Trip Overview

This 11-day African wildlife safari in Botswana is an Adventure Woman’s dream come true!  Adventure out by vehicle on exciting game drives to spot elephants, zebra, prides of lions, and hippos in three Botswana game parks, then be awed by the mighty Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe as the Zambezi River drops hundreds of feet into a cloud of white mist and rainbows!

Welcome to Botswana!

You turn your face to the African dawn and listen. A chorus of wildlife calls emerging from the African bush surrounding you feeds your sense of excitement about what the day will bring. This classic African safari in Botswana and Zimbabwe appeals to every woman’s sense of wonder and for some, a childhood dream of encountering African wildlife at home in their natural habitat. You arrive as a solo traveler but quickly find yourself among safari friends on this foray into the Okavango Delta deep in the African bush in Botswana and Zimbabwe. Imagine zebras and giraffes passing so close to you that no binoculars are needed! Socialize with your fellow adventurers as you enjoy morning coffee or an evening glass of wine on the patio of your tent, gazing out over water and grasslands at the elephants and other wildlife that regularly congregate there! Daily guided African game drives in search of wildlife combined with luxurious tented camp accommodations each night treat you to the classic African safari experience as you go to sleep listening to the sounds of African animals as they drink and graze nearby.

Out in the wild, on your first safari day of adventure, walk along the bone-dry salt pan of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park watching for cheetahs, antelope, and meerkats. You will traverse the legendary Okavango Delta and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve in search of hippopotamus, zebras, warthogs, greater kudu, giraffes, leopards, and rhinoceros. Your camp in Moremi Game Reserve is situated right near a local water hole that draws the African wildlife to it. Game drives by night allow you to search for rare nocturnal species of wildlife like aardvarks and porcupines, while your game walks on foot by day offers a more intimate connection with Africa as you experience the thrill of wildlife grazing just a few hundred feet away. Poling in a traditional canoe across the lagoon joining the Khwai and Sable Alley Rivers, you discover huge flocks of brightly-colored African birds and photograph the river’s massive crocodiles.

Zambezi River and Victoria Falls

Your grand finale is a visit to Zimbabwe to experience the majestic Zambezi River and mile-wide Victoria Falls. At 5,000 feet wide, Victoria Falls is truly is a wonder of the natural world. Enjoy a spectacular private wildlife cruise at sunset along the Upper Zambezi River where you and your new women friends will spot elephants, hippopotamus, and crocodiles, among other African animals. Feel the cooling spray on your face as you walk along the edge of the lush forests growing around Victoria Falls, catching multiple views of the dazzling, mile-long cascade of waterfalls and rainbows. An optional helicopter flight over Victoria Falls can be a sensational finish to your brilliant journey. Depart from your spectacular safari with a warm sense of pride, knowing that you achieved a dream trip to Africa and made some wonderful friends along the way!

Discover African wildlife and the natural beauty and varied landscapes of Botswana and Zimbabwe on this classic African safari, an experience in the bush, you won’t soon forget.

Main Attractions

  • Observe African wildlife at home in their natural habitats and learn all about them from naturalist guides
  • Travel to two game reserves in Botswana’s famed Okavango Delta and visit the Makgadigadi Pans
  • Experience the thrill of walking through the African bush in search of animals as well as game drives by night
  • Sleep in luxurious tented camps as you try to distinguish between the call of a lion and the bark of a hyena
  • Walk along the length of Victoria Falls' many waterfalls as the Zambezi River cascades over the cliffs into a cloud of mist and rainbows

What You'll See and Do

  • 4x4
  • Animal Tracking
  • Local Delicacies
  • Luxury Camping
  • National Parks
  • Natural History
  • Photography
  • River Cruising
  • UNESCO Site
  • Walking
  • Wildlife Cruise
  • Wildlife Safari
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Women-To-Women Exchanges
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If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Trip Itinerary

The AdventureWomen itineraries are subject to change depending on the chosen departure date. To view a specific departure itinerary, simply click on the "Browse Detailed Itinerary" button above and select your date.

Day 1

Arrive in Johannesburg
Arrive in Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa. This is the perfect place to meet up as a group before heading into the bush on a safari.

You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Enjoy dinner on your own this evening.

Overnight: City Lodge Johannesburg

Day 2

Johannesburg to Makgadikgadi Pans
Transfer as a group to the airport for your flight to Maun, Botswana. Then you will drive for about 90 minutes to Meno a Kwena, your home for the next
few days.

Settle into your stunning camp this afternoon. Unpack a bit and enjoy how private this camp is – with only ten tents, it will feel very intimate!

You will do a number of activities while at Meno a Kwena, but the order in which the activities happen may change in order to give you the best experience possible.

This afternoon, head out to the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. Search for antelope, and just enjoy the vastness of the scenery.

Enjoy your official welcome dinner back at camp. Toast the adventures to come!

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Meno a Kwena

Day 3

Makgadikgadi Pans and the Kalahari
Head out this morning on a walk with some of the Kalahari Bushmen. Stroll along the banks of the river and learn about traditional hunting and survival techniques. Enjoy a glimpse into the local traditional culture.

Not far from camp, you will search for wildlife near the river. Be on the lookout for lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, warthogs, and more!

Relax at your tent overlooking the river that is often flooded with elephants and other animals – you can watch the wildlife without leaving your bedroom!

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Meno a Kwena

Day 4

Makgadikgadi Pans to the Okavango Delta
Drive about 90 minutes back to the Maun airport, where you will catch your flight to your next spectacular safari location – the Okavango Delta!

Once you arrive, settle in at this beautiful safari camp, adjacent to the Moremi National Park. The swimming pool gives it a luxurious feel – take a dip!

Head off on an afternoon game drive in the Moremi Game Reserve. Search for all of the major predators in the area.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Kanana

 

 

Day 5

The Okavango Delta
Depending on the day, you may take an early morning walk to soak in the African sunrise, a game drive, or head out by canoe – enjoy the surprises that unfold for you along the way!

You’ll have the opportunity to go out on a night game drive. Search for nocturnal animals and observe their behavior from your vehicle.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Kanana

Day 6

The Okavango Delta
The focus of activities at Kanana varies with the rising and falling levels of the Okavango Delta. Activities include morning and afternoon game drives in open safari vehicles, with afternoon game drives often continuing into the evening. Alternatively, you may explore the crystal-clear waterways by Mokoro or motorboat, and enjoy the magnificent variety of birds, plant and reptile species found in the area.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Kanana

Day 7

The Okavango Delta
Have breakfast this morning before catching your short flight to your next safari camp, Sable Alley.

When you arrive at your next camp, take some time to explore. At this camp, wildlife literally comes to you. There is an uninterrupted view of the plains.

Enjoy an array of activities while at your camp – you will be able to go game viewing from safari vehicles, on foot, and on the water.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Sable Alley

Day 8

The Okavango Delta
Get up early this morning and head out on foot. You’ll search for wildlife and see the landscape from a different perspective while on foot. Enjoy the extraordinary quiet peacefulness of the African morning.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at camp after your morning walk. Take some time to sit in an armchair and do some birdwatching.

This afternoon, head out in a mokoro, the traditional boat of the area. Search the waters for elephant, hippo, crocodiles, and the plethora of wildlife that come to drink at the banks of the river.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Sable Alley

Day 9

The Okavango Delta to Victoria Falls
Leave the Delta this morning and fly to Kasane. From there, you will take a 90-minute drive to your hotel in Victoria Falls. Settle in and take some time to explore.

Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight: Victoria Falls Safari Club

Day 10

Victoria Falls
Tour Victoria Falls today, just minutes from your hotel. Walk a path along the edge of the forest and brave the tremendous spray for an unparalleled view of the falls. You’ll have a chance to view the falls from the Knife Edge Bridge, from which you can see the Eastern Cataract, the main falls, as well as the Boiling Pot where the river turns to head into Batoka Gorge.

The 12-minute helicopter flight over the falls offers spectacular photographic opportunities. You’ll fly circuits over the falls in both directions, as well as fly up and down the Zambezi River.

Enjoy a local lunch with Aunt Flatter, an incredible local woman. She has lived through all of the ups and downs in Zimbabwe, and will share what it has been like as a local woman. As a bonus, she will make a delicious lunch full of the local foods she grew up eating – this is a real treat!

Take a sunset cruise this evening on the Zambezi River. Soak in the noise of the river and the falls as you search for elephants, hippos, and crocodiles.

Enjoy a farewell dinner cruise with your group and toast the end of an amazing adventure!

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Victoria Falls Safari Club

Day 11

Depart Victoria Falls
Fly as a group to Johannesburg mid-day. Say goodbye to your new AdventureWomen friends as you catch your flight home.

Breakfast

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
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Traveling to Botswana & Zimbabwe



Arrival/Departure Information

May 9, 2025 Departure

Arrive: Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB) on May 9th, 2025 any time.

Depart: Depart Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB) on May 19th, 2025 after 7pm.

 

We are happy to help you make your flight and travel arrangements. If you’d like to do anything prior to or following the AdventureWomen trip, we’d be delighted to help you arrange any trip extensions you’re interested in.

Note: The recent trend in travel is for travelers to finalize their plans much closer to departure time than was customary in the past. While we try to be as flexible as possible booking last-minute registrants, we must release hotel rooms two to three months prior to departure! Please keep this in mind when making your travel plans.

Preparation and Packing  

Please use the following guides as a reference when preparing for your adventure. We also encourage you to adapt the guides to your travel style as well as the destination’s forecasted weather.  

Gratuities  

Gratuities are highly trip-dependent and details will be provided to you prior to departure. As a general reference, AdventureWomen suggests $200-250 (or more) for gratuities on most trips. As always, tipping is at your discretion. 

Passports and Visas

Citizens of the United States must have a passport valid for six months beyond your travel dates with at least two blank facing pages. If you do not have a passport, please apply now!

You will need a tourist visa to enter Zimbabwe but you can get it upon arrival in the area for $30.

Activity Level

We rate this trip as Moderate. Our Moderate adventures exercise your mind more than your body and are designed for women who prefer a leisurely, less rigorous experience. For example, you could walk up to 2 miles per day through cities and villages, stand in museums for a few hours, relax on a boat, or view wildlife from a vehicle. Please note that this is a general description of what you might encounter; for specific details about your trip, please consult the itinerary.

We recommend training before your trip (with your doctor’s permission) to make the most of your adventure. With this itinerary in mind, we have a partnership with Trailblazer Wellness, a woman-owned, women-run company that will design an individualized fitness plan just for you! Best of all, AdventureWomen guests get a 10% discount with the code AVW. Learn more on the Trailblazer Wellness website.

You should come with a flexible, adventurous, and enthusiastic spirit, and a wonderful sense of humor that adventure travel requires.

Health Considerations

Make an appointment with a travel clinic. There are no immunization requirements for travel to southern Africa, however your local travel clinic may have recommendations for you based on your age, health, and past vaccination history.

For more health information, go to www.cdc.gov/travel and navigate to the pages about Botswana and Zimbabwe.

Forms and Final Payment

The deposit for this trip is $1,500. You can transfer your deposit to another trip with no additional fee if you notify us within 120 days of the original trip departure date. We can hold your deposit for up to six months as a credit. Failure to book a new trip within this timeframe will result in the forfeiture of your deposit.

Once you book, you will need to fill out and return to AdventureWomen:

  • Information Form
  • Booking Conditions Form
  • Copy of Flight Information
  • Copy of Issuing Page of Passport (Photo Page)
  • Supplement Health and Safety Form
  • Supplemental Helicopter Release

Final payment is due to AdventureWomen in a cash form (check, money order, or wire transfer).  A maximum of $1,500 per person can be put on a credit card, which includes your deposit.

May 9, 2025 Final Payment Due Date: February 8, 2025

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
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Download Extended Itinerary

What's Included

Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • All ground transportation
  • Guided sightseeing and activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • Gratuities for hotel and lodge staff
  • Domestic airfare

 

 

 

Not Included

  • International airfare to and from South Africa
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities for guides and drivers

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Accommodations

City Lodge Johannesburg Airport

Conveniently located at Africa’s busiest airport. Offers guests access to a wide variety of retailers, restaurants and banking facilities within the airport building. The Hotel is equipped with a fitness room and a pool deck.

Meno a Kwena

A tented camp that provides guests with a unique African wildlife experience. Nine luxurious guest tents, all with en-suite bathrooms, overlook a river often flooded with elephants and other animals.

Amenities: limited Wi-Fi available in the main lodge, laundry services available (with the exception of undergarments)

Kanana

The newly-renovated Kanana property is located in the Okavango Delta and is home to an abundance of birds, plants, and animals. The tented lodges are spacious and well finished with a bathroom and shower.

Amenities: no Wi-Fi or cell service, one guest computer with internet connection available, laundry services available (with the exception of undergarments)

Sable Alley

Sable Alley is a complete rebuild of a favorite old bush camp. Overlooking a lagoon that’s connected to the River Khwai, just a stone’s throw from the world-famous Moremi Game Reserve. From the camp’s swimming pool, lounge, and outdoor seating area there is an uninterrupted view of large herds of plains game, elephants, and buffalo coming to drink.

Amenities: limited Wi-Fi available via a centrally located hotspot, laundry services available (with the exception of undergarments)

Victoria Falls Safari Club

Built on a plateau that overlooks the Zambezi National Park, Victoria Falls Safari Club offers luxurious and spacious
accommodation with uninterrupted views of the pristine bushveld from your private balcony.

Amenities: soap, shampoo, conditioner, hairdryer, Wi-Fi, laundry services available (with the exception of undergarments)

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary