Botswana and Zimbabwe: A Living Eden

The Trip

This nature safari visits some of Africa's most scenic and wildlife-rich areas. Botswana is one of the last places on the African continent where pre-colonial wilderness remains untouched. After meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, we'll travel by commercial air to Maun, Botswana, to meet our safari guides. In rugged SUVs, we'll drive to Moremi Game Reserve and Khwai in the Okavango Delta and then the Savuti Channel and Chobe waterfront in Chobe National Park for premium wildlife viewing. From Chobe we'll cross the border into Zimbabwe to explore the trails surrounding Victoria Falls and view the most famous waterfall in the world. Botswana is considered one of Africa's many success stories, with a forward-thinking government, widely-available health care, and educational opportunities. Botswana achieved independence in 1966, prior to the discovery of vast diamond deposits. Since then it has maintained a peaceful democracy and stable economy. 

We'll visit Botswana's verdant northern area, where the Chobe and Okavango rivers create one of the most extraordinary wildlife habitats in the world. This is truly a naturalist's and ornithologist's paradise. The prolific wildlife and magnificent birdlife will delight every visitor. With personalized, classic camping service, we'll have an experience very different from those who sleep behind concrete walls. Nothing can compare to the experience of sleeping under canvas, close to the sounds and sights of the African night. While the mobile camps are not luxurious, one advantage they have is the flexibility to move in order to follow the animals, and each tent does have private bathroom facilities "en suite."

Days 1-3: Our trip begins at the Johannesburg Airport, where we board a commercial flight (included in trip price) to Maun, Botswana. Here we'll meet our safari guides and head to the Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta. This area of northern Botswana is a blended system of reserves separated only by lines on a map. The animals and birds move without hindrance between Moremi, Khwai, Savuti, and Chobe. The vastness and diverse ecosystems of this area combine to make the wildlife of northern Botswana so very spectacular. We can't predict just how long it will take to reach our first campsite--it depends on the wildlife that presents itself, because we'll stop to watch. Over the next days we can expect to see Africa’s "Big Five" (elephant, lion, leopard, Cape buffalo, and rhino), plus giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, impala, kudu, tsessebe, red lechwe, waterbuck, reedbuck, duiker, bushbuck, warthog, hyena, baboon, and vervet monkey in good numbers. Cheetah, sable antelope, eland, and wild dog are also here, plus many other species. Soon we'll settle into our comfortable tents and the routine of early morning and late afternoon game drives. We'll also enjoy time back at camp and relax over our delicious meals. Hot water will be delivered to your personal shower upon request. The camp crew will have it ready and waiting. 

Days 4-6: Time to break camp and send it on to our next campsite in the Khwai River area. By the time we arrive at our new home after a day of game viewing, everything will be set up and ready. This spectacular region in the heart of the Okavango Delta is home to an impressive wildlife spectacle. Lion and leopard are particularly numerous, and by now, the birds of Africa will have dazzled you. We'll be thrilled by species like the lilac breasted roller, kingfisher, lesser jacana, coucal, saddle-billed stork, marabou stork, kori bustard, secretary bird, and ostrich. There are too many to name, but as our safari progresses, it should be easy to identify at least a hundred.

Days 7-8: Our crew will move ahead to set up the next camp in the Savuti area of Chobe National Park while we spend our time enjoying the animals and birds with no camp chores to worry about. What makes safari so fascinating is taking the time to observe the animal behavior and interaction. We'll see different animals in the floodplains of Savuti. In addition to those named in the first three days, there are sitatunga, crocodile, hippo, and otter. Birds of the wetlands include different storks, flamingos, bee-eaters, hornbills, and various geese, along with predators such as eagles, hawks, vultures, owls, and others. This area has over 350 bird species and the most interesting human history in the region. Around the evening campfire, our guides will tell these stories as well as answer our questions about the animal behaviors we have observed during the day. 

Days 9-10: We'll move farther north to the waterfront of Chobe National Park. This park, which borders Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, is a good bit larger than Connecticut. It encompasses a wide variety of terrain, from a lush river region in the north (where myriad game come to drink) and unremitting dry bushland in the south. Chobe is famous for its herds of elephants. They tramp around everywhere -- 45,000 are said to make Chobe their home. Watching elephants is fascinating, and one cannot help but admire these huge, intelligent beasts. Nowhere in Africa can elephants be seen in such numbers as in Chobe. In addition to game drives, we take an afternoon river cruise on the Chobe River to view animals as they come down to drink before sunset. The light at this time of day is incredible! Of course, this is also the kingdom of the big cats and hippos, as well as many species of antelope. 

Days 11-12: After bidding good-bye to our safari guides, we’ll cross the Zimbabwe border and drive through Zambezi National Park to Victoria Falls. The falls, which are known as The Smoke That Thunders, are a world-famous sight. With a 350-foot drop and mile-plus width producing a massive sheet of falling water, they are the largest falls in the world and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world -- a real sight to behold! After checking into our hotel, we'll be free to explore the various hiking paths on our own. Lunches here are on your own, leaving participants to pursue individual interests. While some keep exploring, others may be shopping or relaxing in the beautiful swimming pool and enjoying the lovely gardens. A bridge crosses over to the Zambian side of the falls (visa sold on-site and fee is not included), where there are also many hiking trails. Zambia is not included in our itinerary, but you may be interested in visiting the historic town of Livingstone, which is renowned for its collection of Dr. Livingstone's memoirs and has exhibits on the art and culture of Zambia.

Day 13: After breakfast, we'll take our scheduled flight back to Johannesburg, where our safari ends, but your memories of the safari sights and sounds will last a lifetime. 

Note: During the trip, weather or other conditions may require changes to this itinerary.

Getting There

The trip begins and ends at the airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, and includes the flight to Maun, Botswana, and the return flight from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. You might want to arrive in Johannesburg a day or two early to rest up and make sure you don’t miss our flight to Botswana since we’ll be heading into the bush immediately upon arrival there.

Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader.

Accommodations and Food

Our nights in the tented camps in Botswana include spacious stand-up tents with two comfortable beds (including bed linen), storage space, and battery lamps. The bathroom facilities are attached to the sleeping area so there is no need to go outside to use them. There is no plumbing, but a regular toilet seat sits on a newly dug short-drop hole with material provided to keep it pleasant during the short stays at each campsite. The shower consists of a five-gallon bucket hanging six feet above the ground. This is filled with hot water as needed and operated by a pull cord. A washstand and basin for each person is filled with warm water, morning and night. Three delicious, nutritious meals are served every day, in addition to some snacks. All food, drinks, and water are carefully handled so there is no worry of disease or infection. Drinks included while camping are mineral water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and some spirits. Drinks are not included in Zimbabwe, nor are lunches included there, but we will have luxurious hotel accommodations close to the falls.

Trip Difficulty

This trip has been designed for the adventurer and lover of nature and animals. It is suitable for anyone over 12 years of age in good health and stamina. We will be in remote areas far from good medical services. We will not be walking while in the game parks nor leaving the immediate campsite on foot because of the presence of predatory animals. This lack of exercise is difficult for some, so we suggest you bring a jump rope, Frisbee, or something else with which to get moving. Breakfasts are early and mornings are cold, and we often leave camp by 6:30 a.m. to catch sight of the wildlife as it begins to move about. A spirit of adventure and a flexible attitude are most necessary and will bring many rewards. Safety among the animals should not be a concern, but it is imperative to follow the safety instructions given. The camp crew is alert and guarding the campsite at all times.

Equipment and Clothing

No special equipment is needed for this safari. Most participants will want to bring binoculars and camera. A complete packing list will be sent by the leader.

References

Books:

• Botswana and Namibia. Lonely Planet. (Travel guide.)
• McIntyre, Chris, The Bradt Travel Guide to Botswana.
• Main, Mike, Visitors' Guide to Botswana.
• Moss, Cynthia, Portraits in the Wild. (Strongly recommended to understand the habits of the big mammals.)

Movie:

• "Botswana: In the Footsteps of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency with Alexander McCall Smith," a film by Mats Ogren Wanger

Conservation

Botswana and Zimbabwe face many of the same problems as other African nations concerning population, land use, and conservation. But the Botswanan government recognizes the value of wildlife and genuinely wants to preserve it. Policies regarding the hunting and selling of ivory are changing, as are some of the complex issues to be discussed during our trip. One of our conservation objectives will be to gain an understanding of the forces that create these problems. Our Botswana guides are extremely knowledgeable about the wildlife and the environment and will help us understand the complex issues at stake. We will learn about government programs that have made local people partners in conservation, and we will experience the effect foreign visitors have on the land, on the conservation of wildlife, and on the local people. We will tread lightly, with respect for all.

Evacuation and Travel Insurance

The Sierra Club provides evacuation insurance to all participants on international trips. Since this coverage does not include any trip cancellation or interruption insurance, we suggest you purchase another policy separately to provide coverage for your trip and other travel costs. This policy also does not cover pre-trip and post-trip travel. Please note the evacuation insurance provided does not cover claims resulting from any pre-existing condition that occurs within 60 days of the trip departure. If you have specific questions about this exclusion, please review the insurance brochure. For information on purchasing a separate policy, please see our travel insurance page.