Backroads of Botswana

10 days - from $820

Combine the fantastic wildlife of Chobe National Park with the stunning scenery of Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls to make this one of the best trips on offer. We travel from Pretoria to Khama Rhino Sanctuary, where we experience our first taste of the African wildlife. There is a chance to learn more about this community based conservation effort through local site guides, as well as enjoy an optional night drive which may well be the highlight of your visit. Travelling along the back roads of Botswana we arrive at Okavango Delta, where we explore the most spectacular floodplain in the world using traditional mokoros (dug-out canoes) and on foot. The birdlife is prolific and the sunsets are simply spectacular. Travelling past Makgadikgadi Pan we continue to Chobe National Park and spending a day game viewing in open four-wheel drive vehicles and on boats. We watch large herds of elephant play in the river, hippo relaxing at the water's edge, antelope frolicking through the grasslands and, with a bit of luck, lions keeping watch over their territory. To top it all off we finish in Victoria Falls, the adrenalin-filled centre of Africa, where there are a myriad of optional activities available for everyone.

Highlights

• Nxai Pan National Park's fossil lakebed and baobabs
• Chobe National Park's river
• Khama Rhino Sanctuary
• Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
• Okavango Delta by 'mokoro'
• ‘The smoke that thunders' - Victoria Falls

Itinerary:

Day 1: Pretoria/Johannesburg (South Africa)2: Khama Rhino Sanctuary (Botswana)3: Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Maun (Botswana)4-6: Okavango Delta Excursion - Maun (Botswana)7-8: Chobe National Park (Botswana)9: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)10: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

What's It Like?

Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the ‘must see’ sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.

Included:

• Gecko’s experienced English-speaking local safari leader, professional driver, and camp cook who will prepare all included meals.

• Gecko’s specialist English-speaking guide in Chobe National Park.

• Transport in a custom-built safari vehicle with large opening windows for unrestricted game viewing (maximum of just 24 clients).

• 7 nights camping in large dome tents, with mosquito netting and a foam mattress provided. Camp sites include: inside Khama Rhino Sanctuary; on the banks of the Chobe River; and in Victoria Falls Township.

• 1 night in a tented bush camp in Chobe National Park.

• 1 day in Chobe National Park, 3 days in the Okavango Delta and half a day at Khama Rhino Sanctuary (including all park entrance fees, where applicable).

• Open 4WD vehicle game drives in Chobe National Park.

• 3 day excursion on the Okavango Delta by mokoro (dugout canoe) and on foot, guided by an expert poler from the Okavango Polers Trust.

• Rhino Trail lead by rangers based at the sanctuary.

International flights, local payment, arrival and departure transfers, airport/departure taxes, visas, pre-tour or post-tour accommodation, all other meals, drinks, sleeping bag, pillow, all optional additional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature, laundry and flights (unless specified).