Wild Botswana Eco Safari

Endless plains, savannah woodland, perennial rivers and the uncharted Okavango Delta - Botswana is one of the last true wilderness regions in the world. Wildlife drifts freely across the pristine landscapes of Moremi Wildlife Reserve and Chobe National Park, abundant in numbers and diversity. Every sunrise brings a new adventure, opportunities for photography are limitless and the feel of Africa is everywhere.

LOW IMPACT ECO-SAFARI
Purpose Built Camps that offer all the comfort without the unnecessary cost and frills for a more sustainable and affordable safari without compromising, in fact improving, the safari experience. What does this mean?
Camps that combine the authenticity of the past, the comforts of today and a future-thinking Eco-awareness that is essential in today's modern safari environment.
Camps that feature iconic canvas tents, cooling plunge pools and communal bars and dining areas and reading nooks.
Camps that consciously forgo certain conveniences like hairdryers and air-conditioning, and rely on alternative energy such as solar to lighten our load on the planet.
Low energy consuming appliances and lights.
No permanent fixtures so a camp's footprint can be rehabilitated in as little as 18 months if necessary.

Quick Summary

Day	Description	Accommodation
Day 1	Victoria Falls	Batonka Guest Lodge
Day 2	Victoria Falls	Batonka Guest Lodge
Day 3	Chobe National Park	Ngoma Safari Lodge
Day 4	Chobe National Park	Ngoma Safari Lodge
Day 5	Okavango Delta	Gomoti Plains Camp
Days 6 - 7	Okavango Delta	Gomoti Plains Camp
Day 8	Okavango Delta	Kiri Camp
Days 9 - 10	Okavango Delta	Kiri Camp
Day 11	Depart

Itinerary Detail

Day 1: Victoria Falls

Daily Summary

Transfer: Transfer from Victoria Falls airport to your hotel
Accommodation: Batonka Guest Lodge
Meals: D

After clearing customs and immigration, you are met and transferred by road to your hotel (approximately 30 minutes).

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

When you wander through the lush rainforests above the Victoria Falls, newly baptised in the mist, your ears holding the echo of thundering waters, it isn't hard to imagine that this is where it all began. Eden. As the land cuts away beneath the ancient Zambezi River, the waters plummet dramatically into the Batoka Gorge, over 100 metres below. The angrily churned up spray shoots skyward, painting the landscape in billowing clouds. This striking "smoke that thunders" can be seen for miles, a geographic pointer summoning visitors into its presence.

The vibrant town of Victoria Falls is known as the adventure capital of the world, and if your eyes light up at the thought of conquering the "Stairway to Heaven" or "The Terminator" in a raft, then this is the place for you. While the notorious Nyaminyami (Zambezi River God) watches from its mythical depths, and the majestic basalt cliffs allow your passage through the canyon's exquisite landscape, adventure seekers are assured of a good time. From Grade 5 white-water rafting,bungee jumping and abseiling the amusement never ends.

What makes this destination so memorable is the fact that it is perfectly combined with warmly hospitable people, exquisite scenery and an array of accommodation. Excellent game,historic ruins, fishing and luxury train travel are easily accessible from Victoria Falls, as are the neighbouring countries which border this fascinating town.

Day 2: Victoria Falls

Daily Summary

Tour: Victoria Falls Guided Tour
Tour: Zambezi River Sunset Cruise
Accommodation: Batonka Guest Lodge
Meals: B, D

Victoria Falls Guided Tour

Your guide will meet you at your hotel. The Victoria Falls is a truly awe-inspiring experience - the sight, the sound, the smell; the humbling feeling that here indeed is Nature's Supreme Masterpiece. No photograph can begin to depict the reality…and nothing prepares you for your first sight. Guests are accompanied through the Rainforest by a qualified guide who gives a brief history of the Falls as well as detailing the flora, fauna, bird and wildlife and other points of interest. En-route, pass the ‘Big Tree' where you stop for photos. Raincoats are provided when needed.

Zambezi River Sunset Cruise

This afternoon you are transferred to the Zambezi River for a memorable and relaxing sunset cruise. The Zambezi River cruise is a superb way to relax and enjoy the beauty of the River. You may have the opportunity to see a variety of game including hippo, crocodile, elephant as well as enjoy the many different bird species. The sunset cruise is very popular and includes finger snacks, beer, wine, local spirits and soft drinks. There are great photo opportunities against often-spectacular African sunsets.

Day 3: Chobe National Park

Daily Summary

Transfer: Transfer Airport to Safari Lodge
Accommodation: Ngoma Safari Lodge
Meals: L, D

On arrival you are met and transferred to your lodge.

Chobe National Park

The Chobe National Park was established in 1968, it covers approximately 11 700sq kilometers, encompassing floodplains, swamps and woodlands and the Chobe River forms its northern boundary with Namibia. The riverfront is most famous for its large herds of elephant and Cape buffalo, which rely on the river for water during the dry winter months. In some instances, you may see hundreds of elephant at one time, as the road becomes impassable while scores of family herds make their way to the river to drink, bathe and play. One of the most popular activities of this region is to go on a river cruise, where you can experience the game viewing from a different vantage point, accompanied by the unmistakable and spine-chilling call of the Fish Eagle.

Day 4: Chobe National Park

Daily Summary

Accommodation: Ngoma Safari Lodge
Meals: B, L, D

On safari in the Chobe National Park

Elephants feature largely on any activity in Chobe, as the largest population left in Africa occupies this northern corner between Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Game drives in open-sided 4 x 4 vehicles bring these grey giants into easy reach as they drink and frolic at the water's edge in their boisterous herds. Thrilling game drives lead by qualified professional guides bring you close to hippos, buffalo, puku and other animals that gather on the banks of the Chobe River. Naturally, lion and leopard are also found in the area. For a change of perspective, enjoy a safari cruise on the Chobe River where you can see a large variety of wildlife as they come to this permanent water supply to drink.

Day 5: Okavango Delta

Daily Summary

Transfer: Transfer safari lodge to Airport
Domestic Flights: Flight Kasane to the Okavango Delta
Transfer: Transfer from airstrip to camp
Accommodation: Gomoti Plains Camp
Meals: B, L, D

Flight Kasane to the Okavango Delta

Light Aircraft flight from Kasane to the Okavango Delta.
Times to be advised locally

Please note: maximum luggage allowance including hand bags and camera equipment is 20kgs/44lbs per person in soft bags with no rigid frames. Checked luggage mustn't exceed 30cm/12in wide x 35cm/14in high x 70cm/28in long. Passengers weighing over 115kg/253lbs may have to purchase an extra seat, please inform us prior to travel. Operating as a shuttle service flight times and routes vary and, although unlikely, there may be up to 4 stops en-route to/from camps

After your morning game drive (time permitting) and breakfast, you are transferred by road to the airport in time for your flight.

You are met at your airstrip and taken to your camp. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife en route!

Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is the best known and most visited tourist attraction in Botswana. It is situated deep within the Kalahari Basin, and is often referred to as the ‘jewel’ of the Kalahari. Shaped like a fan, the Delta is fed by the Okavango River, the third largest in southern Africa. It has been steadily developed over the millennia by millions of tons of sand carried down the river from Angola. The Delta has no outlet to the sea and as a result its water run into the Kalahari Desert. Each year, during and shortly after the rainy season, the Delta irrigates about 15,000sq km of desert. However, the high temperatures of the Kalahari causes much of this excess water to quickly evaporate. Floodplains and islands disappear under the rising water and then reappear in an ever-changing landscape at the end of each wet season. One of the most popular activities in the Delta, is to go on an enchanting mokoro ride, where a qualified guide silently poles you through the reed-lined waterways.

Gomoti Camp

Watch elephants swim through the reeds in the Okavango Delta, or a leopard track its prey in the predator capital of the world at Gomoti. It’s the chance to see nature in un-edited detail. The wildlife viewing here is exceptional and includes lion, leopard, spotted hyena and cheetah and African wild dogs. This strong presence of predators is supported by the abundance of prey.
Gomoti Plains Camp offers extensive water activities with incredible wildlife diversity. The wildlife viewing in the area, both from vehicle or water, is superb. Guests can look forward to mokoro trips, motor boats (water dependant), and game viewing by vehicle and on foot. Being in a private concession, guests can also enjoy night drives and off-road viewing.

Days 6 - 7: Okavango Delta

Daily Summary

Accommodation: Gomoti Plains Camp
Meals: B, L, D

On safari in the Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is a true Garden of Eden, with picturesque lagoons, lush forests, vast savannas, superb wildlife and over 400 bird species. Your experienced and knowledgeable guides will immerse you in a magical African wilderness as you discover Africa's most impressive wildlife.

Day 8: Okavango Delta

Daily Summary

Transfer: Helicopter from Gomoti to Kiri
Accommodation: Kiri Camp
Meals: B, L, D

Helicopter Transfer: Gomoti to Kiri Camp
Please note: Luggage allowance is maximum 20kg per person in soft bags only.

Days 9 - 10: Okavango Delta

Daily Summary

Accommodation: Kiri Camp
Meals: B, L, D

Kiri Camp

Kiri Camp is named after the Kiri channel which flows past the island on which the camp is situated. The camp is raised on wooden decks to give one a view of the mighty Kiri floodplains which stretch out in front of the camp. The luxury tents are designed to incorporate the surrounding ebony forest, and the use of wood, canvas, and reeds are primary to the architecture of this stunning camp.
The wildlife in the Kiri area is diverse and plentiful, renown for its lion and buffalo interactions and rare wild dog numbers. As Kiri Camp is in a private concession, off road and night driving are allowed, as are armed nature walks through the surrounding islands with knowledgeable guides. A motorboat ride during peak flood times promises to enthrall you and captivate you, with the chance of seeing iconic wildlife from the river. Glide on quiet mokoros through the water lilies and view wildlife from below as you sail along at water level height. The wildlife in the Kiri area is diverse and plentiful, renown for its lion and buffalo interactions and rare wild dog numbers.

Day 11: Depart

Daily Summary

Domestic Flights: Flight Maun to Johannesburg
Transfer: Helicopter from Kiri to Maun
Meals: B

Flight Maun to Johannesburg

Regular scheduled flight Maun to Johannesburg
NOT INCLUDED IN LAND PRICE

Helicopter Transfer: Kiri Camp to Maun Airport
Please note: Luggage allowance is maximum 20kg per person in soft bags only.

Accommodation

Batonka Guest Lodge

Located in a quiet residential suburb of Victoria Falls, Batonka Guest House is just a short distance from the Victoria Falls rainforest entrance and the town center. The property features 22 en suite rooms that offer quality comforts, modern amenities and boast their own verandas overlooking beautiful gardens. Attractive central spaces include a dining area, lounge and bar, and delectable meals can either be enjoyed indoors or outside on the lovely terrace overlooking the pool. In between sightseeing adventures, Batonka Guest Lodge is the idyllic place to unwind, kick back and relax.

Ngoma Safari Lodge

Located within the Chobe Forest Reserve, bordering the Chobe National Park, Ngoma Safari Lodge showcases panoramic views over the Chobe River and Caprivi Floodplain, from its elevated perch on the rocky escarpment. This intimate safari lodge boasts only 8 elegant thatched suites, nestled before stretches of vast landscape and distant river views. Each of the suites feature an open-plan bathroom, private scenic deck and outdoor plunge pool. Escape the midday African heat with a refreshing dip and tranquil ambiance. Built adjacent to a magnificent Baobab, the appealing central areas have an ethnic flavor, comprised of a bar, lounge area and outdoors viewpoints.

Gomoti Plains Camp

Gomoti Plains Camp is situated in a private concession on the Gomoti river system in the south eastern part of the Okavango Delta. This area is home to large herds of buffalo, a healthy lion population and plenty of giraffe. With 8 twin and 2 family tents Gomoti Plains is similar in style to sister camp Machaba. Offering both land and water activities guests may enjoy game drives, walking, birding and mokoro excursions. Due to its position on a game path, there is the added excitement of animals wandering through the camp. By night, the camp is illuminated by solar power lighting and paraffin lamps which emit a gentle romantic glow. Each evening guests are invited for pre dinner drinks around the camp fire while sharing stories with their fellow travelers and guides.

Kiri Camp

Kiri Camp offers a combination of both game drives and water activities. Based on a private concession, these activities will take you to some of the more remote areas in the delta, previously inaccessible.

The wildlife in the Kiri area is diverse and plentiful, renown for its lion and buffalo interactions and rare wild dog numbers. As Kiri Camp is in a private concession, off road and night driving are allowed, as are armed nature walks through the surrounding islands with knowledgeable guides.Kiri Camp is named after the Kiri channel which flows past the island on which the camp is situated. The camp is raised on wooden decks to give one a view of the mighty Kiri floodplains which stretch out in front of the camp. The luxury tents are designed to incorporate the surrounding ebony forest, and the use of wood, canvas, and reeds are primary to the architecture of this stunning camp.

Why Maxim Tours?

Uncommon Safaris for Discerning Adventurers

Experience Matters

Since 1993 Maxim Tours’ passion for exotic destinations has made us a highly sought after Boutique Tour Operator for discerning travelers. After three decades we continue to exceed our clients' expectations. Our approach over these many years is simple; offer the very best service and travel experience at the most competitive prices while balancing the importance of sustainable tourism with a high quality travel product.

Premier Guides

Maxim Tours' guides have a reputation for being the best in the business. Experts in their fields, friendly and interesting, a good guide will bring the most out of every excursion while creating lifelong memories.

24/7 Support

At no time during your adventure will you be alone. Our local partners are available 24/7 in the event you need any assistance while traveling. We will monitor your progress and take care of any unexpected developments so that your trip continues unhindered.

Responsible Tourism

Responsible and sustainable tourism should be more than just a phrase - it has to be an ongoing and tangible commitment to balancing tourism with the upliftment of local communities and preservation of the natural environment. Maxim Tours actively supports camps and lodges whose business models reflect this commitment.