Northern Botswana Overlanding Safari
Embark upon a 12-day expedition, a classic overland safari that beckons us to the heart of Northern Botswana’s untamed wilderness. From the awe-inspiring cascade of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe to the tranquil embrace of Chobe’s waters, and onward through the Linyanti floodplain and the Savuti marsh, until we reach the watery haven of the Okavango within Moremi Game Reserve — this journey resonates with the spirit of discovery. Amidst these raw landscapes, witness the grandeur of Africa’s iconic wildlife, and etch your experiences against the backdrop of these captivating habitats.
ITINERARY
Day 1-2: Welcome to Chobe & Victoria Falls
Touching down in Kasane, the excitement is palpable. Your overlanding expedition across Northern Botswana has begun. The first day sees us settling into our accommodations at Chobe Safari Lodge in Kasane, embarking on a sunset cruise on the Chobe River and we enjoy a welcoming dinner along the Chobe River. The real adventure unfolds as we cross into Zimbabwe on the next day, greeted by the thunderous roar of Victoria Falls. The spray kisses our skin as we stand on the old railway bridge, beholding one of the world’s natural wonders. Rainbows arch over the tumultuous waters, painting the sky with nature’s vibrant palette. Whether you’re daring a bungee jump or savoring the views from above in a helicopter, Victoria Falls leaves an indelible mark.
Activities:
Sunset River Cruise, Arrival Dinner
Extra Activities (Not Included):
Curio Shopping in Vic Falls, Bungee Jumping, Bridge Swinging, Helicopter Flight, River Rafting, Half Day Tiger Fishing, Victoria Falls Viewpoint
Day 3: Ihaha, Chobe National Park
A new day dawns, and we are on the road again, heading into Chobe National Park. The Ihaha campsite sits perched on the banks of the Chobe River. An afternoon game drive introduces you to the local residents – elephants taking leisurely baths, buffalo gazing across the water, and an orchestra of birdsong. With a bit of luck we encounter lions or wild dogs. The mighty Chobe River flows beside you, and we slowly start to get used to the rhythm of this incredible environment.
Activities:
Afternoon Game Drive
Day 4 - 5: Linyanti, Chobe National Park
Heading north from Savuti, we reach Linyanti in Chobe National Park. This corner holds the expansive Linyanti Swamp, covering almost 900 square kilometers. Bordered by the Selinda Reserve to the west and Namibia’s Mamili National Park to the north, its remote beauty draws adventurous safari enthusiasts.
The Linyanti River flows through this landscape, resembling the Okavango Delta with its papyrus-lined waterways and extensive reed banks. Wildlife thrives here, including elephants, lions, sable and roan antelopes, hippos, and even the rare wild dog. Linyanti’s appeal lies in its unspoiled wilderness and unique encounters, especially during the dry winter months.
Our time in Linyanti lets us witness nature’s rhythms and vibrant wildlife. The river winds through the landscape, we enjoy amazing meals, great game drives and we share stories while we explore this captivating destination.
Activities:
Afternoon Game Drive, Birding on the lake
Chobe National Park
Northern Botswana
When you visit the Chobe National Park, you will never forget the first glimpse of the dazzling, deep blue Chobe River, as it winds its way through sandy terrain, small towns, lush floodplains, dense forests of cathedral mopane trees, and endless broadleaf woodlands. The park is named after this majestic river that protects 10.700 km² of the northern Kalahari desert, providing ensuing wilderness and a game density that is steadily remarkable. Famed for its massive elephant populations, big herds of buffalo (matched only by some large lion prides) and incredible birdlife, Chobe National Park will leave an everlasting memory. Where else can you find such an amazing riverfront, with bustling wildlife, undisturbed predators anf heavenly landscapes. The most accessible area of the park is the Chobe Riverfront, this is also where you will find the largest concentration of wildlife. For a more predator-rich area: head off to Linyanti Marshes. Or nourish your soul in the remote Savuti area. Wherever you go in this park, wildlife encounters are plentiful and all of Chobe feels like true wilderness. It is a place that can be enjoyed by everyone: couples, families and seasoned Africa travellers.
Day 6- 7: Savuti, Chobe National Park
Our journey continues southward and takes us to Savuti, a captivating area between the Delta and Chobe National Park, renowned for its diverse wildlife. Its focal point is the mysterious 100-kilometer channel connecting the Chobe River and Mababe Depression, dry for 18 years it now sporadically fills with water attracting animals from all over northern Botswana. Savuti’s skies host splendid birds – secretary birds, kori bustards, and vibrant migrants. The landscape, with Camelthorn and Silver Terminalia sandveld, exudes a desert-like charm. Our activities include game drives, sundowners on a hilltop, and a visit to a Baobab forest. The Savuti is a wild untamed place, the lions here are known for taking down young elephants and the large prides have adapted to the unique Savuti marshland.
Activities:
Afternoon Game Drive, Visit Baobab Forrest
Day 8: Khwai, Okavango Delta
Early on day eight, we venture on a long journey to the Okavango Delta. This is 4×4 country as we navigate marshes, sand, and mud, after a day’s driving we find ourselves amidst the Khwai Community Campsite on the banks of the Khwai River. Guided by the rhythm of the bush, a night game drive unveils the secrets of the dark. Eyes gleam in the shadows – untamed beauty revealing itself beneath the blanket of the night.
Activities:
Game & Night Drives
Moremi Game Reserve
Okavango Delta
Welcome to the Moremi Game Reserve. The Moremi Game Reserve initially consisted mostly of the Mopane Tongue area, but in the 1970s the royal hunting grounds, known as Chief’s Island, were added. Let us share a few more facts about this area to introduce it properly. The Moremi is home to the most endangered species of large mammals: the cheetah, white rhinoceros, black rhinoceros, African wild dog, and lion. Over 500 bird species (from water birds to forest dwellers) and over 1 000 species of plants are also recognized in the Moremi. This ecosystem is amongst the richest in Africa. And thanks to effective protection, the flora and fauna is relatively undisturbed. The Okavango River acts as the lifeline of the Okavango Delta and the Moremi Game Reserve. Coming from the Angola Mountains, 1 600 kilometers further west, it flows deep into Botswana, seeking the Indian Ocean. Luckily for the wildlife in Botswana, these fresh, clear waters never actually reach the ocean, as they sink in the dry sand of the Kalahari Desert. But, before that happens, it creates the largest oasis in Africa. The Moremi Game Reserve protects the central and eastern areas of the Okavango Delta. By combining drier areas and waterways, the contrasts are astonishing. Imagine views of savannah game as well as birdlife around the rivers, or elephants and hippos splashing in the lagoons. Often referred to as a ‘Garden of Eden’, the Moremi Game Reserve offers excellent game viewing year-round and stunning landscapes of savannah, floodplains, lagoons, dense forests (where leopards and wild dogs hide), and winding rivers.
Day 9 - 12: Third Bridge, Moremi Game Reserve
We continue into the Moremi Game Reserve a place often referred to as the Garden of Eden. Third Bridge wilderness campsite will be our sanctuary for the next 3 nights. The Okavango Delta is an incredible place and must be experienced to be appreciated. Immense waterways give life to an incredible array of birdlife and wildlife. Lions roam the open plains, elephants trumpet as they traverse the waterways, We enjoy game drives, boat cruises in the river channels, and incredible wildlife and landscape photography opportunities as we traverse the unique terrain for three remarkable days.
When the final day arrives, it’s a bittersweet farewell to the wilderness that’s embraced you. As we depart Third Bridge Camp, you carry the stories of Northern Botswana’s landscapes, creatures, and people. The echoes of your adventures linger, a testament to the magic of this classic overlanding expedition.
Okavango River Boat Cruise, Morning and Afternoon Game Drives
Return Transfer:
An African Outdoor Fanatics representative will drop you of at Maun Airport. We can assist with your flight arrangements back to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa.