Overview

Go on this eleven-day lodge safari and take the chance to experience nature, wildlife and culture of three amazing African countries: Botswana, Namibia and Zambia. Insights into the San traditions amidst the Kalahari, endless waterways in the Okavango Delta and giant elephant herds along the Chobe River – these and many other highlights are waiting for you.

Highlights

Explore the wilderness of Botswana, Namibia and Zambia

Learn about the San lifestyle and traditions

Immerse yourself into the awe-inspiring Okavango Delta

Witness abundant wildlife populations in the Caprivi Strip

Experience the endless Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

Visit the mighty Victoria Falls in Zambia

Enjoy the comfort of magnificent safari lodges

 

About Our Partner

Conservation Careers has teamed up with an organisation that offers nature tourism and voluntary service abroad and concentrates on the domains of nature conservation, environmental and animal protection. They do not only target school-leavers, students and graduates, who may want to gather valuable experience, but also working people and over 50s, who are looking for a way to broaden their horizons in an unforgettable and meaningful way.

Not only do the participants gain a lasting impression of nature but they can also immerse themselves in the culture of the host country. Our partner’s programmes includes education and further education, combined with practical experience and outdoor activities.

If you register your interest below, we’ll put you in touch with our partner to take the booking and to plan your trip!

Conservation Impact

Conservation Careers has partnered with Terra Incognita to bring you tours and adventures that meet an Ethical Code of Conduct for Ecotourism, assuring you of their commitment to wildlife and local communities.

Conservation Careers is a Founding Partner of the Ethical Ecotourism Code of Conduct, which has been generated by a global community that includes over 80 ecotourism operators, industry experts, media representatives, local and Indigenous people and tourists.

Our Conservation Travel opportunities are for people who want their travel choices to have a net positive contribution to conservation. Explore all our Conservation Travel opportunities.

Safari in Botswana, Namibia and Zambia – Trip Summary

During this 11-day lodge safari you will set foot on three countries of Southern Africa: Botswana, Namibia and Zambia. Your journey will take you to Botswana’s vast Kalahari Desert, to the breathtaking Okavango Delta, to Namibia’s lush Caprivi Strip and its beautiful Bwabwata National Park, to the Zambian city of Livingstone and the world-famous Victoria Falls and finally to the mighty Makgadikgadi Salt Pans back in Botswana.

An experienced guide will always accompany you during game drives, walking safaris and boat trips, providing you with background knowledge on the abundant animal and plant life that you will get to see during your safari adventure in Southern Africa.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Maun and transfer to D’kar

Your safari starts at 02:00 PM at Maun Airport in Botswana. Your guide will welcome you and drive you to D’qae Qare Farm near the village of D’kar, southwest of Maun. Amidst the endless Kalahari – and accommodated at D’qae Qare San Lodge which is run by the local San community – you will enjoy get to know the fascinating traditions and lifestyle of the San. This will also include a show of the traditional trance (healing) dance: the women sit around the fire and clap to the rhythm, the men dance with the rattles to enter trance and “heal” the participants. A special experience!

Transfer: Arrival at Maun Airport and drive to D’qae Qare San Lodge in D’kar – Transfer time: approx. 3 hours

Accommodation: D’qae Qare San Lodge – Standard room (double occupancy) with attached bathroom

Catering: Lunch and dinner included

Laundry service: Not included

Activities: Meeting with the local San community and traditional dance in the afternoon and evening

Day 2

Transfer from the Kalahari to the Okavango Delta

This morning you can take part in another activity at D’qae Qare Farm before you continue your journey into the Okavango Delta. After reaching the town of Shakawe you will transfer to a boat to reach Xaro Lodge amidst the delta. In the afternoon, you enjoy a boat trip on the Okavango River in the afternoon.

Transfer: Drive incl. boat crossing from D’qae Qare San Lodge to Xaro Lodge – Transfer time: approx. 6 hours

Accommodation: Xaro Lodge – Safari tent (double occupancy) with attached bathroom

Catering: All meals included

Laundry service: Against charge

Activities: Safari activity in the morning and boat trip in the afternoon included

 

Day 3

Exploration day Okavango Panhandle

Today you will go on guided walking safaris on the island of the lodge as well as boat trips on the many water channels to explore the fascinating Okavango Panhandle, located in the northwestern part of the Okavango Delta.

Accommodation: Xaro Lodge – Safari tent (double occupancy) with attached bathroom

Catering: All meals included

Laundry service: Against charge

Activities: Morning and afternoon safari activities included

Day 4

Transfer from Botswana to Bwabwata National Park in Namibia

Today you will drive north, leave Botswana and then enter Namibia. Your new home for the following days: the Caprivi Strip, full of tropical landscapes and an unbelievable abundance of animals. First stop here is the Bwabwata National Park. After you have settled into the only accommodation of the park, the Nambwa Tented Lodge, you can enjoy a first game drive in the awe-inspiring Caprivi wilderness.

Transfer: Drive from Xaro Lodge to Nambwa Tented Lodge – Transfer time: approx. 5 hours

Accommodation: Nambwa Tented Lodge – Safari tent (double occupancy) with attached bathroom

Catering: All meals included

Laundry service: Not included

Activities: Afternoon game drive included

 

Day 5

Transfer within the Caprivi Strip

This morning you can either head out on another activity (not included) or enjoy some free time in your accommodation. Afterwards, you continue your way east to Katima Mulilo. The Caprivi Housboat Safari Lodge, located on the banks of the Zambezi River, will be your accommodation for the following night. In the late afternoon you can enjoy a sunset cruise on the mighty river.

Transfer: Drive from Nambwa Tented Lodge to Caprivi Houseboat Safari Lodge – Transfer time: approx. 2 hours

Accommodation: Caprivi Houseboat Safari Lodge – Safari chalet (double occupancy) with attached bathroom

Catering: All meals included

Laundry service: Not included

Activities: Boat trip in the evening included

Day 6

Transfer from Namibia to Livingstone in Zambia

Another border crossing is waiting for you, as your next stop is the Zambian city of Livingstone and the spectacular Victoria Falls. After you’ve entered Zambia, you will drive to David Livingstone Safari Lodge, not far from the world-famous waterfalls. This afternoon you can take advantage of the wide range of activities that Livingstone has to offer and spend the day as you please. Game drives, walking safaris, birding trips, horseback rides along the huge Zambezi River, visits to markets and museums, helicopter flights or a boat, canoe or rafting tour – there are endless possibilities.

Transfer: Drive from Caprivi Houseboat Safari Lodge to David Livingstone Safari Lodge – Transfer time: approx. 4 hours

Accommodation: David Livingstone Safari Lodge – Standard room (double occupancy) with attached bathroom

Catering: All meals included

Laundry service: Against charge

Activities: No activities included – guests can take advantage of the wide range of leisure activities in Livingstone and choose their own activities (at their own expense)

 

Day 7

Exploration day Livingstone

A highlight that should not be missed during a stay in Livingstone: a visit to the impressive Victoria Falls! The falling floods of the Zambezi River span two kilometres and dropping almost 120 metres – a record-breaking natural spectacle. Furthermore, Livingstone offers a multitude of further exciting leisure time activities that you may enjoy.

Accommodation: David Livingstone Safari Lodge – Standard room (double occupancy) with attached bathroom

Catering: All meals included

Laundry service: Additional fee required

Activities: No activities included – guests can take advantage of the wide range of leisure activities in Livingstone and choose their own activities (at their own expense)

 

Day 8

Transfer from Zambia to the Caprivi Strip in Namibia

Time to say goodbye to Zambia! Today you start your way back to Namibia’s Caprivi Strip, including a short ferry trip to the Botswana side. Your beautiful accommodation, the Chobe Savanna Lodge, allows you to go on fascinating exploration tours to get to know the species-rich Chobe floodplains and river landscape. This is an excellent region for observing large herds of elephants which are found in great numbers here.

Transfer: Drive incl. boat transfer from David Livingstone Safari Lodge to Chobe Savanna Lodge – Transfer time: approx. 2 ½ hours

Accommodation: Chobe Savanna Lodge – Safari chalet (double occupancy) with attached bathroom

Catering: All meals included

Laundry service: Additional fee required

Activities: Boat trip in the afternoon included

 

Day 9

Exploration day Chobe River

The Chobe River and its animal abundance will continue to be the centre of attention today. You can also visit the nearby village and gain exciting cultural insights.

Transfer: Drive from Moremi Game Reserve to Khwai – Transfer time: approx. 5 hours

Accommodation: Chobe Savanna Lodge – Safari chalet (double occupancy) with attached bathroom

Catering: All meals included

Laundry service: Additional fee required

Activities: Picnic breakfast in the morning as well as a boat trip and village visit included

 

Day 10

Transfer from Namibia to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans in Botswana

Today your way leads you back from Kasane to Nata, situated at the edge of the mighty Makgadikgadi Salt Pans – a place full of silence, seclusion and endless white space. After you have reached the area, you will go on an exploration tour in the Nata Bird Sanctuary. Here, the Sua Pan is fed by the Nata River and thus forms a huge breeding area for countless water birds. Note: In years of heavy rainfall, vehicles cannot pass the Nata Bird Sanctuary. You will be informed about this circumstance as soon as possible.

Transfer: Trip incl. boat transfer from Chobe Savanna Lodge to Nata Lodge – Transfer time: approx. 4 ½ hours

Accommodation: Nata Lodge – Safari tent (double occupancy) with attached bathroom

Catering: All meals included

Laundry service: Not included

Activities: Game drive included

 

Day 11

Transfer from the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans back to Maun

Today is the last day of your safari trip. You will leave Nata Lodge after breakfast and make your way back to Maun where you will arrive around 12:00 PM to go on your home or onward journey.

Transfer: Drive from Nata Lodge to Maun – Transfer time: approx. 3 ½ hours

Catering: Breakfast included

Laundry service: Not included

 

Dates, Services, Costs

Dates 2021: 23.08., 20.09., 18.10.

Dates 2022: 07.04., 02.05., 26.05., 23.06., 21.07., 18.08., 22.09., 13.10.

Services:

  • Assistance with travel arrangements
  • Assistance with selecting travel insurance
  • Assistance with booking flights
  • Pre-departure information pack
  • Airport pick up and drop off
  • Accommodation as per itinerary
  • Meals and drinks as per itinerary
  • Programme-related transfers as per itinerary
  • Activities as per itinerary
  • Entrance to national park(s)
  • Laundry service as per itinerary
  • 24/7 support throughout the programme

Fees:

11 days – 6.450 EUR

COVID-19 policy

In case the country of destination established an entry ban, the first aim will be to postpone the trip to a later point in time at no extra costs. If this is not possible, the full programme fee is refunded.

In any other case, the standard cancellation charges apply:

  • up until 30 days prior to commencement of travel 20% of the total cost
  • up until 15 days prior to commencement of travel 30% of the total cost
  • up until 7 days prior to commencement of travel 50% of the total cost
  • up until 2 days prior to commencement of travel 70% of the total cost
  • up until previous day of commencement of travel or no-show on the day 95% of the total cost

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