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Heart of Botswana

MAY, 2026  – 14 DAYS
JOHANNESBURG – VICTORIA FALLS
HOSTED TOUR

This extraordinary, women-only “Heart of Botswana’ adventure takes you into the heart of Botswana, experiencing the vast floodplains of the Okavango Delta, wildlife-rich habitats of Moremi, and captivating lunar landscapes of the Makgadikgadi. Drift on the serene waterways in a traditional mokoro, spot lion, leopard and wild dogs on explorative game drives, and walk with the San tribespeople, whose way of life has changed little over centuries.

Your journey kicks off in Johannesburg, then flies into Botswana and heads straight for the wild. Your first stop is the Makgadikgadi, where you’ll explore endless salt pans and fossil riverbeds. Spot desert-adapted wildlife, head out on game drives, and walk with San tribesmen who will share their ancient desert survival skills. As the sun sets, enjoy a drink while the desert sky turns gold and the sounds of hyenas and jackals carry through the night.

From here you fly north to the Okavango Delta—perfect for big game viewing and slow, peaceful explorations by boat. You can expect to see plenty of lions, leopards, and wild dogs, as well as wallowing hippos and vivid birdlife. Then on to Chobe, famous for its huge elephant herds. A boat cruise along the Chobe River offers a different vantage point as these majestic creatures come to drink and crocodiles slide into the water. Guided walks are also available for those wanting a slower, more intimate look at the bush.

Your final stop is Victoria Falls, where you’ll explore this buzzing little safari outpost and stand in awe before the mighty Falls.

This safari blends immersive safari experiences with moments of quiet and comfort.  Along the way, you’ll stay in an exquisite collection of stylish lodges and tented camps—think four-poster beds, plush Persian rugs, and dining by the soft glow of paraffin lamps.

MAY 2026

Start Point – Johannesburg, South Africa
Finish Point – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Tour Style – Hosted Tour
Accommodation – Boutique Hotels, Luxury Hotels, Safari Lodges
Meals – As per itinerary
Transport – Private Coach / Van, Boat, domestic flight
Max Group Size – Min 8, Max 12 guests

DATES:

14 May to 27 May 2026

RATES:

– from USD 13,970 per person Twin Rate
– from USD 16,970 per person, Single Rate

ROOM NOTES:

*Rates are per person based on twin-share or single rooms.
*No “willing to share” opportunities are available.  If you are travelling solo the single room cost applies.
*We reserve the right to substitute any accommodation with another of comparable quality. This would be advised as soon as possible.
*Any quoted airfares + taxes are subject to change at anytime prior to, or at the time of, ticketing. Book & pay for your air tickets promptly to secure the best available fare.
*Once full payment is received, the price is guaranteed. Until that time, the price is subject to change.
*To secure your place, please complete the booking form and pay your deposit.
*Please note that interim payments may be required to meet supplier deposit terms and conditions.
*The final balance will be due no later than TBC
*International airfares are not included. PLEASE ASK US FOR A QUOTE.
*Insurance is mandatory for this tour.

*PLEASE ASK FOR A FULL ITINERARY*
Day 1 – Arrive Johannesburg

Arrive in Johannesburg and settle into your convenient airport hotel, just steps from the terminal. After your international journey, tonight offers a moment to pause, rest, and prepare for the wild landscapes that await.

Overnight: City Lodge Hotel or similar

Day 2 – Makgadikgadi, Botswana

Flying into Maun, you’re met and driven into the remote Boteti River Valley, on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. After settling into Moela Safari Lodge, set out to explore this ancient desert landscape on our first game activity, tracking wildlife across open pans and fossil riverbeds.

Overnight Accommodation: Moela Safari Lodge (B / L / D / Local Drinks)

Day 3 – Makgadikgadi

Surrounded by vast skies and the quiet rhythm of the Kalahari, today we explore on both game drives and guided walks. We’ll spend time with the Zu’hoasi San Bushmen to learn their remarkable survival skills and connection to the land and venture further afield in search of oryx, jackals, hyenas, and desert lions.

Overnight Accommodation: Moela Safari Lodge (B / L / D / Local Drinks)

Day 4 – To Delphi

Wake early, scan the horizon from your veranda, and choose your pace with a game drive, guided walk, or restful morning in camp. As evening falls, enjoy sundowners as the desert sky shifts from gold to deep violet.

Overnight Accommodation: Moela Safari Lodge (B / L / D / Local Drinks)

Day 5 – Khwai Private Reserve

Return to Maun by road to board your charter flight to fly north to the Khwai Private Reserve, where you will check in to the beautiful Little Sable Camp. Take in the classic Delta country with seasonal floodplains, woodlands, and palm islands and enjoy a scenic game drive en route to camp, then kick your shoes off and settle in to wildlife-watch from the deck, G&T in hand.

Overnight Little Sable Camp (B / L / D / Local Drinks)

Day 6  – Khwai Private Reserve

Explore by vehicle, mokoro, or boat depending on the seasonal conditions, looking for lions, wild dogs, leopards, and elephants along the Khwai River.

Soak in the changing light on morning and evening drives as the colours change over the serene waterways.

Overnight Little Sable Camp (B / L / D / Local Drinks)

Day 7 –  Okavango Delta

Enjoy one last morning game drive, walk, or boating expedition from Little Sable before flying deeper into the Okavango Delta—a world of mirrored channels, papyrus stands, and palm-studded islands. Arriving at Mbamba Camp, settle into a private concession where wildlife thrives in a timeless wilderness and enjoy our first gentle exploration of this water-laced paradise.

Overnight Mbamba Camp. (B / L / D / Local Drinks)

Day 8 – Okavango Delta

Today is all about variety—game drives, mokoro excursions, and walking safaris reveal the incredible biodiversity of the Delta. Watch elephants bathing in lily-filled lagoons, listen for kingfishers flashing through the reeds, and keep an eye out for sitatunga or reed frogs tucked into the papyrus.

Overnight Mbamba Camp. (B / L / D / Local Drinks)

Day 9 – Okavango Delta

On your final full day in the Delta, move at your own pace — rising early for a morning drive or staying back to soak up the peace of camp. In the afternoon, you’ll head out once more, wrapping up your Delta experience with sundowners as hippos grunt in the fading light.

Overnight Mbamba Camp. (B / L / D / Local Drinks)

Day 10 – Chobe

You fly to Botswana’s far north, where the Chobe River carves through floodplains rich with life. At Chobe Elephant Camp, perched on an escarpment with sweeping views, you begin to explore this iconic region—home to some of the largest elephant herds in Africa.

Overnight Chobe Elephant Camp. (B)

Day 11 – Chobe

Wake to the sounds of the bush then enjoy a game drive or walk with your guide, all the while on the look out for lion, buffalo, sable, giraffe, crocodile and more. In the afternoon, join a quintessential boating safari to view the abundant wildlife from the water. Witnessing great elephant herds come to drink and bathe in the golden light is breathtaking.

Overnight Chobe Elephant Camp. (B)

Day 12 – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

A change of pace today as you hop over the Botswana/Zimbabwe border to enjoy lunch at Dusty Road Township Experience in Chinotimba Township, then check in to Insika Lodge.  The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure before ‘dinner & a show’ this evening as you watch the vibrant ‘Simunye Show’ – a lively celebration of Zimbabwean music, dance, storytelling and traditional cuisine.

Overnight Insika Lodge (B)

Day 13 – Victoria Falls

This morning, take a walking tour of the majestic Victoria Falls, where columns of mist rise from the gorge and rainbows dance in the spray. The afternoon is yours to browse the vibrant market and soak up the atmosphere of this lively little town, or otherwise opt for a helicopter ride, white-water rafting or even bungee jumping!

This evening you end your safari with a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River and a farewell dinner.

Overnight Insika Lodge (B)

Day 14 –  Victoria Falls – Departure

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before transferring to the airport for outbound flights.

As you depart, carry with you the unforgettable stillness of the Kalahari, the rhythm of the Delta, and the energy of Zimbabwe — a journey of wild places, deep connection, and shared adventure. (B)


Included:

  • Hosted ex Johannesburg by Sarah Hoyland
  • VIP arrival in Johannesburg
  • 3 nights in hotels & bush luxury tented safari camps
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner every day
  • All drinks whilst on safari – days 2 through 12
  • Arrival and departure transfers on dates specified
  • All charter flights : Makgadikgadi – Maun – Khwai – Delta – Kasane
  • Game viewing in customised 4WD vehicles
  • Qualified guides on all game viewing activities
  • Mokoro (dug out canoe) & boa􀆟ng in the Delta
  • Walking with the San Bushmen
  • Afternoon boat cruise on the Chobe River
  • Sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi River including drinks
  • Walking tour of the Victoria Falls
  • Simunye Dance performance
  • Dusty Road Township experience
  • All game reserve, community & conservation fees

Not Included:

  • Airfares – PLEASE ASK US FOR A QUOTE
  • Travel Insurance – PLEASE ASK US FOR A QUOTE
  • Transfers unless stated in the itinerary
  • Personal gratuities for your camp attendant & guides
  • Additional meals & drinks (other than specified)
  • ‘Top shelf’ drinks whilst on safari
  • Laundry & personal purchases
  • Zimbabwe Tourist Visa – USD30
  • Any item not specified
  • Optional excursions or activities that may be offered
Sarah Hoyland - Tour Host

Sarah Hoyland – Tour Host

    Note: all marked with an * is required information