The Great Zebra Migration Across the Kalahari

Zebras migrating in Africa

What to expect on this itinerary

Experience Africa's greatest secret with this unique 10-day immersion in Botswana's zebra migration. Approximately 30,000 sets of hooves kick up dust and splash through the floodplains as they journey south in the early months of the year. Watch the action unfold from private verandahs, get up close with walking safaris, game drive past galloping herds, and discover the chaperoning big cats. But don't go telling everyone. This surreal phenomenon is blissfully devoid of other tourists.

Countries Visited

Botswana

Places Visited

Okavango Delta, Nxai Pan, Makgadikgadi Pan

Suggested Duration

10 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Khwai Concession – First Glimpses at Botswana’s Abundant Wildlife

Botswana’s wilderness is best understood from the air. Gaze out of the window and look down on endless expanses of scorched savannah and lush waterways. Fly into Maun, central Botswana, and then take a light aircraft to Khwai Concession, starting at the northern edge of zebra land. During most of the year, the herds are spread over vast distances that include the Southern Okavango, southern stretches of Chobe National Park, and shriveling areas north of Nxai Pan. Settle into your luxury camp and begin the adventure with a game drive through untouched wilderness.

Meandering through the landscape is the Khwai River, a lavish oasis that attracts migrants from miles around. Wildebeest and zebra revel in this permanent water source, crowding around the banks and tentatively taking a drink. Lions lurk in the grassland, carefully approaching from a distance and causing immediate panic as the lookout alerts the herd. First game drives are always packed with excitement. Scenes from the documentaries come thick and fast, offering an intimate experience that is far more impressive in full color reality. And it’s not just the game drives. Return to camp and keep looking up from your dinner as a herd wanders past.

What's Included:

Transfer
Accommodation
Dinner
Day 2

Khwai Concession – Game Drives

Day 3

Khwai Concession – Lush Okavango Waterways

Day 4

Nxai Pan – Huge Herds Marauding

Day 5

Nxai Pan – Thrilling Proximity

Day 6

Nxai Pan – Big Cat Action

Day 7

Makgadikgadi Pans – Following the Zebra

Day 8

Makgadikgadi Pans – Lost on the Shimmering Salt Pans

Day 9

Makgadikgadi Pans – Final Safari Memories and Indelibly Dramatic Scenes

Day 10

Maun – Farewell to Africa’s Best Kept Secret

Trip Highlights

  • Experience a remarkable and rare phenomenon by following the zebra migration across three distinct wildlife reserves
  • Spend three days on the edge of the Okavango, exploring floodplains and finding your own private piece of wilderness
  • Marvel at the huge zebra herds that maraud across the Nxai Pan, the action often visible from your private verandah
  • Ensure you get an array of angles by tailoring a wonderful combination of game drives, walking safaris, and even horseback safaris
  • Witness authentic hunting scenes as a smorgasbord of predators accompany the 30,000 zebra on their annual journey
  • Journey south to the stunning Makgadikgadi Pans and finish your trip where the zebra do, at the irrefutable Boteti River
  • Quad bike across the shimmering Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and discover a lunar-like landscape that defies the eyes

Starting Price

$10,300 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 418 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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