Self-Drive 16-Day Adventure: Botswana and Namibia

Buffalo chasing away pack of wild dogs in Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

What to expect on this itinerary

From sweeping canary-colored savannas to flourishing teal wetlands to rolling jade-hued grasslands, Botswana’s safari getaways share the country’s exquisitely diverse environments, and this tailored tour is designed to spotlight the remarkable wilderness inhabiting these untouched sanctuaries. Whether fishing in the great wetlands of the Okavango Delta, enjoying boating safaris across the Zambezi River, or sightseeing at the world-famous Victoria Falls, discover Botswana’s breathtaking trail.

Countries Visited

Botswana, Namibia

Places Visited

Maun, Okavango Panhandle, Caprivi, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls, Chobe Forest Reserve, Savute, Moremi Game Reserve

Suggested Duration

16 Days

Customizable Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1

Maun - Your First Taste of Traditional Botswana

The first destination of your vacation, Maun, is an ideal entry point for the exploration of Botswana’s famous Okavango Delta. The delta is a vast inland river network you will admire during the first leg of your adventure, however, this afternoon and evening in Maun will be the perfect time to relax and unwind in preparation for your journey to come. In Maun, you will come to appreciate Botswana’s cultural charm as you are guided through town to traditional eateries serving customary local dishes and enjoy an evening in your accommodation decorated in a blend of tribal and modern furnishings.

What's Included:

Transfer
Accommodation
Day 2

Okavango Panhandle - The Rugged Route through Botswana

Day 3

Okavango Panhandle - First-Class Fishing in the Panhandle

Day 4

Okavango Panhandle - Ancient Discoveries in the Tsodilo Hills

Day 5

Caprivi - Exploring Namibia’s Hidden Wildlife Gem

Day 6

Caprivi - Capturing Images of Caprivi’s Sought-after Fish and Birdlife

Day 7

Chobe National Park - Botswana’s Land of Elephants

Day 8

Chobe National Park - Spectacular Wilderness Scenes along the Chobe River

Day 9

Victoria Falls - Views of The Smoke that Thunders

Day 10

Victoria Falls - Vistas of the Falls from Unique Vantage Points

Day 11

Chobe Forest Reserve - A Moment of Peace to Unwind

Day 12

Savute - Safaris across Botswana’s Sweeping Savannas

Day 13

Savute - Uncovering a Region Shrouded in Culture

Day 14

Moremi Game Reserve - Welcome to the Okavango Delta

Day 15

Moremi Game Reserve - Out and about on the Water in the Okavango

Day 16

Moremi Game Reserve - Making Way with Many Wonderful Memories

Trip Highlights

  • Take the rugged roads and tough terrain spreading across Botswana’s untouched landscapes via a 4x4 vehicle capable of driving across the most difficult topography en route to the Okavango Panhandle
  • Treasure the world-class fishing available across the Okavango Delta while admiring the extraordinary wilderness views stretching out across the nourished floodplains teeming with birdlife and water-loving animals
  • Tour the abundant grasslands surrounding the Okavango Panhandle’s marshy wetlands, spotting a series of magnificent mammals en route to the spiritually significant Tsodilo Hills, a stunning destination culturally embedded in ancient San history
  • Spend hours casting your fishing rod into the Zambezi River’s backwaters and the sapphire strip of Kwando River from the luxuriant banks of Namibia’s viridian Caprivi salient, catching tigerfish, among others, and appreciating the indigenous birdlife
  • Relish game drives across Chobe National Park’s prolific landscapes and witness the massive elephant herds, for which the reserve is famous, meandering the Chobe River banks amongst the other phenomenal wildlife in the region
  • Gaze upon the awe-inspiring views of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls, from lofty viewpoints lining the towering precipice of the momentous sheet of falling water
  • Set off into the sky to witness the panoramic views of the falls and the sprawling wilderness vistas from a unique vantage point within a light aircraft, helicopter, or microlight
  • Revel in stunning safari drives across the sweeping golden savannas and vast open plains of Savute, where you will hope to spot prides of lions, herds of elephants, and crashes of rhinos wandering the desolate region
  • Explore the furthest corners of Savute and visit massive monolithic geological formations that remain significant parts of the impressive landscape as they once were regarded highly by local Bushman tribes who painted on the rocks composing the hills
  • Cruise across the web of waterways weaving through the Okavango Delta’s garden of islands and partake in exceptional fishing experiences at some of Moremi Game Reserve’s premier fishing spots

Starting Price

$15,600 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

4.9

Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 455 reviews

Carolyn T.
South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe Trip Review: Wildlife, Local Cuisine, 13-Day Trip

Wow, I ran out of superlatives–fantastic, awesome, amazing. Everything was well organized and the recommended accommodations were all top-notch. The guides were so expert in their field. Every activity was well worth the time. Every meal was delicious.

See more

Anil M.
South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana Tour Review: 10 Nights

Our first trip to southern Africa was amazing, exceeding all expectations. We saw everything we came to see, and more. The game rides were well structured and safe, the visuals were unbelievable, and taking a side trip to Victoria Falls was a great idea. The accommodations were quite luxurious, despite being considered mid-range. There was always someone there to greet us and guide us at every travel point.

Zicasso's tour operator tailored our itinerary to our wishes and was wonderful to work with. Things couldn’t have gone better.

See more

bonnie A.
South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe: Safari, 13 Nights

The service before, during, and after our trip was totally "white-glove," and there were extra perks that we were surprised with each day of our trip. Zicasso's travel company listened to our goals and met and exceeded every one. We recommend them in every way and will be using them in the future!

See more

Edward L.
Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe Tour Review: Wildlife, 28-Day Trip

Fantastic job! Zicasso's travel specialist set up 28 days with flights, drivers, etc, and not a thing went wrong. She understood my needs and tailored the trip expertly.

See more

Mary B.
South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana Vacation Review: Safari, Cuisine, Camping, Welcome Songs, 17 Nights

The Zicasso tour operators did an exceptional job from start to finish. I would highly recommend this company. Plus, they were in my time zone, making communication much easier. Our agent always responded within 24 hours and when I had to contact him while in Africa, he responded within the half hour. Every aspect of our trip that was planned for us was exceptional and beyond my expectations.

See more

Meghan C.
South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe Travel Review: Safari, River Cruise, Winelands, 11 Nights

We had the most incredible experience! Zicasso’s travel agent was so easy to work with and made all of our dreams come true, from the hot-air balloon ride to the day trip in Botswana, she had every detail covered and made it so easy for us. When we had some last-minute questions while on our trip, she was incredibly responsive and provided helpful information. I cannot recommend her enough!

See more

Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist.

28,000+ Verified Traveler Reviews
Zicasso in the News