Your journey begins…
Visit Tsodilo Hills, a World Heritage Site and be immersed in local culture. Explore the Caprivi; the vast expanse of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and see elephants at Chobe National Park
- Tsodilo Hills guided day trip
- Boat Cruises
- Victoria Falls guided tour
Day 1
MAUN
Upon arrival at Maun International Airport, guests will collect a 4WD Land Cruiser, receive an orientation on the vehicle, and drive to the lodge. Thamalakane River Lodge is beautifully situated on the banks of the Thamalakane River within a canopy of riverine forests, approximately 20 minutes from Maun.
Accommodation is in stone chalets with stunning river views. The chalets are complete with mosquito nets and ceiling fans. Á la carte meals are served from the restaurant and guests can enjoy sunsets by the swimming pool and some amazing bird sightings.
Overnight at Thamalakane River Lodge – Breakfast.
Day 2
OKAVANGO PANHANDLE
Guests depart Maun early and travel north to the Okavango Panhandle, a driving-time of approximately 4-5 hours. A representative of Nxamaseri Island Lodge will meet arriving guests at the turn off to the lodge. The rental vehicle will be kept in a secure parking area for the duration of their stay.
Overnight at Nxamaseri Island Lodge – Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 3
OKAVANGO PANHANDLE
Join a guided day trip to Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its rock art. Originally inhabited by the San people, this region preserves more than 4 500 paintings in an area of only 10km². The Okavango Panhandle is famous for fishing. Guests can enjoy mokoro excursions – a traditional dugout canoe – and experience the Okavango Delta at its most peaceful, as well as sunset cruises.
Overnight at Nxamaseri Island Lodge – Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 4
ZAMBEZI REGION
Guests enjoy breakfast, and an optional morning activity, after which they are transferred to their vehicle for the onward journey. From here they will drive to Camp Kwando, located in the Zambezi Region.
Overnight at Camp Kwando – Dinner.
Day 5
ZAMBEZI REGION
There is a great deal of wildlife in the Zambezi Region (formerly Caprivi Strip). Animals, including herds of buffalo and elephant, are attracted to the lush vegetation and permanent water, and because of this, there are numerous predators in the area. The area boasts magnificent permanent marshes creating the perfect habitat for water-loving animals. Hippo and crocodiles are abundant in the rivers and antelope such as waterbuck, red lechwe and the rare semi-aquatic sitatunga thrive in the marshes.
Nestled on the banks of the Kwando River, the lodge is beautifully positioned to take advantage of the incredible vistas. Guests can spend time here relaxing on the deck or book a game drive, boat cruise or fishing trip (own account).
Overnight at Camp Kwando – Breakfast and dinner
Day 6-8
CHOBE RIVERFRONT
Guests drive to Kasane, the junction of 4 countries (Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia). They will spend next 3 nights at Chobe Safari Lodge, which is well-positioned on the Chobe River and an ideal springboard into Chobe National Park. A variety of activities are available to guests during their stay. An early morning game drive in Chobe National Park is the best time to view the abundant wildlife. Or later, guests can watch the sun set over the Chobe region, whilst enjoying a drink on board a boat.
Guests can enjoy an optional full day guided tour to Victoria Falls. The day is spent at leisure taking in the magnificent falls. The more adventurous visitors can book a scenic flight over the Victoria Falls or bungee jump over the Zambezi River. The evenings can be spent at leisure.
Overnight at Chobe Safari Lodge – Dinner and breakfast.
Day 9-11
GWETA – MAKGADIKGADI PANS
Depart for Gweta, a driving-time of approximately 4 hours. Overnight at Planet Baobab, a fun and quirky, traditionally decorated lodge. Guests can enjoy a guided excursion to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Search for the semi habituated meerkats who afford photographers unique opportunities.
Guests can explore the pans and gain an understanding of this iconic landscape. An educational bush walk, accompanied by a registered guide, is another activity available to guests. They can then spend the evening at leisure.
Overnight at Planet Baobab – Dinner and breakfast.
Day 12
MAUN
Guests depart after breakfast and travel to Maun under their own arrangements, a journey that will take approximately 2 hours. The afternoon and evening are spent at leisure.
Overnight at Thamalakane River Lodge – Breakfast.
Day 13
DEPARTURE
After breakfast, guests can make their own way to Maun Airport to return the 4WD rental vehicle in time for any onward arrangements.
Inclusions
Accommodation: As per itinerary
Meals: 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 9 dinners
Vehicle hire: 4WD hire vehicle / Land Cruiser or similar – pick up and drop off Maun, Unlimited mileage, Standard cover, Cdw/theft waiver, One named driver, One way drop off fees, Delivery fees, Satellite phone, Satellite navigation
Meet and greet: Maun International Airport
Transfers: Road transfer to Zimbabwe
Entrance fees: Vehicle entrance and national park fees
General: Standard self-drive itinerary, General travel /country information and safari notes
SOA Green Seat Levy
Exclusions
- Vehicle hire – contract fee, PAI, fuel, top up excess, rental deposit, additional driver fee
- Additional drinks where not specified
- Premium brand drinks at fully inclusive lodges
- Additional vehicle entrance and national park fees where not specified
- Victoria Falls entrance fee
- Specialist / private guides
- Gratuities and items of a personal nature
- Travel, medical and personal accident insurance
- International and regional scheduled flights and visas
- Activities