Botswana Adventure from Jo'burg: Small Group

From Johannesburg to Johannesburg
  • Botswana
  • South Africa
  • Zimbabwe
  • Small Group Tours
  • Wildlife and Nature
  • Drifters Tours
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Tour Description

Partake in an amazing small group Accommodated Tour of Botswana!

Embark on our captivating small group tour, commencing from Johannesburg, and visit a Rhino Sanctuary en route to Botswana. Experience the mesmerizing Okavango Delta and renowned reserves as we journey through extraordinary landscapes.

Starting with a visit to a rhino sanctuary, we witness conservation efforts firsthand before immersing ourselves in the wonders of the Okavango Delta.

Glide through the delta's channels on traditional mokoro canoes, explore enchanting islands on foot, and learn from our knowledgeable guides. Relax in our comfortable camp overlooking the lagoon, enjoying sunset cruises and the tranquility of the surroundings.

Continuing our adventure, we fly to the Khwai River and embark on exhilarating game drives, encountering majestic wildlife in untouched wilderness. Our exclusive campsite ensures an intimate connection with the pristine environment. Depending on conditions, we may further explore the Central Kalahari or Makgadikgadi Pans.

But the excitement doesn't end there! We also include a visit to the magnificent Victoria Falls. Marvel at the awe-inspiring beauty and power of this natural wonder as we explore the falls and its surroundings. Feel the mist on your face as you witness the cascading water and capture unforgettable memories of this iconic landmark. 

This tour is a natural paradise for adventurers, photographers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts.

Short on time?  There is a shorter version of this tour, starting in Maun.  Ask us today!

Viva's Best Bits...

Experience the thrill of exhilarating game drives in comfortable and well-equipped 4x4 Land Cruisers, allowing you to get up close and personal with the wildlife.

Uncover its extraordinary biodiversity, awe-inspiring landscapes, and thriving ecosystem in the remarkable Okavango Delta, celebrated as the largest inland delta worldwide.

Visit the captivating Khama Rhino Sanctuary, a haven dedicated to the protection of rhinos. Witness firsthand the importance of rhino conservation.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Johannesburg Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Our adventure starts on departure from Johannesburg at 06h30. Making our way through the drythornveld of South Africa’s North West Province, we aim to cross the Botswana border at Martins Drift. On completion of customs and immigration formalities, we enter the vast Kalahari plains that stretch as far as the eye can see.

We will cover quite some distance today before arriving at our accommodation, Khama Rhino Sanctuary. The Khama Rhino Sanctuary (KRS) is a community- based wildlife project, established in 1992 to assist in saving the vanishing rhinoceros, restore an area formerly teeming with wildlife to its previous natural state and provide economic benefits to the local Botswana community through tourism and the sustainable use of natural resources.

Covering approximately 8 585 hectares of Kalahari Sandveld, the sanctuary provides prime habitat for white and black rhino as well as over 30 other animal species and more than 230 species of birds.

Tonight we enjoy a catered meal while our guide explains the procedure for the days to come.

Day 2
Khama Sanctuary Maun

Awaking early, we set off on the first of many open vehicle game drives. We will explore the Khama Sanctuary in search of rhino and the many other species that inhabit this unique environment before returning to the camp for brunch.

We then continue our journey northward into the true wilderness and we pass through numerous remote villages whilst skirting the immense Salt Pans - Makgadikadi. The last part of our journey takes us along the Boteti River and to our stop for the night, the DRIFTERS MAUN LODGE. The Lodge offers comfortable twin bedded units, all with wonderful views over the wide Boteti River – the bird watching is exceptional. Fall asleep tonight to the deep grunts of hippo.

Day 3-4
Okavango Delta

After an early start, we leave the lodge and head back towards Maun in time to catch your connecting flights into the Okavango Delta.

The Okavango River, emanating from central Angola, far to the northwest, flows south- and
eastwards, before slowing and spreading into one of the world’s only true inland deltas. C, creating as it does so a unique ecosystem that supports a huge variety of animal and plant life. The sight of a Jacana striding delicately amongst the flowering lilies, the Bee Eater diving to prey on an unsuspecting insect, and, of course, the familiar cry of the African Fish Eagle - all combine to create the canvas of one of nature’s unique masterpieces. The river, eventually spilling its contents into the vast plains of the Makgadikgadi sands.

Our comfortable and well- appointed camp on the edge of one of the largest lagoons serves as a base from which we explore. We will glide through narrow, reed-lined channels by mokoro, walk on uninhabited islands and picnic in the wilderness, while learning about the animals and plants of the Delta from local guides who have grown up in the area.

Through informal interaction with the guides, we will have the opportunity to learn about the local people and their way of life in this isolated wilderness. We will also have time to simply relax and enjoy the views over a glistening lagoon from a beautiful wooden deck, cold drink in hand, go for a walk with our guide, or take a refreshing dip in the pool. One afternoon we enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on a boat.

Day 5-8
Flexible Game Reserve schedule Khwai area

Starting early, we transfer back to the airstrip to catch a second flight over the vast expanse of the Delta and Moremi National park, to the Khwai airstrip. Be sure to take in the breath- taking sights of the vast expanse of the Delta, and also keep an eye out for the wildlife that inhabits it.

Whilst in the air our support vehicle will have gone ahead with your luggage and all the camp equipment, On landing you will be met by the Drifters ground crew and transported in open vehicle game viewers to our campsite on the banks of the Khwai river, where the support staff have erected our tents. This wild experience is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the tour.

For the next 4 days, we game-drive extensively during the day to stop at hides and water holes at leisure, and to make the most of our time here. We travel in well-equipped, open 4x4 Land Cruisers, with our local Motswana guides, exploring the Khwai concession and the famous reserves of Moremi and Savuti. Our route is flexible and depends on the season.

The vegetation is constantly changing - from open plains with palm trees, to marshland, to dense Mopane woodlands or Acacia scrub. This variety of habitats makes for excellent game viewing. The 4x4s aren’t just for show, as the national parks are truly wild places, the roads are just tracks in the sand. We carry only our cameras and day packs, a picnic lunch and drinks for the road.

Towards sunset we arrive back at our camp in the bush, where the ground staff have lit a warm fire to welcome us. After a hearty meal it is time to retire., Drifting off to sleep to the howl of the distant hyena or the earthy roar of a lion and even the deep grunt of a half-submerged hippo. We use an exclusive campsite on the banks of the Khwai river, completely secluded and undeveloped – it is as if we are the first people here, and are alone in the world. We bring everything we will need with us, and leave nothing behind when we depart.

Our backup crew remains with us throughout, so we can concentrate on the wilderness.

Depending on the ever- changing conditions in the National Parks we might also venture into the vast Central Kalahari Game Reserve or the unique Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.

Day 9
Game Reserve Maun

Our last morning in the parks, we slowly game drive our way back to Maun. We enjoy an own expense lunch, and have some time to explore the town. We will spend time stocking up on basic supplies, before travelling the short distance out of town to the Drifters Maun Tented Lodge, our stop for the night.

The lodge is situated on the banks of the Boteti River. This river is known to change its flow direction, depending upon the season and rainfall patterns. The lodge offers comfortable, tented en-suite accommodation, a swimming pool, bar, restaurant and birdlife.

This afternoon we relax at the lodge before enjoying a catered meal and a comfortable night

Day 10
Makgadikgadi Pans

After the early mornings of the last few days, we make our way back to Maun enjoying our last opportunity to view game in the parks - arriving at our Maun Lodge in time for lunch.
After lunch we continue our journey eastwards to visit the spectacular Makgadikgadi Salt Pans area. Oceans of golden grass give way to the stark white pans, under a very big sky.
We camp the night in splendid isolation.

The adventurous can sleep out under the stars and be rewarded with the awesome spectacle of the southern night sky. In some seasons the pans are not easily accessible, in which case we will camp at an interesting elephant watering hole.

Day 11
Chobe River Victoria Falls

Venturing north today, we make our way to the slow, placid Chobe River -, an ideal habitat for hippos and crocodiles, and an attraction to some of the biggest herds of elephant and buffalo on earth.

This afternoon we enjoy an extensive boat cruise on the river, within Chobe National Park. Gliding close to the banks, we hope to silently approach the animals that come down to the river to drink. Back on land, we cross the border into Zimbabwe and make our way to our accommodation for the night.

The lodge is centrally situated within walking distance of Victoria Falls and other attractions.

Day 12
Victoria Falls

Awaking in the adventure capital of Africa, it is with new excitement that we can explore the amazing Victoria Falls, known to the locals as "Mosi-oa-Tunya "- meaning “the smoke that thunders”.

This is the place where, according to ancient traditions, the Zambezi River God “Nyami Nyami”, who takes the form of a snake spirit, is in hiding. Your entry fee to the Falls is included in the tour price, and you are free to spend as much time as you like viewing the Falls and exploring the surrounding rainforest.

Various other attractions can be visited and activities enjoyed, including the tribal village or curio market. Victoria Falls is also home to a multitude of adventure activities, such as an aircraft flip over the falls, a boat trip on the Zambezi River, white water rafting or bungee jumping, but allowance must be made for the extra expense of these optional, but worthwhile, activities.

We spend two nights here, thus allowing you some time to explore the town and all it has to offer, with the freedom to choose the sights and activities that interest you. Tonight we will eat out at a local restaurant (own expense). Relax to the sound of the African night and the distant roar of the Falls and drink a farewell toast to your adventure

Day 13
Hwange

After breakfast we travel the short distance to the renowned Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s premier game reserve. Famous for its massive herds of elephant and buffalo, the park is host to over 100 species of mammal and 400 species of bird, with lion, leopard and wild dog regularly sighted.

This afternoon we will do an open vehicle game drive with local guides providing intimate knowledge of the area.

Day 14
Bulawayo Matobo

Today we travel south to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second largest city, with its uniquely wide streets.

We continue to the Matobo area where, in the afternoon, we enjoy an open vehicle drive into the Matobo National Park. Here, we will leave the vehicle to track rhino through the bush on foot. For most people, seeing these massive beasts on their own terms is a thrilling and moving experience.

Tonight our accommodation is situated high on a granite dome amongst the balancing boulders of the Matobo Hills, with commanding views over the park.

Day 15
Limpopo

Our last night will be spent in Botswana, on a private game reserve along the banks of the Limpopo River.

We will take our final walk together along the river, to savour the sights and smells of the African bush and catch our last glimpse of animals living free and wild.

We end the day with dinner in the bush around a flickering fire.

Day 16
Limpopo Johannesburg

This morning, after crossing the border into South Africa, we follow a scenic route through the
Waterberg Mountains, before entering the bustle of Africa’s economic heart and the Golden City of Johannesburg.

The tour ends on arrival in the late afternoon in Johannesburg.

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 9 nights lodge accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 2 nights under canvas
  • Included Copy 20 4 nights services camping in comfortable dome tents
Food
  • Included Copy 20 14 breakfasts
  • Included Copy 20 12 lunches
  • Included Copy 20 12 dinners
  • Included Copy 7 alcohol, bottled water, soft drinks, restaurant meals
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 2 licensed, professional tour managers.
  • Included Copy 20 group equipment
  • Included Copy 20 permits and park entry fees
  • Included Copy 7 visas, tips, flights, airport taxes, airport transfers or any optional extras.
Transportation

Drifters Expedition Vehicle

Activities

  • Included Explore the vast landscapes of Khama Rhino Sanctuary
  • Included Embark on a thrilling safari adventure as you navigate the delta's waterways by traditional mokoro
  • Included Experience the thrill of up-close encounters on exhilarating game drives
  • Included Explore the beautiful Victoria Falls and marvel at the sheer size of the magical falls!
  • Included Discover Chobe National Park from the river, home to huge herds of elephants.
  • Included Marvel at the vast Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
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Duration

16 days

Price from

$4,776 $4,061 USD

Per person, sharing

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