Journey by mokoro deep into the Okavango Delta for a magical stay at a wilderness safari camp set on an island – a total immersion in real, untamed Africa
Head out for bushwalks, game drives and boat trips with a specialist guide to spot elephants, lions, giraffes, cheetahs, hippos, rhinos and so much more
Cross the Kalahari Desert and the Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area via Chobe National Park, to the thunderous Victoria Falls
Want to explore more of southern Africa? Our Desert to Delta Journey takes you through Namibia and across Botswana
Day 1
Descend over the vast plains of Botswana and touchdown in Maun, a bustling town on the banks of the Thamalakane River. Meet your host at the airport and transfer to your hotel. In the evening, you’ll get the chance to meet your guides and fellow adventurers and have a chat about the adventure to come.
Day 2
Enjoy a leisurely start to the day in Maun to shake off any tiredness from the long journey to Botswana. This afternoon you'll head into the wild, driving out of Maun and turning onto a network of off-road sand tracks for a 4x4 journey deep into the magical wilderness of the Okavango Delta, with giraffe, elephant, zebra and buffalo for company. Arriving at the water's edge you'll meet your 'poler' – a local specialist guide from a village at the mouth of the delta. The polers are remarkable people with a deep knowledge of this incredible ecosystem. Your poler will guide you upstream serenely in a mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) for a few hours to reach a remote camp on the edge of Cha Cha Island. The mobile safari camp is already setup so you can relax and take in an iconic African sunset while watching the hippos in the water – eyes peeled for other wildlife as the light fades. Enjoy dinner and a campfire, hearing stories from your camp crew about their time working in wildest Africa. You'll fall asleep tonight to the sounds of the bush.
Please note that the timings of the driving, walking and mokoro rides can vary depending on the time of the year and the water levels found in the delta.
Day 3
Wake up in the heart of the African bush, tucking into coffee and a light breakfast before hopping in the mokoro to cross quickly to the other side of the water. From here, set off on an extended bushwalk safari. Your guide will lead the way, talking you through the myriad intricacies of the African bush, telling stories about the wildlife and plant life as you track various species. You’ll likely see giraffes, zebras, antelopes, buffaloes, elephants, impala and countless bird species. Your guide will look out for tracks from the early morning activity for signs of big cats in the area – lion and leopard sightings occur regularly in this part of the Delta. Being immersed in the bush on foot is completely unique, so different from spotting animals on the classic game drive safaris. Eventually circling back to the water's edge, you can enjoy brunch and some downtime back at camp. In the afternoon you can hop in the mokoro to reach a good spot for an unforgettable swim (safely away from any hippos or crocs!). Later on, you’ll take another mokoro ride through the tranquil river channels, eyes peeled for wildlife emerging as the light fades. Watch a classic African sunset from the water before another magical evening around the campfire.
Please note that the timings of the driving, walking and mokoro rides can vary depending on the time of the year and the water levels found in the delta.
Day 4
Rise early again – the African bush is at its most alive at dawn and dusk – to set off for another bushwalk, tracking various wildlife. Prides of lions have been spotted at this time of the morning on previous trips, as have African wild dogs – a rare and highly threatened species, though efforts to protect and conserve the population have been gaining traction in Botswana in recent years. Enjoy one last breakfast at the camp before you say goodbye to the wonderful staff who have looked after you while far from civilisation. Hop back in the mokoro for one final meander through the tranquil waters back to where it all began, with the 4x4 waiting to finish the journey back to Maun. Settle into your hotel and enjoy some creature comforts back in civilisation. The afternoon is yours to relax after your wilderness exploits the past few days – there are craft and artwork shops to visit and we highly recommend heading to an excellent restaurant called Marc's Eatery this evening.
Day 5
Get back on the road first thing for a four-hour drive through the plains, heading east. You’ll stop to stretch your legs and grab some lunch before reaching Nata Lodge, a unique campground surrounded by an array of birdlife such as Meyer’s parrots and grey-headed bushshrikes. Take time to relax, or enjoy an optional visit to the nearby Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, the largest in the world. Finish the day with an evening sipping on sundowners or swimming in the palm shaded pool.
Day 6
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Nata Lodge before heading north on a five-hour drive towards the town of Kasane. Located on the banks of the Chobe River, it's found at the convergence of four countries' borders: Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Kasane is the gateway to Chobe National Park – one of the world's great wildlife amphitheatres, particularly famous for huge concentrations of African elephants which gather on the banks of the Chobe River to drink. Head out on safari in the late afternoon to experience a classic game drive in a 4x4 with an expert tracker, who will know where to look for lions and herds of elephants. Sunsets on the Chobe River are particularly memorable, so grab a sundowner before dinner at the campground, situated on the banks of the river.
Day 7
Pre-dawn rises bring the best rewards in Africa, so start early again today with coffee in the dark before jumping on an open game drive vehicle. You'll be taken deeper into the Chobe National Park for three hours of wildlife spotting to rival anywhere on Earth. Afterwards, head back to camp for brunch prepared by your guide and enjoy some downtime. As the sun gets lower in the sky you'll head out again, this time on to the waters of the Chobe River for a sunset river cruise – you'll spot various animals congregating at the water's edge. A boat trip on the Chobe River is real once-in-a-lifetime stuff, with Namibia on one side and Botswana on the other, all the while surrounded by wildlife in every direction. The sun setting while on deck as you head back to the camp in Kasane is yet another pinch-me moment on your journey across Botswana.
Day 8
Say goodbye to Chobe as you pack up and hit the road towards Zimbabwe. You’ll cross the border shortly outside Kasane, then drive on through the Zambezi National Park to reach Victoria Falls (please see the FAQs section for information about local payment for this border crossing). Check into your final hotel of the trip and peruse the many optional activities to consider. In the afternoon, you’ll head out to see the magnificent Victoria Falls, exploring the trails and massive viewpoints against the thunderous soundtrack. Why not celebrate with a final dinner at the hotel (or a local restaurant) to toast an epic adventure!
Day 9
There are so many things to do at Victoria Falls, we've left this day free for you to head off for any one of the myriad activities offered by the lodge. There are options on the Zambezi River for a pure adrenaline hit after your wildlife adventuring, or you can get onto the river in more relaxed fashion with a sunrise or sunset cruise. If you've not had your fill of safari time – you can head out on a game drive or bush walk to add Zimbabwe to your safari-ing checklist. You can also simply ramble around the network of paths to different viewpoints of the Falls, at your own pace. All of these optional activities are payable locally, direct to your lodge.
Day 10
Today's the day your adventure comes to an end. If you are leaving the area, your host will transfer you to Victoria Falls Airport in time for your onward flight home. If you're staying on for longer, your guides and hotel staff will be able to arrange any of the myriad adventure options on offer here.
Matthew G. June 2025
Dan K. May 2025
Ali C. May 2025
Sophie November 2024
Becky November 2024
Jordan R. September 2024
Philip W. July 2024
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Leah P. May 2024
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To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.
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Yes, you can try to book last minute, but if you are requesting a spot less than 31 days in advance, the host will need to check accommodation availability before accepting your booking. The lodges we use on this trip are extremely popular and space is limited, so bookings requested less than 31 days prior to the trip can be hard to confirm. We therefore definitely recommend booking early to guarantee your spot on the trip.
Botswana’s tourism model has been a huge success in managing its vast wild spaces and huge populations of free roaming wildlife. The number of visitors are restricted and the national parks and wildlife reserves – which cover a fifth of Botswana’s landmass – omit any fences or physical borders, so safaris here are a true experience of the wilderness. Government policy is focused on low-impact, high-value tourism; so while prices are often quite high compared to other parts of Africa, the income is critical to ongoing conservation efforts and local community empowerment. The tourism model is based around a ‘concession’, where safari companies compete for leases to operate in the reserves, and must prove their commitment to environmental management and financial responsibility towards local communities in order to renew their leases. Large percentages of revenue are reinvested in communities and towards conservation programs, with rigorous rules in place, including laws protecting the employment of Botswanan citizens rather than outsourcing to other countries. Over 10% of the population of Botswana is employed in the tourism sector, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for whole communities and a huge number of people.
In addition to the concession model and the positive benefits tourism brings to local communities, visiting Botswana can also massively help efforts to block hunting in the country. In 2019, Botswana lifted a five-year hunting ban, to the dismay of conservationists in Botswana and around the world. Simply put, the greater the income from Botswana’s famed and highly regarded tourism industry, the greater the pressure on the government to reinstate the ban in the near future.
Finally, this trip visits some key areas of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA), where the borders of five African countries converge. The sheer scale of this vast international conservation project is difficult to comprehend and it encompasses a bewildering range of experiences, ranging from the mighty Victoria Falls to the lifeforce of the region, the Zambezi and Chobe Rivers.
This is an incredible trip for wildlife lovers! In particular you will be visiting two of the great natural areas of Africa, the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. The Okavango is one of the largest wetlands on the continent, making it a paradise to hundreds of species of birds such as cranes, storks, jacana, kingfishers and many more. As a vast oasis north of the Kalahari, it is also home to much larger animals such as elephants, rhinos, lions, zebras, hippos and crocodiles. In Chobe NP you'll have further opportunities to see Africa's 'Big 5', amongst the abundant wildlife present such as buffalo, wildebeest, hyena, cheetah and antelope.
When on safari game drives and boat rides you'll have expert guides to help you spot the wildlife and educate you on the environment they live in. In the Okavango Delta, you'll be piloted in mokoro canoes through the wetlands by local guides called 'polers' and wild camping on an island deep in the delta for a fully immersive experience. Remember, as a visitor into a natural environment with wild animals, you must follow your guide's instructions at all times for safety reasons.
Yes, there is a local payment of $50 USD per person to be paid to your guide towards the end of the trip, for the National Park entry fee at Victoria Falls.
Your visa for Zimbabwe can be paid for in cash locally at the border crossing from Botswana into Zimbabwe (approx $55USD). Please check your passport's visa and entry requirements for all countries before you travel.
Your border fees between Namibia and Botswana and all your national park fees in Botswana are covered in the main trip price. Please also read the Food & Accommodation section regarding budgeting for any lunches and dinners that are not included in the itinerary.
Botswana's Pula can be purchased on arrival, or withdrawn from local ATMs. In Botswana, many local purchases can be made by card. The commonly used currency in Zimbabwe is the US Dollar; it is recommended that you bring some USD in cash. Some activities and items can also be paid for on a card.
As a general rule: plan ahead before you travel, to avoid paying unnecessary currency charges and fees.
Your host will provide you with clean, safe drinking water from large containers, while the lodges, hotels and campgrounds will also supply safe drinking water during your stays. Bring a refillable bottle, it will be used well.
No. You'll need to have a larger bag suitable for all your belongings which will be transported for you, and then a small daysack to carry personal items during each day of hiking.
As this trip starts in Maun and ends 1500km away at Victoria Falls, you'll need to bring everything along with you. Your overland expedition vehicle has ample storage and your main luggage can be safely stored in there throughout the trip.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way. Check out our Community Values – a shared code to make sure that everyone's experience is safe, inclusive and brilliantly unforgettable.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Botswana can be visited year round, with some seasonal variations. The dry season runs between May and October during which you'll get warm, sunny days with temperatures ranging from 22-35°C (72-95°F) and chilly nights. The time of year when the water levels in the Okavango Delta are at their highest is typically several months after the rains have finished (due to the slow water movement across the delta region), and changes each year depending on the climate.
The green season runs from November to April, with generally slightly lower temperatures and the odd shower, giving the scenery an extra pop of verdant foliage.
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 179kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
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