Great Safaris Trip Itinerary for Website - Southern Africa

Internal flight from OR Tambo International Airport to Maun Airport

Internal Flight from Maun Airport to Duba Plains Airstrip

Transfer to the lodge

Okavango Delta

This delta in north-west Botswana comprises permanent marshlands and seasonally flooded plains. It is one of the very few major interior delta systems that do not flow into a sea or ocean, with a wetland system that is almost intact. One of the unique characteristics of the site is that the annual flooding from the River Okavango occurs during the dry season, with the result that the native plants and animals have synchronized their biological cycles with these seasonal rains and floods. It is an exceptional example of the interaction between climatic, hydrological and biological processes.

The wildlife of the Okavango Delta is varied and plentiful thanks to the rich ecosystems and protection. The Okavango Delta supports large concentrations of animals on both a permanent and seasonal basis. Through careful wildlife management it has become perhaps one of the best places to see wildlife in Africa. There is a dynamic seasonal shift of animals between the arid region that surrounds the delta and the Okavango Delta itself. During the wet season most large animals move away from the delta to take advantage of the lush grazing that surrounds it. As this grazing begins to die in the winter animals move back to the delta.

Wildlife of the Okavango Delta includes a myriad of species including African Bush Elephant, African Buffalo, Hippopotamus, Lechwe, Topi, Blue Wildebeest, Giraffe, Nile crocodile, Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Brown Hyena, Spotted Hyena, Greater Kudu, Sable Antelope, Black Rhinoceros, White Rhinoceros, Plains Zebra, Warthog and Chacma Baboon. Notably the endangered African Wild Dog still survives within the Okavango Delta and exhibits one of the richest pack densities in Africa. In addition to the large animals the wildlife of the Okavango Delta includes over 500 species of birds and 85 recorded species of fish including Tigerfish, Tilapia and Catfish.

Game Drives in Okavango Delta

Game drives in the Okavango Delta are remote and secluded, with very few safari vehicles sharing the same areas. Professionally trained guides tailor drives to your preferences, promising up-close views of unique wildlife and flourishing vegetation.

In this untamed landscape, sensitive off-road driving practices allow you to get up close to the area’s exceptional wildlife. Each game drive is an adventure, balancing along narrow wooden bridges and splashing through shallow crossings in a rugged open safari vehicle.

Set out in search of the Okavango Delta's rich wildlife, including its semi-aquatic antelopes, the elegant red lechwe and shy sitatunga antelope. Search from the area’s predators, from lion prides to cheetah, leopard and African wild dog. Explore the open woodlands in search of roan and sable antelope or keep an eye out for graceful giraffes and frisky zebras on the floodplains. On the edges of the Delta, where land blurs with water, marvel at breeding herds of elephant as they splash gently through the shallow channels.

Afternoon drives continue into the night, allowing for nocturnal wildlife encounters. Look out for the rarely spotted serval and pangolin or watch the moon reflect off the backs of a family of hippo coming out of the water to graze, turning them into slabs of shining silver.

Guided Walk and Mokoro ride on the Okavango Delta

Go on a guided walking safari through the delta where you are totally enveloped in nature. This enables you to see amazing insects, animal tracks, game droppings, and learn the secrets from the bush. These small, unexpected aspects of life often make the biggest impression. If a game drive is like reading a book: a walking safari is actually becoming a character in that book.

Tranquility is best experience on a mokoro ride, floating soundlessly on the waterways. A mokoro, or traditional dugout canoe, takes you over shallow waters to areas inaccessible by regular boat. Luminous dragonflies hover with whirring wings. Game such as red lechwe antelope, reed bucks and giraffes come to drink. For many it is the birds that truly dazzle - egrets, storks and even fishing eagles swoop overhead. This activity is water level dependent.

Transfer to the airstrip

Internal flight from Duba Camp to Selinda Camp

Transfer to the lodge

Selinda Game Reserve

A vast and picturesque wildlife sanctuary between the Okavango and Linyanti river water systems. The Selinda reserve lies between the Okavango and Linyanti water systems, and it protects the Selinda Spillway which runs through the heart of this vast reserve – 130 000 hectares of pristine wilderness. It is a beautiful environment with tall palm trees look onto open grasslands and riverine forest. In the dry season the game viewing is fantastic. The reserve’s camps are situated in the east of the concession where game viewing is aided by the large expanses of open ground dotted with tree islands. The west of the reserve is dense leadwood and mopane forest. The Selinda Spillway (or Magwegquana) is a fascinating fossil channel which routes water between the Linyanti Swamps and the Okavango Delta. Often dry, it connected the two waterlands again in 2009 after heavy floods. You can even take a four night trip canoeing down the Spillway June to October with Selinda Adventure Trail.

In common with the Linyanti and Kwando areas, the game is increased in the second half of the year by migrations moving from the drier areas, although impala, kudu, tsessbe, warthog, reedbuck and giraffe are seen all year round. There are always good sightings of lion. Selinda is particularly notable for sightings of its resident pack of wild dog; they love the open grasslands. Birdlife includes carmine bee-eaters which have learned to follow game drive vehicles to feed on the insects that fly up to avoid the wheels; a wonderful, colorful spectacle for the passengers. Raptors in the area are martial and fish eagles and bateleurs. Black and slaty egrets, wattled crane and African skimmers are found here. When the water returns, the smaller trees and wild sage bushes that have colonized the spillway during dry times are killed off. The islands of the open floodplains are formed in a slow, fascinating process that takes decades. The islands begin with termite mounds which are high enough to stay above water in times of flooding. Eventually trees grow on these higher areas. Trees draw in water but do not take up the salts in the water. The salts crystallize and eventually raise the level of the islands. Ultimately the trees die off, unable to cope with the high salt content of their islands.

Game Drives in Selinda

The open vehicle safari drives, guided bush walks, boating, tracking, birding, and other bespoke viewing activities are designed to place you in front of the best wildlife the area offers. The unique one-on-one life-changing experiences include sightings of leopards, elephants and hippos. Guests can also expect to tick off as many of the 200 or more bird species when on safari in Botswana.

Guided walking safari

For those seeking an intimate experience beyond the thrill of Big Five sightings from a vehicle, a guided bush walk offers a rare opportunity to connect deeply with the African wilderness. On foot, you follow in the tracks of the bush’s wild inhabitants, breathing in the scent of crushed grasses and earth as the bush awakens all six senses. This is a safari experience that allows you to truly touch Africa and let Africa touch you.

Accompanied by an experienced walking safari guide, you discover the smaller wonders of the bush that often go unnoticed from a game drive. Learn the art of tracking, observing how close you can approach impala, nyala, or other small antelope without disturbing them. Explore the intricate details of the ecosystem, from the delicate geometry of a spider’s web to the industrious life of a dung beetle, gaining insight into the interconnectedness of all living things. Along the way, your guide will introduce you to the flora of the region, highlighting the aromas, textures, and traditional uses of wild herbs and plants. Every step is a lesson in patience, observation, and respect for nature. The experience is both thrilling and humbling, offering a heightened awareness of the environment as you learn to move silently and read the subtle signs of wildlife.

A guided walking safari is an immersive journey into the heart of Africa, where every sense is engaged, every discovery sparks wonder, and the bush reveals its secrets in a way that only walking can offer a truly unforgettable way to experience the African wilderness.

Transfer to the airstrip

Internal flight from Selinda to Kasane

Internal flight from Kasane Airport to Victoria Falls

After breakfast, transfer to Kasane Airport for your flight to Victoria Falls followed by a transfer to the lodge.

Transfer to the lodge

Zambezi Royal Sunset Cruise

The luxurious, 28-seater single level cruise boat offers a unique and intimate way to view the Zambezi River. The boat is the first of its kind, custom built to maximize comfort, style, practicality and service. During the premium two hour guided Sunset cruise guests can look forward to 5-star service on board, consisting of imported wines and spirits, gourmet hot & cold canapés. The boat is on the river for about 2 - 2.5 hours.

Canapes as per menu below on the Sunset Cruise: Bacon Wrapped Chipolata Sausages, Mini Vegetarian Quiches, Crocodile Kebabs, Vegetarian Samosas, Crumbed Mushroom & Halloumi Skewers, Barbecue Marinated Chicken Wings, Meatballs stuffed with Mozzarella, Trio of Homemade Crisps, 'Chilli Bites' and puri (an unleavened Indian snack bread), Platter of Brie, Olives & Grapes. All accompanied by Sweet Chilli & a fresh Tartare Sauce.

Victoria Falls Town

A genuine bucket-list destination, Victoria Falls is one of Africa’s most iconic tourist towns and a jewel of Zimbabwe. Celebrated worldwide as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the appeal of Victoria Falls extends far beyond the magnificent waterfall itself. The town sits within the greater Victoria Falls National Park, with the Zambezi National Park just upstream. Here, elephant, buffalo, and a variety of antelope such as impala, kudu, and waterbuck roam freely, often seen living in remarkable harmony with local residents.

The town offers an impressive variety of safari experiences, including game drives, guided walking safaris, riverboat safaris, and specialized birdwatching and fishing excursions. The mighty Zambezi River, both above and below the Falls, provides a playground of activities from serene sunset cruises to adrenaline-filled white-water rafting through the Batoka Gorge. Victoria Falls is also an ideal base for exploring the wider region, with easy access to premier wildlife destinations such as Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe), Chobe National Park (Botswana), and the many adventure and cultural offerings across the river in Livingstone (Zambia).

For a more relaxed experience, wander through the vibrant town center. Visit the charming Elephant’s Walk shopping village, dotted with boutique curio shops, a popular café, and a tranquil courtyard bursting with colorful flowers. Explore local craft markets showcasing talented artisans who create intricate stone and wood carvings. Just a short walk away, discover the award-winning Tammy Walker Gallery, featuring exceptional local photography. The town also boasts excellent restaurants, coffee shops, and even a craft brewery. Don’t miss The Lookout Café, renowned for its breathtaking views of the Victoria Falls Bridge and the dramatic gorges often accompanied by the thrill of watching daredevils bungee jump or swing into the canyon below.

Tour of Victoria Falls

Embark on a guided tour of Victoria Falls, strolling through the lush rainforest that surrounds one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Your guide will provide a fascinating overview of the Falls’ history while highlighting the unique flora, fauna, birdlife, and wildlife that thrive in this extraordinary environment. As you meander along the scenic ravine paths, you’ll encounter breathtaking viewpoints and glimpses of the wildlife that inhabit the area. Guides are always happy to assist with photographs, ensuring your memories of this spectacular destination are perfectly captured. While raincoats are provided when needed, it is recommended to bring a small poncho to stay comfortable during the misty moments near the falls.

Victoria Falls is truly a marvel of nature. Towering columns of spray rise when the Zambezi River is in full flow, while the thunderous roar of falling water reverberates through the gorge below. Upstream, tranquil lagoons hide hippos and the occasional crocodile, adding an element of wild intrigue. The Falls drop between 90 and 107 meters into the Zambezi Gorge, with an average of 550,000 cubic meters of water plunging over the edge every minute.

Remarkably preserved in its natural state, Victoria Falls captivates visitors just as it did the legendary explorer David Livingstone in the 1860s. Declared a National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area is carefully protected, ensuring that this iconic natural wonder remains as inspiring and unspoiled as it has for centuries.

Elephant Encounter

The Elephant Encounter offers guests a rare and unforgettable opportunity to quietly observe some of Africa’s most charismatic wildlife in a pristine wilderness setting overflowing with raw natural beauty. This immersive experience lasts approximately 2.5 to 3 hours and invites guests to learn about, connect with, and truly appreciate elephants in a respectful, ethical, and natural way.

The excursion begins in an open-air thatch boma overlooking the beautiful Masuwe River. Against this breathtaking backdrop, guests receive an informative and inspiring presentation about the Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage. Founded on the principles of rehabilitation, conservation, and education, the sanctuary’s mission is to create awareness of the challenges elephants face in the wild and highlight what could be lost without meaningful environmental stewardship.

From there, guests venture into the bush to spend time with the elephants themselves. The chance to stand close to these gentle giants, observe their unique personalities, and witness their interaction with dedicated handlers is often a deeply emotional experience. You may take photographs, marvel at their size, and watch them browse, communicate, and behave exactly as nature intended.

After the encounter, guests are invited to enjoy a selection of refreshments before being transferred back to their lodge or hotel taking with them memories that last a lifetime.

Victoria Falls Canopy Tour

The Victoria Falls Canopy Tour offers fantastic views of Zambezi rapids, Victoria Falls Bridge & the spray of the Falls.

Observe the riverine forest from a variety of different vantage points – from above, below and within the canopy itself — experience forest bird-life, which can include the Knysna and Purple-crested Turaco (Lourie) and Peregrine Falcons. The Victoria Falls Canopy Tour offers a network of slides, trails and rope bridge walkways within the canopy of the hardwood forest of the Zambezi gorges. This experience is suitable for adventure seekers of all ages including families and groups. The Canopy Tour is family fun with a unique birds-eye view of one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

The Canopy Tour consists of nine slides, varying in length and one cable bridge walkway. The longest slide is about 85 metres long and the shortest 40 metres in length. Our friendly and experienced staff will give you a detailed safety briefing before the canopy tour, taking you step by step through your upcoming adventure. There are two guides on each tour, and the activity lasts for between two to two and a half hours.

Departure Flight from Victoria Falls

Bid farewell to Africa, for now until your next Safari !