Itinerary
- Day 1
Johannesburg to Kang
You'll leave Johannesburg at 06h30, driving north through the North West province with scattered mountains framing the landscape. After crossing into Botswana near Lobatse and clearing customs, the terrain opens up into the Kalahari Plains for a long stretch. By evening you'll reach accommodation near Kang village where dinner's provided and your guide runs through the itinerary ahead.
- Meals
- Dinner (Catered meal)
Included Activities
- Scenic drive through North West South Africa
- Kalahari Desert crossing
Landmarks/POIs Kalahari Desert - Day 2
Kang to Ghanzi
After sunrise over the Kalahari and breakfast, you're heading to Ghanzi for a bush walk led by traditional Bushmen guides. They'll teach you about their survival methods, hunting techniques, water storage, and beliefs about the land. You'll sleep at a locally managed property, gaining real insight into how the Bushmen live and navigate this harsh environment.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Sumptuous breakfast), Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided bush walk led by true Bushman/San guides
- Educational bushman survival skills demonstration
Landmarks/POIs Ghanzi - Days 3 - 5
Okavango Delta
You're now in the Okavango Delta, traveling through reed channels by mokoro to reach lagoons and uninhabited islands. The camp sits on the water's edge with a wooden deck overlooking the lagoon. During the day you'll take guided walks, swim, and join a sunset boat cruise. A helicopter tour of the delta is available for an extra fee if you want that perspective.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Okavango Delta exploration
- Guided walks in the Delta led by local Motswana guides
- Mokoro excursion through reed channels
- Sunset boat trip
Optional Activities
- Helicopter flight over the Okavango Delta (R665 – R3760 depending on group size)
Landmarks/POIs Okavango Delta - Day 6
Okavango Delta to Maun
The drive back toward Maun takes the morning and early afternoon. Once there you can pick up supplies before heading to Drifters Maun Tented Lodge on the Boteti River. The river shifts direction seasonally based on rainfall. The lodge has a pool, restaurant, and bar for settling in after your journey.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Boteti River Sunset viewing
Optional Activities
- Village walk from Drifters Lodge in Maun (Pula 50 - prices may vary)
Landmarks/POIs Boteti River - Days 7 - 10
National Parks Game Drives
This is the core game viewing section. You'll travel in open 4x4 Land Cruisers with local guides, following sand tracks through the parks. A support vehicle carries all your gear and sets up camp each night with tents, bush showers, and a campfire. You'll stay at exclusive private campsites depending on wildlife activity and season, potentially covering Third Bridge, Xakanaxa, Savuti, Central Kalahari, or Makgadikgadi.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic lunch), Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic lunch), Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic lunch), Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic lunch), Dinner
Included Activities
- 4x4 open vehicle game drives
- Private non-fenced campsites
- Extensive first-hand game viewing experience
- Explore the heart of National Geographic's photography region
Landmarks/POIs Moremi Game Reserve Third Bridge Xakanaxa Savuti Central Kalahari Game Reserve Makgadikgadi Pans National Park - Day 11
National Parks to Maun
A slow drive back to Maun this morning gives you time to spot wildlife one last time. You'll have a few hours in town to grab lunch (on your own) before returning to Drifters lodge for the afternoon. Dinner's provided and you get a comfortable night before heading further.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Game drive on the way out of the park
- Visit to Maun
- Day 12
Maun to Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
The morning's yours to relax at the lodge, either along the river or by the pool. After early lunch you're heading east into the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, a remote and isolated landscape known for birds and desert wildlife. When rains fall, flamingos migrate here. Tonight you'll camp under the stars with no light pollution, perfect for stargazing while your guides explain the constellations.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Remote campsite on the edge of the pans
- Night under the stars (weather permitting)
- Star gazing with guide explanation of constellations
Landmarks/POIs Makgadikgadi Salt Pans - Day 13
Makgadikgadi Pans to Victoria Falls
You're leaving the salt pans behind and heading north to the Chobe River, famous for massive elephant herds and other animals coming to drink. This afternoon includes a boat cruise along the Chobe River front and the Namibian side. After returning to land you'll cross into Zimbabwe and head to your accommodation in Vic Falls within walking distance of the falls themselves.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Chobe National Park exploration, especially elephants
- Extensive boat cruise on the Chobe River viewing hippos, crocodiles, and river birds
Landmarks/POIs Chobe National Park Chobe River - Day 14
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, called 'Mosi o Tunya' or 'The Smoke that Thunders,' is where you'll spend two nights exploring at your own pace. Entry to Victoria Falls National Park is covered. You can visit the tribal village or curio market as you like. Tonight dinner's on your own at a local restaurant, giving you flexibility in where and what you eat.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Victoria Falls National Park entry fee included
Optional Activities
- Aircraft flip over the falls (own expense)
- Boat trip on the Zambezi River (own expense)
- White water rafting (Low water: USD 150, High water: USD 140)
- Tribal village visit (own expense)
- Curio market (own expense)
- Gorge Swing (USD 95), Tandem Gorge Swing (USD 140)
- Zip line (USD 70), Tandem Zip line (USD 110)
- Flying Fox (USD 45), Canopy tour (USD 55)
- Half Day Adrenalin High wire pass (USD 140)
- Adrenalin High wire & Canopy tour pass (USD 175)
- Adventure Pass - choose any 2 from: White Water Rafting, Upper Zambezi Canoeing, Half Day Adrenalin, 12/13 Minutes Helicopter, Night Drive (USD 305 with cruise almost free)
- Safari Pass - choose 1 plus Chobe trip from: Half Day Adrenalin, White water rafting, Upper Zambezi Canoeing, Night Drive (USD 293)
- Rafting + Gorge Swing Combo (USD 200)
- 12/13 Minutes Helicopter (USD 150)
- Micro light Flight (USD 174 - Zambia only, requires dual visa)
- Full Day Chobe (USD 160)
- Horse Riding Safari - Experienced (USD 85) or Novice (USD 80)
- Game Drive (USD 95)
- Night Drive (USD 130)
- Sundowner Cruise (USD 50)
- Fishing 3 hrs (USD 120)
- Upper Zambezi Canoeing (USD 150)
Landmarks/POIs Victoria Falls Victoria Falls National Park - Day 15
Victoria Falls
For the 15-day tour this is your departure day. If you're on the longer version, you'll cross back into Botswana heading south toward Francistown. This is your final night in tents, and dinner's part of the tour as you celebrate finishing your journey through southern Africa.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Final tour meal celebrating the adventure)
Included Activities
- Last opportunity to view game on route to Francistown
- Scenic drive from Zimbabwe to Botswana
- Day 16
Francistown to Johannesburg
You're crossing the Limpopo River back into South Africa and driving to Johannesburg, arriving in the early evening. If you need post-tour accommodation or airport transfers, Drifters can arrange those for you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Scenic drive from Botswana to South Africa
Landmarks/POIs Limpopo River
