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Botswana and Falls Overland: Wildlife Walks & Safari Drives

8 days, Johannesburg to Victoria Falls

Shooting photos of Victoria Falls
Map of the route for Botswana and Falls Overland: Wildlife Walks & Safari Drives
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Itinerary

Day 1Johannesburg

Arrive at any time.

Tonight, get to know your group on your first night out together in Johannesburg. After your welcome meeting at the hotel, choose to enjoy an Amarula cocktail at the bar or go to Emperors Palace with a wide array of restaurants and bars to choose from. Sit back, relax, eat some grub, sip a cocktail, and get to know your fellow travel buddies as the adventure begins.

If you arrive a day or two early, we recommended booking an excursion to Soweto or the Apartheid Museum.

Please make sure you have all of the necessary visas for this tour by the time of the welcome meeting. It is very important to read the visa section in our trip details to make sure you have all visas you will need, if any. Please note that not all nationalities are able to obtain visas upon arrival at the border.

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends

Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.

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Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow

Apartheid Museum
Johannesburg1h-2h
180ZAR per person

Take a self guided tour around the complex and learn about the history of the apartheid in South Africa.

Soweto Tour
Soweto1h-2h
1100-1650None per person

Take a guided tour of bustling Soweto and learn more about its important history. The residential area was created under apartheid and played a significant role in bringing the issues of segregation to the forefront. The anti-apartheid movement was launched here by its most famous resident, Nelson Mandela.

Accommodation

Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.

Hotel Sky Sandton (or similar)
Hotel

Day 2Johannesburg/Serowe

Get ready to check another country off those travel lists as you and the group pass across the border into Botswana. We’re not going to lie, today will be a lot of driving, but use this opportunity to talk with your group, swap stories, and watch as the landscape changes around you from the desolate scenery of central-eastern Botswana to the wild bush within the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. The group will stop here for the night to set up camp, enjoy each other's company around a fire, and fall peacefully asleep beneath the stars.

Today's travel takes us through a very desolate part of central-eastern Botswana. We cross into Botswana and finish the day at a campsite within the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, a unique community-based initiative in wildlife conservation.

Lando
Johannesburg – Groblersbrug4h30m400km

Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

Border Crossing (South Africa - Botswana)
Groblersbrug – Martins Drift

Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.

Lando
Martins Drift – Serowe170km

Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

Accommodation

Khama Rhino Sanctuary Camp (or similar)
Campground

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 3Serowe/Maun

You didn’t think the group was leaving before taking part in a wildlife drive through the Khama Sanctuary did you? Good, because there’s not a chance. Get out there in an open air vehicle with a guide to spot some wildlife.

Jump in the Lando and continue on to Maun. Scroll through your camera roll checking the pictures you've already snapped while the land outside your window becomes more fertile as you approach the area of the Okavango Delta.

Khama Rhino Sanctuary Drive
Khama Rhino Sanctuary – Serowe2h

Hop into an open air safari vehicle to search for the sanctuary's rhinos, and other wildlife species.

Lando
Serowe – Maun6h-7h524km

Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

Accommodation

Sedia Hotel Campsite (or similar)
Campground

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 4Maun/Okavango Delta

Today is going to be busy, but fun, and man do we wish we were going with you on this epic adventure.

You’ll wake to the sounds and smells of the bush around you. Later, dive right into some nature with a wildlife walk. The cool thing about being on foot is that you will get to learn about tracking the animals and gain insight into their movement patterns and behaviour on a much more intimate level.

From there the group will begin an exciting excursion deep into the Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) to do some birdwatching on the way to our basic bush camp for the evening (get ready to completely unplug). Set up camp, sing with the locals, and simply unwind with a sundowner around the campfire… cheers!

Pack a small bag for this overnight excursion; we'll leave our big bags with the Lando. Please note that there are no showers or running water for toilets. Bring along 5 litres of water for both drinking and cleaning.

Safari Vehicle
Maun – Okavango Delta1h

Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.

Mokoro
Okavango Delta1h-2h

Climb into a traditional canoe for a closer view of the shoreline.

Okavango Delta Excursion
Okavango Delta

Enjoy wildlife walks and viewing, mokoro trips, and birdwatching in the pristine wilderness area of the Okavango Delta, the world's largest inland delta. In the evening, count the shooting stars, sing with the locals, or simply unwind with a sundowner (cheers!) around the campfire.

Accommodation

Okavango Delta Camping (or similar)
Campground

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 5Okavango Delta/Gweta

Africa is home to some of the most beautiful sunrises in the world and today (if the weather is just right) you will get to experience the almost too vibrant colours of that quintessential sunrise that we all picture when we think of going on safari to Africa.

Then, tip your heads back, take a deep breath, and feel the mokoro cut through the crystal clear channels as you ride out of the Okavango Delta. The group will take some time to freshen up in Maun (showers everyone!) before embarking in the Lando to Gweta where the group will camp under massive baobab trees for the night.

Enjoy the towering baobab trees found around tonight's campsite and go for a dip in the pool if you need to cool off.

Mokoro
Okavango Delta1h-2h

Climb into a traditional canoe for a closer view of the shoreline.

Safari Vehicle
Okavango Delta – Maun1h

Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.

Lando
Maun – Gweta4h240km

Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

Accommodation

Elephant Sands Lodge Campsite (or similar)
Campground

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 6Gweta/Kasane

Travel to Kasane and choose to embark on a river cruise through Chobe NP, home to the largest elephant population in southern Africa.

Drive through the verdant lands between Gweta and Kasane. Witness how rain brings life to the salt pans, awakening the dormant fish and aquatic shrimps in the mud. The surrounding grasslands also teem with life and are home to many antelope, which attract a wide variety of predators. Keep your eyes focused as the world passes you by and then reward yourself with a group toast as you camp under the great big African sky.

Today we journey to Chobe National Park, home to the largest elephant population in southern Africa. The best way to appreciate one of Botswana's national parks and its thousands of resident elephants, crocodiles, and hippos is on an optional sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River. You can pre-book this on the checkout page, or through your Global Connection Officer or travel agent.

Lando
Gweta – Kasane6h420km

Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

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Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow

Chobe River Sunset Cruise
Chobe National Park – Kasane

Get a fantastic perspective of one of Botswana's national parks and its thousands of resident elephants, crocodiles, and hippos on a sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River. Bring a few drinks and a camera, sit back, and enjoy the view.

Accommodation

Thebe River Safari Lodge Campsite (or similar)
Campground

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 7Kasane/Victoria Falls

Buckle those seat belts and cross the border from Botswana to Zimbabwe; home of epic Victoria Falls. All that driving is bound to make you hungry and we have a treat for you today! The group will be having a traditional lunch at the G Adventurers supported Lusumpuko Women's Club. With full bellies and even more full hearts, get ready to feel the mist in the air as you enter the town of Victoria Falls.

Get up close and personal with one of the largest waterfalls in the world. For the adventurous we recommend going whitewater rafting, taking a scenic helicopter flight over the falls (epic selfies anyone?), or taking the plunge (literally) while bungee jumping with the waterfalls in sight. (Oh man... just thinking of that makes our heads spin and our palms sweat!) Not looking to turn your hair gray today? That’s okay, we understand. Either way the choice is yours, but remember you’re here now so why not escape those comfort zones?

Opt to prebook the Chobe National Park Safari Drive and head out early into the park before crossing the border into Zimbabwe, then continue on to the town of Victoria Falls. Opt to get up close (and wet from the spray) to the awesome Victoria Falls, or bungee jump (with the waterfall in sight).

Your accommodation is in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and NOT Livingstone (Zambia). Please make sure you have the necessary visa.

Lando
Kasane – Kazungula45m20km

Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

Border Crossing (Botswana - Zimbabwe)
Kazungula

Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.

Lando
Kazungula – Victoria Falls1h30m-2h65km

Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

Your G for Good Moment: Lusumpuko Women's Club Lunch

Start your visit to Victoria Falls off on the right foot by sitting down to a traditional, Zimbabwean meal, cooked by the Lusumpuko Women’s Club, a group of women from a nearby township. A demonstration by the ladies will show you exactly how Zimbabweans traditionally eat their food, and you’ll be served a farm-to-table meal made with traditional, local, in-season ingredients. This meal provides much-needed income to the cooperatives’ 20 members – changing their lives and families in the process.

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Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow

Victoria Falls Visit
Victoria Falls
50USD per person

Take in the natural splendour of thundering Victoria Falls while viewing the massive falls from the Zimbabwean side. Entrance fee for the park - self guided.

Chobe National Park Safari Drive
Chobe National Park 100km

Immerse yourself in Chobe National Park in an open-backed, open-seated safari vehicle, and experience the stunning wilderness of the game-rich park in the care of a very knowledgeable and friendly guide. Explore with your eyes as the tour drives along routes that overlook the beautiful Chobe River and keep an eye out for the remarkable variety of animals that are drawn to this permanent water source.

During the safari drives it is not uncommon to spot several of Africa’s “big five” in the greater Chobe area and the early morning drive lasting 3 hours is a wonderful opportunity to have some unique sightings.

Accommodation

Explorers Village Camping (or similar)
Campground

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 8Victoria Falls

Depart anytime.

Alas, all good things must come to an end... or do they? If you aren't ready to go home just yet talk with your CEO about extending your adventure and get to know more of Zimbabwe or beyond!

Victoria Falls is frequently used as a base for travellers wishing to participate in the many activities and excursions available in the area. Please contact your booking agent if you would like to book post-tour accommodation.

Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

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Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow

Livingstone Island (Devil's Pool) Morning Breezer
Livingstone2h30m-3h
125USD per person

Take a short morning boat ride down the Zambezi River to the west side of the island overlooking Main Falls. Take in the incredible, close-up view of the rushing waters cascading over the steep rock face. Keep your eye out for rainbows on a sunny day. Due to high demand, we strongly recommend speaking to your CEO at the beginning of the tour to book this activity in advance.

Please note that this activity takes place in Livingstone, Zambia, and visa fees are not included in the price of this activity.

Livingstone Island (Devil's Pool) Swim
Livingstone2h-3h
125USD per person

Take a swim on the wild side. Travel to Livingstone Island and take the opportunity to swim in the Devil's Pool - a rock pool at the lip of Victoria Falls, offering visitors the incredible experience of peering over the edge of one of the largest waterfalls in the world. Please note that this activity is only offered in the low water season (August to December), and on the Lunch and High Tea excursions. Due to high demand, we strongly recommend speaking to your CEO at the beginning of the tour to book this activity in advance.

Please note that this activity takes place in Livingstone, Zambia, and visa fees are not included in the price of this activity.

Victoria Falls Whitewater Rafting
Victoria Falls4h-7h
120USD per person

Take the opportunity to go whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River while Victoria Falls roars above. Depart in the morning and navigate through the canyon that forms the famous falls. The dramatic rapids will fill you with excitement and complete your experience. Includes a full-day of rafting on class III-V rapids, transfers, and lunch.

Please note: River conditions and activity pricing vary depending on the seasons. High water season is from about February to July. Low water season generally runs from August to January each year - this is when the Zambezi is at its very wildest. The "closed season" is dependent on the season’s rains, and usually is from March to April; during this time rafting on the river is not permitted. Additionally, this activity requires passengers to hike down and up the Batoka Gorge (approx. 45 minutes each way) to access the river; an average level of fitness is required.

This activity price excludes a $10 park entrance fee.

Bridge Swing over the Zambezi
Victoria Falls
168USD per person

Get strapped up, step over the Victoria Falls Bridge and free fall for 80 meters into the Batoka Gorge. Enjoy the views as you swing back and forth over the roaring Zambezi river, with cascading waterfalls at your side. Don't think you can hack it alone? Swing with a partner.

Zipline over the Zambezi
Victoria Falls
50USD per person

Glide along a zipline track for 300 metres over the rapids of the Batoka Gorge below. Take in incredible views of the Victoria Falls along the way.

Microlight Flight over Victoria Falls
Livingstone
360USD per person

Take a 12-15 Microlight flight over the falls to get an unparalleled, unobstructed view of the spectacular gorge that the Zambezi River has carved into the surrounding landscape over thousands of years.

Please note that this activity takes place in Livingstone, Zambia and visa fees are not included in the price of this activity.

Canoeing the Zambezi
Victoria Falls
160USD per person

Opt to canoe above the Falls on the upper Zambezi for a unique and tranquil bird and animal sighting experience.

Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride - 15 Mins
Victoria Falls

You don't want to miss the opportunity to see Victoria Falls from above. Watch the Zambezi River make its way toward the gorge and form the largest waterfall in the world. During your 15-minute ride, you will have time to take in the incredible views over the falls, Livingstone Island, and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park while snapping as many pictures as you like. You may be lucky enough to see some giraffes and elephants in the surrounding landscape and even catch a rainbow over the falls. Includes pick-up and drop-off from hotel and a 12-15min flight.

Please note there is a cost for an additional park fee paid for on-site at time of the activity.

Zambezi Bungee Jump
Victoria Falls
168USD per person

Get the adrenaline pumping with a bungee jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge over the Zambezi River. Hear the rush of Victoria Falls as you enjoy this once in a lifetime experience.

Botswana and Falls Overland: Wildlife Walks & Safari Drives

| 8 days - Johannesburg to Victoria Falls - from $1079 USD