Combining Victoria Falls with your Botswana wildlife safari offers an enriching travel experience that captures the essence of Southern Africa's natural wonders. Renowned for its pristine landscapes and abundant wildlife, Botswana is a top-tier destination for safari enthusiasts. From the vast stretches of the Kalahari Desert to the lush waterways of the Okavango Delta, the country's natural beauty is both captivating and profound.
A safari to Botswana promises unforgettable encounters with iconic African wildlife. Picture yourself observing a pride of lions lounging under the shade of an acacia tree, or a herd of elephants making their way through the shimmering waters of the delta. Botswana safari tours provide these experiences and more, as they are meticulously designed to offer a blend of adventure, luxury, and education about the region's unique ecosystems.
While Botswana's wildlife safari offers an experience like no other, combining it with a tour of Victoria Falls can elevate your African adventure to new heights. Known as "The Smoke That Thunders," Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and is located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Its sheer scale and beauty are awe-inspiring, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler in Southern Africa.
Diverse Landscapes
One of the most compelling reasons to combine Victoria Falls with your Botswana wildlife safari is the incredible diversity of landscapes you get to experience in a single trip. Victoria Falls, often referred to as "The Smoke That Thunders," offers a breathtaking spectacle of cascading water, lush rainforests, and misty sprays that create rainbows in the sunlight. This natural wonder provides not only awe-inspiring views but also a refreshing contrast to the vast, untamed wilderness of Botswana.
Integrating Both Destinations
Combining a Botswana wildlife safari with a Victoria Falls tour requires careful planning but offers immense rewards. Many tour operators provide packages that seamlessly integrate both destinations, ensuring that travelers can enjoy a hassle-free experience.
A typical itinerary might begin with several days exploring Botswana's national parks and reserves, followed by a short flight or drive to Victoria Falls. This allows travelers to immerse themselves in Botswana's wildlife before experiencing the grandeur of the falls.
Alternatively, starting at Victoria Falls can set an exciting tone for the adventure ahead. After witnessing one of nature's greatest spectacles, travelers can journey into Botswana, where they can unwind amidst its tranquil landscapes and encounter its diverse wildlife.
7 Days Combined Botswana wildlife safari and Victoria Falls tour Zimbabwe
Day 1: Arrival in Maun, Botswana
Your adventure begins in Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your tour guide and transferred to your lodge. Maun is a bustling frontier town that serves as the starting point for many safaris into the delta. After settling in, you'll have the opportunity to relax and prepare for the exciting days ahead. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner where you will meet fellow travelers and learn more about the itinerary.
Day 2-3: Exploring the Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is one of the world's largest inland deltas, a unique ecosystem where the Okavango River fans out into a maze of lagoons, channels, and islands. Over the next two days, you'll immerse yourself in this natural wonder through guided mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) excursions and walking safaris.
The delta is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and a myriad of bird species. As you glide silently through the waterways in a mokoro, you'll have the chance to observe animals up close in their natural habitat. The walking safaris offer a different perspective, allowing you to track animals on foot and learn about the smaller details of the ecosystem that are often overlooked.
Evenings are spent at a comfortable safari camp where you can enjoy delicious meals under the African sky and share stories around the campfire.
Day 4: Transfer to Chobe National Park
On day four, you'll journey north to Chobe National Park, one of Botswana's premier wildlife destinations. Known for its large elephant herds and diverse wildlife, Chobe offers an exceptional safari experience. After checking into your lodge, embark on an afternoon game drive through the park's varied landscapes, ranging from lush floodplains to dense woodlands.
Chobe is home to an impressive array of animals, including lions, leopards, buffaloes, and antelope species. The game drive provides an excellent opportunity to witness these creatures in their natural environment while learning about their behaviors from your knowledgeable guide.
Day 5: Chobe River Cruise
A highlight of any visit to Chobe National Park is a cruise along the Chobe River. This morning, you'll board a boat for a leisurely cruise that offers a unique vantage point for wildlife viewing. As you navigate the river's gentle currents, you'll encounter hippos wallowing in the shallows, crocodiles basking on the banks, and elephants swimming across the water.
The river cruise also provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching, with species such as African fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons frequently spotted along the river's edge. After a morning on the water, return to your lodge for lunch and an afternoon at leisure.
Day 6: Cross to Victoria Falls
After breakfast, you'll cross the border into Zimbabwe and make your way to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Known locally as "Mosi-oa-Tunya" or "The Smoke That Thunders," Victoria Falls is a spectacular sight to behold. The sheer volume of water cascading over the edge creates a magnificent spray that can be seen from miles away.
Upon arrival, you'll check into your accommodation before setting out to explore the falls. A guided tour will take you along well-maintained paths that offer panoramic views of this natural marvel. You'll have plenty of time to take photographs and soak in the awe-inspiring beauty of one of Africa's most iconic landmarks.
Day 7: Adventure Activities and Departure
Your final day offers a range of optional activities to suit all interests. For those seeking adventure, there are opportunities for white-water rafting on the Zambezi River or bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge. Alternatively, you might choose a scenic helicopter flight over the falls for a bird's-eye view of this majestic landscape.
For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting a local village to learn about Zimbabwean culture or enjoy a leisurely lunch overlooking the falls. As your tour comes to an end, you'll be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport for your onward journey.
Why book Combined Botswana wildlife safari and Victoria Falls tour Zimbabwe with Dav safaris
Dav Safaris presents an expertly curated itinerary that ensures you witness the breathtaking beauty and diverse wildlife of these iconic destinations. Botswana is renowned for its pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife, offering exceptional safari experiences in places like the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. Here, you can encounter elephants, lions, and an array of bird species in their natural habitat. The guided tours provided by Dav Safaris ensure a safe and informative journey, with knowledgeable guides who enhance your understanding of the ecosystem.