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Botswana’s Okavango Delta and Linyanti Concession, with their unique blend of lush wetlands and sprawling rivers, are intensely beautiful and favorites of those seeking to experience pure wilderness. The Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the banks of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers attract a breathtaking diversity of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, numerous plains animals, and vast herds of elephants.
This unforgettable Zambia and Botswana safari, timed for the peak season in both countries, provides access to remote and exclusive camps on private concessions bordering Botswana’s world-famous national parks. While on Zambia safari, you’ll spend time within Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, a short distance from the falls. Here, you’ll explore wildlife-rich areas seen by few other travelers, all in the company of experienced naturalist guides.
Boundless Journeys specializes in all-inclusive active tours around the world. Explore more adventures among our African safaris.
Exploring the Okavango
Upon arrival in Maun, you will be met by your guide and flown by light aircraft over the shimmering waters of the Okavango Delta. This initial flight provides a remarkable and beautifully scenic introduction to one of the world's most unusual ecosystems.
The Delta represents life at its most fertile - abundant water, sunlight, and rich soil combine to form a paradise bursting with life and a landscape of indescribable beauty.
By early afternoon, we arrive at our home for the next three nights, a remote luxury tented camp consisting of just six tented suites. Located on a compact island in a nearly 150,000 acre private wilderness to the north of the renowned Moremi Game Reserve, Little Vumbura offers the quintessential Delta experience.
While here, our guide introduces us to the wilderness on a blend of game drives in open 4 x 4 vehicles, as well as by motor boat in the Delta's deeper channels and by mokoro, Botswana's answer to the Venetian gondola. Little Vumbura's habitat supports elephant, large herds of buffalo followed by predators ranging from lion and leopard to wild dog, and all manner of plains game, from zebra, giraffe, and gazelle to the highly specialized red lechwe. All of this in complete solitude with only a few other camp visitors exploring the area; a huge advantage of staying in a private reserve.
Little VumburaPrivate Kwedi Concession, Botswana
Located on a remote island in the northern Okavango Delta, Little Vumbura’s six tented rooms are built on raised wooden decks, surrounded by water, and only accessible by boat. Diverse wildlife sightings are found on day and night game drives, mokoro canoe excursions, boating, fishing, and nature walks. Each spacious tent is well appointed, featuring ensuite facilities and private decks. The property also offers a plunge pool, lounge, and a star deck for nightime gazing.
Exploring the Linyanti
After breakfast on Day 4 we fly northeast, departing the Okavango and entering the Linyanti Concession. After a short game drive we arrive at our next deluxe camp, overlooking the famed Savute Channel.
The landscape of the Linyanti region varies from floodplains to open, dry savannah and forest with sweeping views, creating a paradise for a high diversity of wildlife and bird species.
During our days here, our activities will include game drives in the private northern region of the concession, and viewing wildlife from the logpile hide near our camp. Depending on ground conditions, nature walks with a qualified ranger may be possible. Here we explore a range of habitats, from riverbanks to scrub and forest, which reveal a myriad of wildlife en route to slake their thirst from the river. In particular, the world's largest densities of elephants can be found in this region during the dry season (May-October). Impressive even in small family groups, when these animals gather together in numbers, it becomes an awe-inspiring sight you won't soon forget.
In addition to the elephants, seldom-seen sitatunga can often be spotted in the waterways, as well as rare plains game such as roan and sable antelope, and of course their predators, the lion and leopard - with the endangered wild dog as an incredible bonus.
Savuti CampLinyanti Wildlife Reserve, Botswana
Savuti Camp is situated in the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve along the Savute Channel, a deep, clear waterway that harbors hippo and aquatic life, and draws elephant, zebra, and others to be refreshed by its waters. This intimate camp offers ensuite accommodation in seven spacious tents that are raised off the ground and face the channel. From the camp’s thatched lounge area, a plunge pool and large viewing area with fire pit extend on wooden decks towards the channel.
Into Zambia
After a short final activity and breakfast, we make our way to the Linyanti airstrip and depart by light aircraft to Kasane, where we go through exit formalities from Botswana, and then on to Livingstone, Zambia. Livingstone, Zambia and its counterpart across the border - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe - offer opportunities for river exploration, witnessing the power of Victoria Fals, and much more.
This afternoon, we arrive at Toka Leya Camp, set beautifully on the banks of the Zambezi River in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, a few miles upstream from the falls in Mosi oa Tunya National Park. Mosi of Tunya - meaning the "smoke that thunders" - is not huge, but it packs a punch as home to a healthy population of zebra, and hippos and Nile crocodiles can be seen basking on the sandy banks of the river. Diverse birdlife, including the life-list worthy African skimmer, abounds. But there is more, as we will discover tomorrow.
Before dinner, we'll take it all in on a sundowner cruise along the mighty Zambezi - a perfect way to cap off our day.
Toka Leya CampMosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia
Toka Leya consists of 12 spacious ensuite safari-style tents, connected by wooden walkways to the main area. Tent interiors boast tasteful and uncluttered African decor in earthy colors, climate control for cool summer sanctuary, and expansive wooden decks. The camp’s dining, lounge and bar areas offer ample space for relaxation and are complemented by an infinity pool, with meals served on the sundeck, the pool deck or dining room—-all of which overlook the mighty Zambezi River.
Victoria Falls and Rhino Tracking
Our final full day of our journey begins with a guided tour of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. We cross into Zimbabwe, where brick pathways through rainforest lead to many spectacular viewpoints. At 1,708 meters wide, Victoria Falls is the largest curtain of water in the world, and drops more than 100 meters into the sheer Zambezi Gorge.
After time to explore the falls, we make our way back to Mosi oa Tunya for lunch at camp, before one last unforgettable wildlife experience. Led by an expert park ranger, we'll track the endangered (and closely monitored) rhinos that roam the park. A fitting end to our exploration of the wonders of southern Africa, we'll ultimately disembark from our vehicle to approach quietly on foot. Our guides explain their behavior and the all-important conservation efforts that protect this iconic species.
Back at camp, we'll enjoy a final celebratory dinner, toasting our adventure.
Departure from Zambia
We have a leisurely final morning before transferring to the airport for flights departing midday.
Please note that this is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary due to weather conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these or the order visited should the need arise.
9 Days
Jun 8-16, 2025
Aug 10-18, 2025
Sep 9-17, 2025
From $16,695 Per Person
$1,095 Per Person
Bush flights, Maun to Livingstone
First one reserved:$3,895
Additional:$4,395
See single supplement policy below.
Jun 6-14, 2026
Aug 9-17, 2026
Sep 5-13, 2026
$16,695 Per Person
Pricing shown is for 2025, and will be protected up to a 5% increase.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Accommodations are based on double occupancy. A single supplement is paid by participants who specifically request single accommodations, subject to availability.
Single Supplement for Scheduled Group Departures. If you reserve at least 120 days prior to departure, you may be eligible for a reduced or free single supplement. This is generally limited to the first one or two solo travelers to reserve, and the reduction is outlined in the pricing for each trip. Free or reduced single supplements are not combinable with other offers or promotions.
If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will try to match you with a roommate of the same gender. If you reserve at least 120 days ahead and request a roommate but one is not available, you will receive a $500 reduction from the standard single supplement (unless otherwise noted in the detailed itinerary for your specific trip).
Single Supplement for Custom Tours. Custom Tour prices are generally based on two or more participants; therefore, single supplements for “solo” Custom Tours will vary and are available upon request.
Boundless Journeys' trips are designed for energetic and flexible individuals who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. The Okavango Delta to Victoria Falls is rated 1, easy, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous). Our primary activities require little aerobic fitness, but some agility for getting in and out of vehicles and mokoro canoes, and walking through uneven terrain.
This trip can be enjoyed by anyone who is in reasonably good health. We will walk where possible, but this is often determined by the local area and country regulations. NOTE: These optional walks are at your own risk, and can take you close to potentially dangerous wild animals.
Maun, Botswana
Livingstone, Zambia
Most Convenient Airport:
Meeting Time and Place: 1:45 p.m., Maun Airport, Maun Botswana on Day 1
Departure Time and Place: In time for your departure flight from Harry Mwanga Nkumbula Airport, Livingstone, Zambia on Day 9
The winter season begins in May and ends in August. This is also the dry season when virtually no rainfall occurs. Winter days are generally sunny and cool to warm; however, during cold snaps, evening and night temperatures can drop below freezing in some areas. Please be prepared for chilly weather in theevening/night/morning and bring plenty of warm clothing, including a hat, gloves, long pants, fleece/wool top, and a windbreaker jacket.
Tents and public areas are not heated, though the public areas do have fire pits, and beds are warmed with hot water bottles on cold nights. Ponchos are available for use in the safari vehicles.
High: 90 Low: 66
High: 88 Low: 61
High: 79 Low: 45
High: 93 Low: 60
High: 93 Low: 66
There are excellent reasons to visit Botswana at any time of year. Our Okavango Delta to Victoria Falls safari is scheduled for the peak season to explore all that the magical Okavango Delta has to offer: abundant wildlife, seasonal inundations (allowing for exploration by mokoro and boat in addition to traditional game drives), and ideal weather.
In May, the green season has ended but foliage remains on the trees and dust levels are low; flood waters begin arriving for the season. By August and into September, the dry winter season has begun to have an impact on both the landscape and the wildlife. The landscape is more arid in appearance although the floodwaters remain high, and the animals congregate in large numbers near the remaining watering holes. Predator and prey are often in close proximity in their intense need for water, leading to some memorable encounters.
No matter when you choose to go, you will see more elephants, giraffes, zebras, gazelles, buffalos, hippos, and big cats than you can keep track of!
A variety of activities are included on this safari, but the primary activity is game driving. The wildlife is typically most active early in the morning and late in the afternoon (these times also provide the best light for photography), and therefore we plan our activities accordingly. Typically, one of the camp staff will knock at your tent door early in the morning, and the group will gather for a quick, light breakfast and coffee or tea before departing camp as the sun rises. We move slowly, and even when animals are not present, the landscape and sounds of the bush are entrancing. We spend a few hours exploring and observing animals at watering holes or on the move from one region to another. As we come upon groups of animals, we allow plenty of time to simply observe and also take photographs. Our guides are experienced naturalists and will add greatly to your understanding of the animals. We keep a respectful distance — although the same cannot always be said about the animals, and it is not unusual to come nose-to-car with baboons, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, and elephants. By mid-late morning, we return to camp where a delicious brunch awaits.
After brunch, we enjoy a few hours of down time, enjoying the amenities of camp, resting, birdwatching, taking photos, or perhaps reading about the region you are visiting.
In the afternoon, we gather for hors d'oeuvres and drinks before heading out for the afternoon activity. Some days this will be another game drive, while other times we may board mokoros for a quiet exploration of the waterways near camp or explore the area on foot in the company of our guide and a ranger. "Sundowners" — a light snack and cocktails in the bush, are an African safari tradition, and a great way to enjoy unforgettable African sunsets. We then make our way back to camp, sometimes driving with a spotlight to look for nocturnal animals.
In the evenings, dinner is enjoyed as a group, and will vary from seated meals ordered from the daily menu, to dining in the camp boma (a traditional protected outdoor dining area) with a feast of traditional African foods and entertainment by the camp staff. These are joyful performances where it is often difficult to tell who is having more fun — the staff or the camp guests!
In the camps, the food is healthy, varied, and delicious, a feat when considering the logistics involved in servicing these remote areas with fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and meats. To accommodate our morning and late afternoon activity schedule, several small meals and a few large ones are served daily. The pre-game drive early breakfast typically includes porridge, cereals, yogurt, fruit, coffee and tea; brunch includes typical breakfast fare accompanied by more savory items like sausage tarts, spring rolls, light lasagnas, and other eclectic choices; afternoon tea offers cakes, cookies, and savory items; "sundowners" are light appetizers and cocktails often taken at a scenic spot in the bush; and finally, dinner, ordered from a menu with two or three daily choices. Beef, pork, and chicken are the basis of most main dishes, with occasional opportunities to try indigenous meats like farm-raised springbok.
Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice, though choices may be more limited.
While in the bush, transportation is provided in open-sided safari vehicles. Around cities, and for airport transfers, a shuttle van is used.
Camps on this safari are reached by small aircraft that may be shared with other travelers. This is typically in a 12-seater Cessna Grand Caravan, although the exact plane size and type can vary based on group size.
With a Boundless Journeys guide, your experience is that of friend and local adventurer. We believe strongly in working with local guides, experts in the areas to which we travel, and they hold the keys to unlocking the hidden delights of your chosen destination. Although you will never know they are at work—the mark of a truly great leader—our guides make magical things happen and add a dimension to your trip that you could not experience on your own. Over the years we have forged bonds with some of the best guides in the world, and we typically work with a small team of guides in each region. You will be informed of the guide for your trip one month prior to your departure.
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