8 Day Highlights Of Botswana & Victoria Falls Overland Tour

Introduction

This 8-day Highlights of Botswana & Victoria Falls Overland Tour promises a blend of stunning scenery, wildlife encounters, and authentic camping experiences, all curated to fit a midrange budget. While I haven’t personally undertaken this trip, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary paint a vivid picture of what travelers can expect—an adventure packed with wildlife safaris, scenic boat rides, and nights under the stars in the wild.

What we love about this tour? First, it hits many must-see highlights like Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park, plus the experience of camping in the Okavango Delta—an icon of Africa’s wilderness. Second, it boasts knowledgeable guides who truly know their stuff, sharing insights into the environment and animal behavior. Third, the combination of comfort and rustic charm, with lodge stays balanced by authentic camping safaris, offers a genuine feel of the African bush.

One consideration to keep in mind is the tour’s non-refundable policy, which means any change or cancellation can be costly. Still, for those seeking a comprehensive, well-organized safari with a small group vibe, this trip is a strong contender. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to explore Botswana’s wilderness without sacrificing comfort or breaking the bank.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Combines lodge stays with camping safaris, giving a genuine feel of Africa’s wilds.
• Wildlife & Nature: Multiple game drives, boat safaris, and walking excursions provide varied wildlife encounters.
• Expert Guides: Local guides and polers are praised for their knowledge and passion.
• Breathtaking Sights: Includes Victoria Falls, Chobe River, and the stunning Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.
• Value for Money: At just under $3,000, the tour offers a diverse itinerary with most activities and meals included.
• Small Group: With a maximum of 8 travelers, expect a personal, intimate adventure.

Overview of the Tour Experience

This small group overland journey offers a fantastic introduction to Botswana’s wilderness, and the combination of highlights ensures plenty of picture-perfect moments and memorable encounters. From the outset, the tour is designed to be accessible, providing a balance of comfort, adventure, and authentic cultural moments.

Pricing and Value: At around $2,962 per person, the tour covers nearly all activities, meals, and transfers, which makes it a strong value proposition. Most reviews highlight how smoothly everything runs—many emphasizing the professionalism and friendliness of guides like Chris and Maria, who are described as attentive and knowledgeable.

Group Size & Logistics: Limited to 8 travelers, the small-group setup makes for personalized attention and easier logistics. The tour’s structure, with transfers and included activities, reduces any hassle, allowing you to focus on soaking in the scenery and wildlife.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Sunset Cruise in Victoria Falls

Your journey begins with a warm welcome at the airport and transfer to your accommodation in Victoria Falls. The first evening’s highlight is a Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River, which sets the tone for an exciting adventure ahead. Expect stunning views as the sun dips behind the river, with chances to spot hippos, crocodiles, and maybe even elephants coming down for a drink.

From reviews, travelers appreciate the smooth start and the relaxed atmosphere, a perfect way to unwind after travel. This cruise offers a gentle introduction to the region’s wildlife and natural beauty.

Day 2: Victoria Falls & Chobe National Park

The day kicks off with a guided walk through the Victoria Falls Rainforest at Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Guides like the locals know the falls from multiple angles, sharing stories that add depth to the visual spectacle of the roaring cascade. While the admission ticket isn’t included, the walk promises plenty of photo opportunities and close-up views.

Next, you visit Chobe Safari Lodge for a buffet lunch—an appreciated break to refuel before heading to Chobe National Park for a boat safari. The boat ride in the Chobe River is a highlight for many, offering an up-close look at elephants, crocodiles, and hippos. Reviewers mention that the boat safaris allow for better wildlife observation than traditional game drives, especially for birdwatchers or those wanting to see animals in their natural aquatic environment.

Day 3: Chobe & Elephant Sands

Early in the morning, a game drive in an open 4×4 gives a chance to witness Chobe’s famed elephant herds, often in large numbers, and other wildlife. Local guides are praised for their insights into animal behavior and the environment, making each sighting educational as well as exciting.

In the afternoon, you head to Elephant Sands Lodge. This unique stop offers the chance to observe herds of elephants from close range at a waterhole—a truly special experience. Travelers frequently mention how magical it is to watch elephants interact and drink just meters away. It’s an authentic bush experience that many say surpasses more commercial safaris.

Day 4: Makgadikgadi Salt Pans & Camping

The journey continues to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, where you spend the night camping on the Ntwetwe Salt Pan. Many reviews emphasize the beauty and tranquility of sleeping under the stars, with astronomers appreciating the clear night skies perfect for viewing the Milky Way. The campfire dinners and cozy sleeping setups make for a memorable night.

The early morning walk to see meerkats adds a playful, almost surreal element—these curious creatures popping out of their burrows are often described as charming and approachable. For adrenaline lovers, quad biking on the salt flats can be arranged as an optional surcharge.

Day 5: Ntwetwe Pan & the Okavango Delta

After breakfast, you visit a meerkat colony and then continue to the Okavango Delta for the highlight—an authentic camping safari. Starting with a speedboat cruise (or 4×4 if dry), you’ll meet your poler for a mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) ride through the water channels, a serene way to see the delta’s intricate waterways.

Reviewers rave about the expertise of local guides and polers, who are born and raised in the delta, sharing passionate stories about their home. The peacefulness of gliding among reeds and the chance to see wildlife from a water level add a unique perspective.

Day 6 & 7: Exploring the Okavango & Maun

The next day involves waking up to the sounds of the bush, with options for game viewing either on foot or by canoe. The guides are highlighted for their knowledge, often sharing insights into animal behaviors and plant life that you wouldn’t get from a book.

On the second day, you spend more time navigating the channels in mokoros, walking on islands, and observing wildlife that is abundant in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many travelers comment on the tranquility and the feeling of being truly immersed in nature.

Day 8: Departure from Maun

Your adventure ends with a transfer back to Maun, where you connect to your onward flight. The seamless logistics and well-organized schedule make the farewell smooth and straightforward.

Why This Tour Stands Out

Wildlife Encounters: The tour offers a varied range of safaris—game drives, boat safaris, and bush walks—giving you a well-rounded experience of Botswana’s incredible fauna. Multiple reviews commend the guides’ expertise, with one noting how the guides “showed their home” with passion and knowledge.

Authentic Camping Experience: Sleeping on the salt pan and in the delta provides genuine immersion—no glass walls, just the sounds of nature. Many reviews mention how special sleeping under the stars is, and how from the campfire, you truly feel part of the environment.

Diverse Landscapes: From the thundering Victoria Falls to the vast salt pans and the lush Okavango waterways, this itinerary showcases Botswana’s stunning variety of landscapes. You’ll enjoy panoramic vistas, up-close animal sightings, and peaceful water channels.

Expert Guides and Local Polers: The local guides, especially those born and raised in the delta, are praised for their passion and detailed knowledge. This personal touch greatly enhances the authenticity of the experience.

Value-Focused Itinerary: With most activities and meals included, the tour offers a comprehensive experience at a fair price—balancing comfort, adventure, and authentic wilderness encounters.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers craving an active, wildlife-centered adventure with a touch of luxury in terms of lodge stays. It suits those who want to explore Botswana’s wild spaces without the hassle of organizing every detail themselves. The small group size creates an intimate environment, perfect for those who enjoy meaningful connections with guides and fellow travelers.

It’s especially suitable for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone eager to see iconic sights like Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta in a balanced, authentic way. If you’re looking for a comprehensive, well-organized safari that combines comfort with adventure, this tour offers excellent value.

Final Thoughts

This 8-day overland tour delivers a well-rounded taste of Botswana’s wilderness and Victoria Falls’ grandeur. Its mix of wildlife safaris, scenic boat rides, and camping in iconic locations offers a truly immersive experience, praised by travelers for the guides’ knowledge and the stunning scenery.

While the price includes most activities and meals, the real treasure lies in the authentic encounters—elephants at Elephant Sands, mokoro rides in the delta, and sleeping under a star-studded sky on the salt pans. The tour’s small-group size enhances the overall experience, making it feel personal and special.

If you’re after a safari that balances adventure, comfort, and real wildlife moments, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s perfect for anyone eager to explore Botswana’s wild heart without breaking the bank, especially with the added bonus of expert local guides and the chance to sleep under the vast African sky.

FAQ

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, pickup is included, making it easy to start your adventure without any hassle.

What’s the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience and easier movement between locations.

Are most meals included?
Most meals are included—specifically, 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 4 dinners—allowing you to enjoy local cuisine without extra planning.

Can I book additional activities?
Yes, there are optional activities like additional Victoria Falls excursions available for surcharge, which you can book in advance.

What kind of accommodations are used?
The tour combines midrange lodge stays with authentic camping safaris, offering a balance of comfort and adventure.

Is the tour suitable for children or all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but the itinerary is best suited for those comfortable with camping and outdoor activities.

This tour offers a thoughtful, immersive African safari experience blending stunning scenery, wildlife, and cultural moments—all accessible at a reasonable price with expert guides. It’s a fantastic choice for those ready to explore Botswana’s wild side in a genuine, small-group setting.