On Safari in Botswana – Chobe National Park

Itinerary

• Day 1
  Board your overnight flight to Zimbabwe in southern Africa.
• Day 2
  Late this morning, you’ll land at Victoria Falls airport in Zimbabwe and be transferred to Chobe Safari Lodge, positioned on the banks of the Chobe River and close to the famed Chobe National Park, Botswana’s first reserve. This park is named after its river that lines the northern Kalahari Desert, guaranteeing a high game density and excellent wildlife spotting opportunities.   You can settle into your room, perhaps enjoying a first lunch with a view of the river (on your own account) and a dip in the swimming pool.   In the evening, you’ll board a double-decker boat and cruise along the Chobe River as the sun begins to set. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings along the lush bank while the boat gently navigates its way, and the sky transforms into shades of pink and orange. You can sip on an iced beverage and tuck into some snacks as large herds of buffalo and hippos play in the waters below before your first dinner, perhaps under the stars. 
• Day 3
  Rise early this morning and head out on your first morning game drive deep in the Chobe National Park. As the sun begins to rise and the open savannah comes to life, watch the impalas, zebras, and giraffes grazing in the golden hue.   With an expert ranger at the helm, you’ll learn about the park’s unique ecosystems and seek out animals like the elusive painted dogs or pride of lions before pausing for a coffee and rusk break underneath the trees.  You’ll then return to the lodge for breakfast and the rest of the morning will be free to relax. Perhaps opt for a spa treatment before lunch and one of the lodge’s optional activities in the afternoon.   Choose to venture over to Impalila Island, in neighbouring Namibia, on a short boat ride across the Chobe River with a local resident and experience a tour of an authentic village.   Dinner will be served back at the lodge, with the option to dine near the bush.
• Day 4
  Watch as the sun rises on the deck this morning before breakfast or join the other travellers for a morning activity at the lodge. A photographic boat cruise allows you to take snaps of the wildlife on the banks using your own camera equipment. Under the guidance of a knowledgeable expert, you’ll be taken to the perfect spots to capture nature at its most beautiful. The specialised photography boat is custom-designed with 360-degree revolving chairs and adjustable gimble rig swivels, meaning there will be no obstructions.   After you’ve enjoyed lunch at your leisure, perhaps at the lodge or in the nearby town of Kasane, you’ll head out on an afternoon game drive. From the 4x4 open-air vehicle, observe as sable herds, antelope and warthog scurry through the ancient woodlands or lounge in thick grass.  Return to the lodge for dinner this evening, at a location for your choosing.
• Day 5
  Another early morning start sees you board a cruise on the Chobe River to explore the elephant capital and navigate the many waterways, home to hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, and various bird species, like African fish eagles, kingfishers, and storks.   During these cooler, more peaceful hours, the animals are likely to be more active, so you’re guaranteed exceptional sightings. As you make your way, your guide will point out the inhabitants showcased by the soft lighting.   Back at the lodge, you’ll have breakfast and a free morning to unwind, perhaps with a spa treatment. Alternatively, you can choose an optional excursion like catching tigerfish on the river. Whether you’re an amateur angler or a fishing pro, this activity with a professional guide takes you to some of the favoured local fishing holes and feeding spots, where these predator fish frequent. You’ll also learn to practice an ethical catch-and-release policy.   Enjoy dinner, perhaps at the lodge’s main restaurant.
• Day 6
  Watch the sunrise from the deck, have breakfast and travel to the nearby borders of Zimbabwe for a day out in the town of Victoria Falls. Named after one of the largest and most famous waterfalls in the world, Victoria Falls is a major tourist hub with an assortment of restaurants, shops, and activities for visitors.   You’ll have the morning and afternoon free to wander around at your own pace, perhaps hiring a local guide to follow in the footsteps of the explorer, David Livingstone, who was the first European to see the falls in 1855.   The falls themselves make up a part of Victoria Falls National Park, which stretches along the Zambezi River. Spanning the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is named after Queen Victoria and was originally called Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means ‘The smoke that thunders’. Packing a raincoat or waterproof poncho is highly recommended!   You can meander along the trails fringing the falls and pause at the incredible viewpoints to take photographs and experience the powerful sounds and massive sprays up close. Look out for the Devil’s Pool on the Zambian side, a natural pool at the edge of the falls and Victoria Falls Bridge, which connects Zambia and Zimbabwe. Baboons, monkeys, and a variety of bird species can also be seen in the surrounding rainforest.  Lunch can be enjoyed on your own account in the town and a coach will collect you in the late afternoon to take you back to the lodge for dinner.  
• Day 7
  Sip on a coffee while on the deck and eat breakfast this morning. You can then choose to head to Kazungula Bridge, which connects Botswana and Zambia. This is the only place in the world where the corners of four nations come together (Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana) and the two mighty rivers become one (Zambezi and Chobe River). As you gently glide across the waters, your guide will tell you about how this international quadripoint came to be.   After lunch in the afternoon, you’ll head out on a game drive as dusk falls across the park and an abundance of wildlife emerges from the wilderness in the cooler temperature. With game viewing complete, you’ll reach a scenic viewpoint and celebrate another day of a successful safari with a sundowner in the heart of the bush.   Return to the lodge for dinner, with the opportunity to dine under the open sky.  
• Day 8
  Begin the day with a morning game drive, hopefully seeking out any of the animals left on your wish-list or more of the elephant population.   Watch as herds of gazelle forage amongst the grass, warthogs pursue breakfast, and giraffes graze on the acacia trees. Your guide will also keep an eye out for signs of predator activity, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of a lion or leopard.   Take a break for coffee and rusks under the trees while listening to the birds then head back to the lodge for breakfast and a free morning, perhaps spent by the swimming pool.   This afternoon will also be yours for the embracing, with a chance to choose from the optional activities. The Chobe Safari Lodge grounds are perfect for those interested in birdwatching, so you can grab a checklist and a pair of binoculars for a walk around the area (there are more than 450 bird species in Chobe National Park).    Tonight, a final farewell dinner cruise along the Chobe River will be enjoyed with your new-found friends.
• Day 9
  It’s your last morning, and you can choose to take advantage of it by partaking in an early morning activity at the lodge. You’ll then be transferred to the Victoria Falls airport in the late afternoon.
• Day 10
  Touch back down in the UK after your African adventure.   Please note: The local guide reserves the right to move days or activities around if needed, depending on weather and wildlife sightings.