Botswana Highlights
Private Journey

Botswana Highlights

A journey through Botswana’s wildlife landscapes, rivers and iconic wilderness regions

10 Days / 9 Nights
Victoria Falls · Elephant Sands · Maun · Okavango Delta Panhandle · Caprivi · Chobe National Park · Victoria Falls
Fully Customizable Journey
Overview

This journey explores some of Southern Africa’s most remarkable wilderness regions, combining Botswana’s wildlife-rich landscapes with the waterways of the Okavango Delta and the iconic setting of Victoria Falls.

Beginning in Zimbabwe at one of the world’s most impressive natural wonders, the itinerary gradually unfolds across a series of diverse ecosystems. From the elephant corridors of Botswana’s dry savannas to the tranquil waterways of the Okavango Delta, the journey introduces travelers to environments shaped by water, wildlife and ancient migration routes.

Guests encounter the rhythms of the African wilderness in many forms. Quiet mokoro canoe journeys through the delta’s reed-lined channels, encounters with elephants gathering at natural waterholes, river cruises along the Chobe River and guided wildlife drives provide close proximity to some of Africa’s most celebrated species.

Throughout the experience, Nature Horizons coordinates each element with seamless on-the-ground logistics. The result is a well-paced expedition that balances wildlife encounters, cultural insight and landscapes that shift dramatically across the course of the journey.

The Journey

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01
ZIMBABWE

ARRIVAL IN VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE

ARRIVAL IN VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE
ZIMBABWE
Your journey begins in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, gateway to one of the world’s most impressive natural wonders. Guests arrive throughout the day and settle into their hotel before the evening welcome meeting. Those arriving earlier may wish to explore the surrounding region independently. The Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls offers the most expansive viewpoints of the massive cascade, where the Zambezi River plunges dramatically into the gorge below. Optional experiences may include scenic helicopter flights above the falls, sunset river cruises along the Zambezi or guided cultural visits to nearby villages. In the evening, a welcome meeting introduces the journey ahead before guests may choose to gather for dinner together.

Overnight: Victoria Falls

Day 02
ELEPHANT SANDS

VICTORIA FALLS TO ELEPHANT SANDS

VICTORIA FALLS TO ELEPHANT SANDS
ELEPHANT SANDS
This morning begins with a visit to the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, an important conservation organization dedicated to wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and anti-poaching initiatives. Afterward, the journey continues across the Kazungula border into Botswana. The route travels through open landscapes toward Elephant Sands, a unique lodge located within a private concession bordering the Chobe Forest Reserve. The lodge overlooks a natural waterhole that regularly attracts elephants and other wildlife. Later in the day, guests enjoy a guided bush walk through the surrounding conservancy, which spans more than 16,000 hectares of unfenced wilderness. As evening arrives, guests may relax while watching wildlife gather at the waterhole only meters from the lodge.

Overnight: Elephant Sands

Day 03
MAUN

ELEPHANT SANDS TO MAUN

ELEPHANT SANDS TO MAUN
MAUN
After breakfast the journey continues toward Maun, a lively frontier town positioned at the southern edge of the Okavango Delta. The drive passes through Botswana’s wide savanna landscapes before arriving in Maun during the afternoon. This town serves as a gateway for travelers exploring the delta and its surrounding ecosystems. Upon arrival, guests settle into their hotel and enjoy time at leisure. Those interested may take an optional scenic helicopter or fixed-wing flight above the Okavango Delta, offering a remarkable aerial perspective of the wetlands and wildlife corridors below.

Overnight: Maun

Day 04
OKAVANGO DELTA

MAUN TO OKAVANGO DELTA PANHANDLE

MAUN TO OKAVANGO DELTA PANHANDLE
OKAVANGO DELTA
Leaving Maun after breakfast, the journey continues toward the northwestern region of the Okavango Delta. The drive gradually transitions into greener landscapes as the delta’s waterways begin to influence the surrounding environment. The final stretch of the journey is completed in a four-wheel-drive transfer that brings guests to a lodge positioned along the edge of Guma Lagoon. This tranquil setting introduces the watery landscapes that define the Okavango Delta. The remainder of the day allows time to settle into the lodge and enjoy views across the lagoon.

Overnight: Okavango Delta Panhandle

Day 05
OKAVANGO DELTA

OKAVANGO DELTA · MOKORO AND NATURE WALK

OKAVANGO DELTA · MOKORO AND NATURE WALK
OKAVANGO DELTA
Today offers a closer exploration of the Okavango Delta’s waterways and islands. Guests board traditional mokoros, dugout canoes expertly guided through narrow channels lined with papyrus and reeds. The quiet movement through the delta allows wildlife sightings at water level while gliding between lily-covered lagoons and small islands. Upon reaching one of the islands, guests disembark for a guided nature walk that introduces the delta’s vegetation, wildlife tracks and birdlife. After returning to the lodge for lunch, the afternoon remains relaxed with time to enjoy the peaceful lagoon setting.

Overnight: Okavango Delta Panhandle

Day 06
CAPRIVI REGION

OKAVANGO DELTA TO CAPRIVI REGION

OKAVANGO DELTA TO CAPRIVI REGION
CAPRIVI REGION
After breakfast guests transfer by 4WD back to the main vehicle before continuing north toward Namibia’s Caprivi region. The drive passes through the Mahango Game Reserve, where wildlife sightings often occur along the route, including elephants, buffalo and other species that move between riverine habitats. The journey concludes at a lodge situated along the banks of the Okavango River. In the evening, a sunset river cruise provides a peaceful introduction to the region’s waterways while observing wildlife and birdlife along the riverbanks.

Overnight: Caprivi Region

Day 07
CHOBE NATIONAL PARK

CAPRIVI TO CHOBE NATIONAL PARK

CAPRIVI TO CHOBE NATIONAL PARK
CHOBE NATIONAL PARK
Today the journey follows the Caprivi Strip, a narrow corridor linking several major ecosystems within the Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area. Crossing back into Botswana, the route leads to Kasane, a town located on the edge of Chobe National Park. Chobe is renowned for its exceptional wildlife density and especially for its large elephant population. The Chobe River forms a natural border between Botswana and Namibia, creating fertile floodplains that attract elephants, hippos, crocodiles and abundant birdlife. Upon arrival at the lodge, guests may relax and enjoy views of the river as the day winds down.

Overnight: Chobe National Park

Day 08
CHOBE NATIONAL PARK

CHOBE NATIONAL PARK SAFARI EXPERIENCE

CHOBE NATIONAL PARK SAFARI EXPERIENCE
CHOBE NATIONAL PARK
An early morning game drive introduces the landscapes and wildlife of Chobe National Park. Exploring the park in open safari vehicles, guests may encounter elephants gathering along the riverbanks, large herds of Cape buffalo and various antelope species moving through the floodplains. After returning to the lodge for breakfast, the remainder of the day remains flexible. In the afternoon, guests may choose to join an optional river cruise along the Chobe River. These cruises provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities as elephants cross the riverbanks and hippos emerge from the water. The wetlands also attract a wide range of birdlife including kingfishers, storks and African fish eagles.

Overnight: Chobe National Park

Day 09
VICTORIA FALLS

RETURN TO VICTORIA FALLS

RETURN TO VICTORIA FALLS
VICTORIA FALLS
After breakfast the journey returns to Zimbabwe, crossing the border back toward Victoria Falls. Upon arrival, the safari journey concludes. Guests may depart or extend their stay to further explore Victoria Falls and the surrounding region. Optional activities available in the area include visiting the waterfalls themselves, scenic flights, rafting on the Zambezi River or cultural excursions.

Overnight: Victoria Falls

Day 10

DEPARTURE

DEPARTURE
A private transfer is arranged to Victoria Falls Airport for your onward international departure. The journey concludes after an unforgettable exploration of Botswana’s wilderness landscapes and waterways.
Accommodations

Stays

Selected accommodations are chosen for comfort, service quality, and location, supporting a seamless flow between regions.

Victoria Falls

A comfortable hotel positioned near the iconic waterfalls and the Zambezi River.

Elephant Sands

A unique wilderness lodge overlooking a natural waterhole where elephants frequently gather.

Maun

A welcoming hotel located in the gateway town to the Okavango Delta.

Okavango Delta Panhandle

A riverside lodge set along the tranquil waters of Guma Lagoon.

Caprivi Region

A lodge positioned along the Okavango River within Namibia’s wildlife-rich Caprivi corridor.

Chobe National Park

A lodge overlooking the Chobe River floodplains with access to one of Africa’s most wildlife-dense parks.

Specific properties may vary based on availability while maintaining the same category and standard.

The Essentials

Includes

  • Private airport arrival and departure services
  • Private VIP ground transportation throughout the journey
  • Expert private guides and local specialists
  • All accommodations as listed
  • Daily breakfasts and selected meals
  • All entrance fees and experiences described in the itinerary.
  • On-the-ground coordination by Nature Horizons Tours
Additional

Does not include

  • International or domestic flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not specified
  • Personal expenses
  • Optional activities not listed

Journey Style & Pace

A wildlife-focused journey designed to explore Botswana’s most diverse ecosystems. The itinerary combines overland travel with guided safari activities and water-based exploration in the Okavango Delta.

Customization & Flexibility

This itinerary may be adapted according to travel preferences and timing. Additional safari activities, scenic flights or extended stays in Victoria Falls may be arranged upon request.

Who This Journey Is For

Ideal for travelers seeking a varied safari experience combining wildlife viewing, river ecosystems and cultural insight. The itinerary offers an excellent introduction to Botswana’s landscapes and natural diversity.

Extensions & Upgrades

Optional extensions to the Okavango Delta’s private concessions, Cape Town or additional Southern African destinations may be arranged.

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