This exclusive 12-day safari is designed for the discerning traveler seeking a blend of classic safari activities, unique wildlife encounters, and unparalleled luxury.
You will experience the stunning contrasts of Botswana’s top wildlife regions, from the watery wonderland of the Okavango Delta to the elephant-rich landscapes of the Linyanti. The journey culminates with a visit to the majestic Victoria Falls. All internal flights are on light aircraft, offering breathtaking aerial views and maximizing your time on safari.
Accommodation: Luxury Lodges
Focus: Wildlife Photography, Unique Encounters, and Exclusive Experiences
Part 1: The Watery Paradise – Okavango Delta (5 Nights)
Part 2: Elephant Kingdom – Linyanti/Chobe Private Concession (5 Nights)
Part 3: The Smoke that Thunders – Victoria Falls (2 Nights)
Day 1: Arrival & Immersion into the Delta
Upon arrival at Maun International Airport (MUB), you will be met by your private guide, Vundi Kashamba. After a brief introduction, you will board a light aircraft for a scenic flight over the magnificent Okavango Delta. The flight offers a stunning perspective of the intricate waterways and scattered islands. You will land at a private airstrip within a top wildlife concession. From there, it’s a short, scenic game drive to your luxury lodge.
Accommodation: A luxury tented camp or lodge known for its exceptional location and service (e.g., Vumbura Plains, Duba Plains Camp).
Activities: Settle in and enjoy a welcome lunch. In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive, getting a feel for the unique Delta environment. The focus will be on the red lechwe, an antelope species that thrives in the water.
Evening: Enjoy a sundowner overlooking a lagoon, followed by a gourmet dinner and a briefing for the next day’s activities.
Days 2-5: The Delta's Secrets
Over the next four days, you will delve deep into the Okavango Delta’s ecosystem with a variety of activities tailored to the unique environment and wildlife. Vundi will use his expert knowledge to track and position you for the best photographic opportunities.
Game Drives: Explore the permanent islands and floodplains in specially adapted safari vehicles. This is your chance to witness the “swimming lions” that are a signature of certain Delta areas. Vundi will track prides known for their unique hunting behaviors, often walking from island to island through the water.
Mokoro Excursions: Glide silently through the narrow channels in a traditional dugout canoe (mokoro), poled by an experienced poler. This offers a peaceful and intimate perspective, allowing you to get up close to smaller creatures, magnificent birdlife, and the vibrant water lilies.
Boat Cruises: In areas with deeper waterways, a motorboat cruise provides access to larger lagoons and channels. This is an excellent way to see hippos, crocodiles, and large herds of red lechwe, their powerful legs splashing as they run through the shallow water—a truly unforgettable sound and sight.
Walking Safaris: Accompanied by Vundi and an armed scout, you will have the opportunity to explore a delta island on foot. This provides a different sensory experience, allowing you to focus on the smaller details of the bush, from spoor and insects to the unique flora. The thrill of being on foot is unparalleled.
Day 6: A Change of Scenery
After a final morning activity and a farewell brunch in the Delta, you will board a light aircraft for another scenic flight, this time heading north to the Linyanti/Chobe region. The landscape will visibly change as you fly, transitioning from the delta’s maze of water to the drier woodlands and permanent waterways of the Linyanti. You will land at a private airstrip and be transferred to your next luxury camp.
Accommodation: A luxury camp or lodge in a private concession known for its high elephant population (e.g., Selinda Camp, Savute Elephant Camp).
Activities: After settling in, you will have your first afternoon game drive in this new environment. The focus will be on the sheer number of elephants that the region is famous for, especially along the Linyanti River.
Evening: Enjoy a campfire dinner, sharing stories of the day’s sightings.
Days 7-10: The Big Game Show
The Linyanti is renowned for its predators and massive herds of elephants. Your days here will be packed with thrilling game drives and tracking opportunities.
Game Drives: Vundi will lead you on extensive game drives, both day and night. This region is a prime location for lion prides, hyena clans, and packs of African wild dogs. The wild dogs, in particular, are often seen on the hunt, and Vundi’s tracking skills will be put to the test to find them. The concentration of elephants, especially during the dry season, is astounding. You will spend time watching these gentle giants interact, drink, and dust themselves in their thousands.
Unique Encounters: The private concession allows for off-roading, meaning you can get closer to sightings without disturbing the animals. This is crucial for close encounters with predators and for capturing those perfect photographic moments.
Bush Walks: Depending on the specific camp and area, walking safaris may be available to explore the flora and fauna on foot.
Day 11: From Bush to Falls
Enjoy one final early morning game drive in the Linyanti. After a leisurely brunch, you will be transferred to a nearby airstrip for your final light aircraft flight to Kasane International Airport (BBK). From Kasane, it’s a short road transfer across the border to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Accommodation: A luxury hotel with views of the spray from the falls (e.g., Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, The Victoria Falls Hotel).
Activities: After checking in, you will have a unique and heartwarming experience: a close encounter with orphaned lions. This is an opportunity to learn about conservation efforts and get up close to these magnificent cats in a protected environment.
Evening: A farewell dinner celebrating the incredible journey you’ve had.
Day 12: A Grand Finale & Departure
Your final day is dedicated to the magnificent Victoria Falls.
Activities: In the morning, you will embark on a scenic helicopter or microlight flight over the Victoria Falls. The “Flight of Angels” provides a breathtaking aerial view of the falls, the Zambezi River, and the surrounding gorge—a perfect end to your safari.
Departure: After the scenic flight, you will have time to visit the falls on foot from the ground for a final perspective. You will then be transferred to Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) for your international departure.
This itinerary ensures a seamless and exclusive journey, offering a unique blend of classic safari activities, spectacular landscapes, and unforgettable wildlife encounters, all guided by the expertise of Vundi Kashamba and the impeccable service of Unfold Africa Travel Safaris.