opt to explore majestic Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Later, visit the headquarters of Painted Dog Conservation and learn about this nonprofit organization’s work to protect and rehabilitate injured painted dogs (also known as African wild dogs). Afterward, venture out on safari in Hwange National Park, one of Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserves and an important elephant sanctuary.

DAYS 3–5 I HWANGE NATIONAL PARK/ CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA Set out on a full-day safari through Hwange National Park, tracking the resident elephant and buffalo herds, as well as giraffes, lions, zebras, and rare African wild dogs. Depart the next day and cross the border into Botswana, arriving in Kasane—the gateway to stunning Chobe National Park. Enjoy a boat safari on the Chobe River in search of bathing elephants, hippos, and crocodiles. Continue your wildlife exploration the following morning on a safari drive along the banks of the river.

DAY 6 I OKAVANGO PANHANDLE Catch a flight to the Okavango Panhandle in Botswana, the narrow arm of the Okavango River that feeds into the famed Okavango Delta. Check in to our remote lodge, and enjoy a boat cruise on the winding waterways. This evening, learn about the conversation efforts in the area through National Geographic’s Okavango Wilderness Project, and watch the National Geographic documentary Into the Okavango.

DAYS 7–8 I OKAVANGO PANHANDLE Discover the pristine Okavango Panhandle with expert local guides. Navigate the wildlife-rich channels of the Okavango River aboard a mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe, and spot all manner of birdlife on bush walks, including herons, storks, and egrets. Spend the evening at our remote bush camp, relaxing by an open fire and listening to the night calls of the delta. Continue exploring this untamed habitat on foot and by mokoro. Return to our lodge later this afternoon.

DAYS 9–10 I MAUN Fly to the frontier town of Maun for an evening of storytelling and traditional foods with celebrated local author Bontumile "Bonty" Bontekanye. Listen as she shares her in-depth knowledge of the region’s cultural history, and cap off the night with a delicious meal and colorful stories around a warm fire. Depart at any time on our final day.

10 DAYS FROM $5,599

PER PERSON. AIRFARE TO/FROM IS NOT INCLUDED.

MY OWN ROOM OPTION: + $1,819 MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 12

DATES

2022: Departures available year-round 2023: Departures available year-round

Please visit our website for departure dates.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Arrival transfer, all transport between destinations and to/from included activities, and activities as listed in the itinerary. Optional activities are at an additional cost.

ACCOMMODATIONS Comfortable, mid-range hotels (2 nights), safari lodges/camps (6 nights), bush camp (1 night)

MEALS INCLUDED 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 8 dinners. Allow an additional $120–$160 per person for meals not included.

TRANSPORTATION Private vehicle, 4×4 safari vehicle, boat, mokoro, plane

GUARANTEED DEPARTURES If you’re booked, you’re going.

Call or visit our website for full itineraries, inclusions, and more.