Overview
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 1
Victoria Falls
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.
Daily Summary
Day 2
Victoria Falls
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.
Daily Summary
Day 3
Chobe National Park
On arrival you are met and transferred to your lodge. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife en route!
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.
Daily Summary
Day 4
Chobe National Park
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.
Daily Summary
Day 5
Okavango Delta
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.
Daily Summary
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
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
Days 6 - 7
Okavango Delta
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.
Daily Summary
Day 8
Okavango Delta
Helicopter Transfer: Gomoti to Kiri Camp
Please note: Luggage allowance is maximum 20kg per person in soft bags only.
Daily Summary
Days 9 - 10
Okavango Delta
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.
Daily Summary
Day 11
Depart
Helicopter Transfer: Kiri Camp to Maun Airport
Please note: Luggage allowance is maximum 20kg per person in soft bags only.
Daily Summary
Flight Maun to Johannesburg
Regular scheduled flight Maun to Johannesburg
NOT INCLUDED IN LAND PRICE
NOT INCLUDED IN LAND PRICE
Accommodation
| Accommodation | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Batonka Guest Lodge | Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe | |
| Ngoma Safari Lodge | Chobe, Botswana | |
| Gomoti Plains Camp | Okavango Delta, Botswana | |
| Kiri Camp | Okavango Delta, Botswana |
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Batonka Guest Lodge
Chobe, Botswana
Ngoma Safari Lodge
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Gomoti Plains Camp
Okavango Delta, Botswana
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 Safaris & Journeys
Uncommon Safaris for Discerning Adventurers
Experience Matters
Since 1993 Maxim Safaris & Journeys’ 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 Safaris & Journeys' 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 Safaris & Journeys actively supports camps and lodges whose business models reflect this commitment.
About Us
Since 1993, Maxim Safaris & Journeys has been dedicated to creating unforgettable journeys to some of the world's most exotic destinations. Over three decades, we’ve earned a reputation as a trusted boutique tour operator for discerning travelers, with a level of experience and personal service that is unmatched. Proudly rooted in the 21st century yet firmly committed to old-fashioned service values, we still answer the phone when you call and respond to emails without delay. Our philosophy has always been simple: deliver exceptional service and travel experiences at competitive prices, while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainable tourism and high-quality programs.
I'm Paul Webster, the owner of Maxim Safaris & Journeys. Born and raised in Zimbabwe and South Africa, I spent most of my life in Africa and developed a deep passion for its extraordinary landscapes and cultures, a passion that extends to all the destinations we offer. I personally oversee every trip we design, ensuring each journey is as unique as the traveler taking it. I look forward to helping you craft your own “Uncommon Safari.”
Travel Insurance
We highly recommend getting travel insurance upon booking your trip, as unforeseen events can affect even the best-laid travel plans. Travel insurance plans can cover trip cancellation, missed connections and itinerary changes, baggage issues, emergency medical and other issues, and more.
Passport Details
For many of our itineraries (eg. Inca Trail, etc) we require your passport information to be able to complete the booking process. Please check with your travel specialist after purchasing your trip. Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six month after arrival date.
Medical
Please consult a Travel Doctor or Travel Clinic prior to departure to make sure you receive professional advice about required and recommended shots.