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Upgraded - Botswana Wildlife Safari

Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe - Trip code DOZ Wildlife
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664Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
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Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

A safari through Botswana and Zimbabwe, exploring Chobe National Park, visiting the thundering Victoria Falls and sleeping aboard a houseboat in the vast Okavango Delta Panhandle. Spend time searching for wildlife including elephant, hippos and lion within remote wilderness.

Why we love this trip
  • Premium Lodges - The finest game viewing from comfortable hand-picked lodges
  • Okavango Delta Panhandle - Explore the most prolific inland delta of Africa
  • Chobe National Park - Discover the stunning wildlife, including some of Africa's largest elephants herds.
  • Upgraded Range - Immerse yourself in picturesque Botswana with our hand-picked selection of Premium hotels

  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 11

    Lunch: 6

    Dinner: 6

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Boat Crew

  • Transport

    4WD

    Boat

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    Accommodation

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    Trip pace:

    Full on

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    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 12

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    Wildlife rating

    Wildlife focused tour

Itinerary

Trip information

Climate and country information

Botswana

Climate

Botswana's regional characteristics, from fertile areas in the east to waterless desert in the centre and south, and a vast delta in the north-west, make for extremes of temperatures and highly variable rainfall. Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable.

Time difference to GMT

+2

Plugs

3 Pin Round

Religion

Christians. Anglicans, Methodists

Language

English, Setswana

Namibia

Climate

With a staggering 300 days of sunshine each year, Namibia is a year-round destination, although some may prefer to avoid the heat of high summer. The cold Benguela current keeps the Atlantic coast of the Namib Desert cool and rain-free for most of the year, with a thick coastal fog that lends a mysterious edge to the area. January and February are the hottest months, when daytime temperatures in the heart of the Namib can exceed 40°C (104°F), but nights are usually cool. Winter nights can be fairly cold, but days are generally warm and pleasant.

Time difference to GMT

+1

Plugs

3 Pin Round

Religion

Christian

Language

English, Afrikaans, German

Zimbabwe

Climate

Zimbabwe has a moderate climate, in the summer months (November to April) you can expect highs of 30 C° and lows of 20 C°. The wet season is from November to May when the days are typically dry and sunny with afternoon/evening thunderstorms. The best time for game viewing is September to October when days are dry and the temperatures are still relatively cool.

Time difference to GMT

+2

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Christian

Language

English

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


Maun
Horse riding US$44 per person

Kasane
Day 8: Boat safari on Chobe River US$ 55pp

Victoria Falls
Day 11: Whitewater rafting half day low water US$ 126 per person. Strict minimum age of 15 years applies. Transfers to/from your hotel are included. Half day includes lunch and soft drinks. Rafting up to grade 5.

Rafting note: River conditions are determined by seasonally predictable fluctuations in water levels. Low water season generally runs from August to January each year - this is when the Zambezi is at its very wildest. High water is from about February to July and there can be a closed season between March and June depending on the seasons rains. Please note the minimum age for rafting is 15 years old.

Day 11: Upper Zambezi canoeing US$ 150 per person. Minimum age of 12 years old applies

Day 11: Fishing expedition. US$ 130 (3 hours), US$160 (full day)

Day 10 or 11: Victoria Falls helicopter ride 15mins US $175 per person (plus US $6 aviation fee, $20 park fee)

Victoria Falls helicopter ride 22mins US $260 per person (plus US $6 aviation fee, $20 park fee)

Day 11: Zambezi National Park Game Drive US$ 71 (plus US $10 park fee) per person.

Please note prices are subject to change.


Clothing

Clothing should be lightweight. However, a wind/waterproof jacket and warm fleeces or sweaters are essential, as nights and early morning game drives can be very cold. Scarfs are useful too. Brightly coloured and white clothing is not suitable for game viewing. Take a smart/casual outfit for evening meals/drinks in the safari lodges. Don't forget your swimwear.

Footwear

Lightweight trail boots or robust trainers with good traction soles and sandals.

Luggage

20Kg

Luggage: On tour

Limit is one barrel bagoft holdall (suitcases are not permitted due to transport restrictions) per person and a reasonable amount of photographic equipment. A daysac is essential for everyday use.

Equipment

Bring a water bottle, torch, sunhat, sunglasses, insect repellent and sunscreen. Binoculars are essential for game viewing and a 300mm lens is recommended for photography. Mosquito nets are provided in lodge rooms, so there is no need to take your own.

Plastic Bag Ban: With effect from 01 June 2018, it is illegal to use, manufacture and/or import plastic bags into Botswana. Any person found with plastic bags of any type including shopping bags on arrival into the country can receive a heavy fine. Small plastic bags used for hand luggage toiletries are permitted but must be in a reusable condition and not disposed of in the country. Please ensure you do not have any non-permitted types of plastic bag in your hand luggage or luggage. Any plastic bags obtained whilst travelling are disposed of before arriving into Botswana or are surrendered at the designated desk available at all entry points into the country.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend between £20 to £40 per person per week as a guideline.
Local crew
Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, your leader may organise a group's tips kitty for included activities and meals and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.

Accordingly, you should allow US$30.00-60.00 per person for group tipping.


Botswana

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£10.00
Dinner price
£18.00
Beer price
£3.00
Water price
£1.00
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Botswana Pula
Recommended Currency For Exchange
We suggest that you take your spending money is cash as US Dollars. Please note that the banks and Forex Bureaus do not always accept US Dollars pre-2017. NB: you may find it useful to bring smaller denominations of US Dollars for tips.
ATM Availability
Cash can be drawn out on credit cards from ATM's in Kasane and Maun and other larger towns.
Credit Card Acceptance
Limited. Some lodges may accept credit cards, however the service is very sporadic. Mastercard and Visa are the most common, and American Express only in a few places.

Namibia

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£15
Dinner price
£20
Beer price
£1.50
Water price
£1.00
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Namibian Dollar. South African Rand is legal tender in Namibia.
Recommended Currency For Exchange
USD are readily exchanged in Namibia and GBP to a lesser extent. Take your money in a combination of ATM cards and cash
Where To Exchange
On arrival.
ATM Availability
Cash can be drawn on credit cards from ATM's in Windhoek and Swakopmund.
Credit Card Acceptance
Limited.

Zimbabwe

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£9.00
Dinner price
£15.00
Beer price
£2.00
Water price
£0.80
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Bring new and undamaged US Dollar in small denominations. The Zimbabwean Dollar is legal tender.
Recommended Currency For Exchange
US Dollars
Where To Exchange
Your Tour Leader or local rep can advise on exchange arrangements, which may be limited.
ATM Availability
Please note that currently cash cannot be withdrawn with international bank cards.
Credit Card Acceptance
Not widely accepted, though can be used to pay for optional excursions directly with the local operator as well as at some hotels and lodges. Please do not rely on credit or debit cards for anything else.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

4WD, Boat

Accommodation notes


During this tour, we stay at premium hotels, lodges and fixed permanent camps, with two nights on a comfortable but basic houseboat on the delta.

In Maun, we'll stay on a private 250-hectare game reserve located around 30 minutes outside of town. The magnificent Thamo Telele is set amongst a lush forest of old growth leadwood and acacia trees, each luxury safari-style tent is on raised wooden platforms with hardwood floors and en-suite bathrooms, all with private outdoor showers with nature as the backdrop. The stylish canvas tents all have twin beds, which can be converted into doubles, and air conditioning above the bed. There is a swimming pool and a central main lounge and bar area, where you'll find comfy couches and locally inspired wall art.

Our base in Moremi on a private reserve, offering a classic Botswana premium safari camp experience. Each spacious safari tent is raised on a wooden deck, has an en-suite bathroom and features a private deck with views of the waterhole and the Okavango Delta wildlife that frequents the area in front of camp. The lodge has a swimming pool, a bar, a central dining area and a fire pit under the night sky, which we can retire to after dinner as a blaze of stars emerge.

On the Okavango Panhandle, we spend two nights on a houseboat, for our exclusive use. The boat has a lower deck with compact, en-suite cabins and an upper deck with a open dining area with panoramic windows offering magnificent views of the delta. There is an open seating area at the rear of the boat, the perfect spot to sit at the end of the day and watch the sun set.
In Kasane we'll stay at a property overlooking the Chobe river, an ideal base from which to explore Chobe National Park. Our premium lodge features landscaped gardens, a swimming pool and well appointed homely bedrooms.

Victoria Falls is our final stop, we'll stay at either Batonka Guest Lodge or Pioneer Lodge. The two are sister properties located just over 1km from each other and are almost identical. Both are set in beautiful landscaped gardens, feature a swimming pool, spacious rooms positioned around the gardens, an expansive terrace where breakfast is taken, a bar and a stylish lounge and dining room which are both extremely comfortable. They are both exclusively reserved for residents which ensures the upmost privacy.

Botswana

Food and drink

Dietary requirements: Most restaurants and hotels in Botswana do not have a wide selection of vegan and vegetarian choices. There is usually a choice of salads and one main vegetarian and/or vegan main dish on the menus, but choice will be limited especially in more remote locations. If you have specific dietary requirements we do recommend for you to bring some food with you.

Can you drink the water?
The  water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 

 

Namibia

Food and drink

Dietary requirements:

It’s very important that you let us know of any dietary requirements at least 60 days prior to the departure of your trip because your Leader will pre-plan menus and shop for the majority of the food prior to departure. In Namibia there is very limited availability for specialist food products along the way and leaders will need to pre-advise accommodations of any specific requirements so they can ensure they have options. Please note, without prior notice or if your requirements change while on the trip Explore cannot guarantee all requirements will be catered for.

 

If you have a specialist diet, including but not limited to vegan, gluten free, lactose intolerant and/or coeliac, we strongly recommend you bring some snacks with you as options will be limited, particularly in rural parts of Namibia where specialist food products in supermarkets are very limited and restaurants will often have one or two alternative options on their menus. With prior notice our leaders will always ensure there is a meal for you, however, we must stress we cannot guarantee variety or choice.

 
Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Zimbabwe

Food and drink

Dietary requirements: Most restaurants and hotels in Zimbabwe do not have a wide selection of vegan and vegetarian choices. There is usually a choice of salads and one main vegetarian and/or vegan main dish on the menus, but choice will be limited especially in more remote locations. If you have specific dietary requirements we do recommend for you to bring some food with you.

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 

 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information


Travelling with Minors via South Africa (including transits) and entry into Botswana and Namibia
Regulations affecting all children aged under 18 years that are travelling to, from or via South Africa have been updated (Nov19). The law states that visa exempt children travelling for tourism purposes with one or both parents and/or an adult who is not a biological parent require to present a valid passport for each child on arrival. We strongly recommend you to refer to the South African House website for full information and to travel with a copy of these requirements.
Please refer to the FCO website for information on travelling with minors to Botswana: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/botswana/entry-requirements
Please refer to the FCO website for information on travelling with minors to Namibia:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/namibia/entry-requirements

Botswana: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens.
All passports must have at least 6 months validity remaining from date of entry into Botswana.

Namibia: From 1st April 2025 Visas are required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. the visa is available online from the link below, or can be obtained upon arrival at the Namibian border, airport or port of entry. We recommend obtaining the e-visa prior to travel by visiting the below website:

https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na/

Here you will need to select the Visa On Arrival. When asked for amount in currency taking into the country we suggest entering a nominal amount. The port of arrival or point of entry will be Mohembo Border Post. For the places visiting in Namibia you can advise in transit .

Zimbabwe: Visas are required for UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. British citizens can obtain these on arrival (USD55), all other nationalities should consult their consulate. All passports must have at least 6 months validity remaining on entry and also have two consecutive blank pages in their passports which lie side by side when the passport is open (i.e. a left and a right hand page).
Please refer to the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration website for visa on arrival fees and E-visa applications: https://www.evisa.gov.zw/home


When travelling via South Africa a machine readable passport is required. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.

South Africa: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, US and Canadian citizens.
New Zealand passport holders do require a visa. If you are transiting you may need a transit visa, Please consult your airline to determine if you will need to pass through South African immigration to transit for your onward flight and your local consulate for full visa information.
Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office for visa and/or transit visa information. All visitors should ensure their passport is machine readable and has two blank pages when entering and leaving South Africa. The South African Immigration officials will not allow child/ infant pages to be used for this purpose and visitors without the stipulated blank pages will be denied entry.

All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Ability to swim

An ability to swim is essential for your safe enjoyment of the water based activities on this trip. If you wish to participate in these activities then we insist that you are able to swim.

Botswana

Vaccinations

We do recommend protection against malaria, hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Travellers may wish to immunize themselves against meningitis. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling. Immigration/Borders in Botswana are requesting a Yellow Fever certificate if you have previously travelled within/via an endemic country. Please note that any travellers who have visited Ebola affected countries during the last 30 days will be denied entry into Botswana. These countries are: Guinea, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Liberia

Namibia

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we do recommend protection against malaria, hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid and polio. Please note that all travellers aged over 9 months old that have travelled from or have transitted via a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, will need to present a Yellow Fever certificate at immigration/borders in Namibia for inspection. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Travellers may wish to immunise themselves against meningitis. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Zimbabwe

Vaccinations

Please note that all travellers aged over 9 months old that have travelled from or have transited via a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, will need to present a Yellow Fever certificate at immigration/borders in Zimbabwe for inspection. We recommend protection against hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Wildlife information
Award Winning Explore Leaders
Find out more
Price Guarantee Promise
Find out more
Airport Transfers
Find out more
Print Trip Notes

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