Description
From huge herds of migrating herbivores to the interconnected waterways of the Okavango Delta and the awe-inspiring sight of Victoria Falls, this itinerary presents Africa on a scale seldom seen on other safaris.
Overview
Following the beginning of the rainy season, the safari starts in the usually dry and arid Nxai Pan National Park, now transformed with the arrival of vegetation that blankets the area. After witnessing the migration of zebra, wildebeest, and other species, you'll then travel to the Okavango Delta to look for elephants, lions, Cape buffalo, a profusion of birdlife and many other animals that call this sprawling wetland home. Your journey will then end at Victoria Falls - the largest waterfall in the world when taking into account its combined width and height - where you'll be able to partake in a number of activities against the backdrop of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What makes this trip extraordinary
- Enjoy fantastic predator sightings at Nxai Pan National Park.
- Witness the second-largest terrestrial migration in Africa, as thousands of zebra, wildebeest, and other herbivores flock to the seasonal feeding grounds of Nxai Pan.
- Become awestruck at the dizzying array of stars in the night skies.
- Feel the heartbeat of the Okavango Delta, exploring the labyrinth of waterways, islands, and lagoons of this vast wetland.
- Search for the Delta's wildlife by foot, vehicle, and traditional mokoro canoe.
- See the magnificent and thunderous Victoria Falls with your own eyes.
- Choose from a variety of activities on offer at the Falls, including bungee jumping, helicopter or microlight flights, guided walks and sunset boat cruises.
Inclusion
Exclusion
Itinerary
Upon arrival into Maun Airport, you will be met and transferred to catch your onward flight to Nxai Pan. Similar to the Makgadikgadi Pans, Nxai Pan National Park is part of the Kalahari ecosystem, yet so different to the game reserve. Grassy plains are peppered with fossil beds and smaller salt pans, growing sweet grasses that attract a diverse range of hungry animals. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your camp, and (time permitting) head out on an afternoon game drive.
Overnight: Nxai Pan Camp
(L, D)
Lion, giraffe, kudu, ostrich, and jackal can all be found here in the park, usually resident around the large waterhole. Unusually, both springbok - which are abundant - and impala live here together, despite their usual differences in preferred habitat. Large herds of zebra, wildebeest, gemsbok, and eland can also be spotted, as well as more unusual animals, such as bat-eared fox, hartebeest, brown hyena and even cheetah. The first rains (in November) bring one of the greatest transformations witnessed in Africa as the Nxai Pan and Makgadikgadi Pan areas become an important habitat for migrating animals, including wildebeest and one of Africa’s largest zebra populations. With the mass migration of these species - the second-largest in Africa, after the Great Migration of the Masai Mara and Serengeti - comes the movement of the large predators which prey on them. Enjoy game drives (morning and afternoon) as well as cultural walks with the Bushmen of the Kalahari.
Overnight: Nxai Pan Camp
(B, L, D)
After your morning's game drive, transfer to the airstrip for your flight to the Okavango Delta. By air is a fantastic way to travel, as you watch the wetlands of the Okavango Delta stretch out before you and its resident wildlife, including herds of elephants and giraffes, wandering through the rich habitat below. You will have the rest of the day to enjoy this reserve. Activities include day and night drives, mokoro excursions, guided walks, fishing, motorboat trips and sunset cruises.
Encapsulating the heart of wild Africa with its evocative scenes of wildlife and natural beauty, a journey into the untouched Okavango Delta is one of jaw-dropping big game viewing, peace and tranquillity. The Okavango Delta is one of the best places on earth for game viewing and with very few visitors, you'll feel like you're one of the earliest explorers as head out with your naturalist guide, whether tracking the big predators by vehicle or gliding through the waterways in a mokoro canoe, or even on foot! Enjoy morning and afternoon activities in the Delta, and when not out on activities, take the chance to relax back at your camp.
After your morning game activity (time permitting) and breakfast, you will be driven back to the airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Kasane Airport. Upon arrival, you will be met and taken across the border to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. After clearing customs and immigration you will be met by another driver and taken to your lodge. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure, though we highly recommend a sunset cruise to finish your day with.
Overnight: Ilala Lodge
(B, L)
Known also by its indigenous name, Mosi-oa-Tunya - "The Smoke that Thunders" - Victoria Falls is classified as the largest waterfall in the world, with a width of 1.25 miles. A visit to the Falls is a highlight of anyone's safari in Southern Africa and the area is a hub for both water- and land-based activities. Visit the breathtaking Victoria Falls or, for an aerial view, why not try a helicopter flight over this natural wonder. Alternatives include white-water rafting, a visit to the national park, and a sunset cruise, to name a few! Most activities can be booked upon arrival, however, it is advised to book helicopter flights in advance. When not exploring the area, kick back at your accommodation.
Overnight: Ilala Lodge
(B)
After checking out of your hotel in the morning, you will then be driven to the local airport to catch your flights home.
Overnight: Ilala Lodge
(B)
Accommodation
- ILALA Lodge
- NXAI Pan Camp
Cancellation Policy
Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and it is our endeavor to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation, and ration in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the program. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below,
- Cancellations prior to 30 days from the start of the event: Full refund as cash.
- Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 % refund as cash.
- Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund.
- Cancellations will be accepted only by email.
Note: We reserve the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.
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