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Our 5 Best South Africa and Botswana Itineraries

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Safari tourist in a boat watching a heard of elephants in Chobe National Park, Botswana

Chobe National Park, Botswana

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the untamed wilderness of Southern Africa with our five best South Africa and Botswana itineraries. These meticulously crafted experiences blend the beauty of nature with comfort and exclusivity.

Track the Big Five on exhilarating game drives, soar over thundering Victoria Falls, and delve into Botswana's Okavango Delta on a traditional mokoro, spotting elephants and hippos. Visit the otherworldly landscapes of the Kalahari Desert, where you can stargaze under some of the clearest skies on Earth and interact with the indigenous San people.

Find your inspiration and get ready to indulge in world-class lodges and camps that offer a perfect fusion of African charm and modern luxury.

Overview
  1. 1. Intimate Highlights of South Africa & Botswana Safari
  2. 2. Dream Honeymoon Safari: Botswana, Victoria Falls, & Kruger
  3. 3. Icons of Southern Africa: Botswana Safari, Victoria Falls, & Cape Town
  4. 4. Classic Southern African Safari
  5. 5. Gems of South Africa & Botswana: Luxury Safari to Beautiful Winelands
  6. Embark on the 5 Best South Africa & Botswana Itineraries

1. Intimate Highlights of South Africa & Botswana Safari

Lioness with her cubs in Sabi Sands, South Africa

Sabi Sands, South Africa

Length of Trip: 13 days

Places visited: Cape Town, Sabi Sands, Okavango Delta, Linyanti Reserve

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

Begin your Intimate Highlights of South Africa & Botswana safari adventure in the vibrant city of Cape Town. Then, immerse yourself in the wild heart of Africa at Sabi Sands, a private game reserve renowned for its intimate and exclusive safari experiences. Here, you'll have unparalleled opportunities to encounter the Big Five and other wildlife up close.

Next, journey to the breathtaking Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and unique ecosystem that offers ever-changing landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities. Glide through its channels in a traditional mokoro, observing the rich biodiversity that thrives in this watery wonderland.

Your safari culminates in the remote Linyanti region, where vast wilderness and migratory corridors provide the backdrop for further game viewing.

Learn more: South Africa Travel Guide

2. Dream Honeymoon Safari: Botswana, Victoria Falls, & Kruger

Romantic sunset in the Okavango Delta at Sanctuary Chief's Camp.  Photo courtesy of Sanctuary Retreats

Sanctuary Chiefs Camp in the Okavango Delta, Bostswana. Photo courtesy of Sanctuary Retreats

Length of Trip: Botswana, South Africa, Zambia

Places visited: Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls, Kruger National Park

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

Enjoy a romantic journey that weaves together luxury, adventure, and the untamed beauty of Africa on our Dream Honeymoon Safari: Botswana, Victoria Falls, & Kruger. This bespoke tour, which includes Zambia, transforms the continent's most iconic destinations into the backdrop for your love story. From the elephant-rich banks of Chobe to the labyrinthine waterways of the Okavango Delta, the thundering majesty of Victoria Falls to the wildlife-packed expanses of Kruger, each stop promises unforgettable experiences.

As herds of wildlife roam across vast savannas and predators stalk through golden grasslands, you'll create memories that will last a lifetime. From surprise bush breakfasts to sunset cruises on the Zambezi, each experience is tailored to ignite romance and wonder.

Learn more: Botswana Travel Guide

3. Icons of Southern Africa: Botswana Safari, Victoria Falls, & Cape Town

Victoria Falls between Zambia and Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls between Zambia and Zimbabwe

Length of Trip: 12 days

Places visited: Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Maun, Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Kwando Concession, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls, Livingstone

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

Embark on our Icons of Southern Africa: Botswana, Victoria Falls, & Cape Town adventure, a 12-day journey through Southern Africa that brings legendary landscapes and wildlife encounters to life. This luxury safari itinerary unveils the continent's most iconic wonders, each more awe-inspiring than the last.

Begin in Cape Town, where majestic Table Mountain rises dramatically from the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian oceans. From there, move to Botswana, where the Okavango Delta stretches out like an oasis in the heart of the Kalahari, its meandering waterways and lush islands creating a paradise for diverse wildlife. In Chobe National Park, you will find one of the world's largest elephant populations, with herds numbering in the hundreds traversing ancient forest paths. Your adventure continues to the thundering Victoria Falls, a natural wonder that defies imagination with its sheer scale and power.

These experiences will etch themselves into your memory as they offer an intimate glimpse into the very soul of Southern Africa.

Learn more: African Safari Travel Guide

4. Classic Southern African Safari

Two zebra in the marshy grasslands of the Okavango Delta

Okevango Delta, Botswana

Length of Trip: 12 days

Places visited: Cape Town, Cape Peninsula, Cape Winelands, Stellenbosch, Maun, Okavango Delta, Kasane, Livingstone, Mosi oa Tunya National Park

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

Classic Southern African Safari will immerse you in the splendor of Southern Africa for 12 days. This journey through South Africa, Botswana, and Zambia seamlessly blends opulent accommodations with intimate wildlife encounters, offering a perfect balance of comfort and excitement. Unwind in the picturesque Cape Winelands, set out on thrilling guided walks through the bush, and glide silently through the pristine waterways of the Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro.

Throughout your journey, you will be treated to expertly guided game drives in search of the legendary Big Five. Whether you're tracking a pride of lions in the golden light of dawn or watching a herd of elephants bathe at sunset, each day brings new wonders and unforgettable moments.

Learn more: Okavango Delta Safaris

5. Gems of South Africa & Botswana: Luxury Safari to Beautiful Winelands

Lion cubs in Southern Africa

Lion cubs in Southern Africa

Length of Trip: 12 days

Places visited: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Selinda Reserve, Okavango Delta, Makgadikgadi Pans

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

Gems of South Africa & Botswana: Luxury Safari to Beautiful Winelands is a 12-day luxury safari that unveils the spectacular diversity of Southern Africa. This bespoke journey weaves together the untamed wilderness and cultural richness of South Africa, Botswana, and Zambia to create unforgettable experiences.

Journey to the Cape Peninsula, where pristine white-sand beaches meet the turquoise waters of the Indian and Atlantic oceans. Witness the majesty of nature as you encounter lions lounging in the grass and observe zebras moving across the savanna in black-and-white harmony. Feel the earth tremble as you stand before the mighty Victoria Falls, its thunderous roar and misty veil a testament to the power of the natural world.

Your adventure delves deep into the heart of Africa, from the ancient wisdom of the Kalahari Bushmen to the timeless rhythms of elephants traversing dusty plains at twilight. Contrast these experiences with the sophistication of the Cape Winelands, where you'll sip vintages against a backdrop of rolling vineyards and craggy mountains.

Learn more: Luxury Cape Town & Winelands Tour

Embark on the 5 Best South Africa & Botswana Itineraries

A hippo in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

Hippo in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

These itineraries offer a glimpse into the diverse experiences that await you in Southern Africa. Each journey promises unforgettable memories and a deeper understanding of these captivating countries, from wildlife safaris to cultural encounters.

Explore our comprehensive Southern Africa travel guide for more inspiration and detailed information on planning your trip. It's full of insider tips, hidden gems, and practical advice to help you make the most of your African adventure.

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