Botswana Highlights

Reiseverlauf 2026

1. Tag 1

   Victoria Falls

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   Mhoro! Welcome to Zimbabwe. Your adventure begins in Victoria Falls with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, and it’s recommended that you do, check out some of the optional activities around Victoria Falls. The Zimbabwe side of the falls offers the broadest view of this colossal natural wonder. Scenic helicopter flights are incredible – if you opt for one, choose Zambezi Helicopter Company (CAA Zimbabwe), the only operator Intrepid endorses. After the welcome meeting, why not get to know your fellow travellers over a group dinner.
   It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. We recommend Shearwater Adventure activity centre to book any optional activities. However, we have not risk assessed all activities and only those listed in the itinerary are recommended. It is against company policy for leaders to facilitate the booking of any activities that have not been risk assessed or do not adhere to our company’s Responsible Travel policy and ethos. This includes organising transport to and from these activities in our vehicles. You may also notice businesses offering an optional 'Walk with the Lions' experience. We ask all Intrepid travellers to avoid this activity as it is contrary to our Responsible Travel policy. While wildlife viewing is a big part of many of our itineraries, we strive to only view animals in their natural habitats and to do so with the greatest level of respect. The lion walking industry directly contributes to the captive breeding and canned hunting of lions. Read more about animal welfare and our ‘Born to Live Wild’ pledge here: intrepidtravel.com/animal-welfare
2. Tag 2

   Elephant Sands

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   This morning, you’ll leave Victoria Falls behind and head to Elephant Sands via the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust – one of the projects The Intrepid Foundation supports. Here you can learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, human-wildlife conflict and the Trust’s role in anti-poaching. There may also be a chance to meet any rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care. Then, travel across the Kazungula border into Botswana and make your way to your accommodation in Elephant Sands. Located in a private concession bordering on the Chobe Forest Reserve, the watering hole at Elephant Sands lodge attracts herds of elephants and other wildlife in season. You'll take a guided bush walk through the unfenced 16,000 ha private conservancy, which is home to a variety of wildlife. You may even spot some of Africa's lesser-known 'Little Five' species! Tonight, maybe soak up the sounds of the wilderness with a glass of wine as your overlook the waterhole, keeping an eye out for the roaming animals.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours, including the border crossing. The chalets have open plan bedrooms, mosquito nets, en-suite bathrooms and views of the waterhole. There is a swimming pool, restaurant and bar onsite. The Lodge is unfenced, and animals roam freely. It's a good idea to pack a small torch or headlamp to use when navigating your way to and from your room at night. The lodge is powered by generators which are switched off at night. There are no electrical sockets in the chalets. If you'd like to charge your phone, camera or laptop you can do so in the restaurant.
3. Tag 3

   Maun

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   After breakfast, drive to Maun – a bustling town on the edge of the Okavango Delta. Arriving here in the afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to take in this UNESCO World Heritage site from above on an optional scenic helicopter flight (your leader can help arrange this for you). Tonight's accommodation is in a comfortable hotel situated in the heart of Maun.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 6.5 hours.
4. Tag 4

   Okavango Delta

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   Leaving Maun after breakfast, make your way further to the northwestern part of the Okavango Delta, admiring the scenery along the way. Meet your 4WD transfer for the last 12 km and watch the scenery pass you by. When you arrive, settle into the lodge where you’ll be spending the next two nights, located on the edge of the Guma Lagoon.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
5. Tag 5

   Okavango Delta

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   Today, you'll hop into mokoros (traditional dugout canoes) for a water-level exploration of the delta. Paddling through papyrus and reed beds to lily-covered lagoons and islands, keep an eye out for elephants, antelope, warthogs, and other wildlife. Afterward, enjoy a short bushwalk on one of the islands before returning to the lodge for a delicious lunch. Spend the afternoon at leisure, relaxing by the pool, and finish the day with a sunset view over the lagoon.
6. Tag 6

   Caprivi Strip

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   After breakfast, take the 4WD transfer back to the vehicle and make your way to the Namibian border. The drive to tonight's camp on the Caprivi banks of the Okavango River, involves passing through the Mahango Game Reserve – keep your eyes peeled for the surrounding wildlife on the drive, like elephants and buffalo.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours, including immigration formalities.
7. Tag 7

   Chobe National Park

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   Continue the journey along the Caprivi Strip, located in the newly formed Kavango-Zambezi Trans frontier park. After crossing the border back into Botswana you’ll arrive at Kasane – a town surrounded by the Chobe National Park. Taking its name from the river which marks the border between Namibia and Botswana, Chobe boasts the largest population of elephants in Africa, plus an abundance of birdlife, pods of wallowing hippos and more. Check out Kasane town, or maybe take a dip in the lodge pool, sit by the open outdoor fire or simply watch the setting sun change the colours of the sky above the Chobe River.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
8. Tag 8

   Chobe National Park

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   Wake up early and head out for a dawn game drive in Chobe National Park, where you may see elephants drinking at the waters' edge, large herds of cape buffalo and many impala. Return to the lodge for a late breakfast, then enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Later in the afternoon, maybe head out on an optional sunset cruise on the Chobe River. At the right time of year, the river is frequented by large families of elephants crossing the banks, drinking and playing in the water. It's also ideal for spotting birdlife such as saddle-billed storks, malachite kingfishers, fish eagles and beautiful bee-eaters, as well as hippos and crocodiles. Why not grab a sundowner from the small bar onboard, then sit back and watch the sunset over the river – a relaxing way to end the day.
   It can get very cool on the early morning game drive, so be sure to rug up and dress in layers.
9. Tag 9

   Victoria Falls

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   Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before heading to the Zimbabwean border. After completing the border formalities, drive the remaining distance to Victoria Falls. Your adventure ends when you arrive and no accommodation is included tonight. If you’d like to extend your stay in Victoria Falls, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time. Those staying longer can visit the falls and choose from various activities and excursions, including white water rafting and canoeing.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. If you’re flying out tonight, we recommend not booking international flights departing before 2:00 pm to allow enough time for travel and possible border delays.