Signature: Zimbabwe & Botswana, Wild by Nature

Signature: Zimbabwe & Botswana, Wild by Nature

• Trip code: 4B5X017
• Dauer: 12
• Stil: National Geographic Signature

Witness the raw majesty of Southern Africa, from the thundering veil of Victoria Falls to the sun-baked salt crust of the Makgadikgadi Pans. Track lions through Chobe National Park and navigate the crystal channels of the Okavango Delta. Guided by experts, connect with local communities and vital conservation.

Übersicht

Checklist

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Highlights

Stand at the edge of The Smoke That Thunders — Victoria Falls in all its elemental force, Capture wildlife up close on the Chobe River with guidance from a photographer, Meet a National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project researcher for a talk on this vibrant delta, Join a wildlife biologist at a research centre for a private presentation on human-elephant coexistence, Witness the abundant wildlife in the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Spot birds and animals from a traditional mokoro canoe and motorized boat

Meal Budget

Plane USD60-80 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Keine optionale Aktivitäten

Start / Finish

Victoria Falls nach Maun

What's Included

Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Mittagessen bei Lusumpuko Women's Club, Victoria Falls
Dein Welcome-Moment: Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Victoria Falls
Signature Moment: Private Zambezi River Dinner Cruise, Victoria Falls
Signature Moment: Pangolin Photo Safari Cruise on the Chobe River, Chobe National Park
Signature Moment: Living with Elephants, Makgadikgadi Pans. Arrival transfer. Welcome dinner. Attend the Simunye Theatre Show and meet the cast. Private, guided tour of Victoria Falls. Talk given by the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust. Chobe National Park Safari Drives. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expert Throughout. Internal Flight from Kasane to Maun. Meet with a researcher from the Nkashi Trust team which implements the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project. Internal flight from Maun to the Makgadikgadi Pans. Morning and afternoon wildlife safari drives in Makgadikgadi Pans over multiple days. Internal flight from the Makgadikgadi Pans to the Okavango Delta. Morning and afternoon wildlife safaris by motorboat and traditional mokoro in the Okavango Delta over multiple days. Farewell Dinner. Departure Transfer. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expert Throughout. Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles. Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt), Safari Lodges (10 nts)

Group Leader

National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout

Group Size Notes

Max 22, avg. 16

Introduction

Witness the raw majesty of Southern Africa, from the thundering veil of Victoria Falls to the sun-baked salt crust of the Makgadikgadi Pans. Track lions through Chobe National Park and navigate the crystal channels of the Okavango Delta. Guided by experts, connect with local communities and vital conservation

Transport

Private vehicle, plane, 4x4 safari vehicle, boat, mokoro, walking

Internationale Flüge

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport

Meals Included

11 Frühstück, 8 Mittagessen, 11 Abendessen

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Victoria Falls

Welcome to Zimbabwe. Your expedition begins at Victoria Falls, where the air hums with the distant roar of cascading water. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your lodge, nestled within a lush landscape. In the evening, gather with your National Geographic Expedition Leader, National Geographic Expedition Expert and fellow travellers for a welcome reception followed by a dinner highlighting regional flavours. Later, experience the Victoria Falls Theatre’s award-winning production, "Simunye: The Spirit of Africa." Meet the cast behind this vibrant celebration of African music, dance, and storytelling—an exclusive experience that offers true cultural immersion through rhythm and performance

Day 2 Victoria Falls

Start your day with a guided tour of Victoria Falls, feeling the mist of Mosi-oa-Tunya (‘The Smoke that Thunders’) as you witness its raw power up close. Next, visit the Lusumpuko Women’s Club—a G for Good Project—for a cooking demonstration and traditional lunch prepared by the cooperative members. Return to the lodge to hear from the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust about their rescue work. As the sun sets, set out on a dedicated dinner cruise along the Zambezi River, watching the water turn to gold. A special guest will share tales of explorer David Livingstone, making this evening unforgettable

Day 3 Victoria Falls/Chobe National Park

After breakfast, drive through Zambezi National Park and cross into Botswana. Arrive at your hotel, settle in, enjoy a light lunch. During high tea, join a talk to gain deeper insight into the park’s conservation efforts before boarding eco-friendly, electric boats to take in the stunning vistas and wildlife along the Chobe River. Spot elephants along the water’s edge and relax with a sundowner on deck. Return to the lodge for dinner by the river, accompanied by the sounds of the African night

Day 4 Chobe National Park

Start the day with an early morning safari drive through Chobe National Park, spotting majestic elephants, lions, and impala in the cool air. Return to the hotel for a hearty brunch. Then transfer to meet your dedicated, professional photo host before embarking on a Chobe River photo safari with camera equipment included. Glide along the southern channel of the Chobe River in search of elephants, hippos, and birdlife, capturing stunning wildlife shots with expert guidance along the water. Conclude the day with one final safari drive into the national park as you sip an included sundowner. Return to the lodge for dinner, celebrating your incredible journey through Southern Africa

Day 5 Chobe National Park/Maun

Wake up early for a final safari drive in the National Park in search of resident wildlife before continuing deeper into the heart of Botswana for more exploration and adventure. Catch a flight south from Kasane to the town of Maun, our jumping-off point for the days ahead. Settle into the hotel and spend the afternoon relaxing before a reception in the evening to welcome any new travellers joining the tour for the next leg of the expedition

Day 6 Maun/Makgadikgadi Pans

Start the day with a visit to the Nkashi Knowledge Centre. Here, meet an inspiring researcher from the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project for an illuminating presentation on the origins of the Okavango Delta. Next, transfer to the airport for a scenic flight over changing landscapes to the Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the largest salt flats in the world. The afternoon calls you into the bush for an exhilarating safari drive in the national park. Scan the horizon for zebras and wildebeest and the predators that naturally follow such as: lion, leopard, cheetah, and hyenas. Cap off the day with a traditional boma dinner beneath a brilliant canopy of stars

Day 7 Makgadikgadi Pans

As dawn breaks over the pans, set out on a morning safari drive to spot wildlife at their most active. Later, meet with a leading wildlife biologist for a presentation on the delicate balance of human and wildlife coexistence, followed by a visit to the local research centre. Back at the lodge, keep an eye out for elephants at the hidden water-level hide, offering panoramic views over Makgadikgadi Pan National Park, ideal for viewing wildlife on the river’s edge. Conclude the day with an afternoon safari drive before dinner

Day 8 Makgadikgadi Pans

The golden morning light guides you on another safari drive through the rich habitats of Makgadikgadi Pan National Park, keeping an eye out for the resident wildlife in their natural environment. Under the midday sun, stay cool and relax at the lodge, perhaps visit the lodge’s secret hide to spot birds or grazing animals drinking at the edge of the Boteti River. Following another thrilling safari drive, the evening transitions to the warmth of the crackling campfire. Sink into your seat and share stories from the day

Day 9 Makgadikgadi Pans/Okavango Delta

Board an early flight into the lush green heart of the Okavango Delta, watching the arid plains transform into an intricate puzzle of shimmering waterways below. After lunch, attend an insightful afternoon talk regarding the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project. Learn about the ongoing efforts to secure permanent, sustainable protection for this vital watershed and its rich biodiversity. Afterwards, feel the spray of the water on your face during a boat safari, navigating the channels as the setting sun turns the delta waters into liquid gold

Day 10 Okavango Delta

Awaken to the symphony of the delta and enjoy a light breakfast before your morning safari. Glide through the glass-like water in a traditional mokoro dugout canoe, listening to the gentle splash of the paddle, then step ashore for a guided nature walk across remote islands to track wildlife on foot. Spend a quiet afternoon at a secluded bird-viewing hide, watching kingfishers and herons fly above the reeds. Following afternoon tea, set out again by boat for another aquatic safari before settling into the lodge for the evening and gathering around the campfire

Day 11 Okavango Delta

Head out in search of more wildlife with a morning boat safari. Watch for pods of hippos and basking crocodiles as you navigate by mokoro and motorboat, and discover the small wonders of the delta's ecosystems on an island walking excursion. Back at the lodge, spend the midday hours relaxing or gazing out from the bird-viewing area to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the local avian life. Following afternoon tea, a final boat ride reveals the delta's timeless beauty at twilight. Toast your unforgettable African expedition during a celebratory farewell dinner with your companions

Day 12 Okavango Delta/Maun

Enjoy a final breakfast at the lodge, listening to the rustle of the palms and the distant calls of the bush one last time. Board a flight back to Maun, enjoying a final bird’s-eye view of the vast, winding delta channels you have explored. Your extraordinary wildlife expedition concludes upon arrival at the Maun airport

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Victoria Falls

Day 2 Victoria Falls

Day 3 Victoria Falls/Chobe National Park

Day 4 Chobe National Park

Day 5 Chobe National Park/Maun

Day 6 Maun/Makgadikgadi Pans

Day 7 Makgadikgadi Pans

Day 8 Makgadikgadi Pans

Day 9 Makgadikgadi Pans/Okavango Delta

Day 10 Okavango Delta

Day 11 Okavango Delta

Day 12 Okavango Delta/Maun