A Perfect Okavango and Kalahari Safari

Cheetah and cubs in the African savanna

What to expect on this itinerary

The Kalahari stretches evocatively across most of Botswana, a redolent desert that's defined by surprise. For this is not just a dusty and deserted desert. The Okavango Delta occupies its heart, a fabulous oasis of life that provides surreal safari experiences. Stunning salt pans flitter where lakes used to be while tumbling rivers create elephant-engulfed woodland. It's all the Kalahari, yet it's all very different. This 11-day safari connects you with each of the eclectic wonders.

Countries Visited

Botswana

Places Visited

Kalahari Desert, Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Maun, Makgadikgadi Pan, Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Vumbura Plains, Linyanti Concession, Chobe National Park

Suggested Duration

11 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Maun to Central Kalahari Game Reserve – Africa's Largest Game Reserve

The Kalahari delights from the air, the colors blurring as they stretch across the desert; rustic orange into glowing yellow, rugged reds into the shimmering mirage of the desert plains. Flying across Botswana in light aircraft isn't just a convenient way of traveling, it's a chance to grasp the astonishing scale of the landscapes. Your international flight arrives in Maun, where a representative assists in the transfer to a small plane bound for the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. You land in big game country, touching down in Africa's largest game reserve. One glance from the luxury camp and you can sense the enormity of it all. An elephant graces the horizon, nomadic giraffes sweep past, and there's an immediate sense of wild the Central Kalahari can be. After landing, the drive to the camp is also a game drive, a chance to spot a few animals before an evening of tranquility at the camp.

What's Included:

Accommodation
Transfer
Activity
Dinner
Day 2 - 3

Central Kalahari Game Reserve – Classic Desert Safari

Day 4

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park – Exploring the World's Largest Salt Pan

Day 5 - 6

Moremi Game Reserve – Big Game Kalahari Bliss

Day 7 - 8

Vumbura Plains – Exclusive Oasis Safari

Day 9 - 10

Linyanti Concession – Immersed in the Woodland

Day 11

Maun – Departure Charms

Trip Highlights

  • Connect the paradigms and trace the wonders of the Kalahari by traveling from dusty plains to salt pans, then onwards through the utopian delta to a flourishing woodland
  • Discover the great oasis provided by the Okavango Delta, starting with two days on the big game-rich Moremi Reserve
  • Further enhance the intimacy of the Okavango safari with two days of walking and canoe safari at the private Vumbura Plains reserve
  • Immerse yourself in the phenomenal scale of the Central Kalahari, Africa's largest game reserve that offers an iconic desert safari experience
  • Explore the Makgadikgadi, the world's largest salt pan providing an epic adventure through shimmering whiteness
  • Journey out of the Delta and complete the safari with two nights in the wood and grasslands of Linyanti Concession, where giant elephant herds and big cats are the norm
  • Fly between safari destinations in light aircraft, enjoying a fabulous impression of the Kalahari and Okavango scale
  • Savor private safari experiences and surround yourself with the wild: the game reserves visited are famed for both their diversity and abundance of big mammals

Starting Price

$11,500 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 419 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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