Diverse Big Game Safari in Botswana & Okavango Delta

Diverse Big Game Safari in Botswana & Okavango Delta

What to expect on this itinerary

The desert and the delta are two safari destinations that delight in their difference yet surprise in their similarities. Together, the desert and the delta make for an immersive safari experience that encompasses the complete range of wildlife, landscapes, and activities. Using four exquisite reserves and concessions, this safari itinerary will reveal the exclusive safari wonders of Botswana before culminating in spectacular nights amongst the flooded channels of the Okavango Delta.

Countries Visited

Botswana

Places Visited

Johannesburg, Mashatu Game Reserve, Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Sandibe Reserve, Okavango Delta, Vumbura Reserves, Maun

Suggested Duration

12 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Mashatu Game Reserve – Classic Private Reserve Safari Experience

As you arrive on a small plane, you will immediately grasp the scale of Mashatu. Expanding across the boundaries of Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe, Southern Africa's largest private game reserve is surrounded by unbroken miles of wilderness. The Mashatu is a remote desert and savannah, scorched and dusty throughout most of the year. Waterholes are dotted across the reserve, permanent places of bounty that brings wandering life from across the Kalahari region. Elephants, giraffe, lions, zebra herds, and whatever you are dreaming of, there's a strong probability that it lurks in this reserve. You will land first at O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and then transfer onto a small charter flight that will take you into the untouched promise of your African safari.

Touch down and the aerial expressions of scale will be replaced by impressions of intimacy. A luxurious camp overlooks the water, and it is here that your safari begins. Lounge on your verandah as a giraffe wanders along the horizon and then dine beneath the stars as elephant silhouettes come in to drink. Wake to the rustling sounds of zebra grazing just a few meters from your room. Effortlessly blending into nature, your luxury lodge regularly see wildlife frequent. It's not that unusual for big cats to be spotted from the sanctuary of your room. After a relaxed lunch, you will enjoy an introductory game drive for a chance to explore your first safari sights and take those first adoring photos of Botswana's great mammals.

What's Included:

Accommodation
Transfer
Activity
Dinner
Day 2 - 3

Mashatu Game Reserve – All-Inclusive Intimacy on Foot and Horseback

Day 4

Central Kalahari Game Reserve – The Gems of the Kalahari

Day 5 - 6

Central Kalahari Game Reserve – Full-Day Game Drives in an Epic Wilderness

Day 7

Sandibe Reserve – First Impressions of the Great Oasis

Day 8

Sandibe Reserve – Big Game Safari in a Variety of Thrilling Habitats

Day 9 - 11

Vumbura Reserve – Iconic Okavango Private Concession Safari

Day 12

Maun – Departure

Trip Highlights

  • Enjoy the full range of safari activities from horseback riding with zebra to canoeing past hippos to game drives across the desert
  • Discover the thrilling diversity of Southern Africa's wildlife and get close to both the water dwellers and the giant four-legged nomads
  • Savor the exclusivity of a private safari as the reserves and concessions have very few other visitors
  • Slowly settle into the rhythm of safari at Mashatu Game Reserve, a large private reserve that combines raw wilderness with unique activities and safari luxury
  • Explore the sheer scale of the desert as you track the giants in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, an incredible expression of untamed Africa
  • Surround yourself with the water of the Okavango Delta and discover the thrilling big game that inhabits the private Sandibe Reserve
  • Complete the safari in one of Africa's most exclusive concessions in the Vamburu Reserve, where untrammeled luxury merges with a staggering big game abundance
  • Connect the desert and delta with light aircraft for expressive aerial safaris while providing expedited access to remote reserves
  • All safari activities are private, and there is a delightful sense of exploring your personal playground

Starting Price

$11,600 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 421 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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Customizable Itinerary

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

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