From Botswana to Victoria Falls: A 10 Day Itinerary
See wild animals sipping from waterholes in the Okavango Delta, brave the rapids on the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe, see the thunderous spray of the mighty Victoria Falls in Zambia, or visit the zoos, museums, shops, and amusement parks of Johannesburg, South Africa — these are just a handful of the adventures awaiting travelers to southern Africa. RealTravelers Voices of Africa went on a game hike, shopped the markets, and made friends with some locals on their trip to Swaziland, while April & Chris saw loads of elephants, monkeys, and giraffes on safari in South Africa. With so much to see and do in the countries of southern Africa, no story is the same. Check out the links below for exciting and inspirational itineraries from RealTravelers who’ve adventured here.
Travel expert Michelle Finkelstein recommends exploring the “diverse landscapes” of Botswana. From the massive elephants herds of Chobe National Park, to the echoing depths of the Gcwihaba Caverns, to the beautiful handwoven baskets made in the village of Etsha, Botswana is a treasure trove of adventure and culture. Michelle has compiled a 9 night/10 day itinerary full of great suggestions on where to stay and what to do in Botswana and surrounding areas. Here’s an excerpt to get you started:
Day 1: Johannesburg
Spend a night in South Africa’s largest and most populous city. This financial and commercial capital of the country, also called Joburg or Jozi, is a vibrant city, with leafy suburbs, a fantastic zoo, educational Constitution Hill and the nearby over-the-top Sun City. If there’s time, a visit to the moving Apartheid Museum is highly recommended.
Where to Stay in Johannesburg:
After the long flight, most people opt to just relax at the hotel
– Westcliff Hotel – Mediterranean-style resort 30 minutes from the airport features a gorgeous pool area with expansive views and atmospheric Polo Lounge Bar.
– Saxon – Boutique hotel where Nelson Mandela wrote his memoirs is located in suburban Sandton 45 minutes from the airport.
– Airport Sun Intercontinental – Ideal option if you arrive late and depart early the next day.
The Okavango in northwest Botswana is the largest inland delta in the world, nearly the size of New Jersey. Surrounding this oasis is the Kalahari Desert, which covers 70% of the country. The Moremi Game Reserve is the heart of the Delta and one of the most undiscovered game regions in Africa.
Papyrus-edged riverbanks and gleaming lagoons surround lush islands teeming with palm trees and wildlife. During the dry season, animals flock to the delta’s channels. Lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena and the elusive African wild dog may be spotted here, and giraffe and an extraordinary array of exotic birds in the floodplains, while crocodile and hippo live in the deeper lagoons. This region protects the largest concentration of African elephant and buffalo on the continent.
I recommend four nights in the Delta, which gives three full days of game viewing. Break it up by staying in two different lodges, each with its own charms. If pressed for time, your stay can be cut by a day, but you need at least three nights to fully enjoy this magical region.
A Day on Safari:
– With a stay at any lodge, two game drives are normally included in the rate.
– Typically, you are woken up around 6 am with coffee, tea and cookies to get ready for your morning game drive.
– Pile into your 4×4 vehicle (some have canvas tops, others are open) with your experienced guide and head to the channels (or vice-versa if you are staying on the water.)
– A unique element to safari in the Delta is much of your game viewing is done by mokoro, or traditional dugout canoe (nowadays in comfortable and eco-friendly fiberglass) propelled gently through the maze of waterways by skilled polers.
– Return to the lodge for breakfast and relax at the lodge’s pool or sit on your verandah reading or searching for animals (binoculars usually provided.)
– Many lodges prepare bush breakfasts for a special treat.
– Depart for the afternoon game drive around 4 pm when it is cooler.
–End the drive with sundowners (gin & tonics are a favorite to keep the mosquitoes away) at a picturesque vista before heading back to the camp for a lavish dinner.
– Night game drives are also offered at some lodges for an exceptional and different type of animal spotting.
– Guided safari walks are also available at many lodges and offer a unique opportunity to learn of the flora and fauna of the region with a trained naturalist. (more…)
Known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (Smoke that Thunders) by locals, the falls are arguably the largest mass of falling water based on width and height measurements. Regardless, Victoria Falls, shared between Zambia and Zimbabwe, is an awesome spectacle. Although some assert the Zimbabwean side is more beautiful, due to political and economic reasons, I recommend visiting the Zambia side if overnighting. A day trip to the Zimbabwe side can be arranged.
What to Do:
Besides admiring the falls, there are numerous activities to pursue on the Zambezi.
– White Water Rafting – Raft Bakota Gorge, with 23 white water rapids and stunning scenery winding between sheer black cliffs. Half-, full- or two-day trips available.
– River Cruise – Take a leisurely boat ride down the Zambezi.
– Abseil and Gorge Swing – Also knows as rappelling, scale down the gorge on a rope secured in a body harness. The gorge swing involves a free-fall then swing into the middle or the gorge – not for the faint of heart!
– Bungi Jumping – Leap off the Victoria Falls Bridge either solo or tandem with an instructor.
– Canoeing – A relaxing alternative to admire the scenery, watching islands inhabited by animals and birds as you paddle by.
– Kayaking – Enjoy tandem kayaking with a guide or solo through the rapids. (more…)
Sound like an exciting adventure? Check out the rest of Michelle’s itinerary, including a wildlife adventure to Chobe National Park. For more inspiration and travel ideas, also visit these great itineraries by RealTravelers:
Southern Africa Itineraries by RealTravelers:
28 Days in South Africa by World is My Oyster
Swaziland by Voices of Africa
Our Namibian Adventures by Balti Wanderers
More Useful Links:
Africa Travel Guide
Botswana Travel Guide
Namibia Travel Guide
