Botswana is well known to the safari connoisseur for its unrivaled remoteness, pristine and well managed wildlife reserves. The wetland paradise of the Okavango Delta, and the diverse, varied habitat of the Moremi Wildlife Reserve are a sanctuary to a plethora of animals, while Chobe National Park is renowned for its huge herds of elephants that congregate along the waterways and lagoons. Enjoy spectacular animal viewing in a dynamic wilderness, where the perfect combination of land and delta create a picturesque preserve of floodplains.
Day 1-New York / Johannesburg, South Africa
Depart from New York on board your flight to Johannesburg. Trust South African Airways to deliver a world-class experience on your flight, and begin to mentally prepare for the most exhilarating vacation of your life.
Day 2-Johannesburg, South Africa
Arrive in the “City of Gold” where you’ll be warmly welcomed and assisted with your transfer to your reserved hotel in the heart of vibrant heart of the Maboneng.
Hallmark House Hotel
Day 3-Johannesburg / Chobe National Park
You’ll be whisked back to the airport for your morning flight to Kasane, Botswana. On arrival at Kasane Airport, meet your ranger for your transfer to Ngoma Safari Lodge in the world-renowned Chobe National Park. Hop on board the comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle with your professional ranger to seek out the animals in this impressive wildlife sanctuary.
Ngoma Safari Lodge
Day 4-Chobe National Park
Boat cruises on the Chobe River provide another perspective of the area’s wildlife. Look out for the elephants going for their morning drink and the herds of buffalo congregating along the fertile flood plains. Lion, leopard, African wild dog, puku, red lechwe, sable, giraffe and roan antelope are often seen.
Ngoma Safari Lodge
Day 5-Chobe National Park
Get ready for your next safari experience as you fly to your camp perched on the banks of the Savute Channel. Chobe National Park covers an area of approximately 4500 square miles and encompasses floodplains, swamps and woodland. This is a dynamic wilderness of sweeping savanna, dotted by rocky outcrops and surrounded by marshes and the Savute Channel, one of Northern Botswana’s greatest mysteries, which alternates between flowing freely and lying dormant. Your safari lodge is a spectacular base from which to explore the area.
Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge
Day 6-Chobe National Park
Wake up with the wildlife and join your ranger for a game drive in an open-air safari vehicle for the chance to spot some of the many different animals. Although famous for its huge herds of elephants that congregate along the waterways and lagoons, the area is also excellent for its healthy number of predators, including the endangered wild dog.
Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge
Day 7-Chobe National Park / Moremi Wildlife Reserve
Your safari continues to the pristine wildlife oasis of the Moremi Wildlife Reserv, which boasts one of the richest and most diverse ecosystems on the continent. Here land and delta meet to create a picturesque preserve of floodplains. Immerse yourself in the safari experience at your intimate tented camp, boasting plenty of avenues for viewing wildlife. After lunch, gear up for an afternoon safari and an orientation to the Moremi’s diverse flora and fauna.
Belmond Khwai River Lodge
Day 8-Moremi Wildlife Reserve
Early morning game drives take you out into the wild landscape, while night drives provide a rare opportunity to witness the nocturnal life of the African bush. On a walking safari become attuned to your surroundings as you pick up the sounds and smells of the bush. After a day spent in the savannah, unwind in the tranquil pool or share stories by the fire.
Day 9-Moremi Wildlife Reserve / Okavango Delta
Fly off to the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ranked as one of the world’s top wildlife destinations, here miles of water channels, lagoons and islands form one of the most incredible wilderness sanctuaries in Africa. Each year, floodwaters flow from the central African highlands hundreds of miles away into the Delta to create this wondrous wetland within a desert. In the cool of the day, join your ranger to explore the wetlands aboard a mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe.
Belmond Eagle Island Lodge
Day 10-Okavango Delta
Awaken to birdsong and get ready to soak up the sights and sounds of the bush. Morning, afternoon and night game drives reveal the spectacular wildlife of the area where leopard and other big game often feature. Mokoros offer a wonderful means of viewing the wildlife as you glide between palm fringed islands on your way to the main channels. A scenic helicopter flight (additional cost) over the Okavango Delta offers the opportunity to see the full panorama of this great wilderness. View the crystal-clear water channels from above as you fly over some of the most remote, uninhabited and wild areas of the Delta.
Belmond Eagle Island Lodge
Day 11-Okavango Delta / Johannesburg / New York
After breakfast, relax and enjoy this uniquely special place, before reluctantly bidding farewell to your newfound friends. Transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Maun, where you will connect to your regional flight back to Johannesburg, South Africa, and onward international flight home.
Day 12-New York
Arrive home today with memories to last a lifetime!