Private Journey Details

Trip Highlights

• Glide along the waterways of the Okavango Delta in a dugout canoe, or mokoro, in search of elephants, giraffes, lions, and birdlife.
• Take a special bush walk with semihabituated elephants, and enjoy a rare opportunity to interact with these majestic creatures.
• Encounter spectacular Victoria Falls, and take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.
• Stay in intimate camps with superior comfort and service.
• Meet National Geographic grantee John "Tico" McNutt on a safari and learn about his conservation work at the Wild Dog Research Project camp (optional).

Itinerary - 10 Days

Days 1 & 2 — Johannesburg, South Africa

Fly overnight to Johannesburg. Upon arrival, transfer to your elegant boutique hotel in the suburb of Sandhurst.
The Saxon

Day 3 — Johannesburg/Maun, Botswana/Okavango Delta

Fly to Maun and transfer to Stanley's Camp, an intimate tented camp set on the tip of Chief's Island. Take your first game drive in the African bush this afternoon, then relax in a hammock on the private deck of your luxury tent and gaze at the passing wildlife.
Stanley's Camp (B,L,D)

Day 4 — Okavango Delta

One of the world's largest inland waterway systems, the Okavango Delta is home to many species, including crocodiles, wild dogs, and water buffalo. Game-viewing opportunities abound in and around Stanley's Camp. Search for elephants, giraffes, buffalo, lions, and colorful birds in a 4x4 safari vehicle, by canoe, or on foot in the company of expert local guides. Later, you have the option to join National Geographic grantee and wildlife biologist John "Tico" McNutt for an afternoon game drive and a talk on his ongoing work to protect the endangered African wild dog. For nearly 20 years, Tico has followed the lives of hundreds of individual dogs in numerous packs.
(B,L,D)

Day 5 — Okavango Delta

Today, explore the Moremi Game Reserve, one of the best places in the world to see big cats-lions, leopards, and cheetahs. On a special bush walk with semihabituated elephants, enjoy a rare opportunity to interact with these majestic creatures. Watch the African sun set on the bush on your final evening in the delta.
(B,L,D)

Day 6 — Okavango Delta/Chobe National Park

Fly east to Chobe National Park, and settle into your lodge perched above the Chobe River. Chobe harbors a remarkable variety of wildlife, including lions, hyenas, zebra, more than 450 bird species, and the highest concentration of elephants found anywhere in Africa. This afternoon, cruise on the Chobe River in search of game along the river's edge.
Chobe Chilwero Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 7 — Chobe National Park

Today, set off into riverine forests, floodplains, and marshlands. Explore the park in open vehicles on morning and afternoon game drives.
(B,L,D)

Day 8 — Chobe National Park/Livingstone, Zambia (Victoria Falls)

Fly to Livingstone, the home of spectacular Victoria Falls. Check into your lovely hotel, situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River just a stone's throw from the falls. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1989, Victoria Falls is nearly twice as wide as Niagara Falls and plunges approximately 355 feet into a narrow chasm, creating clouds of mist that sparkle in the sunlight. Join your guide to explore the falls, known locally as "the smoke that thunders." On an afternoon at leisure, take a nature walk, go white-water rafting, or visit a local village. Later, board a riverboat for a sunset cruise on the Zambezi.
Royal Livingstone Hotel (B)

Days 9 & 10 — Livingstone/Johannesburg/U.S.

Fly to Johannesburg and connect with your return flight to the U.S.
(B)

Optional Extension

• Cape Town, South Africa - Post-Trip Extension, 5 Days

National Geographic Private Journeys are unique itineraries designed for independent travelers. You'll explore fascinating places with private guides, and wherever possible, meet National Geographic experts at work in the field.

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