Botswana: Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta 10 days from $7,990
Venture into two of Botswana’s most treasured wilderness areas on safari by vehicle, foot, and boat in Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta. HIGHLIGHTS Float along the Chobe River on a sunset boat safari, watching hippos and elephants on the riverbanks. �
Watch for leopards, lions, wild dogs, and more on morning and afternoon game drives in Chobe National Park. �
Explore the Okavango Delta with expert guides on safaris by 4x4; boat; and mokoro, or dugout canoe. �
Experience extraordinary Victoria Falls, or learn about local culture on village visits on a variety of optional excursions. �
The itinerary below is a sample of what’s possible. Your Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journey will be handcrafted just for you. Day 1 – Kasane and Chobe National Park, Botswana Fly into Kasane and meet your private driver for the transfer to your lodge on the banks of the Chobe River. After time to relax, join a sunset wildlife cruise. Days 2 & 3 – Chobe National Park Rise early for a morning game drive in a 4x4 vehicle, heading deeper into Chobe National Park to look for elephant herds, buffalo, wildebeests, wild dogs, and lions. In the afternoon, spot hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of birdlife on a boat safari on the Chobe River. You’ll have a choice of several excursions the next day: a guided visit to a nearby village, a day trip to the extraordinary Victoria Falls, or a full-day safari by river and land. Day 4 – Okavango Delta: Nxabega Concession Transfer to Kasane airport for a scenic light aircraft flight over the Okavango Delta to the private Nxabega Concession. Settle into your camp and head out on an afternoon safari, exploring the picturesque lagoons, islands, rivers, and woodlands of this 8,000-hectare concession. Days 5 & 6 – Okavango Delta: Nxabega Concession Enjoy two full days to explore the Okavango wilderness with your guide. Game drives are offered in the early morning and late afternoon when the animals are most active. Head out on a walking safari for a closer look at the area’s flora and fauna, and watch for some of the 300 species of bird recorded here. Enjoy boat safaris and peaceful trips out on the water in a mokoro. Day 7 – Okavango Delta: Gunns Concession Take a brief light aircraft flight west to the Gunns Concession in the heart of the delta. After lunch at your lodge, explore the region’s abundant rivers and lagoons on a boat safari. End the day with a sundowner on the water. Days 8–10 – Okavango Delta: Gunns Concession and Maun During two days in this remote part of the delta, enjoy morning walking safaris with a knowledgeable guide, learn about insects and birds as well as the larger creatures you may encounter, such as zebras, kudu, impalas, baboons, warthogs, and giraffes. In the afternoons, relax at your camp or explore by boat or mokoro. If you wish, visit a nearby community to learn about everyday life. Return by scenic flight to Maun.
WHERE TO STAY Muchenje Safari Lodge – An independently owned lodge set on an escarpment in the Chobe Forest Reserve, with 10 elegant thatched cottages that face the Chobe River. Pom Pom Camp – An intimate camp situated on a sand island in a private concession of the Okavango Delta, featuring a boma and nine raised tents. Gunns Camp – A vintage safari resort featuring seven luxurious tents and a main lodge with a swimming pool, all overlooking Chief’s Island on the edge of the Moremi Game Reserve.
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