Victoria Falls and Botswana | 2026
Victoria Falls and Botswana | 2026
Victoria Falls and Botswana | 2026
9 Days Starting in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and ending in Maun
Visiting: Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Okavango Delta, Maun
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AAVBMA26
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
You'd think any trip that kicks off somewhere as spectacular as Victoria Falls probably has some pretty big adventures tucked up its sleeve. And you'd be right. After marvelling at the 'smoke that thunders', this Mother Nature extravaganza takes you and your crew to Chobe. Here, you'll have a unique chance to camp in the African bush, gazing up at the endless stars. After enjoying some included game drives (and getting some perspective-bending pics at the insane Makgadikgadi Salt Pans), it's onto the Okavango Delta for more camping and some of the best wildlife-spotting opportunities in the world.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Victoria Falls
Location: Victoria Falls
Accommodation: Shearwater Explorer's Village (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Shearwater Explorer's Village (or similar)
Excited much? Make your own way to your accommodation in Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders and the largest waterfall in the world. You might want to pack your raincoat, as during certain times of the year you can get drenched from the rising spray, giving the falls its local name: 'The smoke that thunders'. Please note: From January to June this trip puts you in the Victoria Falls Waterfront Hotel, Zambia, with a riverside deck and bar that overlooks the spray of the thunderous falls. Travelling from July to December? Don't worry, you're not missing out: we'll put you up in the Shearwater Explorers Village, Zimbabwe, just 400m from the falls - with bohemian cafes, curio markets and swimming pools to explore. It's win win, basically.
Day 2: Victoria Falls
Location: Victoria Falls
Accommodation: Shearwater Explorer's Village (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Shearwater Explorer's Village (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you have the chance to try white water rafting along the Zambezi river. There's also a locally guided village tour - get to know the locals and experience their way of life. End the evening with a magnificent sunset cruise including drinks and dinner.
Day 3: Victoria Falls To Chobe
Location: Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park
Accommodation: Contiki Safari Camp (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Contiki Safari Camp (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We start today on foot, to literally ‘walk on the wild side’ with a guided walking safari along the Zambezi’s National Park. This is a unique way to track wildlife on foot while learning about some of the smaller animals – plus plants and just generally anything we come across. Afterwards, we go from foot mode to flight mode with a helicopter ride above the thunderous waters below - the best way to see the falls in all their glory. Then it’s across the border to Botswana for more of what we love. I.e., safaris! This time, it’s the world-famous Chobe National Park, known for its huge elephant population. Tonight, you’ll truly experience the wilderness with a night out in the middle of the African bush. We have a private Contiki site just for us, with our own guides, cooks and a bonfire – all set under the stars. After dinner, you’ll get the chance to fall asleep to the sounds of Africa: a jackal calling in the distance, the loud whoop of a hyena, perhaps the roar of lions as they wake from a daytime slumber. Catch you later, city life!Please note: Overnight Camping in Chobe won't be available during the Summer from October to March. Instead, you'll spend two nights at our lodge with Chobe Sunset and Sunrise Game Drives still included plus a buffet dinner.
Day 4: Chobe
Location: Chobe National Park
Accommodation: Kwalape Safari Lodge (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Kwalape Safari Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we'll wake up to watch the sunrise over the African bush with a light breakfast, before departing on a morning game drive to hopefully see some of the wildlife we may have heard the night before. We will arrive late morning to check into our new lodge and spend the rest of the day relaxing around the pool and swapping stories from the night before. On our last evening together you can opt for a wildlife cruise on the Chobe river. Surrounded by pods of hippos, crocs basking on the banks and all forms of African animals coming down to drink, this is truly one African sunset you'll never forget followed by a buffet dinner tonight.
Day 5: Chobe To Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
Location: Chobe National Park, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
Accommodation: Gweta Lodge (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Gweta Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dumela Botswana! We’ll head south today from Kasane to Gweta Lodge on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt pans. Opt to cruise the salt pans in open safari vehicles in search of a meerkat colony while getting some funky perspective photos in one of the largest salt flats in the world. Tonights treat is sundower drinks under an icon of Botswana before retiring to the lodge for dinner and drinks at the bar.
Day 6: Makgadikgadi Salt Pans To Okavango Delta
Location: Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Okavango Delta
Accommodation: Contiki Safari Camp (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Contiki Safari Camp (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We will say goodbye to the pans (for now) and head on to the wildlife haven that is the Okavango Delta Our minds already blown by this unique natural landscape, it's off to the Okavango Delta, where we'll take an awe-inspiring game drive before settling into our exclusive Contiki Safari Camp. We'll be greeted with luxe two person dome tents - pre-erected of course - with stretchers, mattresses and linen. Dinner? How about a campfire meal as we swap tales under a starswept sky?
Day 7: Okavango Delta
Location: Okavango Delta
Accommodation: Contiki Safari Camp (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Contiki Safari Camp (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Get your David Attenborough voice on, we're in the heart of Africa's iconic wildlife filming paradise. This sprawling wetland is home to some of Africa's most incredible species and after a quick bite to eat we're off on an early morning game drive in the Okavango Delta in hopes of spotting elephants, hippos and (if we're lucky) some predators. We'll head back to camp for a tasty lunch and siesta. Chill in the camp or opt for a Mokoro boat trip along the gorgeous waterways of the delta. In the afternoon we're back on another jaw-dropping game drive before our traditional campfire dinner. This evening we've a once in a lifetime opportunity - a night drive in the bush with spotlights seeking out elusive nocturnal animals you can't find during the day.
Day 8: Okavango Delta To Maun
Location: Okavango Delta, Maun
Accommodation: Island Safari Lodge (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Island Safari Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Another morning at the Delta (the struggle is real.) After coffee and breakfast at sunrise, it's time for another morning game drive – eyes peeled for elephants – as we make our way out of this wildlife paradise. Check into the lodge, chill by the pool and then take to the skies in an optional Okavango Delta helicopter flight. Hover just meters above the waterways or fly high for stunning views of this unique inland delta and of course, don’t forget your binocs for some wildlife spotting from the air. If you've got a head for heights, you won't find views more spectacular than this anywhere in the world. Tonight, you’ll polish off your last night in Botswana with a night in the town. The Okavango Delta Brewery calls, offering a tour, tasting and dinner for you to enjoy.
Day 9: End Maun
Location: Maun
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a last breakfast together its time to say goodbye to new found friends and an incredible time in Botswana.
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
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Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
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We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
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