Victoria Falls and Botswana (2024)

Victoria Falls and Botswana (2024)

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Victoria Falls and Botswana (2024)

9 Days Starting in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and ending in Maun

Visiting: Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, Makadikadi Basin, Okavango Delta, Maun

Tour operator:

Contiki

Tour code:

AAVBMP19

Recommended For:

18-30 somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Age range:

18-35

Trip Styles:

Safari Tours, Small Group

Interests:

Wildlife Tours

Activities:

4WD, Boat/Cruise Excursion

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

You'd think any trip that kicks off somewhere as spectacular as Victoria Falls (one of the world's biggest waterfalls) probably has some pretty big adventures tucked up its sleeve. And you'd be right. After marvelling at the 'smoke that thunders' (with options for helicopter rides, zip-lining and more), this Mother Nature extravaganza takes you and your crew to Chobe. Here, you'll have a unique chance to camp in the African bush (on a private site exclusively for you squad and expert guides), gazing up at the endless stars. After enjoying some included game drives (and getting some perspective-bending pics at the insane Makgadikgadi Salt Pans), it's onto the Okavango Delta for more camping and some of the best wildlife-spotting opportunities in the world. Wondrous wildlife. Jaw-dropping sights. Expert guides. And a group of new friends to experience it all with. You'll be heading home from this one with an envy-inducing Insta feed and a lovestruck smile on your face.

Highlights

  • 8 Breakfast (B)

  • 3 Dinner (D)

  • 1 Lunch (L)

  • Chobe: Coast along the banks of the Chobe River in search of thirsty wildlife coming down to drink. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience

  • Chobe: Be on the lookout for any wildlife we may have heard the night before! MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience

  • Okavango Delta: Our first taste of the Okavango Delta, as we head to our Contiki Safari Camp. Hopefully spotting some of the ‘Big Five’ on our way. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience

  • Okavango Delta: It’s our last drive in the Delta! And our last chance to see any wildlife that eluded us on previous jaunts. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience

  • Okavango Delta: Get up with the sun in search of the amazing wildlife in this garden of Eden. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience

  • Okavango Delta: Enjoy a sunset trip along the waterways of the Khwai River, looking out for the incredible animals that live here. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Start Victoria Falls
Location: Victoria Falls
Accommodation: Shearwater Explorer's Village (or similar)

Excited much? Make your own way to your accommodation in Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders and the largest waterfall in the world. You might want to pack your raincoat, as during certain times of the year you can get drenched from the rising spray, giving the falls its local name: 'The smoke that thunders'.
Please note: From January to June this trip puts you in the Victoria Falls Waterfront Hotel, Zambia, with a riverside deck and bar that overlooks the spray of the thunderous falls. Travelling from July to December? Don't worry, you're not missing out: we'll put you up in the Shearwater Explorers Village, Zimbabwe, just 400m from the falls - with bohemian cafes, curio markets and swimming pools to explore. It's win win, basically.

Day 2: Victoria Falls
Location: Victoria Falls
Accommodation: Shearwater Explorer's Village (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast

Today’s all about one thing: adrenaline-fuelled adventure. In the morning you’ll raft down the Zambezi River, one of the world's best white-water rafting experiences that boasts up to 20 rapids, with cool names like “the Devil’s Toilet Bowl”, “Terminator 1 & 2” and the famous “Oblivion”. In the afternoon, it’s plunge time – jump, zip line or swing off the famous bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia over the Zambezi River. With the sunset before you, the mighty Victoria Falls behind, Zambia on your left, Zimbabwe on your right and the gushing Zambezi below, you won’t be able to resist falling in love with Africa again and again and again…

Day 3: Victoria Falls To Chobe
Location: Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park
Accommodation: Contiki Safari Camp (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We start today on foot, to literally ‘walk on the wild side’ with a guided walking Safari along the Zambezi’s National Park. This is a unique way to track wildlife on foot while learning about some of the smaller animals – plus plants and just generally anything we come across. Afterwards, we go from foot mode to flight mode with a helicopter ride above the thunderous waters below - the best way to see the falls in all their glory. Then it’s across the border to Botswana for more of what we love. I.e., safaris! This time, it’s the world-famous Chobe National Park, known for its huge elephant population.
Tonight, you’ll truly experience the wilderness with a night out in the middle of the African bush. We have a private Contiki site just for us, with our own guides, cooks and a bonfire – all set under the stars. After dinner, you’ll get the chance to fall asleep to the sounds of Africa: a jackal calling in the distance, the loud whoop of a hyena, perhaps the roar of lions as they wake from a daytime slumber. Catch you later, city life!

Please note: due to the rainy season, overnight camping in Chobe is not available from October to March. Instead, you’ll spend two nights in Chobe at a lodge with afternoon and morning game drives still included, plus a buffet dinner.

Day 4: Chobe
Location: Chobe National Park
Accommodation: Kwalape Safari Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we'll wake up to watch the sunrise over the African bush with a light breakfast, before departing on a morning game drive to hopefully see some of the wildlife we may have heard the night before. We will arrive late morning to check into our new lodge and spend the rest of the day relaxing around the pool and swapping stories from the night before. On our last evening together you can opt for a wildlife cruise on the Chobe river. Surrounded by pods of hippos, crocs basking on the banks and all forms of African animals coming down to drink, this is truly one African sunset you'll never forget followed by a buffet dinner tonight.

Day 5: Chobe To Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
Location: Chobe National Park, Makadikadi Basin
Accommodation: Gweta Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast

Dumela Botswana! We’ll head south today from Kasane to Gweta Lodge on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt pans.


Opt to cruise the salt pans in open safari vehicles in search of a meerkat colony while getting some funky perspective photos in one of the largest salt flats in the world. Tonights treat is sundower drinks under an icon of Botswana before retiring to the lodge for dinner and drinks at the bar.

Day 6: Makgadikgadi Salt Pans To Okavango Delta
Location: Makadikadi Basin, Okavango Delta
Accommodation: Contiki Safari Camp (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We will say goodbye to the pans (for now) and head on to the wildlife haven that is the Okavango Delta


Our minds already blown by this unique natural landscape, it's off to the Okavango Delta, where we'll take an awe-inspiring game drive before settling into our exclusive Contiki Safari Camp. We'll be greeted with luxe two person dome tents - pre-erected of course - with stretchers, mattresses and linen. Dinner? How about a campfire meal as we swap tales under a starswept sky?

Day 7: Okavango Delta
Location: Okavango Delta
Accommodation: Contiki Safari Camp (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Get your David Attenborough voice on, we are in the heart of Africa's iconic wildlife filming paradise. This sprawling wetland is home to some of Africa's most incredible species and we will start searching for them after a quick bite to eat and we're off on an early morning game drive in the Okavango Delta in hopes of spotting elephants, hippos and if we're lucky, some predators. We'll head back to camp for a tasty lunch and siesta. Chill in the camp or opt for a Mokoro boat trip along the gorgeous waterways of the delta. In the afternoon we're back on another jaw-dropping game drive before our traditional campfire dinner. The day isn't over, though - not even close. This evening we have a once in a lifetime opportunity - a night drive in the bush with spotlights seeking out elusive nocturnal animals you can't find during the day.

Day 8: Okavango Delta To Maun
Location: Okavango Delta, Maun
Accommodation: Island Safari Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast

Another morning at the Delta (the struggle is real.) After coffee and breakfast at sunrise, it's time for another morning game drive – eyes peeled for elephants – as we make our way out of this wildlife paradise.
Check into the lodge, chill by the pool and then take to the skies in an optional Okavango Delta helicopter flight. Hover just meters above the waterways or fly high for stunning views of this unique inland delta and of course, don’t forget your binocs for some wildlife spotting from the air. If you've got a head for heights, you won't find views more spectacular than this anywhere in the world. Tonight, you’ll polish off your last night in Botswana with a night in the town. The Okavango Delta Brewery calls, offering a tour, tasting and dinner for you to enjoy.

Day 9: End Maun
Location: Maun
Meals Included: Breakfast

After a last breakfast together its time to say goodbye to new found friends and an incredible time in Botswana.

Check out our Q&As

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.

Reviews of this Operator

Trusted Customer  

Northern Choice plus Kaikoura

16-Jan-2023

The trip ran so smoothly and was well organised! The extra add ons were amazing and all the services were spot on. Food places were reasonable. I'm definitely booking my next contiki trip again soon!

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Sophie  

Exceptional customer service

14-Jan-2023

Contiki were exceptional in providing customer service. They provided me with lots of information and were quick in responding to all my questions. I found that they were super helpful.

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Trusted Customer  

First time traveling with Contiki. Highly recommend! You’ll have a blast

17-Jan-2023

First time traveling internationally since Covid and glad I spent the trip with Contiki. The travel, lodging, meals, activities everything was planned effortlessly. Going to Greece in may with contiki. Highly recommend

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Amazing trip. Made great friends and memories. Can’t wait for my next trip

15-Jan-2023

I had 24 people on my contiki and I think it was the perfect number, we all got to know each other well and got along great. Our tour guide was fun and knowledgeable, the hotels were nice and in great locations.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Tanner Stokes  

My amazing trip to Africa

13-Jan-2023

Sherif was an excellent tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable about every single small detail at each site that we visited. In addition to his great service, he has a glowing spirit that made me feel like I had family with me the entire trip. Anything that I was concerned about, he always had an answer and was there to help. I truly enjoyed my experience and will purchase a tour with him in the future

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 60 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.

    At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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