Our 5 Best South Africa and Botswana Itineraries

If you are seeking a comprehensive and truly memorable adventure, this combination, often crowned with the majesty of Victoria Falls, represents the ultimate expression of the region's marvels.

City, Bush, Water, and Wonder

• Iconic Urbanity: Begin in Cape Town, a city of high design, world-class cuisine, and profound history, set between Table Mountain and the Atlantic.
• Classic Big Five Territory: Transition to the private reserves of South Africa, like Sabi Sand, for unparalleled close-up encounters with leopards, lions, rhinos, and elephants.
• Water Heart of the Wild: Fly into Botswana's Okavango Delta, a completely different ecosystem, where you will explore pristine floodplains and channels by mokoro, or dugout canoe.
• Grand Finale: Conclude at the "Smoke That Thunders," Victoria Falls, a powerful natural wonder that provides a fittingly impressive end to your journey.

Leveraging Logistical Expertise for Seamless Luxury

• Effortless Transitions: This is a complex, multi-country itinerary, but our specialists make it feel simple, connecting sophisticated cities, remote bush airstrips, and border crossings with flawless charter flights and private transfers.
• Curated Exclusivity: Your journey is built around access to private concessions and reserves. This means fewer vehicles at sightings, exclusive lodges, and the flexibility of off-road driving and walking safaris, not permitted in national parks.

A Richer Narrative, A Deeper Understanding

This combination provides more than just a series of highlights; it tells a story. By contrasting the sophisticated Cape, the classic Kruger bushveld, the watery Okavango, and the arid Kalahari, you gain a deeper appreciation for Southern Africa's immense ecological and cultural diversity.

Why we recommend this sample itinerary

This itinerary is a masterclass in Southern African diversity, beginning in vibrant Cape Town before immersing you in the wild heart of the continent. You will experience premier Big Five game viewing in the exclusive Sabi Sands, explore the unique watery wonderland of the Okavango Delta, and discover the remote wilderness of the Linyanti region.

• Chic Cape Town: Discover the vibrant culture, stunning scenery, and culinary delights of one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
• Premier Sabi Sands Safari: Experience some of the world’s best leopard viewing in the exclusive Sabi Sands Game Reserve.
• Okavango Delta by Mokoro: Glide silently through the pristine channels of the Okavango Delta in a traditional dugout canoe.
• Exclusive Linyanti: Explore the private Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, famous for its elephants, wild dogs, and predators.
• Perfectly Paced Luxury: Enjoy a seamless journey that combines a world-class city with two distinct and premier safari regions.

Length: 13 Days

Places Visited

• Cape Town
• Sabi Sands
• Okavango Delta
• Linyanti Reserve

Discover the highlights of two nations on the Intimate Highlights of South Africa & Botswana.

Why we recommend this sample itinerary

This is the ultimate romantic journey. It weaves together luxury, adventure, and the untamed beauty of three nations. This bespoke tour transforms the continent's most iconic destinations into the backdrop for your love story. From the elephant-rich banks of Chobe to the majestic Victoria Falls and the wildlife-packed Kruger National Park, each stop is tailored to ignite romance and wonder.

• Ultimate Romance: Enjoy a journey perfectly paced for couples, with special touches like private dinners and sunset cruises.
• Mighty Victoria Falls: Feel the awe-inspiring spray of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
• Okavango Delta Oasis: Explore the labyrinthine waterways of the Okavango Delta, a paradise for wildlife.
• Chobe Elephant Herds: Witness the incredible spectacle of massive elephant herds along the banks of the Chobe River.
• Classic Kruger Safari: Track the legendary Big Five in the world-renowned Kruger National Park.

Length: 14 Days

Places Visited

• Okavango Delta
• Chobe National Park
• Victoria Falls
• Kruger National Park

Create memories to last a lifetime on Zicasso’s Dream Honeymoon Safari: Botswana, Victoria Falls, and Kruger.

Why we recommend this sample itinerary

This 12-day adventure brings Southern Africa’s legendary landscapes and wildlife encounters to life. This luxury safari unveils the continent's most celebrated wonders, from the majestic Table Mountain in Cape Town to the vast elephant herds of Chobe National Park. The journey continues to the lush Okavango Delta, before a grand finale at thundering Victoria Falls.

• Iconic Cape Town: Explore the wild side of the picturesque “Mother City,” from Table Mountain to the Cape Peninsula.
• Okavango Delta Gem: Discover the wonders of the Moremi Game Reserve, a pristine sanctuary in the Okavango Delta.
• Chobe River Safari: Enjoy a spectacular river safari in Chobe, home to one of the world's largest elephant populations.
• Thundering Victoria Falls: Witness a natural wonder that defies imagination with its sheer scale and power.
• Cape Winelands Charm: Indulge in world-class food and wine pairings in the charming, vine-covered valleys of Stellenbosch.

Length: 12 Days

Places Visited

• Cape Town
• Stellenbosch
• Maun
• Okavango Delta
• Moremi Game Reserve
• Kwando Concession
• Chobe National Park
• Victoria Falls
• Livingstone

Experience the legends of the continent on the Icons of Southern Africa: Botswana, Victoria Falls, and Cape Town.

Why we recommend this sample itinerary

This 12-day journey immerses you in the quintessential splendor of Southern Africa. Seamlessly blending opulent accommodations with intimate wildlife encounters, it offers a perfect balance of comfort and excitement. Unwind in the picturesque Cape Winelands, set out on thrilling guided bush walks, and glide silently through the pristine waterways of the Okavango Delta in search of the legendary Big Five.

• Picturesque Cape Winelands: Unwind and sip world-class vintages in the beautiful towns of the Cape Winelands.
• Okavango by Mokoro: Glide silently through the pristine waterways of the Okavango Delta in a traditional dugout canoe.
• Guided Bush Walks: Connect with the wilderness on an intimate guided walk through the bush.
• Big Five Game Drives: Enjoy expertly guided game drives in search of lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo.
• Zambezi River Sunsets: Experience a magical sunset over the Zambezi River near the smoke of Victoria Falls.

Length: 12 Days

Places Visited

• Cape Town
• Cape Peninsula
• Cape Winelands
• Stellenbosch
• Maun
• Okavango Delta
• Kasane
• Livingstone
• Mosi oa Tunya National Park

Immerse yourself in splendor on the Classic Southern African Safari.

Why we recommend this sample itinerary

This 12-day luxury safari unveils the spectacular diversity of Southern Africa. The bespoke journey weaves together glorious wilderness and cultural richness, from the ancient wisdom of the Kalahari Bushmen to the sophistication of the Cape Winelands. Witness the majesty of Victoria Falls and track iconic wildlife in the exclusive Selinda Reserve for an unforgettable, multi-faceted adventure.

• Mighty Victoria Falls: Feel the earth tremble as you stand before the thunderous roar and misty veil of this natural wonder.
• Kalahari Culture: Interact with the indigenous San people and learn about their ancient traditions in the Kalahari.
• Exclusive Selinda Reserve: Explore the private Selinda Reserve, a remote wilderness famous for its predator action.
• Cape Winelands Sophistication: Sip award-winning vintages against a backdrop of rolling vineyards and craggy mountains.
• Makgadikgadi Pans: Visit the otherworldly landscapes of the Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the largest salt flats on Earth.

Length: 12 Days

Places Visited

• Cape Town
• Victoria Falls
• Selinda Reserve
• Okavango Delta
• Makgadikgadi Pans

Unveil the spectacular diversity of the region on Zicasso’s Gems of South Africa and Botswana: Luxury Safari to Beautiful Winelands.

Best Time to Visit

The prime time for this combined itinerary is during the region's dry winter season, from May to October. During these months, vegetation is thin and wildlife congregates around permanent water sources, making for exceptional viewing in Sabi Sand, the Okavango Delta, and Chobe. This period is also the best time to see Victoria Falls at a robust flow.

Indicative Costs and Value: 2025/26

• Luxury: For 2025-2026, indicative costs for a fully-inclusive luxury journey start from $1,200 to $1,800 per person, per day.
• Ultra-Luxury: Rates can exceed $3,000-plus per person, per day for top-tier camps and private-use villas.
• The Value: The value lies in the all-inclusive model, which covers internal charter flights, premium lodging, expert guiding, all meals and drinks, park fees, and conservation levies.

Safety

This is a very safe travel route when planned with a reputable specialist. In cities like Cape Town, standard urban precautions apply. On safari, you are in the care of highly-trained professionals. Your safety is their top priority and adhering to their briefings is key.

Health Note: The safari regions in both countries (Kruger, Okavango, Chobe) and Victoria Falls are malaria-risk areas. We strongly advise consulting your physician well in advance to discuss antimalarial prophylaxis.

These South Africa and Botswana itineraries represent the perfect fusion of adventure and comfort. Each offers a mix of breathtaking landscapes, intimate wildlife encounters, and luxury accommodations. Whether you're drawn to the vibrant culture of Cape Town or the untamed wilderness of the Okavango Delta, these carefully curated experiences promise to fulfill your safari dreams.

Speak to a Zicasso safari travel expert today to start the planning process after discovering our top South Africa and Botswana safaris, any of which can be tailored to your unique preferences. You can also take a look at our Southern Africa travel guide for further information.