6 Days Victoria Falls Chobe Wildlife and Okavango Delta Tour

A 6-Day Safari through Victoria Falls, Chobe, and the Okavango Delta: An Honest Review

Travelers seeking a combination of majestic waterfalls, abundant wildlife, and remote wilderness will find this 6-day Victoria Falls, Chobe, and Okavango Delta tour a compelling option. While it’s tailored for those craving authentic safari experiences, it also suits adventurers eager for scenic boat cruises and cultural insights. We’re here to walk you through what makes this trip special, along with some considerations to keep in mind.

What we love about this tour? First, the expert guides, like Tafara, who bring the landscapes alive with their knowledge. Second, the close-up animal sightings—from elephants at Chobe to hippos in the Delta—delivered through immersive game drives and peaceful mokoro rides. Third, the variety of scenery—from floodlit plains to salt pans—offering a broad view of Botswana’s diverse environments.

One possible drawback? The full itinerary means long travel days, especially between Makgadikgadi and Maun, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with some hours on the road. Still, the richness of experiences makes this a worthwhile adventure for wildlife lovers and those craving true wilderness.

In short, this tour is a fantastic pick for those wanting a comprehensive Botswana experience without DIY planning, especially if you appreciate guided tours, wildlife viewing, and stunning vistas. Now, let’s get into the details.

Key Points

• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Tafara elevate the experience with insider insights.
• Wildlife Encounters: Close animal sightings on game drives and boat safaris, including elephants, lions, hippos, and birds.
• Diverse Landscapes: From Victoria Falls’ spray to salt pans and lush delta plains, the scenery is varied and captivating.
• Authentic Activities: Mokoro rides, game drives, and walking safaris offer genuine wildlife encounters.
• Value for Money: At $2,250 per person, the tour includes most meals, water, and many activities, providing good value for a multi-day safari.
• Comfort & Convenience: Small group size (max six travelers) ensures personalized attention and smoother logistics.

Introduction to the Journey

This tour offers a well-rounded taste of Botswana’s most iconic sights, beginning at the legendary Victoria Falls with its thunderous spray and awe-inspiring views. From there, it ventures into the wildlife-rich Chobe National Park, renowned for its large herds of elephants and exhilarating boat safaris along the Chobe River. Transitioning into the salt flats of Makgadikgadi, you’ll experience a stark, surreal landscape that feels like stepping onto another planet.

Finally, the adventure culminates in the vast Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its seasonal flooding, lush plains, and abundant wildlife. Each location is chosen for its unique character, creating a rich tapestry of scenery and safari opportunities.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to the Wildlife of Chobe

Starting in Victoria Falls, the journey kicks off with a transfer to Kasane, Botswana—typically around 1.5 hours, including border crossing. Once in Kasane, you’ll get your first taste of Botswana’s wilderness with a game drive in Chobe National Park. This park is famous for hosting the largest herds of elephants, especially around the Chobe Riverfront, and is home to lions, buffalo, antelopes, and hippos.

The afternoon feature is a 3.5-hour boat cruise along the Chobe River, a highlight for many travelers. During this cruise, animals gather at the water’s edge, giving you close-up views of elephants sipping from the river, crocodiles sunning on the banks, and a variety of bird species overhead. The boat’s open-sided design offers an unobstructed view, making wildlife spotting more intimate than a typical vehicle safari. Reviewers have specifically appreciated the knowledgeable guides and the relaxed pace of the cruise, which allows for excellent photo opportunities.

Day 2: Early Morning Game Drive & More in Chobe

The next day starts early, around 6 am, with a morning game drive. This time of day is when predators like lions and leopards are most active, and nocturnal animals are returning to their hiding spots. Expect the sounds of the bush—hyenas, hyena cubs playing, and perhaps a distant roar from a lion. A full breakfast is served around 9:30 am, often enjoyed while soaking in the wilderness atmosphere.

In the afternoon, another game drive continues from 3 pm to 6 pm. This dual approach—morning and late afternoon safaris—maximizes animal sightings, especially during the transitions of dawn and dusk. Reviewers mention that the guides’ expertise makes a big difference in spotting elusive animals and providing insightful commentary, enhancing the experience.

Day 3: From Wilderness to Salt Flats

After breakfast, the journey heads south to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pan, a roughly 4-hour drive covering 300 km. Along the way, you might spot some wildlife, as the route goes through parts of Makgadikgadi National Park. The salt pan itself is enormous, a stark, surreal landscape that once was a massive lake. The vastness of the salt flats offers a sense of utter solitude and space, especially appealing to travelers seeking silence and wide-open vistas.

This area is less about big game and more about appreciating the unique environment. Reviewers highlight that even during high season, visitors are sparse, making it a peaceful contrast to the packed national parks.

Day 4: To the Heart of the Delta

Post-breakfast, you’ll travel about four hours to Maun, passing through more wildlife-rich areas. Maun is the gateway to the Okavango Delta and offers a chance to relax, explore, or opt for a scenic flight over the delta (costs about US$150 per person). Many travelers find this optional flight well worth it for aerial views of the delta’s labyrinth of channels and islands, with some reviewers describing it as a highlight.

Day 5 & 6: The Okavango Delta Experience

The core of the adventure begins with a 2-day, 1-night stay in the delta. You’ll transfer via a 4×4 to the Okavango River, then continue in a poler-guided mokoro—a traditional dugout canoe—through the tranquil waterways. Expect to spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a variety of birdlife from this silent form of transport, which many reviews praise for its peacefulness and intimacy with nature.

On the island, you’ll set up camp in movable tents, enjoying the natural sounds of the environment. A walk with a local guide introduces you to the flora, fauna, and perhaps some hidden bird species. The experience of camping in the wilderness, under the stars, adds a real sense of adventure, while the guided walks are appreciated for their depth of insight.

The final morning includes a walk and a mokoro ride back to the vehicle, returning you to Maun for a relaxed lunch and the end of your safari. Reviewers speak highly of the authenticity and tranquility of this delta segment, with many noting it’s a highlight of their trip.

Transportation & Group Size

Transport across this itinerary is primarily by private 4×4 vehicles, ensuring comfort and flexibility. The group size is limited to a maximum of 6 travelers, which allows for personalized attention and reduces the feeling of being part of a large tour bus crowd. This intimate setting is often praised by reviewers, who mention guides like Tafara make a point to tailor the experience to individual interests.

Meals & Included Activities

Most meals—five dinners, six lunches, and five breakfasts—are included, along with water and non-alcoholic drinks. This not only simplifies planning but also ensures you’re well-hydrated during the long days. The tour covers all main activities like game drives, boat safaris, mokoro rides, and walks, making it a comprehensive experience.

Cost & Value

Pricing at $2,250 per person may seem steep at first glance, but when you break down what’s included—multiple game drives, boat safaris, domestic transfers, most meals, and guided walks—the value becomes clearer. The small group size and expert guides enhance this further, making it a well-rounded package for wildlife enthusiasts.

Authentic Experiences & Insider Tips

Several reviewers remark on guides like Tafara, who go beyond just pointing out animals—they share stories, behaviors, and local insights that deepen the understanding. For instance, in Chobe, you may notice how animals converge on the river for water during dry months, a behavior explained expertly by guides.

The mokoro experience in the delta is often cited as the quietest, most peaceful part of the trip, with some reviewers describing it as “a moment of pure tranquility.” The guides’ ability to spot elusive animals and bird species adds another layer of depth, especially for keen bird-watchers.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This 6-day safari offers a balanced mix of adventure, wildlife viewing, and scenic beauty. Its strength lies in the expert guides, the diverse landscapes, and the authenticity of activities like mokoro rides and walking safaris. If you’re a traveler who values personalized experiences and wants to see a wide range of Botswana’s iconic sights without the hassle of planning logistics, this tour is an excellent option.

Keep in mind that the tour involves some long travel days, especially between regions, so it’s best for those comfortable with road trips and early mornings. The inclusion of most meals and activities makes it good value for an immersive safari experience.

Overall, for wildlife lovers and adventure seekers alike, this tour promises a memorable journey through some of Africa’s most stunning environments, guided by knowledgeable experts who bring the landscapes and animals to life.

FAQ

Is airport pickup included in this tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from Victoria Falls or Maun, making your arrival stress-free.

What is the group size limit?
The maximum number of travelers is 6, ensuring a more personal and flexible experience.

Are meals included?
Most meals—five dinners, six lunches, and five breakfasts—are included, with water and non-alcoholic drinks also provided.

Can I see the Okavango Delta from the air?
Yes, there’s an optional scenic flight over the delta for about US$150 per person, which many reviews suggest is worth the extra cost.

What kind of accommodation should I expect?
While not explicitly detailed, the camping in the delta involves movable tents and bush-style facilities, providing an authentic wilderness experience.

Are game drives included in the price?
Yes, both morning and afternoon game drives in Chobe are included, along with boat safaris and walking safaris.

What is the best time to take this tour?
While not specified, the mention of animals gathering at the river in dry months suggests that late dry season might be ideal for wildlife sightings.

This safari tour delivers a well-rounded introduction to Botswana’s wildlife and landscapes, perfect for travelers craving authentic, guided adventures in some of Africa’s most iconic places.