Wilderness Dawning is a privately-owned safari company based in Maun, Botswana and Johannesburg, South Africa.
11 DAY SAFARI – MAUN TO VICTORIA FALLS
EXPERIENCE THE UNMISSABLE…
THIS 11-DAY GUIDED SAFARI RUNS FROM MAUN, THE GATEWAY TO THE OKAVANGO DELTA, NORTH THROUGH MOREMI, SAVUTI AND THE CHOBE RIVER, AND FINISHES AT THE THUNDERING VICTORIA FALLS. ALONG THE WAY YOU WILL DISCOVER REMARKABLE ANIMALS, PROLIFIC BIRDLIFE AND SOME OF THE REGION’S MOST REVERED NATURAL PLACES.
Our camps, sites and lodges are unique and wild, offering a wonderful mix of comfort and adventure. Some nights are spent in comfortable lodges, while others bring you closer to the bush in fully serviced camps beneath the African sky. Days are spent exploring remote wilderness with an experienced guide, while evenings are made for crackling fires, good conversation and a blanket of stars.
Tour code: WDMV – departures run on a scheduled and private basis, minimum four guests. Maximum 8 guests per vehicle on scheduled departures, 12 on a tailor-made itinerary.
DAYS 1 – 4
Maun, Moremi and the Okavango Delta
Day 1 – Maun
Your safari begins in Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. You will stay at Thamo Telele, a lodge approximately 25 minutes outside Maun, set among leadwood and acacia trees. The safari-style tents are raised on wooden platforms and feature hardwood floors, en-suite bathrooms and outdoor showers that open onto the surrounding wilderness. The canvas tents have twin beds that can be converted into doubles, with air conditioning above the beds for added comfort. The lodge also offers a swimming pool and a central lounge and bar furnished with comfortable couches and local artwork.
For those arriving in time, your Wilderness Dawning guide will meet you at the lodge reception at 6pm for a welcome briefing, followed by dinner under the stars at around 7pm. There are no other activities planned for today, so you can arrive in Maun at a time that suits you and settle in before the adventure begins.
Accommodation: (D) Thamo Telele
Day 2 – Moremi
This morning we travel over dirt roads towards the Xakanaxa area (pronounced ka-ka-na-ka) or Khwai, both important parts of the eastern Okavango Delta. Here, dry land rises between vast wetlands, with clear water channels winding through mopane and apple-leaf woodlands. Our game viewing takes us alongside waterways and floodplains, where we may encounter giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and an astonishing variety of birdlife.
For the next three nights we will wild camp within the reserve, staying in remote areas where water supports an abundance of wildlife and plant life, including wild dogs. Our dedicated crew handles camp setup, breakdown and meal preparation, allowing us to relax and immerse ourselves in our surroundings.
Our private campsite features spacious Meru-style tents, each fully set up with comfortable camp beds, mattresses, bedding and duvets. Private open-air en-suite facilities are located at the back of each tent, while washstands, camping basins, bucket showers and camping toilets provide everything needed for a comfortable stay.
Accommodation: (B,L,D) Moremi Game Reserve. Private Campsite. Fully serviced Meru Tents
Day 3 – Game Drives and Boating
Wake to the intoxicating smell of coffee and a tasty rusk before climbing into the game-viewing vehicle as the first rays of sunlight warm the bush. Today we follow the game-drive routes along the banks of the Okavango, keeping watch for wildlife slowly waking from its slumber.
We also explore the clear channels, lagoons and rivers of the Okavango Delta by boat, moving upstream through crystal-clear waterways lined with African mangosteen and waterberry trees, with great swathes of papyrus swaying in the breeze. Birdlife is prolific, with kingfishers, fish eagles, ducks and beautiful pygmy geese regularly seen. Keep an eye out too for tiny painted reed frogs clinging to the papyrus and elegant water lilies lining the riverbanks.
There is little to compare with the tranquillity of drifting along these twisting channels. Back at camp we enjoy a hearty dinner before settling beside the crackling fire to reminisce about the day.
Accommodation: (B,L,D) Moremi Game Reserve. Private Campsite. Fully serviced Meru Tents
Day 4 – Game Drives
Today features two game drives as we explore the northeastern reaches of the Okavango Delta, a spectacular wilderness of waterways, floodplains and islands. On our morning drive we may encounter hippos, crocodiles, an abundance of birdlife and, with luck, the rare sitatunga antelope.
This is also a paradise for birders, with regular sightings of fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, storks, egrets, weavers and bee-eaters. After returning to camp for brunch, the midday heat is yours to enjoy as you please.
We head out again at around 4pm for an afternoon game drive, returning in the early evening. Game drives vary from day to day, depending on animal movements and sightings. Our experienced guide takes a patient, unhurried approach, allowing plenty of time to observe wildlife in its natural environment.
Accommodation: (B,L,D) Moremi Game Reserve. Private Campsite. Fully serviced Meru Tents
DAYS 5 – 7
Savuti, Chobe National Park
Day 5 – Savuti
Coffee will rouse us this morning, followed by breakfast as the morning birdsong rings through the trees around us. We then drive out of Moremi, crossing the Khwai Bridge and making our way towards Chobe National Park. The wildlife areas of Botswana are unfenced, allowing animals to move freely between Moremi and Chobe.
Even the journey itself can bring unexpected encounters, with opportunities to see hippos, elephants and lions along the way. We travel through the Mababe Depression and into Savuti, where we camp close to the Savuti Channel.
In the afternoon we head out on a game drive along the fringes of the marsh and surrounding waterholes. This is an area known for its large numbers of bull elephants and prides of lions, particularly around the channel. After the excitement of the game drive, a hearty meal prepared over the fire sets us up for the evening, before the campfire draws us back together as darkness falls.
Accommodation: (B,L,D) Chobe National Park. Private Campsite. Fully serviced Meru Tents
Day 6 – Game Drives
Today we explore the Savuti region, an area of wide-open plains, rolling grasslands and dry marshes shaped by the unpredictable Savuti Channel. After remaining dry for many years, the channel began flowing again in 2008 and has since returned to a more seasonal pattern. Despite these changes, Savuti remains rich in wildlife.
We spend time exploring this remarkable landscape, looking for elephants, lions and, with luck, leopards. Birdlife is abundant too, so keep an eye out for lilac-breasted rollers and impressive kori bustards.
Accommodation: (B,L,D) Chobe National Park. Private Campsite. Fully serviced Meru Tents
Day 7 – Game Drives
We spend the day exploring Savuti on morning and afternoon game drives, with the opportunity to climb one of the hills to see San rock paintings, a reminder that people have been drawn to this wilderness for generations. Savuti has a character all of its own, and the opportunity to explore this remote and ever-changing landscape is something that stays with our guests long after they leave.
Accommodation: (B,L,D) Chobe National Park. Private Campsite. Fully serviced Meru Tents
DAYS 8 – 11
Chobe River and Victoria Falls
Day 8 – Chobe River
After what should be a restful night beneath the African sky, we head north towards the Chobe River. The wildlife here is prolific, with the river attracting large numbers of elephants, buffalo, hippos and lions. We may be fortunate enough to encounter some of these animals as we make our way towards the permanent camp where we spend the night.
The afternoon is spent exploring by safari vehicle, following the river and watching as wildlife gathers around its life-giving waters. As evening falls we return to camp, where dinner and a star-filled sky provide the perfect end to another day in the bush.
Accommodation: (B,L,D) Chobe Noka Lodge
Day 9 – Game Drives and Boating
Early starts are well worth it on safari, and today is no exception. We set off on a game drive and travel slowly along the southern bank of the Chobe River, where wildlife is abundant. Among the species we may encounter are bushbuck, puku antelope, lions and elephants.
Lunch is best enjoyed during the heat of the day, accompanied by a well-earned siesta. In the afternoon we return to the water and board a boat for a cruise along the Chobe River, moving through clear channels, passing beautiful water lilies and swathes of papyrus.
From the water, wildlife takes on a different perspective. Elephants gather along the banks, while lions and other predators may be seen coming down to drink. Along the way we stop for snacks and sundowners before returning to camp for dinner.
Accommodation: (B,L,D) Chobe Noka Lodge
Day 10 – Victoria Falls
Today our safari crosses the border from Botswana into Zimbabwe as we make our way towards Victoria Falls. Your safari guide will assist with the transition before we continue to the town of Victoria Falls.
Adventure is never far away here, with adrenaline-fuelled activities including white-water rafting and bungee jumping. But the real heart of Victoria Falls is the waterfall itself. This World Heritage Site is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural sights, with the Zambezi plunging into the gorge below in a spectacular display of power.
Mist rises from the gorge as the water crashes below, often creating rainbows that hang above the river. Tonight we stay at either Pioneer Lodge or Batonka Guest Lodge. Both offer beautiful gardens, a swimming pool and a restaurant, making for a relaxed final evening of the safari.
Accommodation: (B) Batonka Guest Lodge, Pioneer Camp, or Shongwe
Day 11 – Victoria Falls
After seeing one of the most extraordinary natural sights on earth, our journey comes to an end. Savour breakfast this morning before beginning your journey home. Alternatively, if you would like to spend more time in Victoria Falls, there is plenty to see and do in this adventure capital as you plan your next great adventure.
INCLUDED
• Use of specially modified 4×4 vehicle.
• Professional Guide and back-up crew.
• All camping on a fully serviced and non-participation basis in private campsites.
• Camping equipment.
• Meals as specified (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner).
• Local soft drinks, wine and beer while camping.
• Accommodation on a shared basis.
• Botswana National Parks and Game Reserves entrance fees.
• Open vehicle game drives in all National Parks and Reserves.
• Lodge accommodation where specified.
EXCLUDED
• All international airfares.
• Optional activities in Maun and Victoria Falls.
• Any gratuities, any personal expenses, visa fees, departure taxes.
• Entrance fees Victoria Falls.
• Travel insurance (compulsory).
• Pre and post tour accommodation and transfers.
Park fees and bed levies are statutory rates and are subject to change without prior notice and at the discretion of the Botswana Government. All accommodation is en-suite. Departures are operated on an exclusive basis.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT
Wilderness Dawning WhatsApp (+267) 7179 1225
Craig Nesbitt WhatsApp (27) 84 805 4459 & (267) 73 893 671